Showing posts with label in the garden now. Show all posts
Showing posts with label in the garden now. Show all posts

In the Garden Now: Dwarf Mountain Laurel

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Kalmia Minuet

Story and photos by Victoria Gilleland

Two of my favorite Dwarf Mountain Laurel are in bloom in our early summer garden.

'Elf' is a showy white variety that actually starts out with a pinkish cast to its flowers. As flowers open they become bright white. You'll notice highly textured bumpy buds and softer open flowers on the shrub as blossoms unfold.

'Minuet' has pinkish buds that open to white flowers with a maroon stripe around the inside edge of the flower. This petite shrub with the unusual striped flowers is a real surprise to those who see it for the first time.

Kalmia Elf white grass

These are compact varieties that are typically 3-4' high and wide. Larger Mountain Laurel varieties may be anywhere from 6-15' high and wide which may be too large for most home gardens. The more sizeable varieties are sometimes trained into small flowering trees which can be quite attractive.

Mountain Laurel are native to Eastern North America and are evergreen. When grown in their home area they do well with natural rainfall and little additional care. Our PNW climate is a bit different so it can be a challenge to find just the right garden home for them here. I've noticed that they tend to flower better with more rather than less sun.

Bees and hummingbirds like these flowering shrubs. Rabbits and Deer not so much. These hungry critters have not touched our plants but how well I know that could change in an instant!

Mountain Laurel makes a lovely addition to the summer garden.

(Kalmia latifolia 'Elf' & Kalmia latifolia 'Minuet')

Previous In the Garden Now articles here


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In the Garden Now: Jerusalem Sage

Friday, June 21, 2024

Bright yellow flowers on the Jerusalem Sage

Photos and story by Victoria Gilleland

Whorls of bright yellow flowers circle erect stems above wooly grey green foliage on this easy to grow perennial. 

This is one resilient, drought tolerant plant for sun or part shade. Ours is flourishing under a giant Douglas Fir tree. The flowers are bright and cheery from the moment in late spring that they open through the end of summer. This year they've held up remarkably well through our spring wind and rainstorms.

Most Jerusalem Sage sport yellow flowers like ours but some are white or lilac. Plants are typically 3-4' high and wide with flowers on the upper 2' of stem. 

Flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds as well as to other pollinators. 

Our plants have never been bothered by deer or rabbits but one never knows what some hungry critter will chomp on next in the garden cafeteria!

It's been called "The Space Needle Plant" here in the Seattle area. I Wonder why?

(Phlomis fruticosa)


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In the Garden Now: Wine and Roses Weigela

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Wine and Roses Weigela

Story and photo by Victoria Gilleland

Weigela puts on a spectacular display of flowers in late spring. Hot pink funnel shaped flowers appear in clusters or singly on branches from the previous growing season. The bronzy purple foliage of this variety is very attractive when set against the green foliage of other garden plants. More sun produces a darker purple foliage and more flowers while shade typically makes for a bronze leaf color and fewer flowers.

To keep plants under control size wise and flower production up cut back branches that have bloomed after blossoms are finished. New growth will provide a good crop of flowers the following spring since weigela blooms on last year's wood. 

Plants typically bloom in May and June and may repeat summer into fall. 'Wine and Roses' adds rich color throughout the growing season!

For even more bloom power consider Weigela 'Sonic Bloom' which is supposed to have become available Spring 2024. 'Sonic Bloom' is supposed to produce more flowers over a longer period of time than other varieties. We'll see how this new variety does!


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In the Garden Now: Aztec Pearl Mexican Orange

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Aztec Pearl Mexican Orange flower clusters

Story and photos by Victoria Gilleland

It's prime time for 'Aztec Pearl' Mexican Orange! This shrub is in full bloom right now. Buds start with a pinkish cast and open to pearly white flower clusters. This is not an orange plant variety. It gets its name from the scented leaves and flowers that are somewhat like that of orange blossoms.

Annual pruning will keep it small
Because of this citrus scent the shrub is seldom bothered by critters such as deer and rabbits. The shrub stays more compact when grown in full sun but grows and flowers well in part shade. 

