 | The Gazebo | |
| The Gazebo | |
Antique Annuals and Perennials aren't just the Grandparents of today's hybrids, they are the flowers which filled our Grandparents gardens! Relive some of the past as you read through the history, as well as descriptions of growth and cultivation guides for some of these forgotten heirlooms that have made a come back. You can just click on a particular Name or scroll down the page to read through them all. Please let me know if you have some interesting info or an heirloom that we can add here for others to share! |
In the late 1600s, asters were mixed into ointments thought to cure the bite of mad dogs. The Shakers used the plant to clear their complexions. In Germany, the Aster is plucked petal by petal to decide if a love is returned or not.
The New York aster was identified by the Belgian botanist Hermann in 1786 and named after the area of origin, New Amsterdam. The English call this aster Michaelmas daisies (Michaelmas Day is September 29).
DESCRIPTION
One of the most spectacular perennials
in the garden from late August until November, asters have a many petaled,
daisy like flower that comes in pink, pale blue, purple or white all growing
from a yellow central disk. Reaching heights from 4 to 6 feet with dark
green, lance shaped leaves, these hardy perennials offer massive numbers
of large, clustered blooms on branching stems. Aster's are excellent for
forming bold masses of color in the garden and they are good for cutting.
CULTIVATION
An easy plant to grow, asters adapt to
any kind of soil with good drainage, but will be more vigorous when grown
in rich soil and fertilized regularly in the spring. It is best to put
out newly purchased or divided plants in the spring or early summer. Seeds
planted in the spring will bloom the following year. Seeds should be barely
covered and will germinate in 14-36 days, if started indoors they should
be transplanted out after last frost.
Pinch the tips early in the season for bushier plants. Water regularly. Old fashioned asters usually need staking, which should be done in the spring before they fall and continued as they grow. Divide the plants every three or four years.
COMMENTS
There are numerous hybrids available in
various heights and spreads. For the hot, humid summers of the South, try
the long blooming Aster x frikartii. The old fashioned annual aster
are called China asters and are botanically know as Callistephus.
POSITION: Sun or part shade
PROPAGATION: Seed, division,
or cuttings
Cornflowers were among the jewelry and gold discovered in the tomb of King Tutankhamen. A small wreath of cornflowers and olive leaves, still the deepest blue after thousands of years, was among the cache of riches left to aid the pharaoh in the afterlife.
Cornflowers were brought to America from Europe in the seventeenth century and were among the flowers cultivated by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello. Often called the "cultivated weed" or "weed of the cornfield", cornflower got its name because it was the flowering weed that grew among the corn plants. The moniker bachelor's button became popular when men began wearing cornflowers as boutonnieres.
DESCRIPTION
Prized for their intense blue color, cornflowers
have been featured in gardens for more than a hundred years. Most varieties
are blue, but others come in pink, maroon, and white blooms, set apart
by pale, gray-green leaves. Bachelor's buttons grow 1 to 3 feet and bloom
in early summer. Leave some seedheads after these annuals flower and goldfinches
will visit your garden to eat the seeds. Bachelor's buttons last for up
to two weeks as a cut flower and they are also nice dried.
CULTIVATION
Bachelor's buttons grow in almost any soil.
They can withstand mild frosts but do not transplant well. Sow seeds, just
covering, directly in the garden in early spring as soon as the soil can
be worked; start seeds indoors about 4 weeks before setting out, they should
germinate in 7 - 30 days. Thin seedlings to 8 to 10 inches apart. Make
successive plantings every two weeks to extend bloom time in the garden.
Water only moderately, being careful not to overwater, to help prevent
disease. Cut faded blooms to prolong flowering. Sun and cool temperatures
produce the best results. In warmer climates, seeds can be sown in autumn.
Bachelor's buttons often self-seed.
COMMENTS
C. montana commonly called mountain
bluet, is a perennial similar to the annual bachelor's button. It produces
masses of blooms up to 18 inches high in late spring and early summer.
POSITION:
Sun
PROPAGATION: Seed for annuals, seed,
division or cuttings for perennials.
Both the genus and the common name Impatiensrefers to the characteristic of the seed capsule. When the ripe pods are touched, they burst suddenly and seeds scatter, as if impatient. The impatient burst of seeds also inspired the name Touch Me Not.
Double balsam, a two flowered variety, was planted at Shadwell, Thomas Jefferson's Boyhood home, as early as 1767, and later at Monticello. The plants were started in hot beds (cold frames heated by decomposing manure).
Balsam plants have long been used to make dye. In India, the dyes are favored for fabrics. Silks and wools of yellow and red traditionally have been created with balsam dyes. In Japan, a red dye extracted from balsam was used as a paint for finger nails.
Balsam is also used as a curative. To this day, herbalists apply balsam to insect bites and use it to relieve the itch of poison ivy.
DESCRIPTION
An old time favorite, balsam has been cultivated
for generations. A distinct and unusual plant, it looks quite different
from the impatiens so widely grown today.
Pyramid shaped plants, 12 to 36 inches high, produce a single main stem bearing brilliant double flowers shaped like small camellias. The double flowers grow along the stalk and come in white, pinks, red, purple and yellow, some spotted and striped. The leaves are a medium green, about 6 inches long, and pointed. At one time a very popular garden annual, balsam lost favor over the years but is now being revived by gardeners in new forms and hybrids.
CULTIVATION
Annual balsams are easy and satisfying
to grow. The plants are free flowering, resistant to heat and heavy rain,
and adaptable to sun or shade. They do well in hot summer. Balsams do not
require removal of spent blooms, and they will naturalize easily, reappearing
the following year from self sown seeds. Balsams can also be transplanted
in full bloom. Sow balsam seeds outdoors in place or start them indoors
6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Cover the seeds lightly, light is needed
to germinate, and keep the soil warm and they should germinate in 7 - 30
days. Plant in light, sandy soil, somewhat rich and moist, and space 10
- 18 inches apart, fertilizing and watering regularly. Some of the taller
balsam specimens benefit from topping or pinching back the leaves to make
bushier plants.
COMMENT:
Balsam does not do as well in full shade
as Impatiens wallerana the impatiens so abundant at today's nurseries.
POSITION: Sun or light Shade.
PROPAGATION: Seed.
During the 1700s on a plant collecting trip around the country, the American botanist John Bartram collected seeds from Oswego and sent them to England. The tea seems to have been less popular among Britons, where the bright scarlet flowers of bee balm became more a feature of the decorative garden than the kitchen garden.
A member of the mint family, bee balm has a strong flavor that is desirable as seasoning in cooking. Bee balm was also traditionally used to soothe stomachaches and sore throats, and to reduce fevers.
The genus name Monarda was chosen for Dr. Nicholas Monardes, a Spanish physician, who published an important book on plants of the New World.
The species name, didyma, is a Greek word meaning "paired", and refers to the twin stamens in each flower.
DESCRIPTION
Bee balm is among the few plants that possess
not only fragrant leaves, but also brilliant flowers. The small tubular
flowers, arranged in whorls, form a dense cluster, 2 to 3 inches wide.
Blooms are mostly red, but also come in pink, white or purple. Bee balm
blooms from late June into August. Bee balm's red flowers and the tubular
arrangement of the blossoms attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
The foliage forms dense clumps of erect square stems, 2 to 3 feet tall.
Bee balm leaves, like other member of the mint family, are aromatic when
crushed. Bee balm is particularly effective when massed in loose clumps
or in other informal arrangements.
CULTIVATION
Hardy bee balm plants thrive in any ordinary
soil, provided it is cool and moist. Plant in full sun or part shade; part
shade is best for longer lasting flowers. Bee balm is not drought tolerant,
so soil should be kept moist, without moisture, the plants become susceptible
to powdery mildew and rust. Bee balm is vigorous and can spread rapidly.
Withhold fertilizer to slow rapid spreading. divide the plants in spring
every three to four years to avoid tall, lanky growth. Sow seeds, just
covering, outdoors in spring or fall for bloom the following season. Germination
takes about 10 - 40 days. Purchased plants should be spaced 18 to 24 inches
apart.
Bee balm is readily cultivated by it's creeping roots.
COMMENTS
Monarda fistulosa, known as wild
bergamot, grows in dry soil as well as moist, making it a better choice
for drier climates.
POSITION: Sun or part shade.
PROPAGATION: Divide in spring.
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The bleeding heart was imported from the Orient to Europe by the Jesuit missionary d'Incarville, around the middle of the eighteenth century, but it was not cultivated until 1847, when Robert Fortune, an English botanist, found it on the Japanese Isle of Chusan and sent it back to England. Within a very short time, bleeding heart could be found in virtually every Victorian Garden.
Bleeding heart was also popular among nineteenth century gardeners in the eastern United States. But as pioneers moved West, bleeding heart seeds grew harder to come by, and the native fringed bleeding heart (D. exima) and Pacific bleeding heart (D. formosa)became attractive substitutes.
The genus name Dicentra comes from the Greek words dis (twice) and kentron (spur), and means "double spurred". Spectabilis means "remarkable."
DESCRIPTION
Bleeding hearts are graceful plants with
long racemes of drooping, heart shaped flowers in either reddish pink or
white. the elegant foliage is green with a slightly gray cast and deeply
cut leaves. The plant forms dense clumps up to 2 feet wide, and from 2
to 3 feet high. The brightly colored blooms appear in early April
and last until the end of June. An excellent plant for the shade,
bleeding heart blooms even in full shade, although sparingly. The
foliage dies down in summer. To mask the spent foliage, plant annuals
or perennials, such as hosta or ferns, over it.
CULTIVATION
Plant in warm, light, rich, well drained
soil in partial shade. Bleeding heart will do nicely in full sun, but the
leaves tend to fade. Place plants 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart. Water regularly
and fertilize in early spring. Propagate by division in early spring. Starting
bleeding heart by seed is moderately difficult, and requires both work
and patience. Seeds can be started indoors in flats, but must be stored
in the freezer in growing medium for six weeks prior to sowing, and may
take from 30 to 365 days to germinate. Seeds can also be sown outdoors
in late fall or early winter; keep the soil moist until the ground freezes.
For greatest ease, purchase plants in early spring or take root cuttings
at any time or carefully divide in spring.
COMMENTS
D. exima, the fringed bleeding heart,
and D. formosa, Pacific bleeding heart, are native to North America
and are much smaller plants than D. spectabilis. Fringed bleeding
heart grows from 12 to 18 inches. Although not quite as brilliant in color
as common bleeding heart, it is hardier, blooms off and on all summer,
and readily self sows. It also comes in pink and white.
POSITION: Part shade or shade.
The genus name is from the Latin calund,which refers to the first part of the month. In Roman times, calendula could be found in bloom in almost every month of the year.
DESCRIPTION
Despite its common name and appearance,
calendula is not a true marigold at all. It belongs to the same family,
but is of a different genus. Unlike true marigolds, calendula leaves are
undivided and do not have the distinct odor of today's marigold (Tagestes).
Calendula are hardy garden annuals. They are easy to grow, and they produce a vivid display of color over a long growing season. The flower heads are 3 to 4 inches across and come in lemon, gold, orange, and cream in single, daisy like flowers or in double, chrisanthemum like flowers. The foliage is dark green. Calendula's long stems grow 10 to 24 inches, making them ideal for cutting. Generously blooming from July to frost, calendula are excellent for containers and planters.
CULTIVATION
Hardy enough to withstand several frosts,
calendula seeds may be sown outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked.
Seeds can be started indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost, sowing
1/4 inch and kept in darkness til germination in 6 to 14 days, but take
care not to disturb the long taproots when transplanting. Move seedlings
or purchased plants to the garden two weeks before the last frost, spacing
10 to 15 inches apart. Calendula adapts to most any soil, but thrives in
light, sandy, and moderately rich ones.
Fertilize when planting and keep the faded flowers picked off for continuous bloom. Calendula performs best in temperatures under 85 degrees, but can be used as a spring or fall plant in hot climates. Make a second planting in July or August for fall color and winter blooms. In mild climates, blooms can last all winter long. Calendula self sows readily, although doubles sometimes revert back to the single blooms parent.
POSITION: Sun or light shade
PROPAGATION: Seed
In Elizabethan England, candytuft seeds were used to make mustard for meat. Candytuft was also thought to aid indigestion, and was used to treat rheumatism and gout. Candytuft mixtures were also made to treat asthma and bronchitis. In fact, candytuft was favored as a medicinal, rather than an ornamental plant.
The genus name Iberis derived from Iberia, the ancient name for Spain, where several species of candytuft grow wild inspired candytuft's alternate name, Spanish tufts. The English called it sciatic cress and Billy-come-home-soon.
DESCRIPTION
A lovely border plant with globe shaped
flower heads formed by clusters of small, four petaled flowers, candytuft
comes in all shades of pink, rose, white and lavender. The leaves are 2
to 3 inches long and form a tidy mound, 10 to 15 inches tall.
Candy tuft blooms in early summer in a dense mass of flowers, and blooms again in early fall. Plants will bloom longer if spent blooms are removed. This annual plant is excellent for city gardens as well as country gardens, as it is not sensitive to air quality.
