Common Questions Answered

Does the Hosta ‘Abiqua Drinking Gourd’ need full shade?

The ‘Abiqua Drinking Gourd’ Hosta requires high-filtered or dappled sunlight that is necessary for its clean, healthy growth. Morning sun is tolerable and will help to intensify the leaf colors, but hot afternoon sun is usually deadly to this Hosta. This perennial is most at home in shady, woodland settings and often works well as specimen or edging plants.

Its unique dark blue-green, seersuckered leaves form cup shapes that can be up to 3" deep. Producing white flowers on 22" scapes in early summer, this hosta demonstrates good slug resistance.

A low care perennial, ‘Abiqua Drinking Gourd’ grows best in moist, well-drained, highly organic soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Sandy loam is better than clay because it provides more aeration for the roots.

With its great substance, good color and white flowers this hosta makes an outstanding and impressive specimen plant.

Hosta Abiqua Drinking Gourd

Posted Nov 20 2009, 10:15 AM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: Abiqua Drinking Gourd Hosta, common questions answered, hosta, perennial, shade plant, specimen plant

How tall does the The Geranium 'Tony Monster' grow?

Growing to a height of 12 inches, ‘Tony Monster’ Geranium is like all geraniums, very reliable! It has blooms that are large with a bright magenta color. Along with these prolific blooms, it also is a vigorous grower. This geranium is a hardy perennial and should not be confused with annual geraniums.

Plants should be set in the soil no deeper than the depth they were growing in the pot; if possible, plant more shallow. If you plant too deeply, stem rot will usually kill the plant. This geranium prefers partial sun and grows in zones 4-11.

For best results, plant ‘Tony Monster’ in a dry to moist area in a well drained site. It is a superb plant for cottage gardens, container growing, borders or informal borders in mass plantings. ‘Tony Monster’ will benefit from a good shearing after initial flowering to encourage new foliage and rebloom. Attracting bees and butterflies, it is very disease and deer resistant.

‘Tony Monster’ originated from the nursery of Germany's famous Countess Helen Von Stein.

Posted Nov 19 2009, 10:15 AM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: butterfly plantnt, common question answered, container plants, deer resistant plant, geranium, perennial, Tony Monster Geranium

What is Creeping Thyme?

Creeping Thyme is a low growing mat that is covered with hundreds of rosy-red flowers in summer. Since it is a strong grower, it is ideal as a drought tolerant lawn substitute, or as a groundcover for planting between flagstones, tolerating moderate traffic.

Thyme spreads by growing from one set of leaves to the next. In between the leaves is a stem segment. With almost an inch of stem between its sets of leaves Creeping Thyme grows quickly. This longer stem segment also provides a rooting zone for the thyme to creep along on. As long as the ground is moist where that stem segment hits it, the plant will root and continue to creep.

Grow Creeping Thyme in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. This Thyme is happiest when growing in loose, sandy or rocky soils with excellent drainage. Since it is very shallow rooted and dies easily if left drying in the hot summer sun, it should remain moist but not soggy for best growth.

It will also add elegance to mixed beds or pots when allowed to trail over the edges. Creeping thyme is easily divided in spring or early fall, and even small pieces will take root and grow wherever they are placed. Attractive to butterflies, it grows in zones 3-9.

Posted Nov 18 2009, 03:06 PM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: butterfly plant, common questions answered, creeping thyme, ground cover, growing thyme, thyme

How can I best grow the Shima-nishiki Peony?

With its unique name, and sporting an unusual two-toned color, the Peony ‘Shimanishiki’ is an exotic beauty that any gardener would be proud to have on display! ‘Shimanishiki’ has large reddish purple flowers with streaks of white throughout the petals. Making an excellent specimen plant for spring color, it booms in late spring to early summer, the flowers lasting for about 2-3 weeks, depending on the weather.

Being a favorite Japanese Tree Peony. it is stunning in full bloom. ‘Shimanishiki’ has huge blossoms that can be up to 8-inches or more across. Tree Peonies are slow growing, but very hardy plants. Growing only 4-5' tall, this exceptional Tree Peony is sub-zero hardy and blooms for a lifetime.