Plants can reach 8' in height but may be kept much smaller with regular pruning right after flowering usually by the end of May in the Seattle area.

This is an easy to grow fragrant evergreen shrub that is definitely worth considering for your garden.

(Choisya dewitteana 'Aztec Pearl')


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In the Garden Now: Handkerchief Tree

Saturday, May 4, 2024

Handkerchief Tree
Photo by Victoria Gilleland
By Victoria Gilleland

Handkerchief Tree, Dove Tree, Ghost Tree are all common names for this unusual flowering tree.  

When the wind blows flowers appear to float in the wind looking somewhat like a handkerchief or if you use your imagination you might think you've seen a ghost!  
 
The flowers of this tree may not be quite what you think. The flowers are actually just the brown marble sized structure in the center which is surrounded by what look like large white flower petals.

These white structures are called bracts and are in fact modified leaves. Bracts can be 5 to 8" long and 3-4" wide and certainly do stand out in the spring garden. 

You might have seen dogwood trees sporting attractive white or pink bracts this time of year as well.         

It's not a difficult tree to grow but the 'Sonoma' variety blooms much earlier in its life than most other varieties.

Some gardeners have reported not having any flowers on their trees for 10 or 15 years.  The 'Sonoma' variety typically blooms within a few years. How ever long the wait most gardeners think these unusual flowers are worth it!

 (Davidia involucrata 'Sonoma')


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In the Garden Now: President Roosevelt Rhododendron

Sunday, April 28, 2024

President Roosevelt Rhododendron by Victoria Gilleland

It's hard to imagine more colorful flowers than those of 'President Roosevelt' Rhododendron. The bright pink and red flower color seems more likely in some tropical locale, yet here it is flourishing in the Pacific Northwest. Yellow green variegation in the leaves adds to the color fest. It's a definite standout in the Spring Garden.

This rhododendron variety typically grows to 5' high and wide in 10 years. Provide heathy
soil, regular compost and water regularly to keep this plant happy. It seems to grow best in a part sun location. Too much shade and branches can become floppy.

Add a little color to your garden with a 'President Roosevelt' Rhododendron!

--Victoria Gilleland


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In the Garden Now: Winter Daphne

Monday, April 1, 2024

Winter Daphne
Photo by Victoria Gilleland
By Victoria Gilleland

This amazing Daphne is loaded with super fragrant pink and white flowers. There was some foliage damage because of our deep freeze temperatures in January this year but blossoms opened successfully and are numerous and hyper scented. All the better to attract eager pollinators!

It's true that daphne shrubs can be difficult to grow. One of the easier varieties to grow is Winter Daphne. They often do okay in the home garden if they are not transplanted or disturbed in any way. What might disturb this or any other daphne is the mystery!

I have one Winter Daphne that is well over 15 years old and thriving. It's located in a garden bed on the north side of the house, gets very little sun, and little water beyond what nature provides. The soil is a sandy loam. This plant has been a beautiful trouble-free addition to the garden from day one!

On the other hand, I've added other Winter Daphne to a garden bed or large pot and had them looking healthy for a season or two and then watched them gradually shrivel up and die for no apparent reason. I know that at least one Daphne that had been growing cheerfully in a container for many years died shortly after being transplanted to a nearby garden bed. I figured it was probably very rootbound, which it was. I should have left this Daphne alone. It was happy! I'm sure that transplanting sent it to an early grave.

In spite of its finicky nature Winter Daphne is a very popular shrub. Many have shared that Winter Daphne was a loved one's favorite flower and one they are growing or would like to grow as a memorial plant in their garden. With that heady fragrance, colorful flowers early in the year, and lovely evergreen foliage Winter Daphne surely deserves a chance!

(Daphne odora)


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In the Garden Now: Snowdrops

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Galanthus nivalis "Snowdrop"
Photo by Victoria Gilleland
By Victoria Gilleland

You may have seen the nodding white flowers of this late winter blooming bulb or one that looks a lot like it. There are over 500 named varieties of snowdrops so it's a little tricky to identify a specific one. 

