Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Japanese Anemone, Rose of Sharon, Jerusalem Artichoke, Blue Lobelia

Japanese Anemone hupehensis – Windflower - September Charm

Vigorous, erect, woody-based perennial – silver pink flowers edged with silver on tall stems. This spreading plant needs room to grow. Grows well in partial sun, however, my garden is full sun and they are doing well. Blooms late summer into fall. Height 2 – 3 feet and can get to 3 feet wide. Zones 5-8.Good cut flowers. Can be started by seed or by dividing established plants carefully in the Spring.


Minerva Rose of Sharon – Hibiscus - lavender

Originated in China and India. Plants grow 4 – 12 feet in height and in Zones 5 – 9. Require full sun and moist soil. Propagate from seedlings that appear around established plants. Most of these plants in my neighborhood were in full bloom during July and August. Mine have just started to bloom at the end of August – not sure why.



Jerusalem Artichoke – Helianthus tuberosus

Origin – North America introduce into Europe in 1617.
This perennial grows from 7 – 10 feet tall. They grow upright and flower in early autumn. This plant is grown for its edible root, however, I have never tried this. They love full sun. It is wise to plant them next to a wall or fence. Many consider it a weed because it grows rampantly.
Its long stems produce a yellow flower that can be used for cut flowers.
These flowers were given to me by a neighbor in Massachusetts.
They thrive just about anywhere.
Caution: plant this in an area that it can expand or you will find yourself pulling up many unwanted roots.



Great Blue Lobelia - Siphilitica– Cardinal Flower

Stiff stems up to 3 feet high. Bloom late summer through fall.
Zones 4 – 8.
Yet another flower that I brought with me from Massachusetts. They multiply rapidly but can be controlled by removing some of the new plants as they appear. Always a welcome addition of color later in the season with no need for special care.



No comments: