Armitage's Manual of Annuals, Biennials, and Half-Hardy Perennials

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Author: Allan M. Armitage | Asha Kays | Chris Johnson

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A R M I TAG E ’ S M A N UA L O F A N N UA L S , B I E N N I A L S , A N D

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H A L F - H A R DY P E R E N N I A L S

TJ369-5-2001 IMUS 7/TPB004–Armitage’s Manual of Annuals W:6”XH:9” 175L

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A R M I TAG E ’ S M A N UA L O F A N N UA L S , B I E N N I A L S , A N D H A L F - H A R DY P E R E N N I A L S


Allan M. Armitage Illustrations by Asha Kays and Chris Johnson


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TIMBER PRESS Portland, Oregon

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All photographs are by Allan M. Armitage

Copyright © 2001 by Allan M. Armitage. All rights reserved. 10 Points Checklist Colour 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 OK


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Printed in Singapore Published in 2001 by Timber Press, Inc. The Haseltine Building 133 S.W. Second Avenue, Suite 450 Portland, Oregon 97204, U.S.A. ISBN 0-88192-505-5

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Armitage, A.M. (Allan M.) Armitage’s manual of annuals, biennials, and half-hardy perennials / Allan M. Armitage; illustrations by Asha Kays and Chris Johnson. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references (p. ). ISBN 0-88192-505-5 1. Annuals (Plants) 2. Biennials (Plants) 3. Perennials. I. Title. SB422.A66 2001 635.9′31—dc21 00-066789

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To the most patient and most supportive person I know— my wife, Susan. Life is a wonderful journey, made richer by her presence and by the knowledge that when we are together, there need be no destination.


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Acknowledgments 8 Preface 9 A-to-Z Genera 19 Selected Bibliography 511 Appendix: Useful Lists 512 Biennials 512 Half-hardy perennials 512 Winter annuals 513 Shade-tolerant plants 513 Fragrant plants 514 Climbing plants 515 Everlastings 516 U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zone Map Index of Botanical Names 518 Index of Common Names 531


CONTENTS

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Color photographs follow page 256

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AC K N OW L E D G M E N T S

Many thanks to Asha Kays and Chris Johnson, whose drawings educate, entertain, and make my descriptions far more sensible; to Suzy Bales, Stephanie Anderson, and Meg Green, for their comments, additions, and corrections to the text; and to my editor, Franni Bertolino Farrell—it is obvious to me that the more I write, the more important her assistance becomes. 10 Points Checklist Colour 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 OK


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P R E FAC E

An annual may be defined botanically as a plant that completes its entire life cycle within the space of a year: it grows, flowers, produces seed, and then dies, regardless of temperature or other environmental conditions. Gardeners, however, do not use that definition in defining annuals and perennials. From a gardening standpoint, an annual is usually defined as a plant that dies because it is unable to survive extremes of cold or heat, that is, the winter is too cold or the summer is too hot—and that is what I mean when I use the word “annual” in this book. When a typical garden annual, such as a geranium or a petunia, is grown in a greenhouse, it will flower and produce seed many times over, surviving for years. The difficulty of the gardener’s definition of annuals is obvious: winters and summers vary depending on latitude and altitude. Is an annual in Duluth still an annual in Miami, even though it survives winters perfectly well in Florida? Or conversely, will a perennial in Fargo be a perennial in New Orleans, even though it dies because of summer heat? For better or worse, I have made an arbitrary decision as to what most people accept as a garden annual. Using the USDA hardiness zone map as a guide, I consider all plants that are “usually” killed by winters in zones 1 to 7 (global warming and recent mild winters notwithstanding) annuals. That includes all Canada (except its west coast) and at least threequarters of the land mass of the United States. According to the USDA zone map, winter temperatures in zone 7 (the southernmost zone in my definition) range from 0 to 10°F, although most “annuals” die when sustained temperatures of 20°F are experienced. Many of the plants I have included in this book may be considered perennials in Portland, Vancouver, Atlanta, or Tallahassee; in the Appendix, I offer a list of half-hardy perennials that fall into this gray area. Other plants, commonly used as winter annuals in southern zones, are later pulled out because they cannot tolerate warm summers. These same plants may be fine summer annuals in cool summers. Such a group would include pansies, violas, English daisies, pot marigold, snapdragons, and hybrid pinks (the Appendix includes a list of these winter annuals as well). Gardeners in the southernmost areas of the country, in such gardening oases as Houston, San Diego, or Key West, may find this book more useful as a guide to perennials rather than as a guide to annuals. 9

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What is an annual?


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No matter what we call these wonderful plants, let’s enjoy the beauty they provide. On gardening If gardeners had to settle on one banner to describe their experiences, it would probably be “Wait until next year!” or perhaps “You should have been here last week.” We are a tough lot, putting up with droughts, floods, heat waves, frosts, voracious pests, and diseases. We get frustrated, we throw up our hands, we burn those glossy catalogs, we even swear off this stuff. But come the first hint of spring, we are like Pavlov’s dogs, salivating over catalogs retrieved from the recycling bin. And off we go again, to box store and garden center. It is a way of life, and as a leopard cannot change its spots, a gardener cannot not love plants. Once the garden bug has bitten, we will be there, year after year. On serious gardeners 10 Points Checklist Colour 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 OK


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“Serious gardeners”—the very combination is an oxymoron. Gardening is something to be enjoyed, not a competitive sport. A great deal of sweat, toil, money, and frustration go into making a garden, but when all is said and done, the pleasure should be worth the pain. Let the weeds grow occasionally. So what if the asters sprawl a little? Who would deny a few bugs a little dinner every now and then? (I too draw the line at deer, voles, and moles, and heaven help those accursed Japanese beetles, as I lie in wait with a brick in each hand.) Whatever your garden is, one thing it will never be is finished, so enjoy the pieces you already have. Have fun, smell the flowers, stretch out on the grass, and feed the birds. If you wish, take learning seriously, but take nothing else about gardening seriously. On plant material I enjoy all kinds of plants, from the noble beech to the golden marigold, and I believe a garden is most interesting when a diversity of plant materials makes up its “bones.” I don’t like rose gardens, but I love roses incorporated in the garden, and I can say the same for iris gardens, herb gardens, daylily gardens, and dwarf conifer gardens. All these “gardens” are nothing more than collections. While I enjoy collecting (haven’t we all gone through the salvia stage of life?), I don’t think collections are gardens. On plant pronunciation Despite the good number of snobs in this area, most of our intimidation is selfinflicted. We look at these long words and immediately become tongue-tied, especially if the other person in the room is an “expert.” It doesn’t matter whether you pronounce Tagetes “ta jee′ teez” or “ta je′ teez,” or majus “ma′ yoos” or “may′ jus”—it simply is not important. The key to plant pronunciation is to

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get the syllables in the right order and fire away. If you were obtaining your Ph.D. in taxonomy at a British university, pronunciation might figure in; until then, enjoy rolling these long names off your tongue.

On the renaissance in American gardening What led me to write this book in the first place was not so much the great renaissance in the use of annuals as it was—and is—the renaissance in gardening. American gardeners have shown that they are not monochromatic, nor monoplantmatic, nor mono-anything. If a plant is colorful and if it performs well, we want it. The key phrase in that last sentence is this: “if it performs well.” From breeders to box stores, the industry realizes that the consumer will continue to buy its product only if the product performs. Hardly a new concept in commerce—but one which is not always as easy to attain as it is to say. Annual or perennial, it matters little as long as the plant provides pleasure. On plant snobbery Don’t plant snobs just rot your socks? A plant snob, by definition, is an intimidator, condescending and oh-so-opinionated—about the wrong combinations in a beginner’s garden, the wrong plants, or the wrong place at which the plants were purchased. I come across these intimidators when perennials are the subject (“Oh, that daylily—never!” or “Isn’t the color of that astilbe simply ghastly!”), but the condescension is much more likely to surface when annuals are discussed. “Annual” seems to be a bad word, seldom uttered in the polite company of snobs (another oxymoron). Such people turn into raving lunatics when they hear the words “marigold” and “petunia,” and “impatiens” doesn’t fare much

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The myth that all annuals are bedding plants has been smashed by gardeners asking, “What else is there?” The flower breeding industry spent millions of dollars successfully improving the habits, color, and availability of impatiens, geraniums, and petunias for the landscaper and gardener—and as a result, other annuals receded from the American landscape. Many floral researchers, present company included, worked on the important bedding plants exclusively. No one championed the other guys, those plants excluded from the “bedding club.” Hundreds of wonderful, lonely annuals, from Angelonia to Xeranthemum, were all but ignored. Slowly but surely, however, the voices of gardeners, who were spending their money at mail-order firms and specialty nurseries, were heard. Breeders, researchers, and plant collectors heard the murmurs and saw the dollar bills. Because of the gardener, not the industry, dozens of more “unusual” annuals are now available in the local garden shop. Doubtless a real effort must be made before the eye peels off red geraniums to search out some Strobilanthes, but the tide has turned.


On annuals

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better: all three cause a reaction only slightly less severe than “poison oak.” The key is simply to nod your head in complete agreement—then do what you want. On plant labeling


Speaking of rotten socks, the dreadful job of labeling being done out there keeps me overstocked, with matching pairs. Trees, shrubs, and even many perennials come with large labels featuring colorful photos, reasonably good planting directions, and plant preferences: the industry thus turns out not only an excellent plant but an educated consumer. And when that plant succeeds, the gardener goes back next year and buys a dozen more. In most cases, labels in bedding plants are a joke; they are difficult to see and harder to read, with photographs so small they could be almost anything. In my opinion, generic labels like “white impatiens” or “yellow marigold” should be banished from the gardening world forever. Such a dumbing-down of the product is an insult to the gardener, and worst of all, if the “red geranium” succeeds, how in the world will that gardener ever find that plant again? Next year’s red geraniums are likely to be a totally new cultivar—last year’s “blue car” was a Dodge and now it’s a Pinto. Absolutely arrogant and nonsensical. Granted, the labels for non-bedding annuals are usually far more creative than they are for the bedding plants: the growers of these products want to obtain some of that bedding market. The good news is that progressive growers and retailers are using better signage and labeling—a good reason to visit your local retail center. Plant capitalism at its best. Sources of seeds and plants


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Obviously the best place to start is your local area, where retail outlets, box stores, and specialty nurseries may carry, or be able to find, the plant you seek. The greenhouse business is taking the demand for new annuals very seriously, and simply because your favorite plant was not offered last year does not mean it is not out there now. Scour your local outlets, and if disappointment sets in, ever onward! Mail-order sources too provide outstanding choice and reliability. I am surrounded by catalogs that list dozens of annuals, from the most common to the most obscure. No matter how much material I have gathered, however, I am smart enough to know I have overlooked even more. The only source I will mention, therefore, is Barbara Barton’s Gardening by Mail, now in its fifth edition, available in bookstores and online. You will find your own favorite sources eventually, and once you do, be loyal to them and they will be the same to you. The Internet has rapidly become a most useful option—click “gardening” and away you go, to Never Never Land and back. An incredible amount of resources is available online; the depth of information and the number of outlets selling products are overwhelming. It’s only a matter of how much time you wish to spend in front of the screen.

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On box stores and garden centers

People who attend my lectures always ask my wife about her gardening skills, realizing that behind every good man is a better woman. Susan, who really doesn’t have quite the same obsession for this stuff as I do, used to explain about picking up branches, raking leaves, or other essential but rather mundane tasks—which did not seem to elicit much excitement from the questioners. One day she read an article and realized she was simply using the wrong jargon. Now when she is asked the same question, she replies with confidence, “I am the groundskeeper.” And everybody is impressed. So if you have a non-practicing spouse, tell them they can come along as the groundskeeper. They will always be welcomed. On Laura and Ray Laura is my oldest daughter—intelligent, beautiful, one of my treasures. She recently married Ray; as individuals they are terrific and together they are the greatest. Having recently purchased a small house with an overgrown yard, they have become gardeners. Laura and Ray readily admit they don’t really know what they are doing, but they have made a garden out of their yard. Plant names are not yet important to them; they simply want plants that work. But even as they discover the bread-and-butter plants, I see them looking around at other material and asking, “What is that?” and “Can we grow it?” I am in seventh heaven, standing back as the garden bug bites this neat couple, and I’ll enjoy watching to see if the bite is serious. I have learned a lot more about plants and gardening as I look at the garden through their eyes; I am a better plantsman because of them.

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On the non-gardening spouse


Research clearly shows that people who show up at the garden center have already been to a box store, or will soon be going. I do the same. The box store has cheaper plants simply because it has put the squeeze on the grower, whose profitability shrinks even more. The low prices at the box store artificially keep prices lower everywhere. Remember, though, that some box stores only sell hoses, they don’t use them. If you wish to buy good plants at the local box or other mass market outlet, meet the plant truck. Any garden center worth a darn should have better-trained people, a better selection of plants, and better service. If they don’t, go back to the box. New plants, such as many of those described in this book, are more often found in good garden centers, particularly those which grow their own material; these grower-retailers are able to experiment on their own and so provide new material before others. But in future, box stores will have more diversity and creativity. The managers who run their plant departments are not stupid; they know that new products sell and that the same people who couldn’t find anything but red petunias at the garden center will soon be visiting them. Keep the good garden centers in business but continue to check in on the box stores.

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Nuts and bolts of simple propagation Almost every plant in this book can be propagated by seed or by cuttings. These methods are simple and fun to do, don’t require much equipment, and provide great satisfaction. As rewarding as propagating your own plants can be, however, you will undoubtedly run into a few problems along the way.

Propagation by seed



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Gathering seeds from the garden is a good idea if you want to be sure the plants in your garden continue every year. (It’s the only idea if commercial seed is not available.) Examine fruit to determine if seed is ripe. In most cases, seed darkens in color as it matures. Another indication of ripeness is the shriveling or changing color of the fruit itself. Collect seed in a small bag. Many fruit capsules release all the seed at one time, often overnight, and in many cases, seed may be shot from the capsule for long distances. Wrap fruit in a piece of cheesecloth or other gauzy material to catch the seeds when they are released. Some work is required to wrap the fruit, but—sore thumbs nothwithstanding—this is an effective seed-harvesting method. In most cases, annual seed may be sown at the time it is released from the fruit. If seed is sown immediately, sowing time will vary according to the maturity time of the plant. Seed can also be stored until the next spring in a cool, dry location. The rule of thumb for seed storage is temperature (F) + humidity (%) < 100. In general, annual seed need not be stored in the refrigerator. Buying annual seed is more of an option than most people realize, but one must work to find the unusual material. Seed packages abound in every garden center and box store in late winter; in general, the seed is relatively inexpensive and the quality is reasonable, if not excellent. For bedding plants like impatiens and geraniums, the highest quality seed usually goes to the commercial industry, but if only 50% germination is obtained at home rather than the 90% germination demanded by greenhouse operators, does it really matter? How many seedlings do you want to plant, anyway? The greatest choice of species and cultivars is found in the seed listings of mail-order catalogs or on the Internet. The downside of being offered such a wide range of seed is that the more unusual seeds may have been stored for a long time. By the time they are purchased, they may have lost significant vigor. They are also quite expensive: prices of $0.50 to $1.50 a seed are not uncommon. But no sense complaining—these venues are at least giving you an opportunity to obtain the plant. Once plants are thriving in the garden, their seed can be collected or cuttings rooted for longevity. Also, by buying rather than gathering seed, you can sow it when you want. Sowing time is important, particularly if sowing is done in the home. A rule of thumb is to sow seed later rather than earlier. Many a gardener sows seeds too early only to be confronted with tall, skinny, chlorotic seedlings in February—

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and then wonders how to keep them until spring planting season. In general, sowing six to eight weeks before planting out works well for those who don’t have greenhouses. As to actually sowing the seeds, if you have a greenhouse, life is certainly easier. But since most of us do not, we must take over significant areas of the basement, garage, or kitchen. Reacquaint your spouse with your marriage vows before you start. Any container with drainage holes will suit. Fill it with a soilless mix, which is sold at most retail stores. Most mixes consist of peat, perlite or peat, and vermiculite or pine bark—and sometimes, to all appearances, whatever could be scraped off the floor. Do not get cheap on this item: cheap soilless mixes are terrible, soon taking on the properties of concrete and equally useless. Buy professional mixes whenever possible. Do not use garden soil; it does not work in small containers. Since seeds germinate at different rates and must be transplanted at different times, sow only one kind of seed per container. If you are using seed flats, do your best to separate seeds so you don’t sow twenty seeds in one spot. With large seeds, this is fairly easy. With tiny seeds, get a small container (I use an old film canister), put a few pinches of dry sand in it, and add the small seeds. Put a small hole in the cap of the container, mix the sand and seed up, then slowly pour the mixture in rows on top of the prepared soilless mix. This provides visibility and some separation for the seeds. Depth of planting is based on the diameter of the seed. The rule of thumb for depth is to plant the seed three times its diameter, but who measures? If the seeds are tiny, place them on top of the medium. They will find cracks and crevices of their own. In general, small seeds require light to germinate and burying them results in reduced germination. I sprinkle some coarse vermiculite (sold at most outlets) in a thin layer over the top of the seeds, so they don’t dry out. If the seeds are large, make a little trough with a stick, sow them in the furrow, then fill it. Moisture and heat are the keys to germination. Moist (not wet) conditions need be maintained. To maintain a solid marriage as well, wet the medium somewhere outdoors first and let it drain there. Then sow the seeds. Make a small greenhouse by covering the entire container with a clear plastic bag or wrap. This maintains humidity and moisture and allows you to see what is popping through the soil. Germination is greatly enhanced if the soil in the containers can reach 70– 77°F: put the containers in a warm room, put lights over the containers to provide heat, or situate the containers over heating cables or some other source of heat. If temperatures are cold (60°F, say), germination will be much slower and less uniform. Uniformity is nice because then seedlings in that container can all be transplanted at the same time. If germination is not uniform, which will be normal for unusual taxa, take off the plastic when the early germinators appear ready to be watered on their own; early germinators become tall and skinny if they are kept under the plastic too long. Water the open seed flat carefully. If you prefer to use a hose, use a mist nozzle. Suddenly the seedlings have tripled in size, and this is the tricky part: transplanting. The easiest way to accomplish transplanting is to purchase small pots

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(such as 4" wide containers) or peat pots; if many plants are desired, purchase standard plant flats (which measure about 11 × 22") with inserts of eighteen to seventy-two cells. See what is available and get it. Transplant the seedling to the final container only when at least one true leaf has fully expanded. Do this carefully, so as not to break the seedling’s root or the stem. It is preferable, but not necessary, to put one seedling per container. To separate every seedling from another as they come out of the seed tray is tiresome and boring—and results in significant damage to the lone survivor. Plant a clump, if that is all that you have; take scissors later and simply cut off the runts. In nature, seeds fall in the same spot and no one separates them. The strong survive, especially when you wield those scissors. Keep the transplant moist, but do not overwater. Use the finger test to check moisture level: if when you put your finger in the soil, it comes out black, do not water. If it comes out dry, time to water. The rate of growth—and thereby the rate at which water is taken up by the transplants—is determined by light. And in the house, light is the limiting factor. Provide as much light—in windows, in sun rooms, by your spouse’s reading lamp, your son’s desk (he doesn’t study anyway), or in the hamster cage below the warming light—as possible. Shelves of fluorescent lights are most common. The lank, limp, stretched seedlings that occur when light is poor seldom make robust plants when transplanted to the garden. Placing the transplants in cool rooms (4" long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. esculentus

Abutilon (ab yew′ tih lon)

flowering maple

Malvaceae

Using the majestic maple’s name as the common name for this genus is stretching common sense a bit, although one could argue that the leaves of Abutilon look more like maple leaves than, say, oak leaves. Many species are native to South America but are spread throughout warm areas in both hemispheres. The alternate leaves are in general palmately lobed and attached to the stems with long petioles. The solitary flowers are pendulous in the leaf axils, consisting of five sepals and petals, in yellow, orange, rose, and occasionally white. Where they are native, or in countries where plants are perennial, species such as A. vitifolium and the hybrid A. ×suntense are shrubs and may grow 20' tall. Approximately 150 species of Abutilon have been described, but the dwarf forms used in containers and gardens are hybridized and go under the name of A. ×hybridum. Companies interested in the landscape and garden trade have been intensely breeding more colors and better forms. In general, the better forms are in flower all summer (all year if brought inside in the winter). Quick guide to Abutilon species A. ×hybridum A. megapotamicum A. pictum

Habit upright trailing upright, trailing

Flower color varied yellow petals, red sepals yellow, orange

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Anonymous. 1996. Some like it hot. Southern Living 31(6):91. Armitage, Allan M. 1997. Ornamental okra. Greenhouse Grower 15(10):105–106. Lee, Rand B. 1998. A feast of mallows. American Cottage Gardener 5(3):5–7.


Additional reading

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ABUTILON

-×hybridum (hi′ brih dum)



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Chinese lantern, parlor maple 1–3'/2' summer yellow, orange, rose, white hybrid This species was a favorite plant in the Victorian era, when parlors were an important room of the household. The many cultivars of that day nearly went the way of the parlor, but they are making a comeback in the garden and the patio container, leaving silk and plastic to occupy the foyer. A good trade, I would say. The hybrids are a variable complex of species including Abutilon striatum, A. darwinii, and others. In general, plants may be up to 5' in height, although modern hybrids are seldom more than 2' tall. The leaves may be unlobed but are often three- or occasionally five-lobed. The margins are serrate to dentate, and the leaves may be smooth or softly hairy underneath. The drooping bell-shaped flowers are held in axillary peduncles (flower stems), and the colored blooms are often obviously veined. In many hybrids, the sepals are darker than the petals, an additional ornamental aspect. I have trialed several of the hybrids for outdoor use. If purchased as standards (plants trained on a single stem), plants may be excellent performers. As traditional plants, however, they are not sufficiently strong and require a good deal of soil preparation and care before they can be added to the garden. Their place seems to be in large containers and window boxes, where the flowers can be viewed more easily and the soil, moisture, and fertility are more reliably controlled. Flowers persist many days in water and do well even out of water, and therefore may be picked for nosegays. Full sun in the North, full sun for most cultivars in the South. Forms with variegated foliage benefit from some afternoon shade in the South. Maintain moist soils; do not allow to dry out. Fertilize at least three times during the season with a complete fertilizer. Pinch once to stimulate bushiness. Propagate by semi-hardwood, two- or three-node terminal cuttings. Remove all flowers from the axils and place in bottom heat (72–75°F) in a well-drained medium. Smooth-leaved forms may be put under mist; hairy-leaved forms should be rooted in a sweat tent (structure covered with plastic but no mist). CULTIVARS

‘Apricot Belle’ has salmon flowers with darker venation and pubescent leaves. Appears similar to ‘Apricot Glow’ and ‘Apricot’. ‘Bartley Schwartz’ is an excellent selection for growing as a standard or basket. The pendulous yellow-orange flowers are borne in abundance throughout the season. Bella Hybrids were developed by the late Claude Hope, the great plantsman, at Linda Vista, Costa Rica. They are wonderfully compact (perfect for containers and window boxes) and have been bred in many colors. I use them in the container plantings at the University of Georgia trial grounds, and they are excellent. Not to be confused with the older Belle series. ‘Benary’s Giant’ is a seed-propagated mix of 11⁄2' tall plants. ‘Clementine’ produces crimson-red flowers for hanging baskets and containers. Hybridized by Logee’s Greenhouses, Ltd., Danielson, Connecticut. A form with marbled white leaves, ‘Clementine Variegated’, is also sold.

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‘Crimson Belle’ has royal red flowers. ‘Dwarf Red’ has red-orange flowers with dark green leaves. Excellent branching habit. ‘Hardy Orange’ is an old-fashioned rangy orange-flowered form. ‘Huntington Pink’ has light pink bell-shaped flowers with deeper pink veins. ‘Kentish Belle’, more often seen in the United Kingdom than here, has large bright orange flowers on 2–3' tall plants. ‘Marion Stewart’, introduced by Plants Delight Nursery, bears 11⁄ 2" wide orange bell-shaped flowers with red veins. Plants can grow up to 5' in height. ‘Mobile Pink’ bears soft pink flowers with dark pink venation on compact plants. Floriferous. ‘Moonchimes’ has been described as having intense yellow flowers. Those I have seen have soft yellow blooms on dwarf (2' tall) plants. ‘Pink Belle’ bears bright pink flowers with darker veins. Probably the same as ‘Satin Pink Belle’. ‘Pink Blush’, introduced by Dennis Schrader and Bill Smith of Land Craft Nursery, Long Island, New York, has a mounding habit with soft pink flowers and a light yellow center. ‘Savitzii’, a popular plant during the foliage boom, bears leaves that are heavily marbled with creamy white. Every now and then orange flowers are produced. More showy than ‘Souvenir de Bonn’ but may not produce as many flowers. ‘Snow Belle’ has clean white flowers with contrasting yellow stamens. Similar to (may be the same as) ‘Snowfall’. This is a more compact form of the difficult-to-find but beloved old ‘Boule de Neige’ (‘Snowball’). ‘Snowfall’, a compact plant, produces small pure white flowers. Terrific for containers. ‘Souvenir de Bonn’ has salmon to orange flowers that contrast with the white marbling on the large leaves. Sometimes the edging is less defined, and the leaves appear mottled. ‘Summer Sherbet’ is a seed-propagated hybrid mix with 3–4" wide flowers in lemon, rose, pink, apricot, and red. Useful for containers and baskets. ‘Tangerine’ produces large golden orange flowers with bright pink veins. Quite a combination! Also sold as ‘Tangerine Belle’. ‘Variegatum’ has soft green leaves mottled creamy white. The salmon to soft orange flowers have crimson veins. ‘Yellow Belle’ has flowers of bright yellow.

-megapotamicum (meg a po tam′ ee kum) summer

trailing abutilon, Chinese lantern yellow

1'/4–5' Brazil

Everyone who grows this trailing form of the flowering maple counts it a favorite. Suitable as a standard specimen, basket, or window box plant, it can grow up or fall over other plants, complementing most everything as it goes. The small, 2–3" long pointed leaves are shallowly three-lobed and almost horizontal, so much so that the plant appears to grow almost in a single plane. The

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2–3" long, narrow flowers consist of lemon-yellow petals surrounded at the base by bright red sepals. The column of pistil and attached stamens conspicuously protrudes from the petals, making a stunning combination. CULTIVARS

‘Variegatum’ has similar flowers and yellow-mottled leaves. Extremely popular. ‘Victor’s Folley’ produces flowers with wine-colored sepals and deeply veined, soft peach petals. ‘Wisley Red’ bears rich red flowers. Alternative species



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Abutilon indicum is related to A. megapotamicum. It has soft 4" long leaves that are usually shallowly three-lobed; they are white on the undersides and hairy on both sides. The yellow chalice flowers are borne in the leaf axils. Plants are big, growing 4–8' tall. Abutilon pictum (pik′ tum; syn. A. striatum) is similar to A. ×hybridum; it can grow up to 10' tall, but the forms selected for gardeners and landscapers are less than 3' tall. They are often trained as standard specimens but can also be used in containers and baskets. The species generally has yellow to orange flowers; selections can vary. ‘Aureo-maculatum’ is an excellent form, whose velvety green leaves, hairy on the underside, are splattered with yellow; the leaves are five-lobed and toothed; the flowers are coral red with darker veins but are not produced as freely as in the hybrids. ‘Gold Dust’ has light green leaves with heavy golden mottling; the orange flowers are produced abundantly. ‘Thomsonii’ is an upright grower with salmon-orange flowers and maple-like leaves (five to seven lobes), mottled in soft yellow. ‘Victory’, my favorite selection of A. pictum, has yellow blooms with red centers hanging from almost every leaf node. Quick key to Abutilon species AA. Plant trailing, yellow petals with red calyx, pistil obviously protruding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. megapotamicum AA. Plant upright or mounding, many colors, pistil not obviously protruding BB. Leaves usually three-lobed, middle lobe broadest at base, flowers orange or yellow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. pictum BB. Leaves either unlobed or more or less three-lobed, flowers many colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. ×hybridum Additional reading Emsweller, S. E., P. Brierley, D. V. Lumsden, and F. L. Mulford. 1937. Improvements in flowers by breeding. USDA Yearbook: 890–998.

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ACALYPHA

Acalypha (a kal′ ee fa)

Euphorbiaceae

More than 430 species of woody plants occur in this genus, all native to tropical areas of the world, where they are also used as hedging or large shrubs in the landscape. In the woody species, mainly Acalypha wilkesiana (copperleaf), the multicolored foliage provides the ornamental value; the small red flowers are essentially inconspicuous. The main species found in North American gardens is A. hispida (chenille plant), in which the bright red flowers are borne in long, pendent, tassel-like spikes. Quick guide to Acalypha species A. godseffiana A. hispida A. wilkesiana



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Grown for colorful foliage flowers colorful foliage

-hispida (his′ pid a) summer

chenille plant red

Use container, garden container, basket container, garden 15–18"/3' New Guinea, Malaya

I remember when I first saw this plant in flower: I was a young boy and couldn’t help but think of the long braids on the snooty red-haired girl who sat in front of me in fourth grade. Except that the plant wasn’t snooty. Plants are nearly always grown as baskets and containers but may also be trained as an upright standard. The flowers are longer than the leaves and distinctive enough to cause most visitors to do a double take. The pointed alternate leaves are 3–4" long and half as wide, wider in the middle and slightly hairy above. The plants are dioecious, that is, they carry male and female flowers on separate plants. The flowers lack petals; the bright red effect is from the long branched styles of the female flowers. The many small flowers are held in drooping tassel-like spikes, some 20" long and 1" wide. Each inflorescence is formed in the upper leaf axils. These tropical plants are best grown in the light shade of pines or other open shade with good air circulation. Provide with consistent water, particularly when they are grown in baskets, or they will decline rapidly. Propagate by two- or three-node cuttings. Plants root with bottom heat (72– 75°F) in ten to fourteen days. CULTIVARS

‘Alba’ bears long tassels of creamy white flowers tinged pink. Not as easy to find and not as showstopping. var. pendula (syn. Acalypha repens; trailing redtails, strawberry firetails) is prostrate (6–10" tall) and has smaller leaves and short fuzzy red tails that elongate to 2" at most. ‘Summer Love’ is a selection with short pink tails. It may be a selection of var. pendula.

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Acalypha hispida


ACALYPHA

CHRIS JOHNSON

-wilkesiana (wilks ee an′ a) summer

copperleaf red

3–6'/3' New Guinea, Malaya

While living in Perth, Western Australia, I walked by 10' tall shrubs and long semiformal hedges of this colorful species. In the tropics, where it grows 8–15' tall, copperleaf is a common landscape and privacy plant, in demand for its multicolored foliage. The species bears 4–6" long elliptical, serrated leaves that are copper-green, often blotched with red or crimson. The small red flowers are borne on slender 8" long spikes—not nearly as showy as those of chenille plant, perhaps because they have to compete with the showy leaves. These monoecious plants (they carry male and female flowers on the same plant) bear the name of American scientist and explorer Admiral Charles Wilkes (1801–1877). Plants are gaining popularity as a container item whose brightly painted leaves can complement surrounding flowers, and they are in demand by landscapers as accent plants. They grow rapidly in warm summers, attaining 3–4' in height; in cool summers, foliage may be more vibrant, but plants are smaller.

