Category Archives: List 11

Astilbe chinensis, Chinese astilbe

Posted on August 13, 2016 | Leave a comment

Astilbe chinensis, Chinese astilbe

Family: Saxifragaceae

Description:

This compact astilbe is has lovely lavender-pink flowers that cover conical racemes. Small, whitish stamens point outward past the corolla, creating a fuzzy appearance. Foliage is dark green with a coarse, hairy texture that eventually transitions to smooth. There are two forms available, one that reaches 1m in height, and another that is low to the ground never exceeding 50 cm. Growth is rhizomatous.

Growing conditions:

Astilbe chinensis is best grown in partial shade with moist soil.

Suitable uses:

This perennial is well suited for a woodland garden. The smaller form grows densely to form a solid mat, making it a suitable groundcover.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/131880272@N06/27941781232/in/photolist-6RpkFY-bsYDL7-addhg3-8mi82D-pvG5w7-ahYguj-cmecgU-4RhizL-4Rhe1E-4RhfnC-6x8Ahu-dpys4K-addhkL-4R9T7a-8mmd3A-8mmd9Q-8mi7U4-8mi4jK-7kXMvK-7dw341-vyg3Zn-8z9Mo2-Jz7ZHb-JF7rF3-HMVRUQ-wYty82-KN6J7N-J5V9kp-JYjZYJ-Jz7W5Q-JJb9kp-JJb9WK-ynoSpx-HMVSEY-HMUVat-nM5XuG

CC Image Courtesy of K M on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/59898141@N06/6045405178/in/photolist-4RhizL-4Rhe1E-4RhfnC-addhkL-addhg3-pvG5w7-ahYguj-6RpkFY-bsYDL7-cmecgU-6x8Ahu-dpys4K-4R9T7a-8mi82D-8mmd3A-8mmd9Q-8mi7U4-8mi4jK-7kXMvK-7dw341-vyg3Zn-8z9Mo2-Jz7ZHb-JF7rF3-HMVRUQ-KN6J7N-Jz7W5Q-JJb9kp-JJb9WK-ynoSpx-HMVSEY-HMUVat-wYty82-J5V9kp-JYjZYJ-nM5XuG

CC Image Courtesy of Distant Hill Gardens on Flickr

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Posted in List 11, Saxifragaceae

Sedum spathulifolium, broadleaved stonecrop

Posted on July 29, 2016 | Leave a comment

Sedum spathulifolium, broadleaved stonecrop

Family: Crassulaceae

Description

This evergreen succulent is comprised of a rosette of typical fleshy, water-filled leaves with yellow flowers that persist from June-July. Growth is rhizomatous and is known for its trailing habit. Green leaves are coated in a blue wax and will burnish red in the sun.

Growing conditions:

This species is easy to propagate and care for. It requires barely any soil, and typically lies on rocks in the sun. Stems are brittle and are sensitive to people handling it.

Suitable uses:

Sedum spathulifolium is particularly attractive when planted in large masses trailing down a rock wall or garden. ‘Cape Blanco’ is an especially striking cultivar. Because it is sensitive to human handling, it is best when kept out of hands reach within high traffic areas.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/29750062@N06/2980879209/in/photolist-5xpMx8-9gXRyj-edVGP7-7Y7QCQ-887Yg4-edVGCN-88bass-6aqLhd-2SHXTX-9UyLW2-bE7PAP-ntE6Bf-pJGbvX-6j3mX8-yX7nb-8NPNk6-9KGQiS-9DEkfQ-4zTGsL-8NPNfD-ed5uU9-9YJaVD-aeG3Et-9E8eKe-4NHiEi-4YuQfM-e9seex-4De7PT-8pBJVu-bE7Phr-6amBQe-5hwF1x-5hwFik-e5jaNw-ssiT8B-rMaaYg-5C3zDP-ukUvc3-bkmV1t-9PedWW-6n1o1c-5C7rK5-5hwF42-9DBsNB-o4wjy7-dMPqKS-eiKUSk-bVhVWf-9TpKK2-9TsznY/

CC Image courtesy of Richard Droker on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/msanseve/6994925327/in/photolist-bE7PAP-ntE6Bf-pJGbvX-6j3mX8-yX7nb-8NPNk6-9KGQiS-9DEkfQ-4zTGsL-8NPNfD-ed5uU9-9YJaVD-aeG3Et-9E8eKe-4NHiEi-4YuQfM-e9seex-4De7PT-8pBJVu-bE7Phr-6amBQe-5hwF1x-5hwFik-e5jaNw-ssiT8B-rMaaYg-5C3zDP-ukUvc3-bkmV1t-9PedWW-6n1o1c-5C7rK5-5hwF42-9DBsNB-o4wjy7-dMPqKS-eiKUSk-bVhVWf-9TpKK2-9TsznY-9D6xdt-9gXRx3-9xxUZY-6aqLtS-e5dwFz-sp7eDy-gGEg1-gGEbu-4YhS6K-gGEmy

CC Image courtesy of Calypso Orchid on Flickr

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Posted in Crassulaceae, List 11

Hesperantha coccinea, river lily

Posted on July 29, 2016 | Leave a comment

Hesperantha coccinea, river lily

Family: Iridaceae

Description

This Iris relative has characteristic equitant (two-dimensional) leaves that support a striking succession of flowers. Usually coral in color, these flowers tend to bloom from October-December. Stems arise from tuberous rhizomes and can be aggressive in wet areas.

