What Grows There :: Hugh Conlon, Horticulturalist, Garden Advisor, and Photographer

Two Kinds Of Maidenhair Ferns

Posted by Hugh on May 26th, 2020

A.-peltatum at Chanticleer Gardens in Pennsylvania

A. pedatum at Chanticleer Gardens in Pennsylvania

Northern maidenhair fern

Maidenhair ferns (Adiantum spp.) are deciduous hardy perennial ferns. Two native species are commonly planted in U.S. gardens. These delicate-looking ferns typically grow 1 to 2 feet tall and frequently grow in rich soils in eastern and Midwest U.S. woodland gardens.

The palmately compound fronds are finely-textured along with thin wiry black stems. Coiled young fiddleheads (crosiers) emerge with a pinkish tint in spring.

Northern or Common Maidenhair (A. pedatum) grows 10 to 26 inches tall on thin, wiry stems (USDA hardiness zones 3-8). On older plants fronds develop in a distinctive horseshoe or crab framework. It is deciduous and grows in part to full shade in the mountains and piedmont regions.

Southern or Venus Maidenhair (A. capillus-veneris) grows 12 to 24 inches tall on thin wiry stems with delicate leaves (USDA hardiness zones (6)7-10). It will tolerate zone 6 winters in Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee if dormant clumps are grown in dappled shade and sheltered from dry wintry winds.

Maidenhair ferns grow in average, medium, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Clumps flourish in moist, humus-rich, in neutral to alkaline (high calcium) moist soils. Maintain moist cool soils with generous amounts of mulch or pine needles. In their northerly range, maidenhair ferns will prosper in 1-2 hours of morning sunlight, but dappled light in southern climes is adequate.

Despite their lacey appearance, maidenhair ferns are tough, easy-to-grow shade perennial ferns that are free of serious insect or disease problems and are deer resistant. By late summer, summer heat sometimes scorches the thin tender fronds, especially if soil moisture levels are inadequate and/or plants receive too much sunlight.

Maidenhair ferns are perfect for rock gardens, or in mixed container arrangements. Plants spread slowly by creeping, branching rhizomes to eventually form large colonies.

For accent, combined them with broad leaves of small leaved hostas, coral bells (Heuchera), lungworts (Pulmonaria), and fairy wings (Epimedium).

Garden Phlox Attract Pollinators

Posted by Hugh on May 21st, 2020

Phlox (Phlox spp.) are popular perennials that are also U.S. natives. A multitude of species and hybrids are available to landscapers and gardeners for almost any type of garden environment, including containers.

Here is a list of the intermediate garden species: Border phlox (Phlox paniculata), Meadow phlox (P. maculata), Carolina phlox (P. carolina), Smooth phlox (P. glaberimma), Downy phlox (P. pilosa), Alabama phlox (P. pulchra), and Large leaf phlox (P. amplifolia). Of these, Border or Garden Phlox (P. paniculata) is the most popular.

Many varieties of garden phlox are particularly susceptible to powdery mildew. While this foliar disease may be only a cosmetic nuisance, severe cases will result in significant leaf loss and plant death. Overcrowding plants often result in outbreaks with powdery mildew disease.

Proper siting – full to partial sun and humus-rich soil – are key to successfully growing phlox. Phlox ask for minimal care of seasonal fertilizing, mulching, and supplemental watering in periods of drought. Deadheading also extends the plant’s flowering potential. Select truly superior cultivars and never over-irrigate the garden bed.

2015-17 MT. Cuba Center’s Phlox Trial in Greenville, DE. The best performing cultivars of Phlox paniculata are: Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’, ‘Glamour Girl’, ‘Delta Snow’, ‘Lavelle’, ‘Robert Poore’, ‘Dick Weaver’, ‘David’, ‘Ditomdre’ (Coral Crème Drop), and ‘Shortwood’.

The best performing selections from other species and hybrid phlox are: Carolina phlox (Phlox carolina ssp. carolina) ‘Kim’ (light pink), Phlox glaberrima ssp. triflora ‘Bill Baker’, sweetly aromatic, reddish purple flowers (P. glaberrima ‘Morris Berd’), purplish-pink flowers of P. x ‘Forever Pink’, large leaf P. amplifolia, and P. x ‘Minnie Pearl’ (pure white).

Three P. paniculata favorites:

‘David’ – large, pure white, fragrant flowers; foliage is highly mildew resistant; 2002 Perennial Plant of The Year

‘Delta Snow’ – grows 3-4 feet tall. Fragrant, snow white tubular flowers with purple eyes; mildew resistant foliage.