CULTIVATION
Candytuft tolerates long periods of drought
and almost any kind of soil condition, but it cannot live in shade or thrive
in excessive moisture. Easy to grow from seed, just cover seeds, germinating
in 10 to 20 days. Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost, or start
indoors 6 to 8 weeks ahead providing 70 - 85F . In frost free areas, sow
seeds in the late fall for June flower.
To extend the flowering season, sow at 2 week intervals for several weeks in spring. Thin to 6 to 8 inches apart and fertilize when planting. Deadhead regularly for more blooms. Cut plants back if they become tall and floppy this will result in new growth and additional blooms.
COMMENTS I. Amara, rocket candytuft, bears large cone shaped flowers that have a sweet, fresh fragrance.
POSITION: Sun
PROPAGATION: Seed or cuttings
Canna is sometimes called Indian shot because its hard, round seeds resemble shot gun pellets. Native South Americans used canna seeds to make jewelry, especially necklaces. Spanish explorers brought a number of the seeds back to Spain during the sixteenth century, where the large seeds were used as rosary beads.
The name Canna come from the Latin meaning "reed" or cane," and refers to the appearance of the flower stalks.
DESCRIPTION
Cannas are one of the most exotic looking
plants in the garden. Large, vividly colored, with beautiful foliage, they
are spectacular when massed or placed in the back of a border. These dramatic
plants are easy to cultivate, fast growing and very long flowering, blooming
all season to first frost.
The showy flowers come in a wide range of colors, from yellow and orange, to red, pink, and salmon, to cream. The unusually large leaves range from green to bronze or brown, or variegated. The numerous varieties now available vary in height from 3 to 7 feet. Dwarf varieties can be grown in pots.
CULTIVATION
Cannas thrive in long, hot summer and flourish
in rich, organic soil, but perform adequately in poor soil, provided they
have ample moisture. Difficult to grow from seed, chip and soak seeds for
48 hours in warm water. Germination takes from 21 to 365 days. Plant rhizomes
1 inch deep and 18 inches apart directly in the garden in warm soil after
the last frost. Water regularly. Cannas can survive dry periods, but blooms
will suffer. Remove dead blooms continuously. In late summer or fall, cut
back the stems to just above soil level and mulch heavily. rhizomes may
be left in the ground where the soil doesn't freeze; otherwise, they should
be lifted and stored over winter.
COMMENTS
The wild species, C. flaccida, is
a native to South Carolina and Florida, and is one of the principal parents
of the modern species.
POSITION: Sun
PROPAGATION: Division or seed.
Cultivated since 1597, Canterbury bells were grown by the sixteenth century horticulturist John Gerard, who wrote about them in his Herbal of plants.
A plant often associated with early American flower gardens, Canterbury bells were offered for sale on this continent as seed as early as 1760. They were among the flowers grown by George Washington at Mount Vernon. Thomas Jefferson planted them along the avenue leading to his beloved Monticello.
DESCRIPTION
Massed together in groups, Canterbury bells
make a stunning statement in the old fashioned and modern garden alike.
Biennials grown as annuals, these plants bear spikes of purple, lavender,
pink, and white bellshaped flowers. The flowers are 1 inch or more in diameter
and grow abundantly in loose, open clusters on stems reaching 24 to 36
inches high. Blooms last from June to early August.
Canterbury bells have the largest flowers of all the campanulas. The cup and saucer is a semi double type, and dwarf plants are available with smaller, daintier bellflowers. Campanulas make long lasting cut flowers.
CULTIVATION
Although some perennial forms of campanulas
take 2 or 3 years to mature, Canterbury bells are easy to grow from seed,
even easier if seedlings are purchased at the nursery, and offer satisfying
results the same season. Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks ahead for flowers
the first year. The very fine seed should not be covered, light is essential
for germination.
Traditionally, Canterbury bells are sown in July or August for flowering the following summer. Plant in rich, moist, but well drained soil, and space or thin seedlings 10 to 12 inches apart. Fertilize monthly and water regularly, keeping soil moist. Snip off faded flower spikes. Canterbury bells may reseed themselves. Taller varieties will topple over unless they are staked.
COMMENTS
All species of Campanula are referred to
by the common name of bellflower. Most are perennials, and blooms come
in a great variety of blues and purples. The peach leaf bellflower (C.
persicifolia) is one of the easiest to grow and most attractive.
POSITION: Sun or light shade.
PROPAGATION: Seed.
Native to the Asiatic tropics, cockscomb was cultivated in Britain in 1597, where it became quite the rage to grow indoors or in a greenhouse, presumably because it was thought too tender for cultivation outdoors. Because of this, Elizabethans often called it floramor or flower gentle. The name cockscomb was given to the plant because it resembles a rooster's comb.
The genus name Celosia comes from the Greek work kelos, meaning "burned," and refers to the plant's brilliant red and orange flame like colors. Because of its lasting blooms, both in the garden and in pots indoors, the plant has come to symbolize longevity.
DESCRIPTION
Cockscomb ia an unusual, exotic looking
plant that blooms from June to frost. The flower heads are fan like clumps
that resemble a rooster's comb or a clump of coral. These velvety crimson
heads are striking, but are somewhat difficult to match with other plants.
Use them as an accent plant away from other reds, plant them by themselves
or mass them in the front of the border.
Cockscomb's broad flower clusters are 3 to 6 inches wide. Color ranges from crimson to orange to pink. These annuals grow 6 to 30 inches high, with medium green leaves, some variegated. Cockscomb makes a striking cut flower, and it holds color well when dried.
Plume celosia has a vertical display of feathery looking upright flowers that come in red, yellow, orange, pink and purple. Sometimes likened to a flame, it grows 10 to 36 inches high. When massed together as a bedding plant, plume celosia makes a bright display.
CULTIVATION
Celosias do not transplant well, so sow
outdoors in place as soon as the soil warms. To start indoors, grow seedlings
in peat pots and transfer entire pot to the garden to minimize transplant
shock 4 weeks prior to the last frost. Light is essential for germination,
so barely cover seeds and keep them moist. Do not set out seedlings too
early, make sure temperatures are above 60 F at night. Otherwise, plants
will suffer permanent stunting. Place 6 to 12 inches apart and water moderately.
Celosias are quite tolerant of heat and drought. To dry, cut flowers at
their peak and hang upside down.
POSITION: Sun or part shade
PROPAGATION: Seed
Columbine was once an essential ingredient in medical remedies. Used to cure the measles, small pox, and liver ailments, it was also thought to remedy jaundice, especially if taken with saffron. Columbine is one of the eight herbs cited in 1373 by an anonymous author of a treatment for plague. People ceased using columbine in remedies in the mid-eighteenth century, however, when Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus warned that children could die from an overdose.
By the seventeenth century, columbine had become a symbol of cuckoldrey, and bouquets of these flowers were presented only to those women who were thought to possess loose morals. The Victorians later associated the flowers with folly and thanklessness.
DESCRIPTION
Columbine is a graceful perennial with
long, swinging spurs that extend from the blossom. The North American nativeAquilegia canadensis has cheerful red and yellow blooms, and A.
vulgaris, European columbine, blooms in shades of blue, pink, white,
and purple. Once established, columbine blooms freely and self-sows. The
fancier hybrids, in blue lavender, yellow, red, pink, white and bi color,
are not as easy to grow as the two old fashioned favorites. Columbine has
elegant, fernlike foliage of blue-green that remains attractive after the
blooms have faded. Plants range from 18 - 36 inches high and bloom in May
and June. The spurs contain nectar that attracts hummingbirds.
CULTIVATION
Columbine grows quickly from seed when
sown directly outdoors in early spring or summer for flowers the next season.
Do not cover the seeds and keep the soil moist to ensure good germination.
To start indoors, seeds must be refrigerated in flats for three weeks prior
to germination. Columbines are not long lived, but they're easy to raise
from seed, and it is easy to keep them ongoing by successive planting.
Sow in rich, light soil, about 10 inches apart and keep plants watered
during dry spells. Regularly remove spent flowers to prolong bloom. For
self sowing, leave some seed heads on the plants. (If you grow hybrids,
be aware that gathering your own seed to continue a plant may prove disappointing,
often the plant reverts back to a parent.) Mulch for protection during
winter.
COMMENTS:
A. coerulea, Rocky Mountain columbine,
is the state flower of Colorado. A beautiful, erect flower of deep blue,
it is unpredictable in eastern or lowland gardens.
POSITION: Sun or part shade.
PROPAGATION: Seed.
Native to Mexico, cosmos were first discovered by Spanish plant collectors who sent seeds back to Spain and later introduced the plant to Europe. First grown commercially around the 1880x, cosmos is a popular and showy member of the sunflower family native to tropical America. In the East Indies, the leaves and flowers render a yellow paste used to season rice, potatoes and other starchy foods, as well as soups, omelets, and casseroles. The genus name Cosmos is from the Greek work kosmos, meaning "orderliness" and "perfection".
DESCRIPTION
Masses of cosmos in the summer garden are
a sight to behold. These light, airy annual plants have brightly colored
flower and lacy, pale green foliage, both delicate and attractive. The
widepetaled, daisy like flowers are 1 to 3 inches wide with a small yellow
center. Among the many varieties of cosmos available, the old fashioned,
single flowering crimson, rose and white ones are the most popular.
Cosmos grow up to 48 inches high and bloom profusely from June to frost, sometimes lasting until November. Cosmos attract butterflies. A good cut flower, cosmos also make beautiful bouquets.
CULTIVATION
Few plants require as little care or self
sow as readily as cosmos. Purchase bedding plants or sow seed outdoors
after last frost or start indoors 4 to 6 weeks ahead. Cosmos seeds are
large and easy to handle. They do well in average soil and even tolerate
dry and infertile soil, provided they get plenty of sun and are set in
a warm spot. Rich soil will result in lavish foliage, but few, if any,
flowers. Water moderately and do not fertilize. Pinch out the leading shoots
of young plants to encourage bushier growth. Remove spent blooms for additional
flowering. Cosmos selfsows readily and probably will not need to be replanted.
Taller varieties need staking.
COMMENTS: C. sulphureus, yellow cosmos, was introduced in 1896. It is a shorter plant with bushier foliage than C. bipinnatus, and bears bright yellow, gold or orange flower. Plants range from a dwarf of 12 inches up to 36 inches.
POSITION: Sun or partial shade
PROPAGATION: Seed
Theophrastus mentioned the daffodil about 300 B.C. and the flower has been described in other great works of literature, including the writings of Homer, Virgil, Ovid, Sophocles, and Shakespeare. Egyptians used them in funerary wreaths, which have survived in tombs 3,000 years later. An old Welsh saying suggests that the first person lucky enough to discover the first blooming daffodil of the season will be blessed with more gold than silver.
A common belief is that the daffodil was named for the mythological character Narcissus, the self loving youth. More than likely, the genus name was from the Greek narkan, meaning "narcotic," referring to the narcotic qualities of the daffodil's scent.
One of the first daffodils brought to America was "van Sion," a double of greenish-yellow color. It was once naturalized as far north as New York and can still be found in old gardens. Daffodils planted by early colonists in Virginia still bloom each spring.
DESCRIPTION
Daffodils may be the most beloved of all
flowers. Their cheery yellow blooms beckon the spring. Most daffodils are
yellow, but some are white, pink, and bi colored. Some are quite fragrant.
So numerous are daffodils, they have been classified into 11 divisions,
ranging from small to large, trumpet to flat-petaled, and single to double.
Plants range in height from 2 to 18 inches, with bloom times varying from
early spring to late spring. Select different kinds of daffodils to enjoy
successive blooms from February through May. Plant them informally in drifts
or groups, rather than in straight lines. Daffodils are also excellent
container plants and can be forced.
CULTIVATION
Daffodil culture is simple. When purchasing
bulbs, buy firm ones with no soft spots or discoloration. Plant at a depth
approximately twice the bulb's length in sandy loam or in most any other
well drained soil. Plant in the fall for bloom the following spring.
Daffodils are long lived, naturalize easily, and do not need to be divided unless they produce small (or no) flowers due to overcrowding. Do not cut off the foliage let it die naturally. The nutrients from the decomposed leaves return to the bulb; if the foliage is cut off, the bulb won't bloom or will die. Daffodils can be grown from seed, but the process is slow. It's much easier to buy bulbs.
COMMENTS: Jonquils are a distinct group of late blooming narcissus. They have 2 to 6 fragrant, yellow flowers per stem. The terms narcissus and daffodil can be used interchangeably, but jonquils are distinct.
POSITION: Sun or part shade.
PROPAGATION: Division or seed.
Dahlias reached Europe around 1790, when seed was sent to Madrid from Mexico. The dahlia reached Holland in 1804 and later, France and England. the Empress Jesephine grew dahlias in her famous gardens at Malmaison near Paris in the early 1800s. By the 1830s, a great dahlia craze swept Europe. The flower grew so popular that in 1826 there were62 types cultivated in England; by 1841 there were 1,220. In 1864, the Caledonian Horticultural Society offered 50,000 francs to the person who could cultivate a blue dahlia. The prize was never claimed. There is no record of the dahlia's introduction into the United States, but many varieties were being grown here as early as 1821.
