Today in the Garden

‘Teddy Bear’ Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus), Easy to grow Annual, Full sun, Well-drained soil, Semi-Drought Tolerant: Water deeply when top 2 inches of soil is dry,  Height: 18-24 inches, Flowers: 3-6 inches unique double blooms (pompom-style) Color: Deep golden yellow, Attracts: Pollinators, Provides seeds for Birds

Photos by: Carlotta Lucas, AGC Member

June 28, 2020 Today in the Garden

Himalayan Cinquefoil, Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’, Daylily, Geranium macrorrhizum

Photos by: Carlotta Lucas, AGC Member

Horticulture Report: Threadleaf Coreopsis ‘Zagreb’

Plant Name:  Coreopsis verticullata ‘Zagreb’
Common name: Threadleaf Coreopsis ‘Zagreb’
Plant Type:  Herbaceous Perennial
Height:  18 – 24 inches
Spread:  12 – 18 inches
Bloom Time: May – June
Flower Color:  Bright Yellow
Exposure:  Full Sun
Soil Requirements: Tolerates Dry, Shallow, Rocky Soil;
Water Needs: Dry to Medium

Attributes: Showy Flower; Deer Tolerant; Drought Tolerant; No Serious Disease or Insect Problems; Attracts Butterflies

Note:  Deadheading encourages additional bloom & prevents unwanted self-seeding. Plants may be sheared in mid to late summer to promote fall re-bloom & remove sprawling foliage. Can spread aggressively by rhizomes & self-seeding. Crown Rot may occur in poor draining soils.

Uses: Native Plant Gardens; Cottage Gardens; Borders; Containers; Cut Flowers; Naturalizing, Butterfly Gardens, 
Native to:  Eastern USA
Oregon Native:  NO
USDA Hardiness Zone:  3 – 9

Report by: Viki Ashford

Globe Amaranth

In Hawaii, Gomphrena globosa is commonly used in long-lasting leis since it retains its shape and color after drying. In Nepal, these flowers are in  garlands used for the last day of Tihar, a five-day-long Hindu festival when sisters adorn brothers with a garland. This day is called Bhai Tika – Worship of Brother.

Plant Name:  Gomphrena globosa
Common name: Globe Amaranth
Plant Type:  Annual
Plant Height:  1’ – 2’
Spread:  .5’ – 1’
Bloom Time: June to Frost
Flower Color:  Pink, Purple, White, Yellow, Magenta.
Exposure:  Full Sun
Soil Requirements: Tolerates most soils.
Water Needs:  Medium
Attributes: Showy Flower; Good Dried or Long-Lasting Cut Flower; Attracts Butterflies; Drought Tolerant; Tolerates Clay Soil.
Note:  If sowing seeds, germination rate is low; pinch plants to promote bushiness.
Uses: Borders, Rock Gardens, Cutting Gardens, Containers.
Native to:  Central America & northern South America
Oregon Native:  NO
USDA Hardiness Zone:  2 – 11

Wildflower: Phacelia campanularia (California Bluebell)

Plant Name: Phacelia campanularia
Common names:  California-bluebell,
Desertbells, Desert bluebells,
Desert Scorpionweed, and Desert
Canterbury Bells
Plant type: Hardy Annual
Family: Member of the borage family
Height: 12 inches
Flower Color:  Blue
Exposure: Full sun
Blooms:  February – June
Soil: Sharply drained (sandy or granitic soil) , can tolerate other soils but needs good drainage
Water: Low – (arid climate plant)
Note: Grows in very arid environments; Adapts easily to gardens; not winter hardy but can reseed.
Attributes: Heart-shaped leaves, Vibrant Blue Color, Showy bell-shaped flowers, blooms in clusters
Uses: Wildflower gardens, Natural Gardens, Containers, Rock Gardens, Water-wise Gardens, Mass Plantings
Native to: Western USA
USDA Zone: 3-10

Report by: Carlotta Lucas, AGC Member