13,520 Garden Web Discussions | Perennials
Well, everything is 3 to 4 weeks ahead of time, due to the abnormal weather this year, so that may part of it. How about moisture, are they drying out desperately like so many plants in Michigan due to no rain and hot, hot weather? If they're dry, watering may help, I would soak them down and see what happens if you think they may be dry.
Yeah, even though it is a weed and it smells funky, it's attractive. One grower on our local farmer's market was selling it this spring in one gallons for $8 each as a foliage filler for combo pots. I don't know if she came up with this herself or found it in a catalog. I know it isn't native here in Michigan, but it is commonly seen in nursery stock imported from TN, so it tends to sprout up around new plantings of things. I've seen it quite a few times growing at the base of newly installed landscape plantings.
I have plain Echinops ritro growing directly under a greengage plum tree, right up to the trunk, so probably you'd call it dappled shade. It is a reliable hardy perennial here. Mine is pretty old, at least 7 years I should say and probably more. Must be to do with the climate. It increases slowly in width but has not self sown. Surprisingly the centre has not deteriorated and remains vigorous. Much enjoyed by bees.
Basically, Echinops are long-lived, but:
1)they drown easily in winter
2)they are susceptible to some kind of fungus at the base of the stems or even in the crown itself, causing wilting even in the middle of the summer. I have learned that I can save such a plant by digging the crown up, and the plant will usually return from the roots.
Babs,
The trellis idea is a fantastic suggestion, especially to grow edibles on it. The area is really shaded until 2 or 3, but then its super heated. Would beans and squash produce alright? Would the vines get burnt by the bricks as the grow up the trellis? I guess as the vines matured they would shade the brick enough to keep from gettin burnt, but i worry about new growth. I could always try it i suppose and it would free up space in the veggie garden. The area is definitely too small for sunchokes and the like. Im really thinkin the trellis is my best bet. Clemantis would loose their leaves in our winters, but then leaf out from previous growth next season right?
Almost too many possibilities!
I grow clematis on black iron and rusty steel trellises, so if that doesn't burn the vines, the heat from the bricks won't. Type 3 pruning clematis are your best bet. They do fine in the southeast as well as colder and less humid areas, and the pruning is easy - just cut the stems down to 1 or 2 buds each in winter and they will regrow quickly when the growing season starts.
I've grown scarlet runner beans in an area that was shaded by a building until just after noon, so you should be fine with slightly later sun, as long as the morning shade is reasonably bright. There are lots of other edibles that do fine growing on trellises, like cukes, melons, and squash, but they may need more sun.
This is my front yard water feature. Last summer. The Chamaecyparis by the front door is now gone. DH fell on it and broke it putting up the Christmas lights. There are four ponds will no filters nor fish. I do have a fish pond in the backyard.
Yeah, I already re-planted my iris in the spot behind the mums. Ive also been keeping busy helping friends plant gardens with my leftovers :)
Come spring, do you think these chrysanthemums need to be divided? How does the plant look overall to you guys?
I tried one from High Country Gardens, but it didn't survive the winter. We had a strange winter last year without our usual deep snow, so I may try again at some point. I am on the cold side of zone 5, so my area might just be too cold for it. Mine is on a well-drained slope that should be dry enough for it, along with some western penstemmons and agastaches.
My Arizona Sun is much, much taller this year than in previous years, and it also is flopping on the outside stems. As a matter of fact, almost all my perennials look like they are on stilts this year-I have no idea why. Perhaps the mild winter had something to do with it. My AS is finishing up its first flush of bloom and I'm going to dead head and perhaps cut it back a bit. Normally this plant blooms until the frost kills the flowers, so cutting it back won't keep it from later reblooming. I love this plant for the front of the border.
Linda
I'm guessing the repairs, etc. are overwith. I'd replant them now thinking they have a better chance in the ground than drying out in a bag in the garage for a few months.
I imagine it's hot in New Jersey, but I'd prepare the space, put them in and water well to get them restarted. Iris rhizomes and lily bulbs are pretty resiliant self-contained little units - at least for the short haul.
I do expect someone to offer a different perspective. :-)
For iris, you aren't all that far off from when they should be dug and divided. If you don't already know, research how it should be done, keep the rhizomes in a (relatively) cool place, and do it. No rush, but peak dividing time is late July/early August, so plan on getting it done.
The lilies are going to be more problematic. Their dormant time is winter. I'd get them back in ASAP, water well, and hope for the best.
Hmmm, I have 3 or 4 seedlings of Pow wow berry that are getting ready to bloom. They were started from seed last Spring, and a couple made buds last fall, but they didn't have time to open. Now I am dying of curiosity to see what color they'll be.
The seeds were purchased from Swallowtail. Also got Echinacea 'Primadonna White', which has started blooming and is pretty so far, and Bravado, which hasn't bloomed yet either.
I've purchased a lot of commercial seed, both species and cultivars, and by no means are the seedlings always vigorous growers nor do they always live up to the pictures and descriptions in the catalog!
Great plant. Mine were planted last year and same color as Emaniacs although my camera does not do it justice. Having said that I just saw some at Lowes that had a washed out pink color? Anyhow, very floriferous and mch more branching than other echinaceas
By miclino at 2012-07-02