Category Archives: Plant Reviews

Bigroot Geranium

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Bigroot Geranium (Geranium macrorrhizum)

Geranium macrorrhizum is a hardy perennial that blooms prolifically in the spring. Some varieties also present outstanding leaf color in the fall.Bigroot Geranium is deer- resistant, so “typically” deer leave it alone. Plant your geranium in full sun or partial shade. It’s not too picky about growing conditions, except it doesn’t like wet boggy areas, so plant in well-draining soil. It grows 1 to 3 feet high and 2 to 3 feet wide. Geranium makes a good groundcover at the base of trees, shrubs and taller perennials. Geranium macrorrhizum varieties include: Album which produces white flowers, Ingwersen flowers in pink, and Variegatum, with white-variegated leaves, which produce purple & pink blossoms. Note: Variegatum likes richer soil and keep it out of full sun. USDA Hardiness Zone: Zones 4-8

Subshrubs

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Subshrubs have the unique characteristics of both herbaceous and woody plants. Their bases are woody but they produce new herbaceous growth during the primary growing season. Many herbs fall into the subshrub category, such as:

SunsetHyssop (Agastache rupestris)
Form: Vase shaped plant maturing to 2 feet high by 1.5 feet wide
Exposure: Full sun
Color: Flowers vibrant pink, purple and orange
Bloom Time: Long bloom season summer to fall
Attributes: Fragrant, Attracts Bees & Butterflies, Ornamental, Medicinal, Culinary
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4b-9


English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Form: Upright clumping growth habit, 1.5 feet tall by 2 feet wide
Exposure: Plant in full sun to partial sun in evenly moist and rich soil
Color: Green-gray to green–purple foliage in the summer, silver-green to gray-bronzed in the winter. Flowers blue-purple, lavender, violet-blue, or white-pink, depending upon cultivar Bloom Time: varies with cultivar
Attributes: Semi- evergreen, Fragrant, Ornamental, Medicinal, Culinary
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9

Garden Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Form: Woody Stems, 3′ tall and wide,
short lived, needs replacing every 3- 4 years
Exposure: Full Sun
 Color: Grayish foliage – Flowers blue to purplish   Bloom Time: May- July

Attributes: Water Conserving Evergreen, Fragrant, Ornamental, Medicinal, Culinary
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Form: Woody base with upright stems 3 to 4.5 feet tall
Exposure: Full sun, hardy, drought tolerant
Color: Grayish-white stems, silver-gray foliage with small tubular deep blue or lavender flowers
Bloom Time: July – September
Attributes: Pungent fragrance, attracts butterflies, Ornamental, Culinary, Medicinal, deer-resistant
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Deerwood (Lotus scoparius) (California Broom)
Form: Woody base with arching airy branches, grows to 3 feet
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Color: Flowers begin as yellow, turning to orange
Bloom Time: April-June
Attributes: California native, feeds numerous wildlife: hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and deer. Bees relish this plant! Nitrogen fixing capabilities
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-10

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
Form: Tall straight clusters of silvery-green branches, foliage spirally arranged, grows 3 feet tall by 2 feet wide.
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade, drought tolerant
Color: Greenish-grey foliage clad with silky-silvery “hairs”, small yellow tubular flowers
Bloom Time: June-October
Attributes: Companion plant to suppress weeds – roots secretes substances which inhibit the growth of surrounding plants. Ornamental, Culinary, Medicinal
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Pruning Subshrubs
Subshrubs are not pruned like softer herbaceous herbs, such as germander, marjoram, oregano, and winter savory, or even other woody plants. Subshrubs are never pruned during the cool fluctuating temperatures of fall and winter and you never cut them to the ground. Subshrubs should be pruned in early spring once signs of new growth appear and then only to remove dead and broken wood. In some cases, pruning can wait until after the first bloom, but technically you should avoid pruning subshrubs because doing so could be harmful to the plant.

by Carlotta Lucas

Horticulture Report: February 2011

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Deer Proof Plants: The following are summaries of perennials from the book:
50 Beautiful Deer-Resistant Plants: Thee Prettiest Annuals,
Perennials, bulbs and shrubs that Deer Don’t Eat
by Ruth Clausen
(May 30, 2011)

Perennials Part 1 –AZURE MONKSHOOD (Aconitum carmichaelii)

All parts of this plant especially the roots are poisonous. Monkshhood grow 2 to 3 feet tall and have deeply cut leaves and dark blue spikes of flowers. It grows in the sun or light shade in zones 3-7 and the tuberous roots can be divided in the fall. Be very careful not to get the sap on your skin. This plant is also known as wolfs bane, tiger bane and leopard’s bane.