‘Jeana’ – long blooming summer phlox cultivar; deep green foliage is topped by conical lavender-pink flowers and mildew resistant foliage.

All three varieties make colorful additions to fresh cut flowers.

Calibrachoas (Million Bells*)

Posted by Hugh on May 16th, 2020

Gardeners have discovered Million Bells* (Calibrachoa x hybrida), a small flowering cousin of the petunia. Million Bells are prolific bloomers and produce one-inch mini-blossoms. They were first marketed to home gardeners in the 1990’s. They’re native to Peru, Brazil, and Chile, and are commonly grown as annuals in the U.S.

Over the past twenty years plant breeders have increased the range of bloom colors, bigger flowers, and improved plant vigor. Plants display a low sprawling habit reaching 12-24 inches in width and 6-12 inches in height. Trailing varieties extend up to 30 inches in length. Million Bells bloom best with at least six hours of sun, and can tolerate partial shade.

Blooms include solid and bicolors, stripes, patterns, and doubles. Million Bells are available in all shades of the rainbow. Plants are prolific bloomers with self-cleaning flowers, so no deadheading needed.

Container mix at NC Arboretum, Asheville, NC

These cool tolerant annuals can be set outdoors in early to mid-spring in most localities – literally during spring frosts until early autumn. Grow them in containers or hanging baskets, or plant in front garden borders and in raised beds. They can be planted in bedding displays providing the amended soil is compost-rich with good moisture drainage.

Occasionally, pinch back growing tips to encourage branching and more flowers. To rejuvenate plants in mid-summer, cutback branches to half their length and fertilize to spur new growth.

General care: Million Bells are heavy feeders and should be fertilized regularly for prolific, continuous bloom. Use a water-soluble fertilizer such as Miracle-Gro™ or Jacks™ every two weeks as recommended, or add a slow-release granular fertilizer such as Osmocote® or Nutricote®. Foliage color looks best when the soil pH is maintained between 5.5 and 6.0. If the soil or media pH gets too high, leaves will turn yellow (chlorotic). Irrigate during hot weather, particularly containers which can dry out quickly.

Overwatering can lead to root rot. Heat stress can make plants susceptible to spider mites, and aphids. Million Bells are not particular favorites of deer, but are not deer resistant.

Million Bells combine well with most annuals. They are also great container fillers with perennials such as coral bells (Heuchera), sweet flags (Acorus), or sedges (Carex).

*Million Bells® is the common name for Calibrachoa, a trademarked name of Ball Horticulture, Inc.

The Mountain Mints – The Pollinators’ Favorite

Posted by Hugh on May 11th, 2020

Mountain mints (Pycnanthemum spp.) are clump-forming native perennials. They typically grow 1-3 feet tall depending on species (USDA hardiness zones 4 – 8). About 20 species of mountain mints are found in the southeastern U.S. As their name suggests, they belong to the mint family, very evident by their square stems and aromatic leaves when crushed. Botanically, they’re also closely related to beebalms (Monarda). Mountain mints grow in open woodlands, dry prairies, and grassy meadows.

Mountain mints are rhizomatous perennials that grow 2 to 3 feet tall and spread as wide as site conditions allow. Their slender upright stems have oppositely arranged leaves that are either broadly lanceolate in form or narrow and willow-like in appearance.

Only two mountain mint species will be highlighted here. Slender mountain mint (P. tenuifolium), also called common horsemint or Virginia thyme, is easily identified by its narrow, almost needle-like foliage and are covered with small ¼ inch white tubular flowers with purple anthers in mid-summer (in Tennessee).

Number two is short-tooth mountain mint (P. muticum) which grows slightly more compact and its growth rate is more aggressive. Its foliage is very different and more lustrous, 1-3 inch long, broader (½ -1 inch across) and pointed leaf tips. Clusters of tiny tubular white to pinkish flowers appear in mid-summer. Flowers are accompanied with showy frosted (silvery) bracts.

Blooming period lasts 4-6 weeks, from early to mid-summer. Leaves emit a mild mint fragrance and flowers are not fragrant. Slender mountain mint is highly rated by the Xerces Society, with designated “Special Value” to Native Bees, Bumblebees, and Honey Bees. Flowers of mountain mints attract a wide range of insects including many kinds of bees and butterflies.