It is very easy to grow, and it grows best in full sun (at least 6 hours each day), in average, well-drained garden soil. This plant rarely needs pruning, except to maintain a desired shape and size, or to remove damaged canes. The woody branches do not die back to the ground in the winter and should not be trimmed back.

Posted Nov 17 2009, 01:34 PM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: common question answered, hardy plant, large blooms, peony, Shima-nishiki tree peony, specimen plant, tree peony

Where should I plant Astilbe ‘Delft Lace’?

Plant Astilbe ‘Delft Lace’ wherever you need to brighten up your landscape! Astilbes are long-lived perennials that are happiest when grown in rich soil and light shade to filtered sun. If grown in full shade they will not bloom as prolifically.

This lacy beauty has a waxy foliage that is a deep blue-green with a light silver overlay. This gives it a unique look and adds excitement to a shaded area. It grows to a height of 24 to 36 inches in zones 4-9.

Flowering in midsummer, ‘Delft Lace’ displays clusters of deep salmon pink buds that open to a soft apricot pink. Astilbes require lots of water. Plants must have consistently moist soil; dryness leads to a quick demise, especially in the sun!

Posted Nov 16 2009, 01:37 PM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: astilbe, Astilbe Delft Lace, common questions answered, perennial, shade plant, waxy foliage

Where should I plant the 'Crème de Cassis' Hollyhock?

'Crème de Cassis' Hollyhock is a wonderful plant that looks great near the back of the border, or works well along walls or fences. Interestingly, a Hollyhock can even grow under Black Walnut trees; the plant is tolerant of the toxic juglone that is emitted through the trees roots.

'Crème de Cassis' prefers full sun, and requires a deeply dug, well-drained soil made up of equal portions of good loam and leaf mold. Well decayed manure is good also to mix in the soil. Plant in a warm place and give it plenty of water during dry weather. Being an easy-to-grow plant that is an old favorite, this hollyhock is getting new attention and becoming more popular.

'Crème de Cassis' Hollyhock may have to be staked if planted in a windy site. Its tall stalks are covered with showy 3-4" white edged blooms with scrumptious raspberry centers. The mouthwatering color combination, makes this stunning Hollyhock very unique. These scrumptious veined flowers, with a juicy blackcurrant color, fade to paler berry shades around the edges of each bloom. This treat gets even sweeter when 'Crème de Cassis' semi-double and single flowers bloom on the same stems!

Posted Nov 15 2009, 11:59 AM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: black walnut tree, common questions answered, Creme de Cassis Hollyhock, easy to grow plant, hollyhock, juglone

Can you suggest a unique daylily for me?

Daylily ‘South Seas’ will knock your socks off! What a totally unique coral pink color! The bright color of the ‘South Seas’ Daylily gets our attention every time we view it in the garden, and no daylily quite compares to it.

The 5" deep coral flowers have a deeper red-coral band above a small yellow-green throat. Each heavily ruffled flower has a slight gold edge that becomes more prominent as the day progresses.

Loaded with blooms, we get weeks of enjoyment out of this daylily. It is a very good grower and all-around excellent perennial. 'South Seas' is considered a "Designer" daylily because it has been selected as a highly performing plant with exceptional bloom performance, substantive, vibrantly colored flowers, complete winter hardiness in northern zones, and a vigorous habit.

How can you pass up all those qualities? Daylilies can survive many harsh conditions that other plants cannot. They also crowd out weeds and makes a carefree and colorful groundcover. Reaching a height of 24-30 inches, ‘South Seas’ will add a stunning color to your garden bed or containers.

Posted Nov 14 2009, 10:15 AM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: common questions answered, container plant, daylily, groundcover, hardy plant, perennial, South Seas Daylily

Is the Beaujolais Bonnets a pincushion flower?

Scabiosa ‘Beaujolais Bonnets’, has an unusual and interesting color; also called a pincushion flower! A mound of green foliage offers a wonderful contrast to the blooms from late spring through midsummer. These flowers also add a unique quality to fresh cut or dried floral arrangements.

This Scabiosa flower lets you drink in its beauty while displaying a deep purple-burgundy center tuft that is surrounded by pale lavender petals. Deadheading after the first bloom will encourage repeat bloom time. Good drainage is essential for the health of this plant, along with full sun. In the fall, cut back any flowering stems to help the plants prepare for winter.

