Common Questions Answered

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

Will the Candytuft 'Tahoe' grow fast?

Want to add some brightness to your perennial garden in the spring? Candytuft Tahoe will do just that with its carpet of pure white flower clusters! You will enjoy the dainty flowers of these easy to grow, fast growing, little compact beauties from mid to late spring.

During the summer months this plant makes a great groundcover of green summer foliage that is the perfect underplanting for drought-proof sedums, reblooming daylilies, and other sun perennials. Tahoe also grows well in wall crevices and along stone walkways, or use for edging and as container plants.

This early blooming variety prefers full sun and average garden soil that is well drained. Do no let plants dry out, or they will stop blooming. Plant in the spring, 2 to 4 weeks before the last average frost date or in late fall. Tahoe does well in zones 3-9 and grows about 8 to 10 inches in height.

Iberis Tahoe

Posted Nov 05 2009, 02:33 PM by bill-nhn with no comments

Where should I plant Amsonia Blue Ice?

Amsonia Blue Ice will surely become a favorite for any gardener! In late spring, Blue Ice forms clusters of navy blue buds at the ends of each stem that open to periwinkle blue star shaped flowers. The bright green foliage of this erect, clump-forming plant turns a rich shade of yellow in the fall. This creates a new dimension of color for your fall landscape.

Blue Ice is very easy to grow and maintain, hardy, and once established, it is quite drought resistant. It does well in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It is adaptable to most conditions, however if it is too shady it may topple over

Amsonia Blue Ice can be used in borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens or open woodland areas; planted in masses, it is simply magnificent! Its compact size also lends itself as an edging plant too. This perennial plant grows 12 to 16 inches in height and thrives in zones 3-9

Posted Nov 04 2009, 02:19 PM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: Amsonia, Amsonia Blue Ice, common questions answered, drought tolerant, easy to grow, fall color, perennial

Is the True Blue Spiderwort ‘Blue Denim’ long blooming?

With its true blue flowers, Spiderwort Blue Denim will provide a long-blooming flowering period. Each 1-2" wide, 3-petaled flower only lasts for one day, but the plants have lots of buds, extending the bloom time up to eight weeks! It will produce flowers from early June right until fall, if treated properly.

This Spiderwort does not need much special care once established, but must be planted in full sun. Water often so it does not dry out, and if this does happen, simply cut it back by half and it will have new growth and flowers by fall.

Deadheading is not necessary since the flowers are self-cleaning, but deadheading after the first flowering will prolong its blooming time. The clean grey-green foliage looks great all summer long, unlike many other varieties which need to be cut back by early summer. The perennial Blue Denim has a nice clumping habit that usually does not need to be staked.

This Blue Denim Spiderwort can be grown in zones 3-9, and if you are a blue lover, you will discover that this plant is one of the longest bloomers of blue flowers in the garden! The common name Spiderwort may have come from the way the flowers hang like spiders from a web off the main stem, and "wort" is the Saxon name for ‘plant’.

Posted Nov 02 2009, 02:26 PM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: Blue Denim Spiderwort, blue flowers, common questions answered, deadheading, long blooming, perennial, Spiderwort

What are Hens and Chicks plants?

Hens and Chicks is a low-growing perennial, that is tough, compact, and easy to grow. It grows to about four inches tall, then will quickly spread to 2' or more in width. It is a mat-forming succulent that produces clusters of rosettes. It is grown for its foliage but does flower on a tall flower stalk.

When the flowers die, the “hens” will have produced many “chicks” to take their place. When transplanting, just split off the chickens from the parent plant; the hens and chicks will root easily.

These plants require full sun to partial shade and need well-drained soil. In the South, hens and chicks can thrive in partial shade. Since Hens and Chicks are drought tolerant, and they can be planted in rock gardens or any hot, dry, sunny location.

Red Beauty is a Hens and Chicks plant that has gray-green foliage that is tipped deep red. Having many smaller rosettes, it can be pulled up and replanted elsewhere to start new plants. If a ground cover effect is desired, space plants close together because they grow slowly.

Posted Nov 01 2009, 01:47 PM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: common questions answered, drought tolerant, ground cover, hens and chicks, low growing, perennial, Red Beauty Hens and Chicks

Where should I plant ‘Broadway Lights’ Shasta Daisy?

Broadway Lights Shasta Daisy does well in Zones 4-11 and in full sun or partial sun. It needs a soil that has been enriched with organic material such as compost, leaf mold, or cow manure. It should be kept watered during the growing season, and it is essential to have good drainage.

The Shasta Daisy Broadway Lights has cheery flowers that begin to appear in late spring and continue on for several months. It is one of the newest daisies on the market today. The huge daisies open to a bright buttery yellow, and then turn from shades of cream to pure white as they mature.

