Please note that I am working on individual pages for each of these plants for easier navigation, as time permits.
Click on the plants below to go to their pages:
- January: Himalayan sweetbox (Sarcococca hookeriana), Pink Dawn bodnant viburnum (V. x bodnantense ‘Pink Dawn’)
- February: Laurustinus viburnum (Viburnum tinus), Winterhazel (Corylopsis)
- March: Lily-of-the-valley shrub (Pieris japonica)
- April: Bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)
- May: Tree peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa)
- June: Oriental poppies (Papaver orientale)
- July: Red hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria)
- August: Japanese anemones (A. hupehensis, A. tomentosa)
- September: Devil's walking stick (Aralia spinosa)
- October: Beautyberry (Callicarpa spp.)
- November: Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum)
- December: Heaths & Heathers (Erica spp.), Winter camellia (Camellia sasanqua)
Scroll down this page for the following plants:
- January: Chinese witch hazel (Hamamelis mollis)
- February: skimmia (S. japonica)
- March: flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum)
- April: purple rock cress, Aubretia deltoidea)
- May: mountain clematis (C.montana) Weigela
- June: false spirea (Astilbe) stewartia (S.pseudocamellia)
- July: English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), garden phlox (P. paniculata)
- August: black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia), Persian silk tree (Albizia julibrissin)
- September: autumn flowering crocus (Colchicum autumnale), Michaelmas daisy, aster (Symphyotrichum), ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea)
- October: Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
- November: strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo)
- December: Christmas rose (Helleborus niger)
NOVEMBER: ARBUTUS, THE STRAWBERRY TREE & PACIFIC MADRONE
The Strawberry Tree bears colourful fruit and fragrant flowers at the same time.
Their bell shaped white with tinge of pink fragrant flowers.
The dwarf strawberry tree can also be grown as a shrub.
Arbutus fruit change colour as they ripen from green to yellow to red.
Arbutus bear thick, leathery evergreen serrated foliage.
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Common Name: Strawberry Tree, Pacific Madrone
Botanical Name: Arbutus unedo Form: round Family: Ericaceae Genus: Arbutus Species: unedo Plant Type: broadleaf evergreen Mature Size: 10-20 ft tall and wide Growth: moderate Origin: Southern Europe, Mediterranean Hardiness Zone: 7 to 9 Foliage: 4 inch long, deep green, simple, leathery, alternate, pinnate venation, serrated Flowers: October to December, clusters of hanging fragrant, white bells with pink tinge Fruit: ¾ inch green fruit matures to yellow then red, size and colour of strawberries when ripe Stems: often multi-stemmed with reddish peeling bark on mature branches Exposure: full sun best Soil: prefers dry soils, good drainage essential, avoid rich, organic soils Uses: specimen, accent, wildlife, woodland garden, shrub border, informal hedge, small gardens, courtyards, containers Propagation: softwood, semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings Pruning: winter, rarely needed as it is a well-shaped, compact plant Problems: caterpillar, scales, whitefly, root rot prevalent in wet soils Comments: Known for its attractive bark, a nice round canopy that bears green, yellow and red strawberry-like fruit and all at the same time. Can be grown as a small tree or large shrub especially the dwarf varieties. Suitable for small urban gardens. Arbutus grown in containers are not as hardy as those in the ground especially so winter protection is required. This drought tolerant, waterwise plant requires good drainage and is intolerant of soggy soil. Although the fruit is edible, it tastes bland, which explains its botanical name. It’s a combination of unum meaning ‘one’ and ‘edo’, which translates to “I eat one”. Cultivars:
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PACIFIC MADRONE, ARBUTUS MENZIEZII
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October: Virginia Creeper
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Common Name: Virginia Creeper
Botanical Name: Parthenocissus quinquefolia Form: deciduous vine that clings Family: Vitaceae Genus: Parthenocissus Species: quinquefolia Plant Type: deciduous vine, liana (woody vine) Mature Size: 30 to 40 feet Growth: fast Origin: Eastern and Central North America to Mexico Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9 Foliage: turns bright red in fall, compound with 5 leaflets Flowers: inconspicuous greenish white clusters Fruit: deep blue berries on red stems Exposure: partial shade to full sun Soil: moist, well-drained soil, water in summer during drought Uses: privacy screen, arbour, windbreak, wildlife, groundcover Propagation: cuttings, layering Pruning: early summer and winter Problems: red spider mite, vine weevil Cultivars: numerous ones available, all boast vivid fall colours Comments: This vigorous vine clings to their support with suction cups that are difficult to remove. Grow on trellises, arbours to reduce damage to stucco, brick and wood siding on houses. 
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September: Autumn Flowering Crocus
A bee exits an autumn flowering crocus flower.
Common Name: autumn crocus, meadow saffron, naked ladies
Botanical Name: Colchicum autumnale
Form: low, spreading
Family: Colchicaceae
Genus: Colchicum
Species: autumnale
Plant Type: perennial corm
Mature Size: 6 to 10 inches
Origin: Great Britain, Europe
Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
Foliage: 5-8 dark green, strap-like leaves up to 10" long, appears in spring then dies back during the summer.
Flowers: showy lavender-pink to lilac-pink cup shaped flowers that open into stars, appear in August, Sept without any foliage
Fruit: small brown seeds form in capsules
Exposure: full sun, part shade
Soil: rich, well drained soils
Uses: woodlands, mix borders, fall colour, naturalizing
Propagation: divide corms, sow seeds
Pruning: cut back foliage once it turns yellow
Problems: as their abundant foliage yellows in summer, it becomes unsightly, they also multiply quickly
Comments: Each corm grows an abundance of foliage in spring that yellow and dies back in summer. In August and September, multiple flowers emerge from each leafless corm, hence their common name ‘naked ladies’. Avoid locations where they take center stage during the summer as their yellowing foliage is abundant. Grow in containers so you can place them where you want when they are in flower. Reduce water when the foliage starts to yellow. Although their common name implies they are a crocus, however, they are not related.
Botanical Name: Colchicum autumnale
Form: low, spreading
Family: Colchicaceae
Genus: Colchicum
Species: autumnale
Plant Type: perennial corm
Mature Size: 6 to 10 inches
Origin: Great Britain, Europe
Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
Foliage: 5-8 dark green, strap-like leaves up to 10" long, appears in spring then dies back during the summer.
Flowers: showy lavender-pink to lilac-pink cup shaped flowers that open into stars, appear in August, Sept without any foliage
Fruit: small brown seeds form in capsules
Exposure: full sun, part shade
Soil: rich, well drained soils
Uses: woodlands, mix borders, fall colour, naturalizing
Propagation: divide corms, sow seeds
Pruning: cut back foliage once it turns yellow
Problems: as their abundant foliage yellows in summer, it becomes unsightly, they also multiply quickly
Comments: Each corm grows an abundance of foliage in spring that yellow and dies back in summer. In August and September, multiple flowers emerge from each leafless corm, hence their common name ‘naked ladies’. Avoid locations where they take center stage during the summer as their yellowing foliage is abundant. Grow in containers so you can place them where you want when they are in flower. Reduce water when the foliage starts to yellow. Although their common name implies they are a crocus, however, they are not related.
Autumn crocus are also called 'naked ladies' as their flowers emerge without foliage.
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Cup shaped flowers become flattened and star-like.
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Foliage appears without flowers, during the spring into summer.
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Foliage dies back in summer. In fall the flowers emerge without the foliage.
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August: Black-Eyed Susans
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Common Name: black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, gloriosa daisy
Botanical Name: Rudbeckia spp.