For best flowering, mountain mints should be grown in full sun, but do tolerate light shade. Slender mountain mint is rated as more drought tolerant. No serious insect or disease problems trouble the mountain mints. Foliar rust disease may occur in wet summers.

Easily grown from seed, these two species can be started indoors in late winter. OR, sow seeds outdoors after the threat of frost has past in your area; plants should be well established by the end of their first growing season. Established plants have a taproot and spread via rhizomes. Control their spread by mowing or trimming. Mountain mints are easily propagated by cuttings and clump division.

Mountain mints naturalize freely in native plant gardens, butterfly gardens or meadows, garden borders. The foliage is a natural mosquito repellent; the minty leaves can be added to teas.

Growing Coneflowers

Posted by Hugh on May 6th, 2020

*Echinacea purpurea* ‘Pow Wow White’ – highly dependable variety

No question, coneflowers have changed greatly over the past quarter century. Varieties are now available in many color shades and plants demonstrate improved longevity. Current cultivars grow alot shorter. However, some hybrid forms have been disappointing, barely surviving 1-2 years.

When choosing coneflowers, Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is my #1 favorite for dependability (USDA hardiness zones 3-8). The species is native to most of the Eastern and Midwestern U.S. They bloom in July, August, and into September, their nectar-filled flowers attract butterflies and bees, and their winter seed heads provide food for birds and other critters.

Yellow Coneflower (Echinacea paradoxa) is native to the Ozark region in Missouri and Arkansas. The yellow blooming E. paradoxa have been bred with E. purpurea. Flowering starts in June, and puts on a long show even as the petals fade. This species has a small geographic range due to habitat loss.

Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida) are native from the central U.S. Petals tend to be long, narrow, and droopy along with washed out lavender color. Leaves and stems are particularly fuzzy. They bloom from June to July and grow in most U.S. gardens under proper care.

Tennessee Coneflower (Echinacea tennesseensis) are native the state, but their habitat has been in decline over the past half century. Only recently has it been removed from the endangered species list. It is a mid-summer bloomer and grows 2 to 2 ½ feet tall.

Coneflowers perform best in full sun and within a low to moderate range of soil fertility. While good soil drainage and watering during prolonged dry spells are good practice. Keep in mind that most coneflowers establish deep taproots and resent constant irrigation and over-feeding. To insure their winter survival, coneflowers are best planted before July 1st.

*E. tennesseensis –* important in breeding new hybrid coneflowers

Golden Chain Tree

Posted by Hugh on May 1st, 2020

Golden Chain Tree (Laburnum anagyroides) is a small deciduous tree or large shrub. This small landscape tree is a member of the Bean Family (Fabaceae) and is native to central Europe (USDA hardiness zones 5 to 7).
It is rated as a short-lived tree that grows to 25 or 30 feet in height as a tree and 15-20 feet tall as a multi-stemmed shrub.

Each leaf is composed of three leaflets, long-stalked (petioled), and arranged alternately on the stem. Foliage appears first before flowers. The pea-like golden flowers form in long drooping clusters. Long, dangling, multi-clusters of bright yellow, wisteria-like flowers are a spectacular sight in late spring. Long flattened bean-like pods soon develop and ripen in early fall. The popular hybrid form ‘Voss’ tends to produce fewer pods than either of its parents.

Golden Chain Tree grows in full to part sun, but prefers light shade in mid-afternoon (Zones 6-8). It is a fairly easy grower in any well drained soil. The tree often fails when planted on water logged ground. Regarding soil pH, it grows well in slightly acidic, neutral, or slightly alkaline soils.

Young trees should be staked for support and trained to develop a strong central leader. Prune out weak secondary leaders and promote strong lateral branches. This weak wooded tree may be broken by winter ice storms. Annual spring pruning help to rejuvenate the tree’s framework.

Cultivar: ‘Voss’ Golden Chain Tree (Laburnum x watereri ‘Vossii’) is cultivated hybrid cross between two species – L. alpinum and L. anagyroides. The cultivar, introduced in Holland in the late 19th century, is rated as slightly more heat tolerant. Voss was selected for its more dense growth habit and long flowering racemes of up to two feet.

All parts of this plant are HIGHLY TOXIC (poisonous). Keep pets and children away from the tree. Stem cankering (pitting), leaf spot diseases and aphids may be occasional problems.

Golden Chain Tree is primarily available from on-line specialty nurseries.

