Mike's Garden Top 5 Plants

Fragrant Roses II

Posted on July 2, 2013 by soulofagardener

Rosa ‘Sweet Juliet’ (syn. ‘AUSleap’) (Austin 1989) (GRAHAM THOMAS x ADMIRED MIRANDA) – This David Austin English Rose bears slightly nodding double cupped flowers of apricot-pink with a delightful sweet tea fragrance. It repeat blooms throughout the season and also features good disease resistance. Strong upright growth habit. Grows 4-5′ high by 3′ wide. Zone 5.

Rosa gallica ‘Rosa Mundi’ (syn. Rosa gallica var. versicolor, ‘Panache’, ‘Rosemonde’, ‘La Panachee’, Rosa gallica var. variegata) (introduced around 1581) (sport of Rosa gallica var. officinalis) – This Gallica Rose is an RHS Award of Garden Merit winner and bears fragrant semi-double blooms of crimson, with white and pink splashes. Grows 3-4′ high and wide. Zone 4.

Rosa SUGAR MOON (syn. ‘WEKmemolo’) (Bedard 2012) (‘Meredith’ x [MOONSTONE x ‘Baby Love’]) – This Hybrid Tea bears pure white fully double blooms (4-5″ wide) that make superb cut flowers and are flush with sweet rose and citrus scent. It is a strong repeat bloomer and features glossy deep green disease resistant foliage. Grows 4-5.5′ high by 3′. Zone 6.

Rosa EGLANTYNE (syn. ‘AUSmak’) (Austin 1994) (Seedling x MARY ROSE) – Considered by many to be one of the best Austin or English Roses, EGLANTYNE bears intricate pale pink blooms with abundant upturned petals that form a ruffled, fully double flower. These are wonderfully scented with old rose fragrance and are often quartered. Grows 4′ high by 3′ wide. Zone 5.

$rosefracloud (300x284)$ Rosa ‘Fragrant Cloud’ (syn. ‘TANellis’, DUFTWOLKE, NUAGE PARFUME) (Tantau 1963) (PRIMA BALLERINA x ‘Montezuma’) – The huge blooms (5-7″ across) of this classic Hybrid Tea are an unusual coral-red colour with a strong spicy, old rose fragrance. These repeat bloom throughout the growing season over glossy deep green foliage. Grows 4-5′ high by 3-4′ wide. Zone 5.

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Red-Flowered Perennials II

Posted on July 1, 2013 by soulofagardener

Geum ‘Mrs. Bradshaw’ – An old-fashioned hybrid Avens and an Award of Garden Merit winner (back in 1909). ‘Mrs. Bradshaw’ bears semi-double scarlet blooms (with contrasting golden stamens) on tall airy stems from late May through to August with deadheading. It can be grown from seed and will attracts bees and pollinators. Grows 24-30″ high by 12-18″ wide. Zone 5.

Coreopsis ‘Mercury Rising’ – A new Tickseed that is much hardier than past red introductions, as it has been bred from Coreopsis rosea. The 1.5-2″ wide burgundy-red blooms (with a golden eye) just keep coming from early summer through to fall with no deadheading being necessary, as it is sterile. Fine textured bright green foliage. Grows 15-18″ high by 24-36″. Zone 5.

Phygelius x rectus ‘African Queen’ (syn. ‘Indian Chief’) – This Cape Fuchsia is an RHS Award of Garden Merit winner with impressive spires of pendulous reddish-orange tubular flowers, with a contrasting pale yellow throat. It blooms continually from July through to September (with deadheading) and will attract hummingbirds. Grows 3′ high by 3′ wide. Hardy to zone 7.

Hemerocallis ‘Pygmy Pirate’ – A repeat-blooming Daylily introduced by Moldovan in 1990 – it features dark burgundy-red blooms (about 3.75″ wide) with a greenish-yellow throat starting in late June. It is a cross of Hemerocallis ‘Wicked Witch’ and ‘Pardon Me’, and also features fragrant flowers. Arching deep green foliage. Grows 24″ high by 20-24″ wide. Zone 3.

Papaver nudicaule ‘SPRING FEVER Red’ – A compact Iceland Poppy that blooms in its first year when grown from seed – these are usually short-lived perennials or biennials that readily self-seed. ‘SPRING FEVER Red’ features semi-double reddish-orange blooms that emerge from black-haired buds from late spring into summer. Grows 10-12″ high by 8-12″. Zone 2.