Form: upright, vase shape with round top
Family: Asteraceae, sunflower family
Genus: Rudbeckia
Species: numerous
Plant Type: annual or perennial depending on species
Mature Size: depends on variety, species, cultivar
Growth: fast
Origin: North America
Hardiness Zone: perennials Zones 4 to 9
Foliage: leaves with coarse hairs, light green, simple, entire
Flowers: composite, yellow petals surrounding a black disks comprised of tiny florets.
Propagation: seeds, basal cuttings, division
Stems: green with short coarse hairs
Exposure: full sun best
Soil: not fussy, but prefers well-draining soils
Water: drought resistant once established
Uses: Birds, bees and butterfly gardens. Cut flower gardens, containers, woodlands, rock gardens, meadows, mixed borders
Propagation: seeds, basal cuttings and root divisions of perennials
Pruning: Remove spent flowers to prolong the flowering period.
Problems: Powdery mildew
Comments:
Leave the seed heads on at the end of the season for the birds. They will also self-seed, which is perfect for naturalized areas. Deer and rabbit resistant. Attracts bees and butterflies. Drought tolerant once established. Perennial and annual types available so read the plant label to make sure you have the correct one.
Cultivars and Varieties
Botanical Name: Rudbeckia spp.
Form: upright, vase shape with round top
Family: Asteraceae, sunflower family
Genus: Rudbeckia
Species: numerous
Plant Type: annual or perennial depending on species
Mature Size: depends on variety, species, cultivar
Growth: fast
Origin: North America
Hardiness Zone: perennials Zones 4 to 9
Foliage: leaves with coarse hairs, light green, simple, entire
Flowers: composite, yellow petals surrounding a black disks comprised of tiny florets.
Propagation: seeds, basal cuttings, division
Stems: green with short coarse hairs
Exposure: full sun best
Soil: not fussy, but prefers well-draining soils
Water: drought resistant once established
Uses: Birds, bees and butterfly gardens. Cut flower gardens, containers, woodlands, rock gardens, meadows, mixed borders
Propagation: seeds, basal cuttings and root divisions of perennials
Pruning: Remove spent flowers to prolong the flowering period.
Problems: Powdery mildew
Comments:
Leave the seed heads on at the end of the season for the birds. They will also self-seed, which is perfect for naturalized areas. Deer and rabbit resistant. Attracts bees and butterflies. Drought tolerant once established. Perennial and annual types available so read the plant label to make sure you have the correct one.
Cultivars and Varieties
- Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii "Goldsturm": perennial, 2ft, reliable, pest free, blooms from August well into fall. Stems are hairy with ridges. Plants spread with runners and seeds, but are not considered invasive.
- Rudbeckia hirta "Prairie Sun": An annual with 5 inch wide flowers. Petals are orange with yellow tips. The central disk is green, grows to 3 ft. Drought and salt tolerant.
- Rudbeckia hirta ‘Toto’: A compact annual, grows to 10 inches, fragrant 2 to 3 inch yellow, orange or mahogany coloured petals with a chocolate brown central disk
A dwarf black-eyed Susan contrasts nicely with the blue ageratum in the front and a blue hydrangea at the back.
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Rudbeckias attract birds, bees and butterflies to the garden.
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Leave seed heads on as their seeds provide seeds for birds.
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Prairie Sun an annual rudbeckia, also called a gloriosa lily, grows to 3'.
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Pee Gee hydrangea flowers and Goldsturm black-eyed susans.
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Toto black-eyed susans are a compact annual.
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July - Garden Phlox
Many garden phlox flowers are fragrant.
Common Name: Garden Phlox
Botanical Name: Phlox paniculata
Form: Upright vertical
Family: Polemoniaceae
Genus: Phlox
Species: paniculata
Plant Type: herbaceous perennial
Mature Size: 2 to 4ft x 2 to 3ft
Growth: fast
Origin: Eastern United States
Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
Foliage: simple linear green leaves that are opposite on the stem, some cultivars have variegated foliage
Flowers: large clusters of flat 5 petalled flowers, showy, fragrant, pinks, purples, whites, some have a light or dark central eye, July to September,
Stems: green, sturdy with opposite leaves
Exposure: full sun best
Soil: soil tolerant including clay, rich moist soils, dislikes dry soils
Uses: bird, butterfly and humming bird gardens, borders
Propagation: divide in fall after flowering or early spring, seeds
Pruning: Remove dead flowers to prompt more blossoms, cut to ground in fallProblems: powdery mildew prone
Cultivars: many, select ones with mildew resistance: Jeana and Delta Snow have the best resistance. Others include: Caspian, Omega, Rosalind, White Admiral, Cinderella, David, David’s Lavender, Midsummer White, Miss Universe, Hot September Pink to name a few.
There are many different cultivars of garden phlox available. Some are under 3 feet tall: Red Riding Hood, Jr. Dance, Jr. Surprise, Little Boy. Phlox over 10 feet include Caspian, Mile High Pink and Caspian.
Comments:
Phlox are flashy, gorgeous plants that are reliable mainstay in many gardens. Garden phlox are intolerant of drought and wilt rapidly. Avoid placing under trees or overhangs as they are prone to powdery mildew, which is encouraged by dry soil and wet foliage. Phlox benefit from being mulched, which holds moisture in and keeps the soil cool.
Deadhead spent flowers for a repeat bloom and to prevent their seeds from unwanted self-seeding. Their seeds revert to the species which grow with vigor.
To prevent overwintering diseases, cut back plants to the ground and remove any of their leaf litter from the ground.
Botanical Name: Phlox paniculata
Form: Upright vertical
Family: Polemoniaceae
Genus: Phlox
Species: paniculata
Plant Type: herbaceous perennial
Mature Size: 2 to 4ft x 2 to 3ft
Growth: fast
Origin: Eastern United States
Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
Foliage: simple linear green leaves that are opposite on the stem, some cultivars have variegated foliage
Flowers: large clusters of flat 5 petalled flowers, showy, fragrant, pinks, purples, whites, some have a light or dark central eye, July to September,
Stems: green, sturdy with opposite leaves
Exposure: full sun best
Soil: soil tolerant including clay, rich moist soils, dislikes dry soils
Uses: bird, butterfly and humming bird gardens, borders
Propagation: divide in fall after flowering or early spring, seeds
Pruning: Remove dead flowers to prompt more blossoms, cut to ground in fallProblems: powdery mildew prone
Cultivars: many, select ones with mildew resistance: Jeana and Delta Snow have the best resistance. Others include: Caspian, Omega, Rosalind, White Admiral, Cinderella, David, David’s Lavender, Midsummer White, Miss Universe, Hot September Pink to name a few.
There are many different cultivars of garden phlox available. Some are under 3 feet tall: Red Riding Hood, Jr. Dance, Jr. Surprise, Little Boy. Phlox over 10 feet include Caspian, Mile High Pink and Caspian.
Comments:
Phlox are flashy, gorgeous plants that are reliable mainstay in many gardens. Garden phlox are intolerant of drought and wilt rapidly. Avoid placing under trees or overhangs as they are prone to powdery mildew, which is encouraged by dry soil and wet foliage. Phlox benefit from being mulched, which holds moisture in and keeps the soil cool.
Deadhead spent flowers for a repeat bloom and to prevent their seeds from unwanted self-seeding. Their seeds revert to the species which grow with vigor.
To prevent overwintering diseases, cut back plants to the ground and remove any of their leaf litter from the ground.
Leaves are simple and opposite each other.
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Each flower bears 5 flat petals fused together.
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Deadheading ensures a second flowering.
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A garden planted with garden phlox.
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New purple shoots full of phlox flower buds.
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A pure white garden phlox pairs well with a blue agapanthus.
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Give garden phlox space to be their best.
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Powdery mildew is a common garden phlox disease.