The dahlia is named fro Andreas Dahl, a Swedish botanist and pupil of Carolus Linnaeus.
DESCRIPTION
Most of the dahlias available today are
compact, low growing hybrids. They bloom from early summer to frost, and
come in a multitude of shapes, sizes and in every color except blue.
Descriptions of flowering types range from pompom, peony flowering, cactus, and more, but fall into two major categories: dwarf and tall. The dwarf forms range from 15 to 18 inches high and come in double and semi double types. The tall varieties, which range from 2 to 6 feet high, are older and better for cutting. Unfortunately, they are also harder to find.
CULTIVATION
Dahlias are tender perennials, usually
grown as annuals from seeds or tubers. Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks
before the last frost and move outdoors. Tubers should be planted directly
in the garden. Dahlias can be planted in almost any type of soil, the ideal
being neutral or slightly acidic. Plant in a sunny location under only
one inch of soil with good drainage. Water and feed regularly, applying
fertilizer monthly during the growing season. When the dahlia has three
or four sets of leaves, pinch back once to grow a lower, bushier plant.
Remove dead blooms for more flowering. In frost free climates, tubers may
be left in the ground. Otherwise, tubers must be lifted after frost and
stored in a cool dry place over the winter. Seeds are easier to handle,
unless you don't mind digging up the tubers. But tubers offer the advantage
of producing the same plant - seeds do not always come true in form and
color to their parent plant. Dahlias make long lasting cut flowers.
POSITION: Sun.
PROPAGATION: Seed, cuttings,
or division.
Both common and lemon lilies were cultivated in England before 1597. One of the first flowers brought to America by the early colonists, daylilies were planted all over the east coast, including Williamsburg, where masses of them have continued to grow since colonial times. In 1890, new hybrids were introduced, and daylilies have enjoyed widespread popularity ever since.
The genus name Hemerocallis comes from two Greek words, hemera meaning "day" and kallos, "beautiful." The name aptly describes these lovely blooms that last for only a single day.
DESCRIPTION
The old fashioned orange or tawny common
daylily, H. fulva, grows 5 feet high, with trumpet shaped flowers
3 to 4 inches long, rising above clumped foliage. The strap like leaves
grow 2 feet long and tend to arch. This daylily blooms in June and July
and is a common sight along roadsides in midsummer.
Commonly called the lemon lily, H. lilio-asphodelusalso blooms in June (sometimes late May) and July. Somewhat smaller thanH. fulva, the plant grows only 2 to 3 feet high. The clumped foliage is similar to the common daylily, but the flowers are a beautiful pale yellow. Lemon lilies have a subtle fragrance and rarely grow outside the area where they were originally planted.
There are hundreds of daylily hybrids on the market, all descendants of the old fashioned ones, and available in virtually every color but blue. Some are bi colored. Clusters of up to 30 flower buds per stem open successively, each flower lasting only one day. It is possible, by careful selection, to have daylilies in bloom from May until September.
CULTIVATION
Daylilies are long lasting perennials that
grow in any ordinary, well drained soil. They are easily established in
locations that are dry and rocky as well as in moist areas alongside streams
or lakes.
Growing daylilies from seed is somewhat complicated. It is much easier to buy nursery plants in early spring or late summer. Plant in average soil, preferably with a lot of organic matter. Space dwarf varieties 18 inches apart and larger ones 24 to 36 inches apart.
Water in dry periods - the fleshy roots help daylilies withstand dry spells - and fertilize lightly. Too rich a soil encourages profuse foliage and few flowers. Divide every 5 or 6 years, in spring or late summer. Daylilies are long lived and evergreen in mild climates.
POSITION: Sun or part shade.
PROPAGATION: Division or seed.
From early times, dianthus has been an important
emblem. Soldiers of the Great conde, the Prince de Heros (1621-1686) wore
carnations to symbolize valour. French nobles wore them on their coats
while attending executions. Napoleon chose the carnation-red color for
the ribbon of the Legion of Honor. Since the Industrial Revolution, red
carnations have symbolized socialism.
DESCRIPTION
These old fashioned favorites are plants
for everyone and every garden. All dianthus varieties make beautiful edgings
plants from borders and look spectacular when planted in masses. Sweet
Williams (Dianthus barbatus) are biennials that grow from 18 to 24 inches
with blooms about the size of a nickel. They come in red, purple, white
and pink, as well as charming white-eyed types. Flowers are dense with
a sweet fragrance. Sweet Williams bloom in late spring and early summer,
and flowers last for five weeks or more. Pinks, also called Maiden pinks,
(D. deltoides) are a low growing, mat-forming species that grow 6 to 18
inches high. The flowers have a spicy fragrance. A perennial, they comein
pink, white, red, and purple with slender blue green leaves. Cottage Pinks
(D.plumarius), a perennial with gray green, grasslike leaves, grow 12 to
15 inches high. The flowers have fringed petals and bloom in abundance
in May and June in red, rose, pink, and white.
CULTIVATION
Both annual and biennial diathus grow well
from seed, some flowering the first year. Perennial varieties are best
started from nursery stock. Plant in neutral, well drained soil. Treat
acidic soil with lime in early spring. Water moderately and fertilize in
the spring and during flowering. Space plants 10 to 12 inches apart. Shear
perennials back after flowering to encourage new growth. Mulch in the winter
for protection against harsh weather. Dianthus self-sows readily if the
soil around the plants is undisturbed. Dianthus is easy to grow from cuttings
taken in the spring.
COMMENTS:
Dianthus is considered annual, biennial,
and perennial, depending on which book you consult and where you live.
Most varieties are easily started from seed, but doubles would be started
from cuttings. Pinks are the most fragrant and easiest to grow. CarnationsD. caryophyllus) are not as hardy as other varieties and are somewhat
difficult to grow.
POSITION: Sun or light shade.
PROPAGATION: Seed, cuttings,
division or layers.
Both the roots and leaves of the evening primrose are edible. Cultivated as a food in Germany and France for centuries, the roots and leaves are eaten either cooked or raw. In European folklore, the root of the evening primrose was thought to have the power to soothe vicious animals. Herbalists, too, favored the plant and used it as an antitoxin and as a curative for asthma and whooping cough.
Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus names the plant Oenothera, from the Greek oinos, "wine," and thera,"hunt" or "chase," because the root has a fragrance reminiscent of wine.
DESCRIPTION
Evening primrose is a dramatic plant in
the garden, not only because of its beautiful, fragrant flowers, but also
for its evening spectacle. Scores of night-flying moths and insects gather
at dusk, just as the flowers unfold in the evening light, and a ballet
of nature begins. The poet John Keats was "startled by the leap of buds
into ripe flowers." The flowers are a clear, bright yellow, measure 3 inches
across with a long flowering season, and bloom from early June to October.
Flowers bloom for only one day, but new flowers take their place in succession.
Plants eventually reach 3 to 4 feet.
CULTIVATION
Evening primrose is easy to raise from
seed. Sow seeds in early spring directly in the garden or start indoors
6 to 8 weeks before setting out. Thin seedlings to 6 or 8 inches apart
in any average, welldrained soil. Water only when soil is dry; fertilizer
is rarely needed, if at all.
Evening primrose is a biennial plant that, once established, self seeds with abandon. Plants look best when massed together in the front or middle of a border. Evening primrose is the perfect plant for the weekend gardener because it requires so little care and attention.
COMMENTS
The native Missouri primrose, Oenothera
missourensis, is a perennial with 4-inch flowers that bloom on trailing
stems during the day. The pink showy primrose, O. speciosa, is native
to North American prairies. It grows wild along highways and in fields,
and is often cultivated in Southwestern gardens.
POSITION: Sun or part shade.
PROPAGATION: Seed or cuttings.
In Europe, feverfew leaves are used in cooking, often tossed with other greens into salad, or wilted and chopped to season fried eggs. The scent is supposed to be a particularly distasteful to bees and was said to keep away witches.
;The species name parthenium was derived by the early botanists from a legend recounted by the Greek historian Plutarch (A.D. 46-120), wherein feverfew was used to save the life of a man who fell during the building of the Parthenon, and had gone "giddy in the head."
DESCRIPTION
An old fashioned perennial with small strongly
scented, daisy like flowers, feverfew blooms profusely from early summer
through fall over low, mounded forms. The flowers are 1 inch across and
button-like, with short white petals emanating from yellow centers. The
foliage is soft, green, hairy, and deeply cut, forming a low spreading
plant. Feverfew grows 12 to 15 inches high, but can reach 2-3 feet if it
is not pinched back.
In warm climates, feverfew foliage remains evergreen. A lovely garden flower, feverfew is also beautiful in bouquets.
CULTIVATION
Feverfew tolerates most soils, but thrives
in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Plants bloom
the first year from seed. Readily raised from seed, sow in the garden,
but do not cover the seeds; light is essential for germination. Space plants
6 to 12 inches apart. There is no need to fertilize if organic matter has
been added to the soil. Water during dry periods. Pinch back the plants
when they grow 6 to 8 inches high to encourage bushier plants. Pinch back
a second time before buds appear. Mulch for winter protection in cold climates.
Single forms of feverfew self sow prolifically, the double forms less so.
Deadhead only to prevent the plant from self sowing.
POSITION: Sun or part
shade.
PROPAGATION: Seed.
Native Americans made used of every part of the blue flax. Seeds were roasted and eaten alone or as a condiment in soups and stews. Seeds were also crushed to make meal, or processed into oil. Flax fibers were made into fishing lines and ropes. Blue flax was also highly regarded for its medicinal properties, and was used to relieve rheumatism, coughs, colds, and lung congestion. A tea of steeped stems was drunk to cure stomach problems. Poultices of flax fibers were used to reduce swelling from burns. American pioneers, who often learned practices from the Native Americans, used a similar poultice mixed with corn meal for wounds or to reduce the swelling caused by mumps. Prized for its ornamental value, blue flax is still grown in colonial Williamsburg.
DESCRIPTION
This splendid plant is unrivaled in its
ability to brighten up borders, with its brilliant, sky blue hues. Flower,
1 inch wide, bloom in great profusion on delicate, airy stems that reach
12 to 18 inches high. Although most varieties are blue, some have white
flowers. The leaves are blue green, narrow, and pointed. The blooms open
only in early sunshine and close by early afternoon. Flowers will not open
in the shade. This old fashioned perennial blooms from mid-spring to mid-
summer and is most often seen in meadow gardens, where it naturalizes well.
CULTIVATION
Blue flax is easy to grow from seed and
will bloom the first year if sown in early spring. Seeds are readily available,
but young plants at nurseries are rarely seen. Sow seeds outdoors after
frost or start indoors 4 weeks before putting out. Any average, well drained
soil is adequate, but plants will thrive in light, moderately fertile,
sandy soil. Space 12 to 18 inches apart and water regularly. When flowering
is over, cut plants back to 6 inches; the plant may bloom again. although
they are not long-lived, usually only 3 to 4 years, blue flax plants are
easily resown and often self sow.
COMMENTS
L. P. lewisii, native to the west
coast, is better suited to that area than L. perenne. The annualL. grandiflorum, scarlet flax, has red flowers and is particularly
tolerant of hot and dry conditions,making it an excellent choice for warmer
climates.
POSITION: Sun.
PROPAGATION: Seed or division.
A French knight, walking with his lady love beside a river, knelt to gather the flowers that grew along the bank. But the ground was slippery and his footing unsure. The knight fell and, from the weight of his armor, he sank deep into the rushing current but not before he threw the flowers to his maiden, urging her to "forget me not." Yet another legend tells of an angel who fell in love with a mortal and was not let back into heaven until forget me nots were planted all over the earth.
Henry of Lancaster, later Henry IV, took the forget-me-not as his personal emblem, never wanting to be forgotten wherever he went. The poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge immortalized the flower in his poem "The Keepsake," written in 1817.
The genus name Myosotis is from the Greek mys, "mouse," and ous, "ear," probably because the leaves resemble mouse ears.
DESCRIPTION
These lovely azure flowers are a delight
in the garden, blooming generously in early spring when the first tree
leaves come out. The delicate, tiny flowers are usually blue with a yellow
eye, but also come in pink or white, and form clusters of 1/4 inch flowers.
The low growing, mound shaped plants reach 8 to 12 inches high and 10 inches
wide. Multibranched stems produce an abundance of flowers.
Forget me nots will naturalize in cool, moist conditions along streams and riverbanks. a biennial often treated as an annual, it makes an excellent ground cover for spring blooming bulbs an is exquisite in bouquets.
CULTIVATION
Ordinary soil will do, but forget me nots
thrive in fertile, moist rich soil. Partial shade is best but plants tolerate
full sun.
Sow seeds in late summer or early fall for a bountiful array of flowers the next spring, blooming the same time as daffodils and tulips. Forget me nots can also be sown in early spring for late summer bloom, or they can be started indoors 4 to 6 weeks before setting out in early spring.
