Anemones - Tears of Aphrodite

"Anemone" translated from Greek, means "wind", for it was believed that spring winds caused them to bloom. Just as the winds caused them to bloom, so the zephyrs blew fragile petals away.

Anemones are native to the Mediterranean region where winters are warm and summers are dry. There they have a rich heritage in legend and history. Two species are widely available: A. blanda, and A. coronaria.

Aphrodite's Tears

Grecian Wind Flower

Anemone blanda is known as Grecian Wind Flower. According to legend, the flowers sprang from the tears of Aphrodite as she mourned the death of Adonis. The name evokes romantic scenes of ancient temples, and rocky hills swept by Mediterranean breezes. Certainly, the scene gives a clue to its preferred habitat.

The name, blanda, does not mean "boring", as our contemporary parlance suggests. Blanda means "pleasant" or "mild." It is pleasant, indeed!

A. blanda is reliably hardy in USDA climate zones 6 through 8. Full sun to partial shade is best; morning sun to light shade throughout the day in southern regions. Well-drained soil is essential. The plant naturalizes readily to spread a spring-time carpet of light blue, pink or white daisy-like flowers on 6" to 8" stems. The fern-like foliage is also quite attractive. In addition to naturalizing, Anemone blanda is desirable for bulb and rock gardens, perennial borders, container and patio gardens.

 

Spanish Marigold

Poppy Anemone

Anemone coronaria is known as Poppy Anemone, Spanish Marigold, and Florist's Anemone. The flower shape and size is very much like that of a poppy. The name, coronaria, refers to the wreath-like appearance of the stamens.

There are two groups of Poppy Anemone widely available: De Caen and St. Brigid.

De Caen anemones produce flowers in bright shades of red, white, blue and pink. They are so-named because they were typically cultivated in the De Caen region of France.

St. Brigid anemones produce double-petal flowers in the same shades. That name was given because they were cultivated in Ireland, and St. Brigid is one of Ireland's patron saints.

A. coronaria is not as cold-tolerant as A. blanda, being reliably hardy in USDA climate zones 8 through 10. However, it tolerates heat much better. Sun exposure and soil moisture requirements for A. coronaria are the same as for A. blanda. These are excellent for bulb gardens, perennial borders, container and patio gardens. They're excellent for cut flower arrangements, too.

Planting and Growing Tips

Though anemones prefer warm climates, they can be enjoyed by gardeners in cooler regions. Planting season for southern gardeners is in the fall. Planting season for northern gardeners is in the spring. Logically, they are commercially available both times of year. The best selection is usually in the fall.

When you receive them, the tubers will be shriveled and dry. That's normal. Simply soak them over-night in water at room temperature before planting. Don't skip this step!

The planting site should be well-drained and in full sun to partial shade.

Plant the tubers 6" to 10" apart in the garden and 1" to 3" deep, depending upon the size. Sometimes it's difficult to tell which side is up. Don't worry about it, they will re-orient themselves.

Water thoroughly but gently, taking care not to wash the bulbs to the surface. If planted in the fall, the roots will develop throughout the cool months and flowers will appear in spring. If planted in the spring, the flowers will appear.

Water as needed to maintain slightly moist soil during spring and fall. Anemones are drought-tolerant during summer.

Flowering lasts about four weeks. When blooming is completed, let the foliage remain to build food reserves for next year. Foliage may be removed when it yellows and dies back. Take care to leave the bulbs undisturbed. After a few months of dormancy, they will begin another growth cycle.

If you are one of those who tries to stretch the limits of where a plant might be grown successfully, know that Anemone coronaria (De Caen and St. Brigid) benefit from a covering of mulch in USDA climate zones 7 & 8. Anemone blanda benefit from a covering of mulch in USDA climate zones 3 & 4. If you don't want to risk losing them during your cold winters, lift them after the foliage has fallen, then dry and store them over winter.

Container Gardening Tips

As mentioned before, anemones do well in pots and patio gardens. Choose containers with adequate drainage. To improve drainage, place 1" or 2" of polystyrene packing "peanuts" in the bottom of the container. Fill the container with good quality potting soil. Position containers where they will receive full sun to partial shade.

Plant the tubers 2" to 3" apart in the pots. This is much closer than if planting in the garden. Again, it is not necessary to consider which side is supposed to be up. After planting, water well, thoroughly and gently soaking the soil.

When blooming is completed, let the foliage remain to build food reserves. Leaves may be removed when they turn brown and dry. Take care to leave the tubers undisturbed in the pots. After a few months of dormancy, they will begin another growth cycle.

If the containers are kept in an area where cold weather is excessive (USDA climate zones 7 & 8 for A. coronaria, or zones 3 & 4 for A. blanda), they should be moved to where they can be protected.

If you've never grown anemones before, you should do so. Their beauty and historic legacy will lend color and interest to your gardening experience.

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Must-Have Plants: Japanese Painted Fern

Japanese Painted Fern - Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'

Must-have plants are among the best for appropriate garden situations. When you need great garden plants for ground cover, naturalizing, wildflower gardens, perennial borders, butterfly gardens, hummingbird gardens, herb gardens, heritage gardens, cutting gardens, woodland gardens, shade gardens, bulb gardens, container gardens, bog gardens, water gardens, rain gardens or xeriscaping, look for the best among our must-have plants.