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They are easily produced in warm greenhouses and should be purchased as mature plants. Plant in full sun, after all threat of frost has passed. Propagate by two- or three-node cuttings. Plants root with bottom heat (72– 75°F) in ten to fourteen days. CULTIVARS



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Because they are based on foliage patterns, all cultivars are likely to be mixed up in the trade. ‘Ceylon’ has somewhat twisted coppery leaves with pink to whitish margins. Quite popular. ‘Haleakala’ has twisted bronze leaves with fringed margins. Interesting, to say the least. ‘Hoffman’s’ bears narrow twisted leaves with ivory lobes. Also sold as ‘Hoffmaniana’. ‘Kana Coast’ has large bright yellow leaves flecked and spotted with green. Often some reversion occurs, and the green takes up an entire half of the leaf. ‘Kilauea’ is a dwarf form with small narrow leaves blotched with red and copper-pink. The edges of the foliage are creamy white. Also sold as ‘Miniature Firedragon’. ‘Macrophylla’ (heart copperleaf) has wide russet leaves splashed with bronzered and copper. ‘Marginata’, the most popular form and probably the one most people know as the true copperleaf, produces leaves with crimson or other colored margins. ‘Musaica’ has orange and red markings on the green leaves. ‘Obovata’ (heart copperleaf) produces bronzy green leaves with bright pink to orange margins. ‘Petticoat’ has large, highly ruffled, copper-colored leaves, with earth-tone margins. Alternative species Acalypha godseffiana is not easily distinguished from A. wilkesiana. It is a dwarf form with a bushy, mounding habit and short, narrow, green to yellow spikes. The branches droop down, and the glossy green leaves are usually creamy white with pale yellow margins. ‘Heterophylla’ is a particularly ugly form with narrow, ragged, yellow-edged leaves on drooping branches. Stunning to some—it’s all in the eye of the beholder. Grows about 12" tall. Quick key to Acalypha species AA. Leaves green, spikes 1" wide, flower spikes much longer than leaves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. hispida AA. Leaves splashed in colors, spikes much shorter than the leaves BB. Green leaves margined in cream, flowers greenish yellow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. godseffiana BB. Colors more conspicuous, flowers some shade of red . . A. wilkesiana

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ADLUMIA

Adlumia (ad loom′ ee a)

climbing fumitory

Fumariaceae

Adlumia fungosa



The sole representative of this monotypic genus is the climbing biennial vine Adlumia fungosa (climbing fumitory), native to the northeastern United States (thus its other common names, mountain fringe and Allegheny vine). Every gardener who enjoys plant names must have this plant. The generic name is so beautiful, it is actually fun to tell people that you have it in your garden. If parents can name their little girls Chantilly, then I soon expect some sweet, little Adlumias out there as well. The delicate light green foliage is thrice pinnate and fern-like. Plants use the petioles of new leaves to clamber and scramble over shrubs and bushes; they may also be trained up arbors. The pale pink and whitish flowers, similar in appearance to those of bleeding heart (Dicentra), are formed in hanging clus-

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ters at the axils. After flowering, seeds are expelled and germinate in the summer and fall of the same year. These biennials are low and bushy the first year, but with one winter under their belt, they climb as fast as helium balloons released from the football stadium, growing 10–12' tall in a few weeks. Definitely a plant that should be put in the ground and left alone. Plants are hardy to zone 3 and may be grown as far south as zone 7. Provide some afternoon shade for best performance. This may never be a mainstream garden plant, but it is fun and easy to grow. Propagate by seed; plants self-sow where they are happy.

Agastache (a ga sta′ kee)

giant hyssop

Lamiaceae

Most hyssops are considered short-lived perennials and do well into zone 6; but several annuals are also available, all characterized by opposite aromatic foliage, with at least some hint of anise.



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-foeniculum (fo nik′ yew lum) summer

anise hyssop

purple, white

2–4'/2' North America

Usually only one or two main stems emerge, each bearing opposite ovate leaves, 2–3" long and 1–2" wide; the margins are serrate, and the upper surface is smooth and green while the lower surface is hairy. Break off a leaf and smell the fragrance of anise, which, depending on the selection, you may find pleasant or perhaps a little too strong. The fragrance provides the common name, but plants are poor substitutes for Hyssopus officinalis, the herb hyssop. The whorled flowers are densely held in a compact upright pubescent spike, 2–4" long; each whorl is subtended by small pointed bracts. The overall flower color is lavender to purple, but creamy white selections are also common. Plants make a fine grouping in the garden, providing many months of flowers and fragrant foliage. They may also be used as cut flowers, persisting well for about a week; harvest when inflorescence is about two-thirds open. Deadheading keeps plants looking fresh after they have flowered. Mildew can be a problem in certain areas. Plants are cold hardy to about 23°F. Full sun, propagate by seed. CULTIVARS

‘Alabaster’ is a common creamy white form, about 3' tall. ‘Honey Bee Blue’ has lavender-blue flowers and stands 2–21⁄2' tall. An excellent plant with persistent flowering and a good habit. ‘Honey Bee White’ is similar but with creamy white flowers. An improvement on ‘Alabaster’. ‘Licorice Blue’ and ‘Licorice White’ bear lavender-blue and creamy white flowers, respectively, on 3–4' tall plants. Good as cut flowers.

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Alternative species Agastache mexicana (Mexican hyssop) is similar but has a creeping rootstock and many stems. The rose flowers are usually interrupted on 12" long spikes. Not as cold hardy.

Ageratum (a jer ay′ tum)

Asteraceae

The genus consists of about forty species, all native to Central and South America. Ageratum conyzoides, a common weed in the tropics, and A. corymbosum, a 4–6' tall shrubby plant with blue, lavender, or white flat-topped flowers, are seldom seen in cultivation. Only the bedding floss flower, A. houstonianum, is common in American landscapes. This species has been subject to intense breeding by the bedding plant industry since the 1970s.

-houstonianum (yew sto nee a′ num) 10 Points Checklist Colour 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 OK


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all season

lavender

floss flower 1–3'/1–2' West Indies, Mexico

I have a love-hate relationship with many bedding plants, mainly concerning the lack of creativity in their use. Seeing little blue meatballs lining walk after walk in the American front yard became a little boring—that’s the price of success, I guess. Nothing to do with the fine Texas city, Ageratum houstonianum is rather named for William Houston, an American physician who collected the species in the Antilles and Mexico. The opposite leaves are usually heart-shaped at the base and rounded at the apex, with crenate (wavy) margins. Flower stems are borne in the upper axils and terminal apex and are made up of heads of five to fifteen densely clustered tubular flowers. Each flower is five-lobed, usually spreading, giving the flower head a tassel-like appearance (the species is also known as tassel flower). Plants are generally sold in small containers in the spring, ready for transplanting; place 9–12" apart in full sun and well-drained soils. In the North, plants usually persist all season; in the South, the dense flowers may trap too much moisture, and the combination of heat and humidity often results in poor performance by mid summer. In the Deep South, however, they may be put out in the fall and flower all winter. Consistent moisture is helpful; a plant’s vigor and flowering period is much reduced when soil dries out. The ornamental plant industry has been breeding ageratum for some time; in 1940 Waller-Franklin Seed Co. introduced ‘Midget Blue’, which was honored with a prestigious All-America Selection award that year—the only ageratum ever to receive that award in AAS history. Most bedding plants, including ageratum, are F1 hybrids, which provide more uniformity to the grower, a characteristic not as important to the gardener. Collecting the seed of F1 hybrids is an exercise in futility as seeds will not breed true. Package seed is available for sale to the gardener and may be sown at 70–75°F in moist conditions. Terminal cuttings may also be taken in the fall and maintained inside over the winter, but

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AGERATUM

CHRIS JOHNSON

with so many cultivars available at the garden center, it is far more efficient and less expensive to buy some in the spring. All available cultivars are propagated by seed, and the majority are F1 hybrids. CULTIVARS

‘Adriatic’ is 4–6" tall, bearing mid blue flowers. ‘Bavaria’ bears white and blue bicolored flowers on 10–12" tall plants. ‘Blue Blazer’, an early flowerer, provides uniformity of production and performance. Plants are about 6" tall and produce mid-blue flowers. ‘Blue Bouquet’ is an intermediate form with 16–20" tall stems and lavender flowers. Taller than bedding forms but shorter than ‘Blue Horizon’. ‘Blue Horizon’ is an excellent tall (2–3') lavender form suitable for the garden and cut flowers. It is a triploid, which means it is vigorous and essentially sterile. ‘Blue Lagoon’ grows 8–10" tall and is covered with light blue flowers. ‘Blue Mink’ is an open-pollinated tetraploid form with powder-blue flowers. Larger leaves and flowers but not as uniform as other hybrids. ‘Capri’ is an unusual bicolor selection with light blue flowers and white centers. Plants are 12–15" tall, with normal mounding habit.

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Champion series consists of ‘Blue Champion’, ‘Light Blue Champion’, and ‘White Champion’, each about 6" tall. Danube series consists of ‘Blue Danube’ (also sold as ‘Blue Puffs’) and ‘White Danube’, which plants, mounding 9–12", are covered with lavender and offwhite flowers, respectively. A most popular series. Fields series consists of mounded many-branched plants. ‘Fields Blue’ and ‘Fields White’ are offered. ‘Garden Leader True Blue’ is about 7" tall with dark blue flowers. Hawaii series is similar and consists of ‘Blue Hawaii’, ‘Royal Hawaii’ (deep lavender), and ‘White Hawaii’. ‘Neptune Blue’ bears lavender-blue flowers on 6–8" tall plants. ‘Pacific Plus’ has some of the richest colors of the group. They are blue-red but sufficiently different from other blues and whites in the species. Also sold as ‘Pacific Rose’. Pearls series consists of ‘Azure Pearl’, with light blue flowers, and ‘Silver Pearl’ with silvery white blooms. ‘Pinky’ and ‘Pinky Improved’ are 6–8" tall and bear dusky pink flowers. ‘Red Sea’ produces 2' tall plants with dark red flower buds, opening to purple-red flowers. ‘Southern Cross’ is 12" tall with blue and white bicolor flowers. Unique. ‘Summer Snow’ is a white-flowered form consisting of 6–8" tall plants. ‘Summit’ bears flowers of deep blue. Tycoon series bears many flowers on 7–9" tall plants. Available in blue and purple. ‘White Ball’ provides white flowers on 10" bedding plants. Additional reading Latimer, J. G., and R. D. Oetting. 1998. Greenhouse conditioning affects landscape performance of bedding plants. J. Env. Hort. 16(3):138–142.

Agrostemma (ag ro stem′ a)

corn-cockle

Caryophyllaceae

Corn-cockle was so named because of its tendency to occur as a weed in grain crops in England and the Continent, and the entire genus of approximately four species was treated as a field weed, especially when its seeds were discovered to contain the poison saponin. It was dangerous to consume flour that had been been contaminated with seeds of Agrostemma; no wonder the genus was not held in high esteem by gardeners. With the advent of herbicides and better seedcleaning techniques, however, corn-cockle is much less a field weed, and its ornamental characteristics can be enjoyed more fully. The genus is occasionally confused with Lychnis, but the five styles (female part of the flower) of Agrostemma are opposite the petals, whereas in Lychnis, the styles are between the petals. Most people simply read the label. The only species available to gardeners is A. githago, popular as a garden plant and highly regarded as a cut flower.

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ALCEA

-githago (gih tha′ go) summer

corn-cockle magenta

3–4'/1' Europe

Calling plants tall and skinny, with few branches, is not exactly flattering, but that is what they are. The opposite linear to lanceolate leaves are covered with short grayish white hairs. The five-petaled flowers are large (2" wide) and usually magenta (although some softer colors have been selected); they are solitary, on long hairy flower stems. In the garden, plants should be placed close to each other; some don’t branch well and they will need their fellows for company. Harvest them for cut flowers as the flowers begin to open. Flowers persist about five days in water, longer in floral preservative. Full sun, propagate by seed in situ or in a warm greenhouse. CULTIVARS



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‘Milas’ has plum-pink flowers. ‘Milas Cerise’ and ‘Milas Rosea’ bear flowers of deep red and lilac-pink, respectively. They are otherwise similar to the species. ‘Ocean Pearl’ produces white flowers with black speckled markings on 3' tall plants. Additional reading Armitage, Allan M. 1993. Specialty Cut Flowers. Timber Press, Portland, Ore.

Alcea (al see′ a)

hollyhock

Malvaceae

Approximately sixty species of annual, biennial, and short-lived perennial species constitute this genus, some of them exceptionally popular. Hollyhocks have been gracing gardens for centuries and are presently enjoying a renaissance in the United States. All species are found in sunny, well-drained habitats and provide exceptional color for short periods of time. Flowers are usually large and appear singly or in racemes, and the stems are hairy. All are best grown as biennials (to zone 3) and require little more than sun and good air circulation. Alcea rosea is the best-known member.

-rosea (ro zay′ a) spring, early summer

hollyhock many colors

4–8'/2' Turkey, Asia

My mother knew very little about gardening, other than that the lawnmower was a good way to keep her sons out of trouble. But how she loved her hollyhocks. They grew with their backs up the stucco wall of our garage, held up with ugly white strings, which extended from rusty nails on either side. Like tape measures across a boxer’s chest, these strings were often more visible than the plants themselves. But every year, a few seedlings would come up, and every year we would put some seeds in the ground. They provided a riot of color along an

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otherwise drab path but by mid summer, the leaves were eaten up by rust. By that time, other activities, like burning down the woods behind our house, occupied us, and the hollyhocks were forgotten until they reappeared once again. My mother would be pleased to see the current renaissance in hollyhocks. The old red single flowers are still around, but so are many other colors and forms, including double flowers 5" across. Plants are generally 3–6' tall, but 8' monsters are not rare. They are unbranched, rather pole-like even, and the stems are hairy to the point of being bristly. The leaves have three, five, or seven lobes, and the flowers occur in terminal racemes, made up of three to ten flowers. The six to nine bracts beneath the flowers are joined together and turn brown as the flowers mature. Modern cultivars are also less susceptible to my mother’s nemesis, hollyhock rust, which is caused by the fungus Puccinia malvacearum. If my mother had known that the spores that caused those orange-brown pustules on the undersides of the leaves and stems overwintered on the blistered leaves by the garage, she would have removed them. Actually, she would have told her sons to do it, and we would probably have taken the trusty Lawn Boy to them. Fungal sprays are now available; it is equally effective and more satisfying to simply remove any affected leaves and try a different cultivar next year. Hollyhocks are mostly biennials and can be transplanted in the fall or sown in site about two months before frost. Mulch if necessary during the winter, but plants are winter hardy to zone 3. In cool climates, they will bloom early to mid summer. In warmer areas (zones 8 to 10), they will flower in spring if planted in fall. They may also be sown directly in the prepared soil immediately after the last frost date or in containers about two weeks before that time, but cold is still needed for best flowering. If sowing in containers, place the container at 72– 75°F and cover the moist soil with plastic until the seedlings emerge. Do not germinate the seeds too early or plants will be weak and stretched before the transplant date. First-year plants overwinter well, particularly if good snow cover occurs. CULTIVARS

Single flowers ‘Barnyard Pink-Red’ is offered by an enterprising nursery that claims seeds were collected from an old barnyard in Vermont. They are single, tall, and oldfashioned. I bet they collected them from my mother’s plants. ‘Indian Spring’ is available in white, yellow, rose, and pink. Plants are 7–8' tall. ‘Nigra’ has some of the deepest purple flowers of any cultivar. Plants attain a height of about 6'. Also sold as ‘Black Beauty’. ‘Simplex’ is a mixture of colors on 4–5' tall stems. Double and semi-double flowers Chaters Double Hybrids occur in a range of colors. Each double flower resembles a ruffled peony. Plants with single colors include ‘Chaters Pink’, ‘Chaters Scarlet’, ‘Chaters Purple’, ‘Chaters White’, and ‘Chaters Yellow’. ‘Majorette’ has semi-double lacy flowers on 3' tall stems. ‘Nigrita’ has dark, almost purple-red double flowers.

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‘Pinafore’ is more branched and compact than other cultivars and bears semidouble flowers in numerous colors. Plants are 3–4' tall. ‘Powder Puffs’ grow 6–8' tall and produce 4" wide fully double flowers in white, yellow, rose, and red. ‘Summer Carnival’ is a mixture of colors with double blooms on 21⁄2–3' tall plants. Alternative species Alcea rugosa (Russian hollyhock), with its classical nature and resistance to hollyhock rust, is increasingly popular. The large single flowers are pale yellow, and the leaves are deeply five-lobed. The 5–6' tall stems are hairy all over.

Althaea, also known as hollyhock, is often confused with Alcea, for obvious reasons. Most of the ornamental hollyhocks belong to Alcea. The flowers of Althaea are smaller (seldom exceeding 11⁄2" wide) and usually rose or rose-pink, occasionally white. While not as flashy as Alcea, they are useful for naturalistic plantings. Approximately twelve species are known, the 3–5' tall Althaea officinalis, which has small rose, pink, or white flowers, is best known. The roots of this species were the original source of marshmallows. Additional reading Ganter, Mary N. 1996. Hollyhocks, the straight skinny. Flower and Garden 40(4): 24–26. Lee, Rand B. 1998. A feast of mallows. American Cottage Gardener 5(3):5–7.

Allamanda (a la man′ da)

Apocynaceae

These wonderful tropical South American vines for indoor and outdoor enjoyment rapidly cover pergolas, pillars, and fences once temperatures warm up. Approximately twelve species are known, all with whorled leaves, entire margins, and showy flowers. People who encounter Allamanda often confuse it with Mandevilla: both are summer-flowering and usually found covering some mailbox or other. In general, leaves of Mandevilla are more shiny, not as vigorous, and usually bear flowers in shades of red or purple. The common flower colors of Allamanda are yellow or gold, although one species produces burgundy flowers. For those who must be absolutely sure, check the stamens. They are united with the stigma in Mandevilla, separate from the stigma in Allamanda. Tedious but effective.

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-cathartica (ka thar′ tih ka) summer



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golden trumpet golden yellow

vine South America

These vigorous plants reach heights of 50' in their native habitats, but in most parts of this country, the untropical climate renders these vines a little less vigorous. Leaves occur in whorls of three to four, each leaf growing about 5" long and 1" wide, with a pointed tip and somewhat wavy margin. The leaves are smooth except on the veins beneath. The foliage is reasonably handsome, but it is the flowers that keep gardeners coming back. They occur in summer in fewflowered inflorescences at the ends of branches. The sepals occur in five unequal lobes, and the petals are golden yellow with white markings in the throat. The mouths of the flowers are up to 5" in diameter, which then taper to a long cylindrical tube. Fertilize regularly, place in consistently moist soils in full sun. Tie around a strong structure and enjoy the flowers all summer. Take cuttings, or dig plants up in the fall if they must be overwintered. To overwinter, cut back the dug-up plant, place in a container in bright light, and allow the plant to remain on the dry side. Temperatures should remain above 45°F. Plants should be pruned to two or three fat, vigorous shoots prior to replanting. Unless a greenhouse or sun room is available, it makes more sense to purchase plants again in the spring. CULTIVARS

‘Flore Plena’ is characterized by the double golden yellow flowers. More interesting than handsome—why mess up the beautiful single flowers normally offered? ‘Grandiflora’ (var. grandiflora) has thin wiry stems and 4" wide lemon-yellow flowers. ‘Hendersonii’ (var. hendersonii) has thick leathery leaves and abundant 4–5" wide flowers. The entire plant is smooth. ‘Williamsii’ (var. williamsii) has 2–3" wide yellow flowers with a reddish brown throat. The stems and the leaves are pubescent. Alternative species Allamanda violacea (syn. A. blanchetii; purple allamanda) is less vigorous than A. cathartica and is considered a weak climber. The 3–4" wide leaves are whorled in fours and are obviously pointed. The flowers are also 3–4" wide and rosy purple, darker in the throat. ‘Chocolate Cherry’ offers flowers in the burgundy and wine range, with a brownish throat.

Alocasia (al o kay′ see a)

elephant ear

Araceae

The desire for big and tropical has brought the diverse plants of this genus to America. The seventy species show a terrific amount of variability, but they are all characterized by long sheathed petioles, arising from a tuber or rhizome,

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that carry the large leaves. Leaves may be blotched or mottled, or the veins and midrib may be brightly colored, but subtle they are not. The leaves are usually peltate, at least when plants are young, but the peltate characteristic is less obvious as the plants mature. The flowers are typical aroid flowers, with a narrow spadix surrounded by a white- to cream-colored spathe. If the plant ever flowers, look at the spadix: you will notice the female flowers on the bottom of the cylinder, a row or two of odd-looking flowers called staminodes, then the male flowers above those. In most spadixes, there is also an essentially sterile area at the top. Interesting for the morbidly curious, and fascinating for the botanically hungry. But make no mistake about it: plants are garden-grown for the leaves, not the flowers. When these plants first sprang upon the landscape market, gardeners and the occasional grower wanted to know how to tell Alocasia from the closely related Colocasia. The name Alocasia is simply a variant of Colocasia—and if they borrowed each other’s name, they are closely related indeed. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to tell them apart. Two subtle differences do occur in the flower: the position of the ovules in Alocasia are basal but are borne on the side of the ovary in Colocasia; and the sterile section one can see at the top of the spadix in Alocasia is absent in Colocasia. Now such characteristics might help a taxonomist, but in my garden, these suckers never flower, so what am I supposed to look at? I look at the mature leaves. They are always peltate in Colocasia but less so in Alocasia. Not much to go on, but as I said, there is no easy way. After a while, one simply memorizes one’s favorites and, like a pro, bids neighbors, “Come see my magnificent alocasia.” Quick guide to Alocasia species A. cuprea A. macrorrhiza A. micholitziana

-cuprea (kew pree′ a) summer

Height 3' 10' 3'

Leaf color glossy green green dark green

Leaf margin entire undulate undulate

copper alocasia purple to green spathe

2–4'/3' Borneo, Malaya

The foliage of copper alocasia is among the most beautiful in the genus, resembling burnished metal. Two-foot-long petioles hold the oval, pointed leaf blades. The thick leaves are about 18" long and 12" wide, dark metallic green on the upper surface, and deep purple beneath, and puckered along the prominent veins. The upper lobes are almost united, forming a notched leaf base, accentuating the peltate nature. But it is the broad heavily shaded (almost black) midrib and arched silvery veins that make the plant so appealing. Partial shade.

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-macrorrhiza (ma kro ri′ za) summer

elephant ear green to light yellow spathe

8–12'/4' India, Malaya

Among the larger species in the genus, Alocasia macrorrhiza has for centuries been cultivated in the tropics for its large edible rhizome (macrorrhiza means “large root”) and shoots. In the ornamental garden, plants can grow up to 15' tall in areas of high heat and humidity; in most areas of the country, 6–8' is usual. Unlike most alocasias, this species can make a significant stem, up to 6' in height. The leaf blades are 5–6' long and 3–4' wide, in the shape of an arrowhead (sagittate), with the short lobes pointing up. They are peltate only when plants are young. The margins of these huge bright green leaves are somewhat wavy, and the conspicuous midrib is broad and depressed. The nine to twelve pairs of veins may be green or white, and blotches of color often occur between the veins in named cultivars. Elephant ears must be placed in full sun; anything less results in long stretched petioles that are insufficiently strong to support the large leaves. Hardy in zone 9. Propagate by division, but use strong equipment—a kitchen knife won’t do it. 10 Points Checklist Colour 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 OK


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CULTIVARS

‘Black Stem’ offers purple petioles. ‘Variegata’, the most common cultivar, bears leaves with areas of dark green, gray-green, and ivory. Each leaf is a little different; some may be almost totally white. The petioles are longitudinally striped with green and white. ‘Violacea’ has violet-tinged leaves.

-micholitziana (mich o litz ee a′ na) summer

wavy alocasia greenish spathe

2–4'/2' Philippines

A far more refined plant than Alocasia macrorrhiza, this species bears narrow sagittate leaves with obvious wavy margins. The soft-textured leaves are rich green above and dull green below, showing off clean white to cream veins. The petioles are marbled with brown or purple. Plants are more useful for smaller gardens, growing only to about 3', although more vigor is seen in warmer summers. Primitive and sophisticated at the same time. Plants were named for W. Micholitz, who collected in Southeast Asia for the British nursery owned by Henry Sander (1847–1920). Full sun, consistently moist soils. CULTIVARS

‘Maxkowskii’, a more common form, has broader and darker leaves than the species (some say they are almost black). The velvety leaves are less wavy and heart-shaped, with non-marbled petioles. Their beauty lies in the wonderful stylized pure white veins which contrast beautifully with the rest of the leaf blade. Also sold as ‘African Mask’, ‘Green Velvet’, and ‘Green Goddess’.

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Alocasia macrorrhiza


ALOCASIA

CHRIS JOHNSON

Alternative species Alocasia odora is similar to A. macrorrhiza and often confused in the trade. It may be distinguished by its consistently peltate leaves, which are held stiffly upright. Plants may even be a little larger than A. macrorrhiza. No cultivars are known. Alocasia plumbea (black taro) is also similar to A. macrorrhiza, but its vegetative parts are colored or tinged purple. ‘Metallica’ has leaves with a purple sheen, ‘Nigra’ bears dark green, almost black, leaves, and ‘Rubra’ produces leaves tinged with red. Plants grow 2–3' tall. Alocasia zebrina (zebra taro), related to A. cuprea, has triangular green leaves above and beneath, and grows to 3' in height. It is easy to identify because of the pale green and purple stripes on the petioles. ‘Glaucous’ has blue-green foliage. Extraordinary.

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Quick key to Alocasia species AA. Leaf blades 2–4' long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. macrorrhiza AA. Leaf blades 12') but are better behaved in temperate gardens. The terminal inflorescences are up to 2' long; the showy part is the bright red bracts, which surround the small white flowers. In northern gardens, flowering probably won’t occur, however, and plants should be enjoyed for the tropical look of the foliage, rather than the flowers. The glossy green leaves, which can be up to 3' long and 6" wide, are borne at right angles to the reed-like stems and have a distinctly lighter-colored midrib. Place in full sun, provide lots of water. Propagate by division or from young plantlets formed in the inflorescence. Most plants in the trade are raised through tissue culture. CULTIVARS

‘Dwarf Pink’ is a more dwarf form, growing only 3–4' tall and bearing light pink inflorescences. ‘Fire and Ice’ has pink and white inflorescences. ‘Fireball’ bears red and white flowers. ‘Hot Pink’ grows to full height with bright pink inflorescences. ‘Jungle Queen’ bears pale pink, almost white inflorescences. ‘Pink Ginger’ is 6–7' tall with pink inflorescences. ‘Tahitian Ginger’ has short, fat inflorescences of a darker red.

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-zerumbet (ze rum′ bet) late summer

shell ginger white

4–6'/3' east Asia

The 2' long lanceolate leaves have hairy margins and are sessile. The flowers are pendulous from the leaf axils and consist of pink bract-like structures around white flowers. The flowers are noticeably fragrant but will probably not be appreciated except in a greenhouse or conservatory, north of zone 8. In the tropics, plants can reach a height of 12', with 1' long inflorescences. In temperate climates, 4–6' is more common. I include this species only for its variegated leaf form, which is an exceptional plant for the landscape. CULTIVARS

‘Variegata’ has wonderful dark green leaves with bright yellow bands or stripes. The best of all alpinias for temperate gardens, it grows about 3' tall. Excellent for the tropical look that is pleasing to the eye even without the whitish flowers.

Alpinia galanga (ga lan′ ga; Thai spice ginger) is well known in Asia, particularly Thailand, where its rhizomes (sold as galangel, Laos root, and Siamese ginger) are used in cooking. The 5–7' tall plant, a relative of A. purpurata, produces small pale yellow flowers with maroon stripes on 12" long inflorescences. Reasonably cold hardy, it flowers after frosts. Hardy to zone 8, perhaps to zone 7. Alpinia japonica is related to A. zerumbet. Best known for the cultivar ‘Kinisiana’ (peppermint stick), plants bear long wavy leaves that are markedly hairy on the undersides. The flowers are held in spikes and consist of red and white peppermint flowers. They grow to about 2' tall in shade. Additional reading Chapman, Timothy. 1995. Ornamental Gingers. 6920 Bayou Paul Rd., St. Gabriel, LA 70776. San Felasco Nurseries: www.sanfelasco.com Stokes Tropicals: www.stokestropicals.com Wight Nurseries of North Carolina: www.wightnurseries.com

Alternanthera (al ter nan′ the ra)

calico plant

Amaranthaceae

The approximately 200 species of this rather nondescript genus occur in an amazing diversity of habitat in tropical and subtropical America. Included in this number are “normal” garden plants as well as the invasive aquatic species, Alternanthera philoxeroides (alligator weed). With that many species, it is a cinch that one or two of them will be useful as landscape subjects. Alternantheras were popular in Victorian times, when formal gardens demanded plants which could be shaped and clipped to within 6" of the ground. The most common

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species is the low-growing A. ficoidea (fih koy′ dee a), which is grown for its variously colored leaves. Other species found in the trade are A. bettzichiana, which is similar to A. ficoidea, and A. dentata, a highly useful species with sprawling and upright forms. The generic name was suggested by the alternately arranged anthers inside the small flowers. Quick guide to Alternanthera species A. bettzichiana A. dentata A. ficoidea

Habit edging, shaping sprawling to upright edging, shaping

-dentata (den ta′ ta) all season

Height 9–24" 1–3' 6–9"

Use formal design, container garden, container formal design, container

upright calico plant foliage

1–3'/2' West Indies


Historically plants in the genus have been thought of as edging, shaping plants, but Alternanthera dentata has strong upright to pendulous stems and is quite useful as a garden plant or in large containers, complementing other annuals or perennials. The stems bear linear to lanceolate leaves, 3–4" long and 2" wide, either rounded or coming to a point at the base. In the species, the leaves are dark green, pale green beneath, and slightly dentate; in selections, however, leaves are often entire, particularly those of the purple-leaved forms. The white to greenish flowers occur in short spikes in the leaf axils. Full sun, well-drained soils. Propagate by two- or three-node cuttings. CULTIVARS


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‘Gail’s Choice’ was discovered by Gail Kahle of Plano, Texas. Plants are dwarf (12" tall, usually 2–3', stems sprawling or upright . . . . . A. dentata Additional reading Shi, W. X., and X. C. Wang. 1990. The Purifying Efficiency and Mechanism of Aquatic Plants in Ponds. Pergamon Press, New York.

Amaranthus (a ma ran′ thus)

amaranth

Amaranthaceae

This genus of sixty widely distributed species is probably best known for the omnipresent red root pigweed, Amaranthus retroflexus, and some of the tumbleweeds, such as A. albus, that spread eastward with the railroads. Some of the most exotic-looking greenhouse and garden plants can be found under this genus. To many, “exotic” is a euphemism for “weird” and “ugly,” and these plants have seldom been accused of being pretty. Some of the gaudiest cultivated forms, particularly varieties of A. tricolor, are favorites of municipal plantings and landscape islands, and their flowers and foliage are seldom passed without comment. The pendulous forms, such as A. caudatus, are generally seen in conservatories or botanical gardens but are also useful for hanging baskets. The young leaves of many species enjoy a culinary reputation, especially those of red root pigweed, while the young foliage of Amaranthus caudatus, A. tricolor, and A. cruentus are widely cultivated in tropical zones as leaf vegetables.

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Amaranthus caudatus

CHRIS JOHNSON



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Quick guide to Amaranthus species A. caudatus A. cruentus A. hypochondriacus A. tricolor

Flowers drooping drooping to erect erect erect

-caudatus (kaw′ da tus) summer



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Flower color red red red colors from upper leaves

Height up to 4' in baskets 3–6' 3–6' 1–2'

love-lies-bleeding, tassel flower 3–5'/1–2' red Peru, Africa, India

As an eight-year-old boy, I remember seeing screaming red pigtails hanging down from a large container, and I thought they looked kind of violent. Then I read the common name and knew I was not too far off the mark. I said to myself, “Who would name a plant love-lies-bleeding?” It was a very bad day for either the explorer or a country western singer. Plants grow 2–6' tall with oval, pointed leaves, 3–5" wide, and drooping spikes of blood-red flowers that resemble knotted strands of rope. The spikes are terminal or in the leaf axils and may extend 1' or so in length. Most of the time, they are planted in baskets to show off the drooping flower strands, and in that case, the plants themselves become pendulous, rather than growing upright. The hanging tassels are useful as cut flowers, adding colorful flowers and foliage to many a tired bouquet. The flowers also dry well, so the tassels may be enjoyed for months on end. Full sun to partial shade. If you use baskets, which tend to dry out, place the basket in morning sun and afternoon shade. Rich soils are not necessary, but fertilizing at half strength at least twice during the season insures the plants will remain leafy and not yellow out. Plants are better in the North than in the South, where the heat and humidity combine to shorten their ornamental effectiveness. Keep the container moist. Propagate by two-node cuttings or by seed. Germinate at approximately 72°F under mist or in a sweat tent. Seeds germinate in two to three weeks. Barely cover seeds, as they germinate better when exposed to light. CULTIVARS

‘Green Thumb’ has vivid green flowers. Similar to ‘Viridis’ but a brighter green. ‘Love-Lies-Bleeding’ is a name given to all plants with long (up to 2') drooping blood-red tassels and dark green leaves. ‘Summer Love’ is a dwarf form, growing only about 15" tall, with 4–8" long pink tassels. ‘Viridis’ has the same flower form as ‘Summer Love’, but the flowers are chartreuse-green. Not as colorful but equally effective.