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June: Stewartia
Stewartia flowers bear single cupped, pure white flowers and golden stamens.
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The delicate profile of a Stewartia flower.
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Stewartia's colourful patchy bark.
A Chinese stewartia, S. sinensis
The open habit of a mature Chinese Stewartia.
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Common Name: Stewartia pseudocamellia
Botanical Name: Japanese stewartia Form: multi-stemmed upright tree with round canopy Family: Theaceae Genus: Stewartia (named after John Stuart, 16th century Scottish botanist) Species: pseudocamellia (false camellia) Plant Type: deciduous tree Mature Size: 15 to 40 feet x 10 to 25 feet Growth: slow Origin: Japan Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8 Foliage: 3inch, dark green serrated foliage that turn yellowish orange and red in fall Flowers: June to July, showy 2.5 inch solitary, cup-shaped flowers with 5 white petals and many golden stamens Fruit: brown, pointed pyramidal capsule up to 2 inches long Bark: attractive peeling, red-brown with multiple trunks Exposure: full sun, part shade, afternoon shade is best Soil: prefers moist, rich organic, well-drained soils Uses: winter interest, fall colour, borders, specimen, woodland Propagation: softwood cuttings in early summer, or semi-hardwood cuttings in mid- to late summer. Pruning: usually not necessary, but if needed do so after flowering Problems: doesn’t like it too hot Cultivars & Species: There are 9 species that are either small trees or shrubs with exfoliating bark. Korean stewartia (Koreana stewartia) grows 20 to 30 ft, 3inch white flowers with 5 to 6 petals. Tall stewartia (S. monadelpha) reaches 25ft, pyramidal shape, shrubby, blossoms are smaller, under an inch, best in partial shade, but tolerates full sun and has excellent heat tolerance unlike other stewartias. Chinese stewartia (S. sinensis) is 30 feet tall, has peeling papery brown and purple bark, with leaves up to 4 inches long. They turn bright red in fall and bear slightly fragrant white flowers up to 2 inches long. Comments: Makes an excellent small tree for a small garden. Use as a specimen tree or to provide an accent. Looks good all year long as it has a nice round canopy, pretty green simple leaves, beautiful large white flowers, but it’s known for its attractive patchwork bark in colours of beige, red, brown, grey and green. The more mature the tree, the nicer the bark. 
Flowers are borne singly and are cupped.
Autumn foliage takes on many colours.
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May 2018: Weigela
Common Name: Weigela
Botanical Name: Weigela
Form: dense, rounded with arching branches
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Genus: Weigela
Species: there are many species and cultivars
Plant Type: woody deciduous shrub
Mature Size: 6 to 10ft tall and 9 to 12ft wide
Growth: fast
Origin: North China, Korea and Japan
Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
Foliage: simple, ovate-oblong, medium green leaves up to 4 inches long with serrated margins, no significant fall colour
Flowers: funnel shaped, 5 lobed, 1.25 inches long flowers April to June with some repeat blooms, pinks and reds, blooms profusely
Fruit: insignificant dry capsule
Exposure: full sun for best blooming, tolerates light and dappled shade
Soil: average, moist but well-drained soils best, soil tolerant including clay
Uses: attracts hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, border, foundation, medium screen, accent, informal hedge
Propagation: softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings
Pruning: right after flowering as they bloom on year old wood
Problems: wet soil, poorly drained soil promotes root rot
Cultivars: W. florida ‘Rubidor’ (chartreuse foliage, pink flowers, 6ft x 8ft), W. florida ‘Variegata’ (green & cream foliage, pink flowers, 8ft x 8ft.), W. ‘Sonic Bloom Red’ (red blooms, repeat flowering, 5ft x 5ft), W. ‘Wine & Roses’ (5ft tall & wide, rose pink flowers, dark purple foliage), W. florida 'Bristol Ruby' (deep pink flowers, green foliage, 6ft x 6ft)
Dwarf cultivars: W. florida 'Variegata Nana' has light pink flowers and variegated leaves, 3ft x 3ft. ‘My Monet’ grows up to 2ft x 18”, variegated leaves and deep purple-pink flowers.
Comments: Weigelas look best when left to grow to their desired shape and size, this means plan ahead. Give them enough space so they can show off all their beautiful flowers on their graceful arching stems. Select dwarf cultivars if you just don’t have the space to accommodate a regular sized species.
Botanical Name: Weigela
Form: dense, rounded with arching branches
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Genus: Weigela
Species: there are many species and cultivars
Plant Type: woody deciduous shrub
Mature Size: 6 to 10ft tall and 9 to 12ft wide
Growth: fast
Origin: North China, Korea and Japan
Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
Foliage: simple, ovate-oblong, medium green leaves up to 4 inches long with serrated margins, no significant fall colour
Flowers: funnel shaped, 5 lobed, 1.25 inches long flowers April to June with some repeat blooms, pinks and reds, blooms profusely
Fruit: insignificant dry capsule
Exposure: full sun for best blooming, tolerates light and dappled shade
Soil: average, moist but well-drained soils best, soil tolerant including clay
Uses: attracts hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, border, foundation, medium screen, accent, informal hedge
Propagation: softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings
Pruning: right after flowering as they bloom on year old wood
Problems: wet soil, poorly drained soil promotes root rot
Cultivars: W. florida ‘Rubidor’ (chartreuse foliage, pink flowers, 6ft x 8ft), W. florida ‘Variegata’ (green & cream foliage, pink flowers, 8ft x 8ft.), W. ‘Sonic Bloom Red’ (red blooms, repeat flowering, 5ft x 5ft), W. ‘Wine & Roses’ (5ft tall & wide, rose pink flowers, dark purple foliage), W. florida 'Bristol Ruby' (deep pink flowers, green foliage, 6ft x 6ft)
Dwarf cultivars: W. florida 'Variegata Nana' has light pink flowers and variegated leaves, 3ft x 3ft. ‘My Monet’ grows up to 2ft x 18”, variegated leaves and deep purple-pink flowers.
Comments: Weigelas look best when left to grow to their desired shape and size, this means plan ahead. Give them enough space so they can show off all their beautiful flowers on their graceful arching stems. Select dwarf cultivars if you just don’t have the space to accommodate a regular sized species.
Variegated Weigela (W. florida Variegata)
Wine & Roses Weigela
Rubidor Weigela, W. florida 'Rubidor'.
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Weigela Sonic Boom Red foliage in the fall.
Weigela 'Bristol Ruby'
Weigela florida 'Bristol Ruby'
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May 2017: Clematis montana
Common name: mountain clematis
Botanical Name: Clematis montana
Origin: Asia
Type: A deciduous scrambling vine. New leaves are bronze or purple then they turn green
Size: 7 to 12 meters (39 ft)
Flowers: Vines are smothered with flowers up to 4 inches wide bearing 4 silky white petals with showy yellow anthers in spring, usually May. Sometimes reblooms if pruned immediately after flowering.
Cultivars & Varieties: Numerous ones available including the ‘grandiflora’ that bears larger flowers and ‘Elizabeth’ that has pink ones.
Soil & Care: Prefer well-drained, moisture retaining soil. Apply an organic mulch on top of soil as it likes a cool base. Plant crowns 5-8cm (2-3in) deep encourage shoots from the roots. Prune after flowering.
Sun: Full sun to part shade.
Propagate: Layering and semi-hardwood cuttings.
Botanical Name: Clematis montana
Origin: Asia
Type: A deciduous scrambling vine. New leaves are bronze or purple then they turn green
Size: 7 to 12 meters (39 ft)
Flowers: Vines are smothered with flowers up to 4 inches wide bearing 4 silky white petals with showy yellow anthers in spring, usually May. Sometimes reblooms if pruned immediately after flowering.
Cultivars & Varieties: Numerous ones available including the ‘grandiflora’ that bears larger flowers and ‘Elizabeth’ that has pink ones.
Soil & Care: Prefer well-drained, moisture retaining soil. Apply an organic mulch on top of soil as it likes a cool base. Plant crowns 5-8cm (2-3in) deep encourage shoots from the roots. Prune after flowering.
Sun: Full sun to part shade.
Propagate: Layering and semi-hardwood cuttings.
June 2017: Astilbe
Astilbes like part shade and moist soils.
Common Name: false spirea
Botanical Name: Astilbe cultivars and hybrids
Origin: Asia & North America
Type: An easy to grow, hardy non-evergreen (die down in fall), herbaceous (non woody) perennial.
Size: Height varies depending on the cultivar, species or hybrid. Some are under a foot while others are up to 4 feet high. Will form a colony of plants over time but they are not invasive nor aggressive.
Form: Some have arching stems while others grow upright.
Flowers: Blooms in June through summer and resemble feathery plumes. Colours vary from white and shades of pink, purple, red and salmon. Unscented. Colours slowly fade as blossoms wane.
Foliage: Attractive, soft green fernlike foliage emerge from a central crown. Leaves are comprised of serrated leaflets on compound leaves.
Cultivars & Varieties: Numerous ones available including Astilbe arendsii ‘Fanal’ with red blossoms and bronze-like leaves that grows 1 to 2 ft. Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila' is compact with light mauve flowers up to 2ft tall.
Soil & Care: Requires moist fertile soil especially if planted where they receive sun in the afternoon. They wilt quickly if it is too hot and too dry.
Sun: Part shade to shade.
Propagate: Divide roots in early spring.
Uses: Apparently are deer resistant. Cut flowers, massing, water gardens, woodlands, shady garden beds.
Botanical Name: Astilbe cultivars and hybrids
Origin: Asia & North America
Type: An easy to grow, hardy non-evergreen (die down in fall), herbaceous (non woody) perennial.
Size: Height varies depending on the cultivar, species or hybrid. Some are under a foot while others are up to 4 feet high. Will form a colony of plants over time but they are not invasive nor aggressive.
Form: Some have arching stems while others grow upright.
Flowers: Blooms in June through summer and resemble feathery plumes. Colours vary from white and shades of pink, purple, red and salmon. Unscented. Colours slowly fade as blossoms wane.
Foliage: Attractive, soft green fernlike foliage emerge from a central crown. Leaves are comprised of serrated leaflets on compound leaves.
Cultivars & Varieties: Numerous ones available including Astilbe arendsii ‘Fanal’ with red blossoms and bronze-like leaves that grows 1 to 2 ft. Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila' is compact with light mauve flowers up to 2ft tall.
Soil & Care: Requires moist fertile soil especially if planted where they receive sun in the afternoon. They wilt quickly if it is too hot and too dry.
Sun: Part shade to shade.
Propagate: Divide roots in early spring.
Uses: Apparently are deer resistant. Cut flowers, massing, water gardens, woodlands, shady garden beds.
A creamy white astilbe.
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A mass planting of hot pink astilbe creates drama.
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July 2017 - Lavender
Common Name: English Lavender
Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia
Family: Lamiaceae
Form: horizontal oval, spreading, fine texture
Genus: Lavandula
Species: angustifolia = "narrow leaf"
Plant Type: herbaceous perennial, evergreen
Mature Size: 12-24" (30cm to 60cm) tall and wide
Origin: Europe, Western Mediterranean
Hardiness Zone 5 to 8
Leaves: grey-green, evergreen, small needle-shaped, linear, fragrant
Flowers: spikes 2–8 cm (0.79–3.1 in) long atop leafless stems 10–30 cm (3.9–12 in), violet to blue petals, Jun- Aug
Fruit: brown nut, Sep- Oct
Exposure: sun
Soil: well-drained, arid, neutral to alkaline
Pruning: cut back after flowering, but not too much, cut into live soft growth with foliage at the ends
Uses: beneficial insects, butterflies, container, dried flowers, herb, fragrant, massing, borders, rockeries, high ground cover, cut flower, containers, hedge, xeriscaping, small gardens
Cultivars: 'Hidcote', 'Munstead'
Contains essential oil and is used for potpourris, sachets, and soaps. It is also used as a culinary herb. The Munstead English lavender is the hardiest of all and still boasts a heady scent. Mudstead is nice and compact while Hidcote boasts the strongest scent. Spanish lavender (L. stoechas) bear large flower heads with odd petals (bracts) that stick out. It is not as hardy as English lavender, with a hardiness zones of 8 to 9. Our hardiness zone is 8 in the Vancouver, BC. this is why Spanish lavenders are not as reliable to come back after a nasty winter while the English lavenders often rally on.
Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia
Family: Lamiaceae
Form: horizontal oval, spreading, fine texture
Genus: Lavandula
Species: angustifolia = "narrow leaf"
Plant Type: herbaceous perennial, evergreen
Mature Size: 12-24" (30cm to 60cm) tall and wide
Origin: Europe, Western Mediterranean
Hardiness Zone 5 to 8
Leaves: grey-green, evergreen, small needle-shaped, linear, fragrant
Flowers: spikes 2–8 cm (0.79–3.1 in) long atop leafless stems 10–30 cm (3.9–12 in), violet to blue petals, Jun- Aug
Fruit: brown nut, Sep- Oct
Exposure: sun
Soil: well-drained, arid, neutral to alkaline
Pruning: cut back after flowering, but not too much, cut into live soft growth with foliage at the ends
Uses: beneficial insects, butterflies, container, dried flowers, herb, fragrant, massing, borders, rockeries, high ground cover, cut flower, containers, hedge, xeriscaping, small gardens
Cultivars: 'Hidcote', 'Munstead'
Contains essential oil and is used for potpourris, sachets, and soaps. It is also used as a culinary herb. The Munstead English lavender is the hardiest of all and still boasts a heady scent. Mudstead is nice and compact while Hidcote boasts the strongest scent. Spanish lavender (L. stoechas) bear large flower heads with odd petals (bracts) that stick out. It is not as hardy as English lavender, with a hardiness zones of 8 to 9. Our hardiness zone is 8 in the Vancouver, BC. this is why Spanish lavenders are not as reliable to come back after a nasty winter while the English lavenders often rally on.
Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas 'Anouk') is not as hardy as English lavender
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English lavender is hardiest of all the lavenders.
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Deadhead lavenders right after they flower to keep plants compact and to encourage new growth.
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August 2017- Persian Silk tree/mimosa
Common Name: silk tree, Persian silk tree, mimosa
Botanical Name: Albizia julibrissin
Family: Fabaceae
Growth rate: fast, but is short-lived
Form: a graceful small tree with a broad, horizontal canopy like a parasol
Genus: Albizia
Species: julbrissin
Plant Type: deciduous tree
Mature Size: 5–16 m (16–52 ft)
Origin: Iran, Republic of Azerbaijan, Korea, China
Hardiness Zone USDA zones 6 to 9
Leaves: feather-like, bright green foliage, bipinnate, up to 45 cm (18 in) long x 25 cm (10 in) broad, folds inwards at night and in the rain
Flowers: fragrant clusters of white or pink pompom-like blossoms
Fruit: brown, flattened pods 20 cm (8 in) long x 1 in wide, containing several seeds
Bark: dark green-grey with vertical stripes as it ages
Exposure: sun
Soil: soil tolerant but prefers dry conditions.
Pruning: In late winter to early spring remove branches that are too low, distorted, broken and too long. Since mimosas are prone to many diseases and insects, remove infested parts any time of year and disinfect tools after each cut.
