2008 June-- Gardening Information
The Veronica Purple & Pink Blend, ‘Veronica Blend’, is a tasteful combination of purple and pink Veronica longifolia hybrids. The bright flower spikes add a lovely accent to sunny spots during the summer months. They are easily grown in any soil. They are hardy in zones 4-8.
The Veronica Christa, is a spectacular perennial that is nearly impossible to find in America. Originally popular in the European cut-flower industry, adventurous gardeners around the world have started to take notice of this plant. ‘Christa’ puts a new
The Trollius Golden Queen, ‘Trollius’, is also known as the “globe flower”. This lovely perennial has a warm, golden -yellow color with buttercup-shaped petals. Perfect for borders, the Golden Queen’ loves moist conditions, so it is perfect for bog gardens and watersides. If you cut back the flower stems after flowering, it will reward you with a second flush of blooms later in the season. Hardy and trouble-free, Golden Queen Trollius will give you years of joy. Prefers sun to part shade.
The Fragrant Double Tuberose, ‘Polianthes’, is wonderfully fragrant! The beautiful, double white flower is delightfully sweet scented. They are hardy in zones 7-10, elsewhere dig them and store in frost-free place over winter.
The Mouse Plant, ‘Arisarum proboscideum’, is an interesting and unique plant for the shady border. Each 2″ bloom resembles a mouse hiding among the attractive green foliage. In April and May, the chocolate-maroon and white blooms start to peak out of the green foliage. Each plant eventually spreads to form a colony. You may have to lift some of those vigorous leaves to find the mice, as they can be completely concealed by foliage. The Mouse Plant is hardy and easily grown. Great border plant, it grows only 6-8″ tall. It becomes a real conversation piece and a must for your garden. It would be worth growing just for its very nice shiny green arrowhead leaves which form a low, spreading carpet.
The Giant Himalayan Lily, ‘Cardiocrinum Giganteum’, is big and beautiful. This lily grows up to 10 feet tall. This plant was discovered in 1821 by world-renowned plant hunter Nathanial Wallich in the eastern Himalayas. It performs best in a moist woodland setting that protects it from wind. The majestic stems bear 20+ highly fragrant large white trumpets above heart-shaped green leaves. It is fragrant and deer resistant.
The Stars of India, ‘Achimenes’, consists of mixed colors of pink, white, red, blue and purple. Plant 12 bulbs in a 6″ pot. Start them indoors and then move to a shady spot outdoors.
The Burgundy Shamrock, ‘Oxalis Triangularis’, is a delightful container plant covered with pink star-shaped flowers. The handsome foliage is rich burgundy red with large, shamrock-shaped leaves. These plants are deer resistant. The Burgundy Shamrock is hardy in zones 7-10.
The Perovskia ?Little Spire Sage?, Perovskia atriplicifolia, is an exciting new variety to the Sage family. Growing only 3? high with a plant spread of 12-18?, it is one that should not be missed. The lavender-purple flowers make a great contrast with its silvery, fragrant foliage. Deadhead for repeat bloom time. ?Little Spire? should be grown in a full sun and is drought tolerant and will tolerate dry soil. It does need a well-drained area. ?Little Spire? looks great anywhere in the garden. It is resistant to deer, attracts butterflies, an excellent choice for hot, dry gardens, and has attractive winter foliage.
The Purple Ranunculus, ‘Ranunculus’, produce beautiful double rose-like blooms in vivid purple. They are ideal for borders, beds or for cuttings. They are hardy in zones 8-10; elsewhere treat as an annual.