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-hypochondriacus (hi po kon dree a′ kus) summer

red

prince’s feather 3–6'/3' Mexico, India, China

These spectacular, colorful plants show off both foliage and flowers during the summer, and under cool summer conditions, remain colorful until frost. Amaranthus hypochondriacus (syn. A. erythostachys) is known as prince’s feather, and individual selections are also sold under that name, despite the range of variability in flower and foliage at both levels. These are upright, architectural garden plants, with dark green foliage that is sometimes deeply flushed purple. The deep crimson axillary flower spikes stand upright above the foliage, like popping fireworks. You cover your ears when you see them. As garish as these plants are, they are more graceful than love-lies-bleeding. Place in full sun. Pinch in early spring to encourage branching prior to flowering; fertilize occasionally with half-strength fertilizer in mid summer. Propagate by seed or terminal cuttings. CULTIVARS

-tricolor (tri′ kul er) all season

joseph’s coat, tampala, Chinese spinach foliage

1–3'/1' Indonesia

If you look up the word “gaudy” in an illustrated dictionary, selections of this plant will likely be pictured as examples. That is the neat thing about gardening: there is room for all tastes. Plants are erect, with alternate oval leaves 8–10" long and about 3" wide. The 1" long flower spikes are found in most of the leaf axils but are insignificant compared to the uppermost foliage. In the species, the upper leaves are deeper green or purple, but selections have so expanded the color range that well-grown plants are visible to onlookers speeding by at 55 mph, hanging out the window. Plant in full sun in the North; a little afternoon shade does not hurt in the South. Plants are like fireworks, bursting forth in a dazzling display of color but rapidly fading when afternoon rains appear. Summer rain and humidity result in short seasons; heat without humidity is seldom a problem, however, and the fireworks are tremendous while the show goes on! Most purchased plants are propagated from seed, and occasionally seed of good selections is offered for sale. Sow at 75°F; germination will take eight to ten days. May also be propagated from terminal cuttings. CULTIVARS

‘Aurora’ is 4–5' tall and has spectacular creamy yellow uppermost leaves. A 55-mph plant, easily seen from a distance. ‘Early Splendor’ bears bright crimson uppermost leaves and bronze bottom foliage. ‘Flaming Fountain’ has thin willow-like leaves of carmine, crimson, and bronze.

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‘Illumination’ almost looks like a poinsettia, with large orange to scarlet upper leaves with golden centers. The lower leaves are green to bronze. ‘Intense Purple’ is just that, with leaves veined deep purple to red and intense red-purple tassels. ‘Molten Fire’ has a scarlet growing center over green to bronze leaves. ‘Splendens’ is among the most colorful, if not the showiest, cultivars; the leaves are deep red, those uppermost a brilliant light red. An even more exotic blend is ‘Splendens Tricolor’, whose uppermost leaves combine red and gold in a gaudy but not uninteresting combination; also sold as ‘Splendens Perfecta’. Alternative species



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Amaranthus cruentus (purple amaranth, red amaranth) is similar enough to also be called prince’s feather, but in the name of clarity, that name should be associated only with A. hypochondriacus. The leaves are smooth above, coarsely hairy beneath, and the sharp apex usually terminates in a soft “spine.” The flowers are greenish red and droop from the leaf axils. Taxonomy on the genus is terribly mixed up, and this plant has been called A. paniculatus, A. hybridus, and a few others. Full sun. ‘Bronze Standard’ has bronze flower spikes and deep green foliage. ‘Foxtail’ carries long deep red spike-like racemes of flowers over bronze foliage. Plants grow 2–3' tall. ‘Hot Biscuits’ is a favorite of mine, among the neatest plants I have seen. The plants grow 5–6' tall, and the 2' plumes of earthy cinnamon-feathered flowers are exceptional. ‘Komo’ is completely burgundy-colored, growing 5–6' tall. Outstanding! ‘Oeschberg’ grows to 6' in height, with dark scarlet flower spikes. ‘Red Cathedral’ is 4–5' tall with bronze-red leaves and large flowers of shocking burgundy. Quick key to Amaranthus species AA. Flower clusters small, color coming from uppermost leaves . . . A. tricolor AA. Flowers in large spikes or panicles, erect or pendulous BB. Plant 3–6' tall, flowers in panicles CC. Flowers erect in broad panicles . . . . . . . . . . . A. hypochondriacus CC. Flowers erect to drooping, not as broad . . . . . . . . . . A. cruentus BB. Flowers in long narrow drooping spikes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. caudatus

Ammi (a′ mee)

Apiaceae

I attended a wedding recently and did what all dads with twenty-year-old daughters do: took notes. The wedding was lovely, the bride was crying and the groom was clueless—all was normal. Later in the reception hall, I met some of my students, and we immediately had a quiz on the flowers in the arrangements. That is what gardeners do at weddings. The yellow sunflowers, the deep green fennel,

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and the mums were beautifully set off by some airy white flowers that looked like the roadside flower, queen anne’s lace (Daucus carota). Surprise, surprise, most of my students knew we were looking at false queen anne’s lace, Ammi majus. The arrival of the happy bride and groom, and the smell of cooked meatballs, pulled us from our plant reveries of roadside look-alikes. Every now and then plants appear under the name of bishop’s flower, but that name is better reserved for the common perennial Aegopodium podagraria. The genus has been studied extensively, particularly in pharmaceutical circles. Numerous flavonols, alkaloids (some poisonous to livestock), and cumarins have been isolated from leaves and fruit of Ammi majus. The fruit of A. visnaga contains visnadine, which affects peripheral and coronary vasodilator activity and has been used in the treatment of angina pectoris. Ammi majus is usually grown by cut flower growers, appearing at the florist’s after harvest, but it can just as easily attain its 2–3' of height in the garden. The leaves are pinnately compound, and the flowers are white and umbrella-like, similar to those of queen anne’s lace but larger (4–6" wide). The foliage is more open and delicate, and the leaves are smaller and less coarse. It is as adaptable to Alabama as to Arizona. When cutting the stems, use gloves and long sleeves. The sap of the cut stems may result in contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Plant in full sun. Propagate by seed (chill seed at 40–45°F for one to two weeks prior to sowing). Probably less than 50% of the seeds will germinate, but seedlings will appear in one to two weeks. They may be sown in the garden in the fall and will emerge in early spring. CULTIVARS

‘Queen of Africa’ is 3–4' tall but otherwise differs little from the species. ‘Snowflake’ has 2–3" wide flowers and grows 3' tall. ‘White Dill’ bears flowers that are slightly whiter than A. majus. Alternative species Ammi visnaga (green mist) is a much bigger, coarser, and, in my opinion, more beautiful form than false queen anne’s lace. The chartreuse flowers open slowly and are outstanding in the garden. Flowers are useful as cuts as well. Difficult to locate but well worth the search. Additional reading Armitage, Allan M. 1993. Specialty Cut Flowers. Timber Press, Portland, Ore.

Ammobium (a mo′ bee um)

winged everlasting

Asteraceae

Another of the many genera of everlasting flowers. The only species in commerce is Ammobium alatum, easily distinguished from other everlastings (see at Helipterum) by its winged stems. Plants are native to eastern Australia, and do

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well only in warm areas with cool nights and a minimum of afternoon rains. Although they can be as handsome in the garden as they are in the arrangement, they are mainly grown so that their flowers may be cut and dried. When cut and hung to dry, every part of the flower dries perfectly, and they persist forever in the vase. Cut the stems before the flowers are fully expanded. The leaves, which look a little like a dandelion’s, are basal or alternate; they are about 6" long and 2" wide, with apices as sharp as a javelin’s point. In early to mid summer, weird winged flower stems arise like David Copperfield from the haze. The white flowers are about 11⁄ 2" across and characterized by dry, chaffy silvery bracts. If the stems are cut, additional wings will take flight—no need to fear a shortage of flowers for the garden or the vase. Full sun, propagate by seed. Seed can be germinated in the spring at 72–75°F under mist or high humidity conditions. It can also be sown directly outdoors in the spring. Although commonly grown as annuals, plants can be treated as biennials by sowing seeds outdoors in late summer and early fall. Plants fare better in the North than in the South, where high heat and humidity, combined with afternoon rains, result in significant disease problems. 10 Points Checklist Colour 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 OK


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‘Bikini’ bears white flowers 3⁄4" wide with yellow centers. Plants are only about 15" tall and quite useful for the smaller garden.

Anagallis (a na ga′ lis)

pimpernel

Primulaceae

Now here is a plant we could all use, particularly on Mondays. The generic name comes from the Greek, anagelao (“to laugh”); plants were thought to possess the ability to dispel sadness. When I see a good basket of pimpernel in the garden, I am ecstatic. Works for me. Only two or three of the approximately twenty known species of Anagallis are ever seen in American gardens, and even they are not common.

-monellii (mon el′ ee i) summer

blue pimpernel blue

1–2'/2' Mediterranean

The free-branching plants are especially useful for containers and baskets, with long angled stems flowing up, out, and over. The ovate to elliptical leaves are opposite, occasionally whorled, and entire, about 1" long and not as wide. The small dark blue flowers (ca. 1⁄2" wide) are borne in the upper axils of the plants and consist of five rounded petals and five small sepals. Flowers are generally tinged with a little red. The plants used in American gardens are sometimes seen in rock gardens or other well-drained areas but also in containers and baskets. Plant in full sun in the North, afternoon shade in the South. Provide consistent moisture, but not wet soils, for best performance. Propagate named cultivars by terminal cuttings, species by seed (bottom heat and humidity are useful).

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‘African Sunset’ is vigorous and bears flowers of brilliant blue. ‘Blue Light’ grows vigorously and flowers well. Similar to ‘Skylover’. ‘Skylover’, the most common cultivar, is used almost exclusively in containers. The plants are self-branching and make large plants over time. The 1" wide flowers are blue with violet-pink centers. Plants have done well in trials around the country and can be recommended for long flowering times and handsome flowers. Alternative species

alkanet

Boraginaceae

Few of the approximately thirty known species of this genus are suitable for the garden. All these are biennials or short-lived (two or three years) perennials and provide flowers in the blue range, a color effect that is often difficult to find in the spring and summer garden. Members of Anchusa are characterized by alternate leaves, hairy stems, and a scorpioid cyme (flowers arranged together in the shape of a scorpion’s tail). The best known is the perennial A. azurea (Italian alkanet), but at least one annual form is also available.

-capensis (ka pen′ sis) spring, summer

annual alkanet lavender, blue

1–3'/1' South Africa

I brought back some seeds of this biennial from England a few years ago and put them by the entrance of the UGA Horticulture Gardens. A few leaves and some flowers in blue and pink hues came up that first year, but since other flowers covered them up, I hardly remembered they were there. The second year’s leaves, however, appeared in very early spring and soon gave way to long stems with beautiful gentian-blue to pink flowers. Plants grow to 2' tall with 4–6" long alternate, hairy, linear to lanceolate leaves. The flowers are numerous and occur in compound inflorescences in spring and early summer. After flowering, small fruit is formed, which releases many seeds. Seedlings will appear in fall or early spring, and flowering will occur the same year. Plants persist longer in cool than in warm climes. I am sowing more seeds, since those original plants were mistaken for weeds by one of my students and received a lethal dose of herbicide. We washed,

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Anagallis arvensis (common pimpernel; scarlet pimpernel) is trailing, with branches growing out and long. A European field weed, it is seldom thought of as an ornamental plant for the garden. The flowers, which tend to close at the approach of bad weather, were known as poor man’s weatherglass. The small flowers are usually scarlet, sometimes white, but in var. caerulea, the flowers are sky blue and similar to A. monellii. Plants are best used for baskets.

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scrubbed, and provided life support as soon as we discovered the error, but plants succumbed nevertheless. Lesson learned, life goes on. Full sun, propagate by seed. CULTIVARS

‘Blue Angel’ has dark blue to ultramarine flowers on 9–12" tall plants. ‘Blue Bird’ is about 18" tall and bears dark blue flowers. A 1935 All-America Selection. ‘Dawn’ is a mixture of pink, white, and blue flowers on 18–24" tall plants. ‘Pink Bird’ is about 18" tall and has pink flowers.

Angelica (an jel′ ih ka)



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Apiaceae

These biennials are better known for their angelic medicinal properties (from which the generic name comes) than as ornamental garden plants. The fifty or so species are found in the northern United States and Canada, Japan, and Europe. In general, they are tall, stout, and at home in semi-shaded moist areas. The leaves are ternate (in threes) to pinnate, and the petioles are usually sheathed around the stem. The available garden forms are impressive but often short-lived. Quick guide to Angelica species A. archangelica A. gigas

Height 5–6' 3–5'

-archangelica (ar kan jel′ ih ka) early summer

Flower color creamy white purple wild parsnip creamy white

5–6'/4' Europe, Asia

Say the name Angelica archangelica a few times and it begins to take on poetic qualities of its own. The specific name came from the archangel Raphael. The plant has been cultivated for generations in Asia and Europe for its confectionery properties and as a vegetable. The stems and petioles may be candied or crystallized, and the young shoots can be prepared as you would asparagus, or cooked with rhubarb to reduce the tartness. But don’t let your taste (or lack thereof) for rhubarb limit the use of this plant! As a cultivated plant, it lends a stateliness of its own to the garden. The large flat, creamy white to greenish compound umbels are handsome enough, but the resulting seed heads can be absolutely majestic. These large plants can take over an area and will reseed if allowed to do so. Plants are monocarpic, meaning they die after seeding. Some gardeners have found that removing the flowers before they go to seed increases the chance of perennialization. Seedlings require two years to flower. They can be grown as biennials as far north as zone 5.

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-gigas (jee′ gas) late summer,

purple parsnip fall purple

3–5'/4' Japan, Korea, China

This large coarse plant, introduced to this country from Korea by Barry Yinger, is no longer a rarity in American nurseries. An exciting biennial plant for the late summer and fall garden, it never fails to draw attention when in flower. The light green leaves are attached to the thick stems with inflated purple sheaths. The flowers are deep purple, in umbels 3–4" across. The drying seed heads are as magical as those of Angelica archangelica. The plant is tolerant of shade, but the dark flowers get lost if the shade is too heavy. Plants love moisture and will be stunted in dry summers. They will self-sow in favorable conditions and may be considered “perennial” biennials. Seed-grown plants generally require two years before flowering. In the shaded Armitage garden, plants were magnificent in June and July, although the seed heads never developed as well as I would have liked. The quality of the seed heads increases with sunny areas, cool night temperatures, and low humidity. First-year plants overwinter in zone 5, occasionally zone 4, but this species is often treated as an annual. 10 Points Checklist Colour 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 OK


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Quick key to Angelica species AA. Petioles tinged purple, flowers deep purple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. gigas AA. Petioles not tinged purple, flowers creamy white to greenish white . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. archangelica

Angelonia (an jel o′ nee a)

summer snapdragon

Scrophulariaceae

Plants are native to tropical and subtropical areas, where they are often cultivated as perennials or subshrubs. They are found wild in damp areas of the savannah and other open places, and although they naturalize in damp areas, they are quite drought-tolerant. The genus has become popular throughout the United States for its upright form, lovely long flower stems, and seasonlong flowering. Of the thirty species, only Angelonia angustifolia has received significant breeding or attention in the commercial world. The leaves are simple, opposite, and usually entire. The flowers are lipped and remind some people of small snapdragons; this look, combined with their heat tolerance, has provided a common name for the entire genus.

-angustifolia (an gus tih fo′ lee a) all season

summer snapdragon 2–4'/2' blue, purple Central America

I first saw this plant in 1994, in landscape containers designed by Kathy Pufahl. This fine grower had picked up some seed and produced a few plants at her Long Island nursery, Beds and Borders; the color she had planted was a handsome bicolor, and it looked great. I noted its snapdragon-like appearance and how well it handled the summertime heat, and I bet I showed that plant in

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dozens of lectures and seminars around the country. Mostly I received vacant stares—until the spring of 1997, when Kathy’s vision sprang on the retail scene in certain locations like a cheetah on the hunt. As we speak, availability is increasing. This is a no-brainer. Find it, grow it. I have no problem with summer snapdragon as a common name, but Angelonia angustifolia rolls so sweetly off the tongue, we don’t really need one. I’m sure someone will insult our intelligence and make up a four- or five-letter common name (watch out for “angel flower”), in the belief that anything with more than six letters can’t be pronounced by the gardening public. The alternate leaves work their way up the stems, and the inflorescences (flower stems) are made up of about a dozen individual lipped flowers, 1" wide. Their heat tolerance is welcome throughout the country, and their drought tolerance too is appreciated. They reach 3' in height, depending on cultivar and amount of heat; they can sprawl but require no staking. Plants are useful in the garden bed as well as in containers. They are not particularly adaptable to baskets. Full sun, well-drained soils for best performance; plants are otherwise reasonably trouble free. Cutting back of spent flowers is not necessary, and plants will continue to flower under sunny warm conditions. Place on 9–12" centers in the landscape; plants fill in two to three weeks after planting, depending on temperatures. They work in garden situations but do even better in large patio containers. Their biggest problem is that they may be too vigorous and may require a serious cutback during the summer. They associate well with grayleaved plants, such as dusty miller, lamb’s ears, or silver plectranthus. The blue forms look outstanding with yellow marigolds or lantanas, the whites with almost anything. My good friend and fine author Suzanne Bales brings them into her home. “They have a soft scent,” she says, “and are wonderful as a cut flower, where they can be viewed up close.” Plants can be propagated by terminal cuttings, but virus has been a major problem with the genus, particularly in the bicolor forms. Buying greenhousegrown material in the spring from reputable sources is the best bet. No seed is available. CULTIVARS

‘Alba’ is a white-flowered form, highly diverse but not as vigorous as the blue forms. Angel Mist series, a Ball Seed Co. introduction, offers upright vigorous plants in blue, purple, pink, bicolor, and white. The best news about this series is that plants are virus indexed and clean, which greatly reduces the possibility of spreading virus around the garden. ‘Blue Pacific’ has been around the longest, with its long spikes of blue and white flowers. Similar to ‘Hilo Princess’. ‘Light Blue’ bears the prettiest flowers in a light blue. Plants are bushy and more compact. ‘Mandiana Blue’ is a vigorous well-branched lavender-blue form. ‘Pandiana’ has light pink flowers on 3' tall stems. Excellent for cut flowers.

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Princess series is made up of three cultivars, all of which are 2–3' tall and bloom all summer. ‘Hilo Princess’ bears blue to purple flowers; ‘Pink Princess’ provides pink flowers and is among the tallest of the genus; ‘Tiger Princess’ is a lanky lavender-blue and white bicolor. ‘Purple’ has also graced our shores for some time. Purple flowers are held on vigorous, well-branched plants. Additional reading Armitage, Allan M. 1997. Angelonia. Greenhouse Grower 15(12):79–80.

Malvaceae

What does one do with nineteen species of African mallow, mostly from the Cape Province of South Africa? The answer is, not much. Gardeners have blissfully ignored the genus, characterized by its three-lobed leaves and mallow-like flowers. No species are common in gardens in North America, but Anisodontea ×hypomandarum (hybrid African mallow) is finding its way here and there. It is a vigorous shrub but not sufficiently cold hardy; plants die to the ground (may return zone 7 and higher), and gardeners have to start all over again. This is not a bad thing, as these plants can easily rise to 5' in height and 3–4' wide. The three-lobed leaves are 1–2" long and toothed. The pink to rose flowers have darker veins and are produced in the upper axils. They are only about 1" wide and are generally borne singly (sometimes in groups of two or three). Plants look particularly good when grown as standards, that is, training the plant to a single stem and then pinching at 3–4' to make a bush at the top. Perhaps that sounds like too much trouble, but shaping the plant, at the very least, will keep it in bounds. A pinch or two will do the trick. Natural root stress will help contain the plant if it is grown in a container. Not useful for baskets. Full sun, propagate by cuttings or division. Alternative species Anisodontea capensis (ka pen′ sis) is woody at the base and grows to about 3' in height. Flowers are produced in a raceme and consist of pale to deep magenta petals with darker veins and a basal spot. Individual flowers are less than 1" wide. Full sun.

Anoda (a no′ da)

Malvaceae

This little-known genus consists of about ten species of annuals and perennials native to Central and South America. Of the ten species, Anoda cristata is becoming better known to American growers and gardeners. Before one gets too excited about this plant, it should be known that it is a problematic weed, par-

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ticularly troublesome in agricultural fields, where it reduces yields and costs hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost produce. Seed remains viable for many months, so the plant may be with you for a while. It is pretty, nevertheless, and the several excellent rediscovered selections have improved our perception of this annoying weed. Plants grow 2–3' tall and consist of variable triangular leaves, which are usually entire but may be coarsely toothed, and may or may not be lobed. The cupshaped flowers are held in the axils of the upper leaves and are usually solitary or in pairs. They are 1–2" wide and occur in lavender, white, or lavender-blue. If breeders can reduce the size of these plants, it is likely we will encounter them more frequently in garden centers. Full sun, propagate by seed. CULTIVARS

‘Opal Cup’ bears lavender-pink flowers with darker veins on 2–3' tall plants. ‘Snow Cup’ has white to alabaster white flowers. Also sold as ‘Silver Cup’ and ‘Snowdrop’.

Anoda wrightii is a 2–3' tall plant, bearing rough stems and cordate leaves. The yellow flowers are only 1⁄2–1" wide but bloom over a long period of time. ‘Butter Cup’ has butter-yellow flowers.

Antirrhinum (an tih ri′ num)

Scrophulariaceae

Although the common snapdragon, Antirrhinum majus, is by far the most common member of the genus, about forty species reside under the Antirrhinum banner. In general, the leaves are linear to lanceolate and usually alternate, although they may occasionally be opposite near the bottom of the stems. The flowers are usually held in terminal racemes and are characterized by upper and lower lips, which look like a snapping dragon.

-majus (may′ jus) cool seasons

snapdragon many colors

1–4'/1' Mediterranean

The snapdragon was a mainstay in great grandmother’s garden and will be in your grandson’s as well. Growing up in Montreal, my mother dutifully bought snapdragons at the corner market in the spring, and they flowered all summer. Then they got rust all over the leaves. I assumed that everyone put in snaps in the summer, and rust was just a leaf color. When I moved to balmy Michigan, I found the snaps were not doing as well in the heat of the summer there but still looked okay and still got rust. When we lived in north Georgia, people were planting them in the fall, to be enjoyed in the spring and early summer; in the summer, they were pulled out of the garden, as a humanitarian gesture. They didn’t get much rust in the South because they weren’t there at all.

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Snaps are said to be perennial in the North and, with good snow cover, may very well be. In Montreal, the rust took most of them out, and anyway, who wants to overwinter snapdragons when you can start fresh the next spring? But their cold tolerance has made them favorites in southern landscapes, where they complement pansies as fall-planted annuals. They don’t flower until early May when “perennialized,” but they are handsome in leaf during the winter. In Long Island, plants overwinter only in mild winters, but when they do, flowering is more robust. Plants have long narrow smooth leaves and lipped flowers held in a terminal raceme, but the size of flower, leaf, and plant varies significantly. Serious breeding efforts have been expended on snapdragons, and most garden plants are F1 hybrids, which provide vigor and uniformity of growth. Cultivars are 1–4' in height. Many of the taller forms have been bred for cut flower production, and large greenhouse ranges in North America, South America, and Europe produce hundreds of thousands of stems for floral work every week of the year. In the garden, a few large cultivars may also be found, which are useful as cut flowers for visitors or vases. Full sun, well-drained soils. Plant in the fall in zone 7 and south, in the spring in zone 7 and north. Rust is a fungal disease caused by Puccinia antirrihi, and its severity differs with cultivar and location. It occurs more frequently under cool moist conditions. Breeding for rust-resistant cultivars has helped a great deal, and providing sufficient spacing in the garden (at least 1' apart) adds the circulation that reduces rust’s incidence. Propagation by cuttings is not recommended because the fungi too will be propagated. Fungicides are also available. Propagate by seed, using bottom heat and high humidity. It makes far more sense, however, to purchase plants at the garden center each fall or spring. CULTIVARS

Most common bedding plants have been bred to within an inch of their lives, and in some cases, like geraniums and petunias, hundreds of named cultivars are available to the greenhouse grower. But remember: breeding is focused on improving seed quality and performance in the greenhouse; other objectives include compact height and reducing time on the greenhouse bench. These are all worthy objectives to the commercial grower, and bedding plants are far better than they were in 1990. Few of these breeding goals, however, significantly affect garden performance, and outdoor descriptions of many selections are similar. And, sadly, due to poor labeling in the retail outlets, it is difficult to find the cultivar of your choice anyway. It is ironic that breeding companies spend an average of seven years to get the next “great” named variety to the market, where it is sold merely as a generic color—a “red geranium.” My descriptions of common snapdragon cultivars are by necessity brief, and I may omit some well-known grower favorites. Tall forms (>30") ‘Madame Butterfly’ is a mixture of upright flower colors. The flowers are not as “lipped” as they are in common forms, bearing a closer resemblance to a butterfly than a snapping dragon.

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Intermediate forms (18–30") ‘Black Prince’ is among the finer cultivars I have tested. The leaves are almost black, and the flowers are crimson-red. Outstanding. ‘Brazilian Carnival’ is a mixture of bicolors, similar to the Princess series. Plants grow 21⁄2–3' tall. Crown series is quite beautiful, in about six colors and a mix. I think this could become a winner, although flowering is still a little late. About 20" tall. ‘Crown Pink Appleblossom’ is excellent. Freesong series is about 18" tall, with early flowering central spikes and good branching habit. Six colors and a mix have been developed. LaBella series is about 2' tall, with butterfly-like flowers that more closely resemble a large butterfly than the normal snapping dragon. A favorite of mine, an outstanding performer in the University of Georgia trials. Available in ten colors and a mix. Liberty series grows 21⁄ 2–3' tall, and the flower stems require no support. Among the best of all snapdragons in winter trials at the University of Georgia. Montego series is 14–18" tall in six colors. Princess series consists of intermediate to tall plants in unique bicolors. Each flower has two colors; one of my favorites is ‘Princess White with Purple Eye’. Sonnet series, among the best for garden and landscape, grows about 3' tall. Upright but not floppy, plants make good, if not the tallest, cut flowers as well. Available in nine colors and a mix. Plants are big enough for landscape plantings and also effective in large containers. Short forms (6–18") Bells series consists of open-flowered butterfly-type F1 hybrids (see ‘Madame Butterfly’ in the list of tall forms) that grow 10–12" tall in the garden. Sold in seven colors and a mix. Chandelier series followed the Lampion series. ‘Deep Pink’, ‘Lilac Blush’, ‘Lemon Blush’, ‘Pearl White’, ‘Primrose Vein’, ‘Rose Pink’, and ‘Yellow’ are among the selections, all carried over soft gray-green foliage. Excellent for baskets and containers. Chimes series consists of F1 hybrids with normal snapdragon flowers growing 9–12" tall. Bred in eight colors and a mix. Floral Carpet series is about 1' tall, available in six colors and a mix. ‘Rose Carpet’ was an All-America Selection in 1965. Useful as container items. Floral Showers series, another fine dwarf form, has been bred in thirteen colors and two mixes. ‘Floral Showers Bicolor’ and ‘Floral Showers Wine Bicolor’ received Fleuroselect awards, the European equivalent of All-America Selections, in 1998. Useful as container items.

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Panorama Mix, an F2 hybrid often seen in seed packages, occurs in a mix of colors. Plants grow about 3' tall. Rocket series is the most common tall form, growing 3–5' tall. Seed packages are available in seven colors (seldom available in the garden center) and a mix. This is the most popular cut flower form of snapdragon when grown outdoors.


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Antirrhinum hispanicum (his pa′ nih kum) and A. molle (mol′ ee) have terrific potential for gardeners who like snapdragons but are looking for something a little different. Both are spreaders rather than upright growers and are most useful for baskets and containers. They are characterized by hairy, often gray foliage, which makes for a highly ornamental plant even when they are not in flower. Flowers are smaller than common snapdragon and occur in white, pink, and yellow, often with two colors on each flower. Pink is probably the most common color, at least in A. molle. Breeding of these species continues, and named series may become popular. Full sun, excellent drainage.

Arctotis (ark to′ tis)

African daisy

Asteraceae

Native to South Africa, these up-and-coming daisies in the American garden scene are useful for warm climates but do not require a great deal of heat to perform well. About fifty species are known; all have basal rosettes, usually pinnately divided, and handsome daisy-like flowers, usually borne singly. I don’t mean to be a spoilsport, but how does one tell all these daisies apart? With calendulas and asters, or sunflowers and coreopsis, there are enough visual clues to make a reasonable guess. But many South African daisies, like Arctotis, Arctotheca, Gazania, and Ursinia, are so similar to the naked eye that the guess lacks reason. Some of these genera have been lumped together or split apart so many times that even the academics are confused. It is difficult to find

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Jamaican Mix consists of open butterfly flowers in pastel colors such as apricot, peach, and pink. Kim series is a short group with bright colors. Scarlet and orange are outstanding color forms. Lampion is an outstanding series, the first trailing snapdragon with either Antirrhinum hispanicum or A. molle, or both, in the parentage. Gray leaves and numerous flower colors have been introduced. Best suited for baskets and containers. Magic Carpet is an open-pollinated series that grows 6–8" tall. Montego series is early to flower, about 8" tall and available in fourteen colors plus a mix. ‘Powys Pride’ is, to my knowledge, the only green-and-white variegatedleaved snapdragon. Plants are 12–18" tall and produce scarlet-red flowers. Seedpropagated. Ribbon series, which grows close to 18" tall, could be classified as either short or intermediate. Available in crimson, lavender, light pink, purple, rose, yellow, and white. Quite a good series. Tahiti series is less than 8" tall and is grown in twelve colors, two bicolors, and a mix.

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Arctotis for sale in garden outlets, but if you do, it will likely be as cultivars of Arctotis ×hybrida. All common South African daisies belong to the Arctotis tribe in the family Asteraceae, meaning they are well and truly related, so we are in deep trouble if we really want to figure them out. For a start, Arctotis is generally single-flowered, often black-centered, with few contrasting marks on the ray flowers; Gazania is low-growing, often with a black ring immediately around the central disk; Ursinia is less hairy than others; and Arctotheca looks more like a dandelion than a garden plant. But all this is surely not enough to please serious plant splitters, so with the help of L. H. Bailey, here are some of the characteristics which separate these four genera. With a hand lens or a small microscope, look closely at the leaves, particularly the undersides, the flower head (receptacle), and the bracts at the base of the receptacle. Quick key to South African daisy genera



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AA. Foliage tomentose (long hairs) BB. Outer involucre bracts united to form cup or tube . . . . . . . . Gazania BB. Outer involucre bracts free or united only at base CC. Stemless, disk flowers yellow, deeply five-lobed . . . . . Arctotheca CC. Stems occasionally present, disk flowers usually black, five-lobed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arctotis AA. Foliage glabrous or pubescent (short hairs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ursinia The flowers may be cut but seldom persist more than a couple of days in the vase. Plant in full sun; provide good drainage or place in large containers for best performance. Seed may be propagated on species and hybrids, under 72°F and humid conditions. As breeders discover the potential of this genus for the American market place, improvements in performance will occur rapidly.

-×hybrida (hi′ brih da) summer, fall

African daisy many colors

1–3'/2' hybrid

These hybrids (syn. ×Venidioarctotis) between Arctotis venusta and A. fastuosa (syn. Venidium fastuosum) are excellent plants for sunny areas and produce a profusion of brilliantly colored flowers on long flower stems. Once flowering occurs, plants remain in bloom throughout the summer and fall. Most daisies consist of 2–21⁄2" wide flowers with many ray flowers and usually a colorful center. The alternate silvery gray woolly leaves are also handsome and provide a lovely backdrop to the colorful flowers. As with many South African species, the flowers tend to close in the early afternoon and remain partially closed on dull days. Newer cultivars are less prone to this annoying habit. Plants do well in moderate summers in the North and should perform well where high humidity is not a concern. In the South, summer performance is mixed due to the combination of high night temperatures, humidity, and common afternoon rains. Flowering is generally better in late summer and fall; blooming can continue even through the first frost.

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Plant in full sun; provide good drainage or place in large containers for best performance. Seed-propagate under 72°F and humid conditions.

‘China Rose’ has handsome gray-green foliage and rose to pink flowers on 9– 12" long stems. ‘Circus-Circus’, a selection of Arctotis venusta (blue-eyed African daisy), is a mixture of flower colors including bronze, pink, lavender, orange, pink, yellow, and white, all surrounding blue-red disk flowers. Glistening Mix consists of a mixed bag of colors, about 16" tall. Harlequin Hybrids have brilliant orange to pale pink flowers, most with dark centers, held on 6–12" long peduncles (flower stems). The foliage ranges from dull green to silvery gray and can be handsome even when not in flower. Some cultivar names, which describe the flower color, include ‘Apricot’, ‘Dark Red’, ‘Flame’ (salmon-orange), ‘Mahogany’ (burnt orange), ‘Pink’, ‘Rosita’ (dull pink), ‘Tangerine’, and ‘Wine’ (burgundy). All are excellent. My favorites are ‘Flame’ and ‘Wine’. ‘Nicolas Hind’ bears cherry-rose flowers with narrow petals surrounding a green center. ‘Salmon Queen’ provides salmon to peach flowers. Sinuata Mix is 12–14" tall in several bright colors. ‘Zulu Prince’ is a beautiful flower of silvery white with a large contrasting dark black central ring. The deeply lobed leaves are silvery white. Related genera Arctotheca (ark to thee′ ka) is a South African daisy I found growing everywhere in Perth, Western Australia. Arctotheca calendula is a weed there, similar to our dandelion only much prettier, with its pale yellow flowers. Plants go dormant in the summer under conditions of heat and drought. I doubt it will become a popular plant, but who knows?