This compact and beautiful Shasta Daisy, with its rich green foliage, grows to a height of 18-24" and a spread of 24-36". Broadway Lights will bloom from late spring to early summer, and if deadheaded promptly, bloom time will occur again in late summer. To prevent overcrowding, divide this daisy (in the spring) after every two or three years of flowering. Also, remove all dead foliage in spring and cut back to basal foliage in the fall.

Try this daisy in containers, or if planted in a perennial garden, it will add a colorful impact! The ease of growing this plant makes it great for the beginning gardener. Broadway Lights makes a great cut flower or for dried flowers, attracts butterflies, and the plants serve as butterfly nectar sources. Protected by Plant Breeder's Rights - propagation prohibited.

Posted Oct 31 2009, 03:00 PM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: Broadway Lights Shasta Daisy, butterfly plant, common questions answered, container plant, cut flower, daisies, deadhead, long bloomer, perennial, shasta daisy

Where does the Bleeding Heart (Dicentra) grow best?

The Bleeding Heart should be planted in full sun to partial shade, but it will also do well in full shade. This plant is somewhat heat tolerant and needs moist soil, so do not let the soil dry out. Putting a 2 to 3 inch layer of compost around the bleeding hearts in spring will help retain soil moisture.

Known for the shape of its flowers, and as the name suggests, Bleeding Hearts bear heart-shaped flowers, from which a little "drop of blood" dangles at the bottom.

The plants' flowers are either pink or white, and they appear in April or May. Dicentra is a major attractor to butterflies. Use as border plants, in containers, hanging baskets, or in a shade garden. Keep the plants well-watered to maintain good-looking foliage throughout summer. Cut down the remaining plants during fall cleanup using bypass pruners.

The Gold Heart Bleeding Heart is a fast-growing perennial with rose pink, heart-shaped flowers. The blooms look wonderful against its bright gold foliage. It grows to a height of 24-36 inches.

Ivory Hearts Bleeding Heart displays exquisite, pure white flowers that gently float above the grayish-green foliage. It has sweet, heart-shaped flowers and blooms from late spring into late summer. This full shade perennial grows 8 to 12 inches in height.

Posted Oct 30 2009, 09:29 AM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: bleeding heart, butterfly plant, common questions answered, container plant, dicentra, fast growing perennial, perennial

When does Redhead Fountain Grass bloom?

All season long Redhead Fountain Grass produces very soft plumes that are smoky rose in color. Redhead is a stunning, easy-to-grow perennial that shows off its enormous bottlebrush plumes in mid to late summer. The deep purple buds then mature to smoky purple plumes.

Use this fall blooming plant in containers, in sunny borders, meadows, rock gardens, and foundation plantings. Redhead also looks attractive in late-season containers along with other ornamental grasses. The bushy plumes are great as cut flowers if they are cut soon after they emerge. The foliage is a rich green color and the leaves turn to gold tones in autumn.

For best performance, water regularly if conditions are dry. In early spring or late fall cut the foliage back almost to the ground before growth starts in spring. This plant has no serious insect or disease problems and is not usually appealing to deer.

Posted Oct 29 2009, 07:48 AM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: common questions answered, container plant, cut flowers, ornamental grass, perennial, purple blooms, redhead fountain grass, redhead fountain grass care

How tall does Angelina Sedum get?

Sedum Angelina has brilliant, needle-shaped, golden yellow foliage. It is a vigorous mat-forming perennial plant. It grows only four inches high, but spreads up to 24 inches wide. In the colder climates its foliage will turn a gorgeous orange in the fall!

Angelina prefers well drained soil and should be kept on the dry side. It does well in a gritty soil, or in a pot with its trailing habit; forms a trailing mat of succulent golden-yellow leaves.

For a colorful autumn display, plant with asters or coneflowers. Angelina can be used for beds and borders or as a groundcover for sunny areas with poor dry soil. When planted in containers or on a wall it develops a beautiful cascading habit. It is also excellent as cut flowers.

Plants may be pruned back at any time if they get too large. Attracts butterflies and bees and is disease resistant; grows in zones 3-11.

Sedum repestre 'Angelina'

Posted Oct 28 2009, 02:52 PM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: Angelina sedum, asters, butterfly plant, common questions answered, coneflowers, container plant, groundcover, perennial, Sedum

What Clematis will bloom in the fall?

Clematis Empress will bloom from summer to fall. What a charming clematis that offers superb summer color! Clematis Empress produces large (4-6 inch) double flowers that have pink petals with darker pink center bars. The inner petals sprout spiky pink "hair" and the plant blooms from May through June and in August.

Because it is a compact, free-flowering plant that only grows up to 4 feet, it will display well in containers. Empress will need a supporting structure to grow properly. It is also are lovely meandering through shrubs and evergreens; use as a vocal point on a porch, arbor, or lamp post

Other fall blooming Clematis are Baltyk and Malaya Garnet.

Clematis is an easy plant to grow. Just provide a rich, porous, alkaline soil with plenty of room for the roots to spread. Best performance is when the tops are in full sunlight and the roots are shaded. It is best to apply a generous mulch or a shallow-rooted ground cover near the base of the vine. Once established, a clematis will give you many years of enjoyment.

Posted Oct 27 2009, 09:04 AM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: clematis, common questions answered, easy to grow, Empress Clematis, evergreens, fall bloomer, long bloomer, shrubs

Is Veronica Royal Candles (Speedwell) a perennial?

The Veronica Royal Candles, also known as Speedwell, is an easy to grow perennial that adds beauty to any garden. The plant is erect, bushy, clump-forming, and compact; one of the most disease resistant perennial in its family. Since this is an easy care plant, the first time gardener will feel much success in growing Royal Candles!

It produces wonderful dark blue, candle-like spiked flowers from June till September. With its dark glossy green foliage, it has a plant height of 15” and a spread of 12-18”.

Royal Candles will need a full sun area with consistent, regular moisture. Deadhead the flowers after the first bloom to prolong its bloom time.

Not only does Royal Candles look great in rock gardens and border fronts, but it provides an attractive small area ground cover too. Try ‘Royal Candles’ with Hemerocallis ‘Stella de Oro’ or Veronica ‘White Icicles’.

Posted Oct 26 2009, 08:49 AM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: blue flowers, common questions answered, easy care plant, groundcover, Hemerocallis, long bloomer, perennial, Royal Candles Veronica, Speedwell, veronica

Can Spiderwort be planted in zone 5?

The Spiderwort can be grown in zones 5-8, and you will discover that this plant is one of the longest bloomers in the garden! It will produce flowers from early June right through until fall. The common name Spiderwort may have come from the way the flowers hang like spiders from a web off the main stem; "wort" is the Saxon name for ‘plant’.

Spiderwort is a perennial and does not need much special care once established, but must be planted in full sun! Water often so it does not dry out, and if this does happen, simply cut it back by half and it will have new growth and flowers by fall. Mulching will help retain the moisture it needs. To prepare if for the winter months, prune it to the ground in the fall.

Spiderwort Sweet Kate is a new import from the UK and is taking the gardening world by storm! The brilliant golden foliage is highlighted with a procession of deep blue flowers from late spring until fall. Each Sweet Kate plant is a true masterpiece!

Posted Oct 25 2009, 11:36 AM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: common questions answered, golden foliage, long bloomer, perennial, pruning spiderwort. blue flowers, Spiderwort, Sweet Kate Spiderwort

Does Rock Cress have an extended bloom time?

Rock Cress Antique Rose is known for its long bloom time. It will provide a carpet of luminous purple flowers to the early spring garden; begins in the spring and continues until the first frost! Antique Rose, with its large deep purple blooms, combined with a vigorous habit, makes for an excellent addition to any garden!

Antique Rose grows to 4-6 inches and makes an excellent filler plant in a container on your patio. Also use it in the rock garden, cascading over walls, or for edging. With its handsome mat of semi-evergreen foliage, it makes a fine small-scale groundcover.

It has an outstanding tolerance to heat and disease. Keep the area around Aubrietia perennial well-drained by adding a light layer of gravel on top of the soil. Shear the plant back after it blooms, using a garden scissors or bypass pruners. You may then get another round of flowers in summer. Pruning the dead flowers after blooms have died will give the plant a clean, healthy look, and to promote new plant growth.

Rock Cress plants are easy to grow and prefer full sun; plants will tolerate a light or partial shade. These hardy plants will survive light frosts before going dormant for the winter months. Grows well in zones 4-9.

Posted Oct 24 2009, 11:40 AM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: Antique Rose Rock Cress, common questions answered, groundcover, long blooming period, perennial, pruning rock cress, Rock cress

What is a Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)?

Gaillardia is a perfect, hardy, herbaceous perennial for garden borders, and provides summer-long color for container gardens. Blanket Flowers have become known as "mailbox" plants since they thrive planted at the base of mailboxes next to black asphalt!

With its bright and colorful daisy-like flowers, Galliardia, such as the Tizzy, has earned a spot in the hearts of gardeners everywhere. These flowers are about 2-3" wide and appear in early to mid-summer and last for many weeks; often multi-colored with yellows, reds and oranges. The foliage is green and the leaves are slightly hairy and add a bit of interest from spring through fall.

Full sun and normal garden soil provide optimum conditions for this perennial garden favorite. Blanket Flower takes intense heat and humidity without fail and can be covered with over 50 blooms on a single plant!

There is no pruning required but sometimes it may need staking. This easy to grow plant loves well drained soil and can tolerate drought conditions once the plant is established.

Posted Oct 23 2009, 11:10 AM by bill-nhn with no comments

Filed under: blanket flower, common questions answered, drought tolerant plant, full sun plant, gaillardia, long bloomer, perennial

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