Name(s): Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum', Athyrium niponicum var. pictum, Japanese Painted Fern

Flower Color: None

Bloom Time: None

Foliage: Herbaceous, metallic gray, reddish/bluish blush

Height/Spread: 12 inches to 18 inches x 12 inches to 18 inches.

Climate Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Sun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade.

Soil Condition: Moist to well-drained, loamy, pH 6.1 to 7.5

Features: Colorful foliage, deer resistant, insect resistant, disease resistant.

Uses: Massed planting, naturalizing, fern collections, woodland gardens, shade gardens and borders.

Comments: Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum', also known as Japanese Painted Fern, is one beautiful perennial. Emerging fronds are metallic gray with reddish/bluish blush. Mature fronds hold their color well and contrast nicely with the emerging fronds. Japanese Painted Fern is winter dormant. It forms clumps.

Japanese Painted Fern is deer, insect and disease resistant. Mature height is 12 inches to 18 inches. Performs well in USDA zones 4 to 9. Japanese Painted Fern requires moist soil, but take care not to over-water. It does well in partial shade to full shade. Space 18 inches to 24 inches. Recommended pH is 6.1 to 7.5.

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Must-Have Plants: Achillea filipendulina 'Coronation Gold'

Achillea 'Coronation Gold'

Must-have plants are among the best for appropriate garden situations. When you need great garden plants for ground cover, naturalizing, wildflower gardens, perennial borders, butterfly gardens, hummingbird gardens, herb gardens, heritage gardens, cutting gardens, woodland gardens, shade gardens, bulb gardens, container gardens, bog gardens, water gardens, rain gardens or xeriscaping, look for the best among our must-have plants.

Name(s): Achillea filipendulina 'Coronation Gold', Fern Leaf Yarrow,

Flower Color: Golden yellow

Bloom Time: June to September

Foliage: Herbaceous, gray-green, fragrant.

Height/Spread: 30 inches to 36 inches x 18 inches to 24 inches.

Climate Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Soil Condition: Well-drained to dry, average to poor, pH 6.1 to 7.8

Features: Drought tolerant, deer resistant, fragrant.

Uses: Xeriscaping, massed planting, naturalizing, cutting gardens, butterfly gardens, herb gardens, borders.

Comments: Perennial Achillea filipendulina 'Coronation Gold', also known as fern-leaf yarrow, produces long-lasting golden yellow blooms from June to September. Foliage is herbaceous, gray-green and fragrant. Plant height is 30 inches to 36 inches.

'Coronation Gold' is recommended for USDA climate zones 3 to 9. Plant it in full sun to partial shade. 'Coronation Gold' prefers soil pH 6.1 to 7.8. Space plants 12 inches to 15 inches apart.

Achillea tolerates poor soil and drought conditions. 

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Leucojum - White Violets of Spring and Summer

Leucojum aestivum in Peaches Garden

Leucojum species, members of the Amaryllidacea family, are native to Europe, the Middle East, the Caucasus region, but you will find them naturalized almost everywhere. L. vernum is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9. It blooms late winter to early spring. L. aestivum is hardy in climate zones 4 to 9. It blooms late spring to early summer. Of the two, L. vernum is shorter, growing 6 inches to 12 inches height. L. aestivum grows from 12 inches to 18 inches.

Leucojum comes from Greek words "leukos" and "ion" meaning "white" and "violet." The Latin word "aestivum" translates "summer."  "Vernum" means "spring."

"But," you might say, "they're not violets." True, if you're thinking of Viola species or African violets. But, African violets aren't Violas, either.

By now you've learned I like to study names (onomatology), wondering why things are dubbed so.

Apparently, Leucojum was named "white violet" because there was a time when "violet" was applied to many adorable plants and daughters. Peter Lauremberg (26 August 1585–13 May 1639) aka Petru Laurembergius, in Apparatus plantarius: de plantis bulbosis et de plantis tuberosis, opined, "Vox Violæ distinctissimis floribus communis est. Videntur mihi antiqui suaveolentes quosque flores generatim Violas appellasse, cujuscunque etiam forent generis quasi vi oleant."

Not knowing much Latin, I went to Google Translate which rendered: "The voice Violets distinctissimis flowers is common. It seems to me the old sweet-scented flowers men generally Violas appealed, irrespective of the kind that would force oil." There you have it. However, not even that clarification ended my wonderment.

There's also the issue of common names. L. aestivum goes by Summer Snowflake, Dewdrop and Snowdrop. L. vernum is called Spring Snowflake and St. Agnes Flower. Why these?

Galanthus species are also called Snowdrops. Leucojum and Galanthus (meaning "milk flower") bloom near the same time and they do look somewhat similar, therefore that may explain the shared names.