Uses: provides dappled shade so use in mixed borders, as an accent and as a specimen
Cultivars: Pink Silk Tree (A. julibrissin f. rosea), 'Summer Chocolate' has dark bronze leaves with pale pink blossoms.
Mimosas are beautiful trees, but they are not reliable this far north. Albizias prefer dry, warm conditions, which means they struggle with diseases in British Columbia due to our wet weather. As tree matures, the trunk often divides into a V shape, where water collects, causing rot. They are invasive in areas where it is hot and dry, as their seeds are viable, however, it is too cold here for their seeds to become a problem. Roots are shallow but spread far so keep them away from driveways, patios and other hardscaping.
Botanical Name: Albizia julibrissin
Family: Fabaceae
Growth rate: fast, but is short-lived
Form: a graceful small tree with a broad, horizontal canopy like a parasol
Genus: Albizia
Species: julbrissin
Plant Type: deciduous tree
Mature Size: 5–16 m (16–52 ft)
Origin: Iran, Republic of Azerbaijan, Korea, China
Hardiness Zone USDA zones 6 to 9
Leaves: feather-like, bright green foliage, bipinnate, up to 45 cm (18 in) long x 25 cm (10 in) broad, folds inwards at night and in the rain
Flowers: fragrant clusters of white or pink pompom-like blossoms
Fruit: brown, flattened pods 20 cm (8 in) long x 1 in wide, containing several seeds
Bark: dark green-grey with vertical stripes as it ages
Exposure: sun
Soil: soil tolerant but prefers dry conditions.
Pruning: In late winter to early spring remove branches that are too low, distorted, broken and too long. Since mimosas are prone to many diseases and insects, remove infested parts any time of year and disinfect tools after each cut.
Uses: provides dappled shade so use in mixed borders, as an accent and as a specimen
Cultivars: Pink Silk Tree (A. julibrissin f. rosea), 'Summer Chocolate' has dark bronze leaves with pale pink blossoms.
Mimosas are beautiful trees, but they are not reliable this far north. Albizias prefer dry, warm conditions, which means they struggle with diseases in British Columbia due to our wet weather. As tree matures, the trunk often divides into a V shape, where water collects, causing rot. They are invasive in areas where it is hot and dry, as their seeds are viable, however, it is too cold here for their seeds to become a problem. Roots are shallow but spread far so keep them away from driveways, patios and other hardscaping.
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September 2017- Ornamental kale
Even green ornamental kale is attractive.
Common Name: Ornamental Kale and Cabbage
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea
Family: Brassicaceae
Growth Rate: fast
Form: round, bold
Genus: Brassica
Species: oleracea
Plant Type: biennial, cool season
Mature Size: 1 foot wide x 15 inches tall
Origin: Europe
Hardiness Zone: USDA zone 2 to 9
Foliage: Grown for their broad, colourful ornamental foliage in shades of red, pink, purple, cream and greens. Ornamental cabbage forms heads and have smooth-edged leaves whilst kale doesn’t form a round head and bears frilly, ruffled leaves.
Flowers: Flowers the second year then dies (biennial), clusters (racemes) of individual flowers bearing 4 yellow petals.
Fruit: A silique with many small black seeds
Exposure: Full sun, little shade is fine.
Soil: Well-drained soil kept moist, but not wet.
Propagation: Plant seeds in July, August in pots and place in the fridge several days to stimulate germination. Don’t cover the seeds with soil as they need light to germinate.
Uses: Massing, containers, edging, front of a border.
Problems: Caterpillars, cabbage loopers, slugs, snails and blackleg disease if kept too wet.
Comments: There are many plants that take centre stage in the fall garden, but nothing stimulates more conversation than the flowering kale or cabbage. Plants will last well into the winter as they survive temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F). They grow poorly when daytime temperatures consistently exceed 27°C (80°F).
Purchase compact plants and avoid ones that are leggy or flowering as they are at the end of their life. When planting, bury stems so their lowest leaves are flush with the soil surface. Slightly loosen their roots gently, especially if the roots are tightly wound and potbound. Keep plants well-watered. If grown from seed, plants will not produce their colour until cool weather arrives.
Ornamental kale and cabbage are edible, but bitter. Boil twice and discard the water each time then sauté in olive oil and serve. They also make great organic ornamental ‘plates’ and look lovely when used as a garnish.
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea
Family: Brassicaceae
Growth Rate: fast
Form: round, bold
Genus: Brassica
Species: oleracea
Plant Type: biennial, cool season
Mature Size: 1 foot wide x 15 inches tall
Origin: Europe
Hardiness Zone: USDA zone 2 to 9
Foliage: Grown for their broad, colourful ornamental foliage in shades of red, pink, purple, cream and greens. Ornamental cabbage forms heads and have smooth-edged leaves whilst kale doesn’t form a round head and bears frilly, ruffled leaves.
Flowers: Flowers the second year then dies (biennial), clusters (racemes) of individual flowers bearing 4 yellow petals.
Fruit: A silique with many small black seeds
Exposure: Full sun, little shade is fine.
Soil: Well-drained soil kept moist, but not wet.
Propagation: Plant seeds in July, August in pots and place in the fridge several days to stimulate germination. Don’t cover the seeds with soil as they need light to germinate.
Uses: Massing, containers, edging, front of a border.
Problems: Caterpillars, cabbage loopers, slugs, snails and blackleg disease if kept too wet.
Comments: There are many plants that take centre stage in the fall garden, but nothing stimulates more conversation than the flowering kale or cabbage. Plants will last well into the winter as they survive temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F). They grow poorly when daytime temperatures consistently exceed 27°C (80°F).
Purchase compact plants and avoid ones that are leggy or flowering as they are at the end of their life. When planting, bury stems so their lowest leaves are flush with the soil surface. Slightly loosen their roots gently, especially if the roots are tightly wound and potbound. Keep plants well-watered. If grown from seed, plants will not produce their colour until cool weather arrives.
Ornamental kale and cabbage are edible, but bitter. Boil twice and discard the water each time then sauté in olive oil and serve. They also make great organic ornamental ‘plates’ and look lovely when used as a garnish.
Ornamental kale and chrysanthemums.
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Ornamental kale has frilly leaves.
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October 2017- Fall aster
New York asters.
Common Name: Aster, Michaelmas daisy
Botanical Name: Symphyotrichum spp., previously named Aster
Family: Asteraceae
Form: upright or spreading depending on variety
Genus: Aster
Species: numerous species
Plant Type: herbaceous perennial
Mature Size: 10 inches to 6 feet depending on the variety, up to 4 feet wide
Origin: Great Britain, Europe, North & South America
Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 4 to 8
Leaves: entire, simple, alternate, soft, green, pinnate, pointed tip, linear
Flowers: composite, yellow flower disc surrounded by blue, purple,
white, or pink petals, blooms from September through fall
Exposure: full sun to partial shade, no blooms = too much shade
Soil: well-drained, soil tolerant
Propagation: root cuttings, divisions, cuttings, seeds
Uses: butterflies, bees, cut flower, perennial and mixed borders
Problems:
Tall asters tend to flop over so pinch back stems by a third in early June. This promotes bushier, shorter plants with more flowers. Prone to powdery mildew especially when planted in too much shade combined with dry soil.
Varieties & Cultivars:
There are 2 major types of aster: New England and New York. New York aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii) tend to be smaller than the New England types though some grow to 4 feet. They have thin, hairless stems compared to the New England variety (Symphyotrichum nova-angliae), which have sturdier, hairy stems and foliage.