Golden Chain Tree

Growing Angel Trumpet (Brugmansia)

Posted by Hugh on April 26th, 2020

Angel trumpet (Brugmansia) is tropical plant native from Venezuela to Peru (USDA hardiness zones 7-b to 10). Plants are surprising hardy outdoors in zone 6-b in protected areas. This beautiful perennial/shrub, grown in tree form, reaches heights of 6-10 feet. It is a member of the Solanaceae family which includes tomato, potato, petunia, nicotiana and other great garden plants.

They’re highly prized for their enormous fragrant trumpet-shaped flowers, some 10 inches or more in length. The exotic flowers emit a strong lemony scent over the evening hours. Blooms are pollinated by moths. Flower colors range from white, orange, yellow, and pink. Some varieties flaunt variegated foliage.

If you live in a northerly area, purchase angel trumpet in very early spring and grow it indoors to get it better established. Move the plant outdoors after threat of frost has passed. Plant angel trumpet in a large 16 inch wide (or bigger) container in well-drained potting soil (media). If you live in a mild temperate climate (zone 7 or higher), plant directly into a garden bed in a well-drained soil and keep well mulched. You may desire to relocate the weighty container atop a dolly around to various locations of the garden.

This fast growing plant demands lots of water, but will fail if constantly over-watered. Keep soil moist but allow soil dry slightly between waterings. Fertilize with a water-soluble fertilizer such as Miracle-Gro®, Peters®, and Schultz®. In the summer, when plant growth is more rapid and most blooms form, feed every 2-3 weeks according to package directions. Cut back on fertilizing in fall and do not feed over winter.

In northerly areas, bring angel trumpet(s) inside as outdoor temperatures begin to drop below 40°F. If you garden where winters are mild, protect by setting poles around it and wrap with milky white plastic. You may opt to cut back entire plant to the ground and mulch heavily to protect the crown during winter.

Occasionally snip off old spent flowers to spur new growth. A container plant should be cutback to the ground for winter. Beware: sap from this plant is highly poisonous when ingested by humans, pets, or livestock.

For a large selection of angel trumpet hybrids, shop on-line at Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh, NC.

Wet And Wonderful

Posted by Hugh on April 21st, 2020

Rodgersia pinnata ‘Superba’

Ligularia dentata

Two outstanding summer flowering perennials are Rodgersia (two forms) and Ligularia. Both are grown for their broad foliage and showy flowers. They share one special need: consistent soil moisture through the spring and summer months. Don’t attempt to grow either one of these awesome plants unless their water needs will be satisfied. These plants prefer wet, boggy feet (roots).

Rodgersias (Rodgersia pinnata) sport bold pinnately compound leaves that emerge with a dark bronze tint. Leaves measure more than a foot wide and 3-4 foot high perennial. In early summer, white bloom panicles rise 2 to 3 feet above the foliage and bloom over 3 to 4 weeks. A secondary species, Chestnut-leaved Rodgersia (R. aesculifolia), is another clump form with bold green foliage and bears creamy-white flowers in mid-summer (USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8).

Varieties of rodgersia: ‘Chocolate Wing’ — cherry blossom pink and cream blooms); ‘Alba’- white flowers and dark green leaves/bronze veining.

Ligularias (ligs) are big leafy perennials whose roots must be kept constantly moist so that leaves don’t wilt or “faint”. Even after a summer shower, ligs may still go through a brief spell fainting in the mid-afternoon due to summer heat and water loss from transpiration. By early evening the leaves recover fully hydrated.

L. stenocephala ‘The Rocket’

Bigleaf ligs (L. dentata) and narrow-spiked ligularias (L. stenocephala), aka “golden ray”, grow well in temperate climes (USDA hardiness zones 6 and 7). Tropical species are listed under the genus Farfugium (zones 7b -10).

Both ligularias (ligs) and rodgersia demand moist soils and in part day sun tor light shade. Site them nearby water features like within the splash-zone of a waterfall. They grow exceptionally well along woodland creeks.

When properly sited, the foliage remains blemish-free all season long. Disease and pest problems are rare if growing conditions are ideal. Deer and rabbits rarely trouble them.

Planting in containers: plant a single crown into a 3 to 5 gallon size container filled with humus-rich potting soil. To restrict most water loss, line the bottom of the container with plastic shopping bags. This reduces irrigation needs that saves on your monthly water bill.

