Coreopsis II / Tickseed

Posted on July 29, 2012 by soulofagardener

Coreopsis rosea ‘American Dream’ – This compact Tickseed forms a dense, slightly spreading clump with soft pink daisies (with a contrasting yellow eye) borne from June to September. If the plant goes to seed all at once, simply shear the faded flowers and new ones will form. It prefers part to full sun and evenly moist soils. Grows 8-16″ high by 18″+ wide. Hardy to zone 4.

Coreopsis verticillata ‘Zagreb’ – An RHS Award of Garden Merit winner with 1″ wide bright yellow daisies from summer through to fall which attract butterflies. Absolutely striking when planted behind or combined with Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’. It develops into airy clumps that never seem to overwhelm adjacent perennials. Grows 15-18″ high by 15″ wide. Hardy to zone 4.

Coreopsis x ‘Limerock Dream’ – A completely new colour for Coreopsis with sunset tones of pink with apricot centers in late spring (shown) shifting to orange tones in summer. It is quite drought tolerant once established and very attractive to butterflies. Cut back lightly in midsummer to promote a secondary bloom flush. Grows 16-18″ high by 30″. Zone 7.

Coreopsis grandiflora ‘Early Sunrise’ – The most common variety of Coreopsis grandiflora available with large semi-double blooms of golden yellow from early summer to fall as long as you deadhead the spent flowers. It is an All-American and Fleuroselect award winner. Makes a long-lasting cut flower. Divide in spring. Grows 20″ high by 16-24″ wide. Hardy to zone 4.

Coreopsis x ‘Limerock Ruby’ – A more tender, hybrid Coreopsis (a chance seedling from a cross of Coreopsis rosea and verticillata) with beautiful ruby-red daisy flowers throughout the summer. As with most Coreopsis, it too benefits from a light shearing when the plant goes to seed. It is quite tender, but still worth growing as an annual. Grows 18-24″ high by 24-30″ wide. Hardy to zone 8.

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Petunias / Petunia x hybrida

Posted on July 28, 2012 by soulofagardener

Petunia x hybrida SUNCATCHER PINK LEMONADE (syn. ‘Balsunpade’) – Quite an unusual petunia with floriferous blooms of  pale yellow (with darker eyes) and a hint of a pink edging or picotee. It looks absolutely fabulous when combined with SUNCATCHER HOT PINK. Good mildew resistance and not prone to fading. Grows 8-12″ high and wide. Annual.

Petunia x hybrida PRETTY MUCH PICASSO (syn. ‘Bhtun31501) – Absolutely surrealistic blooms of purplish-pink to violet-purple with chartreuse margins. This SUPERTUNIA was introduced by Proven Winners in 2009. It requires no deadheading but is a heavy feeder, so fertilize regularly during the flowering season. Grows 6-12″ high by 15-24″ wide. Tender Annual.

Petunia x hybrida ‘White Russian’ – Another of the SUPERTUNIAS from Proven Winners with self-cleaning antiqued white blooms with purplish-brown veining (making it look like crackled paint) converging in the center for a dark eye. This petunia looks great when combined with burgundy to bronze Sweet Potato Vines. Grows 6-10″ high by 24-36″. Annual.

Petunia x hybrida DOUBLE WAVE RED (syn. ‘Kirimaji Double Red’) – One of the very reliable WAVE petunias with frilly fully double clear red blooms that are beautifully complimented by the rich green foliage. It prefers full sun but will just about grow anywhere, including hanging baskets, containers and in the garden. Grows 6-8″ high by 18-24″ wide. Tender Annual.

Petunia x hybrida PINSTRIPE (syn. ‘Balpepin’) – Imagine flowers made of soft purplish-black velvet accented with a creamy-white (often with purple overtones, making it appear violet) stripe down the center of each petal, a perfect black star. This is a must for the Gothic gardener and it really can stand alone with its 2 to 3″ wide blooms. Grows 8 to 12″ high and wide. Tender Annual.