Keep well watered - plants will perform even in wet soil - and fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks. Forget me nots- plants will perform even in wet soil and fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks. Forget me nots reseed abundantly, and perform vigorously year after year, particularly in regions where the springtime is cool.
POSITION: Part shade or sun
PROPAGATION: Seed or division
Beautiful as well as reliable, four o'clocks are also revered for their elegance and fragrance. These qualities are celebrated in the French name for the flower, belle de nuit,or "beauty of the night." Like so many old fashioned flowers, fouro'clocks have been put to practical use. In the Malay Archipelago, fouro'clocks are said to be so habitual in their opening time that they are planted to serve as house clocks. The Japanese grind the seeds into a cosmetic powder and the Chinese use the flower pigment to dye seaweed gelatins. Roots from the native Arizona four o'clocks were chewed by the Hopi Indians to alter moods. Zuni women made a powder from the roots to relieve indigestion and other pains caused by overeating.
Thomas Jefferson was charmed by their strong fragrance and planted four o'clocks in the front gardens near the window at Monticello.
DESCRIPTION Four o'clocks are one of those old fashioned plants rarely seen in gardens today. With their incredible fragrance, they are enchanting when planted near a terrace, under window, or in containers set near patio furniture. Although the flowers fold up during the bright sunlight hours, they will open like clockwork in the late afternoon and remain open all night. They are irresistible to many kinds of night-flying moths.
On cloudy days, four o'clocks stay open most of the day. The trumpet shaped flowers grow 1 to 2 inches long in red, yellow, violet, and white. Some varieties have spotted or stripedflowers. The rounded, shrub like plants grow 2 to 31/2 feet.
CULTIVATION
Sow seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last
frost or plant directly in the garden. Sow plants in peat pots to minimize
transplanting shock. Space 12 inches apart in light, well drained soil,
although four o'clocks will tolerate poor soil. Keep well watered and fertilize
regularly. Four o'clocks self-sow readily. their tuberous roots can be
dug upinthe fall, stored over the winter, and replanted to produce even
larger flowers the next season. Four o'clocks are resistant to heat and
air pollution.
COMMENTS: Four o'clocks make a good temporary hedge.
POSITION: Sun or light shade.
PROPAGATION: Seed.
For example: The Roman goddess Juno, upset that Jupiter created Minerva without a mother, determined she would create a fatherless offspring. Juno sought the advice of the goddess Flora, who told her of the magical powers of a meadow flower certain to aid Juno's plan. Upon touching the foxglove, Juno immediately conceived the baby Mars.
Wicked fairies were always playing pranks on mortals. Once they decided to help the wily foxes invade the chicken houses. The fairies slipped foxgloves over the ravenous mammals' paws. Now, ever so quietly, the begloved foxes slipped into the coops and gobbled the contents. As evidence of their collusion, the mischievous fairies left their fingerprints in the form of tiny spots on the foxglove blossoms.
The genus name Digitalis was first given to the plant in the sixteenth century because the shape of the flowers resemble the fingers of gloves. Foxglove is a source of digitalin, a drug still used today to treat heart disease.
DESCRIPTION
One of the finest old-fashioned garden
flowers, foxglove's stately spires of bloom tower 3 to 4 feet above basal
clumps of dark green leaves. The long spikes are densely covered with flowers
of pink, white, cream, rose, crimson, or yellow, all with spotted throats.
The flowers, which resemble small thimbles or bells, are about 2 inches
long and bloom in late spring and early summer. The lower blooms may continue
to bloom sporadically all summer.
Plant foxgloves in small groups or drifts in a border, or blend them with columbine, bleeding heart, and ferns.
CULTIVATION
Foxglove, a biennial, is readily raised
from seed sown in early summer for blooms the next year. Once established,
foxglove often reseeds itself every year. For blooms inthe planting year,
purchase second year plants, which are available to most nurseries.
Flowers last for at least six weeks. Set plants 12 to 18 inches apart in an acidic, rich, well drained soil. Keep seedlings moist and fertilize regularly. Cut off the flower stems immediately after blooming; the plant will strengthen, produce more rosettes, and bloom with even more flowers the next year.
Use a loose, airy mulch; plants tend to rot if a heavy mulch is used around the base.
COMMENTS
D. lutea, a somewhat smaller plant,
has creamy yellow flower. D. x mertonensis are perennial varieties,
with rose or red flowers.
POSITION: Sun or light shade.
PROPAGATION: Division.
Gaillardia - Blanket Flower
- Gaillardia pulchella
FOLKLORE
The novelist Willa Cather described the
Nebraskan prairies as fields where gaillardias "matted over the ground
with the deep velvety red that is in Bokhara carpets." A native flower
of North America, its range encompasses much of the central United States,
including the plains of Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, and
Colorado.
Gaillardia is commonly called blanket flower because women say its gray, woolly leaves resemble soft blankets. Native American artisans may also have inspired the common name; the flowers are depicted in the common name; the flowers are depicted in many of the brightly colored blanket designs woven by the Plains indians. But the Indian blankets surely inspired the name of a recently introduced variety - Indian Chief.
Despite its French name after Gaillard de Marentonneau, and 18th century botanist - gaillardia is native to North America.
DESCRIPTION
Gaillardias are tender perennials usually
treated as annuals. They grow in mounds 15 to 24 inches high.
Strong stems support dark green, hairy foliage with either single or double
blooms in red, bronze, yellow, burgundy, or combinations of these colors.
The daisy like flowers are 2 1/2 to 4 inches in diameter, with centers
of dark reddish brown. They have an exceptionally long flowering
period, from June through late autumn, and provide welcome color in the
fall garden. Gaillardias prefer heat and tolerate winds, and are
especially easy to grow in areas with little rainfall or in seaside gardens.
CULTIVATION
Gaillardias provide long lasting color
of little maintenance. Simply plant where sun is abundant and in
an open position. Gaillardias perform best in light, sandy, well
drained soil, but will tolerate most any soils, except clay. For
early blooms, sow seed indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost or start
directly in the garden in warm soil. Light is essential for germination,
so barely cover the seeds. Space at least 12 to 18 inches apart to
allow plants to spread. fertilize little if at all. Water occasionally,
except during periods of drought. Remove flowers as they fade to
prolong bloom. Plants occasionally self seed.
COMMENTS: Not reliable in wet and cold climates
POSITION: Sun
PROPAGATION: Seed, division or cuttings
Geranium - Pelargonium
species
FOLKLORE
The people of the Mediterranean claim the
origin of the geranium. According to legend, once, when the prophet
Mohammed washed his shirt, he laid it to dry on a mallow plant. when
he took his shirt to dress again, the mallow had been transformed into
a brilliant geranium.
The first geraniums sent to Holland came from South Africa in 1609. By 1650, the plants were common in Europe, where they were grown for their beauty as well as for their fragrance. By the mid 1700s, perfumeries were cultivating geraniums for commercial use. In the United States, Thomas Jefferson grew the geranium as a houseplant both at the President's house (later the White House) and at Monticello. Upon leaving the Presidency, Jefferson gave geranium plants as a parting gift to friends. But, during the Victorian era, geraniums enjoyed their greatest popularity as a bedding and indoor plant.
The geranium was so named because it was similar to the wild geranium growing in many areas of Europe, and was erroneously classified as a geranium. The genus Geranium has entirely different characteristics.
DESCRIPTION
The common geranium, P. x horturum or zonal
geranium, is a bedding plant that comes in single or double flower varieties.
The flowers form 5 to 7 inch round clusters atop leafless stems.
The heartshaped leaves have scalloped edges, some with dark marking called
"zoning", some solid green, and others variegated. Flowers bloom
in red, pink, rose, salmon, lavender, and white on plants reaching 18 to
24 inches high. Trailing geraniums can reach up to 3 feet in length
and are excellent in containers and hanging baskets. The scented
geraniums are especially nice, but not as well known; grow them for the
lemon, rose, apple, and mint scents of their leaves. Geraniums are
gown as annuals.
CULTIVATION
It's far simpler to purchase geranium plants
than to start them from seed. Starting seed is not difficult, it
just takes a long time, 10 to 15 weeks before they're ready to plant in
the garden. If you do sow seeds barely cover them with soil and keep
them in a warm spot (70 - 80F). Set seedlings outdoors after the
last frost, 8 to 12 inches apart, in rich, well drained and slightly acid
soil. Fertilize monthly (containers bi weekly) and keep well watered.
Cut off faded blooms to encourage more flowering. Geraniums are perennial
in frost free areas. They are extremely easy to propagate from cuttings
taken in August or September. Overwinter them indoors, and put them
out in spring after frost.
COMMENTS: P. X horturum, are common geraniums, and P. pletatum, are ivy or trailing geraniums. P. x domesticum, called regal geraniums, bear large flowers and can only be grown in cool areas.
POSITION: Sun or part shade
PROPAGATION: Seed or cuttings
Gladiola - Sword Lily
- Gladiolus
FOLKLORE
In classical mythology, when Apollo accidentally
slew his friend Hyancinthus, gladiolas sprang from the spilt blood.
Consequently, gladiolas are often associated with grief. In folk
tradition, young men wore gladiolas to the marriages of their friends to
represent the parting of their youth and boyhood affection. Gladiolas
are also thought to be the lilies of the field that Jesus referred to in
the Sermon on the Mount, for these flowers grew wild in the Holy Land.
First introduced to England from Turkey in 1620 by John Tradescant, Sr., the gardener to King Charles I, gladiolas were immediately popular in formal and cottage gardens. Many new species were developed in the 18th century and in 1807, when the first known hybrid was produced, gladiolas were in particular demand. It was a favorite in Victorian and Edwardian gardens and in the Victorian Language of Flowers, the gladiola represents strength of character. The name Gladiolus is from the Latin gladius, meaning "small sword," which describes the shape of the foliage.
DESCRIPTION
Gladiolas were at one time the most popular
of all garden flowers. Their decline was most likely due to overuse,
but they remain a magnificent, long lasting cut flower. Gladiolas
can be grown easily in all parts of the United States and can be grown
year round in southern climates. Select early, mid season and late
varieties, to extend the growing season. there is a tremendous number
of gladiolas from which to choose, in every color except blue, some with
bi colors. flowers are elegant spikes that grow in a narrow, upright
habit. Individual flowers range in size from 2 to 5 inches wide.
Blooms last only a week but a single stalk can last several weeks.
Plants bloom midsummer to frost. Gladiolas make a long lasting cut
flower.
CULTIVATION
Gladiolas grow from a corm, often erroneously
called a bulb. Plant corms in early spring as soon as the soil can
be worked. Gladiolas thrive in almost any soil of medium fertility,
and do best in well drained sandy loam. Plant corms 2 to 6 inches
deep, depending on the type, and space 3 to 6 inches apart. If planting
in rows, space rows, 18 to 24 inches apart. When planting, fertilize
beneath the corm, making sure that fertilizer does not touch the corm.
Water plentifully and mulch to conserve moisture. For cut flowers, cut
the spikes when the first flowers start to open, leaving four or five leaves
on the plant to produce next year's growth. Snip off faded blooms.
For successive bloom, plant every two weeks until midsummer. To eliminate
staking, plant an inch or two deeper. Corms will need to be lifted
as soon as the foliage has turned yellow, and stored for the winter in
a frostproof cellar. Gladiolas can remain in the ground in Zones
8 to 10. Since gladiolas do not come true from seed, they are usually
not propagated this way.
COMMENTS
G. byzantinus, a very old species introduced
from Turkey in 1629, is a spring flowering gladiola that is less well known
but very old fashioned. It is hardier than most, and ideal for naturalizing.
POSITION: Sun or light shade.
PROPAGATION: Division
Heliotrope - Cherry Pie
Plant - Heliotropium arborescens
FOLKLORE
In Greek mythology, the nymph Clytie, who
had died for love of the sun god Apollo, was transformed into a heliotrope
and her flower head forever thereafter followed the sun. The name
Heliotropium is Greek for a flower that constantly turns its face toward
the sun.
Heliotropes were introduced to Europe from Peru in 1757 by Joseph de Jussieu, who sent it to France and was said to have been "intoxicated with delight" by its perfume. Heliotrope immediately became popular on the continent and was called Herbe d'amour, or "Flower of Love." The Language of Flowers describes it as "eternal love." A favorite of the Victorians, heliotropes were used extensively as bedding plants.
In 1786, Thomas Jefferson sent heliotrope seeds to North America from France. He grew the flowers at his home in Virginia. George Washington and Andrew Jackson also grew heliotropes in their gardens. One of the oldest common names given to heliotrope, cherry pie plant, is of British origin. Evidently, they found the smell to be like cherry pie fresh out of the oven. Thoughout history, heliotropes have been widely used for perfume. In lore, they are supposed to cure warts and have been used as a cure for sore throats. Heliotropes have also been made into an astringent, and are valued for their tannic properties.
DESCRIPTION
The powerful, sweet scent of heliotropes
demands that these wonderful plants be placed near a frequently used window
or on a porch. The scent is often likened to vanilla, sliced apples,
or warm cherry pie. Depending on the variety, plants grow 18 to 30
inches high and produce large clusters of tiny flowers in deep purple,
lilac, or white. Flower bunches can be as wide as 15 inches across.
