Archive for the ‘Summer flowering’ Category

Best of The Oakleaf Hydrangeas (So Far)

More than 30 available oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) cultivars, you can select the perfect specimen to complement any size garden USDA hardiness zones 5 -9). Oakleaf hydrangea is a native plant that delights gardeners with four seasons of distinct features. In spring, oak-shaped leaves are followed by summer’s white-panicled flowers. When it sheds its colorful […]

Black Mondo Grass

Black mondo grass or black lilyturf (Ophiopogon planiscapus) is sold as a number of cultivars – ‘Arabicus’, ‘Black Dragon’, ‘Nigrescens’, or ‘Ebony Knight’. This stoloniferous grass-like perennial belongs to the lily family (Liliaceae) (USDA  hardiness zones 6-9). Its blackish-purple foliage (3/16 inch wide leaf blades) forms lush arching clumps. For the patient gardener, know that […]

Annual Geraniums Make Garden Comeback

Once popular annual geraniums (Pelargonium x) are making a comeback with U.S. gardeners. Geraniums are also planted in window boxes or hanging baskets. Three types of geraniums are sold at garden centers: zonal or bedding geraniums (P. x hortorum), ivy-leaf geraniums (P. peltatum), and Martha Washington geraniums (P. x domesticum). Color choices include red, pink, rose, salmon, […]

Enjoy Two Kinds Of Stachys In Your Summer Garden

Many gardeners are acquainted with the wooly leaf perennial called lambs ears (Stachys byzantina). But the genus Stachys is also home to betony (S. officinalis) / (S. monieri). Alpine betony (Stachys monieri) is native to Europe and Asia (USDA hardiness zones 4-8). ‘Hummelo’ betony is very different in appearance from its gray velvety leaf relative […]

Three New Summer Annuals You’ll Get Excited Over

Here are three new annuals which should delight: Striking Senecio ‘Angel Wings’ has silky, silvery white foliage. Angel Wings senecio is beautiful to add to mixed containers or use it solitary on patio or deck planters. Warning: you can’t resist touching the long, broad velvety leaves. Angel Wings grows 10-12 inches high and about as wide. Plant Angel Wings […]

Hybrid Wax Begonia Revolution

Wax begonias (Begonia x semperflorens) are popular summer annuals in public and private  gardens. Begonias are excellent for mass bedding, in mixed borders, and in large containers. Plants hold up to summer heat, humidity, and moderate dry spells. The foliage stays mostly pest and disease free. A few years back, two series of interspecific hybrids (Begonia […]

Temperamental Big Leaf Hydrangeas

Get use to it… big leaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla), also called hortensia hydrangeas, are temperamental (USDA hardiness zones 6-9). After a long winter of sub-freezing temperatures, these blue (or pink) flowering shrubs should be stunningly beautiful in spring. However, if the late winter- early spring temps flucuate wildly, grab your pruning shears. Too most gardeners, myself included, […]

Growing Nasturtiums

Old-fashioned nasturtiums never lose their appeal, whether in the garden or as a garnish on a salad, or added to stir-fries, or favorite pasta dishes. Depending on the variety, some may be grown as climbers on fences and trellises or as bushy plants in a window boxes and containers. Around the world there are several […]

Know About Liriopes

Monkeygrass (Liriope muscari) and creeping lilyturf  (L. spicata) are native to Asia. They are known by several names including lilyturf, monkeygrass, spider grass and liriope (USDA hardiness zones 6-10). Some varieties are hardier than others. In general, L. muscari have more narrow leaves. Depending on variety, spikes of lavender, purple, or white flowers arise in […]

Hardy Sedum Groundcovers

Sedums (Sedum spp.) are tough, easy to grow perennials (zones 3-9). Plants prefer average dry to moist well-drained soils and full to partial sun. Most sedums do not tolerate wet soils. Their thick succulent glossy leaves lead to the plants’ exceptional drought resistance. Sedums are exceptionally easy to root from leaf and stem cuttings. Low groundcover types […]