Argemone (ar je′ mo nee)

prickly poppy

Papaveraceae

These coarse annuals are not exactly serene in nature (the common name provides a hint as to their disposition). On most of the twenty-eight species of prickly poppy, the leaves are lobed to divided and can be as prickly as a porcupine at the tips or on the undersides. How did such plants ever make their entrance into the gardening scene? Like many others, they were believed to have some medicinal value. The Latin argema means “cataract,” and these plants were thought, incorrectly, to alleviate that eye problem. Since nobody is cultivating these plants for what they don’t do, why would anyone want to grow the awful sounding things? It is simple: if you can stand the size and the pain, the yellow to white 4–5" wide flowers are unlike any others. They are showy, if not exactly user-friendly. All plants ooze copious amounts of yellow sap when broken.

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Quick guide to Argemone species A. grandiflora A. mexicana A. platyceras

Height 3–5' 1–3' 2–4'

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Flower color white yellow white

Spiny no yes yes

large-flowered prickly poppy white

3–5'/3' Mexico

The many-branched plants do not need pinching. The margins of lower 3–5" long leaves are deeply lobed, the upper more wavy. The lower veins are prickly, the margins are softly spiny, and the stems are weakly spined. All in all, the plant is more friendly than most other species, and with the white-veined foliage, one can enjoy the plant even when no flowers are present. If you pull off a leaf, the yellow sap will quickly become obvious. The white cup-shaped flowers are about 4" across, with a satiny luster. They usually occur in groups of three to six; each blossom consists of three to six sepals, two whorls of three petals, and more than 150 stamens. Flowering continues as long as the flowers are deadheaded. The capsules, which form after the flowers, are about 1" long and slightly spiny. I really like this plant, from a distance, and it surely provokes comment. Seed can be purchased and either sown in place or in a peat-based container that can be transplanted with the seedling. Self-sown seedlings may also occur, which is great if they fall in the right place; if they fall in the middle of the path, not so good. Full sun, well-drained soils. If the plant is in too much shade, the stems will be too weak to support it and an awful mess ensues. Do not fertilize unless grown in sandy soils; too much fertility results in weak-stemmed plants. CULTIVARS

var. lutea is a yellow-flowered, rather uncommon form.

-mexicana (meks ih ka′ na) summer

Mexican prickly poppy, devil’s fig yellow

2–3'/3' Mexico

The smaller stature of the Mexican poppy makes it a little easier to use, but it is also more sprawling in habit than Argemone grandiflora. The spiny stems (look at those common names again) branch from near the base of the plant, and the lobed leaves are beautifully blue-green, the blue hue being particularly striking over the veins. The margins are spiny, and the apex of the leaf is sharp, so keep the gloves on. The flowers, of course, are the reason gardeners invite this sadistic thing home, and they are rewarded with pale to bright yellow (occasionally orange) 2–3" wide flowers in the summer. The flowers consist of six petals, three to six sepals, and thirty to fifty stamens. Full sun, propagate by seed in situ. Fertilize sparingly.

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Argemone mexicana

CHRIS JOHNSON

CULTIVARS

‘Alba’ bears white flowers over bluish silver foliage. ‘Sanguinea’ has orangish red flowers. ‘Yellow Lustre’ is the beauty of the group, with lemon-yellow flowers on 18– 24" tall plants. The blue-green foliage is veined in silver. Alternative species Argemone platyceras (play tee seer′ as; crested poppy) may occasionally be confused with A. grandiflora because they both have white flowers. It is much more spiny, however, and quite variable. The flowers are generally 2–3" across, and the stems may be up to 4' tall, although 2–3' is more common. The 1–2" long capsules are covered in rigid spines. Argemone polyanthemos (pa lee an′ the mos) is native to the western United States and also has large (up to 4" in diameter) white or pale mauve flowers. If

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for no other reason, its wonderful common name, cowboy’s fried egg, merits its inclusion in the garden. The divided leaves are blue-green (glaucous) and more succulent than A. platyceras. The good news is that the leaves and in fact the entire plant is less spiny than either Mexican prickly poppy or crested poppy. Plants stand 3–4' tall. Quick key to Argemone species AA. Flowers white or usually so BB. Plant softly spiny, fruit with few spines CC. Leaves glaucous, uppermost leaves tightly clasping stem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. polyanthemos CC. Leaves not glaucous, uppermost leaves not tightly clasping stem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. grandiflora BB. Plant densely spiny, fruit covered in spines . . . . . . . . . . . A. platyceras AA. Flowers usually yellow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. mexicana 10 Points Checklist Colour 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 OK


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Additional reading Springer, Lauren. 1997. Parade of poppies. Horticulture 94(6):41–45.

Argyranthemum (ar je ran′ tha mum)

marguerite daisy

Asteraceae

A genus of about twenty-three species, the marguerites were very popular as a greenhouse cut flower crop and as a pot plant in the 1940s and 1950s. Slowly replaced, beginning in the 1960s, by roses, florist mums, and carnations imported from overseas, they had all but disappeared from the radar screen of American horticulture by the 1990s. And they were further abused when the comfortable name Chrysanthemum was replaced with Argyranthemum. Marguerites are still available as cut flowers, mainly field grown from California, but their popularity has recently soared as a landscape annual, hybridized from about three species. Quick guide to Argyranthemum species A. foeniculaceum A. frutescens A. maderense

Leaf color blue-green green green

Flower color white white pale yellow

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-foeniculaceum (fo nik yew lay′ see um) summer

white

lace-leaf marguerite 2–3'/3' Canary Islands

The lacy blue-green foliage of this species means plants are as pretty when not in flower as they are when covered with white flowers. The leaves are deeply divided, usually alternate, and if the plant is grown in the garden or in a large container, the upright fern-like appearance of its foliage provides a see-through effect. The single flowers almost always consist of white ray flowers with yellow centers. I love seeing these plants in patio containers, and they always bring to mind the fine plantings at Sissinghurst Garden in England and my neighbor’s house in Perth, Western Australia. They are best grown in areas of moderate climate, where humidities are not stifling. Full sun, propagate by cuttings. CULTIVARS

-frutescens (froo te′ senz) summer

marguerite daisy white, yellow

1–3'/2' Canary Islands

This species, the real old-fashioned marguerite grown as a cut flower, boasts single white or yellow flowers. The dark green leathery leaves are pinnately divided, and plants can reach more than 3' in height. The flowers of some of the garden forms are occasionally doubled and have enjoyed some popularity. Plants always do better in cool weather, forgetting to flower in the heat of the summer. Full sun, propagate by terminal cuttings. CULTIVARS

‘Dana’ is about 20" tall with clean white shasta daisy-type flowers. ‘Edelweiss’ produces large white double flowers. ‘Mary Cheek’ produces semi-double to double pink flowers. ‘Pink Champagne’ bears semi-double pincushion flowers of pale pink over ferny foliage. ‘Quinta White’ has double white flowers. ‘Vancouver’ produces double pink flowers on 2' tall stems. ‘Vera’ is about 2' tall, with 1" white daisies with yellow centers. The foliage is blue-green and lacy. Looks fabulous trained as a standard. Alternative species Argyranthemum maderense is related to A. frutescens. Plants are usually about 2' tall; the pale yellow ray flowers surround a darker disk, and the green leaves are lobed, not divided as in A. foeniculaceum.

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‘Blue Haze’ is a fine blue-green foliage form with single white flowers. ‘Jamaica Primrose’ and ‘Jamaica Snowstorm’ bear pale yellow and white flowers, respectively, on 2' tall plants.


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Quick key to Argyranthemum species AA. Flowers white or nearly always so BB. Leaves deeply divided, often blue-green . . . . . . . . . . A. foeniculaceum BB. Leaves less deeply divided, more lobed, leaves green . . . A. frutescens AA. Flowers pale yellow or nearly always so . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. maderense Argyranthemum hybrids



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The dominant form of the genus offered to consumers is not the cultivars of the aforementioned species, but the hybrids, originating from breeding stations around the world, including Europe and Australia. When hybrids from the Cobbity Research Station of the University of Sydney, Australia, were put on the market, breeders used the name Cobbity daisy, and it has stuck. Some exceptional forms are offered, from single daisy to semi-double pom-pom flowers, from dark green to silver leaves, all on well-branched plants. Plants are best grown in large containers, where they can be combined with more floriferous plants. The hybrids flower far more profusely in cool weather; they are fabulous in coastal California and pretty darn good in Colorado and Minnesota, but only a few can be recommended further south: hot summers result in shrubby foliage and few flowers. Aggressive breeding, combined with trialing in warm areas, particularly at the University of Georgia, is reducing this problem, but a good choice of heat-tolerant hybrids is still a few years away. ‘Butterfly’, the best of all cultivars, has single butter-yellow flowers. The 1–2' tall plants continue to flower throughout the summer and are the standard by which other hybrids are judged. ‘Comet Pink’ has wonderful blue-green foliage and nicely formed single pink flowers, which can smother the plant when in bloom. ‘Comet White’ produces tall single white flowers with a prominent yellow center over handsome blue-green foliage. The silvery foliage of both the Comets looks good even in the absence of flowers. ‘Harvest Snow’, about 14" tall, bears single white flowers with a yellow center. ‘Lemon Delight’ bears single lemon-yellow flowers over silvery foliage. About 8" tall. ‘Midas Gold’ is a favorite of mine and a proven performer in the UGA Horticulture Gardens, not an easy feat. Light off-yellow flowers, 8–12" tall. Almost as good as ‘Butterfly’. ‘Petite Pink’ is only 12–15" tall with pale pink daisies. ‘Stars Pink’ is a handsome plant with soft pink flowers, 2–3" wide. When not in flower, which is most of the time, plants have the best-looking foliage we have trialed. Gray-green, very dense, and outstanding in containers. ‘Sugar Baby’ has single white flowers with yellow centers. Plants are compact and flower well in the spring, but flowering is significantly curtailed in hot weather. ‘Summer Angel’ provides semi-double white flowers with yellow centers. The leaves are silvery green.

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ASHA KAYS

‘Summer Eyes’ is an interesting flower. White ray flowers surround the large burgundy center, which is flecked with gold. The leaves are compact and green. Plants performed well in the UGA Horticulture Gardens. ‘Summer Melody’, bred by Mal Morgan in eastern Australia, bears double pink-lavender flowers on compact (1' tall) plants. An excellent habit for containers. ‘Summer Pink’ provides single pink flowers with prominent yellow centers. ‘Surprise Party’ provides semi-double lavender-pink ray flowers around a burgundy and white center.

Artanema (ar ta nee′ ma)

Scrophulariaceae

When I first planted a representative of this genus, I had no idea what it was. Since that is pretty common these days, I decided it should be treated like all the others I never heard of. So I tossed it in the ground, watered and fertilized, and then left it alone in the back forty. Plants did well using this Armitage technique, producing dozens of tubular dark blue flowers with a yellow throat on 12" tall plants. The species I had received was Artanema fimbriata, which is native to coastal regions of Australia from northeastern Queensland to northeastern New South Wales, where it is usually found on swamp margins. Although it

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won’t make for a drift of color, A. fimbriata does have potential in American gardens as a container and basket plant. The flowers are five-lobed, the upper two smaller than the lower three. They look a bit like a yawning snapdragon and somewhat resemble those of wishbone flower (Torenia). Full sun to partial shade, propagate by seed or cuttings. Plants flower well, appear to tolerate full sun and plenty of heat, and are definitely worth a try. Expect more cultivars from Australia soon. CULTIVARS

‘Opal Blue’ has lovely mid blue flowers.

Artemisia (ar tih mee′ zee a)



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wormwood, sagebrush

Asteraceae

From the medicinal gardens of the Middle Ages to our present fine perennials, this large genus of 200 species is well known as a symbol of the West (sagebrush), an ingredient of a liquor (absinthe), a dispeller of worms (wormwood), and a wonderful culinary herb (tarragon). The annual Artemisia annua (sweet annie, sweet wormwood) is no slouch either when it comes to medicinal properties and has been studied extensively as a source of artemisinin, which is used in the treatment of malaria. New tissue culture techniques have increased the percentage of extractable artemisinin from 0.08% to nearly 0.2% (on a dry weight basis). Artemisia annua, although not well known, is an impressive 4–6' tall plant that grows vigorously and fits well into larger gardens. It is erect, with 1–21⁄2" long leaves, divided into one or two deeply cut segments. As a general rule, the aroma of artemisia foliage is not particularly welcome indoors; but the fragrance of this species is much more pleasant, even sweet-smelling, as Annie would say, and the fragrance lingers even after drying. The species is popular in the potpourri and wreath-making trade and can be cut throughout the season and hung to dry. Its tiny yellow flowers, which are produced in loose spreading panicles in the summer, are quite forgettable. Full sun, well-drained soils. Propagate by seed or cuttings.

Asarina (a sa ree′ na)

twining snapdragon

Scrophulariaceae

Of the sixteen species in the genus, the ones we occasionally see are the vining, twining forms.

-scandens (skan′ denz) summer

climbing snapdragon blue, pink

vine Mexico

This most popular twining species gets woody at the base and can grow up to 9', but 6' is more common in temperate gardens. The alternate heart- to arrowshaped leaves have entire margins and are widely spread apart. It climbs by its twisting stems, which are best trained around narrow bamboo poles or a rough

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Asarina barclaiana

CHRIS JOHNSON



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trellis. The 1" long trumpet-like axillary flowers consist of five smooth sepals and a funnel-like lipped corolla (fused petals); they range in color from pale violet to lavender to pink, but generally darken to a deeper purple. I really like these vines, but their vigor varies considerably, depending on where you garden. In the South, I find they don’t grow as rapidly as perennial vines like Clematis or other annual vines like Cobaea or Thunbergia. But Suzanne Bales, whose home on Long Island is a sanctuary for vines of all kinds, finds Asarina a most vigorous participant, so dense as to look like “a living body stocking.” Plants grow quickly once established, wherever the garden. Flowering occurs best in late summer and fall. Full sun to partial shade. CULTIVARS

Jewel Mix provides a mix of indigo, blue, pink, and white flowers. ‘Joan Loraine’ bears deep purple flowers with a white throat. ‘Mystic Pink’ has soft pink flowers. Satin Mix has flowers in blue, pink, and white on different plants. ‘Satin Pink’ bears bright pink 11⁄2" bells on 10' tall plants. 10 Points Checklist Colour 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 OK


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Alternative species Asarina antirrhinifolia (an tih ri nih fo′ lee a; violet twining snapdragon) bears showy trumpet-shaped bluish flowers. More of a trailer than a climber. Asarina barclaiana (bar clay a′ na) is similar to A. scandens and differs only by having hairy sepals and darker flowers. Asarina erubescens (er oo bes′ enz; creeping gloxinia) has large pink flowers swollen on one side. The entire plant is softly hairy, unlike the smooth plants just described. Asarina procumbens (pro kum′ benz; creeping snapdragon), a white-flowered trailer, is quite beautiful spilling over rocks or out of containers in areas of cool summers. It can spread aggressively by underground runners and may become invasive. Generally treated as an annual, but in well-drained gardens, plants can return in zone 7 (6 with protection). Asarina purpusii (per poos′ ee i; purple twining snapdragon) also trails when left to its own devices. It cascades from baskets and pots. ‘Victoria Falls’ has cherry-purple trumpet-shaped flowers. Not a great climber.

Asclepias (as klee′ pee as)

milkweed

Asclepiadaceae

Next time someone stumps you with a trivia question, fire back by asking who the son of Apollo was. The son of Apollo and Coronis was Asklepios, the god of medicine and healing in Greek mythology. Who says gardeners don’t know their history? Most gardeners know the perennial forms of milkweed such as butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) and swamp milkweed (A. incarnata). The annual forms, however, are equally beautiful and flower for a much longer time. All

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members of the genus have a milky sap, which some people find allergenic. An interesting feature to help identify the genus, but don’t taste it.

-curassavica (ker a sa′ vee ka) summer

blood flower red with yellow

3–4'/2' South America

Asclepias curassavica

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ASHA KAYS



This outstanding eye-catching annual grows about 3' tall and produces flowers all summer: they are cinnabar red, with yellow, so the common name is most appropriate. The shiny 6" long lanceolate leaves are opposite and often have a white midrib, so the plant is handsome even when it is not in flower. The flowers are made up of five sepals and five lobes on the fused petals, often reflexed when they open. The “hooded” appearance of each flower makes for most interesting and beautiful inflorescences (cymes). The flowers are formed in the axils and terminally in mid summer and will continue to open throughout the summer. Hummingbirds, bees, and moths love the nectar-rich blossoms. After flowering, long narrow seed pods (follicles) form, which open along their edges to

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reveal seeds crowned by a tuft of white silky hairs (accounting for another common name, silkweed). Plants are weedy in the tropics and can be a problem in southern gardens as well. The main problem in the garden is aphids, which congregate every year for their season-long meeting on the stems of every species in the genus. I use a spray of water to dislodge them and hope the ladybugs are hungry. Full sun, well-drained soils. Propagate by seed. CULTIVARS

‘Red Butterfly’ has vibrant red and orange bicolored flowers. About 3' tall. ‘Silky Gold’ is an excellent name for this selection, with flowers of golden orange. Plants grow about 3' tall and have fruit similar to the species. Quite beautiful. Alternative species



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Asclepias physocarpa (swan plant) is better known for its fruit than its flowers. Plants are shrubby, up to 6' tall, with narrow-lanceolate leaves and creamy to green-white clusters of flowers. The inflated fruit is softly spiny and looks like the graceful neck of a swan, thus the common name. Full sun.

Asperula (as per′ yew la)

woodruff

Rubiaceae

The genus consists of about a hundred species of dwarf annual and perennial plants with square stems and opposite to whorled leaves. Most have terminal or axillary cymes of white or blue flowers. The best-known woodruff is no longer in Asperula: A. odorata, sweet woodruff, was moved to the genus Galium (G. odoratum). A little-used plant for American gardeners is blue woodruff, A. orientalis, a native of Europe and the Far East. Plants grow 9–12" tall and are covered with lavender-blue flowers for months at a time. The lance-shaped hairy leaves are whorled, and the tubular flowers are delicately fragrant. Excellent in the ground or in containers. A potential gem in the rough. Full sun to partial shade, propagate by seed. CULTIVARS

‘Blue Surprise’, offered from seed, grows about 12" tall and is totally covered with lavender-blue flowers. Struggles in hot, humid climates.

Asteriscus (a ster is′ kus)

Asteraceae

The genus name comes from the Greek for “star,” a reference to the flowers. This relative of the aster is much less known and is characterized by the orangeyellow daisy flowers. The only species occasionally offered is Asteriscus maritimus, native to Portugal, Greece, and the Canary Islands. Plants are well suited to

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warm, dry pockets in well-drained soils and are probably best in rock gardens or sandy soils. The tuft-forming plants grow about 1' tall and produce many branches, the crown of which produces a shaggy daisy flower consisting of many narrow rays surrounding a darker yellow center. I like this plant but have had little success with it in my garden. In areas where the climate is non-Mediterranean, it is better suited to container culture, which allows for the addition of soils more suitable than the awful clay I must contend with. Afternoon rains and high humidity don’t do a whole lot for it either. Others have been far more successful. Full sun, porous soils. Propagate by seed or cuttings. CULTIVARS

‘Gold Coin’, a more robust and compact form, is otherwise similar to the species. Also sold as ‘Compact Gold Coin’.

Asystasia (as is tay′ zee a)

Atriplex (a′ trih pleks)

saltbush, orach

Chenopodiaceae

Yet again, a genus better known for its uses outside the ornamental garden has found favor with gardeners and designers for some of its more handsome members. Many species are native to western North America; Atriplex canescens, for example, likes windy, dry, saline settings. Desert holly (A. hymenelyta) is native to deserts and alkaline soils of the West, while white thistle (A. lentiformis) may be found in southwestern United States. All are tough and handsome in their own right, but only one, A. hortensis (orach), has made the transition to the orna-

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It is always a lesson in humility when I come across an exceptional plant in a genus I have never heard of, especially one that contains seventy species. This time the plant in question—the one that made me realize once again how truly little I know—was Asystasia gangetica (Ganges primrose), sent me by Alan Shapiro, an excellent Florida nurseryman. I placed a plant in the UGA trial garden and off it went, making a vigorous ground cover in about three weeks. The simple 2" long, ovate opposite leaves are thin and borne on long stems. The 1" long bellshaped lavender-pink flowers have open-flared lobes and are held on one-sided axillary racemes. Flowers are borne profusely in spring, less so in the heat of a hot summer, and more so again in fall. Although native to the tropics of the eastern hemisphere, the species exhibits inhibited flowering during hot summers. Plants do thrive in the summer, however, and many stems are produced, making plants suitable for the landscape or for baskets and containers, where they may spill over the sides. The term “sprawly” comes to mind, but I think this species will be an excellent seller as soon as landscapers and gardeners discover it. A yellow-flowered form is also available. Full sun, normal soils. Propagate by cuttings.


Acanthaceae

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mental garden. Orach is better known for the culinary uses of its succulent leaves and as an alternative to spinach than as a garden plant. White-leaved varieties are said to have the tenderest leaves with the sweetest flavor. The garden plant used most often is the upright, 2–3' tall Atriplex hortensis var. rubra (red orach), for the foil it provides its green-leaved neighbors. The triangular purple-red leaves are alternate to opposite, about 4" long and usually entire or just slightly dentate. The minute pinkish flowers that occur in terminal racemes in summer are best removed; they will reseed if not. Other variants may sometimes be found, a copper-leaved form and a lighter almost pink-leaved form, but neither are as effective as var. rubra. All can be weedy. Full sun to partial shade, propagate by seed.



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Lamiaceae

Ballota is a loose translation of the Greek word for the black horehound, B. nigra, which was then known as “ballote”—hence, the generic name. The common name requires a bit more head-scratching. The “hore” part refers to the leaves, which have slightly whitish hairs (as in “hoarfrost”), but I have not unearthed the “hound” part. Any help will be appreciated. Deep thinkers are always welcome in horticulture. The genus, which contains about thirty-five species, is closely related to Stachys and Marrubium, with opposite leaves, four-sided stems, and small twolipped flowers held in whorls. Species are mainly Mediterranean in origin and therefore tend to perform well in dry, temperate climes. Quick guide to Ballota species B. acetabulosa B. nigra B. pseudodictamnus

-nigra (ni′ gra) summer

Height 2' 3' 1–2'

Leaf color gray-green green gray-green

black horehound white, lilac

Use container garden container 2–4'/2' Greece, North Africa

Few people actually grow this small shrubby species, but a couple of its selections have improved the offerings. The plant resembles Lamium (dead nettle), with 1–11⁄2" long ovate leaves. About twelve whorled white, lilac, or pale pink flowers occur over the 2–4' tall plants. Plants are quite variable, with stems ranging from tall to short, and although they are native to faraway lands, they have become naturalized in the Northeast. Full sun, dry, well-drained soils. Propagate by seed or cuttings.

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horehound


Ballota (ba law′ ta)

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CULTIVARS

‘Variegata’ is the best form, consisting of 1–11⁄2' tall plants with white streaks and spots on the green leaves. The flowers are purple. Also sold as ‘Archer’s Variety’. ‘Zanzibar’ is about 3' tall, with spotted leaves.

-pseudodictamnus (soo do dik tam′ nus) summer



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false dittany

foliage

12–15"/24" Greece, Crete

This terrific little architectural plant, grown mainly for its small slightly wavy, gray-woolly leaves, is best suited for containers or protected areas in which drainage can be improved. The woolly stems resemble pipe cleaners and can grow up to 2' long, but 12–18" is normal. The small leaves are less than 1⁄2" wide but are produced in abundance, forming a handsome mound as the plant matures. If plants get a little leggy, simply give them a haircut. New foliage will emerge readily. About six to twelve small whorled flowers, whitish with purple markings, are produced in summer. They look like coleus flowers; most people simply ignore them or remove them. Plants are always said to be tender, but their cold hardiness is surprising: they often come back as far north as zone 6. They have been perennial favorites at New York’s Wave Hill Garden for years. Full sun, dry, well-drained soils. Propagate by seed or cuttings. Alternative species Ballota acetabulosa (a se tab yew lo′ sa) is similar to B. pseudodictamnus, and the two are probably mixed up in the trade. Ballota acetabulosa differs by having larger leaves, usually heart-shaped, with obviously scalloped margins. Plants are also taller, growing to 2' tall. Otherwise the flowers and foliar color are similar. Quick key to Ballota species AA. Plant 1–2' tall, tomentose, leaves gray-woolly . . . . . . . B. pseudodictamnus AA. Plant >1–2' tall, not tomentose, leaves green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. nigra Ballota hybrids ‘All Hallow’s Green’ is a low grower with fine-textured lime-green to graygreen leaves. Found by Valerie Finnis, a grand dame of England, and named for Halloween. Different and worth a try. Tolerates a little shade.

Barleria (bar leer′ ee a)

Acanthaceae

The generic name honors the life and work of French monk and botanist Jacques Barrelier (1606–1673). The genus consists of more than 200 species, with opposite leaves, upright habit, and late summer flowers, ranging from vio-

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let to yellow to purple. The main form in American landscapes is Barleria cristata (Philippine violet), which has terrific merit for the late summer and fall garden.

-cristata (kris ta′ ta) fall

Philippine violet blue-violet

3–4'/3' India, Burma

‘Alba’ is a white-flowered form. ‘Variegata’ produces the same blue flowers, but the leaves are variegated with splotches of yellow and green. Alternative species Barleria obtusa (ob tus′ a) is shorter than B. cristata, about 2' tall, with elliptical leaves, 21⁄ 2–3" long. Flowers are purple. ‘Amethyst Lights’ has interesting green, white, and pink foliage and small lavender-blue flowers; it tends to be much more pendulous. Barleria repens (re′ penz) is 2–3' tall, with a mounding habit of glossy green leaves. The coral-red trumpet flowers occur in late summer.

Basella (ba sel′ a)

Malabar nightshade

Basellaceae

The five species of rampant, twining vines can provide some interesting ornamental value. The species offered in the American trade is Basella alba (Malabar spinach), with glossy dark green foliage. The alternate leaves may be harvested and treated as a sweet culinary spinach. The oblong rounded 4–6" leaves, which resemble spinach, are produced rapidly on the twining stems as temperatures warm up. Flowers are white, rose, or red but are seldom seen in the landscape because they do not flower in long daylengths. Start seed in place when temperatures warm up, after all threat of frost has passed. They may be trained on strong supports, pergolas, or arches, or grown

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I have grown this species for years, and since I learned what to expect, I have come to look forward to it every time. The opposite, oblong to elliptical leaves are about 4" long and 1" wide, a handsome dull green. Plants grow slowly in the spring, but as temperatures warm up, they expand rapidly. People are disappointed when they look for early flowering and all they see is a green shrub throughout spring and summer; however, a little patience helps. Plants begin to bud up in late summer and fall, and the 2" long tubular flowers appear as terminal and axillary spikes. The flowers, which consist of four unequal sepals and a corolla tube with five rounded lobes, continue until frost. This is an excellent shrubby annual which freshens up the fall garden, and appears to be disease and insect free. Full sun, propagate by cuttings.

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as a full-bodied hanging basket. Plants will grow rapidly attaining 20–25' in a single season. Light bamboo poles from the market won’t cut it. Full sun, propagate by seed. Provide lots of water; these are heavy drinkers. CULTIVARS

‘Rubra’, the best form, is characterized by brilliant red to fuchsia-colored stems and petioles. A lot of fun to try.

Begonia (be go′ nee a)



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Begoniaceae

Begonia was named after Michel Begon (1638–1710), a patron of botany and the governor of French Canada, later the province of Quebec. It is a huge genus of more than 900 species of mostly herbaceous plants, used mainly as houseplants or pot plants. It is a little surprising that with such a large number of species, more would not have frost tolerance. Only Begonia grandis has sufficiently consistent toughness to be considered a perennial in large portions of the country. Begonia octopetala, a tuberous form, occasionally overwinters in milder areas. Many species are native to South America (Brazil and Peru are centers of origin); however, Central America, Mexico, Sumatra, South Africa, southern Asia, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Himalayas all claim their fair share. Begonia nitida was thought to be the first begonia introduced to England (1777). Few other plants have been improved or varied so rapidly, yielding the great numbers of interesting forms that make begonias so strongly appealing to collectors and fanciers. Unfortunately, the great private collections of the past have not been maintained, and many species are no longer in culture. Of the great mass of species, it is interesting to note that few are seen outside the confines of botanical gardens, greenhouses, or the houseplant trade; taxonomists have tried to make some sense them all, and the best way to learn more about the beauty and diversity is to join a begonia society or a working group at a local botanical garden. My good friend Janet Welsh, of Pennsylvania, is a begonia aficionado and is forever scolding me about my miserable treatment of this great genus. Please, for my sake, if you’d like more information, contact the American Begonia Society (see “Additional reading”). That way, Janet won’t beat up on me quite so much. From the gardener’s perspective, the genus is most easily divided into fibrousrooted forms (Begonia semperflorens-cultorum, wax begonia), tuberous forms (B. tuberhybrida-cultorum, tuberous begonia), rhizomatous forms (B. rex-cultorum, rex begonia), and cane-stemmed forms (B. ×argenteoguttata, angel-wing begonia). These divisions are convenient but by no means all-inclusive. The first three classifications are common in landscapes, and members of the fourth are placed in containers for summer diversity and color. The leaves of most species discussed here are ear-shaped, some the size of a mouse’s ear, others like an elephant’s. All begonias are monoecious (male and female flowers are borne on the same plant). The male flowers generally consist of four petals, two of which are smaller than the others, and the females usually

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have five. Flowers have been doubled in many ornamental introductions, particularly in the tuberous begonias. The winged fruit (capsule) contains many minute dust-like seeds. Quick guide to Begonia species cane-stemmed (angel wings) fibrous-rooted (wax begonias) rhizomatous (rex begonias) tuberous (tuberous begonias)

Grown for foliage, flowers flowers foliage flowers

Height 1–4' 6–12" 1–3' 1–3'

Use container garden container container, basket

Angel-wing begonia (B. ×argenteoguttata and others) angel wings 1–4'/2' all season

foliage

garden

Begonia ×argenteoguttata



The diversity of leaf pattern and color in this group of begonias, beloved of all houseplant fans, is remarkable. Angel wings are extraordinary in their ease of propagation, growth, and flowering and have been included in warm low-light

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households for many years. They are horticulturally classified as cane-stemmed begonias because of their long, bamboo-like stems, from which arise the oblique (one side is longer than the other) elephant-ear leaves. The leaves are often dark green, spotted with silver on the upperside and dark red beneath, but mindboggling variability in foliage design can be found. The pendulous flowers are often pink, and the male flowers (in the middle of the inflorescence) open first. The females later give way to three-winged fruit, which persist for many weeks. In the garden, angel wings can attain some serious height, 3–4' not being uncommon. They may be pruned back if the canes are too long or if the plant becomes top heavy. More dwarf forms, with heights of 1–2', are now available, and these fit a little more comfortably into most gardens. Plants may be placed in large containers or in protected areas of the garden, always in shaded areas. Some cultivars may tolerate some direct sun, but afternoon shade is a must. CULTIVARS



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Some of the many cultivars grown by the houseplant trade have simply been recycled for gardeners. Here is a brief sampling; plants grow 11⁄ 2–21⁄ 2' unless otherwise noted. ‘Anna Christine’ bears deep bronze ruffled leaves with coral flowers. ‘Anna Feile’ has dark green jagged leaves with a purple back and many clusters of salmon-pink flowers. ‘Bubbles’ has large pointed dark green leaves with white polka dots and reddish pink flowers. ‘Coral Chime’ is an 8–12" tall form with coral flowers and white-spotted leaves. ‘Corliss Engle’ produces dark green leaves with white spots and clusters of salmon-pink flowers. A terrific plant named for a terrific lady. ‘Cracklin’ Rose’ produces 6" leaves that twist somewhat, revealing their deep red backs. Among the darkest green-leaved forms available. Pink flowers. ‘Dragon Wing’ is a seed-propagated introduction that grows only about 18" tall and has red flowers all season. This is a great plant. The leaves are a lustrous green, and plant performance has been excellent around the country. Highly recommended. ‘Ebony’ bears green leaves with chocolate-brown reverse and bright pink flowers. ‘Elaine’ is a compact form with frilled narrow leaves and large pink pendulous flowers. Excellent for hanging baskets. ‘Ester Albertine’ has large feathery apple-green leaves splashed with white. Flowers are pale pink. ‘Florence Rita’ produces soft green pointed leaves and pink flowers. ‘Honeysuckle’ bears clusters of salmon-pink flowers amid long angel-wing foliage. Wonderful honeysuckle fragrance. ‘Kismet’, a dwarf angel wing whose silver leaves have darker silver veins and red-purple lower sides, has the look of a rex begonia. Absolutely outstanding. ‘Lois Burks’ is a heavily branched low grower with foliage streaked silver and showy soft pink flowers. Useful for baskets and containers.