The textured, dark green foliage can be made bushier by topping or pinching
back the plants. Heliotropes bloom profusely from June through first
frost.
CULTIVATION
Heliotropes are tender perennials usually
grown as annuals. Start seed indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last
frost. Heliotropes are very sensitive to frost, so be sure to set
plants out after all danger has passed. Barely push the seed
into the soil to allow light to aid germination. Be patient; germination
can take up to three or four weeks. Space plants approximately 10
to 12 inches apart in rich, well drained soil high in organic matter.
Water moderately and fertilize monthly. If growing in pots or containers,
place plants in part shade and fertilize more frequently.
COMMENTS
Heliotropes do very well as container plants.
Bring pots in before the first frost. Place them in an area with
cool (60F) nights and they will bloom all winter. Be careful not
to overwater this plant the perfume tends to increase in slightly dry soil.
POSITION: Sun or part shade
PROPAGATION: Seed.
Hibiscus - Rose Mallow - Hibiscus moscheutos
FOLKLORE
In Polynesian tradition, a woman who wears
one red hibiscus flower behind her left ear is saying "I desire a lover";
if the flower is worn behind her right ear, she is saying " I have a lover";
and behind both ears "I have one lover, but desire another." Hibiscus is
an ingredient in cooking and medicine. The seed capsules are served as
a vegetable or used as a seasoning in soups and stews, the leaves in casseroles
and omelets. Hibiscus was also used in cough remedies and to ease
internal pains.
Hibiscus, often called rose mallow, is native to the eastern United States, and has naturalized from Massachusetts to Florida and inland to the Great Lakes. Other common names include swamp mallow or sea holly hock. Hibiscus is the ancient Greek name given to the flower, and is the name at, since ancient Virgil called the mallow. The name hibiscus may have been derived from the ibis, a bird that since ancient times has shared the marshy habitats where hibiscus flourishes.
DESCRIPTION
With its large showy blooms, attractive
foliage, and unusually vigorous growth, hibiscus is spectacular in the
garden from mid July to September. The saucer shaped flowers are
very large, up to 8 to 10 inches across, and come in rose,pink, crimson,
or white. The foliage is bold and dense, with 8 inch leaves.
The plants grow as tall as 5 feet. Although hibiscus flowers last
for only one day, an abundance of new blooms appear regularly. When
in bloom, they are always covered with flowers. Hibiscus are most
effective when planted in large groups or alone, in a mass planting.
CULTIVATION
This tender perennial is very easy to grow
from seed, and flowers the first year if started indoors early inthe season,
about 8 weeks before the last frost. Soak the seeds overnight or
notch the seeds for faster germination. Seeds may be sown directly in the
garden in spring, and will bloom the next year. Space seedlings 24
to 36 inches apart, ideally in moist, rich soil; hibiscus will perform
in ordinary garden soil, even soggy soil. Water abundantly indry
soils and fertilize regularly for larger, lusher plants. Despite
their height, hibiscus's thick, sturdy stems rarely need staking.
Once established, they are long lived. Hibiscus can be divided in
spring or fall and are marginally hardy in northern gardens beyond Zone
6.
COMMENTS
H. coccineus, the scarlet mallow,
is a perennial also native to North America. It has beautiful crimson
flowers and deeply divided leaves. The plant typically called the
Rose of Sharon (H. syriacus) is a shrub hibiscus.
POSITION: Sun or part shade.
PROPAGATION: Seed, division
or cuttings
Hollyhock - Altea rosea
FOLKLORE
Hollyhocks have been popular for centuries.
Originally cultivated in China during the fifth or sixth century, they
are a recurring motif in delicate chinese paintings. They have been
grown extensively in England since the fifteenth century, and by 1850,
no English garden was without a collection. Popular throughout Europe,
they were particular favorites of Goethe, and were painted by Renoir and
other Impressionists. Brought to the Americas by European settlers,
hollyhocks quickly became a regular sight in colonial gardens.
The hollyhock is native to the Near East and is thought to have been brought to Europe with the returning Crusaders. The name was originally holy-hock, which may have been given it by the Crusaders. It took its name probably because the plant was thought to cure illnesses, among them lung diseases and tuberculosis. Hollyhock was also believed to relieve bladder diseases.
DESCRIPTION
No old fashioned garden is complete without
the imperial hollyhock. Tall, stately plants vary in height from
5 to 8 feet and support flowers up to 4 inches across in pink, crimson,
yellow, cream, or white, in double and single varieties. A biennial
often grown as an annual, hollyhocks bloom from July through September.
Once planted, hollyhocks usually reseed themselves. The large, maple
like leaves look especially nice planted against a wall or a fence, or
used as a foundation plant.
CULTIVATION
Readily raised from seed, hollyhocks are
best treated as biennials. Start seeds early in February or March
indoors to produce flowers the first year. Soak seeds overnight to
hasten germination, and barely cover the seeds. After final frost,
place the crowns of the plants a little below the soil surface and space
12 to 15 inches apart. Seeds may be sown outside in early summer for blooms
the following year. Average soil is adequate, but hollyhocks thrive in
deeply dug, fertile soil. Water and fertilize regularly. After flowering,
cut stems down to the base to prolong the life of the plant. Hollyhocks
need staking to prevent damage in windy weather.
COMMENTS: Hollyhocks self sow but seed does not often come true to variety. It's best to purchase new plants or start new seeds.
POSITION: Sun or Light shade
PROPAGATION: Seed, division,
or cuttings
Honesty - Money Plant
- Lunaria annua
FOLKLORE
Honesty may have more common names than
any other plant, among them white satin, satin-flower, pennyflower, silverplate,
prick-song-woort, judas pence, shilling, two pennies in a purse, and money
in both pockets. All of these names refer to the form and color of the
seed pods, which are flat, moon like disks.
Because of the curious seed pods, honesty became a favorite in medieval gardens. Enjoyed through the centuries, honesty reached the pinnacle of its popularity among the Victorians, who grew the plants in their drawing rooms. On dull winter days, Victorian women spent their leisure time painstakingly hand painting the translucent seed pods. These silvery disks have been used for winter decorations from the mid eighteenth century to this day.
Originally cultivated in Sweden in 1570, honesty was used by doctors to dress wounds and to treat epilepsy. The roots have been eaten in salads since the 1500s. Honesty was very popular in colonial America; its seeds were widely offered for sale, and were found growing in the gardens at Mount Vernon and Monticello. The seed pods, which resemble little moons, inspired the genus name Lunaria.
DESCRIPTION
Grown primarily for its curious looking
seed pods, honesty grows 2 1/2 to 3 feet height and bears single, rosy
violet or white, four petaled flowers. The spring blooming flowers,
often overlooked because of the interest in the decorative pods, should
not be discounted. Flowers bloom from May until July. The dark
green leaves are toothed and slightly sweet scented. The moonshaped
seed pods appear green at first, then turn a translucent silvery color.
Grow honesty in large groups or informal masses for best effect.
COMMENTS:
For dried flowers, cut the seed pods as
soon as the green fades. Hang upside down until thoroughly dry.
If handled with care, the pods will last several years.
POSITION: Part Shade
PROPAGATION: Seed.
Iris - Purple Iris, Flag
Iris - Iris germanica; Siberian iris, I. Sibirica
FOLKLORE
One of the oldest cultivated plants, the iris was among the flowers
brought back to Egypt by ThutmosisIII(1501-1447 B.C.) after he conquered
Syria. It was also one of the flowers he had painted on his elaborate
temple at Karnak. To the ancient Egyptians, the iris symbolized eloquence.
The Egyptians, as well as the Romans and Moors, prized the iris for its
medicinal qualities. It was also used in cosmetics and at one time
was widely used in the manufacture of perfume ( the rhizomes, when dried,
contain a violet like scent.)
The iris called yellow water flag (I. pseudacorus) is regarded as the origin of the French fleur-de-lis. In A.D. 496, when they army of the French king Clovis I was trapped by the Goths, Clovis saw the yellow iris growing far out in the river and realized it was shallow enough for his army to cross to safety. In appreciation, he adopted the flower as his emblem. After the Crusades, it was called the fleur de Louis, after Louis VII. The Iris was widely used as symbol of Christianity in the 1500s. With its trinity of petals it represented the forgiveness of sins.
The iris is named for the goddess Iris, the messenger of Juno. The rainbow was her bridge between heaven and earth. The Greek word iris means "eye of heaven," and refers to the rainbow.
DESCRIPTION
The tall bearded iris (I. germanica), also known as the German iris,
most commonly seen on roadsides and in old gardens, is purple, although
its hybrids come in every color. The principal characteristic is
a "beard" at the base of the outer petals, often appearing in a color different
from the standard petals. Old fashioned favorites are known for their
fragrance; bearded iris have a sweet subtle scent. They grow 1 to
3 feet high with sword like foliage and bloom in May and June.
Another easy, popular iris is the Siberian iris (I. sibirica). It is one of the hardiest of flowers and was grown before 1597. The plants have slender grasslike foliage with rigid upright stems, and produce smaller flowers than the bearded iris. Blooms come mostly in shades of dark purple. Thriving in almost any moderately moist soil, they are ideal for naturalizing or for growing on the edges of ponds and streams.
CULTIVATION
One of the oldest of garden plants, iris
is extremely easy and requires minimum attention. Plant rhizomes
just below the soil surface in any well drained, light soil amended with
a reasonable amount of well rotted manure. Fertilize annually with
bone meal or superphosphate. Do not overwater. This type of
iris likes it dry; water only during drought. Iris grows fast and
should be divided every 3 to 5 years. Division should be done just
after flowering. If disturbed in the fall or spring plants may not
bloom the next season. Iris can be raised by seed, but germination
is poor. Propagation is easier by division. Provide a winter
mulch in cold climates. The Siberian iris requires a rich, moist
soil and if watered regularly, will produce larger and more plentiful flowers.
COMMENTS: I. pseudacorus, I. daempferi, I. laevigata, I. fulva, and I. menniesiirequire boggy conditions or shallow water, making them suitable for ponds. I. orentialis performs best in hot summers and exists on little moisture, making it perfect for warmer climates.
POSITION: Sun or part shade
PROPAGATION: Division or seed.
FOLKLORE
For thousands of years, the lily has symbolized
purity and beauty in literature and art. The Madonna Lily, L. candidum,
is considered the oldest domesticated flower, and is associated with the
Blessed Virgin because of its pure white color and rich perfume. This is
the lily most often depicted in the paintings of the masters, and is the
only flower that Jesus mentioned by name. The Madonna lily is named and
described by Virgil, Chaucer, Shakespeare, and others.
Another renowned old fashioned lily is the tiger lily, L. tigrinum. Its bright orange color inspired its common name. Grown as a field crop in China, Korea, and Japan, it is edible. In Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, the tiger lily lures Alice into the looking-glass garden.
Around 1900, there was a mad craze for growing lilies in Europe, but the mosaic virus destroyed plants as well as the passion. Tiger lilies remained popular, however, because they survived the disease.
DESCRIPTION
Lilies are among the most beautiful and
ornamental garden flower. The Madonna lily has long been cherished for
its pure white and very fragrant blooms. The trumpet-shaped flowers are
large, up to 3 inches long, with many blooms on each stem. The tiger lily
blooms deep orange with 4 inch flowers on stems growing to 5 feet. The
old fashioned varieties bloom June and early July, on stems reaching 3
to 5 feet. Continuous bloom is possible by planting a variety of the multitudes
of new lilies now available. Lilies come in a variety of shades of white,
yellow, orange, red, and lavender.
CULTIVATION
Most lilies are hardy and require little
care, provided bulbs are purchased from virus-free stock from a reliable
source. Lilies prefer slightly acid or neutral soil. Heavy clay and sandy
soils will need a generous amount of humus. Good drainage is essential,
bulbs will rot if left in damp areas. Bulbs should be planted in the fall
at least one full month before the ground freezes. Depth of planting the
bulbs varies with different types of lilies. L candidum and l. giganteum
need only an inch or two of soil cover; others need 6 to 8 inches of soil
cover. Lilies should remain in place; avoid transplanting until they get
crowded. Water regularly if drought occurs and mulch to conserve moisture.
Fertilize once a year in early fall or early spring. Let the leaves turn
yellow and die away gradually. Stems can be cut down to 2 feet above ground
in the fall and totally removed in early spring.
POSITION: Sun or part shade.
PROPAGATION: Seeds or bulbs.
Lily of the Valley - Convallaria majalis
FOLKLORE
In ancient times, the lily of the valley
was considered the special flower of Ostara, the Norse Goddess of the Dawn.
Through the ages, the flower came to be called Our Lady's tears because
it was said to grow where Mary shed tears at the foot of the cross. In
Irish lore, the flowers are called fairy ladders because it was thought
the "little people" climbed them. The poet John Keats called it the queen
of flowers, and its beauty and sweet fragrance has been celebrated by many
other poets, including Percy Shelley and Sir Walter Scott.