So, when Wordsworth wrote,

"LONE Flower, hemmed in with snows and white as they
          But hardier far, once more I see thee bend
          Thy forehead, as if fearful to offend,
          Like an unbidden guest. Though day by day,
          Storms, sallying from the mountain-tops, waylay
          The rising sun, and on the plains descend;
          Yet art thou welcome, welcome as a friend
          Whose zeal outruns his promise! Blue-eyed May
          Shall soon behold this border thickly set
          With bright jonquils, their odours lavishing               
          On the soft west-wind and his frolic peers;
          Nor will I then thy modest grace forget,
          Chaste Snowdrop, venturous harbinger of Spring,
          And pensive monitor of fleeting years!" - To A Snowdrop,

there's no telling which he was musing about.


Why St. Agnes Flower? Probably in memory of Agnes of Rome (c. 291 – c. 304), a virgin–martyr, patron saint of chastity, virgins (traditionally females, but not necessarily so), holy innocents of both sexes, gardeners (who are always pure in heart), engaged couples (men and women who should be chaste until their weddings), and rape survivors.

Tiffany, in her Family At The Foot Of The Cross blog, wrote, "Some people refer to snowflakes as St. Agnes flowers because she holds a winter feast day." Snowflakes are usually considered to be pure, until they touch the ground. Leucojum seldom bloom as early as the Feast of St. Agnes (21 January), but if you look into an open Leucojum flower and use a little imagination, you'll see the shape of a snowflake.

Voilà! or maybe Violà!

Plant Leucojum bulbs in full sun to partial shade, in slightly moist to well-drained garden soil with pH ranging from 6.1 to 7.8. Planting hole should be 4 inches deep or 2-1/2 times the height of the bulb. Space the bulbs 4 inches apart.

Leucojum species are good for cutting, bulb gardens, perennial borders, container gardens, rock gardens, naturalizing, theme gardens, shade and woodland gardens.

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Must-Have Plants: Japanese Ardisia, aka Marlberry

Ardisia japonica aka Japanese Ardisia, Marlberry

Must-have plants are among the best plants for appropriate garden situations. When you need great garden plants for ground cover, naturalizing, wildflower gardens, perennial borders, butterfly gardens, hummingbird gardens, herb gardens, heritage gardens, cutting gardens, woodland gardens, shade gardens, bulb gardens, container gardens, bog gardens, water gardens, rain gardens or xeriscaping, look for the best among our must-have plants.

Ardisia is an excellent ground cover for full sun or partial shade, massed plantings, Asian plant collections, medicinal plant collections and naturalizing.

Name(s): Ardisia japonica, Marlberry, Japanese Ardisia.

Flower Color: White.

Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer.

Foliage: Evergreen, leathery.

Height/Spread: 6 inches to 12 inches x 12 inches to 18 inches.

Climate Zones: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil Condition: Well-drained, loamy, pH 5.1 to 6.5.

Features: White to pale pink flowers followed by long-lasting red berries, drought tolerant, deer resistant.

Uses: Massed planting, Asian plant collections, medicinal plant collections, naturalizing, ground cover, shade gardens.

Comments: Ardisia japonica, also known as Japanese Aridisia and Marlberry, produces leathery, evergreen foliage. Variegated forms are available. White flowers appear late spring to early summer, followed by long-lasting red berries. Maximum height ranges from 6 inches to 12 inches, and it spreads rapidly via underground rhizomes.

Ardisia thrives in full sun to partial shade in USDA climate zones 6 to 10. Loamy, well-drained soil with pH ranging from 5.1 to 6.5 is recommended.

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Must-Have Plants: Convallaria majalis

Convallaria majalis

Must-have plants are among the best plants for appropriate garden situations. When you need great garden plants for ground cover, naturalizing, wildflower gardens, perennial borders, butterfly gardens, hummingbird gardens, herb gardens, heritage gardens, cutting gardens, woodland gardens, shade gardens, bulb gardens, container gardens, bog gardens, water gardens, rain gardens or xeriscaping, look for the best among our must-have plants.

Convallaria majalis, also known as European Lily of the Valley, May Bells and Our Lady's Tears, is a lush, deciduous ground cover that produces fragrant, white, bell-shaped flowers in late spring. Uses include massed planting, ground cover, shade gardens, woodland gardens, medicinal gardens, Bible gardens, Marian gardens, perennial gardens, perennial borders.

Name(s): Convallaria majalis, European Lily of the Valley, May Bells, Our Lady's Tears

Flower Color: White

Bloom Time: Mid-spring to early summer.

Foliage: Herbaceous, medium green.

Height/Spread: 6 inches to 9 inches x 4 inches.

Climate Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Sun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade.

Soil Condition: Average, well-drained, loamy, pH 5.6 to 7.5

Features: Fragrant, bell-shaped flowers, deer resistant, spreading, no significant pests and diseases.

Uses: Massed planting, ground cover, shade gardens, woodland gardens, medicinal gardens, Bible gardens, Marian gardens, perennial gardens, perennial borders.

Convallaria majalis ground cover

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Must-Have Plants: Astilbe 'Fanal'

Must-have plants are among the best plants for appropriate garden situations. When you need great garden plants for ground cover, naturalizing, wildflower gardens, perennial borders, butterfly gardens, hummingbird gardens, herb gardens, heritage gardens, cutting gardens, woodland gardens, shade gardens, bulb gardens, container gardens, bog gardens, water gardens, rain gardens or xeriscaping, look for the best among our must-have plants.