'Beaujolais Bonnets' flowers are carried on tall, wiry stems that get 18-24 inches tall . These perennial flowers are great for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. This brand new Scabiosa variety will add a delicate touch to your border or rock garden!

Posted Nov 13 2009, 09:46 AM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: Beaujolais Bonnets Scabiosa, butterfly plant, common questions answered, deadheading, hummingbird plant, perennial, pincushion flower, Scabiosa

Can you suggest a colorful fall plant?

How about the ‘Bolero’ Mum for a colorful fall landscape? A hardy garden mum, bigger and better than the standard mum, this ‘Bolero’ Mum will create a beautiful display for your fall landscape. It provides an abundance of blooms that are 3.5 inches wide, deep gold, and daisy-like. These flowers appear on tight, mounded plants that are easy to grow in well drained soil and full sun.

Fertilize 'Bolero' up to three times during the growing season, and then it should be pinched back several times before the fourth of July to maintain a shorter, more compact habit.

The blooms are perfect for cut flower arrangements, and known to attract butterflies. Dendranthema blooms late in the season, from the end of summer well into fall, and returns reliably year after year. Divide this perennial every 3 years to maintain vigor.

Posted Nov 12 2009, 10:20 AM by bill-nhn with 1 comment(s)

Filed under: Bolero Mum, butterfly plant, common questions answered, cut flower, dendranthema, fall bloomer, fall color, garden mum, hardy mum, perennial

How do I grow the fragrant and ornamental Lavender ‘Ellagance Purple’?

Do you have a hot, dry, sunny area? Lavender ‘Ellagance Purple’ will fill it up the space with its concentrated purple-blue blossoms from mid summer through early fall!

Growing on top of full mounds of silver-green foliage, these stunning purple colored flowers can grace walkways, raised walls, and borders. It will shine as a container plant too; you can move it to follow the sun or even bring it indoors for the winter. This perennial plant will grow 10 to 12 inches in height in zones 5-9.

‘Ellagance Purple’ Lavender will tolerate many growing conditions, but it thrives in warm, well-drained soil and full sun. Do not fertilize, since over-rich soil will cause the plant to be less fragrant. An alkaline, and especially chalky soil, will enhance lavender’s fragrance. Plant in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late fall. To give it a good start, put a handful of compost in the planting hole. It should be kept watered during the first growing season.

Posted Nov 11 2009, 10:57 AM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: common questions answered, Ellagance Purple Lavender, indoor plant, lavender, long bloomer, perennial

Where is the best location to plant Lamb’s Ear?

Lamb’s Ear is a perennial that creates a great visual interest as a groundcover because of its low growing and spreading habit. Since being drought-tolerant, it makes a good candidate for rock gardens. If planted in a container, it becomes a novel way for children to get up close and feel the velvety soft leaves!

Lamb’s Ear is very fuzzy and pale (similar to that of an real lamb's ears) with silvery gray-green foliage. Lamb’s Ear loves full sun and requires good drainage. When watering, water from the ground and not from the top since too much moisture may rot the fuzzy leaves.

This plant is usually grown more for the texture and color of its foliage than for its bloom, but Lamb's Ear can produce light purple flowers on tall spikes. These spikes reach 12"-18" in height, but the rest of the plant stays much closer to the ground. This textured plant adds an unusual and interesting aspect to any landscape.

'Silver Carpet' forms a fuzzy rug of silver foliage. Mostly non-flowering, this Lamb's ear is undemanding and easily grown. It is useful in the border or as a ground cover. It will add texture and color in rock gardens and looks wonderful with Veronica ‘Goodness Grows’, Tradescantia ‘Concord Grape’ or other purple blooming perennials.

Posted Nov 10 2009, 10:03 AM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: common questions answered, foliage plant, groundcover, Lambs Ear, perennial, Silver Carpet Lambs Ear

Is the ‘Candy Mountain’ Foxglove flower always “looking up”?

Foxglove ‘Candy Mountain’ is the first foxglove ever to have upward-facing flowers instead of the usual downward-facing ones! What a new and unique feature. This flower allows you to view its beautifully speckled throats from above instead of below, and this little difference make a big impact.

The rose pink flowers completely surround the strong flower spikes and make a dramatic look wherever you plant it. Growing 3 to 4 feet tall, it will tolerate morning shade but does best in full sun. It is a must in any garden.