Lily of the valley has strong associations with medicine. The British horticulturist Henry Lyte stated in his New Hebal (1578) that the water of the flowers strengthen the memory and restore it to its natural vigor. Lily of the Valley was once believed to cure gout, and was used as a heart tonic. It was even used as an ingredient of love potions. The leaves and flowers produce a drug used medicinally today.
The name lily of the valley comes from convallis, "valley," a typical habitat for the flower. Convallis inspired alternate names including conval lily or wood lily.
DESCRIPTION
Among the loveliest scented flowers, the
lily of the valley has graceful spikes of little bellshaped flowers that
dangle among bright green, lance shaped leaves. Blooms are usually white,
but newer forms also come in pink and double. Flowers last from late April
to late May, according to climate, and grow to about 10 inches high. The
foliage thrives all summer, making a nice groundcover. In late summer,
attractive bright red berries appear. Lily of the valley has one of the
most intoxicating of fragrances; pick a flower and sniff it all day long.
CULTIVATION
Although easy to grow, lily of the valley
does not easily transplant. Purchase rhizomes (often called pips) and plant
them where they will stay in the garden. Once established, they are long
lasting and require little care. Planting is best done in late September
or October in a cool, shaded position in moderately rich soil. Enrich with
rotted manure annually in the spring. Try to keep the plants relatively
moist by mulching. The plants will increase rapidly by creeping rootstock.
Lily of the valley is a perfect plant for a shady north exposure or under
trees.
COMMENTS:
An excellent cut flower, Lily of the Valley
is especially lovely in a small bouquet, or when used to scent a room delicately,
or a s a boutonniere or corsage. M. rosea is the pink form and M.
flore plena is ta double form. The white underground stems are poisonous.
POSITION: Part shade
or full shade
PROPAGATION: Division of clumps
or rhizomes.
Love in a Mist - Nigella damascena
FOLKLORE
Love in a mist takes its name from the
misty looking collar of thin, lacy bracts that surround the flower. This
unusual collar has inspired numerous other common names, including devil
in a bush, jack in the green, lady in the bower, and fennel flower. Nigellas
were mentioned by the Greek philosopher and botanist Theophrastus as early
as 300 B.C. and by the plant historian Dioscorides about 500 A.D. First
grown for medicinal uses, love in a mist was particularly sought for stomach
disorders and fevers. The seeds were also valued in cooking and used for
their nutmeg like flavoring. In Egypt, the seeds have been sprinkled on
breads and cakes since the time of the Pharaohs. From early Tudor times,
English bakers imported love in a mist seeds from Egypt to garnish their
own breads and cakes.
Thomas Jefferson grew nigella as early
as 1810, and Celia Thaxter, gardener and author the of "The Island Garden,
delighted in this old fashioned flower in her island garden off New Hampshire
in 1893.
DESCRIPTION
Love in a mist is a suitably alluring name
for this lovely flower. Blooms grow 1 1/2 inches across, usually in sky
blue, but also in white or pink. Stems are erect and branching. The delicate
foliage is divided into fine, lace like segments, which create an illusion
of flowers floating against a mist of bright green leaves. The plant grows
12 to 36 inches high and blooms in early summer, longer if planted successively.
The seed pods form a pale green capsule just beneath the flat flower, and
make an interesting addition to cut flower arrangement or to dried everlastings.
CULTIVATION
Love in a mist is easy to cultivate and it naturalizes freely from
self sown seed. It thrives in any soil, even the poorest, but does best
in sandy moderately dry soil with good drainage. Sow directly in position
as soon as the ground can be worked. The long tap roots make transplanting
difficult, although seeds can be sown indoors 4 to 6 weeks ahead in peat
pots to minimize transplanting shock. Seeds can be sown in autumn in mild
climates for earlier flowering the next spring. Thin to 6 to 8 inches,
fertilize monthly, and water only when the soil is dry. The flowering season
is short, but successive plantings made every two weeks from early spring
until June will provide continuous summer bloom. Once grown, love in a
mist will usually reseed successively for years.
POSITION: Sun.
PROPAGATION: Seed.
Love Lies Bleeding- Amaranthus caudatus
FOLKLORE
Love lies bleeding takes its common name
from its long, crimson flowers. Other delightful common names are tassel
flower, and kiss me over the garden gate. In France, the blood red blooms
are known by the gruesome name nun's scourge. Native to India and South
America, love lies bleeding has been a popular garden plant since the sixteenth
century. It has been referred to by a number of poets, including John Milton,
who called it the "immortal amaranth," and by Edmund Spencer, who dubbed
it the "sad amaranthus." In The language of Flower, the flower symbolizes
the hopeless and heartless, but many regard it as the flower of love because
of its deep red color.
Love lies bleeding has had a long history in the Americas as well. The Aztecs considered it of great importance. Flowers were used for ceremonial purposes. The seeds, known as Inca sheet, filled granaries thoughout the Aztec empire. Early settlers brought the seed to North America, and grew them as medicinal herbs in the mistaken belief that the leaves would stop bleeding.
DESCRIPTION
Brilliant plants with bright green foliage,
love lies bleeding have some of the most unusual flowers ever seen. Blooms
in spiked clusters hang in drooping crimson plumes up to 2 feet long. These
showy tassels adorn upright plants that grow 3 to 5 feet, and spread about
2 feet. The bright, bold color of love lies bleeding demands space, so
give it plenty of room for best effect. A tender annual, it blooms in summer
and lasts until the first frost. The blooms are everlasting when dried.
CULTIVATION
Sow seeds directly in the garden after
danger of frost, or start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks ahead. Seeds require
warm soil 75 degrees F to sprout. Use caution; disturb the roots as little
as possible when transplanting, as damaged roots result in slow growth.
Thin or plant 18 to 24 inches apart in average soil. The plants need little
or no fertilizer. Love lies bleeding thrives in hot weather and dry soil,
but water during drought. Overwatering may cause root rot. Plants may need
staking.
COMMENTS:
A. tricolor, known as Joseph's Coat, is
another old fashioned annual that has spectacularly colored leaves of red,
green, and yellow. Both make unusual houseplants.
POSITION: Sun.
PROPAGATION: Seed.
Marigold; African Marigold, Tagetes erecta, French Marigold, Tagetes patula
FOLKLORE
All marigolds are native to Mexico, yet
two of the oldest varieties are named African and French Marigolds. Introduced
in a round about way, African marigolds, T. erecta were first brought
to Spain early in the 16th century. The plants became popular in southern
Europe under the name of rose of India. T. erecta plants made their
way to northern Africa, where they naturalized. Many thought them a local
flower, and eventually they became known as African marigolds. The French
marigold T. patula was brought from France to England in 1573, and
named to differentiate it from the pot marigold, calendula. Legend states
that it first bloomed the year after the Massacre of St. Bartholomew in
1572.
Very popular in the Americas, Native Americans grew marigolds for medicinal purposes. Later Thomas Jefferson recorded in April of 1810 the planting of African marigolds in his garden. Marigolds remained vastly popular and were the subject of a $10,000 reward, posted by a leading seed company, for the producer of a pure white variety.
The genus was named after Tages, a Roman demi-god celebrated for his beauty. Tages was the grandson of Jupiter and is said to have taught the Etruscans the art of divination.
DESCRIPTION
Masses of golden color are the trademark
of marigolds. Blooms come in brilliant hues of orange, yellow, white, burgundy,
and bi color. Flowers are single or double and grow atop dark green, divided
foliage. Contrary to popular belief, the scent is not offensive. African
marigolds, often called Aztec marigolds, grow 10 to 36 inches high, generally
taller than French marigolds. Striking plants with flowers similar to large
carnations, they come in dwarf, medium, and tall types, making them versatile
in the garden.
French marigolds grow 6 to 12 inches high and are bushier and more compact plants than the African marigolds. Flower heads are single or double and somewhat smaller than the African types. The single flowers have a daisy like appearance.
CULTIVATION
One of the easiest flowers to grow, marigolds
need little more care than watering. Sow seeds directly into he ground
after danger of frost or start indoors. Because they grow so quickly, it's
generally easier to sow in place. African marigolds take longer to bloom
than the French, so wither start them indoors in late winter or purchase
young plants. Space about half the height of the plant. Average, not too
rich, well drained soil is best, but these hardy flowers will grow in any
soil. Fertilize when planting, but usually not again. Pick faded flowers
to prolong bloom time. Marigolds thrive in heat; water during dry spells.
Tall plants will need staking. Marigolds are perfect for beginner gardeners,
as well as for children.
POSITION: Sun
PROPAGATION: Seed.
Morning Glory- Dwarf Morning GloryConvolvulus tricolor
FOLKLORE
Morning glory is often called life of man.
It has served as a symbol of the transience of man's life: its flowers
begin opening in the morning (birth), are in full bloom by midday (vigor),
and fade in the evening (old age). Superstition has long maintained that
morning glory is used by witches, who are said to pluck the flowers three
days before the full moon to make their powers particularly potent. The
seeds of the plant are poisonous and are known in some cases to cause hallucinations
which may explain the connection between morning glories and witchcraft.
Morning glories were a favorite flower with the seventeenth century Dutch and Flemish and are often seen in their paintings. In the Language of Flowers, it denotes affectation. The genus name Convolvulus is from the Latin convolvere, meaning "to bind or cling." It aptly describes other members of the same family that bind themselves to other plants and are invasive, among them, field bindweed.
DESCRIPTION
A charming, old fashioned garden plant,
dwarf morning glories nevertheless have fallen out of favor since our grandmother's
time. These cheerful blue-purple flowers with yellow throats encircled
by a whiter ring bloom profusely all summer long. Flowers are funnel shaped,
about 1 1/2 inches across.
CULTIVATION
Sow seeds directly in place after final
frost. Seeds may be started indoors, but transplanting is somewhat difficult;
plant in peat posts to minimize root disturbance. Start 4 to 6 weeks before
putting out. To speed germination, nick the hard seed coat with a knife
or soak seeds in water overnight before planting. Average, well drained
soil is sufficient. For maximum flowering, avoid rich soil and do not fertilize.
Space plants 12 to 15 inches apart to give them plenty of room to spread.
Full sun and not too much water are their sole requirements.
COMMENTS
The morning glory vine Ipomoea,is a climber with similar, but much larger, flowers than the dwarf morning
glory.
POSITION: Sun.
PROPAGATION: Seed, division,
or cuttings.
Nasturtium - Indian Cress; Tropaeolum majus
FOLKLORE
Native to Peru and the West Indies, nasturtiums
were first sent to Spain in the late 1500s. By 1680, the flower was so
well known in Europe that few gardens were without it. Doubles were cultivated
in the 1700s. The semi double type was grown from a plant found in California;
in 1931, it received the American Award of Merit, and by the next year
was so popular that literally tons of seeds were insufficient to supply
the demand.
Nasturtium gained its common name, Indian cress, from the hot, peppery taste of its leaves, which is not unlike the flavor of watercress, Nasturtium officinale. Nasturtiums have long been used for flavoring and in folk remedies. Old recipe books list nasturtium as an ingredient in salads, garnishes, and mustards. The seeds and flowers were eaten by sailors at sea to combat scurvy. The Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus names the genus with the Latin word tropaeum, "trophy," because the round leaf suggests a shield, and the flower, a helmet stained with blood.
DESCRIPTION
Bright, gay nasturtiums have graced gardens
for centuries. Flowers bloom profusely all summer long on compact. bushy
or semi trailing varieties. The compact, bushy varieties grow to 12 inches
high and are often referred to as dwarfs. The semitrailing kind grow to
24 inches high, but can trail up to 12 feet. Flowers come in a single,
semidouble, or double cup shape, in red, yellow, orange, pink, white, and
some bi colors. Some are fragrant. the foliage is light green and rounded
or lobed. Both the leaves and flowers are edible, the leaves having a peppery
taste desirable in salads. Trailing nasturtiums are beautiful hanging from
window boxes. Due to their extensive trails, they are particularly stunning
from second story windows. These annuals are also excellent for containers
and baskets.
CULTIVATION
Nasturtiums need little care; they often
thrive in the poorest of soils. Sow outdoors in place after danger of frost.
Seeds may be started indoors, but seedlings do not transplant well. Ideal
soil is light and not too rich; too much fertilizer produces more leaves
and fewer flowers. Space 8 to 12 inches apart and do not overwater; water
only when soil is dry Nasturtiums flower best in cool and humid conditions.
They grow rapidly and are extremely sensitive to frost.
COMMENTS
Easy to grow, nasturtiums make good plants
for children's gardens. The bush type nasturtiums do better in warmer climates.
POSITION: Sun or part
shade
PROPAGATION: Seeds.
Peony - Paeonia; lactiflorahybrids
FOLKLORE
Peonies are often called the oldest of
all plants. Described in Theophrastus's Enquiry into Plants in 320
B.C., the wild European flower was named for Paean, a physician to the
Greek gods, and known as the god of healing, who used its roots to cure
Pluto from a wound inflicted by Hercules.
