Modern day delphiniums (Delphinium spp.), also called larkspurs, are the result of 2 centuries of complex breeding efforts in Europe and U.S. Delphiniums are short-lived perennials, at their best for 2-3 years. They’re most attuned to the cool temperate climes of the northern U.S. Delphiniums belong in the Buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family (USDA hardiness zones […]
Archive for the ‘Slugs’ Category
Tips On Growing Delphiniums
Posted by Hugh on May 30th, 2016
Posted in acidic soil, compost, deadheading, Delphinium, mulching, Native Plant, Perennials, Propagation (dividing), Propagation (Seed), Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Slugs, Slugs, Soil drainage, Soil pH, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Staking, Summer flowering, winter hardiness, Winter Protection 
Comments Off on Tips On Growing DelphiniumsBasic Hosta Facts
Posted by Hugh on March 8th, 2015
Hostas are the most popular shade perennial in the U.S. They prefer a moist, compost-rich, well-drained soil. In northerly areas (USDA hardiness zones 4-5), where summers are cooler, most hardy cultivars grow in full sun. In warmer zones those in full sun must be irrigated frequently. Blue leaf cultivars look their best only in shady areas; the white waxy coating, responsible […]
Posted in acidic soil, Fertilizing plants, Foliage plant, Ground cover, Hosta, Irrigation, mulching, Perennials, Planting tips, Propagation (dividing), Rabbit/deer Protection, Sanitation, Shade Gardening, Slugs, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Voles, watering tips, Wildlife attractant, winter hardiness, Winter Protection 1 Comment »2015-16 Hosta Awards Announced
Posted by Hugh on January 28th, 2015
Chosen by American Hosta Growers*, the winners are… 2015 Hosta of the Year Victory is an impressive plant. It forms giant vase-shaped clumps with large, shiny leaves with green centers and margins that change from greenish yellow in the spring to creamy white by early summer. Victory is big hosta that grows 30 inches high […]
New Christmas Roses (Hellebores) Greatly Improved
Posted by Hugh on December 18th, 2014
Christmas roses (Helleborus niger) is a winter flowering perennial. It is native to central and southern Europe (USDA hardiness zones 4-8) and is not as winter hardy as lenten rose (Helleborus x orientalis). Christmas rose tends to flower 1 to 4 weeks earlier, around the Christmas holidays in southern climes (zones 7-8). New selections of H. niger are better […]
Posted in acidic soil, alkaline soil, Container garden, Deer resistant, Disease resistant, Disease resistant, Evergreen, Fertilizing plants, Hellebores, Perennials, Planting tips, Poisonous or toxic, Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Slugs, Slugs, Snails, Soil drainage, Spring flowering, Summer heat tolerant, watering tips, Winter flowering, winter hardiness Comments Off on New Christmas Roses (Hellebores) Greatly ImprovedFour Old Fashioned Hostas Continue To Delight
Posted by Hugh on August 4th, 2014
During my annual summer travel to public gardens around the U.S., several clumps of old-timey hostas that were popular in the 1960’s and ’70’s caught my eye. These hosta beauties still own their garden place. Here are listed only four, but there are so many more. ‘Gold Standard’is an old-time favorite. In August multiple pink-lavender […]
Posted in acidic soil, acidify soil, Disease resistant, Fertilizing plants, Hosta, Perennials, Planting tips, Propagation (dividing), Pruning, Rabbit/deer Protection, Shade Gardening, Slugs, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, watering tips, winter hardiness Comments Off on Four Old Fashioned Hostas Continue To DelightHosta Award Winners
Posted by Hugh on July 26th, 2014
Without question, hostas are the most popular perennial for the shade garden. Their lovely foliage provides color, texture and architecture in their garden space from April to a hard autumn frost. They are hardy, long-lived, and relatively maintenance-free. Hostas range in size from miniature 2 to 3 inches tall types to enormous large leafy clumps […]
Posted in Fragrant, Hosta, Hummingbird, Perennials, Pests, Propagation (dividing), Rabbit/deer Protection, Slugs, Slugs, Snails, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer flowering, watering tips Comments Off on Hosta Award WinnersLungworts- Perfect Shade Companion With Hostas
Posted by Hugh on February 18th, 2013
The lungworts (Pulmonaria spp.) are very popular in shade gardens with hostas, astilbes, Solomon seals, and ferns (USDA hardiness zones 4-8). Their green or silver-colored foliage may be dusted with green, silver or white spots. Lungworts are divided into two distinct foliage forms: narrow long-leaf (P. longifolia) and silvery or speckled oval leaves (P. saccharata). […]
Posted in acidic soil, Attracting birds, Bee Favorite, Butterflies, Downy mildew, Flowers, Ground cover, Hummingbird, mulching, Perennials, plant nutrition, Planting tips, Pulmonaria, Slugs, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer heat tolerant, watering tips, winter hardiness Comments Off on Lungworts- Perfect Shade Companion With HostasVariegated Solomon’s Seal Designated 2013 Perennial Plant of the Year
Posted by Hugh on October 30th, 2012
Variegated Solomon’s seal ( Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’) is one of the finest perennials for the shade or woodland garden. It is the Asian cousin of U.S. native Solomon seal (P. commutatum). Both species are long- lived garden inhabitants. Variegated Solomon’s Seal handles 2-3 hours of direct morning sunlight in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA hardiness zones 6 and […]
Posted in acidic soil, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Ground cover, Perennials, Slugs, Solomon's seal, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, watering tips Comments Off on Variegated Solomon’s Seal Designated 2013 Perennial Plant of the Year