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‘Looking Glass’ bears silver-green olive-veined leaves that are cranberry-red beneath. Quite a combination. ‘Lucerne’ (‘Lucerna’) has dark green leaves with silver markings on the top, dark red beneath, and dark pink flowers. Outstanding. ‘Pink Cane’ has pink flowers on canes that are more vertical than upright. Vigorous, 3–4' tall. ‘Sophia’ produces sharply pointed green leaves with silver and pink splotches. Pink flowers. Also sold as ‘Sophie Irene’. ‘Torch’ is only about 12" tall and bears thick green leaves, with red undersides, and red flowers. ‘Withlacoochee’ is a cascading form with elongated soft olive-green leaves, red undersides, and a crazy name. White flowers. ‘Zorro’ is a small plant with soft pink flowers and silver dots on the green leaves.

Fibrous-rooted begonias (B. semperflorens-cultorum) 6–12"/12" garden

Wax begonias, the most common form in the genus, are omnipresent in American landscapes, so much so that one is tempted to believe there are no other plants for the landscaper to use. I have seen seas of red flowers around the bases of entire buildings as well as grotesque animal shapes (peacock seems to be a favorite), clothed in begonias of all colors. While one may be a little tired of seeing wax begonias, it is impossible to condemn the plant’s success. From the commercial landscaper’s point of view, the low maintenance requirements of wax begonias make them preferable to petunias or marigolds. Home gardeners too have embraced wax begonias, for the issue of low maintenance is almost as high a concern for them. Plants are similar to other begonias; they are monoecious and have earshaped leaves. They are successful because of their tough waxy leaves, often dark green or bronze, and their continuous production of red, white, or pink flowers from spring until frost. The waxy coating on the foliage reduces water loss from the leaves, resulting in excellent drought tolerance. Plants are a complex of hybrids first derived from Begonia cucullata var. hookeri and B. schmidtiana but now including B. fuchsioides, B. gracilis, and B. minor. The roots are fibrous, stems are numerous, more or less smooth, and leaves are shiny, with ciliate margins. The foliage often has red margins. Begonias were always assumed to be plants for shade, and tolerate shade they do. They are commonly placed in full sun, however, even in the South, and their environmental tolerance is broad. In the sun, flower colors are brighter, and plants are shorter and more compact. In the shade, plants are more open, taller, and not as floriferous. That is the strength of these hybrids: they grow well with little care, almost anywhere.

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Begonia semperflorens-cultorum ASHA KAYS

CULTIVARS

My descriptions of common begonia cultivars are by necessity brief, and I may omit some well-known grower favorites. Plants grow 6–12" tall unless otherwise noted. Ambassador series consists of green-leaved members in seven individual flower colors. Atlanta series consists of many colors and has performed well in the University of Georgia trials. Belle Vista series has green foliage and individuals bear rose-pink (‘Linda’), deep scarlet (‘Scarlanda’), light scarlet (‘Scarletta’), and white flowers (‘Viva’). Bingo series has bronze foliage with flowers of red, pink, salmon, or white. Cocktail series is by far the most common and well-known group of begonias. They are all bronze-leaved and short in stature. Light pink (‘Brandy’), rose

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(‘Gin’), white edged with red (‘Rum’), red (‘Vodka’), white (‘Whisky’), and a mixture of flower colors are available. Good plants, better marketing. Devil series consist of bronze-leaved forms with light pink, pink and white, red, rose, or white flowers. Encore series is another popular group, taller and more vigorous than many others. Individual green- or bronze-leaved forms with pink, red, and white flowers are available; the pink and white bicolor is available with bronze leaves only. Eureka series is available in bronze- and green-leaved forms, each in five flower colors. ‘Gloire de Sceaux’ is an old-fashioned form with dark pink flowers over bronzed leaves. Harmony series consists of bronze-leaved begonias in pink, scarlet, white, and a mix. Inferno series forms mounds of flowers in bright colors. Olympia series, a well-established group, has mostly green foliage with light pink, pink, red, rose, salmon, red and white (‘Starlet’), and white flowers. Also sold as Super Olympia series, a reference to greenhouse-performance improvements. Organdy series is a mixture of flower colors and green and bronze leaves. Party series, among the most vigorous groups, grows 12–15" tall and is available in five colors. A 55-mph series. Prelude series has green leaves available in six separate colors and a mix. ‘Richmondensis’ (syn. Begonia richmondensis) is an interspecific cross between B. semperflorens-cultorum and B. fuchsioides. Plants have glossy wing-like leaves on arching cascading stems and are excellent for hanging baskets. Flowers are generally pink. Begonia richmondensis var. purpurea has reddish coppery leaves with pink flowers tinged with white; var. alba produces white flowers. Royale series is also a mixture, similar to Organdy. Senator series consists of five individual colors and a mix with bronze foliage. Starra series is a fine group of begonias, with smaller flowers that nevertheless cover the plants totally in the summer. Victory series includes bronze- and green-leaved forms in pink, scarlet, white, and rose flowers.

Tuberous begonias (B. tuberhybrida-cultorum) tuberous begonia 1–2'/2' all season

many colors

garden

I remember on my first trip to Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island being blown away by the size, diversity, and sheer beauty of tuberous begonias. Perhaps because of my wintery roots in Montreal, tuberous begonias and I became connected. On March 1, we ritually planted tubers in baskets, signifying the beginning of the end of winter, at least mentally. Having them slowly emerge helped get us through the three more blizzards we invariably had in late March and April. While they didn’t compare with those at Butchart, they pushed away more than a few snowbanks. Now that I live in Georgia and am able to raise all sorts of things that I couldn’t in Montreal, I can’t grow tuberous begonias worth a darn. It is about the only thing I miss about March in Quebec.

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Begonia tuberhybrida-cultorum

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The many species of tuberous begonias include the perennial Begonia grandis and the beautiful orange-flowered B. sutherlandii from KwaZulu-Natal. Intense hybridization by Veitch and Sons of England in the early 1900s of Central American species such as B. bolivensis, B. clarkei, B. davisii, B. pearcei, and B. veitchii yielded the earliest of the dozens of large-flowered plants we call tuberous begonias. This rich mélange is classified under the catch-all B. tuberhybrida-cultorum. The tubers are large, often concave above. The stems of tuberous begonias are occasionally upright and often pendulous, and the ear-shaped leaves are often pointed at the apex. The leaves are usually green but may also be streaked or spotted. The flowers occur in threes, with the two female flowers flanking the male. For the showiest display, the two females are removed to allow the male to strut its stuff. The males may reach 6" across and are usually double, the females, smaller and single.

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If you are raising plants from dry tubers, place the concave side up in a suitable container and water well. Plants are generally grown in containers and baskets and are not as appropriate for the garden. The upright forms need staking; use thick stakes, as these plants can get quite heavy. Pendulous forms are always best for baskets. Plants may also be grown from seed. The compact bedding forms, often referred to as Non-Stops, are grown from seed and can be used with reasonable success in the garden or landscape. If you’d like to try to keep the tubers for the next year, allow them to dry down at the end of the season. This will occur naturally under shorter days and cooler temperatures. Store clean tubers at about 40°F in dry peat or sawdust until you are ready to pot them up again in the spring or during a blizzard in March. Many cultivars are now available at garden centers, and storage of the tuber may not be worth the time or effort.

Rhizomatous begonias (B. rex-cultorum) summer

rex begonia

foliage

1–3'/3' garden

Grown strictly for the stunning foliage, this group of plants has been part of the houseplant and conservatory scene for many years. All members of this group are said to have originated from a single imported plant of Begonia rex to England in 1856, and subsequent hybridization with related Asian species has resulted in the many forms currently available. It is unlikely that true B. rex is in cultivation. The plants are mainly rhizomatous, with colored obliquely ovate pointed leaves. Sometimes the base of the leaf appears to be spiraled. The morphology of the leaves can be described in boring detail, but who needs it? When we come across a well-grown hybrid, we see only the incredible combinations of silver, gray, bronze, purple, red, brown, and green, to name just a few of the colors that create such rich patterns. The small white or pink flowers are seldom conspicuous but are similar in form to other species. Plants cannot tolerate temperatures lower than 55°F for any length of time, but they may be used in shaded containers during the summer. Place in shade;

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Dozens of colors and forms can be bought as dry tubers or young plants. They are classified into thirteen groups, based on shape, color, or form of flower and stems. Join a begonia group to learn more; see Janet Welsh of the American Begonia Society (www.begonias.org). Charisma series is a seed-propagated group whose dominant parent is Begonia elatior. Plants do poorly in the ground but well in containers or baskets. They have many semi and fully double flowers, in scarlet, pink, and salmon-orange. Fortune Mix and Galaxy Mix are seed-propagated forms with numerous colors. Illumination series is a pendulous group of tuberous begonias, suited for baskets. The semi-double flowers occur in apricot, light pink, orange, and rose. Non-Stop series consists of compact plants with double camellia-like flowers in ten colors and a mix. Ornament series bears single and semi-double flowers with bronze leaves.


CULTIVARS

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plants quickly lose their metallic luster if placed in too much sun. Fertilize sparingly but at regular intervals. Propagate by leaf cuttings. Detach a healthy mature leaf, and make incisions in the leaf across the main veins. Lay the leaf on a fine propagating medium, so that the medium is in close contact with the cut portions. Place at 75–80°F. Plantlets will form at the severed veins, after which they can be detached and potted. Alternatively, leaves may be cut into 1 × 1 cm pieces, each small piece including a portion of the principal vein. Insert the leaf piece vertically, vein down, into the medium. Plants can also be propagated from petiole cuttings (like an African violet) or from seed. CULTIVARS

Hundreds have been developed, but most come and go, and it is the rare nursery that handles a diverse range of cultivars. Your best sources are specialist nurseries and conservatories at botanical gardens (volunteer to help shape the plants, and you might come away with a leaf for propagating). Plants are often

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divided into those with small (6") leaves. These meager descriptions do not do these plants justice. All have been historically grown indoors, but outdoor container culture in protected sites should be considered. ‘Comtesse Louise Erdody’ dates back to the 1800s. The spiraled leaves with dark green venation are silver and pink and covered with coarse pink hairs. ‘Fireworks’ produces large maroon leaves, marked white blending to purple between the veins. Plants are more upright than others. ‘Lalomie’ bears large silvery leaves with deep green veins and pink margins. ‘Merlin’ has small leaves with spiraled bases in many colors. ‘Peace’ produces silver leaves with a handsome rose blush. ‘Persian Swirl’ bears large plum-colored leaves with a white lacy pattern throughout. ‘Purple Petticoats’ has medium spiraled leaves, silver with lilac along the margins and veins. ‘Raspberry Swirl’ has large raspberry-red leaves with silver and pink. ‘Uncle Remus’ is a dwarf form with multicolored leaves in silver, green, and red. Only 6–10" tall. ‘Venetian Red’ bears large deep red leaves with contrasting dull black veins. ‘Vista’ is a medium-leaved form, with black to brown foliage dappled with deep coral. ‘Wood Nymph’ bears small rounded leaves of a rich brown speckled with silver. Alternative species Begonia dregei (syn. B. parvifolia; grape-leaf begonia, maple-leaf begonia) is a tuberous species best known for its large, lobed shiny green leaves on a 3–4' tall plant. Leaf color varies; some plants may have white to gray spots and purple veins, and red undersides on the leaves. Flowers are few and white. Shade to partial shade. Begonia fuchsioides (fuchsia begonia) is an undiscovered gem with small red fuchsia-like flowers. They have performed well in containers in our trials in Georgia. A pink form is also available. Begonia masoniana (iron-cross begonia) is a rhizomatous species, with wrinkled leaves, 10–14" long, covered with stiff red projections. The green leaves have large finger-like chocolate-brown markings, with arms (the German iron cross) radiating along the main veins. Plants can be used outdoors in areas protected from rain and wind. Many small green-white flowers are produced, but it is the foliage that people remember. Begonia sutherlandii is a graceful tuberous species that should be better known. Plants are 1–2' tall, with lobed lanceolate green leaves, 4–6" long, with red veins and margins. The many single copper to salmon-orange flowers bloom all summer. Useful for partial shade in container or garden. A keeper!

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Quick key to Begonia species AA. Roots tuberous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. tuberhybrida-cultorum AA. Roots fibrous or rhizomatous BB. Roots fibrous CC. Leaves >2" long, showy, flowers with long peduncles, usually pendulous . . . . . . . . . . . . B. ×argenteoguttata CC. Leaves 11⁄2" long . . . . . . . C. medium BB. Flowers in branched panicle, corolla 2' tall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. coronarium BB. Leaves not reduced to linear lobes, plants usually 3" long, leaves sessile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. rigescens

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DIASCIA

Diascia hybrids

Diascia hybrid

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Treat the exciting hybrids that have arisen from Hector Harrison’s breeding program and other nurseries as hardy annuals. If they are perennial, consider it a bonus. ‘Blackthorn Apricot’ and ‘Hopleys Apricot’, both likely sports of ‘Ruby Field’, were named after the two nurseries who found them. ‘Blackthorn Apricot’ is particularly handsome, with its soft apricot blooms on spreading plants. Always a favorite color among passers-by. ‘Coral Belle’ is the standard by which other diascias should be judged for persistent flowering and plant longevity. I have been comparing diascias for many years, and this flowers in the spring as well as in the heat of the summer. The best of the low-growing twinspurs. ‘Elliott’s Variety’ bears large pink flowers on 12–15" tall plants. Widely available. Also sold as ‘Jack Elliott’. ‘Jacqueline’s Joy’ (‘Lilac Belle’ × ‘Hopleys Apricot’) is a low-spreading plant about 12" tall, with large, bright purplish pink flowers. ‘Joyce’s Choice’, named for Hector Harrison’s wife, has salmon-apricot flowers on 12" tall plants. A hybrid of ‘Salmon Supreme’ and ‘Hopleys Apricot’,

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which cross also yielded ‘Stella’ (pink flowers) and ‘Lady Valerie’ (smaller flowers with a salmon tint). ‘Langthorn’s Lavender’ has dozens of lilac-colored flowers on upright 12" tall stems. A hybrid involving Diascia lilacina, a small-flowered but vigorous sprawling species with lilac-pink flowers. ‘Lilac Belle’ resulted from a cross between ‘Ruby Field’ and Diascia lilacina. The small lilac-pink flowers are held in long racemes. Most handsome. ‘Lilac Mist’ had ‘Lilac Belle’ and Diascia rigescens as its parents. Plants are 12–18" tall and spread 3–4' wide. The silver-lilac flowers age almost to white as they mature, providing a two-tone effect. ‘Little Charmer’ bears small strawberry-pink flowers. ‘Pink Spot’ is about 10" tall with purple-pink flowers. A hybrid between two forms of Diascia vigilis. ‘Red Ace’ produces many dark rosy pink flowers. Plants grow vigorously even in the heat of summer, and flowering continues off and on throughout the season. Our most vigorous performer. ‘Ruby Field’, a hybrid between Diascia barberae and D. cordata, is more richly colored and floriferous than either species and probably the most popular diascia offered. In my garden, it flowered heavily in the spring and early summer but quickly succumbed to July’s onslaught of heat and humidity. Plants, which resulted from a cross made by John Kelly of Abbotsbury, Dorset, England, were named for the wife of Paul Field of Lincolnshire. ‘Rupert Lambert’ has rosy red flowers on upright stems. Similar to ‘Ruby Field’ but larger in all respects. ‘Salmon Supreme’, a cross of ‘Ruby Field’ and Diascia stachyoides (a rose-pink species), bears beautiful salmon-pink flowers. Exceptional for flowing out of baskets or containers. ‘Strawberry Sundae’ is a vigorous hybrid from Australia, with pink-red flowers on long vigorous stems. Worked quite well in trials at Georgia. ‘Raspberry Sundae’, from the same Australian program, has rosy flowers but lacks the vigor of ‘Strawberry Sundae’. Sun Chimes, a new series from Hector Harrison, consists of low-growing plants in coral and red. The color of ‘Sun Chimes Coral’ shows up nicely; it should become a winner. ‘Sun Chimes Red’ did well in our trials, and much of the country can expect the same performance. ‘Twinkle’ (‘Lilac Belle’ × ‘Ruby Field’) has lilac-rose flowers. ‘Wendy’ (‘Lilac Belle’ × ‘Hopleys Apricot’) bears large rich dark pink flowers on 12" spreading plants. Additional reading Benham, Steve. 1987. Diascia: a survey of the species in cultivation. The Plantsman 9(1):1–17. Garbut, Simon. 1994. The up-and-coming Diascia. The Garden 119(1):18–21. Kelly, John. 1987. Diascia ‘Ruby Field’ (letter to the editor). The Plantsman 9(2):128. Rader, J. 1993. Elliott’s variety diascia: Diascia vigilis. GrowerTalks 57(4):21.

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DICLIPTERA

Dicliptera (di clip′ ter a)

Acanthaceae


The family Acanthaceae is an interesting group of plants, many so similar that they trade names every now and then. Most gardeners don’t notice the changes in Dicliptera, Justicia, Belperone, and Pachystachys, plants that are mostly encountered as houseplants or in gardens in the Deep South. Times are changing, however, and several of the affected species are being gardened in the North. The most common is D. suberecta, native to Uruguay. This species was in the genus Justicia ( J. suberecta) until it was forced to change family homes—something about its conspicuous floral bracts, six-sided stems, and the way its stamens were attached to the floral tube’s throat. I am not sure any gardener really cares. The 2–3" long velvety leaves of Dicliptera suberecta are covered with pale gray

Dicliptera suberecta

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down. Plants are erect to somewhat pendulous. Rusty orange-red tubular flowers, each 2" long, are held in terminal and axillary clusters during the summer. These wonderful flowers are the plant’s main claim to fame; they persist for weeks and will continue even longer in warm temperatures. Plants are useful as swaths of color in the garden and landscape but are equally good as a plant or two in containers. They attract lots of people and whiteflies too, unfortunately. Stems are very brittle, so keep plants away from traffic. The species is somewhat cold-tolerant: plants have returned three years for my colleague Meg Green, who lives outside Athens, Georgia (zone 7). Full sun, propagate by cuttings.

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When I first saw a certain twining plant growing over a pergola, I looked at the unpronounceable label (Dioscorea batatas), noted the vigorous habit, and promised to learn a little more about it. The genus is best known for yams (D. alata)— goes to show how many yams I eat. In fact, there are more than 600 species and a few of them, including D. batatas (cinnamon vine), are hardy to about zone 6. This species is useful as a fast-growing vine for shade, which it brightens with its small white fragrant flowers. The angled stems twine around structures in a clockwise direction and produce green to green-purple foliage. The shiny 3" leaves have heart-shaped bases and seven to nine veins, with short petioles. Interesting small tubers are formed in the leaf axils, which may be planted to produce another vine. The roots form large tubers that can be dug, with effort, in the fall of the second year. The flowers, which occur in the axillary racemes, are sweetly fragrant; cinnamon might come to mind, depending on your definition of that spice. Plants grow to 15'. Native to the Philippines and east Asia, they may become weedy in the South, so beware. Some people enjoy the appearance of even larger tubers in the leaf axils. If you are such a person, Dioscorea bulbifera (air potato) might be fun to try. The 10 × 7" leaves are usually alternate, sometimes opposite, and with 6" long petioles. The flowers are in spikes in the leaf axils, and the female flowers give rise to variably sized “potatoes.” Reasonably palatable, but more fun than functional. Few root tubers are formed. Plants are annuals for sure, not as hardy as D. batatas. Full sun, propagate from roots, tubers, or cuttings.

Duranta (der an′ ta)

Verbenaceae

Members of the verbena family are often attractive, and Duranta erecta (pigeon berry, golden dewdrop), a native of South America, is beginning to charm a loyal cadre of supporters. The genus is named for noted Italian physician Castor Durantes, who practiced in Rome in the mid 1500s. Golden dewdrop, with its blue flowers and long ornamental value in the landscape, is one of my favorite specialty annuals.

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Duranta erecta

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Duranta erecta used to be called D. repens, which I could never figure out since it is neither sprawling nor prostrate. Plants are woody and, if they overwinter, can be quite large; in fact, in mild climates such as Australia and Greece, I have seen shrubs well over 15' tall. But as they seldom overwinter in most of this country, they are best grown as a 2–4' annual. Even when they die back in the fall and return in Athens (zone 7), plants seldom reach more than 5' in height, then die to the ground again in the winter. When plants do overwinter, they are slow to emerge in the spring and do not start flowering until mid summer, whereas newly planted material will begin to flower in late spring. The light green 2" long leaves are opposite and entire, and the stems may be either dangerously thorny or unarmed, depending on the plant source. Obviously, choose an unarmed specimen! The others can be hazardous to fingers. Flowers may be blue, lavender, or close to violet and are held in 6–8" long axillary racemes in summer and fall. The stems become woody over time and as fall approaches, plants resemble a shrub more than an annual. The approach of fall makes this species even more wonderful, particularly in areas where cool nights and warm days persist for a month or so and summer does not rush into winter. The flowers give way to astonishing grape-like clusters of golden fruit, which persists until eaten by birds or dehydrated by cold. In the

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Duranta erecta (detail of flowers) ASHA KAYS

Northeast and northern Midwest, fall may be too short for good fruit production, but the plant is worth a place in the garden for its flowers nevertheless. Full sun, propagate by cuttings. CULTIVARS

‘Alba’ has white flowers, but the stems in the selections I have seen carry more thorns than the species and flowering is much more sparse. ‘Thornless’ is almost, but not entirely, thornless. An introduction from the New Crop Program at the University of Georgia. Lavender-blue flowers, golden fruit. ‘Variegata’ is among the best variegated plants for the landscape, producing clean lines of white and green. Thorned and flowerless. Grow for foliage effect only. Additional reading Armitage, Allan M. 2000. Is there a market for annuals with ornamental fruit? Greenhouse Grower 18(5):140–146.

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E

A genus not often seen, this Chilean native requires more time and less winter than much of the United States can offer. I saw one vine in its glory at the Mercer Botanical Gardens, Humble, Texas, and was most impressed. Of course, Canadians like me are impressed whenever summer lasts more than six weeks and plants grow more than 3' in a single year. But even my friends there were impressed—and admitted it, a rare occurrence for any Texan. Eccremocarpus scaber, the most common species, is a terrific tendril climber, covering fences and pergolas and scrambling through shrubs. Plants can reach 20' tall. The opposite divided leaves are about 3" long, and the flowers are held terminally and in the axils. They are borne in 6–7" long racemes, each 11⁄2" long flower consisting of a constricted tube that opens into a rounded mouth. This may sound a little gruesome, but the effect is quite handsome. Flowers are generally scarlet; other colors are also available. Flowering begins in mid to late summer, if plants are started early enough, and continues until frost. Plants require some support and full sun. Propagate by seed indoors early, and place in the ground when threat of frost has passed. CULTIVARS

Anglia Hybrids climb 6–10' and occur in yellow, orange, pink, and scarlet. ‘Aurea’ has bright yellow flowers. ‘Carmineus’ bears deep red flowers. ‘Roseus’ produces flowers that are bright pink to red. ‘Tresco Crimson’ climbs to 6' tall and bears scarlet to crimson flowers. ‘Tresco Cream’ produces creamy white flowers with a tinge of pink. From the wonderful garden on Tresco, England’s “island of flowers.” Additional reading Halpin, Anne. 1997. Annual vines. Horticulture 94(4):60–64. Missouri Botanical Garden: www.mobot.org/research/bignoniaceae

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Eccremocarpus (e krem o kar′ pus)

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Echium (e′ kee um)



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bugloss

Boraginaceae

When you include Echium in the garden, you are sure to have dozens of bees buzzing about. About forty species of this amazing genus of annuals are members of the “conservatory gang” or the “somewhere-other-than-here gang,” with travelogue names such as pride of Tenerife (Echium simplex) and pride of Madeira (E. candicans). They are truly beautiful in their native habitats; if you are lucky, you might see them in better conservatories, such as Longwood, or in gardens with Mediterranean climates. Seed may be purchased for some of these 5–8' tall plants, but why would anyone in Vermont want to purchase seeds of something someone in Florida can’t even grow? Go for it only if challenge is a necessity in your garden life. If not, several smaller species of bedding stature make a fine show, often reseeding to return in following years. The best known is the biennial viper’s bugloss, Echium vulgare, native to southern Europe. Plants are 11⁄2–21⁄2' tall, with rough hairy, linear to lanceolate leaves. The basal leaves are about 6" long; those on the stem are a little shorter. All are sessile. Dozens of blue to blue-violet, sometimes pink or white, flowers are produced in multiple scorpioid (like a scorpion’s tail) inflorescences in spring to early summer. The five blue-purple stamen filaments are obviously exserted from the flower petals. I have grown this species for several years. In the spring to early summer, it makes an outstanding low-growing colorful plant; in the summer, it disappears, only to return the next spring from seed. Full sun, propagate by seed. CULTIVARS

‘Blue Bedder’ is the most popular selection, about 1' tall, with blue-violet bell-shaped flowers. Dwarf Hybrids are a mixture of 1' tall plants in purple, lilac, pink, rose, and white. Alternative species Echium plantagineum (plan ta jin′ ee um; plantain bugloss) is similar to E. vulgare in habit and flower but has wider leaves (like those of plantain) and stamens that are only slightly exserted. Plants are generally a little shorter. Monarch Hybrids are 12" tall and produce flowers in shades of blue, carmine, lavender, pink, and white. Additional reading Anonymous. 1989. Deep blue spires make it the Pride of Madeira. Sunset 182(3): 186.

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Echium vulgare

Emilia (e mee′ lee a)

ASHA KAYS

Asteraceae

This little-known genus contains about twenty-four species, but seldom are they seen as garden plants. The most common is Emilia coccinea (syn. E. javanica; tassel flower)—not that it’s popular by any means. This may be because its many fuzzy scarlet and orange flowers, borne on 12–15" long stems, are only 1⁄2" or so in diameter. The mostly basal leaves are about 6" long, sessile, and oblong to lanceolate. Although the species may look like an orange weed, it is useful as a colorful filler for cut flowers; the many 6–8" lateral flower stems produced on each main stem may also be used as short-stemmed fillers. Plants continue to flower even in heat and humidity, which means that such conditions do not inhibit flower initiation or development. They are annuals but self-sow prolifically. Full sun, propagate by seed.

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Alternative species Emilia sonchifolia has 4" long wavy (lyrate) leaves and produces fewer flowers than E. coccinea. Young plants may be eaten in salads or soups or steamed as a vegetable. The species has purple-red flowers; ‘Lutea’ has yellow flowers. Additional reading Armitage, Allan M. 1993. Specialty Cut Flowers. Timber Press, Portland, Ore.

Erysimum (e rih′ sih mum)



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wallflower

Brassicaceae

All wallflowers were previously listed under the genera Cheiranthus and Erysimum; now many taxonomists have lumped everything into Erysimum. This is a good thing because I never could tell the difference between the two. In the old breakdown, differences between genera were found in insignificant parts of the flower and within the seed and fruit: Erysimum has no nectary glands at the base of the stamens, the fruit (silique) is not as flat as in Cheiranthus, and seeds within the fruit are in a single row (the compressed fruit of Cheiranthus has two rows). In general, plants of Cheiranthus bore orange-yellow flowers and Erysimum produced mauve to purple hues, but as more Erysimum species were introduced, it soon became obvious that flower color could not be used to discriminate between the two genera. A small victory for the lumpers in the taxonomic world! Many species are biennials, but the main species of interest is the sweet fragrant biennial, E. cheiri.

-cheiri (cheer′ i) spring

wallflower many colors

6–12"/12" southern Europe

Wallflowers act like biennials. Many flower the first year from seed; others may persist in the garden for three to four years, but, realistically, don’t bet on much more than two years. They are common in gardens in the British Isles, southern Europe, and New Zealand. Their main problem in America is, well, America. Like so many European natives, they don’t do well in climates with a wide range of temperatures. They are not particularly good in heat, and their limit for cold is around zone 7. That they are short-lived and need well-drained neutral to slightly alkaline soils also keeps them slightly out of reach. All parts of the plant are highly variable. The alternate lanceolate leaves are 2–8" long and less than 1" wide; they are generally pointed, occasionally somewhat hairy, and usually with entire margins. All flowers have four sepals and four clawed petals and are arranged in a raceme; four of the six stamens are longer than the other two. The fruit is a silique (long, narrow, splitting open longitudinally). Flower color on the species and many cultivars is bright yelloworange, often with red to purple stripes. Cultivars and hybrids abound, so finding the species itself is quite unlikely.

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Good drainage is a must, and plants do better in alkaline soils than in acidic ones. In the South, fall plantings result in the best spring performance. Plant in full sun in the North, partial shade in the South. Plants will often perpetuate by self-sowing. Our plantings of ‘Golden Bedder’ in Athens are more than six years old, mainly by self-sowing. Propagate by seed.

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Most of the following cultivars are seed-propagated and likely hybrids of various wallflowers, including Erysimum cheiri, E. bicolor, and E. sempervirens. Treat as biennials; some may also perform as annuals or occasionally as perennials. ‘Aunt May’ is only about 6" tall, bearing rose-lavender flowers. ‘Aurora’ has apricot, bronze, orange, and mauve flowers. ‘Bredon’ is a well-known hybrid with reddish buds and golden yellow flowers. About 8" tall. ‘Butterscotch’ has orange flowers. ‘Cloth of Gold’ bears large yellow-orange flowers. ‘Constant Cheer’ grows about 15" tall and bears dull rose to amber flowers in late spring. Flowers start brownish orange before turning amber. Long-flowering. ‘Covent Garden’ bears fragrant, deep magenta flowers. ‘Fire King’ is an old-fashioned form with bright orange-scarlet flowers. ‘Golden Bedder’ produces dozens of golden flower heads on 9–12" tall plants. An excellent performer in the UGA Horticulture Gardens. Also sold as part of Brilliant Bedder (Super Bedder) series. ‘Golden Gem’ produces deep yellow flowers on 9–12" tall plants. ‘Harper Crewe’, a double-flowered form of Erysimum cheiri, was selected in the seventeenth century and is among the oldest wallflowers still in commerce. Very fragrant, often listed as E. ×kewensis (E. cheiri × E. bicolor). ‘Ivory White’ is just that, an unusual color for wallflowers. ‘Jubilee Gold’ has gold flowers over 6" bushy plants. Similar to ‘Bredon’ but with toothed leaves. Among the shortest forms. ‘My Fair Lady’ is a mixture of apricot, cream, gold, lemon, mahogany, pink, purple, rose, and salmon. Persian Carpet Mix offers bright colors in apricot, gold, orange, purple, and rose. ‘Plant World Gold’ and ‘Plant World Lemon’ are recent introductions from Ray Brown of Plant World Nursery in Devon, England. They are compact with two-tone flowers. ‘Plant World Lemon’ has more subtle flower color than ‘Plant World Gold’. ‘Ruby Gem’ has velvety flowers in wine-red. ‘Scarlet Bedder’ has rich red flowers. ‘Tom Thumb’ is a mixture of 6–8" tall plants in a wide color range. ‘Turkish Bazaar’ bears very fragrant yellow to gold flowers on 6" stems in the spring. ‘Variegatus’ has leaves variegated with cream. ‘Wenlock Beauty’ produces yellow flowers with a bronze tint.


CULTIVARS

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‘White Dame’ has creamy white flowers. ‘Yellow Bird’ is about 12" tall with yellow-gold flowers.