They usually bloom sometime between January and April. The species originated in Europe and the Middle East, but has naturalized in many places around the world.

Snowdrops are often grown in rock gardens, under flowering shrubs, naturalized in woodland settings or even in containers. 

On sunny days the flowers give off a sweet scent which attracts pollinators. They will grow in shade to full sun and need well drained soil and a moderate amount of moisture. Snowdrops are toxic to animals, so rabbit and deer seldom bother them. Keep pets and children away from plants.

This charming plant is delicate looking but surprisingly versatile and easy to grow. It makes a wonderful addition to the late winter or early spring garden.

(Galanthus nivalis)


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In the Garden Now: Giant Butterbur

Saturday, March 9, 2024

Giant Butterbur (Petasites japonicus)
Photo by Victoria Gilleland
By Victoria Gilleland

We're always eager to see that first perennial flower appear in our gardens at the start of the new year. One of our earliest bloomers is Butterbur. 

Flowers are 10-16 inch high and appear as early as the first of January depending on weather. This year the first blossoms were emerging by mid-January in spite of the cold streak we were experiencing. Flowers often last for 10 weeks or more.

Giant Butterbur and friends
Photo by Victoria Gilleland
Our Butterbur is growing among sword ferns, native bleeding heart and other shade loving perennials, shrubs and trees on the shady perimeter of our garden. 

The soil has been amended with composted arborists chips which helps with moisture retention.

The daisy flower spikes are short but fragrant. Leaves follow the flowers and are huge... often 3 feet or more in diameter.

This plant is a showstopper! If you're looking for a unique addition to a shady spot in your garden this could be it.

(Petasites japonicus)


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In the Garden Now: It's Witch Hazel Time

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Hamamelis Arnold Promise
Photo by Victoria Gilleland
By Victoria Gilleland

In fact it's been that time for many weeks. Before the end of December witch hazel shrubs in our area were full of plump flower buds and even open flowers. The deep freeze we experienced in January did not faze these winter blooming beauties.

The 'Diane' variety is red
Photo by Victoria Gilleland
Flowers that had already opened held their own during the freeze and unopened buds began to unfurl when temperatures climbed. This is one resilient shrub!

Not only are the bright yellow flowers of 'Arnold Promise' and the copper red flowers of 'Diane' a colorful addition to the winter garden, but they're fragrant and attractive to pollinators. 

Grown next to each other the flowers of the two plants compliment each other color wise. Growing Diane next to Arnold's yellow flowers makes Diane's red flowers show up much more in the winter landscape.

I'll have to admit that one of the reasons I love witch hazels is because of their flowers. I can't help but see each blossom as a colorful crinkly spider. 

They're so much fun! Ready to add a little Witch Hazel mischief to your garden?


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In the Garden Now: Hardy Cyclamen Coum

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Photo by Victoria Gilleland

By Victoria Gilleland

Hardy Cyclamen Coum is heading towards full bloom after sailing through our deep freeze weather! The hot pink flowers and silver green foliage are a standout in the winter garden.  

These 4" high perennials are drought tolerant and flourish in shade. They're seldom bothered by pests and come in an array of vibrant flower colors with equally interesting leaf colors and patterns.   

When many plants are dormant these cyclamen are putting on an amazing display. What's not to like?  



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In the Garden Now: Winter Blossoms

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Photo by Victoria Gilleland

Just 62 days until Spring! These Hellebores aren't waiting.

Photo by Victoria Gilleland

Early varieties are coming into bloom now!


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Fog In the Garden

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Photo by Victoria Gilleland

 The magic of morning fog in the garden.

--Victoria Gilleland


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In the Garden Now: Something Blue..... For the Garden

Sunday, December 4, 2022

Blue Bean Shrub
Article and photo by Victoria Gilleland

If you like exotic plants you just might enjoy having one of these unusual shrubs in your garden. 

Our Blue Bean Shrub, also known as Blue Sausage Shrub, has produced dozens of striking clusters of 4-5" long fruitlets again this fall. That bright blue color truly stands out in the garden.