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Variegated Ornamental Grasses

Posted on July 27, 2012 by soulofagardener

Carex morrowii ‘Ice Ballet’ – This Japanese sedge is essentially a creamy-yellow variegated form of ‘Ice Dance’, with broader margins on the leaves. It is reliably evergreen through winter and grows just about anywhere, from shade to full sun. The one thing it does require to thrive is even soil moisture throughout the growing season. Grows 18″ high by 12-24″ wide. Zone 5.

Chasmanthium latifolium ‘River Mist’ – This variegated form of Northern Sea Oats features green leaves with dominant (and irregular) white variegation that runs the length of the leaf. It has a very bamboo-like appearance (but is clumping in nature) and produces silvery-green seed heads in late summer, that turn coppery red in the fall. Grows 30-36″ high by 24-36″. Zone 5.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gold Bar’ – A compact ‘Strictus’ or Porcupine grass with more variegation in the form of tightly packed horizontal gold bars on the upright green blades. This slow growing Japanese Silver Grass will take about 8 years to reach its ultimate height. It has burgundy-red plumes that appear in autumn and makes a spectacular centerpiece in containers. Grows 3-5′ high. Zone 5.

Hakonechloa macra FUBUKI (syn. ‘Briform’) – This part to full shade loving grass features an elegant arching growth habit that makes it a good choice for mass planting or growing as a solitary container specimen. It has a Japanese name that translates as ‘Snow Storm’ with green and white striped foliage that take on rosy-pink tones in the fall. Grows 14″ high by 16″. Zone 5.

Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Eldorado’ – A sport of ‘Karl Foerster’ with narrow green upright leaf blades and inset gold variegation running along its length. This variegated form of Feather Reed Grass produces wheat-like plumes in early summer with subtle mauve tints which mature to buff in the fall. It is a cool-season grass. Grows 3 to 5′ high by 24″ wide. Hardy to zone 5.

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Platycodon / Balloon Flower

Posted on July 25, 2012 by soulofagardener

Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Astra Pink’ – A compact Balloon Flower which does not require staking, it bears large light pink (appear near white in full sun)  five-petaled flowers with rose veining from June to August. Platycodon prefers part to full sun with well-drained soils and these herbaceous perennials are often slow to break dormancy. Grows 8-12″ high by 6-8″ wide. Zone 3.

Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Sentimental Blue’ – One of the more common varieties of Balloon Flower with bright 3″ wide violet-blue flowers (with darker veining) borne throughout the summer. They get their common name from the inflated flower buds (which really impress kids) that pop open to star-shaped blooms. Grows 6 to 12″ high by 12 to 18″ wide. Zone 3.

Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Astra White’ – A compact form (about 1/3 the size of taller Balloon Flowers) with pure white star-shaped flowers from June to August (a semi-double form is also available). Division of Platycodon is not recommended as the fragile root system (tap-rooted) is easily damaged. Deer resistant. Grows 8 to 10″ high by 12 to 16″ wide. Hardy to zone 3.

Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Balou Blue’ – This dwarf variety was bred and introduced by Kieft Seeds of Holland. It features deep periwinkle blue flowers (with dark purple veining) throughout the summer, nicely contrasted by the matte green foliage below. While not absolutely necessary, deadheading spent blooms will improve flower production. Grows 8-10″ high and wide. Zone 3.

Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Fuji Pink’ – An older standard variety which is a reliable bloomer, bearing soft pink star-shaped flowers (with darker veining) from June to August. These will fade to near white if grown in full sun. ‘Fuji Pink’ is a taller form making it an excellent choice for cut flowers. Platycodon is generally pest and disease free. Grows 16-24″ high by 12-18″ wide. Zone 3.

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Miniature Roses III

Posted on July 24, 2012 by soulofagardener

Rosa CARAMEL KISSES (Zary 2007) (syn. ‘JACdandy’) (‘Kaleidoscope’ x ‘Chipmunk’) – The new buds of this miniature rose show a hint of caramel colouring opening to lavender (about 1.5″ wide) with pink-toned edges. It flowers from summer through to early fall and seems to perform well in wetter climates. Grows 30-40″ high by 32-36″ wide. Hardy to zone 6.