Native to China and Japan, the peony grown in our gardens was described during the Tang dynasty, ca. 600, in song and poetry, and its image was used to decorate imperial palaces. Tree peonies became so treasured during this time that choice varieties were sold for a hundred ounces of gold and more. Valued not just for their beauty, peonies have also been prized for practical purposes. Seeds were used for Flavoring and was a condiment in foods. They were also taken with wine or mead to ward off nightmares. Peony roots were used to treat epilepsy. Peonies, too, were thought to drive away evil spirits, prevent storms and so were used as charms against witchcraft.
Peonies came to America with European settlers. By 1876, the peony was chosen to represent the spirit, ambition, and determination of America at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition.
DESCRIPTION
Spectacular and fragrant, peonies are favorites
of everyone. Beautiful, large flowers bloom 3 to 6 inches across in pink,
red, white, salmon, and creamy yellow. Their deep, glossy green foliage
emerges from a group of reddish shoots and form a neat clump 2 to 3 feet
high. Flowers bloom on long stems, making them ideal for cutting. There
are five basic peony flower forms: double, semidouble, Japanese, anemone,
and singles. All are beautiful. Flowers bloom in May and June, but, by
choosing a selection of early, mid and late blooming kinds, peonies can
bloom successively for up to six weeks.
CULTIVATION
Peonies require minimum care. Purchase
plants from a reliable grower and plant two inches below ground level in
deep, rich soil, amended with lots of organic matter. Space 2 to 3 feet
apart. Water adequately, especially during dry spells. Fertilize each spring
with well rotted manure or slow release fertilizer. For larger flowers,
leave only the central bud on each stalk. young or newly planted peonies
may not bloom the first year or so until they become established. Once
established, they are incredibly long lived and can be left undisturbed
for generation after generation.
Peonies do not perform as well in subtropical areas, such as the Southwest or Southeast. **(Personal note: My Grandmother's and Mine are doing great in zone 7 middle Georgia!)
COMMENTS:
Tree peonies are shrubs, not trees, that
grow 3 to 4 feet. They have larger flowers than the herbaceous plants described
here, but are not as easily grown.
POSITION: Sun or part
shade.
PROPAGATION: Division
Phlox - Garden Phlox; Phlox paniculata
FOLKLORE
All phloxes, except one, are indigenous
to North America. Garden phlox first arrived in Europe in 1752, and became
very popular in England during the 1800s. Even though a native flower,
Americans did not grow it much until it was re-exported from Europe to
America in the late 1800s. In Victorian England, phlox was gathered into
bouquets and sent to loved ones as a wish for pleasant dreams. Phlox might
even imply a proposal of marriage. In The Language of Flowers, it
was made a symbol of unanimity.
The Greek name phlox means "flame," and was used by Theophrastus from some unidentified flower with a fiery bloom. The roman Pliny has told how the Greeks wove phlox garlands, but this is certainly not the plant we now call phlox, as it was not yet introduced to the Old World.
DESCRIPTION
Known as garden phlox, border phlox, or
summer phlox by any name, it has been a staple in gardens for generations.
Masses of five petaled flowers are clustered together to form large heads
10 to 12 inches across that bloom in July to early September. Tall stalks
rise 3 to 4 feet above dense foliage with blooms in pink, magenta, purple,
lavender, blue or white. Garden phloxes are particularly cherished for
their sweet scent, which is noticeably strongest at dusk. White and pale
colored varieties are often planted in white or evening gardens for their
luminosity as well as for their fragrance.
CULTIVATION
Phlox is easy to grow, but requires some
maintenance for best appearance. Plant in moist, well drained soil rich
in organic matter. Water frequently at ground level, but be careful not
to dampen the leaves: too much dampness causes mildew and fungus on the
leaves and stems. Space 18 to 24 inches apart for good air circulation
to prevent these diseases. Fertilize regularly. Remove spent blooms for
more flowers and to keep plants from self sowing. Cultivators revert back
to magenta parents. Phlox may require staking. Divide every 3 to 4 years.
This perennial is easier to grow from purchased plants than to start from
seed.
COMMENTS
Other types of phlox are: P. divaricata,blue phlox, which grows 12 to 15 inches and blooms in the spring; P.
bifida, prairie phlox, which grow to 10 inches and blooms in the spring;
and P. subulata, moss pink, which grows 6 inches high and blooms
in the spring.
POSITION: Sun or part
shade.
PROPAGATION: Seed, division
or cuttings.
Pincushion Flower; Scabiosa atropurpurea, S. caucasia
FOLKLORE
Cultivated in gardens since 1629, pincushion
flower received its common name from the English; the silvery stamens in
the center of the blooms protrude above the flower head like pins stuck
in a pincushion. Because of its original deep purple shade, other popular
names for the flower are widow in mourning and mourning bride. The deep
purple black color of pincushion flowers inspired their use as memorial
flowers throughout the Mediterranean, where the flower is native.
The annual S. atropurpureawas introduced in 1629 from the Mediterranean. The perennial form, S. caucasia, reached England from Mt. Caucasus at the beginning of the nineteenth century; soon after, it became one of the most popular cut flowers in the British isles. Pincushion flowers came to the United States from England and became colonial favorites.
DESCRIPTION
Once quite fashionable, this old fashioned
favorite is making a comeback in both its perennial and annual forms. Annual
pincushion flowers are somewhat larger, bloom slightly longer, and are
much more fragrant than the perennial. The annuals have richly colored
flowers in blue, dark purple, deep maroon, rose, and white on long stems
that grow 18 to 36 inches high, and bloom continuously from midsummer to
October. These tall plants bear dozens of deliciously fragrant flowers
on each stem.
The perennial grows 12 to 24 inches high and comes mostly in pastel blues, but white and pink are also available. The scent is faint and subtle, and flowers bloom from July to September. Both forms have the characteristic fat center that resemble a cushion stuck full of pins. Flowers are 2 to 3 inches across and are host to bees and butterflies all summer, especially the monarch, fritillary, and skipper butterflies. Pincushion flower makes an excellent long lasting cut flower.
CULTIVATION
Very easy to grow from seed, pincushion
flowers can be started indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. They
may also be sown in place after danger of frost. Perennials sometimes bloom
the first year. Pincushion flowers are easily cultivated in ordinary soil,
but will thrive in rich, well drained soil. Space 10 to 12 inches apart,
water moderately, mostly in dry spells and water in the morning to prevent
mildew. Fertilize when planting. Although quite hardy, these flowers perform
less well in extreme heat and in soggy conditions. Remove faded blooms
to prolong flowering. Divide perennials every 3 to 4 years.
POSITION: Sun or light
shade.
PROPAGATION: Seed or division.
Primrose - English Primrose; Primula vulgaris, P. acaulis
FOLKLORE
One of the best known of all flowers and
one of the most popular plants throughout history, the primrose has been
for centuries especially beloved of the English. It is mentioned by Chaucer
in The Miller's Tale, referred to by Shakespeare in several plays,
and described in poetry by many, including Keats, Coleridge, milton, and
Spenser., Queen Victoria sent Prime Minister Benjamin Disreaeli primroses
every year on his birthday and honored him with a large wreath of "his
favorite flower" at his funeral.
Primroses are found growing wild in fields, in ditches, and along hedgerows in England and southern Europe. They were grown enthusiastically in Tudor gardens, where they graced manor houses and cottages alike. Early settlers in North America brought primrose seed from Europe; the flowers were grown in the colonial gardens at Williamsburg, Virginia. They were also grown at Monticello, Mount Vernon, and Andrew Jackson's Hermitage. The name primrose is from the Latin primus,meaning "first," and refers to the early blooming habit of these flowers.
DESCRIPTION
English primroses are hardy perennials
that naturalize easily throughout the garden. Among the most colorful and
easy to grow garden plants primroses come in pale yellow, salmon, red,
rose, purple, and white, some with contrasting eyes, and some with double
flowers. They grow 5 to 10 inches high and have a light, delicate scent.
The leaves form a clump at the base of the plant and the foliage is a wrinkled,
deep green. Short, leafless stalks of flowers emerge, giving each plant
the look of a small bouquet. Primroses bloom for two months in April and
May, and often reappear in fall or early winter. In warm climates, they
remain evergreen.
CULTIVATION
English primroses are easy to start from
nursery plants or to sow from seed in late winter or early spring. Germination
requires light, so do not cover the seeds and keeps them moist. Soil should
be a rich, moist loam, well drained, with lots or organic matter added.
Space plants 56 inches apart. Plants like cool moist areas, so water regularly
and keep mulched. They do nicely near water, but not in it, and will not
survive a summer drought. Primroses can be successfully transplanted in
full bloom; even if you purchase one impulsively at the grocery store,
it can be planted and will rebloom for years. Primroses self sow in favorable
conditions and are very long lived plants. Divide after blooming for best
results.
COMMENTS
Polyanthus primroses Primula x polyanthes,are not quite as celebrated as the English primroses, but are just as old
fashioned and easy to grow. They are available in all colors but blue and
red. A variety of other primroses are available, but are too extensive
to describe here. Some are rather difficult to grow.
POSITION: Shade.
PROPAGATION: Seed or division.
FOLKLORE
The snapdragon takes its name from its
flowers that resemble the head and jaws of a dragon. If the throat is pinched,
the "jaws" open. Among its other common names are lion's snap, toad's mouth,
and dog's mouth. Another moniker, calf's snout, is inspired by the shape
and black color of the snapdragon's seed pods.
In ancient lore, the snapdragon possesses supernatural powers. If the flower is hung around the neck, it provides protection from witchcraft. Its magical powers are also said to restore beauty and youthfulness to women who wash their faces with the water rendered from the seeds. A woman who washes in snapdragon water and wears the leaves in her shoe makes herself nearly irresistible.
Snapdragons are native to southern Europe. It was probably the original purple flowering species which Thomas Jefferson grew in Virginia and found suitable for naturalizing in 1771. Also native to the Mediterranean, snapdragons were grown for the oil made from their see, which was used in cooking as a substitute for olive oil.
DESCRIPTION
One of the most charming and colorful flowers
in the garden, snapdragons are available in dwarf, medium, and tall varieties.
Among the most versatile bed and border plants, they come in shades of
white, pink, red, yellow, apricot, and purple. Stately, erect spires of
blooms cover dark, dense foliage. Snapdragons grows 10 to 36 inches high,
depending on the type, and bloom heavily in early summer. If faded blooms
are cut, snapdragons will bloom again in fall. Some varieties are faintly
scented. Snapdragons make beautiful, long lasting cut flowers.
CULTIVATION
For earliest blooms, start indoors 8 to
12 weeks before the last frost or buy young seedlings. Seeds may be sown
outdoors in spring in warm soil. Do not cover the seeds; light is needed
for germination. Space 6 to 8 inches apart. When seedlings are about 3
inches tall, pinch out the center stem to the plant will bush out. fertilize
when planting and again monthly. Soil should be moderately rich, well drained
and rather high in lime content, but plants will endure a wide range of
soils. Snapdragons tolerate heat and light frost. Remove spent blooms for
more flowering, if seed heads are not removed, the plant will die out.
To eliminate additional maintenance, plant rust resistant cultivars. Taller
cultivars will need staking. Snapdragons self sow freely; they show up
in the oddest places, even in old walls.
POSITION: Sun or light
shade.
PROPAGATION: Seed or cutting.
Spiderwort;Tradescantia virginiana
FOLKLORE
Native to North America from Maine to South
Dakota and Arkansas, spiderwort was introduced in England in the seventeenth
century. the silky foliage and exceptional blooms were soon fancied by
many english gardeners. By 1650, spiderwort was to be found in virtually
every cottager's garden in England. It is commonly thought that the English
gave spiderwort its name. early botanists classified spiderwort as one
of the Phalangiums, which were believed to cure the bite of the poisonous
Phalangium spider, known to be harmless. The plant was renamed in 1718.
But spiderwort might also take its name from its long, drooping leaves
that look like a spider suspended on a trail of web filament. Other common
names include Trinity flower because of its three petals, and widow's tears
because spiderwort flowers do not dry up upon flowering, but turn into
a wet blot.
Spiderwort takes its botanical name from John Tradescant the Elder, the royal gardener to King Charles I of England. Plants were first sent to England by Tradescant from Virginia. Tradescant, on a plant expedition ot America, first though spiderwort was a silky grass.
DESCRIPTION
Spiderworts have attractive, three petaled
flowers on 2 to 3 foot stems. Flowers traditionally come in blue violet,
but white, pink, and rosy red varieties are also available. Colorful clusters
of blooms provide flowers over a long season, from June to August. Each
flower lasts for only one day, but bloom is continuous due to the multitude
of flowers. Straplike, deep green leaves are 1 inch wide and extend from
the plant's base in clumps. Divide this perennial in spring or fall.
CULTIVATION
Extremely easy to grow, spiderworts adapt
to many difficult situations, including poor soil, deep shade, soggy ground,
and other wet conditions. They even thrive on neglect in abandoned areas.
Start seed in early spring or sow newly harvested seed in late fall for
bloom the next year. Grown in part shade in almost any kind of soil. Plants
perform best if kept moist. Cut back untidy foliage after flowering and
leaves will re emerge; sometimes plants will bloom again. Spiderworts are
vigorous plants that have a tendency to sprawl; divide plants every 2 to
3 years and keep fertilizer to a minimum to prevent them from running.