Eschscholzia (esh olts′ ee a)



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California poppy

Papaveraceae

How I enjoy California poppies! Their wonderful flowers provide an informal sheet of color in gardens and medians or even as escapees, hanging out on the side of the road. Not that I am the first to be enamored with them. The Spaniards who came to California called the land the Golden West and named the flowers copa de ora (“cup of gold”). That I love eschscholzias doesn’t mean I can spell them. The number of schs can be attributed to the genus’s being named for German physician and naturalist Johann Elsholz, who was aboard the Russian vessel Rurik, a ship organized to explore western North America in 1815. Elsholz’s name was Russianized by the ship’s captain, to “Eschscholz,” and so you have it. Approximately eight to ten species of the genus have been recorded, but our native annual Eschscholzia californica (California poppy) is by far the most popular in American gardens. Plants are native throughout the coastal areas of California (where it is the state flower) and Oregon and are naturalized in Europe; they also occur in India. They are short-lived perennials and often return through viable seed shed in the previous year. In most of the country, it is best to treat them as annuals. The deeply dissected leaves are alternate, smooth, and often blue-green; the plant is eye-catching even when not in flower. The single flowers, borne on long flower stems, consist of two sepals, four petals, many stamens, and an interesting four- to six-lobed stigma. The silky flowers are 2–21⁄2" across and typically bright yellow, but many color variants occur as well as gruesome double-flowered forms. They are persistent but tend to close like an umbrella in dull weather. Strongest colors occur in poor soils; overfertilization results in leafy plants with poor flower numbers and color. California poppies are often used in wildflower mixes for highway planting or pastures. They transplant poorly; in the garden it is best to sow them in a prepared site in late summer or fall in mild climates or early spring in cooler areas. Harvest as a cut flower when fluted buds are about to open, or after initial opening and closing. Pick in early morning after dew has dried off. Many cultivars are available, but you can’t go too far wrong with the species itself. Full sun, propagate by seed. CULTIVARS

‘Alba’ has white flowers. ‘Apricot Flambeau’ is an interesting name for an eye-catching plant. Semidouble to double flowers have light yellow fluted petals with coral edging. ‘Aurantiaca’ bears brilliant orange blooms. Ballerina Mix produces fluted, double flowers. ‘Buttermilk’ provides semi-double creamy white fluted flowers above bluegreen foliage.

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CHRIS JOHNSON

‘Carmine King’ has masses of single rose-colored flowers, often with a creamy center. Introduced in 1931 and still a popular choice. ‘Dalli’ bears scarlet-red semi-double flowers with a golden base. ‘Inferno’ produces hot orange-scarlet single flowers. An appropriate name. ‘Ivory Castle’ has pure white single flowers. ‘Mission Bells’ is a mixture of semi-double flowers, mostly in oranges and pinks. Monarch Mix provides an array of colors in single and semi-double flowers. ‘Purple Gleam’ has single flowers in shades of lilac and purple. ‘Rose Chiffon’ bears rosy pink semi-double and double flowers with a light yellow center. Thai Silk Mix is an example of “look what they’ve done to my flower.” Garish colors on awful double flowers. To each their own. Alternative species Eschscholzia caespitosa (ses pih to′ sa; tufted California poppy) has many flower stems rising from a tuft of leaves. The finely divided grayish leaves may also occur up the 1' tall stems, which end in small (11⁄2–2") bright yellow single flowers. They don’t flower as persistently as E. californica but are certainly worth a spot in the sunny garden. ‘Sundew’ has dozens of pale yellow single flowers occurring in compact tufts. Nicely scented as well.

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Additional reading Springer, Lauren. 1997. Parade of poppies. Horticulture 94(6):41–45. Swezey, Lauren Bonar. 1997. A poppy with panache. Sunset 199(4):59.

Euphorbia (yew for′ bee a)

spurge

Euphorbiaceae

With more than 1600 species of Euphorbia, one would expect that a few would be useful garden plants, but most of the approximately thirty-five species native to the United States are unattractive weeds. We mainly encounter “euphorbs” at Christmas, as the ubiquitous poinsettia (E. pulcherrima), or as perennials in the garden (wood spurge, E. amygdaloides; Mediterranean spurge, E. characias; myrtle spurge, E. myrsinites). All species are characterized by milky sap and unique clusters of flowers called cyathia, which are subtended by bracts of various size and color.


Quick guide to Euphorbia species E. cyathophora E. lathyris E. marginata

Flower color green yellow-green white

-cyathophora (si ath o for′ a) summer


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Leaf color red at base bluish green variegated

fire-on-the-mountain 2–4'/2' orange-red bracts South Dakota, Oklahoma

I tried this native when it was called Euphorbia heterophylla: the common name of fire-on-the-mountain set my greenhouse heart a-flutter. It didn’t flutter long, however, as the plant didn’t deliver the fire or the mountain. The stems are erect, branching but not freely; the ovate to linear leaves have variable margins and are slightly hairy beneath. The cyathia are green, with a tinge of red. Flowering occurs in mid to late summer. The trouble with this annual poinsettia is that unlike the true poinsettia, the bracts don’t turn uniformly red. Rather, they become reddish only at the base of some and become more uniformly red as they ascend the stem—not something that makes me want to invest more time or money next year. Full sun, propagate by seed or cuttings.

-lathyris (la′ thih ris) summer

gopher spurge, caper spurge yellow-green flowers

3–4'/3' Europe

Absolutely one of my favorite plants, this biennial pops up from seed each spring, providing a classic-looking plant with reputed magical (at least for a gardener) properties: it is said to repel gophers, moles, and voles, and while I know of no scientific evidence that supports the lore, gardeners desperate to rid

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their gardens of these obnoxious burrowers have often embraced the news as gospel. Even if such magic is nonexistent, this is a wonderful plant, producing erect stems with opposite 6 × 1" leaves, the leaves above being in perpendicular planes to the set below (an arrangement described as decussate). The small flowers, which occur in the apices of the terminal leaves, quickly give way to the green caper-like fruit. Give the plant another glance in a few weeks and you will find two stems arising from either side of the fruit, ready to produce additional flowers and fruit. In the Armitage garden, I have not verified their rodent-repellent properties, but I have verified their ability to reseed wherever they want. They never become a pest, and I look forward to the smooth unbranched appearance each spring. Full sun to partial shade. Propagate by seed, or plant in the spring.

summer

foliage

snow-on-the-mountain 2–3'/3' western United States

I may be disappointed by the lack of fire on the mountain of Euphorbia cyathophora, but I put on my snowshoes in expectation of E. marginata, which never fails to impress. The snow is the plant’s white-margined foliage; in some cases, leaves near the top of the plant are almost entirely white. Plants branch well; pinching in spring encourages an even fuller plant. The erect stems carry 3" long pale green leaves that are softly hairy above and smooth below. In warmer climates, some staking may be necessary. This species makes an outstanding contrast to the multicolored flowers and foliage of summer. It subtly softens yet is visible from the other side of the garden. It is tolerant of heat and humidity yet does well in cooler summers. You’d think this terrific plant would be more common. The problem is its milky sap,

Euphorbia marginata

CHRIS JOHNSON

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which can be a contact irritant to some and is poisonous to all when ingested. The solution is to wear gloves and keep it out of your salads. Growers and retailers don’t particularly like handling the plants either, so seed may be your best bet in acquiring them. Full sun, well-drained soils. Propagate by seed in situ. CULTIVARS

‘Kilimanjaro’ is probably a better choice than the species, being a little taller, more compact, and an earlier-flowerer. Good name, as well. ‘Summer Icicle’ is a dwarf form, growing 11⁄2–2' tall. Quite striking. ‘White Top’ is 3–31⁄2' tall, with almost white leaves at the top of the plants. Quick key to Euphorbia species BA. Upper leaves with white margins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. marginata AA. Upper leaves without white margins BB. Upper leaves and bracts blue-green or yellow . . . . . . . . . . . E. lathyris BB. Upper leaves and bracts red, at least at base . . . . . . . . E. cyathophora 10 Points Checklist Colour 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 OK


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Additional reading Swezey, Lauren Bonar. 1992. Deer proof and deer friendly. Sunset 189(3):48–50.

Eustoma (yew sto′ ma)

lisianthus

Gentianaceae

What a beautiful species this genus boasts, whose chalice-like flowers in a dazzling array of colors have kept prairies in Nebraska, Colorado, and Texas ablaze in spring color. The blooms have been captured by the commercial cut flower breeders, meaning that 3–4' tall stems are arriving in shops from greenhouses as close as California and as far away as Israel. The same species of lisianthus has also been bred to 6–9", so it can be grown in small containers on the dining room table, to be enjoyed with a glass of wine and the evening meal. A fine legacy for this great American native. It is not an easy plant to grow, however, and in many areas of the country, it works everywhere but in the garden. That is not to say it is not tried. The cause of all this headache and joy? Eustoma grandiflorum (prairie gentian), once known as E. russellianum. The leaves of this 2–3' tall plant are thick and blue-green. The cupped to chalice-like flowers are produced singly; they are commonly violet to lavender but have been bred in white, pink, and purple, usually with a darker eye in the center. Flowers are 2–3" long and about 3" wide. They do well in the garden where gentians do well (they are in the same family): if you are a frustrated gentian gardener, lisianthus will lessen the frustration somewhat. To be fair, they tolerate a good deal more heat than most gentians, but they are most enjoyable in mixed containers, where protection from heavy summer rains may be provided, or as cut flowers in a vase. We have trialed lisi-

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Eustoma grandiflorum ‘Echo White’ ASHA KAYS

anthus for years at the University of Georgia, and the new cultivars are increasingly tolerant of normal garden abuse. If I had sufficient sun in my garden, I would try them again. Well-drained soils, propagate by seed. Morning sun and afternoon shade are recommended but not necessary. Plants are best bought as seedlings as it takes a good deal of time before a mature plant is produced. CULTIVARS

Single flowers These are all greenhouse-grown and make good cut flowers. Flamenco series is 2–3' tall in eight colors. Heidi series branches more near the top of the stems, producing a spray of flowers in twelve colors. Laguna series offers three colors. Taller than most series. Malibu, an early-flowering series, is about 3' tall. Six colors available. ‘Red Glass’ is a deep violet (close to red) flowering form. Plants grow about 18" tall. ‘Sentenial Porcelain’ is 2–3' tall, bearing silvery white flowers with a touch of lavender.

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Tyrol series bears large flowers in five separate colors. Ventura series is an early-flowering form in seven colors. ‘Winter Pink’ produces sprays of rose-pink flowers atop 2–3' tall stems. Double flowers Again, all greenhouse-grown and useful for cut flowers. ‘Blue Picotee’ has blue margins on the many petals of the double flowers. ‘Double Up Pink’ bears fully double pink flowers on 3' tall stems. Echo series is available in nine separate colors and a mix and bears fully double flowers. Mariachi series bears large flowers in five colors. ‘The Blue Rose’ has large double flowers of deep blue on 20–24" tall plants.



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Short forms Useful for containers or interplanted in garden. Florida series consists of 8–10" tall plants in blue, pink, and sky blue. ‘Forever Blue’ provides good basal branching and deep blue flowers on 8–10" tall plants. An All-America Selection in 2001. Lisa series, about 12" tall, has reasonable heat and humidity tolerance. ‘Lisa Blue’ and ‘Lisa White’ are offered. Lizzie series consists of blue, pink, and white flowers on 12" tall stems. Mermaid series branches well and bears blue, pink, or white flowers on 9–12" tall plants. Probably the best choice for garden plants. ‘Sapphire Blue’ is a dwarf form (4–6" tall), with blue flowers. Better in a pot than in the ground.

Evolvulus (ee volv′ yew lus)

Convolvulaceae

The generic name comes from the Latin, evolvure (“to untwist”), a hint that this member of the morning glory family is not a climber—rather unusual for that group of plants. Nor does it grow erect: its popularity stems from its use as a subject for hanging baskets. While there are about a hundred species, only Evolvulus pilosus (syn. E. nuttallianus) is seen in gardens. The stems have dense, silky hairs and many alternate 1" long spatula-like gray-green leaves, with little or no petiole. The round blue flowers, which occur singly, are only about 1" wide but are produced in ample numbers throughout the season. Blue flowers on gray foliage provides a stunning basket. A good plant for baskets or containers; not good for normal border use. Full sun to partial shade, propagate by cuttings. CULTIVARS

‘Blue Daze’ is more compact, with more ovate hairy leaves and blue flowers, often with a white center. A better choice than the species. ‘Hawaiian Blue Eyes’ has light blue blooms. New flowers are produced daily.

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Felicia (fe lee′ see a)

blue marguerite

Asteraceae

Quick guide to Felicia species F. amelloides F. bergeriana

Pubescent slightly densely

Height 1–2' 6–9"

-amelloides (a mel oy′ deez) summer

blue marguerite blue


Long a favorite blue-flowered plant in conservatories and greenhouse, blue marguerite is being used more and more as an outdoor annual, providing months of flowering. I have used them in our gardens at the University of Georgia, and they flower well until temperatures stay stubbornly in the nineties. Then they die. In Montreal, plants are shorter and flowers, a little bluer, but the biggest difference is continued persistence in the garden. Plants are actually subshrubs, becoming woody at the base, then dying to the ground in the fall. The 1–2" long opposite leaves are ovate in shape, entire or nearly so, and have no petioles. They resemble the leaves found on an aster native to southern Europe, Aster amellus, hence the specific name. The flowers are about 11⁄2" wide, borne singly on 6" long flower stems, and consist of light blue ray flowers surrounding a yellow disk. On dull days, flowers may not open. Plants must be situated in well-drained areas, preferably in full morning light and some afternoon shade. They are susceptible to root rots in wet, cool weather, and wet, hot weather is not a great deal better. Propagate by seed or cuttings.

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A group of aster-like plants, usually with blue to lavender flowers. They may be shrubs, perennials, or annuals, with flowers occurring singly or in groups. The blooms are generally blue, but some variation occurs. None of the approximately eighty species identified are yet common in American gardens.

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‘Astrid Thomas’ has darker blue flowers than the species and grows about 1' tall. ‘Monstrosa’ (var. monstrosa) reportedly bears much larger flowers, up to 3" across, but I have not been able to locate it. ‘Read’s Blue’ provides lavender-blue flowers around a yellow center. About 12" tall. ‘Santa Anita’ has somewhat larger flowers than the species but otherwise is similar. ‘Santa Anita Variegata’ produces stippled green-and-white foliage with 11⁄2– 2" wide flowers. ‘Spring Merchen’ grows 12–15" tall, with mostly blue flowers but some white and purple as well. ‘Variegata’ is the common variegated form, with heavy uneven white margins on the green leaves. An excellent choice for the garden or container.

-bergeriana (ber ger ee a′ na) 10 Points Checklist Colour 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 OK


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summer

kingfisher daisy blue

6–8"/2' South Africa

This species is less well known than blue marguerite because it is less showy and not as readily available. Plants are ground huggers, producing densely hairy mats of leaves, which may grow to 12" tall (6–8" is more common). The 1–2" long opposite gray-green leaves are oval to lanceolate, hairy, and usually toothed. The bright blue flowers are about 3⁄4" wide, on short flower stems. The flowers roll under in dull weather and open again in full sun. Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soils. Propagate by seed or cuttings. CULTIVARS

‘Cub Scout’ forms carpets of bright foliage and brilliant blue flowers with a tinge of turquoise. Alternative species Felicia echinata (ek in a′ ta) is related to F. bergeriana. This subshrub grows 18– 30" tall, with coarsely hairy to spiny leaves, each less than 1" long. The lilac to white flowers usually occur singly but also in groups of up to six flowers, on a sandpapery flower stem. Useful for containers or in well-drained soils. Felicia heterophylla (he ter a′ fil a) grows about 2' tall, producing alternate 2" long entire to dentate leaves. The solitary blue flowers are most common, but rosy pink flowers often occur in a mix of seedlings. ‘The Blues’ (sky blue) and ‘The Rose’ (pale pink) are 6–10" tall. Although not as easy to find as F. amelloides, it is a reasonable alternative.

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Quick key to Felicia species AA. Plant slightly hairy or glabrous BB. Leaves opposite, entire or nearly so . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. amelloides BB. Leaves alternate, entire or dentate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. heterophylla AA. Plant densely hairy BB. Plant 6–9" tall, mat-forming, villous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. bergeriana BB. Plant 2–3' tall, upright, coarse to spiny hairs . . . . . . . . . . F. echinata

Fuchsia (few′ sha)

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I recently visited the botanical garden at Hohenheim University, one of the great gardens of southern Germany. The new gardens were wonderful, but the old botanical garden was of most interest to me, as the home of botanist, botanical illustrator, and herbalist Leonhart Fuchs. It is impossible to walk through any garden in Germany and not trip over shrubs, containers, and standards of his namesakes. Everybody in North America wants to trip over fuchsias in their garden as well, but alas, North America is not northern Europe, and fuchsias have been slow to embrace the warmer summers here. In fact, they simply don’t flourish in significant portions of our country. I would guess that more fuchsia baskets have been killed by well-meaning American gardeners than any other basket item. The crammed 12" basket is the container of choice for many retailers, and it is difficult not to buy at least one when fuchsias are in flower. Better to purchase a standard (plants trained on a single woody stem, 4–5' tall and flowering at the top), if you can find one at an affordable price; standards have good root volume and are better looking anyway. Remember: the larger the basket or container, the greater your chance of success—and the keys to success, regardless of location, are water and reasonably cool summer temperatures. It is quite difficult to find true species or even selections of one. Sometimes a plant of Fuchsia magellanica, an important parent in many hybrids, is offered at a retail center. Fuchsia boliviana, a three-leaved species used in the hybridization of the Triphylla Hybrids, is sold by mail order; the scarlet flowers are crowded into terminal pendulous racemes. Fuchsia corymbiflora is among the most beautiful species I have seen, with exceedingly long pale pink calyx tubes and red petals, in inflorescences of a dozen flowers or more. Fuchsia magellanica is a large shrub, a classic beauty seen throughout the British Isles and on the coastal Northwest and quite terrific if you can grow it; usually covered with hundreds of long narrow scarlet flowers, it may also have flowers of pink or white, or leaves that are golden (‘Aurea’) or variegated (‘Versicolor’, ‘Sharpitor’). Fuchsia triphylla, with dull green leaves arranged in groups of threes, is also quite popular; its long flowers have short sepals and are usually orange to coral in color, with orange-red stamens. Most plants in the trade are hybrids with at least three different species somewhere in their parentage. And, good Lord, I never realized how many were out there until I wore out my Nikon trying to shoot all I came across in Oregon,


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Washington, and northern Europe. Apparently more than 8000 cultivars have been listed, which I suppose gives us license to keep killing them until we find one that lives through the summer. In the Northwest and parts of the Northeast, fuchsias can be grown in the sun, but partial shade, at least in the afternoon, is best for most everywhere else. Fuchsia triphylla, F. boliviana, and F. splendens have provided the popular group of fuchsias known as the Triphylla Hybrids, which are more tolerant of heat and humidity than many other forms. They should be actively sought out if you have grown dead fuchsias in the past. With so many cultivars, it is not surprising that many flower forms have been developed. The showy part of the flower is usually the tubular calyx (sepals), whose five lobes may be flared or reflexed backward. The calyx surrounds the inner corolla (petals), which may be single, semi-double, or double. And adding to the chaotic brilliance of the flower, the stamens and style may be highly colored and exserted (they stick out) as well. To try to simplify habit and flowers a little, several garden forms have been identified, including those with single flowers (‘Celia Smedley’), double flowers (‘Pink Marshmallow’), upward or outward facing flowers (‘Estelle Marie’), reflexed sepals (‘Evensong’), reflexed petals (‘Swanley Gem’), long-tubed (‘Swanley Yellow’), very large flowers (‘Texas Longhorn’), very small flowers (‘Eleanor Lytham’), and variegated leaves (‘Golden Marinka’). When treated as annuals, plants may be dug, repotted, and placed in a frostfree environment in winter months. That is difficult for most gardeners, but my grandmother did it with geraniums for years—and a $30 fuchsia standard, as opposed to a $10 basket, may just inspire you to change your overwintering philosophy. Several cultivars are available as seed, but most gardeners don’t have the time or facilities to tend to a fourteen- to eighteen-week crop. Cuttings are far easier. Retail outlets have a reasonable supply of newer cultivars and purchasing a few plants a year is the best bet. CULTIVARS

I offer only a sampling of those I have seen; few are heat-tolerant. Single flowers Angel Earrings series consists of ‘Cascading Angel Earrings’ and ‘Dainty Angel Earrings’. The latter is an average fuchsia, with red sepals and blue corolla. ‘Cascading Angel Earrings’, on the other hand, is among the most outstanding fuchsias I have trialed for heat tolerance. Large robust pink-rose flowers with a purple corolla drip down horizontal stems. And they actually flower in the heat! A Georgia Garden Gold Winner. ‘Ballerina Blue’ has cherry-red sepals and a blue corolla. Belle series is a seed-propagated form consisting of ‘Evening Belle’, with red and white blooms, and ‘Morning Belle’, with red and purple flowers. ‘Bluette’ bears rose-pink sepals and lavender petals. ‘Checkerboard’ produces a red calyx tube and white calyx lobes. The petals are red, providing a checkerboard appearance. Outstanding.

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‘David’ is a bushy form with red sepals and purple petals. ‘Fete Floral’ is a seed-propagated form with long tubular flowers of deep red. ‘Gartenmeister Bonstedt’ is a popular Triphylla Hybrid, with dull bronzegreen leaves and long tubular red-brown flowers. Reasonably tolerant of heat and humidity. ‘Hawkshead’ has white sepals tinged green and pure white petals. ‘Hidcote Pink’ provides coral and white flowers. Often seen as a standard. Also sold as ‘Hidcote Beauty’. ‘Honeysuckle’ is a terrific plant, with single coral flowers and maroon foliage. The sepals flare out, not as reflexed as in most others. ‘Jingle Bells’ is a dwarf plant, with rose and white flowers. ‘Koralle’ is a Triphylla Hybrid from Germany, quite similar to ‘Gartenmeister Bonstedt’ but with lighter green foliage and coral flowers. ‘Lord Beaconsfield’ bears single magenta and rose flowers. ‘Lottie Hobbie’ has small dark cerise flowers and very small leaves. Useful for bonsai work. ‘Loveliness’ has long tubes of pure white and a red corolla. ‘Love’s Reward’ provides pink flowers. ‘Madame Cornelissen’ is a Fuchsia magellanica hybrid with long flowers of red sepals and white petals. ‘Mrs. J. D. Fredericks’ produces pink-on-pink flowers. Good heat tolerance and therefore a popular plant in the States. ‘Mrs. Popple’ is a common large-flowered form with spreading scarlet sepals and violet petals. The crimson stamens and style are long and exserted. ‘Snowcap’ is a dwarf form sometimes used as a bedding plant. The flowers consist of a red calyx and a white corolla with red veins. ‘String of Pearls’ (‘Leinepearl’) bears pink sepals and pink-veined white corollas. ‘Swanley Yellow’ bears yellow flowers with 3" long tubes. ‘Tom Thumb’ is a miniature form with purple to red flowers on short upright stems. ‘Voodoo’ has plum-colored petals and crimson sepals. ‘Yuletide’ produces white double flowers. Double and semi-double flowers ‘Annabelle’ has short, fat flowers in pale pink. ‘Bagdad’ has large flowers, with bright pink sepals and deep purple petals. ‘Big Mama’ has fat flowers of red sepals and purple petals. ‘Blue Gown’ is a dwarf form with scarlet calyces and deep purple corollas. ‘Buttons and Bows’ bears pink sepals surrounding folds of deep violet petals. Pink stamens protrude from the flowers. California Dreamers is a collection of double trailing fuchsias from EuroAmerican. I have not trialed them and therefore cannot comment on their weather tolerance; however, they will be offered throughout most of the country. The collection consists of ‘Bella Rosella’ (rose flowers), ‘Circus Spangles’ (pink), ‘Deep Purple’, ‘Eureka Red’ (fire-engine red), ‘Flamenco Dancer’ (white

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and red), ‘Peachy’, ‘Rocket Fire’ (pink-purple), ‘Royal Mosaic’ (violet and rose), and ‘Snowburner’ (red and white). ‘Dark Eyes’ bears double red and violet flowers. ‘Florabelle’ is a seed-propagated F1 hybrid that has enjoyed good success in baskets. Flowers are purple and red. ‘Isis’ provides plants with many very small-flowered rose-pink flowers. ‘Sonata’ has fat blooms consisting of white calyx and corolla flushed with pink. ‘Swingtime’ produces flowers with a rosy calyx and white petals. A seed-propagated form. ‘Winston Churchill’ has double red and lavender blossoms.


Variegated foliage ‘Autumnale’ provides leaves in gold, dull green, and russet tones, with purple to rose flowers. Foliage always seems to be changing color, particularly in the spring. ‘Golden Marinka’ has single red bell-shaped flowers and foliage variegated gold, red, and cream. ‘Island Sunset’ has leaves with white edges and red blooms. ‘Sharpitor’, a cultivar of Fuchsia magellanica var. molinae, has gray leaves edged in white. Flowers are pale pink. ‘Sunray’ has green-and-white variegated foliage, red sepals, and blue corollas. ‘Versicolor’ has gray-green leaves with a silver tint, edged white, and bright red variegation. The young leaves are red-purple in color. A selection of Fuchsia magellanica. Flowers are scarlet. Also sold as ‘Tricolor’.


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Asteraceae

The genus was named for Gaillard de Charentoneau, an eighteenth-century French magistrate and patron of the botanical sciences. I often wonder why many native genera such as Gaillardia (all the approximately thirty species are native to North America, most to the southwestern United States) commemorate people from abroad. It turns out that Gaillardia was studied and named by French botanist Auguste Denis Fourgeroux (1732–1789), who then immortalized Monsieur de Charentoneau. Might have been worse—it could have been Charentonea or Fourgeroia. Gaillardia is much better known as a group of fine perennials, particularly the popular G. ×grandiflora, one of the parents of which is the annual G. pulchella.

-pulchella (pul chel′ a) summer

indian blanket, firewheels 1–2'/2' red, yellow United States, Mexico

This plant, also known as blanket flower, is a hairy annual, with 3–4" long leaves and many 2" balls of flowers on long flower stems. Flowering begins in late spring and continues to frost. The species is seldom seen in gardens, but several fine cultivars have enjoyed success. They are prone to leaf and root rot if summer rains and humidity are excessive or if drainage is poor. Like their perennial cousins, plants may be short-lived, flowering themselves to death, particularly in warm weather. Full sun, well-drained soils. Propagate by seed. Prepare to plant in spring and late summer. CULTIVARS

‘Lorenziana’ is unusual with enlarged, quilled ray flowers and funnel-shaped disk flowers. The flower colors are red, yellow, or bicolored. ‘Red Plume’ is the best of the selections, bearing dozens of double brick-red flowers all summer. An All-America Selection in 1991. ‘Yellow Plume’ is a yellow version of ‘Red Plume’, not as well known but quite colorful. ‘Yellow Sun’ is likely the same as ‘Yellow Plume’. 221

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Alternative species Gaillardia aestivalis var. winkleri (white firewheel) is an endangered species native to dry areas in Hardin County in southeastern Texas. They are characterized by flowers with deeply lobed white to magenta petals surrounding a yellow to purple eye. Plants grow 1–2' tall. I saw a beautiful population in the Endangered Species Garden at the Mercer Botanical Gardens, Humble, Texas. Unfortunately, plants are not available to gardeners, but seed may some day become available. Additional reading Lee, Rand B. 1998. Blanket flowers (Gaillardia). American Cottage Gardener 5(3):22. Turner, B. L. 1979. Gaillardia aestivalis var. winkleri (Asteraceae): a white-flowered tetraploid taxon endemic to southeastern Texas. Southwestern Naturalist 24(4): 621–624.



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Gazania (ga zay′ nee a)

treasure flower

Asteraceae

The approximately sixteen species of this South African genus are best known as drought-tolerant bedding plants. Plants, usually only 6–12" tall, produce brilliantly colored daisy flowers throughout the season. Most material available from growers and retailers is of hybrid origin, with Gazania rigens as the dominant parent but with contributions from G. linearis and others. For differences among other South African daisies, see Arctotis.

-rigens (ree′ jenz) summer

treasure flower many colors

9–18"/18" South Africa

Nearly all the cultivars that involve this species consist of blooms with brown to black spots on the base of the ray flowers, making a dark ring around the disk. The flowers are held singly and borne on 4–6" long smooth peduncles. The leaves are also exceedingly handsome; the uppersides are green, and the undersides are often white and woolly. Some cultivars are white woolly on both sides, providing additional interest. Without a doubt, some of the most brilliant daisies are to be found here, and I love them in the spring and early summer. They are not always carefree in the garden, however. They are drought-tolerant but not lovers of summer rains or humidity. The woolly leaves collect moisture, and if they don’t dry out or if the excess water does not drain away, crown and root rots may occur. And the marvelous colors do not always persist throughout the growing season, a problem more common in the South than in the North. Full sun, in raised beds, containers, or well-drained soils. Most cultivars, including hybrids, are raised from seed.

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Gazania rigens Talent Mix

ASHA KAYS



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CULTIVARS



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‘Aureo-Variegata’ has lanceolate green leaves with yellow margins. The flowers are bright orange. Chansonette series consists of a mix of compact 10–12" tall plants with 2– 21⁄2" wide flowers. ‘Christopher Lloyd’ has interesting rose-pink flowers with a green ring at the base. ‘Cookie’ has 2–3" wide scarlet flowers with black centers over silvery foliage. Daybreak series is among the most brilliant of this brilliant group of plants. ‘Daybreak Bright Orange’, ‘Daybreak Garden Sun’ (bright yellow), and ‘Daybreak Red Stripe’ (red stripes running down the deep yellow petals) have all received Fleuroselect awards. An outstanding series available in eight colors and a mixture. ‘Dorothy’ bears yellow flowers with narrow petals and black centers. ‘Filigree’ is different. Its orange to yellow blooms have narrow ray petals and are borne on long flower stems, and its attractive silver foliage is highly divided. ‘Freddy’ has rose flowers with a green ring. The plants form 12–15" mounds of compact foliage and flowers. Harlequin series is a tall form (up to 18") with large flowers in flashy tones of yellow, orange, pink, and red. Klondyke series is a mixture of colors on 12–14" plants. ‘Lolita’ produces narrow silvery foliage and bright yellow flowers. The leaves also have narrow white margins. Mini-Star series offers short, compact plants with bright 2" flowers. ‘MiniStar Tangerine’ was both an All-America Selection (1985) and a Fleuroselect award winner. ‘Mini-Star Yellow’ was also the recipient of a Fleuroselect award. White flowers (‘Mini-Star White’) are also available. ‘Moonlight’ is green on the uppersides of the leaves and produces excellent yellow flowers with a black ring at the base of the ray flowers. ‘Northbourne’ has leaves similar to ‘Lolita’ but with orange flowers with black rings. ‘Orange Beauty’ appears to have a good deal of Gazania linearis in the parentage, bearing pure orange flowers over green leaves. ‘Silverlight’ has narrow silver foliage and bright yellow single flowers. Sundance series is an eye-catching mix of blooms with stripes on the ray flowers. About 12" tall. ‘Sundrop’ is a compact selection with silver foliage and bright yellow flowers. Sunshine series is a mix of 3" wide flowers. Plants are about 12" tall and feature cream, yellow, orange, pink, and red flowers. Talent Mix is a beautiful group of plants. The foliage is as handsome as the flowers, obviously silver-green on both sides. Several flower colors are present in the mix, and ‘Talent Yellow’ is available as a single color. ‘Torquay Silver’ bears single orange flowers and silver foliage. var. uniflora has silver to white lanceolate leaves and pure yellow flowers. Flowers are smaller than the species but equally handsome.

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‘Variegata’ has leaves variegated gold and cream, with orange flowers. ‘Waterlily’ is a favorite of mine, with dozens of large creamy white flowers on green foliage. Alternative species Gazania linearis (lin ee ar′ is; syn. G. longiscapa) has shorter more pointed leaves crowded at the apices of the stems. The leaves are slightly hairy above, whitewoolly beneath, and often with inrolled margins. Plants have a mounded habit, and they can make excellent ground covers. The flowers are golden yellow, usually without the dark disk at the base of the ray flowers. ‘Peggy’s Pet’ forms wonderful mounds of green-silver foliage and yellow flowers poking out on all sides. A double-flowered form, ‘Flore-plena’, is occasionally grown.

Geranium (jer ay′ nee um)

-incanum (in ka′ num) summer

geranium


pink

This fine bushy species has wonderful ferny foliage that is green above, whitish beneath, and slightly fragrant. The leaves are cut into five linear divisions with linear lobes and teeth; all divisions and segments are very thin, less than 1⁄ 8" wide. The pink to light lavender flowers, each with a white eye, measure 11⁄2" across and occur in late summer, continuing for many weeks. Flowers are held in few-flowered inflorescences or singly. Quite lovely when weather is cool, but they can look tired in hot summers. Well worth a try, however: the take-home message is that even when not in flower, this plant will not disappoint with its delicate foliage.