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Floribunda Roses VI

Posted on June 30, 2013 by soulofagardener

Rosa MARINA (syn. ‘RinaKOR’) (Kordes 1974) (‘Colour Wonder’ x ‘Zorina’) – This AARS winner bears fully double true orange blooms (that fade with some reddish-pink) in showy clusters throughout the growing season. These have a mild fruity fragrance and make a good cut flower. Glossy, deep green foliage. Grows 3 to 4′ high by 3′ wide. Hardy to zone 6.

Rosa ‘French Lace’ (syn. ‘JAClace’) (Warriner 1980) (‘Dr. A.J. Verhage’ x BRIDAL PINK) – An elegant floribunda rose with clusters of white to soft pink blooms emerging from apricot buds. The flowers are fully double (26-40 petals) and carry a mild fruity fragrance. It is an AARS winner with deep green foliage that contrasts the blooms well. Grows 4′ high by 3-4′ wide. Zone 6.

Rosa NICOLE (syn. ‘KORicole’) (Kordes 1985) (Seedling x BORDURE ROSE) – This sister seedling to ‘Hannah Gordon’ bears clusters of bicolor white flowers with prominent raspberry pink edges. They are lightly fragrant and borne throughout the season over dark green foliage with light gloss. Makes a nice informal flowering hedge. Grows 3′ high by 3-4′ wide. Zone 5.

Rosa EBB TIDE (syn. ‘WEKsmopur’, PURPLE EDEN) (Carruth 2001) (breeding includes ‘Blue Nile’, ‘Sweet Chariot’, ‘Stephen’s Big Purple’ and ‘International Herald Tribune’) – The deep smoky purple blooms (about 4″ across) have a strong, spicy clove fragrance and emerge from near black buds. Repeat blooming. Grows 36″ high by 30″ wide. Hardy to zone 5.

Rosa ‘Drop Dead Red’ (syn. ‘WEKcharlie’) (Carruth 2008) (CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO x LASTING LOVE) – As the name implies, ‘Drop Dead Red’ is a superb velvety red floribunda with clusters of 3.5″ wide blooms (with a classic double form) bearing a very light tea fragrance. It produces larger flowers in regions with cooler summers. Grows 3-4′ high by 4′ wide. Hardy to zone 5.

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Astilbe III / False Spirea

Posted on June 29, 2013 by soulofagardener

Astilbe simplifolia ‘Moulin Rouge’ (syn. Astilbe crispa x A. japonica) – A beautiful dwarf Astilbe that lives up to its name with flashy raspberry-pink blooms borne from June to July. These are produced over dense tufts of finely-cut burgundy to deep green foliage. Prefers light shade to filtered sun with even soil moisture. Grows 6″ high by 10″ wide. Hardy to zone 3.

Astilbe japonica ‘Europa’ – This cultivar of False Spirea bears feathery spires of soft pink plumes over finely-cut glossy deep green leaves from late spring through to early summer. It is a good choice for mass planting but is herbaceous, so its winter presence is not significant. Can be grown in deep shade, but will bloom less. Grows 24″ high by 24-32″ wide. Hardy to zone 4.

Astilbe x arendsii ‘Diamant’ (syn. ‘Diamond’) – Nothing perks up a partial shade exposure better than a little white and the snowy plumes of ‘Diamant’ show up quite well against the lacy green foliage. If you can bring yourself to prune out a few, these make excellent cut flowers. Divide every 3-4 years (in early spring) to maintain vigor. Grows 30″ high by 24″ wide. Zone 3.

Astilbe x arendsii ‘Erica’ (syn. ‘Erika’) – The pale pink feathery plumes are borne on contrasting deep red stems (from June through to July) making an impressive display. The foliage provides additional interest as it emerges a bronze-red to burgundy and shifts to a deep green as the summer progresses. Grows 32″ high by 24″ wide. Hardy to zone 4.

Astilbe x arendsii ‘Fanal’ – Few perennials command your attention as well as ‘Fanal’, as the bold deep red plumes (produced in early summer) are highly visible, even from quite a distance. These are borne over finely-cut leaves that emerge a mahogany red and shift to green through summer. It is an RHS Award of Garden Merit winner. Grows 20″ high by 18-20″. Zone 3.