Astilbe 'Fanal' flowers seem to glitter in the summer shade garden. The tall, frothy blooms of deep red drift above waves of bronze-green foliage. It's a fine choice for naturalizing in woodland gardens.

Name(s): Astilbe x arendsii 'Fanal', False Spirea, False Goat's Beard

Flower Color: Dark red

Bloom Time: Mid-summer

Foliage: Herbaceous, green, fern-like

Height/Spread: 12 inches to 18 inches x 12 inches to 18 inches.

Climate Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil Condition: Moist to well-drained, loamy, pH 5.6 to 7.5

Features: Lacy flowers, fern-like foliage.

Uses: Massed planting, naturalizing, perennial borders, woodland gardens, shade gardens.

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Southern Wood Fern (aka Florida Shield Fern) For The Southern Garden

Dryopteris ludoviciana

Take a stroll in southern forests draped with Spanish Moss and you'll likely come upon Southern Wood Fern. Its glossy, dark, evergreen fronds make it one of the most beautiful of our native ferns. Its moderate height and adaptability make it one the most useful for the southern garden.

The botanical name is Dryopteris ludoviciana (pronounced dry-OP-ter-iss loo-dough-vik-ee-AH-nuh) which literally means "oak fern from Louisiana." According to the USDA PLANTS database, its range is from North Carolina and Kentucky southward to Florida and westward to Texas. It's usually found growing near the coast or in the coastal plain.

Southern Wood Fern is also known as Aspidium ludovicianum, Dryopteris floridana and Nephrodium floridanum. Guess why? It's found in more places in Florida than in Louisiana. So another common name is Florida Shield Fern.

You don't need to live near the coast to grow Florida Shield Fern. It performs well in USDA zones 6 to 10.

Choose a planting site in full sun to partial shade. Florida Shield Fern prefers moist soil, particularly if planted in full sun. It will tolerate dry soil periodically if planted in partial shade. (Take care not to over-water.) Soil should be high in organic matter and well-drained with pH between 6.1 to 7.5. Take a soil sample to your nearby Cooperative Extension Service for analysis. Follow the recommendations. Such a site as described probably won't require tilling.

Florida Shield Fern grows to 48 inches high and up to 24 inches across. Dig planting holes about 18 inches to 24 inches apart. The holes should be no deeper than that of the root balls. Water the plants in their pots, then plant them, watering more as you go. When planted, the tops of the root balls should be visible; do not bury them under soil.

Florida Shield Fern Fern is deer resistant. It's great in massed plantings and for naturalizing as a ground cover. Include it in fern collections, native plant collections, shade gardens and woodland gardens.

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About the Eastern Hay-scented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula)

Eastern Hay-scented fern, is a marvelous native plant for the shade garden. The fragrant, lacy green fronds turn yellow in fall and may linger through winter. Fronds are triangular to oval shaped and deeply divided, giving it a lacy appearance. Yes, the aroma is reminiscent of hay.

Its botanical name is Dennstaedtia punctilobula (pronounced "den-STET-ee-uh punk-tih-LOH-bew-luh"). Punctilobula refers to the dotted lobes. The genus was named by Andre Michaux in honor of August Wilhelm Dennstedt (1776–1826), German botanist, physician, and director of the Belvedere Garden. His works include Weimar's Flora: Pflanzen Mit Deutlichen Geschlechtern (1800), Schlussel Zum Hortus Indicus Malabaricus (1818), and Hortus Belvedereanus (1821).

Michaux, who explored extensively in North America, would have found Eastern hay-scented fern practically anywhere he traveled. The USDA PLANTS database shows Dennstaedtia punctilobula thrives from Quebec to Georgia, and westward to Missouri and Arkansas. Another species, Dennstaedtia bipinnata, is native to Florida, the West Indies, Central America, and south to Bolivia.

Hay-scented fern normally grows in loose clumps 15 to 30 inches tall and spreading to 24 inches. However it spreads via underground rhizomes and may colonize an area. It prefers partial to full shade in moist, well-drained soil high in organic matter with pH ranging from 5.1 to 6.5. Once established, hay-scented fern is rather drought tolerant. It is hardy from USDA climate zones 3 into 8.

Little soil preparation is needed before planting. Moist, well-drained soil high in organic matter shouldn't need tilling, especially if in a woodland setting. If the soil requires amendment to increase the level of organic matter, some tilling might be required. Remove all traces of weeds. Collect a soil sample and take it to the nearest Cooperative Extension Service office for analysis. Follow the instructions provided.

Dennstaedtia is easily and economically established by planting rhizome cuttings. My Youtube video on Planting Hay-scented Ferns demonstrates how to do it. After planting, apply a thin layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture and discourage weeds.

Gardeners troubled by deer and rabbits will be glad to know that this fern is critter resistant. Similarly, hay-scented fern is insect and disease resistant.