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Most plants grown as geraniums are the bedding plant species and scented forms of Pelargonium. Those we call geraniums are generally grown as perennials, and many a person has gone through a geranium stage of life in their evolution as a gardener. But being a collector of useful annual geraniums is quite simple, there are so few worth cultivating. The native species Geranium robertianum (ro ber tee ay′ num; herb robert) is a reasonably good plant, but I cannot get past its weedy leaves and wild-looking flowers. Some people love them, and it is easy enough for those to gather seeds from the wild (a good dump is a fine place to explore) and plant them among other wildings. I really do love spotted geranium, Geranium maculatum (mak yew lay′ tum), probably our best native perennial form. Normally its flowers are lavender, but white and rose varieties can also be found. I seldom see spotted geraniums in garden centers. Look for them in native mail-order catalogs or in the gardens of geranium enthusiasts. They are tolerant of shady locations, reseed themselves readily, and should be tried more often, regardless of whether you consider them annual or perennial.


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Full sun in the North, a little afternoon shade in the South. Propagate by seed or cuttings. CULTIVARS

‘Sugar Plum’ has an obvious white eye in the blue to purple flowers. Alternative species Geranium robustum, another native of South Africa, bears three to seven finely divided leaves, silvery above and below. The pale purple flowers have a white base and are held in a many-flowered inflorescence. ‘Frances Grate’ is a 16–20" tall hybrid between the two species with violet-blue flowers and handsome silvery foliage.

Gerbera (ger′ ber a) 10 Points Checklist Colour 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 OK


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Transvaal daisy

Asteraceae

Gerberas are among the most popular cut flowers produced by European and American greenhouses; they have been bred for long stems, and their semi-double brilliantly colored flowers are bought in florist shops all over the country. Of the forty species, the gerbera daisies most often seen are cultivars of Gerbera jamesonii or hybrids between it and G. viridifolia. These plants are stemless; all produce foliage in a basal rosette, giving rise to a naked flower stem. The 2' long leaves are usually entire, but may be dentate or lobed. The flowers are usually semi-double and in shades of yellow, orange, dark red, white, or pink. The disk flowers are dark brown to black. As garden plants, they are outstanding in some years and awful in others. They are susceptible to leaf spots and root rots in beds that remain wet during rainy periods. They do produce dozens of flowers, however, and if cultivars are selected for garden use, not cut flowers, some beautiful flowers will result. The F1 hybrids, all raised from seed, deliver the best garden performance. They are generally compact and shorter than those selected for cut flowers; their flower stems remain upright, rather than flopping around like a fish on a hook every time it rains. CULTIVARS

Festival series is 10–12" tall and produces 4" wide daisy flowers. Breeders have produced thirteen separate colors, but they are often available as a mix. Gigi Mix is a mixture of 3' long cut flowers with 3" wide flowers in five or so bright colors. Happipot Mix was among the first F1 hybrids for pot use and landscape performance. Flowers are about 3" wide and grow 12–14" tall. Mardi Gras series bears 4–5" wide semi-double flowers in four colors. Good for garden use. Masquerade series consists of 4" wide daisy flowers with dark centers in five colors. The best for outdoor performance.

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GILIA

Gerbera jamesonii CHRIS JOHNSON

Gilia (gil′ ee a)

Polemoniaceae

I am not sure why so few gilias are offered to the gardener. Perhaps it is because most hail from dry, desert habitats in the southwestern United States and southern South America. At one time or another, most genera in the family Polemoniaceae were lumped under Gilia, and even with those species now in Collomia and Ipomopsis removed, Gilia is still a bewildering genus—depending on the reference you pick up, the number of species is anywhere from twenty-five to a hundred. When gilias are grown, it is for their finely divided foliage and tight clusters of flowers, usually blue, but also in lavender and white. The only species I know, and not particularly well, is Gilia lepantha (le pan′ tha), an 8–14" tall blue-flowered form that flowers in the spring. The finely pinnately divided leaves are handsome prior to flowering, and the clusters of flowers cover most of the foliage for many weeks. Afternoon rains and poorly drained soils are to be avoided; only one you can do something about. If humidity and rain are a problem, plants may decline in mid summer. Full sun, propagate by seed in situ.

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GLAUCIUM

Glaucium (glo′ kee um)

horned poppy

Papaveraceae

Approximately twenty-five species occur in this genus, many of them annual or biennial, and a few, such as Glaucium flavum, true perennials. The generic name comes from the Greek, glaukos (“gray-green”), a reference to the foliage color, and indeed, for most gardeners, the color of the foliage is the most handsome part of many of the species. The sap is yellow and the roots are poisonous. The striking horn-like seed pods have given rise to the common name. I enjoy all the flowers of this genus, but they are troublesome in warm, humid summers. Full sun or afternoon shade is recommended and good drainage is a must. Beautiful foliage, handsome flowers; marginal performance unless cool and dry.

-corniculatum (kor nik yew lay′ tum) summer



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red

red horned poppy 2–21⁄2'/2' Europe, SW Asia

This species is considered biennial, but if plants are put in early in the spring, they will flower without a cold treatment. Flowers are 21⁄2" wide, with two sepals and four petals, spotted red or orange at the base; they are often red but may be orange or yellow as well. The hairy gray-green leaves are pinnately divided, each division narrowly oblong. Plants are hardy to about zone 7, and easily propagated from seed at 65–70°F in humid conditions.

Glechoma (glay ko′ ma)

Lamiaceae

To some gardeners, this genus represents nothing more than obnoxious weeds; others see indispensable plants for containers and baskets. There may be twelve species, but only the European Glechoma hederacea (ground ivy) is ever cultivated. This species is a creeper and rhizomatous, speedily moving along the ground, forming mats of green. The opposite leaves are 1–11⁄2" long held on 2" long petioles attached to the squarish stems. Plants form small violet, pink, or occasionally white flowers in four- to six-flowered whorls in the leaf axils. Gardeners seldom purchase the green species, although if a green ground cover is desired, this works just fine. With common names like alehoof, field balm, gill-over-the-ground, and runaway robin, it is pretty obvious that these are movers and shakers. If plants overwinter (zones 7 to 10), it will be either a terrific plant or a fast-spreading weed. Plant in full sun, although plants tolerate shade well, and water well. CULTIVARS

‘Variegata’, by far the most popular form, has gained exceptional acceptance as the use of containers has become more common. The green leaves have broken edges and zones of white and silver throughout. Used as a trailer for containers and baskets.

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GLOBBA

Globba (glo′ ba)

Zingiberaceae

This genus offers plants for the person who likes to garden on the edge—they are fascinating, romantic, and weird, at least to gardeners outside the Deep South. Like other members of the ginger family, Globba provides a tropical look, interesting foliage, and a promise of colorful flowers that, for most of us, remains unfulfilled. Plants grow from slender rhizomes and produce alternate 8" long leaves on a reed-like stem. Flowers consist of showy bracts around small flowers in a pendulous raceme. Approximately seventy species are known; two or three are available as garden plants, propagated through tissue culture. Most are hardy to zone 9, with protection to zone 8. I have the same opinion of globbas and orchids: they are better for greenhouse culture and look good only when in flower. yellow dancing lady yellow

2–3'/2' SE Asia

This species (syn. Globba bulbifera, G. schomburgkii) bears 10–15" long elliptical leaves that are softly hairy beneath. The 3" long inflorescence starts erect, then becomes pendulous as the flowers open. Flowers consist of 3⁄4" pale green bracts surrounding fleshy yellow flowers. The lips of the flowers are spotted orange or red at the base. Numerous small bulbils are formed in lowermost bracts of the flowers, which may be removed for propagation purposes. Gardeners in moderate climates should use this species in containers, which can be easily removed in the fall for overwintering in a frost-free place. The containers may be freestanding or planted in the garden. Plants are not at all ornamental when not in flower; place them where they can be admired if flowers do occur, but treat them as a green filler otherwise. Plants need copious moisture, high humidity, and indirect light. Plant in shady conditions, with a few hours of direct sun, for the best-looking plants. Propagate from bulbils in the flowers.

-winitii (win it′ ee i) late summer

dancing ladies mauve

1–3'/2' Thailand

This is the most common globba on the market, which is not saying much; nevertheless, several cultivars are available to the gardener. The lanceolate leaves are about 8" long with a heart-shaped base, attached to the stem by 3–4" long petioles. The inflorescence is pendent, consisting of 11⁄2" long-lasting pink to mauve bracts around small yellow flowers. It is fun to watch the ladies dance, and if you can find a globba or two, give them a try. Gardeners in Florida, the Gulf states, and southern California will find they can be both fun and extraordinarily beautiful. Temperate gardeners should consult my cultural comments for Globba marantina.

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-marantina (ma ran tee′ na)

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GLORIOSA

CULTIVARS

‘Blushing Maid’ is about 2' tall, with pendulous flowers consisting of white bracts around yellow flowers. The leaves are bronze on the undersides. ‘Pristine Pink’ has pink bracts surrounding the yellow flowers. ‘Ruby Queen’ produces flowers consisting of red bracts and yellow flowers. ‘White Dragon’ has white bracts and yellow flowers. Additional reading Chapman, Timothy. 1995. Ornamental Gingers. 6920 Bayou Paul Rd., St. Gabriel, LA 70776. San Felasco Nurseries: www.sanfelasco.com Stokes Tropicals: www.stokestropicals.com Wight Nurseries of North Carolina: www.wightnurseries.com

Gloriosa (glor ee o′ sa) 10 Points Checklist Colour 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 OK


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glory lily

Liliaceae

The glory lilies are glorious, no doubt about it, but they are for the most part denizens of conservatories and botanical gardens. Perhaps their popularity in gardens is limited because they are difficult to locate, expensive to buy, resentful of transplantation, and toxic to boot. The genus consists of but one species, Gloriosa superba, which arises from a hefty tuber. Plants are deciduous climbers, clinging and climbing by tendrils. The ovate glossy green leaves may be alternate, opposite, or whorled and are pointed at the tips. The 3–4" long flowers, which are formed in the leaf axils on long pedicels, are nothing if not showy. The six wavy spreading tepals (sepals and petals together) are upright, their tips gently reflexed (bending) inwards. They may be bicolored or a single hue. The rest of the floral parts complement the distinctive tepals. The six stamens and single pistil at the base of the tepals resemble flared legs supporting a colorful table. Flowering occurs as plants mature, which is generally not until late summer or fall if young plants are placed in the garden. As the roots of the tuber are quite brittle, care must be taken when transplanting to the garden. Alternatively, pot the tubers in containers and plunge the container in the garden. That way, it may be removed easily in the fall, if overwintering is in the plan. Withhold water in the fall as temperatures fall, and place the dried tuber in a dry, frost-free room. Full sun, well-drained soils. Provide a shrub or other support. Water plentifully and feed with a dilute fertilizer solution in the spring. Seed propagation is not difficult. CULTIVARS

‘Abyssinica’ has 2–3" long smooth red tepals with gold bands down the center and golden base. Not as vigorous as most other cultivars. ‘Carsonii’ has purple-red tepals, yellow toward the centers. The tepals are wavy and strongly reflexed.

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‘Citrina’ bears beautiful lemon-yellow tepals. ‘Grandiflora’ bears deep orange to scarlet tepals with yellow margins. ‘Rothschildiana’, once known as Gloriosa rothschildiana, is the largest, best, and best-known cultivar, with vigorous fast-growing stems. The 3–4" long tepals are scarlet, yellow at the base and with a central stripe, strongly recurved. ‘Superba’ bears narrow tepals, deeply waved and reflexed, in deep orange and red. ‘Verschuurii’ has crimson undulated tepals that are yellow at the margins.

Gomphrena (gom free′ na)

Amaranthaceae

Gomphrena likes it hot because it originally grew in Hades’s garden at the gates of hell. Hades kidnapped Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, while she was out picking flowers (of course). Zeus worked out a compromise to get Persephone back for at least half of the year (summer). Hades was none too happy about it. He decided to curse Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and fertility, by sending gomphrena seeds up with Persephone. Of course they grew like hell, and since then, all of us who farm flowers for a living share in Hades’s curse. Gomphrena grows best here in Texas because our climate most closely matches that of [its] native environment. Gomphrena is one of the best-known ornamental genera of the family, tough and colorful, and G. globosa is by far the best known of its approximately ninety species.

-globosa (glo bo′ sa) summer

globe amaranth many colors

1–3'/1' Central America

When someone asks me to recommend a tough plant that will tolerate heat and abuse, and still be colorful, I ask them if they have heard of globe amaranth. This species has been on the garden scene for a long time, having come over to this country with some of the first settlers. It has undergone many transformations in form and function: the taller forms are valuable for fresh and dried cut flowers; the dwarf ones fit well into landscapes and gardens. Plants consist of opposite 3–4" long, 1–11⁄2" wide leaves, entire, lanceolate, slightly hairy, and almost sessile. Dissecting a flower spike is an interesting exercise for plant nerds on a rainy day. At the base of the spike are a couple of small ovate leaves, which are easily seen and removed. Dozens of small flowers make up the spherical inflorescence, each one consisting of five tepals and subtended

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Plants of this genus, in the same family as Celosia and Amaranthus, are characterized by their dozens of tiny flowers held in colorful inflorescences throughout the growing season. These are excellent plants for heat, seemingly springing from the hottest places on earth. Or as Frank Arnosky of Texas Specialty Cut Flowers explains it, perhaps there is a “hell on earth.”


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by two broad leafy bracts. The entire conglomeration is held together in a colorful inflorescence, produced at the end of the stems as well as in the leaf axils. Interesting exercise, but perhaps it’s not worth wasting even a rainy day making a mess in the kitchen when you can be outside making a mess in the garden. Plants are tough and available in enough colors and heights to fit most garden needs. Plant in full sun, provide sufficient water when young, and deadhead occasionally. Easily propagated by seed in the spring. If plants look a little tired, reseed in mid summer for fall flowering. CULTIVARS



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‘Bicolor Rose’ is among the best cultivars I have trialed, producing dozens of rose-pink heads on 2' tall plants. An excellent selection. Buddy series grows only 9–15" tall. Plants are available in four or so colors. Susceptible to leaf spot diseases, at least in my experience. Gnome series is a better, more consistent group than the older Buddy series. Equally dwarf and colorful, good for containers and gardens. ‘Strawberry Fields’ is among the finest globe amaranths on the market. The vigor of its strong upright stems and its striking strawberry-red color make it very popular with fresh and dried cut flower growers. About 12–18" tall. Woodcreek series (Qis series) arose from Woodcreek Farms in Ohio and consists of lavender, orange, pink, purple, red, rose, and white blooms on 2' tall upright plants. Alternative species Gomphrena haageana (hay gee an′ a) is 2–21⁄ 2' tall and produces lanceolate leaves about 1⁄2" across that are often six times as long as wide. The plants used to be called G. aurantiaca and G. coccinea, referring to the common yellow and red flowers of the species. Not as much choice as G. globosa but as easy to grow. Propagate by seed.

Graptophyllum (grap to fil′ um)

Acanthaceae

This genus consists of about ten species, all with beautifully marked foliage. The name comes from the Greek, grapho (“to write”) and phyllon (“leaf”), alluding to the handsome leaves. Plants, which had been confined to conservatories in the past, are fast gaining converts among gardeners everywhere for their ease of growth, colorful foliage, and tolerance of heat and humidity. The species most commonly grown is Graptophyllum pictum and its fine cultivars.

-pictum (pik′ tum) summer

caricature plant foliage

2–4'/2' SE Pacific

I really like these plants for several reasons. They grow reasonably quickly but don’t pour out of their growing spaces. They are unaffected by heat and humid-

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Graptophyllum pictum ‘Chocolate’


GRAPTOPHYLLUM

ASHA KAYS

ity yet grow nicely, albeit more slowly, in cool summers. They provide excellent foliage color the entire season without any maintenance to speak of, and bugs and spores seem to stay clear. The scarlet to purple-red tubular flowers are attractive but generally seen only in the conservatory in the winter months. Plants are used as annuals in cold zones and pruned into hedges in the tropics. So where is this plant? Why is it not more common? For a start, it is a slow grower and not a coleus. It requires more heat, so few growers want to try it. And so few gardeners know it, they don’t buy it even when it is grown—the classic Catch-22 of new crops. Difficulties in propagation have also kept it an uncommon offering. All these challenges, although not insurmountable, will likely keep the plants in the hard-to-find category. That they are slightly off-the-wall is what makes some of these little-known plants so treasured. The leathery oval to elliptical foliage is opposite and entire. The species has glossy green leaves irregularly blotched or marbled cream in the center of the leaves. The small scarlet to purple-red flowers are held in terminal racemes, but

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I have never seen them while plants have been growing outdoors in the summer. Just as well, as they are not needed for color. They tolerate considerable shade, as demonstrated by their sales as houseplants, but should be planted in full sun for best color. Propagate by terminal cuttings. Rooting can be slow, requiring three to four weeks, particularly the selection ‘Tricolor’. CULTIVARS

‘Black Beauty’ produces foliage that is almost completely deep purple to black. ‘Chocolate’ (‘Lurido-sanguineum’) has purple leaves with creamy to pink central veins running down the leaves. My favorite. ‘Tricolor’ bears green leaves mottled yellow and pink. Both this and ‘Chocolate’ are Athens Select plants.

Gypsophila (jip sa′ fil a) 10 Points Checklist Colour 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 OK


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The perennial Gypsophila paniculata (baby’s breath) may be found in every florist and bouquet, tempering raucous reds and stomach-wrenching oranges, and the alpine G. repens works wonders in rock gardens everywhere. But let us not forget the classy plants offered by two annual species, G. elegans and G. muralis. Quick guide to Gypsophila species G. elegans G. muralis

-elegans (el′ e ganz) summer

Height 18–30" 6–12"

Branching moderately strongly

Flower color white, rose pink

annual baby’s breath white, rose

12–16"/12" Caucasus

The species has dark green lanceolate leaves on erect stems. The plants tend to branch in the upper parts only, producing clouds of flowers above the foliage. They are occasionally used as cut flowers by professional growers and can be cut out of the garden as well. The single flowers are usually white, with subtle pink or purple veins but rose, pink, and carmine flowers have also been bred by hybridizers. The many flowers are held in compound inflorescences (panicles) on long slender flower stalks. Plants make a terrific show all summer, if temperatures do not climb above 85°F for a prolonged period. They tend to melt out in high humidity and heat. Plants are lime lovers and will persist longer if lime is added to the area of the garden in which they are to be planted. Those in raised beds or in rock gardens are more tolerant of abusive conditions. Full sun to partial shade, propagate by seed.

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‘Carminea’ (‘Kermesina’) has carmine-rose flowers on 11⁄2–21⁄2' tall plants. ‘Covent Garden’ is the best-known cultivar and bears large single white flowers on 2–21⁄2' tall plants. ‘Red Cloud’ produces rose to carmine flowers. ‘Rosea’ has pale pink flowers.

summer

annual baby’s breath pink

6–12"/12" Europe

Gypsophila muralis differs from G. elegans in several ways: its stature is smaller, its habit is mounded rather than erect, and it has many more flowers. The linear dark green leaves are carried on strongly branched stems, resulting in a handsome mound. Flowers sit in showy clouds above the foliage. The lack of recognition this small-flowered species suffered changed when flower breeders introduced a couple of vigorous growers with relatively large flowers. I trialed these two in the Georgia heat and humidity, assuming they would keel over at the first hint of bad weather. I was pleasantly surprised by both forms, which flowered for three to four months. Eventually, the triple barrels of heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms caught up with them, but I have no trouble recommending them to southern gardeners as well as those in the rest of the country. They don’t appear to be as lime-loving as most other species of Gypsophila. Excellent for containers and mixed baskets. Full sun to partial shade. Keep out of afternoon sun in the South. Propagate by seed. CULTIVARS

‘Garden Bride’ is about 10" tall and bears handsome single light pink flowers, 1⁄8" wide and often blotched with white. Very nice. ‘Gypsy’ is a double-flowered form of ‘Garden Bride’, with larger flowers (1⁄4" wide) and a more compact growth habit. Even better. An All-America Selection in 1997. Quick key to Gypsophila species AA. Plant >15" tall, erect habit, leaves lanceolate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. elegans AA. Plant 5') Excellent for cut flowers or the back of the garden, these often require staking. ‘Chianti’ bears 4" wide pollenless flowers on branched plants. The blooms are maroon and red, flecked with gold. ‘Crimson Thriller’ has a great name and is a huge thing. Orange-red ray flowers around a big black disk. ‘Evening Sun’ sports 8–10" wide flowers with red rays and dark maroon rings surrounding a dark center. ‘Full Sun’ bears golden yellow 6–7" wide flowers with black disks. ‘Indian Blanket’ has bicolor flowers of wine and lemon-yellow. Plants are 5–6' tall. ‘Lemon Queen’ provides creamy pale yellow ray flowers around a large brown disk. Plants branch well, forming many additional flowers. A lovely color. ‘Mammoth Russian’ is definitely mammoth, a blue-ribbon contender at the local fair. The yellow flowers are up to 10" across on 7' tall plants. ‘Moonbright’ has lemon-yellow flowers and a brown disk. Flowers are 6–7" across; they don’t produce pollen, making them exceptional cut flowers. ‘Moonshine’ bears lemon-yellow flowers with a large black eye. ‘Red Sun’ produces large red flowers on 5' tall stems. ‘Sunbeam’ bears 5–6" wide golden yellow flowers around chartreuse-green disks. Pollenless and terrific. ‘Sunbright’ has bright yellow flowers around dark brown centers, otherwise similar to ‘Sunbeam’. Pollenless. ‘Sun Goddess’ produces very large (8–10" wide) flowers consisting of golden yellow rays around a chocolate-brown center. ‘Sungold’ is a terrific golden yellow double-flowered form. I am not partial to double flowers, but I found this to be an excellent cultivar with strong stems and exquisite flowers. If you like double-flowered sunflowers, this one is worth seeking out. Also sold as ‘Giant Sungold’. ‘Sunrich Lemon’ and ‘Sunrich Orange’ are 5–6' tall single-stem forms, extremely useful for cut flowers. The blooms are about 7" across and pollenless. ‘Taiyo’ is another large and large-flowered form, with 8' tall plants boasting 10" wide flowers. The flowers have short orange-yellow rays surrounding a wide brown disk. ‘Titanic’ is a double-flowered sunflower with a small dark disk. Plants grow 5–6' tall. May be the same as ‘Sungold’.

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‘Velvet Queen’ has deep velvety red flowers with dark centers on 5' tall plants. One of the better reds.



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Intermediate forms (3–5') Excellent for cut flowers or mid to back of garden. ‘Del Sol’ grows about 4' tall and produces many 5–6" wide yellow flowers with a black center. ‘Floristan’ has 5–6" wide flowers with unique bicolored ray flowers, burgundy at the base and light yellow at the tips. The center is burgundy with gold stamens. Branched, about 5' tall. Quite an eyeful. ‘Helios’ bears double lemon-yellow flowers with a small interior eye. ‘Holiday’ is another of the branching forms, with 6–8" wide golden yellow flowers. ‘Ikarus’ is about 4' tall, similar to ‘Valentine’ but with slightly brighter yellow flowers. ‘Monet’ is a bit wild-looking, as befitting the great garden of the man. Single yellow flowers. ‘Moonwalker’ produces branching plants with many flowers per stem. Blooms consist of lemon-yellow rays around a dark chocolate center. ‘Orange Sun’ is similar to ‘Helios’. Prado is a highly uniform series, with 4–5" flowers of either red or golden yellow. Pollenless. ‘Sonya’ bears tangerine-orange 4" wide flowers with dark centers on 3–4' tall plants. ‘Soraya’ is a multibranching form with bright orange flowers. ‘Sun King’ is another double-flowered orange form, about 4' tall. ‘Tangina’ produces 4" wide gold-orange ray flowers around a dark disk. Plants are 3–4' tall. ‘Valentine’ is well branched, seldom needing staking. The 6" wide lemonyellow rays surround a dark center. My favorite intermediate. Short forms (18" tall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. triornithophora AA. Plant 2' tall BB. Plant usually >10' tall, leaves blue-green, flowers yellow . . . N. glauca BB. Plant usually 2" long

-frutescens (froo te′ senz) summer

Flower habit floral leaf subtends three flowers floral leaf subtends one flower

shrubby perilla foliage

1–2'/2' Himalayas, east Asia

These fast-growing annuals have become favorites in gardens where reseeding plants are welcome and formality is a no-no. Plants can attain heights of 3' or more, but in most gardens, 1–2' is more common. The opposite broadly ovate leaves are 2–4" long and 1–2" wide, pointed at the tip and serrated on the margins. The aromatic green leaves, often speckled with purple, are held on 1–11⁄2" petioles. The small two-lipped white flowers are held in 4" long inflorescences with prominent floral leaves, which subtend one or two flowers. Inside the flowers are four stamens, in two pairs. Plants are invaluable for their disdain of heat, drought, and disease. They reseed with abandon and pop up everywhere; in some gardens, they are a nuisance, in others, a constant source of delight. Full sun, well-drained soils. But plants tolerate partial shade, particularly in the South, and though they prefer good drainage, moisture is not a problem. Propagate by seed or terminal cuttings. CULTIVARS

‘Atropurpurea’ is a common form, with deep red-purple leaves. var. nankinensis (syn. Perilla crispa) bears deep bronze or purple leaves, each coarsely toothed with fringed and crisped margins. Arguably the most handsome and vigorous form.

Petunia (pe too′ nee a)

Solanaceae

A seedsman with a major flower breeding company recently mused, “If I could sell one half of one percent of the petunias sold today, I would be a rich man.” The highs and lows of many a company have mirrored the highs and lows of petunia popularity for decades now, so important have petunias become in America’s short landscape history. The petunia was the number-one-selling bedding plant from the 1950s through the 1980s. The love affair with petunias has soured a little since, worldwide (now they are in second place in bedding plant sales, after impatiens); but new high-performance hybrids have been developed continually since the late ’80s, and despite the all-time high interest in diverse and unusual annuals and perennials, petunias still sell in record numbers and still enjoy tremendous success and visibility. Readers of this book, newly besotted with the odd and unique, may never buy another petunia, but look around the landscapes of public and commercial properties and reality will quickly dawn. Petunias don’t maintain their popularity because of promotion and hype: they remain popular because they perform well in many areas of the country,

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they flower throughout the season, and they have a lovely fragrance to boot. That they are readily available each spring simply makes the choice to purchase petunias that much easier. Although 99% of what you see in 99% of the outlets are hybrids, this mostly South American genus has many species. I’ve had the good fortune of knowing Grace Price, a longtime flower breeder. Every time I see her, she is working with another species, and even though she has introduced dozens of hybrids (the Wave series is among her finest), her eyes sparkle as she talks about her seedlings and the potential of the crosses yet to come. It is the Grace Prices of the floricultural world whose passion makes this wonderful gardening habit so exciting. The hybrids mostly arose from two species, each one occasionally found in garden centers or mail-order catalogs. Petunia integrifolia (violet-flowered petunia) was sent to the Glasgow Botanical Garden in 1831 by intrepid South American explorer James Tweedie (see Tweedia for more on him). Petunia integrifolia has elliptical to lanceolate leaves and small lavender to purple flowers. The stems are spreading with upright tips, and the overall habit is more wild. More and more plants of this and ‘Alba’, its white-flowered form, are being sold. They exhibit better weather tolerance than many of the grandiflora forms and provide a glimpse of a simpler time in the petunia world. Petunia axillaris (large white petunia, night-scented petunia) was sent to Paris in 1823 by a French commission sent to South America to evaluate resources for the French throne. The buffwhite flowers, with a longer, thinner tube and more flattened opening, are wonderfully fragrant in the evening. Try to find these wonderful plants. Who could have foreseen that two rather plain South American weeds could have so influenced plant commerce in the twenty-first century? All petunias have soft alternate entire leaves, often sticky, and flowers that consist of a five-parted calyx and five-lobed funnelform corolla. The flower tube is long and sits loosely on the calyx. I can’t think of a color that is not available, other than brown (except when dead) or black (except when diseased). As popular as petunias are, they are not without problems. Sclerotinia (stem rot and wilt), Phytophthora (late leaf blight), Botrytis (gray mold), and Rhizoctonia (root rot) are some of the disease organisms that plague petunias in the landscape. Viruses and insects too afflict them. The warmer the summer, the more likely problems will develop, and the further south one gardens, the more important cultivar selection becomes. Fungicides are effective; so are raised beds. But look closely at the cultivar name (if provided) on the beautiful flat of petunias in the garden center, particularly south of zone 6. Full sun, well-drained soils. Plant in raised beds if summers are wet. Petunia hybrids In an attempt to help growers decide what to grow, breeders grouped petunia hybrids into different classes, originally based on flower size. What is provided here is a hybrid of industry classes and Armitage classes, which may help cut through the fog of new forms. Having to choose among the cacophony of colors, habits, and sizes is, for most sane people, like trying to penetrate a rose

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thicket. For years, all petunias were developed from seed, but many new vegetative forms have now hit the market. In general, the vegetative material is used for baskets and containers. Cascading forms bear long pendulous stems that drip out of baskets and containers, for which look they were bred. Often vegetatively propagated (Surfinia series, for example) but also from seed. Flowers occur in many colors and size varies from small (1" wide) to medium (2–21⁄2" wide). Grandifloras have the biggest flowers and are always the most showy in the retail center. If petunias struggle in your area, stay away from the grandifloras. They simply don’t have the weather tolerance of the other classes. For areas that offer the combined stress of summer rain, heat, and humidity, I wouldn’t recommend a grandiflora to save my life. Flowers may be singles or doubles. Miniatures form tight mounds covered with small flowers. The main series of this class, Fantasy series, has shown excellent weather tolerance and fine flower power. ‘Fantasy Pink Morn’ was an All-America Selection in 1998. Vegetative miniature forms tend to be much more cascading in habit. Mounding forms are just that, large mounds for the landscape. Best shown by the Tidal Wave series. Multifloras have smaller flowers than the grandifloras but usually carry more of them. In general, weather tolerance is better; plants rebound more quickly from rains and winds. Forms are single or double, upright or cascading (as in the Wave series). Breeding in the 1990s blurred the distinction between multifloras and grandifloras, and we now have large-flowered multifloras called floribundas. As with impatiens, salvias, and the other main classes of bedding plants, many petunia cultivars were bred specifically for greenhouse performance (fewer days to production, short, compact habit, uniformity), but they are often similar both in appearance and in garden performance. Choosing a petunia will be easier if you deal with a retailer that provides reasonable labeling and then look for the cultivar name. Cascading Cascadia series is vegetatively propagated, excellent for baskets and containers. Available in white (‘Choice’), soft pink (‘Charme’), pink, veined (‘Pink Spark’, ‘Blue Spark’), dark purple (‘Cherie’), red, violet-blue, deep rose (‘Champagne’), blue (‘Charlie’), white with yellow eye, salmon-pink (‘Chipper’), and yellow. Ruffle series bears trailing semi-double and double flowers, in about four colors. Supertunias have had a significant impact, with many colors in cascading, energetic plants. Lavender-pink, rose (‘Mariposa Rose’), bright pink, lilac, pastel pink, purple, strawberry-veined pink, lavender (‘Priscilla’), ‘Purple Sunspot’ (among the very best in the series), ‘Royal Velvet’ (purple), and white. Surfinia series is vegetatively propagated and was an instant success in the garden and landscape trade. Trailing habit and medium-sized flowers, combined with vigorous growth helped these plants find a niche in the crowded petunia field. Available in eight colors including solids (‘Surfinia White’) and veined (‘Surfinia Purple Veined’). Excellent heat tolerance.

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Floribunda Double Madness is among the best series with double flowers, with 3" fully double flowers in burgundy, red and white, rose, rose and white, salmon, sheer (pink with darker veins), and silver shades. Madness series is an excellent group of single-flowered plants. Approximately 21⁄2" wide and in nineteen colors, named for the flower color as well as for the four seasons (‘Spring Madness’, and so on), plus two mixes.



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Grandiflora Aladdin series is available in twelve colors and three mixes. ‘Blue Skies’ has 3–31⁄2" wide light blue flowers. ‘California Girl’ has soft yellow flowers but lacks vigor and has shown poor garden performance in most areas of the country. Cloud series provides good performance and a slightly cascading habit. Ruffled, veined, and solid colors offered in seven separate colors and a mix. Countdown series, well-branched and compact, is available in five colors and a mix. Daddy series has veined flowers of high ornamental value in six colors and a mix. Dreams series offers free-flowering plants in nine colors. ‘Appleblossom Dreams’ is a lovely soft pink, ‘Midnight Dreams’ bears dark violet-blue flowers. Falcon series provides early-flowering plants, fifteen colors plus a mix. Flash is a compact series of plants, with 3" flowers in ten colors plus a mix. Frost is an interesting series, bearing bicolor flowers with white edges. The center of the flowers are blue, cherry, red, white (‘Fire Frost’), and wine and red (‘Velvet Frost’). ‘Happiness’ has rose-pink single flowers on well-branched compact plants. Hulahoop series is similar to the Frost series, with bicolor flowers and white edges. Four colors plus a mix. Picotee is another bicolored white-edged series in four colors plus a mix. ‘Prism Sunshine’ is among the better yellow-flowering forms in terms of performance. An All-America Selection in 1998. Storm series bears 3–4" wide flowers in four colors and a mix. ‘Lavender Storm’ is particularly excellent. Supercascade series has exceptionally large flowers in nine colors and a mix. Trumpet series has a mounding habit in the garden and bears large flowers in red, pastel pink, chiffon, pink, purple, and neon rose. Ultra is a popular series with large flowers with star patterns (‘Ultra Blue Star’) and veining (‘Ultra Light Pink Vein’); eighteen solid colors (‘Ultra Blue’) and three formula mixes are also available. ‘Yellow Magic’ bears ruffled 3–4" flowers in deep yellow. Double grandiflora Double Cascade series bears 2" wide double flowers veined in burgundy, pink, and plum.