Rosa PLAYGOLD (Moore 1997) (syn. ‘MORplaygold’) (SEQUOIA GOLD x ‘Playboy’) – Absolutely glowing flowers of bright orange with fine reddish-orange edges and a yellow center. The 2″ wide semi-double blooms have a mild fragrance and are borne singly or in loose clusters. It is disease resistant and the flowers fade with a hint of pink. Grows 12-18″ high. Hardy to zone 6.

Rosa ‘Hope and Joy’ (Moore 2006) (syn. MORhopjo) (‘Show ‘n Tell’ x unknown) – Although listed as an orange blend, I find the double blooms (1.75″ wide with 17-25 petals) to be more raspberry-red in colour with white-edged petals and a bright yellow center. It is generally cluster flowered and has glossy medium green foliage. Grows 15″ high. Hardy to zone 6.

Rosa ‘Loving Touch’ (Jolly 1983) (‘Rise ‘n Shine’ x ‘First Prize’) – An award winning miniature rose with good exhibition form. It bears brandy-coloured buds that open to apricot blend double flowers (with a pink tinged center) that repeat bloom throughout the summer. ‘Loving Touch’ is a good choice for growing in containers. Grows 18-24″ high. Hardy to zone 6.

Rosa COFFEE BEAN (Bedard 2006) (syn. ‘WEKdoudou’) (‘Santa Claus’ x HOT COCOA) – This miniature rose was introduced to the retail market by Weeks Roses and features 1.5″ wide flowers of a smoky orange with hints of brown (no doubt coming through from its HOT COCOA lineage). It is repeat blooming and has glossy dark green foliage. Grows 12-20″ high. Hardy to zone 6.

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Tall Garden Phlox / Phlox paniculata

Posted on July 23, 2012 by soulofagardener

Phlox paniculata ‘Eva Cullum’ – This introduction by Blooms of Bressingham features sweetly fragrant 1/2 to 1″ wide clear pink flowers (with a darker eye) borne in terminal clusters from July through to September. It will attract both butterflies and hummingbirds. Deadhead to promote repeat flowering. 5″ long lance-shaped leaves. Grows 28-34″ high by 24″ wide. Zone 4.

Phlox paniculata ‘Nicky’ – The rich purplish-pink to deep magenta blooms are borne in rounded ball-shaped trusses from summer to early autumn. Tall garden phlox is a good choice for the back of the perennial border, where its flowers can be appreciated at a distance. ‘Nicky’ has good mildew resistance and makes an excellent cut flower. Grows 3′ high by 24-30″. Zone 4.

Phlox paniculata ‘David’ – This Perennial of the Year in 2002 is one of the most resistant cultivars to powdery mildew. It is a good choice for the Alba garden with very fragrant pure white flowers from July through to September, contrasted by deep green tapered foliage. This species prefers evenly moist soils with part to full sun. Grows 3-4′ high by 24-36″ wide. Zone 3.

Phlox paniculata PURPLE FLAME (syn. ‘Barfourteen’) – This cultivar is part of the FLAME SERIES featuring a compact growth habit and good disease resistance. It features striking violet-purple flowers with a small darker eye and is fragrant. Fertilize Phlox paniculata in early spring and just before the flowers start to emerge. Grows 12-18″ high by 12″ wide. Hardy to zone 4.

Phlox paniculata ‘Junior Dance’ – The bright coral-pink flowers (with contrasting white eye) really stand out at a distance and begin blooming in midsummer. It is part of the Junior Series and features good mildew resistance and a compact growth habit. Divide every 3 years in early spring. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal problems. Grows 18″ high and wide. Zone 4.

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Hardy Water Lilies III / Nymphaea

Posted on July 22, 2012 by soulofagardener

Nymphaea ‘Virginia’ (Thomas 1962) – The soft yellow (inner petals) to white (outer petals) are borne in 7-8″ wide star-shaped flowers from June to September. This is a large-scale water lily suitable for natural ponds with 10″ wide green leaves that are mottled with reddish spots when they emerge. Tolerates partial shade. 1.5-3′ water depth. Spread 5-10′. Hardy to zone 4.