Hay-scented fern is ideal as a ground cover for xeriscaping, naturalizing, shade gardens and woodland walks, fragrant gardens, fern collections, and native plant collections. Suitable companion plants include Astilbe, Chrysogonum, Galium, Hosta, Heuchera, Hyacinthoides, Sanguinaria, Scilla, Selaginella, and ferns with similar requirements.

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Must Have Plants: Autumn Fern

Autumn Fern - Dryopteris erythrosora

Must-have plants are among the best plants for appropriate garden situations. When you need great garden plants for ground cover, naturalizing, wildflower gardens, perennial borders, butterfly gardens, hummingbird gardens, herb gardens, heritage gardens, cutting gardens, woodland gardens, shade gardens, bulb gardens, container gardens, bog gardens, water gardens, rain gardens or xeriscaping, look for the best among our must-have plants.

Name(s): Dryopteris erythrosora, Aspidium erythrosorum, Dryopteris bulligera, Dryopteris distantipinna, Dryopteris linyingensis, Dryopteris oblongipinnula, Autumn Fern, Japanese Shield Fern

Flower Color: None

Bloom Time: None

Foliage: Evergreen, burgundy to green.

Height/Spread: 18 inches to 24 inches x 18 inches to 24 inches.

Climate Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8

Sun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade.

Soil Condition: Well-drained, pH 6.1 to 7.5

Features: Drought tolerant, deer resistant, colorful foliage.

Uses: Massed planting, naturalizing, fern collections, Asian gardens, shade gardens, woodland gardens.

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Antennaria - Like Velvet Pussy-toes

Spring tiptoes in
    on grey, velvet pussy-toes

Allegro from Through the Window of My Car: A Poem in Four Seasons by Elle Fredine.

Pussy-toes are like that - discreet and unassuming. Have you ever heard of Pussy-toes? No? Well, according to the USDA PLANTS Database, they're present in every state and province of the United States and Canada. See what I mean? They're almost everywhere, but discreet and unassuming.

Pussy-toes belong to the genus, Antennaria (pronounced an-ten-AR-ee-uh). The word means something like, "lots of antennae", and it's thought that the name was bestowed because the anthers of some species resemble insect antennae. It's interesting, eh, that taxonomists imagined antennae rather than cats' toes.

There are about 40 to 45 species of Antennaria. Most occur in North America. Some also occur in Europe. One species, Antennaria chilensis, is native to South America. Sizes vary from 4 inches to 20 inches.

A few species and cultivars are available commercially, though they tend to be hard to find.

Antennaria carpatica is also known as Carpathian Cat's-foot or Pussy-toes. An Illustrated Flora of the northern United States, by Nathaniel Lord Britton and The Honorable Addison Brown, says it's native to the U.S., Canada and Europe. According to The International Plant Names Index, synonyms include Antennaria carpatica var. pulcherrima and Antennaria pulcherrima. According to Flora Europaea, synonyms include Antennaria lanata and Antennaria helvetica. Gray-green foliage is evergreen. Low tufts of fluffy-white flowers appear spring to mid-summer. It grows quickly and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Mature height is up to 2 inches, and spreads up to 12 inches. Carpathian Cat's-foot is drought tolerant, deer resistant and tolerates foot traffic. It thrives in USDA climate zones 2 or 3 to 9, preferring normal to sandy soil with pH ranging from 5.6 to 7.8.

Antennaria carpatica 'Rubrum'

Antennaria carpatica 'Rubrum' is also known as Pink Carpathian Cat's-foot or Pink Pussy-toes. Low tufts of pink and white flowers appear spring to mid-summer. Otherwise it's the same as the species in every respect.

Antennaria dioica is commonly named Pearly Everlasting. It grows to about 6 inches in height, and spreads to 12 inches. Antennaria dioica 'Rubra' produces pink pussy-toe flowers. Foliage is fuzzy, silvery-grey and evergreen. It's hardy in USDA climate zones 4 or 5 to 9. 

Antennaria plantaginifolia

Antennaria plantaginifolia is known as Plantain-leaf Pussy-Toes and Old Woman's Tobacco. It's native to the eastern United States from Maine to Florida, west to Minnesota and south to Louisiana. Compact white flowers appear from mid-spring to early summer. Semi-evergreen foliage is broad, fuzzy, silvery grey-green. Height is up to 6 inches. It makes a very attractive ground cover. Antennaria plantaginifolia is hardy in USDA climate 3 to 9. 

Antennaria rosea forms a dense, silvery mat. Foliage is evergreen. Pink pussy-toe flowers appear on short stems in spring. Mature size is 2 inches high x 15 inches across. It's native to the American Northwest.

Before planting, you'll need to know the pH level of your soil. Pussy-toes prefer normal to sandy soil with pH ranging from 5.6 to 7.8. Take a sample to your nearest Cooperative Extension Service office for analysis. The fee is nominal.

Pussy-toes are great for container gardens, rock gardens, edging, ground cover, green roof, lawn substitute, hanging baskets. Pussy-toes attract butterflies, so their perfect for butterfly gardens, too.