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ASHA KAYS

‘Duet’ has salmon and white double flowers. Pirouette series produces ruffled flowers with white edges. Available in purple and rose. ‘Sonata’ produces white flowers with fringed edges. Miniature Dream series is a vegetatively propagated mounding petunia with small flowers, recently bred in Israel. Not to be confused with the Dreams series of seedpropagated grandiflora types. Offered in white (‘Bright Dream’), pink with darker veins (‘Pink Dream’), and purple (‘Purple Dream’). They are often referred to as petitunias and are best for containers. Terrific plants. Fantasy is the best seed-propagated miniature series I have trialed. Many 1– 11⁄2" flowers cover the small, compact plants all season. Best for small areas and containers. Available in nine colors and a mix.

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Multiflora Carpet series produces low-growing plants with 11⁄2–2" wide flowers. Sixteen colors plus a mix. Celebrity series offers twenty-two colors, including include solid flowers (‘Celebrity Blue’), veined (‘Celebrity Peach Ice’), star flowers (‘Celebrity Rose Star’), and white-throated forms (‘Red Morn’). Six mixes, each a blend of different colors, are also available. ‘Celebrity Chiffon Morn’ was an All-America Selection in 1995. Hurrah series provides small but colorful flowers in numerous colors. Kahuna series has been an excellent performer in the UGA trials—outstanding even in truculent weather. Half a dozen colors are available. Pearls, an earlier series, is nevertheless heat- and disease-tolerant and always full of flowers. ‘Azure Blue Pearls’ is among the best. Primetime is as full as Celebrity series. No moss growing under these breeders’ feet. Twenty-four named colors plus seven mixes. ‘Summer Sun’ has dull yellow flowers. Supermagic series, a longtime entry, has large plants in numerous colors. Surprise series was indeed a most pleasant surprise in the UGA trials. These low-growing mounded plants are filled with flowers most of the season. Symphony series cascades more than others and therefore looks good falling out of containers and raised beds. Numerous colors from which to choose. Wave series revolutionized the petunia market in the 1990s. They are lowgrowing but spread wildly, filling large areas in no time—the antithesis of the Fantasy series. Outstanding garden performance from northern states to the Deep South. ‘Purple Wave’, an All-America Selection in 1995, was the first entry to the marketplace. Then ‘Misty Lilac Wave’, ‘Pink Wave’ and ‘Rose Wave’ were introduced; all are somewhat more upright than the prostrate ‘Purple Wave’. In 1999 I trialed the most vigorous of all petunias, watching mounding plants covered with hundreds of flowers all season; these became known as the Tidal Wave series. Cherry and hot pink have been exceptional but are not for small areas—they have been known to swallow small dogs. Double multiflora Doubloon series consists of double flowers in pink, rosy lavender (‘Pink Star’), soft lavender (‘Blue Star’), and lilac-blue. Vegetatively propagated. ‘Heavenly Lavender’ has deep lavender-blue double flowers. An All-America Selection in 1996. Seed-propagated. Marco Polo, a series with an upright, somewhat mounding habit, consists of ‘Adventurer’ (magenta), ‘Odyssey’ (a terrific pink), ‘Silk Road’ (white), and ‘Traveller’ (lavender-blue). Additional reading Armitage, Allan M. 1998. Petunias are strutting their stuff. Greenhouse Grower 16(10):127–128. Shaw, Jolie. 1998. Growing today’s cutting petunias. GrowerTalks 62(9):49–50. University of Georgia Trial Reports: www.uga.edu/ugatrial

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Phacelia (fa see′ lee a)

scorpion weed

Hydrophyllaceae

Few gardeners know these plants, but that doesn’t mean that most gardeners would not love to have them in their landscape. The genus consists of about 150 species, most native to the western North America (mainly California and Mexico); only one or two are native to the East. Flowers are usually blue or lavender and consist of five lobes, with a flower tube beneath the lobes. Most species used in gardens are annuals or biennials and often will persist by reseeding. All love cool weather and require excellent drainage, particularly those from the West. Quick guide to Phacelia species

-bipinnatifida (bi pih na tih′ fih da) spring

Leaves pinnate simple

scorpion weed

lavender-blue

8–12"/12" SE United States

This biennial is a common species of Phacelia, mainly for its reseeding ability and its tolerance of eastern climate extremes. Where plants do well, the shaded spring garden is a carpet of violet-blue. Plants are somewhat downy throughout, with pinnately compound leaves on long petioles. The leaves consist of three to five ovate leaflets, pointed and deeply toothed. The five-lobed, wide-mouthed, bell-shaped flowers occur in the spring; they are about 1⁄2" in diameter and an outstanding soft lavender-blue color. They are formed on single-sided racemes, usually coiled up like a scorpion’s tail before they open. The length of time they remain in flower depends on the spring weather and how soon warm weather arrives. Plants do best in shaded areas, such as the shade of pine or high deciduous canopies. Heavy soils are not a problem, and consistent moisture is recommended. Plants are grown from seed, either started in late winter then transplanted in early spring, or sown directly in a well-prepared soil. Plants flower the first year from seed and may be treated as annuals.

-campanularia (kam pan yew la′ ree a) spring

California bluebell

blue

6–9"/12" California

Among the most beautiful blues to be found in garden plants, this southern California native inspires all who see it—and frustrates almost as many others. It is a true annual, flowering first year from seed. Plants generally have reddish stems, bearing oval, pointed, toothed leaves. Some say stems have a pleasant fragrance when crushed; I have smelled something upon crushing, but I believe I thought it pleasant only because I was told to expect it to be so. Maybe it is just me. Flowers are a beautiful gentian blue, measuring about 1" across, with five

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Flower color violet-blue gentian blue

Nativity East West


P. bipinnatifida P. campanularia

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purple stamens and white anthers. The anthers make the flowers appear to be spotted white. Plants need excellent drainage; they often grow best in rock gardens, or between rocks in a patio or walkway. Sandy soils are far better than heavy ones. Cool temperatures, especially cool nights, are needed to keep plants alive (much less flowering) in eastern gardens. That they often perish in warm summers does not diminish their beauty—just don’t bet the farm on their success. If you garden on the West Coast, enjoy. Full sun to partial shade, in open soils. Moisture must be provided. Propagate by seed, as with Phacelia bipinnatifida. CULTIVARS

‘Alba’, a white-flowered form, doesn’t hold a candle to the blue flowers of the species. Alternative species 10 Points Checklist Colour 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 OK


396

Phacelia parryi (par′ ee i) is another of the many southern California natives, like P. campanularia, producing sticky stems and ovate lobed leaves, 4" wide. The 1" wide dark blue flowers are spotted white or yellow in the center. ‘Royal Admiral’ has unmarked soft purple flowers. Phacelia purshii (per′ shee i; Miami mist), a most handsome member related to P. bipinnatifida, is native north to Minnesota and south to Alabama. Flowers are light blue to white and beautifully fringed around the margins. The basal leaves are pinnately divided, the upper leaves, lobed. ‘Lavender Lass’ bears 1" wide flowers, each with a lavender margin and large creamy white center. Quick key to Phacelia species AA. Leaves pinnate, leaflets three to five BB. Flowers fringed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. purshii BB. Flowers not fringed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. bipinnatifida AA. Leaves simple, no leaflets BB. Lobes of corolla exceeding flower tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. parryi BB. Lobes of corolla half or less as long as flower tube . . P. campanularia

Phlox (floks)

Polemoniaceae

When one talks Phlox, the conversation nearly always concerns the perennial forms and usually mildew as well. So many perennial species (P. paniculata, P. divaricata, P. subulata, to name but a few) have provided so much pleasure for so long, we seldom remember the annual species. Long before garden phlox became popular, however, the annual P. drummondii was a mainstay of English gardens, providing season-long color in Victorian England. Annual phlox is still being bred, but its relative lack of weather tolerance and competition from other

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tougher annuals have reduced its place in American gardens, particularly those in the eastern half of the country.

-drummondii (drum un′ dee i) Drummond phlox, annual phlox 6–15"/12" Texas

The history of garden plants goes hand in hand with those crazy people who collected plants all over the world, but equally important and less well known are the people or nurseries who sponsored their trips. Among these sponsors was Veitch’s Nursery in Chelsea, England, which establishment not only introduced several good plants that bear its name (veitchii, veitchianus, and so forth) but also supported the efforts of several plant explorers. E. H. Wilson is one famous Veitch alumnus; another is Thomas Drummond (1790–1835), who collected in North America, mainly in Canada and Texas. Drummond endured incredible hardships in the name of plant exploration: he barely survived a shipboard epidemic of cholera; he almost starved to death on Galveston Island; he suffered from snow blindness and such severe boils that he was unable to lie down for weeks; and on several occasions, he was nearly killed by grizzly bears. Among the last items he sent home were seeds of a small annual he’d collected in Texas. Drummond was very taken by his find: “A bed of this plant has hardly yet been seen, for it is far too precious and uncommon to be possessed by anyone except in small quantities.” He died soon after of unknown causes in Cuba. Sir Joseph Hooker of Kew Garden named the plant in Drummond’s honor “to serve as a frequent memento to its unfortunate discoverer.” Plants are usually only about 9" tall; they are branched, with quite variable leaves, ranging from narrow to oval leaves, sessile at their base. The variability of structure extends to the leaf arrangement: opposite at the base, and alternate above. The fragrant flowers are generally arranged in dense flat-topped heads, each flower about 1" wide, and consisting of five petals, fused for one-third of their length; they are often paler inside the petal tube with markings around the throat. Color of the flowers varies, from pale lavender to brilliant scarlet. Breeding has resulted in flowers with broad circular outlines, typical of most phlox flowers; those with narrow, often fringed petals, are referred to as star phloxes. Plants are sold in bedding plant mixes in the spring. It is ironic that one of our native plants, so successful in Europe, has never been truly accepted in its own country. No one disputes the brilliance of the flowers, but many American gardeners find that plants are not sufficiently weather-tolerant to survive the extremes of their native climate. I was pleased when I saw some good-looking examples in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and ecstatic to see them look as good in August as they had in May in the Butchart Gardens in Victoria—but disappointed nearly everywhere else. Deadheading helps prolong the season of flowering. They are good to excellent in northern gardens, useless after June in the Southeast. Full sun in the morning, partial shade in the afternoon. Propagate by seed. Good drainage is needed; in difficult locales, rock garden situations offer the best chance for success.

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Beauty Mix is a combination of pastel colors on 1' tall plants. Also sold as ‘Border Beauty’. ‘Cecily’ is a combination of colors, about 8" tall, in many bright colors, most with an eye of a different color. ‘Chanal’ is a double-flowered form, with appleblossom-pink flowers on 12" plants. Terrible thing to do to our phlox. ‘Coral Reef’ has many rounded flowers in shades of apricot, coral, cream, pink, and white. Crystal Mix has many colors on 12" tall plants. Dolly Mix comes in single colors or a mix consisting of burgundy, deep rose, purple, and salmon. Plants are about 8" tall. Dwarf Beauty Mix is made up of rounded flowers in clear colors of blue, crimson, lilac, pink, salmon, scarlet, white, and yellow. Plants are about 10" tall. Globe Mix is an old standard mix of colors, mostly in pastels. About 8" tall. Paloma is an excellent mix consisting of free-flowering 8–10" plants with pastel colors. Petticoat Mix is made up of many-colored flowers with pointed star-shaped petals. ‘Phlox of Sheep’ (has to be one of the best names I’ve heard) consists of pastel colors, including apricot, bicolor, pink, rose, white, and yellow. ‘Promise Pink’ is a double form with large heads. More rose-pink than pink. ‘Tapestry’ is similar to ‘Phlox of Sheep’. May be the same thing with a different name. 20th Century Mix consists of blue, crimson, magenta, salmon, scarlet, and white flowers, also sold separately. Twinkle Mix is an excellent mix of star-shaped flowers in carmine, pink, rose, and white, usually with a different-colored eye. Unique Mix has some heat tolerance and consists of pastel colors on a mounded habit. Additional reading Lovejoy, Ann. 1996. Pick of the phlox. Horticulture 74(7):40–43.

Plectranthus (plek tran′ thus)

Lamiaceae

Nothing reveals how mixed-up a genus is like having one or two species suddenly become popular in mainstream landscaping. As soon as one taxon becomes useful, all sorts of others are introduced, often by gardeners or growers who got them from their grandmothers. That’s the fate of Plectranthus: a couple of new interlopers stirred interest in a genus nobody (it turns out) knew much about (and that includes me). But this shouldn’t be too surprising in a genus with more than 300 classified species, many of which show great foliar

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diversity and not a great deal of floral interest for gardeners. Few species grown in temperate gardens flower, and since we all know that leaf color, shape, and even arrangement are greatly influenced by environment, it is no wonder so many of us are scratching our heads. And as far as these plants becoming an everyday choice for gardeners—well, first we have to at least find a common name that doesn’t sound like a sore throat. Of course, some of the members do have less painful names, but they seem to be lifted from other plants. Plectranthus verticillatus—a common hanging houseplant and seen in malls ad nauseam—is known as Swedish ivy. But this most famous plectranthus is neither an ivy nor from Sweden; even the Swedes are tired of it, in fact. Others are known as French thyme (neither French nor a thyme), Spanish thyme (ditto), and even country borage (not even the same family). So if you are a little confused, you’re in good company. Most species in the genus Plectranthus have the same family characteristics as other members of the mint family, that is, square stems, opposite leaves and whorled flowers; the genus is further characterized by fleshy scalloped leaves, two-lipped corolla, and four stamens. Many species are either slightly or obviously decumbent, meaning that the stems grow horizontally along the ground but with the tips ascending to appear almost erect. The flowers are remarkably similar to coleus but differ morphologically by having the stamens free rather than being united at the base. All taxa are used for their foliage; flowers will seldom be seen outdoors, except in areas that do not experience freezing temperatures until December. Quick guide to Plectranthus species P. amboinicus P. argentatus P. ecloni P. forsteri

Fragrant foliage oregano-like slight slight minty

Foliar color usually variegated gray-silver green green or variegated

-amboinicus (am boy′ nih kus) all

oregano plectranthus season foliage

Height 1–2' 2–4' 3–4' 1–2' 1–2'/3' South Africa

It’s easy to recognize this species if you forget about your eyes and rely on your nose. All plectranthus have a fragrance, some more pleasant than others and usually rather medicinal or minty. To help my students identify this plant, I ask them to rub a leaf and smell their fingers. I then ask, “What restaurant are you eating in?” Nine times out of ten, recognizing the heavy oregano smell, they say Italian (I have brilliant students). Plants are slightly decumbent and appear erect and upright. The thick leaves, 2–4" long, have scalloped margins, and the species itself is a deep green. The flowers, when they occur indoors, are lilac-mauve to white and are held in dense whorls. The species is seldom seen in commerce, but a couple of cultivars are being used quite regularly. Full sun to partial shade, propagate by terminal cuttings.

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‘Athens Gem’ was a stem sport of ‘Variegatus’ and bears yellow-and-green variegated foliage. Plants stand 1–11⁄2' tall and are tough as nails, spitting out heat and humidity while maintaining a sense of decorum. ‘Variegatus’ is taller (up to 2') than ‘Athens Gem’ and more common, with handsome white margins around the green leaves. Both taxa are Athens Select plants.

-argentatus (ar jen ta′ tus) all season



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silver plectranthus foliage

2–3'/3' Australia

Gray- or silver-foliaged plants will always have a place in the garden; the simple addition of their benign hues are welcome for their own sake and actively calm the screaming tones of their neighbors. Although this species is too large to be an everyday substitute for dusty miller, it offers a similar effect. Plants are branching erect subshrubs that become woody at the base with age; they can grow quite rapidly, particularly in areas of hot summers. The opposite ovate leaves are about 4" long and 2" wide, the apex is bluntly pointed, and the margins are evenly scalloped. They are densely covered with silvery hairs and short, gray-white pubescence, both of which contribute to the look landscapers and gardeners seek. Flowers, when they appear, are pale blue to white and held in 1' long whorled racemes. Plants can grow rapidly and get out of control in a small landscape. Cutting them back when they are young helps reduce height and increase branching. The leaf color, however, does not significantly fade over time. An excellent foliage plant in the summer garden. Full sun, propagate by terminal cuttings.

-ecloni (ek lon′ ee) late

purple plectranthus fall purple

4–6'/4' Asia

It is hard to love plectranthus: nobody knows what you are talking about, no flowers are formed, and leaves are smelly. So when I saw this big, bold plant with highly ornamental purple flowers at San Felasco Nurseries in Gainesville, Florida, I had to have some. Alan Shapiro, the patient owner, once again put up with my plant ravings and kindly sent me a few cuttings. Plants rooted easily, and they were plunked into the trial gardens in Athens as soon as possible in the spring. They grew nicely, producing only slightly aromatic dark green leaves, 4–6" long and 4" wide. Plants are useful for the garden, but it is the flowers that make this plant worth spending money on: the dark purple flowers grow about 15" long and are held in whorled racemes. Unfortunately, like most species in the genus, short days are needed for flower initiation. Although this species requires less short days than most, flowers still do not appear until late fall, late October at the earliest in Athens. That is not a problem if October is benevolent, and several plants, like Cuphea, Odontonema, and Tibouchina, are much welcomed in

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late fall. Folks in Montpelier or Pierre, however, do not stand a chance of seeing flowers before frost. Full sun to partial shade, propagate by terminal cuttings.

-forsteri (for′ ster i) all season

plectranthus foliage

1–2'/3' SW India

Plectranthus forsteri (syn. P. coleoides) is probably more confused than most other species of Plectranthus because there is nothing unique about it. Plants are decumbent in habit, and the straggling stems bear mid-green aromatic leaves, somewhat minty to my nose, with scalloped to serrated margins. Measuring less than 1" long and about 11⁄2" wide, they are ovate in shape and hairy on both surfaces. The pale blue to mauve flowers are clustered in six- to ten-flowered whorls and held in racemes. Full sun to partial shade, propagate by terminal cuttings. It is most useful as a basket or container plant, filling in nicely in mixed containers.

‘Green and Gold’ is a colorful low-growing form that brightens up containers or the garden’s edge. Leaves are bright gold with irregular green centers. ‘Marginatus’ is popular and quite different from the species. Plants are more bushy, and leaves are scalloped, thick, and succulent. They are variegated with creamy margins. Also sold as ‘Variegatus’. Alternative species Plectranthus hilliardiae (hil ee ard′ ee ay) has large flowers, similar to those of P. ecloni, that appear in late fall and winter. Usually sold as a conservatory and indoor plant; little information is known about its performance outdoors. The lavender flowers are tubular, ending in slightly flared lobes with purple spots. Plectranthus oertendahlii (er ten dal′ ee i; candle plant), a relative of P. forsteri, is a common denizen of greenhouses and conservatories but is also sold to gardeners as a basket for the summer or a filler for containers. Decumbent stems bear leaves that are 11⁄2" long and a little wider. They are ovate to almost circular, greenish above but purple beneath. The margins are scalloped and slightly hairy. Flowers mauve to pale blue, occasionally white. Partial shade. Quick key to Plectranthus species AA. Plant appears erect, decumbent but only slightly so BB. Leaves silver to gray, covered with silver pubescence . . . P. argentatus BB. Leaves not silver or gray CC. Plant 1–2' tall, leaves highly aromatic, like oregano, small lilac flowers in winter . . . . . . . . . . P. amboinicus CC. Plant 4–6' tall, leaves not highly aromatic, large purple flowers in late fall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. ecloni

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AA. Plant obviously decumbent BB. Leaves green on both sides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. forsteri BB. Leaves green above, purple below . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. oertendahlii Additional reading Armitage, Allan M. 1998. Mexican mint. Greenhouse Grower 16(8):55–56. Kleine, Adele. 1998. Welcome the prodigal plectranthus. Flower and Garden 42(5):32–34.

Plumbago (plum bay′ go)



402

leadwort

Plumbaginaceae

The generic name—which comes from the Latin, plumbum (“lead”), because the plant was thought to be a cure for lead poisoning—rolls off the tongue about as readily as the common name, which, unfortunately, is also the common name for the perennial Ceratostigma, a close relative in the same family. About fifteen species occur in the genus; only Plumbago auriculata (Cape leadwort) is grown in American gardens.

-auriculata (or ih kew la′ ta) summer

Cape leadwort light blue


Traveling in south Texas was quite a change for this Canadian boy. The town of McAllen was certainly interesting; no doubt McAllenites would never live anywhere else, but I found little there that would inspire one to put down roots. One of the things I did see, however, almost everywhere, was great drifts of light blue plumbago. I renamed the town Plumbagoville, and immediately it was a more pleasant place. Cape leadwort is a perennial evergreen shrub in zones 8 to 10, but everywhere else, it should be treated as an annual. Plants grow up to 3' tall in a single year and bear alternate, simple entire leaves whose bases are ear-shaped (auriculate) and may clasp the arching stems. The flowers are in a spike-like raceme. They consist of five united sepals, from which a long tube extends, forming the five fused petal lobes. Five stamens and five filaments are found within. Color ranges from white to light to dark blue. After each flower is spent, a fruit capsule is formed, bearing small hooks that cling tenaciously to clothing of passers-by or to my dog, Hannah. Plants flower all season; if they get a little lanky, simply cut them back. Great for large containers. Full sun. Propagate by seed or terminal cuttings. CULTIVARS

‘Alba’ is a white-flowered form. Escapade series consists of ‘Escapade Blue’ and ‘Escapade White’. Both are 2– 21⁄2' tall and performed well in the UGA trials. ‘Imperial Blue’ has darker flowers than the type and is a popular form.

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Polygonum (pa lee go′ num)

knotweed

Polygonaceae

As with many ornamentals, Polygonum is far better known for its taxa treated as perennials than for its annual members. Only one species (other than the several obnoxious weeds that seed everywhere in the garden) is cultivated, and it is an effort to find even that. magic carpet

4–8"/12" Himalayas

pink

Seldom have I seen this species live through zone 7 winters, unless the weather was unseasonably mild. More often than not, however, plants reseed themselves, and the colony persists as if it were perennial. And a colony it is, forming a dense creeping ground cover in a matter of weeks. Plants are only about 4" tall when not in flower, 6–8" tall in bloom. The ovate to elliptical leaves are about 1" long and as wide, green with a V-shaped band in the middle; they are held to the prostrate stems by a short petiole. Dozens of small pink flowers are held together in many spherical heads (capitatum means “dense head”), each measuring about 1⁄ 2 to 3⁄4" in diameter. Plants can roam freely even in a single year, so plant them where they’ll have plenty of room. Plants do well in moist areas and without suitable irrigation seldom grow as rapidly as advertised. I have seen handsome colonies beneath the high shade of deciduous or coniferous trees, and some shade, at least in the South, results in larger leaves and a better-looking ground cover. Placing plants in baskets and containers shows off the well-marked foliage to advantage and reduces the invasive tendencies. Hot baking sun is not recommended. Propagate by seed or terminal cuttings. CULTIVARS

‘Magic Carpet’ was probably a selected cultivar, and everything sold is likely that selection. So common, the species itself has taken it on as a common name. Alternative species Polygonum orientale (or ee en ta′ lee) possesses the magical name of kiss-meover-the-garden-gate, a name only the British could think up. Sometimes a plant is worth trying if for no other reason than that. Plants are hardy to about zone 7 and are sometimes considered perennial. Large heart-shaped leaves and long drooping flower spikes of rosy purple blooms are arranged over 3–5' tall plants. The flowers gave rise to another common name, prince’s feather, but give me that garden gate any day. Invasive.

Portulaca (por choo la′ ka)

purslane

Portulacaceae

In some places, this genus is thought to offer nothing more than fast-moving weeds that are vigorously eliminated to the compost heap. In America, we have

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-capitatum (kap ih tay′ tum)

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chosen instead to use the genus with the wide, colorful flowers as a tough garden plant. All species of Portulaca have fleshy leaves and a prostrate habit, which allows them to be used as a ground cover and in mixed container plantings. Two closely related species, of the forty or so, are used in American gardens. Quick guide to Portulaca species P. grandiflora P. oleracea

Flower form single, often semi-double and double always single

-grandiflora (gran dih flor′ a) summer



404

Leaves usually 60°F) before they start growing rapidly. Place in full sun, in containers or in the garden. short ruellia violet-blue

2–3'/3' United States

This highly variable species is native to New Jersey, Florida, Texas, and southern Pennsylvania to Nebraska. The plants are somewhat pubescent with branching stems. Leaves are 2–21⁄2" long, ovate to oblong, and essentially sessile (no petiole). The violet-blue tubular flowers are clustered from the upper axils with short flower stalks, each flower about 2" across. Full sun. Plants are often hardy to about zone 7 or 8 and will reseed with abandon. Alternative species Ruellia caroliniensis (kar o lin ee en′ sis) is a taller version of R. humilis. Flowers are similar in color and size; R. caroliniensis differs by having petioles and longer flower stalks. Ruellia devosiana (da vos ee a′ na), a relative of R. brittoniana, is a low-growing species with white veins on the uppersides of the leaves and purple beneath. The white flowers, spotted or striped with lavender, are about 11⁄2" wide. Plants are grown more for the foliage than for the flowers. Ruellia macrantha (ma kran′ tha; Christmas pride) is a bushy shrub 2–3' tall, related to R. elegans. The rosy pink flowers are often 3" across with a paler throat. Beautiful as this plant is, do not expect it to flower in the garden. Flowering occurs in winter, so it must be enjoyed indoors. Ruellia makoyana (ma koy a′ na; monkey plant), another relative of R. elegans, has some of the prettiest foliage in the genus, bearing large ovate olive-green leaves with contrasting silver veins on top and purple beneath. The long tubular rosy red flowers are 1–11⁄2" wide but occur in the winter only. This spreading plant grows only 12–15" tall. Ruellia malacosperma (ma la ko sper′ ma) is similar in height and flower color to R. brittoniana, and the two are often sold interchangeably. Leaves of this species are somewhat hairy, especially when young, more oblong, shorter, and mostly toothed.

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-humilis (yew mih′ lis)

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Quick key to Ruellia species AA. Flowers red, rose, or scarlet BB. Foliage not particularly ornamental, no obvious venation color CC. Flowers up to 3" wide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R. macrantha CC. Flowers 2" wide, often with single colors or bicolored, stems not as obvious . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V. ×wittrockiana Additional reading Armitage, Allan M. 1997. Herbaceous Perennial Plants, 2nd ed. Stipes Publishing, Champaign, Ill. University of Georgia Trial Reports: www.uga.edu/ugatrial

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X

Xeranthemum (ze ran′ tha mum) Immortelle is another everlasting flower (see Helipterum for a discussion of others). This genus of erect annuals is characterized by densely hairy leaves, alternate and entire, and heads that lack ray flowers. The large bract-like scales (involucre) are persistent and colored. Of the approximately five known species, Xeranthemum annuum is the most commonly cultivated.

-annuum (an′ yew um) spring

immortelle pink, white

1–2'/1' SE Europe

The stems are branched at the base of the plant, but few branches occur from each stem. The linear to oblong leaves are 1–2" long and 1⁄2" wide; they are white, slightly hairy above and densely hairy beneath. The flower heads are 1–11⁄2" wide, and the inner “bracts” are spread out and star-like. The flowers are usually pink, but sometimes white. This is an excellent everlasting species that, whether the flowers are cut or allowed to remain on the plant, provides color and handsome foliage for many weeks. For cut flowers, harvest just before the blooms are fully open, then hang upside down. Plants prefer dry, well-drained conditions; they are tolerant of heat but do poorly when temperatures remain above 70°F at night. Best grown in spring and resown in the fall. Full sun. Propagate by seed, in situ or in containers. Plants flower about twelve weeks after sowing. CULTIVARS

Mixed Hybrids have velvety white leaves and 1–2" wide flowers in white, pink, rose, red, and purple. ‘Purple Violet’ is about 2' tall with semi-double deep purple flowers. ‘Snowlady’ has single white flowers.

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immortelle

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Alternative species Xeranthemum cylindraceum (sih lin dra see′ um) is 11⁄2–2' tall with the “bracts” almost upright. ‘Lilac Stars’ is a handsome plant with lilac-purple bracts.



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Z

Zaluzianskya (za looz ee an′ skee a)

Scrophulariaceae

summer

night phlox white

20–30"/12" South Africa

Best known for the delicate fragrance that the flowers provide just after dark (thus the common name), this species is increasingly popular in rock gardens. The linear leaves are entire or slightly toothed, and the stems are hairy. The 1⁄2" wide phlox-like flowers are deeply notched and held in short spikes. Part of the allure is the red buds, which open to fragrant orange-eyed white flowers, the backs of which are glowing red. The fragrance, which occurs only in the evening, is subtle and memorable on a still night; planting a group together enhances the fragrance. Plants fare better in Mediterranean climates but are certainly worth a try in the Northeast and Midwest; they can tolerate cold to about 25°F. For best results, place them in a gritty, well-drained soil, where rain can drain away quickly. Full sun. Sow seed in situ in late winter or in the fall in mild climates. Alternative species Zaluzianskya villosa (vih lo′ sa) bears many small lilac to purple flowers on 10– 12" tall plants. Good in containers or rock garden. Not as fragrant as Z. capensis. Quite striking. Quick key to Zaluzianskya species AA. Flowers white, leaves linear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Z. capensis AA. Flowers lilac, leaves obovate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Z. villosa 503

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-capensis (ka pen′ sis)


This African genus is named for Adam Zaluziansky von Zaluzian, a seventeenthcentury Polish physician. About thirty-five species of annuals, perennials, and shrubs are known; perhaps a couple are grown every now and then in American gardens.

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ZINGIBER

Zingiber (zin′ jih ber)

ginger

Zingiberaceae

This is a genus of tropical plants, suitable wherever summer temperatures are warm and summers persist for more than two months. More than a hundred species of herbs with branching, thick, aromatic rhizomes and leafy reed-like stems are known, but for mainstream American gardeners, one or two may be useful for the highly ornamental flowers. The flowers of ginger are similar to those of Hedychium and Globba; they occur in the axils of colorful inflorescences in the upper leaf nodes of the plants. The inflorescence is long-lived, although the individual flowers last only a short time. The foliage is also pleasantly fragrant. The true culinary ginger is Zingiber officinale, native to the tropics of Asia and widely cultivated around the world. Quick guide to Zingiber species Z. spectabile Z. zerumbet 10 Points Checklist Colour 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 OK


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Height 5–7' 4–6'

-spectabile (spek tab′ ih lee) late summer

Cone color yellow, turning scarlet green, turning red beehive ginger scarlet

5–7'/3' Malaysia

The leaves are 10–20" long, deep green above, paler, downy beneath. The flowers are held in an 8–12" long loose cylindrical inflorescence, the bracts of which begin yellow and then turn scarlet. The small creamy white flowers within the bracts are about 1" wide. The two-lobed lip is dark purple with yellow spots. Flowers occur in late summer and continue through fall in areas of warm summers. Full sun, propagate by division.

-zerumbet (ze rum′ bet) late summer

pine cone ginger red

4–6'/3' India

This probably should be the most popular ornamental form of Zingiber in this country. Plants grow upright with little or no branching. Large green cone-like inflorescences are produced in late summer and fall and persist for weeks. Small creamy yellow flowers appear under some of the bracts that make up the cone. The flowers have three petals; the middle petal (lip) is larger than the two lateral ones. As the inflorescence matures, it turns bright red. The inflorescences may be cut for long-lasting cut flower arrangements. Full sun, propagate by division. CULTIVARS

‘Darceyi’ is similar to the species but produces leaves with cream-colored margins. Flowering will not occur except in long warm summers, so, for gardeners in the North, the ornamental foliage of this species makes sense.

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Alternative species Zingiber mioga (mee o′ ga; Japanese ginger) is related to Z. zerumbet. Plants of this species are only 2–3' tall and produce basal inflorescences, on which are borne light yellow flowers. Quick key to Zingiber species AA. Inflorescence mostly basal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Z. mioga AA. Inflorescence mostly axillary BB. Inflorescence >10" long, yellow-white corolla, lip with purple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Z. spectabile BB. Inflorescence

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