Nymphaea ‘Pink Beauty’ (syn. ‘Fabiola’) (Dreer 1899) – More commonly known as ‘Luciana’, this cultivar features 6-7″ wide fragrant medium pink cup-shaped blooms that are borne throughout the summer, until early September. ‘Pink Beauty’ is very free-flowering but prefers 4 to 5 hours of direct sun. The new leaves are bronzed. 8-24″ water depth. Spread 3-4′. Zone 4.

Nymphaea ‘Charlene Strawn’ (Strawn 1981) – This cultivar was bred by Dr. Kirk Strawn and produces 4-6″ wide pure pale yellow flowers that occasionally rise above the surface of the water. The green foliage has fine reddish-purple spotting. ‘Charlene Strawn’ is easily grown in a 3 gallon container but should be overwintered below the ice line. 4-8′ spread. 1.5′ preferred depth. Zone 4.

Nymphaea ‘James Brydon’ (Dreer 1899) – This is a good choice if you are struggling with a pond in partial shade. ‘James Brydon’ features double cup-shaped blooms (4-6″ across) of deep pink verging on red, with brilliant golden-orange stamens. The new foliage is bronzed and matures to deep green. It has a spread of 3 to 5′. 1.5-2.5′ water depth (prefers 1.5′). AGM. Hardy to zone 4.

Nymphaea ‘Arc-en-Ciel’ (Latour-Marliac 1901) – A rare waterlily that was once thought to have been completely lost to cultivation. It features distinctive leaf variegation with green foliage (some tinted bronze) streaked with irregular pink, red and white mottling. The 4 to 6″ wide flowers are white to a pale shell pink and star shaped. 3-6′ spread. 1 to 3′ water depth. Zone 4.

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Marginal Plants for the Pond

Posted on July 21, 2012 by soulofagardener

Saururus cernuus – Lizard’s Tail or Swamp Lily is native to eastern North America and features white arching bottlebrush flowers (spikes from 6-8″ long) from July to August. The 3-4″ long green leaves are heart to arrowhead-shaped. Best in part to full sun. Water depth to crown 0-4″ (depending on the height of the plant). Grows 18 to 24″ high. Hardy to zone 5.

Tulbaghia violacea ‘Variegata’ (syn. ‘Silver Lace’) – Variegated Society Garlic is slower growing than the species but does have larger flowers. It features fragrant pale lavender blooms from midsummer to early fall. The grass-like greyish-green foliage has fine white margins and gives off a garlic scent. Water depth to crown 0-6″. Grows to 30″ high. Hardy to zone 7.

Lysimachia congestiflora ‘Outback Sunset’ – This Dense-Flowered Loosestrife features rounded light green foliage with broad but irregular golden variegated margins. It bears clusters of bright yellow flowers continuously from spring through the summer. This makes a nice edging plant for the pond due to its spreading nature. Water depth to crown 0-1″. Grows 6″ high by 12-15″. Zone 7.

Pontederia dilatata (syn. ‘Royal Blue’) – Royal Pickerel Weed grows much taller than the traditional species and features lavender-blue flower spikes (up to 6″ long) from July through to September. It is a highly architectural plant with elegant green lance-shaped leaves. Water depth to the crown 0-12″. Grows 4-5′ high by 2′ wide. Hardy to zone 7.

Colocasia esculenta ‘Illustris’ (syn. Colocasia antiquorum) – Imperial Taro is primarily a tender foliage plant with leaves up to 14″ long (3′ in tropical climates) that are pale emerald green with violet-purple between the veins. Taro is best grown in light shade but seems to tolerate full sun here in coastal BC. Overwinter as a houseplant. Water depth to crown 0-6″. Grows 3-5′. Zone 8.