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Meehan's Mint - A Charming Fragrant Ground Cover

Meehania cordata foliage

Meehan's Mint is a charming plant that is easily over-looked for it creeps low on the forest floor like a fragrant green mat. Lavender, hooded flowers in late spring to early summer will attract more than a glance if you're watching where you walk.

Meehania cordata flower

Meehan's Mint is named for Thomas Meehan (1826-1901), a British-born botanist who made America his home. He was a nurseryman and author who contributed greatly to the world of horticulture. In fact, it was his passion. In a letter to George Englemann (1809-1884), another pioneering botanist and a physician, Meehan wrote, "I begin to feel more strongly everyday that life is not worth living unless we can add some little to human knowledge with every day that goes over us" (26 January, 1883).

The genus, Meehania, was actually named by Nathaniel Lord Britton (1859-1934), a leading taxonomist of his day and founder of the New York Botanical Garden. Of the few known species, one, Meehania cordata, is native to the United States. The others are native to China and Japan.

Speaking of adding to human knowledge, an article, New phenolic compounds from Meehania urticifolia, by Murata, Miyase and Yoshizaki, was recently published in the Journal of Natural Medicines, Vol. 65, Number 2 (2011). It seems they might have potential in cancer prevention.

Meehania species are not widely available for purchase, but probably will be when gardeners discover how desirable they are. Meehania cordata, because it's native to the U.S., should be the first to become popular in North America.

Meehania cordata (pronounced mee-HAN-ee-uh cor-DAY-tuh) is a perfect choice for ground cover in the shade garden. Foliage is herbaceous, meaning that it usually dies back in winter. The specific name, cordata, refers to its heart shape. Plant height with flowers is about 4 inches to 6 inches.  Meehan's Mint spreads slowly by runners to 15 inches across.

It thrives in partial shade to full shade in USDA climate zones 3 through 9 in slightly moist, well-drained, humusy soils with slightly acid pH, 6.1 to 7.5. It likes consistent moisture, though Meehan's Mint is also somewhat drought-tolerant.

Before planting, you'll need to know the pH level of your soil. Take a sample to your nearest Cooperative Extension Service office for analysis. The fee is nominal.

If soil is compacted, prepare the planting bed by cultivating at least 8 inches deep, removing all traces of weeds.  If the soil is high in organic matter and friable, it may not require cultivation.  Compost may be incorporated into the soil, if necessary.  Incorporate 10-10-10 fertilizer at a rate of no more 2 lbs. per 100 square feet into the top 4 inches to 6 inches of soil. Avoid synthetic fertilizers contacting any part of your plants. 

Space the plants 12 inches to 15 inches apart. Dig planting holes into the cultivated soil a little less deep than the depth of the growing container. Place the plants into the holes and back-fill, watering as you go. Press soil around the root balls. Do not cover entirely the root balls with soil. The tops should be slightly exposed. Add a top-dressing of mulch around the plants, not on top of them, about 1 inch deep.

Meehania cordata is native from Pennsylvania, westward to Illinois, and southward to North Carolina and Tennessee. However, you mustn't collect plants from the wild to transplant to your garden. It is listed as Endangered in Pennsylvania and Threatened in Tennessee. Buy container-grown plant material.

Meehan's Mint is a superb plant for naturalizing in shady corners in the garden. It would also be a fine addition to native plant collections, medicinal plant collections and herb gardens. Ajuga makes a fine companion plant.  It also combines well with such natives as Chrysogonum, violets (Viola spp.), and ferns.

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Rudbeckia - Where Black-Eyed Susans Grow

Rudbeckia 'Spotlight'

One of my earliest heart-felt memories of early childhood is of walking in our front yard overlooking the river waist-deep in Black-Eyed Susans. Now the sight of them anywhere recalls those halcyon days. And there are many reminders, for Black-Eyed Susans are native to North America. According to the USDA PLANTS Database, there are few states where at least one species can't be found in the wild.

It's believed that English colonists gave the flowers their common name inspired by a popular romantic poem of the time, Black-Eyed Susan by John Gay (1685-1732).

ALL in the Downs the fleet was moor’d,
  The streamers waving in the wind,
When black-eyed Susan came aboard;
  ‘O! where shall I my true-love find?   
Tell me, ye jovial sailors, tell me true
If my sweet William sails among the crew.’   

William, who high upon the yard
  Rock’d with the billow to and fro,
Soon as her well-known voice he heard
  He sigh’d, and cast his eyes below:
The cord slides swiftly through his glowing hands,
And quick as lightning on the deck he stands.

Then the lovers embraced,

The noblest captain in the British fleet   
Might envy William’s lip those kisses sweet.

Sweet William commenced to assure her that he would be safe even in battle, and true to his vows. Finally,

The boatswain gave the dreadful word,
  The sails their swelling bosom spread,
No longer must she stay aboard;
  They kiss’d, she sigh’d, he hung his head.
Her lessening boat unwilling rows to land;
  ‘Adieu!’ she cries; and waved her lily hand.

Perhaps the memories of parting and the colonists' own travels came to mind.

