Category Archives: List 2

Geranium ‘Rozanne’, Rozanne cranesbill

Geranium 'Rozanne'Geranium ‘Rozanne’, Rozanne cranesbill

Family: Geraniaceae

Description:

This is a fast and densely spreading perennial that is situated low to the ground. Flowers are dusty blue and held above a mound of dark green foliage. Geranium ‘Rozanne’ is notable for a profusion of flowers that persist for months. Flowers are sterile and everblooming, emerging in mid-spring and continuing through mid-fall.

Growing conditions:

This species grows best in partial or full sun with moist soil.

Suitable uses:

This is an ideal ground cover and works well when needed to quickly fill in large patches.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/130637544@N02/27746243522/in/photolist-JgQKx1-J1eTY7-2RmeMt-Jj52w6-a5bsjv-2RqJpJ-2RqJg3-2Rmk1x-JBatHy-2RqHMo-JLcFP2-2RmjNX-2RqGdm-2Rmmda-2RmkPR-2RqGUS-2RqGEC-2Rmezv-2RmjzB-5cwUfV-2RqDP5-2RqKF5-a5eiFC-2RqJ3U-2RmkxF-2Rmi3D-8iNkET-2RqLRA-2Rmfgk-nNe1bF-oD5Vfc-oD5Y3X-oF7tnM-JBapjy-vhFyG7-uCfACo-vzCDiB-uCqq7x

CC Image courtesy of Brenda Dobbs on Flickr

Phlomis russeliana,Turkish sage


phlomis russelianaPhlomis russeliana,
Turkish sage

Family: Lamiaceae

Description:

Most notable for this species is the distinctive yellow, hooded flowers arranged in whorls around a central stalk.  Leaves are coarsely textured, large and floppy. Arrangement of leaves are opposite and, like many in the mint family, decussate. This long flowering species is bee pollinated and in bloom for up to two months. After flowers have passed, the bulbous cluster of bracts persist, offering textural diversity in the landscape.

Growing conditions:

Pholmis russeliana prefers rich, well-drained soil. It is best in full sun, but can tolerate some shade.

Suitable uses:

This species can be used in a mixed shrub or perennial border.  Alternatively it can also look appropriate in mass plantings.  The large upright stalks provide both a whimsical and architectural presence, especially after blooms have faded. The long blooming period makes this an excellent addition for bees.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/33590535@N06/4375270436/in/photolist-7EyvSD-bq2fYj-9RWAmt-cMCgC1-69FB1M-69FB1T-6LwXQP-9RWApv-8mGsNN-gjVwsx-cMCfJq-cMCgnq-uZDkFD-yCxwnN-7ECptb-9RZv6L-bzVAhK-9RWAj4-69FB24-8gp7NT-tG2yRQ-oJ5VcW/

CC Image courtesy of Drew Avery on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/swallowtailgardenseeds/18174598226/in/photolist-7EyvSD-bq2fYj-9RWAmt-cMCgC1-69FB1M-69FB1T-6LwXQP-9RWApv-8mGsNN-gjVwsx-cMCfJq-cMCgnq-uZDkFD-yCxwnN-7ECptb-9RZv6L-bzVAhK-9RWAj4-69FB24-8gp7NT-tG2yRQ-oJ5VcW

CC Image courtesy of Swallowtail Garden Seeds on Flickr

Cephalaria gigantea,giant scabious


cephalraria giganteaCephalaria gigantea,
giant scabious

Family: Caprifoliacaea

Description:

Uncharacteristic from others in the caprifoliaceae family, this species has tall, upright stems with flower heads sporting multiple rings of irregularly shaped petals. Flowers are creamy yellow and attract a variety of pollinators over a long flowering period. The form is both airy and wild, with a tendency to flop over. Dark green basal leaves are compound.

Growing conditions:

Cephalaria gigantea grows best in rich, moist, well-drained soil and in open, sunny locations. Less sun may result in a floppier form that needs staking.

Suitable uses:

With a more irregular form, this species is suited for a more informal setting to provide a wild look.  It is also a valuable addition for pollinators.

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CC Image courtesy of sharon_k on Flickr

By muffinn

CC Image courtesy of  muffinn on Flickr

Gunnera manicata, giant gunnera

Gunnera manicataGunnera manicata, giant gunnera

 Family: Gunneraceae

Description:

Gunnera manicata is most easily recognizable for its extremely large size. Leaves can reach three meters across with petioles three meters long! Appearance is almost prehistoric, with spiny stems and large conical inflorescences that carry tens of thousands of seeds. If fertilized, orange berry-like fruit will emerge (each about 4mm).

There are alternative species of Gunnera that are much smaller. Gunnera manicata is sometimes confused with Gunnera tinctoria, which is slightly more modest in size.

Growing conditions:

This species requires high levels of moisture. Growth is rhizomatous and often forms in large clumps. Gunnera manicata is not terribly hardy and should not be grown 100-200m above sea level. Cutting the leaves at the base of the petiole and turning the leaves upside-down can protect the crown over winter. Once established and planted in the right conditions, it is difficult to kill.

Suitable uses:

Due to the large scale, it is best to place this plant in a location with plenty of room, such as an open park area. As a water loving species, Gunnera manicata works very well next to a pond.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/52524144@N00/609929914/in/photolist-VU3V1-VU3VY-5qD8Da-86B7py-9FPzpv-6tyMmf-evnYzE-9ZbB6Q-4PLnsg-82zNuj-nQf9wm-4PQCME-aqnZgE-4UkzFv-etP6T6-cj1Q21-cj1P8y-8nCozQ-bE3Cr4-GyoTcA-9ZbAgL-6S51xb-aryewd-bE3JYi-6mDHxX-fx8AkN-br8Me9-9ZbBXW-Aau1Po-sikKj9-6N5tYZ-6mLrHZ-zUkg1y-7utjxB-6Vu2vu-6Vq6v2-7usWjT-7uxaRG-7uvB7X-7uEJV1-w2KBJc-7uAbbT-7usTn6-CajGR2-7uALZZ-GLTZRQ-4VcJKQ-bE3F6M-3JW2KR-8Nxd1g

CC Image courtesy of Alex in situ on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/scottzona/3685189140/in/photolist-6BDykN-nfXkCQ-6Bzpmg-pE2E6Y-adyFsB-9FSuvf-6BDyn5-cj1N3J-VU3V1-VU3VY-5qD8Da-86B7py-9FPzpv-6tyMmf-evnYzE-9ZbB6Q-4PLnsg-82zNuj-nQf9wm-4PQCME-aqnZgE-4UkzFv-etP6T6-cj1Q21-cj1P8y-8nCozQ-bE3Cr4-GyoTcA-9ZbAgL-6S51xb-aryewd-bE3JYi-6mDHxX-fx8AkN-br8Me9-9ZbBXW-Aau1Po-sikKj9-6N5tYZ-6mLrHZ-zUkg1y-7utjxB-6Vu2vu-6Vq6v2-7usWjT-7uxaRG-7uvB7X-7uEJV1-w2KBJc-7uAbbT

CC Image courtesy of scott.zona on Flickr