Another aster of note is the alpine aster, Symphyotrichum alpinus, has a mounded, upright habit about 1 foot high. Flowers are either pink, deep purple, white, violet and flower slightly earlier than other asters. Used in rock gardens, and for edging since it is short. Will self-seed as not a long-lived plant. Prefers a sandier soil than other asters.
Comments:
Asters are often called Michaelmas Daisies because the flower at the same time St Michael’s Day is celebrated in England (September 29). There are many cultivars in lavender, violet, blues, and pinks. Since asters are either tall, short, erect, bushy or spreading, correct selection is critical. Read those plant labels as they are wealth of information.
Botanical Name: Symphyotrichum spp., previously named Aster
Family: Asteraceae
Form: upright or spreading depending on variety
Genus: Aster
Species: numerous species
Plant Type: herbaceous perennial
Mature Size: 10 inches to 6 feet depending on the variety, up to 4 feet wide
Origin: Great Britain, Europe, North & South America
Hardiness Zone: USDA zones 4 to 8
Leaves: entire, simple, alternate, soft, green, pinnate, pointed tip, linear
Flowers: composite, yellow flower disc surrounded by blue, purple,
white, or pink petals, blooms from September through fall
Exposure: full sun to partial shade, no blooms = too much shade
Soil: well-drained, soil tolerant
Propagation: root cuttings, divisions, cuttings, seeds
Uses: butterflies, bees, cut flower, perennial and mixed borders
Problems:
Tall asters tend to flop over so pinch back stems by a third in early June. This promotes bushier, shorter plants with more flowers. Prone to powdery mildew especially when planted in too much shade combined with dry soil.
Varieties & Cultivars:
There are 2 major types of aster: New England and New York. New York aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii) tend to be smaller than the New England types though some grow to 4 feet. They have thin, hairless stems compared to the New England variety (Symphyotrichum nova-angliae), which have sturdier, hairy stems and foliage.
Another aster of note is the alpine aster, Symphyotrichum alpinus, has a mounded, upright habit about 1 foot high. Flowers are either pink, deep purple, white, violet and flower slightly earlier than other asters. Used in rock gardens, and for edging since it is short. Will self-seed as not a long-lived plant. Prefers a sandier soil than other asters.
Comments:
Asters are often called Michaelmas Daisies because the flower at the same time St Michael’s Day is celebrated in England (September 29). There are many cultivars in lavender, violet, blues, and pinks. Since asters are either tall, short, erect, bushy or spreading, correct selection is critical. Read those plant labels as they are wealth of information.
Bees love all the pollen asters produce.
'Audrey' is a compact and short New York aster.
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A tall New York aster becomes a cascading flower waterfall.
Even the back-end of an aster flower is a thing of beauty.
A New York aster blossom.
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December 2017- Christmas Rose
Common Name: Christmas rose
Botanical Name: Helleborus niger
Form: course leaves, rounded plant
Family: Ranunculaceae
Species: niger
Plant Type: herbaceous perennial evergreen
Mature Size: 1ft to 2ft x 3ft wide
Origin: Europe
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Foliage: dark green, leathery, thick, compound, palmate, serrated margins
Stems: all stems, including flowers, arise from a central crown.
Flowers: winter flowering, held in nodding clusters with prominent yellow stamens. Petal shape, number and colours differ depending on variety: red, maroon, pink, peach, yellow, white, spotted and striped.
Seed: numerous black seeds in a brown follicle, seeds are viable
Exposure: part shade
Soil: evenly moist, well-drained, needs water to establish new plants
Uses: garden beds, containers, cut flower, houseplant, perennial & shrub border, slopes (to enjoy their nodding flowers).
Propagation: harvest their seeds when their seed husk is brown and crispy. Place in a fridge for 8 weeks or allow them to seed themselves and let nature do the work. Plant can also be divided, but they don't do it too often as they like to be left undisturbed.
Problems: slugs, snails leaf spot, leaves, stems and roots are toxic if ingested.
There are many types of hellebores but only one is the Christmas rose (H. niger) as it flowers at Christmas. The Lenten rose (H. orientalis) blooms later and into early spring. Now with new and wonderful hybrids, selection is even better. Now is the time to go shopping for these winter jewels as you can see them in their prime.
Hellebores is a well-loved winter plant associated with Christmas because its rose-type flower blossoms in December. This long blooming plant continues to treat us with exquisite beauty well into the spring. The plant itself is composed of a circle of large bold leaves. Out if its center, leafless flower stalks appear. The flowers vary in size, up to 4 inches wide depending on the variety. Most varieties have 5 single petals with many long yellowish stamens protruding from the flower’s center. Their blossoms also nod, hiding their beauty to protect them from rain and snow. Breeders have developed new varieties that keep their flowers more upright such as Helleborus x hybridus, but there are many different types to choose from. Some flowers are spotted, striped, doubled, have wavy petals with coloured edges; there’s so many to choose from.
Botanical Name: Helleborus niger
Form: course leaves, rounded plant
Family: Ranunculaceae
Species: niger
Plant Type: herbaceous perennial evergreen
Mature Size: 1ft to 2ft x 3ft wide
Origin: Europe
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Foliage: dark green, leathery, thick, compound, palmate, serrated margins
Stems: all stems, including flowers, arise from a central crown.
Flowers: winter flowering, held in nodding clusters with prominent yellow stamens. Petal shape, number and colours differ depending on variety: red, maroon, pink, peach, yellow, white, spotted and striped.
Seed: numerous black seeds in a brown follicle, seeds are viable
Exposure: part shade
Soil: evenly moist, well-drained, needs water to establish new plants
Uses: garden beds, containers, cut flower, houseplant, perennial & shrub border, slopes (to enjoy their nodding flowers).
Propagation: harvest their seeds when their seed husk is brown and crispy. Place in a fridge for 8 weeks or allow them to seed themselves and let nature do the work. Plant can also be divided, but they don't do it too often as they like to be left undisturbed.
Problems: slugs, snails leaf spot, leaves, stems and roots are toxic if ingested.
There are many types of hellebores but only one is the Christmas rose (H. niger) as it flowers at Christmas. The Lenten rose (H. orientalis) blooms later and into early spring. Now with new and wonderful hybrids, selection is even better. Now is the time to go shopping for these winter jewels as you can see them in their prime.
Hellebores is a well-loved winter plant associated with Christmas because its rose-type flower blossoms in December. This long blooming plant continues to treat us with exquisite beauty well into the spring. The plant itself is composed of a circle of large bold leaves. Out if its center, leafless flower stalks appear. The flowers vary in size, up to 4 inches wide depending on the variety. Most varieties have 5 single petals with many long yellowish stamens protruding from the flower’s center. Their blossoms also nod, hiding their beauty to protect them from rain and snow. Breeders have developed new varieties that keep their flowers more upright such as Helleborus x hybridus, but there are many different types to choose from. Some flowers are spotted, striped, doubled, have wavy petals with coloured edges; there’s so many to choose from.
Flowers rise above the foliage during the midst of winter.
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A gently nodding pink lenten rose.
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Cotton Candy hellebore.
Seeds are ripe by summer and are viable.
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Hellebores have prominent stamens.
Hellebore leaves vary, but they all have 3 leaflets, like this Corsican hellebore leaflet.
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January 2018 - Chinese WItch Hazel
This orange hybrid witch hazel, is called Jelena (Hamamelis x intermedia 'Jelena').