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Hydrangea macrophylla / Bigleaf Hydrangea II

Posted on June 28, 2013 by soulofagardener

Hydrangea macrophylla DOUBLE DELIGHTS ‘Peace’ (syn. ‘H18-12′) – A repeat-blooming Mophead Hydrangea with fully double white florets (that open with a tinge of green) on old wood in spring and then on new wood from summer into autumn. These contrast nicely against the deep green leaves that form a dense canopy. Grows 3-4′ high by 3’ wide. Hardy to zone 5.

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Tovelit’ – A dwarf Hydrangea usually with bright pink blooms (can change depending on pH) composed of tiny frilled florets – these make excellent cut flowers. The blooms are borne from June to September and this shrub can be grown in containers provided it is sheltered in winter. Prefers late afternoon or a morning exposure. Grows 3′ high and wide. Z6.

Hydrangea macrophylla ENDLESS SUMMER (syn. ‘Bailmer’) – The original remontant or repeat-blooming Bigleaf Hydrangea with large rounded blue flowers (in acid soils) up to 8″ across borne on both old and new wood. The blooms are pink in alkaline soils and are produced from early summer through to autumn. Grows 3-5′ high and wide depending on pruning. Zone 4.

Hydrangea macrophylla DOUBLE DELIGHTS ‘Star Gazer’ (syn. ‘Kompeito’) – A repeat-blooming lacecap type Bigleaf Hydrangea with a ring of double pink or blue (depending on pH) florets individually edged in pure white. It flowers from late spring through to early fall and prefers a partial sun exposure. Mildew resistant. Grows 3-4′ high by 3-5′ wide. Hardy to zone 5.

Hydrangea macrophylla CITYLINE ‘Mars’ – This dwarf Hydrangea is a Proven Winners selection and has the bicolor pink and white-edged blooms (may be blue & white in acid soils) much like ‘Harlequin’, except that they emerge with a hint of green. It is compact in nature making it ideal for large containers or smaller urban gardens. Grows 3′ high and wide. Hardy to zone 5.

Posted in Gardening | Tagged cut flower, flowering shrub, summer-flowering | 1 Comment

Veronica / Speedwell

Posted on June 27, 2013 by soulofagardener

Veronica ‘First Love’ – A compact hybrid Speedwell with spikes of eye-catching bright pink flowers from June through to August when deadheaded. These are borne over compact mid-green foliage that averages 6 to 8″ high. An excellent choice for massing in bed foregrounds provided it gets a part to full sun exposure. Grows 8-12″ high by 18-20″ wide. Hardy to zone 4.

Veronica longifolia ‘First Glory’ – The rich purplish-blue flower spikes of ‘First Glory’ are borne from June to August (and even through to September when deadheaded) and will be constantly tempting the butterflies. This is also a good choice to plant near the vegetable garden as it is bound to attract pollinators. Prefers evenly moist soils. Grows 22″ high by 18″ wide. Zone 4.

Veronica repens ‘Sunshine’ – A creeping Speedwell with tiny golden-yellow leaves that form a dense mat, useful in rock gardens or as a groundcover. It is reported to bear small near-white flowers in spring, although my plants produced sporadic purplish-blue blossoms. Requires regular watering during periods of extreme heat. Grows 1″ high by 6-12″. Z5.

Veronica spicata ‘Giles van Hees’ – Another compact Veronica with slender tapered spikes of purplish-pink blooms that often attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It flowers from June to August and perhaps even longer when the spent flowers are removed. These actually make good cut flowers, albeit only suitable for a bud vase. Grows 6-12″ high by 8-10″. Zone 3.

Veronica gentianoides ‘Variegata’ – The Variegated Gentian Speedwell is a semi-evergreen perennial with spoon-shaped ground hugging (2-3″ high) green leaves edged in cream. It bears tall spikes of white flowers with pale blue striping from late spring to early summer. This plant performs poorly under drought conditions, so keep evenly moist. 12-18″ high and wide. Z4.