BIGROOT CRANESBILL GERANIUM (Geranium macrorrhizum)

This plant is a low maintenance ground cover covered with 1-2 inch flowers.The leaves are a light fuzzy light green.It has a scent when any part of the plant is bruised which the deer hate but which in Europe is used in skin care products.

BLUE FALSE INDIGO (Baptisia australis)
Blue false indigo is drought tolerant and almost totally pest and disease free.Plant it in a sunny area in well drained not too rich soil.It grows 3-4 feet tall in zones 3-9.It is a good mixture with yarrow or salvias butterfly bush and Russian sage The seeds are poisonous to deer.

CUSHION SPURGE (euphorbia polychroma) The genus Euphorbia has some 2,000 or more plants all of which are more or less avoided by deer.When working around Euphorbias wear long sleeves and gloves and avoid contact with the skin as it can cause dermatitis. Do not get sap in the eyes. Cushion Spurge makes neat rounded mounds of light green leafy stems topped in the spring by chartreuse flowers which are surrounded byyellow bracts.Plant it in light shade and cut back after flowering.It tolerates drought conditions very well.

FRINGED BLEEDING HEART (Dicentra eximia) The fringed bleeding heartis similar to the common bleeding heart but the plants are lower growing and bloom repeatedly through the season.Their fernlike foliage remains good-looking through hot days.It likes shady gardens and does well with astilbes, wild geraniums and fernsespecially Japanese painted fern.They are completely deer resistant due to their poisonous sap.

ASTILBE (Astilbe arendsii) Astilbes are wonderful when massed together and grown in part shade moist soil which is high in humus.Deer apparently don not like the fern like texture of astilbe leaves.The colors range from white to red to all shades of pink.They make good, long lasting flowers {cut when half open) for arrangements.After the flowers have faded on the plantyou can let them stay on to provide decorative value.

HYBRID SAGE Salvia sylvestris) Sages include both ornamental as well as culinary herbs} Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers whereas deer are repelled by their smell. Sage is best grown in well-drained soil in full sun. ‘May Night’ Sage which has spikes of violet blue flowers was named the Perennial Plant in 1997.

JAPANESE SPURGE (Pachysandra terminalis) Japanese Spurge is a ground cover just called Pachysandra.As a ground cover plant it 6-12 inches apart in light or full shade in humus rich, well drained but moist soil.It has no equal as a ground cover in full shade under tall trees (even black walnut)However do not plant spring bulbs with it as it is a greedy plant.

By Mary Ann Wallace and Gena Goddard

Consulting “Old” References? Beware

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The article below came from the November/December 1993 Fine Gardening magazine, “Letters to the Editor.”
——————————-
Words of Warning: if you are going to consult “old” references be sure & check their accuracy for today’s growing conditions. This letter recommends Pampas Grass, which is classified as an invasive species under current gardening research. I agree with what the author says about red fountain grass, but NOT the pampas. Granted, this was for the southwest, but checking current resources is always wise. As a buyer & gardener, beware.

Good gardening, Viki Ashford
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Fine Gardening Article: Ornamental Grasses for the Southwest

“ In response to the request from Paul Endres for suitable ornamental grasses for the Southwest (FG #32, P. 6), I’d like to suggest red fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’) and pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana), which I’ve successfully grown in my Las Vegas, Nevada, garden . With an occasional watering from my drip irrigation system, they tolerate heat and drought, and their swaying flower plumes and slender leaves lend grace to the landscape.
(invasive species now)

The leaves of red fountain grass, which grows 4 ft. to 6 ft. tall, are almost maroon in color. In winter, the grass goes dormant, and I cut it down to about 10 in. above the ground. Don’t worry if it appears dead all winter; the leaves will return in spring with the same beautiful show. Pampas grass needs lots of room, because it grows quite tall and forms a fountain of narrow leaves. The plumes, borne atop tall stalks, are a feathery white. A word of warning: the leaves of both of these grasses are sharp, so wear gloves, long sleeves and long pants when planting or pruning them.” Author: Karen Kampfer, Nevada

January 2012: Horticulture Report

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Plectranthus ecklonii is a sub-tropical plant from Africa which can be grown outdoors in Zones 9-11, but in colder climates it’s grown as a house plant.

P. ecklonii is an attractive fast growing plant which flowers profusely the first season after planting. The plant should be pruned back hard in mid-winter after its flowering season.

P. ecklonii is easily propagated from cuttings or seed.

The best time to take cuttings is spring or summer. Cuttings should be about 7 inches to 10 inches long, keeping the top leaves. Place cuttings in a shady, but well lit area, keeping them moist as rooting is rapid. Cuttings can be rooted in sand or other appropriate cutting medium.

P. ecklonii seeds can be planted in a shallow standard seed tray in standard soil. Cover with a thin layer of sand and keep moist. Keep in a shady, but well lit environment. Germination is rapid. The seedlings can be planted in individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle.