Common Name: Chinese witch hazel
Botanical Name: Hamamelis mollis
Form: open vase shape with a coarse texture
Family: Hamamelidaceae
Genus: Hamamelis (together with fruit as it bears flowers and seed at the same time)
Species: mollis
Plant Type: deciduous shrub
Mature Size: 10' to 15' tall and wide
Growth: fast
Origin: China
Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8 (place in protected location in Zone 5)
Foliage: matte green that turn bright yellow in autumn, simple, undulating margins (leaf edges), alternate, ovate
Stems: tan coloured with lenticels
Flowers: flowers January to March, fragrant, yellow spider-like with 4 thin petals, reddish brown calyx
Seeds: a two part capsule
Exposure: part shade to full sun, leggy in too much shade
Soil: average soil with good drainage, prefers a rich organic soil, avoid drought by mulching and watering in summer
Uses: garden beds, perennial & shrub border, woodland gardens, winter and fall interest, cut flowers, H. virginiana, is used to produce the witch hazel astringent.
Propagation: suckers, softwood cuttings mid spring, layering
Pruning: To keep plant compact, prune after flowering by 1/3rd.
Problems: Remove suckers that arise from the roots to prevent them from spreading. Avoid planting too deeply as this promotes suckering. Plant so the crown (where roots and stem meet) sits at the soil surface. Do not bury the graft on grafted varieties as this also encourages suckers. Suckers sprout up from the base of the plant and keep their leaves on longer than the rest of the plant. No serious insects or diseases. Sometimes gets powdery mildew if soil is dry and not mulched. Root rot is common with wet soils.
Cultivars: The hardier native witch hazel, H. virginiana, is commonly used as a rootstock for the less hardy Chinese species. The native species flowers from October to December and not as fragrant as the H. mollis.
Hybrids and cultivars are bred to have larger flowers in reds, oranges and yellows. H. virginiana also is used to produce the witch hazel astringent.All types tend to sucker, including grafted ones. Remove suckers as soon as possible so they don't take over.
Botanical Name: Hamamelis mollis
Form: open vase shape with a coarse texture
Family: Hamamelidaceae
Genus: Hamamelis (together with fruit as it bears flowers and seed at the same time)
Species: mollis
Plant Type: deciduous shrub
Mature Size: 10' to 15' tall and wide
Growth: fast
Origin: China
Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8 (place in protected location in Zone 5)
Foliage: matte green that turn bright yellow in autumn, simple, undulating margins (leaf edges), alternate, ovate
Stems: tan coloured with lenticels
Flowers: flowers January to March, fragrant, yellow spider-like with 4 thin petals, reddish brown calyx
Seeds: a two part capsule
Exposure: part shade to full sun, leggy in too much shade
Soil: average soil with good drainage, prefers a rich organic soil, avoid drought by mulching and watering in summer
Uses: garden beds, perennial & shrub border, woodland gardens, winter and fall interest, cut flowers, H. virginiana, is used to produce the witch hazel astringent.
Propagation: suckers, softwood cuttings mid spring, layering
Pruning: To keep plant compact, prune after flowering by 1/3rd.
Problems: Remove suckers that arise from the roots to prevent them from spreading. Avoid planting too deeply as this promotes suckering. Plant so the crown (where roots and stem meet) sits at the soil surface. Do not bury the graft on grafted varieties as this also encourages suckers. Suckers sprout up from the base of the plant and keep their leaves on longer than the rest of the plant. No serious insects or diseases. Sometimes gets powdery mildew if soil is dry and not mulched. Root rot is common with wet soils.
Cultivars: The hardier native witch hazel, H. virginiana, is commonly used as a rootstock for the less hardy Chinese species. The native species flowers from October to December and not as fragrant as the H. mollis.
Hybrids and cultivars are bred to have larger flowers in reds, oranges and yellows. H. virginiana also is used to produce the witch hazel astringent.All types tend to sucker, including grafted ones. Remove suckers as soon as possible so they don't take over.
Brevipetala Chinese witch hazel, Hamamelis mollis 'Brevipetala', bears many short ochre coloured petals.
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Copper red flowers of the hybrid Diane witch hazel (Hamamelis intermedia 'Diane'), grows 12'x8'
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Chinese witch hazel are known for their bright and fragrant flowers during the dull days of winter.
Flower buds dot the stems during the summer so prune right after flowering. Pruning later will remove their flower buds.
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The typical open vase shape of most witch hazels.
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A Chinese witch hazel seems to glow during a sunny November day.
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Witch hazels are not that noticeable during the summer, except for their open vase shape.
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Their wavy and simple leaves gradually are nothing fancy until they turn yellow in fall.
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February 2018 - Skimmia
A male skimmia flower cluster.
Common Name: Skimmia
Botanical Name: Skimmia japonica
Form: round and spreading
Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Skimmia
Species: japonica
Plant Type: broadleaf evergreen shrub
Mature Size: 2 to 4 ft tall and 3 to 5 foot wide
Growth: moderate
Origin: SE Asia, Japan, China
Hardiness Zone: 7
Foliage: Dark green above and paler yellowish green on reverse, leathery, 6 to 13 cm long, simple, alternate, elliptic, aromatic when bruised. Male and female plants (dioecious), red berries produced on female plants. Males larger and more fragrant.
Stems: smooth, brown
Flowers: clusters of small, fragrant, white coloured flowers held in panicles in February to April
Fruit: red, sometimes white berries (drupe) in late fall and winter, borne on female plants, need 1 male for every 6 females to produce berries, (which are poisonous)
Exposure: part shade to shade, too much light bleaches foliages
Soil: moist, acid, soils with plenty of organic matter, organic mulch
Uses: foundation plantings, massing, mixed border, winter garden, fragrant garden, hedge row, small garden, woodland margin
Propagation: softwood cuttings mid spring, layering
Pruning: To keep plant compact, prune after flowering by 1/3rd.
Problems: The entire plant is poisonous, especially the berries. Suffers from spider mite if conditions are too dry.
Cultivars: Reeves skimmia, Skimmia reevesiana, is shorter with dull red fruit on self-fertile plants, as male and female flowers are on the same plant.
Comments: Resistant to diseases and insects, resistant to deer and rabbits (unless they are really hungry). Skimmia a well-behaved plants that are perfect for around the foundation of the house and where there is shade. No matter what time of year it is, skimmias always look good.
Botanical Name: Skimmia japonica
Form: round and spreading
Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Skimmia
Species: japonica
Plant Type: broadleaf evergreen shrub
Mature Size: 2 to 4 ft tall and 3 to 5 foot wide
Growth: moderate
Origin: SE Asia, Japan, China
Hardiness Zone: 7
Foliage: Dark green above and paler yellowish green on reverse, leathery, 6 to 13 cm long, simple, alternate, elliptic, aromatic when bruised. Male and female plants (dioecious), red berries produced on female plants. Males larger and more fragrant.
Stems: smooth, brown
Flowers: clusters of small, fragrant, white coloured flowers held in panicles in February to April
Fruit: red, sometimes white berries (drupe) in late fall and winter, borne on female plants, need 1 male for every 6 females to produce berries, (which are poisonous)
Exposure: part shade to shade, too much light bleaches foliages
Soil: moist, acid, soils with plenty of organic matter, organic mulch
Uses: foundation plantings, massing, mixed border, winter garden, fragrant garden, hedge row, small garden, woodland margin
Propagation: softwood cuttings mid spring, layering
Pruning: To keep plant compact, prune after flowering by 1/3rd.
Problems: The entire plant is poisonous, especially the berries. Suffers from spider mite if conditions are too dry.
Cultivars: Reeves skimmia, Skimmia reevesiana, is shorter with dull red fruit on self-fertile plants, as male and female flowers are on the same plant.
Comments: Resistant to diseases and insects, resistant to deer and rabbits (unless they are really hungry). Skimmia a well-behaved plants that are perfect for around the foundation of the house and where there is shade. No matter what time of year it is, skimmias always look good.