Growing conditions:

This species is water loving and will thrive in wet, rich soil. It is a zone 8 tender plant. Planting in higher elevations can prevent this species from getting too aggressive.

Suitable uses:

Hesperantha coccinea is easily propagated and useful for fall flowering interest. It can be planted near a pond or saturated area.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/peganum/3037624197/in/photolist-8V3eFD-5CqBQZ-d18P47-ayjbJm-di15u3-pgzfCJ-5wFtJk-5wFtyF-qV22b-bkEwih-p8s2E4-q3KZAU-dpV2as-dpUQRF-fDvHaz-uVqPK-di16vX-5uE1jg-oRqQie-7bpWyj-d5Gcj3-anZaDd-8F7vPR-rnJNkb-5y8SAH-dd9gAz-cmzmvs-3m35Ab-5y8SdZ-735TxT-anJQid-8KqYFU-5ydeFj-qgSdjp-8LjXpw

CC Image courtesy of peganum on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/maxwellpdavies/2989090941/in/photolist-8V3eFD-5CqBQZ-d18P47-ayjbJm-di15u3-pgzfCJ-5wFtJk-5wFtyF-qV22b-bkEwih-p8s2E4-q3KZAU-dpV2as-dpUQRF-fDvHaz-uVqPK-di16vX-5uE1jg-oRqQie-7bpWyj-d5Gcj3-anZaDd-8F7vPR-rnJNkb-5y8SAH-dd9gAz-cmzmvs-3m35Ab-5y8SdZ-735TxT-anJQid-8KqYFU-5ydeFj-qgSdjp-8LjXpw

CC Image courtesy of Max Davies on Flickr

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Posted in Iridaceae, List 11

Helianthus annuus, annual sunflower

Posted on July 29, 2016 | Leave a comment

Helianthus annuus, annual sunflower

Family: Asteraceae

Description

This annual is unusual for its vigorous growth. Growing 2-3m in height, this species is easily recognizable for large ray florets on towering stalks with broad, dark green leaves. Flowers range in color from bright yellow to rusty red. There are many different varieties with some only reaching waist height. This species’ pollen is known to provide health benefits to bees.

Growing conditions:

This species is easy to grow and has incredibly deep taproots that can find moisture, even in drought, when planted in deep soil.

Suitable uses:

This species is not cultivated for seeds, but rather for its ornamental and ecological value. Not only does this annual benefit bee species, but also provides the preferred food for many beautiful birds. While the form can be difficult to design with, it can offer a whimsical presence. Children in particular love this species, making this a good option for a playground or community garden. Helianthus annuus is also ideal in a tall grass prairie.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/oregonstateuniversity/14880676730/in/photolist-oEXmKU-9pnw9W-9sa2bM-dmApRi-dbFusF-ffJKbB-oCoBUs-bWbDKu-wy2453-6SSq4r-8vX7V3-a1h2FU-f3vx5E-2c16Mz-apdVzW-9Cwmd2-8ehFYS-orRY8W-EavvkE-5eAa3w-nBG7MV-aqSYi7-4kPzKL-9sa2eX-9sgfe9-eZdLKy-awzWs5-9sgf6f-9sdfhX-9sgeD5-9sdfxp-aw4ncR-9sa3k6-9sdfq8-NTwNb-NU49k-NU3St-9sa288-itLe9-bWbzZU-a76WdA-bWbAwW-9sdfFD-bWbBJU-9sgfeY-9sd1Su-qmogh-8tQvY7-9sdfAt-9sgf5o

CC Image courtesy of Oregon State University on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/44055945@N06/6077395118/in/photolist-ag3eQs-bWbAQ9-asBqc4-nBpcFx-9pnwiA-9sd2eb-bWbCBG-bWbBvb-bWbDnj-9sgf2q-9pnwow-n1kupK-9sdeZg-cPdjq9-9pzXRQ-6SStkT-aqSZth-bWbD5f-9sd1W1-aR8pHn-bWbCp7-9sgfam-6SWx1C-9sd1bY-9sdePt-bWbC6E-6SSsUt-9sa2Yg-6SSsGz-bTkqED-wR9vXB-9sd1to-9sa3bH-9sa34T-57J6o2-9sd1GY-aqSYFy-a24dki-t9qem-aqSXxL-9scZTJ-8DGBMN-a5mBrJ-a275tC-9sdffi-9sd17S-6p2bEh-aqQjBT-2fa1Zc-JZfNa

CC Image courtesy of Mathesont on Flickr

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Posted in Asteraceae, List 11

Anemone hupehensis, Japanese anemone

Posted on July 28, 2016 | Leave a comment

Anemone hupehensis, Japanese anemone

Family: Ranunculaceae

Description

This perennial is notable for attractive flowers and lightly hairy buds that are situated on long stems extending above dark green foliage. Leaves are compound, either palmately or pedately lobed. Flowers are characterized by three petals that are backed by three sepals with a central cluster of yellow stamens. Flowers range in color including white, pink, and lavender and will typically bloom from late summer to early fall. This species tends to form large colonies with a range of cultivars available of differing heights.

Growing conditions:

Anemone hupehensis is an extremely low maintenance perennial that is often aggressive. It is best in partial shade, but can be quite adaptable to full sun, especially with continued access to summer moisture.

Suitable uses:

Because this species will readily colonize large areas, it is best to use this perennial to fill a large space. As its needs little maintenance, an industrial or institutional location would be an appropriate site.