There are three P. ecklonii cultivars:

1. P. ecklonii ‘Medley-Wood’, which is the common garden cultivar with blue flowers

2. P. ecklonii ‘Tommy’, with white flowers

3. P. ecklonii ‘Erma’, with pink flowers

Read more here:
http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantnop/plectranecklon.htm

Fall Color

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Asters (Asteraceae)
Perennial. Asters come in a variety of colors and heights, and can provide a late-season source of pollen for bees and other pollinators. Plant in full sun. USDA All Zones.

 

Chrysanthemums
Perennial. Varieties can be daisy-like, pompons, spoons, singles, decorative, anemones and standard. Flowers range in colors from white, off-white, yellow, gold, bronze, red, burgundy, pink, lavender and purple. Plant in full sun. USDA Zones 3-9 , hardiness varies with cultivar.

Pansies (Viola tricolor)
Annual. Pansies come in a wide range of colors and are a perfect flower for the winter landscape. This plant is durable and winter-hardy. Plant in full sun or partial shade. USDA Zones 4-8.

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Herbaceous Perennial. Woody multi-stemmed plant 3 to 4 foot tall with silver-grayish leaves. Small tubular flowers bloom on tall spires in blue or lavender. Drought tolerant. Plant in full sun, it likes heat! USDA All Zones.

Heavenly Bamboo (Nadina domestica)
Evergreen or semi-deciduous shrub. Leaves turn fiery crimson in the winter and has shiny red berries. Plant in sun or shade, but leaves color better in the sun. USDA Zones 4-10.


Witch Hazel (Corylopsis)
Deciduous shrub. For winter flowers, the Witch Hazel shrubs like those at the entrance to Lithia Park, put on a glorious display in Jan/Feb. Slow growing 8 to 20 feet tall, and as wide. Fragrant flowers bloom on bare branches. Flowers in yellow, bronze, orange, red-orange, copper-red or red. Plant in full sun or part shade, protect from wind. USDA Zones 4-8.

Burning Bush (Euonymus Alatus)
Deciduous shrub. Slow growing to 15 feet tall, and as wide; it can be pruned to be maintained as a shrub. Dwarf varieties grow 6 to 8 ft. Inconspicuous flowers in the spring. Leaves turn a brilliant flaming red in the fall. Plant in full sun. USDA Zone 4-9

Japanese Barberry(Berberis thunbergii)
Deciduous shrub. Grows 4-6 feet tall with equal spread if not sheared. Flowers appear in May. Fruits are red oblong berries persisting on the plant into winter. Leaves turn attractive shades of red and orange in the fall. Plant in full sun. USDA Zones 4-8

Note: Japanese Barberry has been labeled an invasive species on the East Coast.
Please read the following for possible alternatives for Japanese Barberry: http://perrysperennials.info/articles/barberry.html

Hypericum Mystical Orange™ (Hypericum inodorum)
Deciduous shrub. Grows multi-stemmed upright spreading branches. Height 3 feet. Produces bright yellow flowers early spring to mid-summer. Forms striking orange berries which last through the fall. The berries have become a mainstay in floral arrangements. Plant in full sun. USDA Zones 5-9.

Other Mystical series: Mystical Beauty™/ pink berries, Mystical Red Star™/red berries, Mystical Black™ / black berries.

Flowering Kale (Brassica oleracea)
Annual, cool season. Attractive ruffled foliage in variations of green & white, pinks, purples, and reds. Height 18 inches. Grows well in pots, group with other winter-hardy flowers. Plant in full sun or partial shade. USDA All zones.

Calendulas
Annual. Calendulas are a very prolific, easily grown flower. Also known as “Pot Marigolds”. They can provide blooms late in the fall and early winter.

Snapdragon are also an easy to grow annual, and while most varieties are early summer bloomers, they often bloom again in cooler fall weather and provide blooms into winter.

Hardy Cyclamen
Perennial. A showy small autumn flowering hardy type of Cyclamen
USDA zones 5-7.

Helleborus (Christmas Rose) is also winter bloomers. USDA zones 4-9.
Both Hardy Cyclamen and Helleborus prefer a shady spot in the garden.

Berried bushes make a splash of color when planted in pots and one that comes to mind is the Beautyberry (Callicarpa), although be aware it will out grow its pot quickly. Plant in full sun or partial sun. USDA zones 6-10.

There are more, but this should get you thinking about fall color and winter flowers!

Gena Goddard
Mary Ann Wallace
Horticulture Committee

For more winter flower suggestions read AGC Article, “Mid-Winter Madness” :
https://ashlandorgardenclub.org//2011/02/mid-winter-madness.html