Article/ Photos by Peter Finkle, AGC member
Here’s a new favorite for a sunny spot: Long-blooming, pollinator friendly and brightly colored, Gaillardia x grandiflora has been blooming in my West-facing garden since June, and is still putting out new buds. It’s a hybrid on a Western native, Gaillardia aristata. The common name is Blanket Flower. The colors often remind me of the state flag of Arizona: yellow, scarlet, bronze. The flowers are 2-3 “ across, and the seed heads are attractive, too. Gaillardia is easy to grow and to maintain. I just prune off the dried seed heads when they look tatty. Another option, though, is to leave at least some in place at the end of the season, because these plants reseed, so you can have more for free next Spring. There are several cultivars available. I have the original, which is about 24” x 24”. I also have the dwarf form, called ‘Goblin’, which is about 1 foot high and wide. Needs full sun, moderate water and fast drainage.
~Sherri Morgan, AGC Member
Plant Name: Sambucus nigra caerulea
Common name: Blue Elderberry
Plant Type: Deciduous Shrub or Small Tree
Plant Height: 6’ – 20’
Spread: 6’ – 20’
Bloom Time: Spring to Fall
Flower Color: Cream or Yellow Flowers & Blue Berries in Fall.
Exposure: Part Shade to Full Sun.
Soil Requirements: Tolerates a variety of moist soils,
but prefers well-
drained.
Water Needs: Regular Irrigation.
Attributes: Food Source for Birds; Deer Resistant; Attracts Bees & Butterflies.
Note: Accepts Pruning Easily; Susceptible to Canker, Powdery Mildew, Leaf Spot, Spider Mites, Aphids, Borers.
Uses: Bee, Bird, Butterfly Gardens; Bank Stabilization; Hedge; Pond/Steam Edge Planting.
Native to: Western North America
Oregon Native: YES
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 – 9
Report by: Viki Ashford
Photos from: Oregon State University https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/sambucus-nigra-subsp-cerulea
*Marjorie’s Burgundy Gladiolus!
Dividing Gladiolus Bulbs
Gently pull out of the ground and let them dry. See the very bottom bulb with the white roots? This is the “mother”, she has produced three big babies. After the plants dry, separate babies from the mother; sadly, the mother gets thrown out. Store baby bulbs in a paper bag where then can stay dry and be kept above freezing. Replant in the spring. ~Melody Jones, AGC Member
Member, *Marjorie Hoeft, shared gladiolus bulbs with other members at a club meeting.
Photos by: Melody Jones
Plant Name: Grindelia nana
Common name: Idaho Gumweed
Plant Type: Perennial Wildflower
Plant Height: 6” – 2’
Bloom Time: June to September
Flower Color: Yellow
Exposure: Full Sun
Soil Requirements: Sharply draining, rocky, gravelly soil.
Water Need: Low.
Attributes: Highly attractive to native bees & butterflies; Drought tolerant; Deer resistant; Resinous & sticky leaves that appear to sparkle.
Uses: Wildflower Gardens; Drought Tolerant Gardens; Pollinator Gardens.
Native to: Western US
Oregon Native: YES
USDA Hardiness Zone: 8
Report by: Viki Ashford, AGC member
Photo from: American West website: https://www.americansouthwest.net/plants/wildflowers/grindelia-nana.html