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Holly III / Ilex

Posted on July 20, 2012 by soulofagardener

Ilex x meserveae ‘Blue Girl’ – This cultivar of Blue Holly (a cross of Ilex rugosa and Ilex aquifolium) is a good choice for colder regions where English Holly won’t grow. ‘Blue Girl’ features bright red berries and dark bluish-green foliage that turns a purple tint in winter. Use ‘Blue Boy’ as the male pollinator in order to set fruit. Grows 6 to 8′ high by 3 to 6′ wide. Hardy to zone 5.

Ilex verticillata ‘Golden Verboom’ (female) – A delightful Winterberry with bright yellow fruits or drupes that persist well into the winter. This deciduous holly makes a good cut for floral arrangements and was selected at Verboom Nursery in the Netherlands. It requires the ‘Golden Verboom’ male for pollination and tolerates wet soils. Grows 8′ high by 6′ wide. Z4.

Ilex aquifolium ‘Flavescens’ – Commonly known as the Moonlight Holly, this cultivar of English holly features very striking deep green foliage with irregular creamy yellow variegation or mottling, with the best variegation showing in full sun. The leaves are nicely contrasted by the bright red berries (requires a pollinator). Grows 15′ high by 10′ wide. Hardy to zone 6.

Ilex aquifolium ‘Ferox Aurea’ (syn. ‘Golden Hedgehog’) – This sterile male (not reliable for pollination) English holly features unusual foliage of deep green leaves with a central golden-yellow blotch. The foliage is very spiny, even on the top surface of the leaf and as such, it makes a good security hedge. This cultivar is slow growing. It reaches 15′ high by 10-12′ wide. Zone 6.

Ilex aquifolium ‘Handsworth New Silver’ – This RHS Award of Garden Merit winner features deep green foliage (on purple tinted stems) with contrasting bright white margins and makes an excellent cut for Christmas arrangements. It is a female cultivar with red berries and forms a dense evergreen shrub which can be trimmed to a smaller size. Grows 25′ high by 15′ wide. Zone 6.

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Gazania / Treasure Flower

Posted on July 19, 2012 by soulofagardener

Gazania rigens ‘Daybreak Garden Sun’ – This RHS Award of Garden Merit winner features bright golden-yellow blooms (with a pale orange petal base) and a contrasting dark ring zone. These natives of South Africa are generally grown as tender annuals here in coastal BC. Gazanias are drought tolerant but bloom better with even moisture. Grows 8-10″ high by 6-8″ wide. Zone 9.

Gazania rigens ‘Kiss Frosty White’ (syn. Gazania splendens) – A good Alba garden plant with pure white flowers, a dark eye zone and golden yellow center. It features silvery-green foliage and  blooms from late spring through to fall if deadheaded regularly. Be careful not to over-water them or plant in an area with damp soil, as they will quickly rot out. Grows 9″ high by 6-9″ wide. Zone 9.

Gazania rigens ‘Daybreak Bronze’ – This variety really stands out from a distance with its vibrant 4″ wide orange petals tipped in deep peach. These are further accented by a dark eye eye and golden center. Gazanias prefer light well-drained soils and a full sun exposure. ‘Daybreak Bronze’ is spectacular when mass planted as the flowers smother the foliage below. Grows 8-10″ high. Zone 9.

Gazania rigens ‘Daybreak Tiger Mix’ (syn. ‘Daybreak Tiger Stripes Mix’) – A bicolor blend of golden-orange blooms striped in red with additional white-striped-pink flowers. Gazania blooms open up in the sun and will close up at night or on overcast days. This mix also tends to stay open later in the day than most other varieties. Grows 8 to 10″ high by 6 to 8″ wide. Hardy to zone 9.

Gazania rigens ‘Daybreak Red Stripe’ – A brilliant bicolor bloom of golden yellow petals, each striped down the midrib in a deep red with a contrasting dark eye zone. This Fleuroselect Gold Medal winner tends to flower more profusely during the warmer summer weather. Gazanias also show well in shallow containers. Grows 8-10″ high by 6-8″ wide. Hardy to zone 9.

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