One of our favorite woodland species, Omphalodes is a trailing perennial to 10 inches high with slowly spreading underground stems. Loose sprays of flat, bright blue flowers are held above tufts of oval-shaped basal leaves in mid to late spring. Sporadic flowers occur in our garden year round, although the spring flowering is much more pronounced. Plant in partial or full shade in organic rich, but well-drained soil. It will tolerate some drought, but is much better with moderate to regular irrigation. Consider using Omphalodes in woodland gardens, shady borders, or as small scale ground cover. Hardy to 0F. Omphalodes cappadocica is available this week in #1 containers.
January 13, 2012
November 18, 2011
Cistus x bornetianus 'Jester'
Glowing pink flowers with deep orange centers conjure images of a medieval prankster but this sturdy Rockrose is no joker! Velvety grey-green leaves clothe the billowy shrub that grows 2 to 3 feet high and wide. Suited to the dry garden, border, or sunny slope. As with all Rockrose provide full sun, well drained soil and infrequent water. Hardy 10F. Available in #1 container this week for $3.85.
November 04, 2011
Polygala virgata
A vase-shaped, evergreen-ish shrub growing to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, Polygala virgata is a show-stopper in full bloom. Deep purple sweet-pea-like flowers coat the stems Summer through Fall. This South African native thrives in a wide range of situations including poor soils (sandstone, limestone, clay) and wet feet. Purple broom frequently drops most of its tiny blue-green, lance-shaped leaves as it blooms, creating an even more spectacular show. Fast growing, it performs best when combined with other shrubs in full sun or part shade. Flowering sprays are lovely in a vase alone or combined with other cut flowers. Hardy to 15F. Available this week in #1 containers and #5 containers.
October 28, 2011
Hardenbergia violacea 'Walkabout Purple'
Hardenbergia violacea 'Walkabout Purple' is a compact evergreen vining shrub that climbs by twining stems to 3 feet tall by 3 feet wide. Pinkish purple flowers with chartreuse spot in center cascade like small Wisteria blossoms in the winter to early spring. Plant in sun or light shade in hot inland areas. Tolerates and even prefers heavy soil so long as it drains well. Requires little water once established. Hardy to 25F. Hardenbergia violacea 'Walkabout Purple' is available in #1 containers this week.
October 21, 2011
Anigozanthos 'Pink Dwarf'
A tidy, clump forming perennial to 18 inches tall with the typical strapped shaped leaves of the genus. Pink flowers are borne on 2 to 4 foot stems covered in downy pink hairs from early summer to fall. Recommended for sunny locations with good air circulation and moderate irrigation. ‘Dwarf Pink’ is an good choice for containers and can be used in meadows with a variety of low growing grasses. Hardy to about 25 degrees F. Anigozanthos 'Pink Dwarf' is available in #1 containers.
October 14, 2011
Prostanthera cuneata
Alpine mint bush is a dense, evergreen shrub growing to 3 feet tall by 5 feet wide. It features shiny, wedge-shaped leaves dotted with oil glands and attractive trumpet-shaped white flowers with a purple spot in throat. An excellent choice for containers and borders, it also makes a fine foundation shrub. Hardy to 20F. Prostanthera cuneata is available this week in #1 containers.
October 07, 2011
Phygelius 'Passionate Pink'
Cape fuchsia. Evergreen shrub with tubular, hot pink flowers on sturdy stems that rise up to 2 feet tall with an equal spread. Flowers will show from spring-fall. 'Passionate Pink' makes a good choice for border, container plantings, and costal gardens. Hardy to 25F. Phygelius 'Passionate Pink' is available this week in #1 containers.
September 30, 2011
Stachys chrysantha
This little charmer hails from Greece, growing just 3 to 6 inches high and spreading to 24 inches wide. Silvery green foliage creates low mats that are topped with creamy yellow flowers throughout summer and into fall. Place in a sunny, well drained spot and water sparingly. Interesting foliage makes Stachys chrysantha a perfect small area groundcover for dry areas of the garden. Or, combine with succulents such as Sedum 'VooDoo', Sempervivum 'Cobweb' and Agave 'Tentacles' for a spooky fall-themed container on a sunny porch or patio! Hardy to 0F. Available this week in #1 containers.
September 23, 2011
Othonna cheirifolia
Othonna cheirifolia is a hardy, evergreen, perennial with attractive, spathe-shaped, grey foliage. Reaching 12 to 18" tall and wide this plant is useful for the front of the border or for trailing over walls and an excellent container specimen. Large, bright-yellow daisies are produced in spring and early summer and then again in the autumn, sometimes flowering into November. Easy to grow in any well drained soil in a sunny position. Very tolerant of poor, gravelly soils and drought conditions. Hardy to 20F. Othonna cheirifolia is available this week in #1 containers.
September 16, 2011
Salvia greggii 'Icing Sugar'
'Icing Sugar' is another of the seemingly endless variation in flower color available from Salvia greggii. This selection has reached 2 feet tall with an equal spread in our test garden and features aromatic foliage abundant flowers in mauve/lilac from dark buds. It has bloomed most of the summer and attracts butterflies. Full sun is recommended and ‘Icing Sugar’ will tolerate dry conditions. Hardy to 0F. Salvia greggii 'Icing Sugar' is available this week in #1 containers.