Posted in Gardening | Tagged attracts butterflies, attracts hummingbirds, cut flower, groundcover, perennial, summer-flowering | 1 Comment

Grandiflora and Hybrid Tea Roses II

Posted on June 25, 2013 by soulofagardener

Rosa ‘Folklore’ (syn. ‘KORlore) (Kordes 1977) (‘Fragrant Cloud’ x Seedling) – This tall Hybrid Tea rose bears fully double (26 to 40 petals) coral orange to salmon pink flowers that are wonderfully fragrant. These repeat bloom throughout the growing season over glossy deep green foliage that is quite disease resistant. Good cut flower. Grows 6-8′ high by 4-6′ wide. Hardy to zone 5.

Rosa SUNSHINE DAYDREAM (syn. ‘Raffaello’, ‘MEIkanaro’) (Richardier pre 2006) (‘[‘Carefree Beauty’ x ‘Yakimour’] x ‘Christopher Columbus’) – This disease resistant Grandiflora rose was the first rose to win an AARS award with a ‘no-spray’ trial period. It bears 3.5″ wide blooms of pale yellow to butter cream with darker centers. Grows 5.5′ high by 4′ wide. Zone 5.

Rosa CHERRY PARFAIT (syn. ‘Fire & Ice’, JUBILE DU PRINCE DE MONACO, ‘MEIsponge’) (Meilland/Richardier 2000) ([‘Meidanu’ x ‘Macman’] x ‘Meichoiju’) – Another AARS winner and Grandiflora rose with impressive bicolor blooms of creamy white with red edges. These have mild fragrance and are borne over matte green foliage. Grows 3′ high by 2-3′ wide. Zone 6.

Rosa CH-CHING! (syn. ‘WEKyesir’) (Carruth/Bedard 2008) – This Grandiflora rose is a sport of the AARS winner STRIKE IT RICH and features 4-5″ wide blooms of a deep lemony yellow (retains it color well) with an occasional hint of red and a strong sweet (with some fruit) fragrance. It is quite floriferous and cluster flowered. Grows 5.5 to 6.5′ high. Hardy to zone 5.

Rosa ROYAL WILLIAM (syn. ‘Duftzauber’, ‘Fragrant Charm’, KORzaun’) (Kordes 1984) (‘Feuerzauber’ x Seedling) – This Hybrid Tea rose is an RHS Award of Garden Merit winner and produces 5″ wide velvety-red blooms with a strong sweet and spicy fragrance. It is an excellent cut flower and has disease resistant deep green foliage. Grows 3-4′ high by 30″. Z7.

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Novelty Impatiens / Busy Lizzie

Posted on June 24, 2013 by soulofagardener

Impatiens walleriana ‘Center Stage’ (syn. ‘Tuckmas’) – This new Impatiens has the perfect combination of single fire engine red blooms and bright green foliage edged in gold and lime – a real showstopper. It flowers from late spring through to frost and works well in containers. Best grown in part to full shade exposures. Grows 6″ high by 10-12″ wide. Tender Annual.

Impatiens walleriana ‘Fiesta Ole Peppermint’ (syn. ‘Balolepep’) – A double-flowered Busy Lizzie with rounded bright pink blooms kissed with a hint of white and nicely contrasted by sage green foliage that is tastefully edged in cream. ‘Fiesta Ole Peppermint’ keeps a perfect mounded form that lends itself to hanging baskets. Grows 10-12″ high and wide. Tender Annual.

Impatiens walleriana MUSICA ‘Pink Energy’ – This Danziger introduction blooms from late spring through to autumn with double deep rose blooms that are nicely complimented by the rich green foliage. It works equally well in shade to partial shade borders, as well as hanging baskets and containers. Prefers even soil moisture. Grows 12″ high by 18″ wide. Tender Annual.

Impatiens walleriana PATCHWORK ‘Cosmic Burgundy’ (syn. ‘Balpacurn’) -A new novelty Impatiens with huge (almost 2″ wide) blooms of purplish-red brush-stroked with a white central star and faint pink streaking. Finally we have an Impatiens to answer all the critics who say they are too boring to justify a solitary planting. Grows 10-16″ high by 12-14″ wide. Annual.

Impatiens walleriana PATCHWORK ‘Cosmic Orange’ (‘Balpacorg’) – The 1960’s have finally come back to haunt us in a tricolor Impatiens that rivals the best tie-dyed t-shirt. ‘Cosmic Orange’ features single blooms of a bright coral-orange with a contrasting white central star, edged in brushstrokes of purple. Grows 10-16″ high by 12-14″ wide. Tender Annual.