You will get to enjoy quite a show from late spring until mid summer. Try planting the perennial ‘Candy Mountain’ in woodland gardens, as a border plant or for cut-flowers. Remember to leave some dead flower stalks to self sow for future flowers. A major attraction to bees, butterflies and birds, it is a delicious site for a sunny location.

Digitalis Candy Mountain

Posted Nov 09 2009, 10:24 AM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: bird plant, butterfly plant, Candy Mountain Foxglove, common questions answered, foxglove, perennial

Where do I plant the blazing yellow ‘Jethro Tull ‘ Coreopsis?

Requiring only a sunny spot with average garden soil, ‘Jethro Tull’ is extremely floriferous with over 100 blooms appearing at a time at peak bloom! The large, golden orange flowers of 'Jethro Tull' Coreopsis will set any sunny area ablaze from early to mid summer. The unique flowers have fluted petals that surround a darker button-like center.

‘Jethro Tull’ can be used in many ways. Try it as an accent plant, border plant, in mass plantings, in patio containers, and for cut flowers. It also has winter interest when the dried foliage turns cinnamon brown and creates a fine-textured effect.

This stunning little guy seems to always be in bloom. A cross between 'Zamphir' and 'Early Sunrise', it has broader fluted petals, a compact habit and an extended flowering season. Coreopsis have a daisy-like flower, and the plant can grow anywhere from 14 to 18 inches tall.

Coreopsis’ common name is tickseed. It is a very heavy and prolific bloomer and makes a long lasting cut flower. Give this plant a hard shearing to promote re-bloom.

Posted Nov 08 2009, 12:15 PM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: accent plant, common questions answered, container plant, coreopsis, cut flowers, Jethro Tull, long bloomer, tickseed

Can the Mocha Coral Bells be planted in the shade?

We all deserve a guilt-free indulgence once in awhile! The Mocha in Coral Bells Mocha will delight you with its deep chocolate-colored, unique, and brilliant foliage. The unusual chocolate brown leaves intensify in color to near black from exposure to summer sun. This exceptional foliage compliments every perennial in the garden!

Mocha shows off its airy sprays of dainty, bell-shaped, deep coral-red flowers in partly shaded borders, under trees, and even mixed into ornamental containers on shady patios. Heuchera is susceptible to rot, so good drainage is essential while roots establish themselves. It can grow in zone 9 in low-humidity regions.

Plant this Mocha Coral Bells next to Southern Comfort Coral Bells for a wonderful and stunning contrast. Plant in a mass to form an attractive ground cover or in a shady area that needs to be “lit” up.

Coral Bells can be planted for the sunny rock garden, to line a path, or the do well in the light shade of a woodland. Their evergreen leaves have scalloped edges. In spring, tall, thin flower stalks rise up with tiny blooms on them, giving a frothy look.

Posted Nov 07 2009, 04:16 PM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: common questions answered, container plants, coral bells, evergreen, Mocha Coral Bells, perennial, shade plant, Southern Comfort Coral Bells, sun plant

Where should I plant the Bellflower (Campanula) 'White Clips"?

If you choose ‘White Clips’ Bellflower you can eagerly look forward to a plant that is smothered with lovely white flowers! Blooming in July to September, ‘White Clips’ displays stunning white bell-shaped flowers at the ends of the stems.

The Bellflower (Campanula) ‘White Clips’ will grow in either full sun or partial shade, though some shade is recommended in areas with very hot summers. Cutting the plants back hard after flowering will keep them more compact, and may also result in a second flush of blooms. This perennial, with its mounded form, has a green refined foliage that will also give added color throughout the season.

‘White Clips’ grow best in fertile soil with a neutral to alkaline pH. Lime can be added to the soil to obtain these conditions. Keep the soil moist and good drainage will ensure a large display of their bell-shaped flowers. Cleaning up ‘White Clips’ in the spring is best, just before it starts its active growth.

Being a low maintenance plant, it will enhance your landscape as an edging, in decorative containers, or in mass plantings along the front of borders. It is a good choice for hummingbirds and butterflies too!

Campanula White Clips

Posted Nov 06 2009, 02:02 PM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: bellflower, Campanula, common questions answered, containerner plant, hummingbird flower, low care plant, perennial

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