The naming of genus Rudbeckia (pronounced rud-BEK-ee-a) isn't so romantic, but worth knowing. It was named for Olof and son Olof Rudbeck, well-known Swedish scientists of the 17th and 18th centuries. Olof the Elder, (1630-1702), also known as Olaus, was best known for his work in medicine and linguistics, but also for his accomplishments in botany, astronomy and music. A professor at Uppsala University, he established Sweden's first botanical garden there. It became known as Rudbeck's Garden.

Olof the Younger (1660-1740) continued in his father's footsteps, succeeded his father's professorship at Uppsala, excelling in ornithology, botany and linguistics. One of his best-known students was another famous Swede, Carl Linneaus (1707-1778), the botanist who devised our system of taxonomy. Quite naturally, Linneaus honored the Rudbecks in the genus Rudbeckia. Rudbeck's Garden was later re-named Linneaus Garden.

Of the 30 or so Rudbeckia species, I admire a few particularly.

Rudbeckia hirta may be the most common. It grows almost everywhere unplanted and untended. You'll find it along roadsides, in fields, and maybe wild in your yard, too. You've probably picked them for bouquets. There are several varieties. Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherimma is hardier than the rest. You'll find it growing from Florida to Canada. It's mostly biennial at best, meaning that it flowers the second year and dies. In the south, R. hirta may flower the first year and die, but not before it re-seeds itself. In fact, that's the beauty of Rudbeckia hirta; it's easy to start from seed. Perfect for planting your own wildflower meadow.

Rudbeckia hirta has been used medicinally for many years. It's said to boost the immune system, so was used to treat various infections.

Maybe you remember the Gloriosa Daisy. I do. It was a big hit when introduced back in the 1950s. Gloriosa Daisy resulted as an attempt to perennialize R. hirta. That didn't work. But Gloriosa Daisy is still popular because the flowers are much larger than the species, in nice mixtures of colors, and sometimes double. It's ideal for naturalizing. I also remember my mother being disappointed that Gloriosa Daisy didn't return year after year.

Several new Rudbeckia hirta cultivars have been introduced recently promising longer than biennial lives. The jury is still out. Don't count on Rudbeckia hirta as a perennial yet, but enjoy it for what it is. Gloriosa Daisy is hardy in USDA climate zones 5 to 10.

Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm'

If you want a dependable native perennial that looks like Rudbeckia hirta, plant Rudbeckia fulgida or it's offspring. R. fulgida is the honored grandparent of most hybrid perennial Black-Eyed Susans. Its various varieties are the parents. These varieties are distinguished by slight differences. Plant producers look to those differences to selectively breed into new hybrids.

Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii is the parent of the most popular Black-Eyed Susan, Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm'. Developed in Germany, the name means "gold storm." It certainly is. The flowers are golden yellow, large and abundant, appearing for weeks from mid-summer to fall. It's so tough, you'll find it in planting beds around gas stations and shopping malls. Not surprisingly, it was named the 1999 Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association. R. fulgida var. sullivantii is hardy in USDA climate zones 3 to 9.

Rudbeckia fulgida var. speciosa is almost exactly the same as var. sullivantii, but shorter. Common names include Eastern Coneflower, Orange Coneflower, Showy Coneflower. 'Viette's Little Suzy' is one to look for. 'Little Suzy' is named after a family of plant hybridizers in the U.S. R. fulgida var. speciosa is hardy in USDA climate zones 4 to 8.


(Note that the common name, Coneflower, is also shared with the related genus, Echinacea. They are not to be confused, though some Echinaceas were once named among the Rudbeckias. .)

Rudbeckia lacinata, known as Cutleaf Coneflower, is a tall one, sometimes growing 9 feet high. The large flowers with drooping petals are light lemon yellow. It's too tall for planting in the front of perennial beds, but perfect for planting in the rear. The petals fluttering in the breeze add motion and interest to the border. The disadvantage of its height is that it needs support to keep it from falling over.

Back in 1894, a seedling of R. lacinata named 'Golden Glow' was introduced to an appreciative gardening audience. Showy double blooms and shorter height (about 5 feet) made it very popular. But like its parent, it also needs support. 'Golden Glow' is still available, but superseded by an offspring named R. lacinata 'Golden Drop.' 'Golden Drop' only grows to 3 feet. If you want to plant a "heritage" garden featuring old-fashioned, heirloom species, Rudbeckia lacinata is a "must have." It's hardy in USDA climate zones 4 to 8.

Rudbeckia maxima

Rudbeckia maxima, also known as Great Coneflower and Cabbage Leaf Coneflower, grows to 6 feet. The medium yellow flowers sport prominent cones. It's native to Texas and surrounding Gulf states. Rudbeckia maxima is known to be hardy in USDA climate zones 6 to 8.

Rudbeckia nitia is tall, like R. lacinata and R. maxima, but the large, golden yellow flowers have green centers. It's commonly called Shining Coneflower. R. nitida should be considered a protected species, so don't collect it from the wild. From it, plant breeders have produced a wonderful new plant called 'Herbstsonne.' 'Herbstsonne' means "autumn sun." Enormous flowers on tall 6 foot plants really attract attention. This, too, is perfect for height and drama in the perennial border. 'Goldquelle' is a shorter version with double flowers. 'Goldquelle' means "bonanza". It deserves the name. R. nitida is hardy in USDA climate zones 4 to 10.

