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Bulbs

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Narcissus (daffodil)

Spring blooming bulbs such as narcissus, iris and tulips arrive in September. Paperwhites, a small white flowering form of narcissus, are always popular for forcing for Christmas bloom. Crocus, a true harbinger of spring, are some of the earliest bulbs to bloom in late winter and early spring. Also available are ranunculus, Dutch iris, freesias, Amaryllis belladonna (naked lady), hyacinths and Hippeastrum, which are commonly called amaryllis and are also frequently used for Christmas décor.

Come in early for the best selection and reap the rewards of a few minutes labor next spring!

Dahlia

Summer blooming bulbs make their appearance in February. Dahlias, crocosmia, canna, gladioli, lilies and Amaryllis belladonna are all available at that time. These will brighten your garden during the summer months.

Bamboo

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Phyllostachys nigra

Bamboo is really a giant grass, hence its inclusion in the grass category. There are two main types of bamboo – clumping and running. Clumping varieties will increase gradually and not take over the universe. Bambusa and most Fargesia will do well in this area. Running bamboos can become very invasive if allowed to do so, but will also do well in large pots, thereby containing their roots and possible spread. Growth can also be controlled by limiting water and fertilizer. Phyllostachys aurea and P. nigra are both cold hardy, but do prefer afternoon shade in the north county.

Ferns

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Polystichum munitum

Ferns are wonderful shade plants, adding a lush, woodland look to a shady area. Shown at left is Polystichum munitum, a native fern that grows to two to four feet.

Woodwardia fimbriata

Another excellent fern for our area is Woodwardia fimbriata, also known as giant chain fern, shown at left. Generally, it will grown to about four feet tall and three feet wide. This is also a native.

Dryopteris erythrosora

Dryopteris erythrosora, or autumn fern, is not a native, but does well in our area. It grows to two feet tall. New fronds in spring are a coppery color, then turn green and finally a rusty brown in autumn.

Centranthus ruber

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Centranthus ruber

Centranthus, or Jupiter’s beard, is a great perennial, but be prepared for its rather vigorous self-sowing. It is very tolerant of most conditions and needs little water. Flower color ranges from crimson to pink to lilac to white, with a very long bloom period. Gophers do not seem to like it, perhaps because of its very stinky roots.

Aquilegia

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Aquilegia

Aquilegia, or columbine, has lovely lacy foliage with flowers that rise above the leaves. There are many flower colors available, all of which attract hummingbirds. It blooms in spring and early summer and prefers shade, especially in the afternoon. Regular water and well-drained soil are its primary requirements.

Agapanthus

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Agapanthus

Agapanthus, or lily of the Nile, can be evergreen or deciduous, one foot tall or four feet tall, white or blue flowered. There are several shades of blue, from pale to dark blue-violet. It has green, strap-like leaves with round clusters of flowers rising above the foliage on bare stems. It can take sun to part shade and does not necessarily need much water.

Euonymous

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Variegated Euonymous

Both E. fortunei and E. japonicus have variegated varieties that brighten up the garden with their foliage. Height ranges from about three to ten feet, depending on the variety. Moderate to regular water is required.

Eleagnus ‘Gilt Edge’

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Eleagnus ‘Gilt Edge’

This is an evergreen shrub that adds color all year round. It can reach up to ten feet and has an upright growth habit It can take sun or partial shade and does best with regular water.

Caryopteris

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Caryopteris ‘Dark Knight’

The most commonly available species is Caryopteris x clandonensis. There are several named varieties, all of which grow to about two feet. They are known for their lovely purple flowers, much loved by bees. Caryopteris loses its leaves in winter, prefers full sun and moderate water.

Hibiscus

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Hibiscus syriacus

Hibiscus syriacus, or Rose of Sharon, is a deciduous shrub that grows to about ten feet tall and six feet wide. It sports very showy, two to three inch flowers from summer until frost. It is easy to grow, actually likes heat and can tolerate some drought. Flower colors include white, pink, red and shades of purple.

Hibiscus moscheutos is a perennial form that dies to the ground in winter. Bloom starts in late spring or early summer and continues until frost. The flowers can be white, pink or red and are very large, reaching almost a foot wide. The plant grows to six to eight feet high and three feet wide. This one needs regular water.