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Low Maintenance Landscape Roses

Posted on June 23, 2013 by soulofagardener

Rosa SWEET VIGOROSA (syn. ‘KORdatura’, NEON, ‘Neon Balconia’) (Kordes pre 1998) – This hybrid Floribunda rose features abundant semi-double blooms (9-16 petals) of a vibrant pink with near white centers and contrasting golden stamens. It repeat blooms throughout the growing season over glossy mid green foliage. Grows 3′ high by 5′ wide. Hardy to zone 6.

Rosa TOULOUSE-LAUTREC (syn. ‘MEIrevolt’) (Meilland pre 1992) (‘Ambassador’ x [‘King’s Ransom’ x ‘Sunblest’]) – Although technically a Hybrid Tea, TOULOUSE-LAUTREC is a part of the Romantica Series which is bred to look like English Roses but with good disease resistance. It bears fragrant double yellow blooms over glossy green foliage. Grows 4-6′ high and wide. Zone 5.

Rosa PINK KNOCK OUT (syn. ‘Radcon’) (Montesino 2004) – This sport of the original KNOCK OUT Rose (‘Radrazz’) features single to semi-double blooms (about 3″ wide) of bright pink with lighter centers, nicely contrasted by yellow stamens. These are borne from May to frost and are followed by reddish-orange hips. Grows 3 to 4′ high by 3 to 4′ wide. Hardy to zone 5.

Rosa KNOCK OUT DOUBLE RED’ (syn. ‘RADtko’, DOUBLE KNOCK OUT, ‘Double Red Knockout Rose’) (Radler 2004) – This disease resistant shrub rose has a complicated lineage which includes ‘Playboy’, ‘Applejack’, ‘Razzle Dazzle’ and ‘Deep Purple’. It features 3″ wide double to semi-double red flowers that repeat throughout the season. Grows 3-4′ high and wide. Zone 4.

Rosa ‘Max Graf’ (Bowditch 1919) (R. rugosa x R. wichuriana) – An older rugosa hybrid with good disease resistance and a sprawling growth habit, making it a tall groundcover choice. It is once-blooming in late spring or early summer with 5-petaled single pink blooms (with lighter centers) sporting a fruity apple fragrance. Grows 2-3′ high by 8-10′ wide. Hardy to zone 6.

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Clematis VI

Posted on June 21, 2013 by soulofagardener

Clematis ‘Moonfleet’ (syn. ‘Evipo046’) (Evison/Poulsen 2007) – A truly striking Clematis suitable for growing in containers, ‘Moonfleet’ features 5-7″ wide blooms of pale lilac-pink (aging to pale blue) with a slightly darker bar and purple stamens. These are borne from June to September over deep green foliage. Pruning Group C. Grows 6-8′ high. Hardy to zone 4.

Clematis ‘Rhapsody’ (Fretwell) – A compact growing Clematis with iridescent sapphire-blue flowers (5-7″ wide) nicely contrasted by creamy-yellow stamens – these will actually darken with age. It is free-flowering and blooms from June through to September. ‘Rhapsody’ is a good choice for smaller urban landscapes. Pruning Group C. Grows 7 to 10′ high. Zone 4.

Clematis SHIMMER (syn. ‘Evipo028′) (Evison 2010) – Another beautiful creation from Raymond Evison which features slightly ruffled petals of a deep lilac-blue that fade to pale violet, giving a distinct two-tone effect. These are nicely complimented by pale yellow stamens that are tipped in deep purple. Pruning Group C. Grows 6 to 8’ high. Hardy to zone 4.

Clematis ‘Piilu’ (syn. ‘Little Duckling’) (Kivistik 1984) – This cross of ‘Hagley Hybrid’ and ‘Makhrovyi’ is as cute as its anglicized name with beautiful mauve pink petals and a raspberry bar, contrasted by creamy yellow stamens. These are semi to fully double from May to June, and single in September. Fades a bit in full sun. Pruning Group B. Grows 4 to 6′ high. Hardy to zone 4.

Clematis ‘Etoile de Malicorne’ (Girault) – A French cultivar which features 6 to 7 inch wide blooms of violet-blue with a pale pink bar, accented with creamy-white stamens that are tipped in reddish-purple. It flowers from late spring to early summer, and again in early fall. ‘Etoile de Malicorne’ is striking when combined with darker purple Clematis. Pruning Group B. 8-10′. Zone 4.

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