Our shrub is 20+ years old and growing in mostly shade. It's around 18' high and 16' wide. It's a big guy and would be even larger if we hadn't pruned it.

The bluish foliage is a bonus we enjoy in a sea of green. Flowers are pale yellow green and not that noticeable.

Blue Bean Shrub is a unique plant that adds unexpected color to the garden. If you have the garden space and like unusual plants consider this one!



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In the Garden Now: A winning trio

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Photo and plant by Victoria Gilleland
Bright pink ‘Dancing Pixies’ Saxifrage nestles perfectly at the foot of climbing ‘Fiona Sunrise’ Jasmine. 

Fuchsia ‘Isis’ is in the mix with tiny deep rose and white flowers on dainty branches.

'Fiona Sunrise' produces clusters of white sweetly scented flowers in summer. 

Its chartreuse foliage adds a decorative touch year-round. 

'Isis' blooms from early summer until frost while 'Dancing Pixies' are in bloom from late summer into fall.

In my shady garden these easy to grow plants have flowered well, been evergreen and made it through recent winters in great form. 

 This is truly a winning combination!

--Victoria Gilleland



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In the Garden Now: “Soft Caress”

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Mahonia photo by Victoria Gilleland
Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’ has finally come around. 

In my garden it sulks and looks quite sad for 9+ months of the year…. and then redeems itself with those gorgeous blue leaves crowned with bright yellow flowers.

“Soft Caress” adds striking color to the autumn and winter garden. 

Grow it in a pot near the front door or in a garden bed near the entry so you’ll see it during the cooler months when you enter and leave your home.

--Victoria Gilleland




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In the Garden Now: A happy combo

Saturday, October 1, 2022

Story and photo by Victoria Gilleland

This Floppy Orange Begonia and Oxalis Plum Crazy are hard to top when it comes to long lasting stunning color! 

They've been in bloom since May and should continue till at least the first frost of the season. 

What a happy combo!



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In the Garden Now: Beauty Berry

Saturday, November 13, 2021

Beauty Berry

Story and photo by Victoria Gilleland

When I first saw Beauty Berry I was pretty sure that someone had spray painted the berries to get that metallic purple color. What a wonderful surprise to find that this plant had produced those amazing looking berries on its own!

Clusters of small pink flowers appear on the shrub in late spring and early summer. Over the summer these flowers develop into purple berries that are at their most colorful come fall. More flowers and therefore more berries are produced in full sun. The berries are often on the plant through the holiday season.

The dark green foliage of Beauty Berry takes on a lovely purplish tint as the berries ripen in fall. This unique shrub would be a welcome addition to most any sunny garden needing a bit of a color lift. It's worth consideration!

(Callicarpa bodinieri ‘Profusion’)



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In the Garden Now: Paperbark Maple

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Paperbark Maple
Story and photo by Victoria Gilleland

The progression of fall color seems to have been carefully orchestrated this year. One tree right after another has taken center stage. It's almost as if the trees have been passing along a sign saying "Best Fall Color" to each tree in succession.

I've been watching this Paper Bark Maple for days as a rich red hue has gradually swarmed the green leaves of the tree. The color is absolutely stunning! A variegated English Laurel provides the perfect backdrop. What a winning combination!

(Botanical name: Acer griseum)



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In the Garden Now: The Elegant Forest Pansy Redbud Tree

Sunday, October 24, 2021

Forest Pansy Redbud Tree photo by Victoria Gilleland
Story and photo by Victoria Gilleland

A happy accident along with a gust of wind brought a Forest Pansy branch down over a garden light. 

The result is this stunning display of beautiful heart shaped golden leaves touched with pink and orange.  

Forest Pansy Redbud typically has burgundy foliage through spring and summer which is followed by reddish fall color. 

This year the tree leaf 'color rules' seem to have changed. 

Because of our hot dry summer, autumn leaves are definitely on the gold side of the spectrum with just a touch of pink and burgundy. 

What a beautiful surprise!

Another gift from Mother Nature!

(Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy')



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