New Weigelas Keep Coming

Posted by Hugh on April 16th, 2020

‘Burgundy Fire’ weigela

‘Wine and Roses’ weigela

Native to Japan, Korea, and China, flowering weigelas (Weigela florida) are reliable old-fashioned shrubs bearing pink or rose colored blooms in mid-spring. This deciduous shrub has an arching branch habit. New weigelas are now appearing at local garden centers. Older cultivars, typically 6 to 9 feet in height, are being replaced with compact 2 – 5 feet forms.

Pink and red color flower shades appear in late spring or early summer, some with stunning purple or variegated foliage. Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and an occasional hummingbird or two.

Plant weigela in full or partially sunny garden bed or a large container. This deciduous shrub prefers a compost-rich well-drained soil. Irrigate in summer if weekly rainfall amounts fall below one inch. Feed weigela in spring with a slow-release shrub fertilizer.

Prune away winter dieback in early spring or after flowering finishes. Any other pruning can wait until flowers fade. Don’t put off pruning much later as next spring’s flowers develop in summer and fall.

Dwarf weigelas make charming companions with many perennial and annual flowers. Cultivars with purple or variegated foliage offers an additional color splash to a landscape planting. Weigelas are low maintenance landscape alternatives and have very few disease and insect problems.

Cultivars to try:

Burgundy Fire® – compact growing habit (3-4 feet tall and wide); leaves start out green, turn bronze-red in summer, and fiery wine-red in fall; fragrant pink flowers are not plentiful in spring.

Crimson Kisses® – 3-feet tall rounded shape shrub covered with dark, lipstick-red flowers kissed with a white eye.

Electric Love™ – 1.5- to 2-foot-tall and wide with dark purple foliage; vibrant red bell-shaped flowers.

‘Minuet’ – under 3 feet tall with lavender pink blooms.

My Monet® (‘Verweig’) – cream, pink and green variegation on a dwarf (10-16″) tall plant; attractive pink flowers; best in partial shade.

Midnight Wine® (‘Elvera’) – purple leaves and pink flowers, a uniquely dwarf 8 to 10 inches tall and almost 1.5 feet wide shrub mound.

Polka® – compact 3-5 feet shrub with thick dark green foliage and rich velvety two-toned pink/ yellow throat blooms.

Loads Of Hybrid Baptisias Available

Posted by Hugh on April 11th, 2020

Wild indigo or Baptisia (Baptisia spp.) are a wonderful group of U.S. native perennials (USDA hardiness zones 4-9). A few species have remained outside the gardening scene until recent years. Breeders are creating several hybrids that offer a grand color palette and superior plant form.

Baptisia, belong to the Pea family, new growth emerges in spring, lupine-like flowers that give rise to blue-grey leaves followed by spikes of pea-like flowers. Want to start a collection of baptisias? – Blue false indigo (Baptisia australis) is native to the prairies of North America, is easy to grow and thrives with little maintenance. Top variety is ‘Purple Smoke’ (B. australis x B. alba) with vibrant purple flowers, charcoal stems and gray-green foliage.

Yellow baptisia (Baptisia sphaerocarpa) is native in Texas and Louisiana and north to Oklahoma and Missouri. ‘Carolina Moonlight’ (B. sphaerocarpa x B. alba,) with soft yellow floral spikes; ‘Screaming Yellow’ (zones 5-9) with brilliant yellow-gold flowers, deep green foliage, and compact 2-3 feet high rounded form; ‘Wayne’s World’ grows 4 feet tall with bright white flower spikes.

‘Lemon Meringue’ baptisia (Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens, MI)

Newer varieties include the Decadence®series ‘Cherries Jubilee’ (cinnamon colored flowers), ‘Dark Chocolate’ (black, charcoal purple flowers), ‘Lemon Meringue’ (cool lemon yellow flowers), and ‘Chocolate Chip’ (smoky purple flowers).

Plants are very long-lived. Most species have spikes of flowers some blooms appear in May (mid spring) followed by 2-3 in. long, black seed pods which hold on well into winter. Pods and stems can be dried for use in decorative arrangements. Most bloom in spring, but some species bloom in summer. Baptisias are an easy plant to grow, perform best in full sun, grows in poor, adequately drained soils. Varieties range in size from 12 inches tall and wide to 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide. They’re highly deer resistant.

Landscape and other uses: include meadow plantings and as a specimen. Wild indigo plants are used in medicines and dye manufacture.

Outstanding collection: Visit the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Gardens in Kernersville, North Carolina which displays 15 different varieties.

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