COMMENTS
Spiderworts are well suited to the border
or planted in clumps, in the wild garden. Use T. x adersoniana andT. ohiensis for boggy spots; T. hirsuticaulis will tolerate
drier soils.
POSITION: Part shade
or sun.
PROPAGATION: Seed, division
or cuttings.
FOLKLORE
Sunflowers are featured in many myths of
Native Americans of the Southwest. In Hopi lore, when sunflowers are plentiful,
the harvest will be good. Many tribes mention Sunflowers in songs and rituals,
including a Zuni rainmaker dance. The sunflower is also used extensively
as a motif in Native American art and decoration, and is used in cooking,
dyes, paint making, and as a hair tonic. In Peru, the sunflower was held
in great honor as the emblem of the Inca Sun God. The flowers were carved
into ancient Inca temples and medallions of gold molded into sunflowers
were worn by their priests and priestesses.
In 1805, explorers Lewis and Clark noted an abundance of sunflowers growing wild. When the first party of Mormons traveled from Missouri, they scattered sunflower seeds across the plains to mark the route in sunflower trails for the next wave of settlers. Pioneers of the West used them for food and sunflower oil was used, then as now, in cooking.
DESCRIPTION
The cheery, common sunflower grows from
4 to 12 feet high. Large flower heads come in traditional bright yellows
and golds, and newer varieties are orange, brown, and white. Blooms spread
as much as 1 foot across, and all have dark centers. Bloom time is July
to September. Sunflowers attract many kinds of birds, who visit the plants
to eat the seeds. Sunflowers are excellent plants for children's gardens
and for beginning gardeners.
CULTIVATION
Extremely heat and drought tolerant, sunflowers
will grow in almost any conditions. Sow seeds outdoors where you want them
to grow, after the last frost. Starting seeds indoors is not necessary;
the plants grow so quickly. Sunflowers are best planted 2 to 4 feet apart
in light, well drained, dry soil but practically any soil will do. Fertilize
sparingly, if at all. Do not overwater; the plants are very tolerant of
heat and drought. The taller varieties require staking.
COMMENTS
H. annuus grows 4 to 5 feet, H.
giganteus grows 9 to 12 feet. Many other varieties now on the market
offer diversity in height and color. There are shorter, bushier plants
(only 15 inches high) and even a white sunflower!
POSITION: Sun.
PROPAGATION: Seed.
Flowering Tobacco - Jasmine Tobacco; Nicotiana alata, N. sylvestris
FOLKLORE
In 1492, Christopher Columbus's crew witnessed
natives of Hispaniola smoking dried leaves. These were the leaves of Nicotiana
tobacum, known in English as tobacco. In 1560, Jean Nicot, the French
ambassador to Portugal, planted it in his garden in Lisbon for its dried
leaves, which were used as snuff. He later sent seeds to Catherine de Mediciat
the French court. In 1586, Sir Francis Drake imported it into England from
Virginia. he introduced tobacco smoking to the English court and, thus,
tobacco became an important cash crop in America.
Native to South America, the plant was called "tobacco" because it had first been introduced from Tobago in the West Indies. The popular flowering tobacco, N. alata, a tender perennial, was introduced from Brazil in 1829 and became immediately successful in gardens because of its delicious fragrance and its ease of culture. Flowering tobacco is also native to Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina. The genus nameNicotiana is after Jean Nicot, who not only introduced flowering tobacco to the French court, but also grew it in his garden.
DESCRIPTION
Irresistible, old fashioned annuals grown
for their intoxicating fragrance, flowering tobaccos have been popular
for generations. N. alata grows to 3 to 4 feet in height and bears star
shaped flowers that bloom from June until September. Flowers open at dusk
and emit a deeply scented perfume that is perceptible several yards away.
A bouquet will infuse an entire room with fragrance.
N. sylvestris is a much larger, more dramatic plant than N. alata, sometimes growing to 5 or 6 feet. Its oblong, pure green leaves form a basal rosette 1 to 2 feet wide, from which the stems appear. The foliage is quite showy and provides a bold contrast to other plants. The white flowers are long and tubular, and bloom from late July into fall. N. sylvestris is also fragrant, but less so than alata. Plant either or both near the porch or deck to enjoy the fragrance fully. The white flowers are illuminated on moonlit evenings, and attract unusual and beautiful nocturnal moths.
CULTIVATION
Extremely easy to grow from seed, sow flowering
tobacco inside 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, or scatter the seed
in the garden just after the last frost. Light aids germination, so press
seeds lightly into the soil, but do not cover. Set out inthe garden 12
to 18n inches apart in any ordinary garden soil. Pinch back the leaves
for bushier plants. Water only during dry spells and apply a balanced fertilizer
once a month. Deadheading is not necessary, although it may encourage plants
to bloom a little longer. In warm climates, they will often become perennial.
It is rarely necessary to sow seed again, as nicotianans are abundant self
sowers.
COMMENTS
Nicotiana hybrids such as the Donmino or
Nikki series, are small compact plants that bloom during the day and are
not fragrant. The flower colors available today due to hybridization cover
a wide range of pinks from white to magenta and also green.
POSITION: Part shade
or sun.
PROPAGATION: Seed.
FOLKLORE
The Roman gods considered verbena to be
a sacred herb. It was placed on the altar of Jupiter, and throughout the
Roman Empire, messages of peace were sent with crowns of verbena. The Romans
thought verbena possessed the power to rekindle the flames of dying love;
they named it herba veneris, or plant of Venus, the goddess of love.
Celtic druids also cherished verbena and used it in ritituals. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, it was used to ward off witches and sorcerers. Verbena was also used to treat rheumatic pains, pleurisy, lumbago, and the bites of rabid dogs. It was even used as an aphrodisiac; brides wore verbena in their hair for good luck.
Verbena hybrids were introduced from South America between 1826 and 1837. their vivid coloring made them an immensely popular bedding plant, promoting competition and exhibition of the new varieties. By the 1880s , there were nearly 100 named varieties.
DESCRIPTION
A rich carpet of brilliantly colored verbena
blooming is a sight to behold. Its continuous bloom from June to frost
makes it perfect for the front of the border or to brighten a hot, dry
spot. Verbena's small, tubular flowers emerge in dense clusters 3 to 4
inches across, and come in blooms of white, pink, red, lavender, blue,
and purple, some with white eyes. The leaves are toothed, textured, and
thick. Plants are low and trailing, spreading along the ground and rooting
as they go. Height can vary between 8 to 18 inches, depending on variety.
Verbena is excellent as an edging plant or in window boxes and containers.
Verbena also makes fine cut flowers. At one time verbena was extremely
fragrant, but the scent has been lost through hybridization.
CULTIVATION
Buy verbena as young plants, as they are
somewhat difficult to start from seed. This will also allow you to select
the colors you want plants from seed may not all come true to specified
colors. They do just fine in average soil, but perform better in sandy,
well drained rich soil. Verbena is quite tolerant of heat, but needs good
air circulation, so place plants 12 to 18 inches apart. water only moderately;
verbena is prone to mildew in damp locations Fertilize regularly. To start
seeds, begin indoors 10 to 12 weeks before setting out. Refrigerate seeds
for a week before sowing. seeds need darkness to germinate, but do not
cover. Seeds are highly prone to damping off disease, so water sparingly.
Seeds may be sown out of doors in May for late summer bloom, and if covered
with a loose mulch of branches and leaves, it may winter over. Plants may
be brought indoors and wintered over; take cuttings to produce more of
the true colors you enjoy.
POSITION: Sun.
PROPAGATION: Seed, division
or cuttings.
Violet - Pansies - Johnny Jump ups; Viola cornuta, V. tricolor, V. odorata, V. x wittrockiana
FOLKLORE
In Greek mythology, Zeus took a fancy to
Io, daughter of the river god Inachus. But Hera, Zeus's wife, caught wind
of the dalliance, so Zeus transformed Io into a heifer to protect her from
the jealous wrath of his spouse. Mere grass was not good enough for this
special bovine, so Zeus created violets for his Io-turned-heifer to graze
upon.
Violets and pansies are described in history, art, and literature through the ages. In the Odyssey,Homer writes of the sweet smelling violets that grow on the island of Calypso. The violet was the emblematic flower of ancient Athens, and many Greeks are immortalized in statues crowned with violet wreathes. The Romans used them to adorn their banquet tables. The French became manic about them in the 1700s; violets became the emblem of the Bonapartists, since Napoleon had promised to return from Elba when the violets were in bloom. And in Italy, the city of Parma adopted the violet as its symbol and began the manufacture of its famous Parma violet perfume.
DESCRIPTION
Favorites of everyone, violets have rich,
velvety blooms that come in purple, lavender, white, and yellow. Pansies
come in brilliant colors of almost every hue, some bi color. These low
growing plants are 4 to 12 inches tall. A true delight of late winter and
early spring, they are able to withstand light frosts. Violets bloom in
the spring and early summer. Pansies bloom in the spring, and if watered
well, some will bloom all summer.
CULTIVATION
Violets and pansies thrive in the shade
in cool, humus rich soil, as well as in alkaline soil. Keep plants watered
and fertilize regularly. Highly cold resistant, violets and pansies may
be purchased in packs or flats in early spring. Transplant in rich well
drained soil, and enjoy blooms until the summer heat wilts them. Sow seed
in late July or early August for flowering in early spring. Sow seed in
spring for summer use in cool climates. Shade until seedlings appear (darkness
is needed for germination). Seeds can also be started 6 to 8 weeks prior
to setting out in early spring. Refrigerate seeds for one week before sowing.
After seedlings appear and are large enough to handle, transplant to 6-8
inches apart. Keep area weeded and watered. Protect in winter with straw
or light mulching material. Remove dead blooms to prolong flowering.
COMMENTS
There are two groups of violets. True violets
in V. cornuta, tufted violet, and V. odorata, sweet violet,
the queen of the fragrant violets. These are treated as perennials. The
second group are pansies, V. tricolor, and many hybrid species known
as V. x wittrockiana, and are usually treated as annuals. Many pansies
now come in heat resistant varieties.
POSITION: Shade or part
shade. Some species, like V. x wittrockiana, do fine in full sun.
PROPAGATION: Seed, division,
or cuttings.
Zinnia - Youth and Old Age; Zinnia elegans
FOLKLORE
The gardens of Montezuma were a horticultural
wonder to the Spanish invaders in the 1520s. Among the flowers in the highly
developed Aztec gardens were the zinnia, dahlia, sunflower and morning
glory. Zinnias were originally considered a Mexican weed. Around the turn
of the twentieth century , American hybridists saw the possibilities of
zinnias and made many improvements in their blooms. Their success was immediate.
Zinnias became very popular, blooming in every border and backyard. Their
popularity in America continues even today.
Zinnias first arrived in Europe around 1750 and were named by Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus in honor of Johann Gottfried Zinn, 1727-1759, his disciple and professor of botany of the University of Gottingern. The old fashioned variety was named elegans,"elegant." During the Victorian times, zinnias symbolized simplicity. InThe Language of Flowers, it connotes the thoughts of absent friends.
DESCRIPTION
Zinnias come in an astonishing array of
shapes, sizes, forms and heights, making them very versatile garden plants.
Colors range in every variation except blue, and come in single or double
blooms. These abundantly blooming annuals last from early summer to frost.
Ideal for cutting, the dahlia-like flowers bloom on stems of up to 2 to
3 feet high and are frequented by a multitude of butterflies. The Zinnia
elegans hybrids have a number of types or classes, such as double,
flowers 3 to 4 inches across, dahlia flowered, 4 to 6 inches across, Californian
giant, 6+ inches across, cactus flowered, up to 4 inches across, and Pumila
2 to 3 inches across.
CULTIVATION
Zinnias need an abundance of hot sun in
a warm, moderately dry location. Although not particular about soil, they
will thrive in rich, deep soil, either acid or alkaline. sow seeds directly
in the garden after danger of frost. Germination is very rapid, often within
24 hours. Seeds can be started indoors in peat pots to minimize root disturbance.
Seedlings can be transplanted when only a few inches high. In the large
flowering types, plants should be topped or pinched when there are three
pairs of leaves. This will encourage branching for bushier plants. Snip
off old blooms to encourage new growth. Keep the foliage dry to avoid mildew.
COMMENTS
Zinnias are excellent flowers for cutting.
Choose buds that are just beginning to open and cut them early in the morning
before the heat of the day. They are excellent flowers for beginner gardeners
and for children.
POSITION: Sun.
PROPAGATION: Seed.
The information on this page is the result of study of many books on Heirloom flower gardening and Flower gardening in general, Encyclopedias, Magazines and of all things a 1934 edition of Webster's Unabridged Dictionary with reference History, which was also passed along and started the whole thing. If anyone objects to or disagrees with any portion of this page please send me mail with your specific comments. I do not condone or encourage the use of any of the plants for any medicinal uses described in this information. I just found it fascinating and thought it made for good garden conversation. I hope you enjoyed your visit.