Rubella Japanese Skimmia
Japanese skimmia are very floriferous and have a spicy scent.
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Skimmias are just the right size for foundation plantings.
Female skimmia flowers bear no pollen, but need a male plant nearby to bear fruit.
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Female skimmias boast flowers and fruit at the same time.
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Too much sun have bleached these skimmia leaves.
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Skimmias look great anytime of year, especially during the winter when they don berries and flowers at the same time.
March 2018- Flowering Currant
A close-up of the King Edward VII flowering currant.
Common Name: Flowering Currant
Botanical Name: Ribes sanguineum
Form: upright arching to rounded
Family: Saxifragaceae
Genus: Ribes
Species: sanguineum (blood red)
Plant Type: broadleaf multistemmed deciduous shrub
Mature Size: 5 - 8 ft tall and 3 - 5 ft wide
Growth: moderate
Origin: native to British Columbia to northern California
Hardiness Zone: 6
Foliage: Alternate, simple with 3 to 5 rounded lobes, dark green, doubly serrated, appear ruffled, slightly hairy and paler underneath. Yellow to red autumn colours.
Flowers: clusters of 10 to 30 red, pink or white pendulous long racemes up to 8 cm long of ½ cm tubular flowers, March, April.
Fruit: dark blue with a thin waxy coating, up to 9 mm long, edible, but not flavourful, suitable for jam and jellies
Stems: Thin orange or red stems that mature to greyish brown.
Exposure: sun to partial shade
Soil: soil tolerant, well-drained, moderately fertile soils, neutral or slightly acidic pH, clay soils, organic mulch beneficial, drought tolerant once established
Uses: foundation plantings, massing, mixed border, native, hedge row, small garden, woodland margin, humming birds, birds, butterflies
Propagation: soft wood cuttings in spring, semi-hard wood in summer and hard wood cuttings in winter, heel-cuttings November to February, refrigerate seeds for 3 months then sow.
Pruning: Prune after flowering by 1/3rd, if needed.
Problems: Don't plant near pine trees as hosts white pine blister rust, susceptible to honey fungus, but has few problems.
Cultivars: ‘White Icicle’ with white flowers, ‘Poky's Pig’ pink flowers, and a compacted cultivar is ‘King Edward VII’, which has deep red flowers.
Comments: A beautiful and reliable native shrub. Flower clusters, shaped like grapes, dangle in profusion in early spring. Many birds enjoy these lovely flowers as well as hummingbirds and butterflies.
Botanical Name: Ribes sanguineum
Form: upright arching to rounded
Family: Saxifragaceae
Genus: Ribes
Species: sanguineum (blood red)
Plant Type: broadleaf multistemmed deciduous shrub
Mature Size: 5 - 8 ft tall and 3 - 5 ft wide
Growth: moderate
Origin: native to British Columbia to northern California
Hardiness Zone: 6
Foliage: Alternate, simple with 3 to 5 rounded lobes, dark green, doubly serrated, appear ruffled, slightly hairy and paler underneath. Yellow to red autumn colours.
Flowers: clusters of 10 to 30 red, pink or white pendulous long racemes up to 8 cm long of ½ cm tubular flowers, March, April.
Fruit: dark blue with a thin waxy coating, up to 9 mm long, edible, but not flavourful, suitable for jam and jellies
Stems: Thin orange or red stems that mature to greyish brown.
Exposure: sun to partial shade
Soil: soil tolerant, well-drained, moderately fertile soils, neutral or slightly acidic pH, clay soils, organic mulch beneficial, drought tolerant once established
Uses: foundation plantings, massing, mixed border, native, hedge row, small garden, woodland margin, humming birds, birds, butterflies
Propagation: soft wood cuttings in spring, semi-hard wood in summer and hard wood cuttings in winter, heel-cuttings November to February, refrigerate seeds for 3 months then sow.
Pruning: Prune after flowering by 1/3rd, if needed.
Problems: Don't plant near pine trees as hosts white pine blister rust, susceptible to honey fungus, but has few problems.
Cultivars: ‘White Icicle’ with white flowers, ‘Poky's Pig’ pink flowers, and a compacted cultivar is ‘King Edward VII’, which has deep red flowers.
Comments: A beautiful and reliable native shrub. Flower clusters, shaped like grapes, dangle in profusion in early spring. Many birds enjoy these lovely flowers as well as hummingbirds and butterflies.
I love my flowering currant.
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King Edward VII flowering currant bears deep red flowers.
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An unnamed pink flowering currant.
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A pink flowering currant.
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A white flowering currant cultivar called White Icicle.
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White Icicle flowering currant.
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Flowering currant's fruit are not that tasty but are good for jam and jellies.
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Flowering currant's foliage turns yellow and/or red in the autumn.
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April 2017 - Aubretia, Purple Rock Cress
Purple Prince tulips and white aubretia grow at their feet.
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Simple blue-violet flowers of the aubretia.
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Common Name: aubretia, purple rock cress
Botanical Name: Aubrieta deltoidea
Form: prostrate, low spreading
Family: Brassiceae (mustard family)
Genus: Aubrieta
Species: deltoidea
Plant Type: evergreen, herbaceous perennial
Mature Size: 2 foot spread, ground hugging
Growth: fast
Origin: Southern Eugrope to central Asia
Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
Foliage: evergreen, green oval shaped often lobed
Flowers: pink, violet or white flowers with four petals
Fruit: hairy 2 cm silique (a long capsule that splits open)
Exposure: fun sun, light shade
Soil: light, well-drained soil, pH tolerant, drought tolerant once established
Uses: groundcover, rockery, container, window boxes,
Propagation: seeds, plant divisions
Pruning: deadhead with some scissors right after flowering so they will re-flower, cut back scraggly plants by 1/3rd after flowering
Problems: doesn’t like soggy soil and needs sun to flower well
Cultivars: Red Cascade’, ‘Royal Blue’, white ‘Purity’ or violet ‘Doctor Mules’.
Comments: A ground hugging mat that smothers the ground and looks good even when it is not in flower. This non-invasive, easy care groundcover also looks great spilling over planter rims and oozing over retaining walls and cascading rockeries. A great plant for bees as they love the masses of flowers.
Botanical Name: Aubrieta deltoidea
Form: prostrate, low spreading
Family: Brassiceae (mustard family)
Genus: Aubrieta
Species: deltoidea
Plant Type: evergreen, herbaceous perennial
Mature Size: 2 foot spread, ground hugging
Growth: fast
Origin: Southern Eugrope to central Asia
Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
Foliage: evergreen, green oval shaped often lobed
Flowers: pink, violet or white flowers with four petals
Fruit: hairy 2 cm silique (a long capsule that splits open)
Exposure: fun sun, light shade
Soil: light, well-drained soil, pH tolerant, drought tolerant once established
Uses: groundcover, rockery, container, window boxes,
Propagation: seeds, plant divisions
Pruning: deadhead with some scissors right after flowering so they will re-flower, cut back scraggly plants by 1/3rd after flowering
Problems: doesn’t like soggy soil and needs sun to flower well
Cultivars: Red Cascade’, ‘Royal Blue’, white ‘Purity’ or violet ‘Doctor Mules’.
Comments: A ground hugging mat that smothers the ground and looks good even when it is not in flower. This non-invasive, easy care groundcover also looks great spilling over planter rims and oozing over retaining walls and cascading rockeries. A great plant for bees as they love the masses of flowers.
A pink cultivar of a pink rock cress.
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A close-up of pretty aubretia blossoms.
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Cut off spent flowers with scissors for aubretias for flower again.
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Simple flowers with yellow stamens define aubretias.
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Happy aubretia plants smother these large rocks.
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Love plants, love to garden.
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