Rudbeckia subtomentosa is another desirable species. It's commonly called Sweet Black-Eyed Susan. You'll find it growing wild in the central United States. Height is about 4 feet. The flowers are especially fragrant. 'Henry Eilers', a cultivar, displays large golden blossoms with tubular petals, somewhat resembling yellow wagon wheels. R. subtomentosa is hardy in USDA climate zones 4 to 10.

Rudbeckia triloba

Rudbeckia triloba, commonly known as Three-lobed Rudbeckia or Brown-eyed Susan, is very hardy, thriving in USDA climate zones 3 to 10. Bright yellow flowers with big brown centers really attract attention. Plants grow to 4 feet. Two cultivars, 'Prairie Glow' and 'Red Sport' produce bright orange flowers with yellow tips.

Rudbeckias perform best in full sun, but will tolerate partial or light shade. Soils should be well-drained soils with pH ranging from 5.6 to 7.5.  Take a soil sample to your nearest Cooperative Extension Service office for proper analysis.

Prepare the planting bed by cultivating at least 6 inches deep, removing all traces of weeds. Compost may be incorporated into the soil.  Incorporate 10-10-10 fertilizer at a rate of no more 2 lbs. per 100 square feet into the top 4 inches to 6 inches of soil. Avoid synthetic fertilizers contacting any part of your plants.

If planting seed, sow according to instructions on the seed packet.

If planting container-grown plants, space larger ones 24 inches to 36 inches apart. Dig planting holes into the cultivated soil a little less deep than the depth of the growing container.  Water the plants in the pots, then drain.  Place the plants into the holes and back-fill, watering as you go. Press soil around the root balls. Do not cover entirely the root balls with soil. The tops should be slightly exposed. Add a top-dressing of mulch around the plants, not on top of them, about 1 inch deep.

Plant Rudbeckias with other plants having similar cultural requirements.  Fertilize sparingly and allow soil to dry between watering.

All Rudbeckias attract butterflies. Birds get enthusiastic about the seeds. All Black-Eyed Susans are reasonably drought-tolerant. They're especially suited to naturalizing, wildflower meadows, cutting gardens, wildlife gardens, native plant collections, heritage and cottage gardens. But they're wonderful in any perennial garden or border, even at gas stations and shopping malls.

Where should Black-Eyed Susans grow? Probably in your garden. Certainly in your heart.

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Rudbeckia hirta 'Prairie Sun'

Forget-Me-Not: A Sweet, A Lovely Flower

Myosotis sylvatica

There is a sweet, a lovely flower,
Tinged deep with faith’s unchanging hue,
Pure as the ether in its hour
Of loveliest and serenest blue.
The streamlet’s gentle side it seeks,
The silent fount, the shaded grot;
And sweetly to the heart it speaks—
Forget-me-not, forget-me-not.

-From My Flower Pot, Anonymous, c. 1850.

For centuries, Forget-Me-Nots (Myosotis spp.) have been associated with sentiments of love and hopes for remembrance. According to The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the first known English use of the name was in 1532, so everyone agrees. Unfortunately, I can't find the instance. Anyway, there are several fanciful legends about how the name originated. They tell of lovers and nearly-forgotten plants that talk.

One story is related by Charles Mills in his book, The History of Chivalry, published 1844.

Two lovers were loitering on the margin of a lake, on a fine summer's evening, when the maiden espied some of the flowers of Myosotis growing on the water, close to the bank of an island, at some distance from the shore. She expressed a desire to possess them, when her knight, in the true spirit of chivalry, plunged into the water, and, swimming to the spot, cropped the wished-for plant, but his strength was unable to fulfil the object of his achievement, and feeling that he could not regain the shore, although very near it, he threw the flowers upon the bank, and casting a last affectionate look upon his lady-love, he cried, ' Forget-me-not,' and was buried in the waters.

They have sometimes been mentioned in literature.

Meanwhile apart, in the twilight gloom of a window's embrasure,
Sat the lovers, and whispered together, beholding the moon rise
Over the pallid sea and the silvery mist of the meadows.
Silently one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven,
Blossomed the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots of the angels.

-From Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)

Naturally, Forget-Me-Nots are beloved because of their romantic associations, more so during Victorian times when "the language of flowers" was taken more seriously.

There may be more practical reasons for Myosotis to be called Forget-Me-Not. Once they get going, they re-seed themselves in abundance, so the gardener is often reminded of that moment when she first planted it. Most folks appreciate the appearance of more and more Forget-Me-Nots, but some do not. Another reason for the name might be that the seeds stick to clothing and pets.

The name, Myosotis (pronounced my-oh-SO-tis), actually means "mouse ear", referring to the shape and texture of the leaf. There are about 50 species. Some are annuals; some are perennials. Small flowers appear in spring, and range from white, pink to blue with yellow centers. Foliage is herbaceous, disappearing (or nearly so) in winter. The plants are biennial to perennial. Some are native to North America. Only a few are commercially available. Myosotis sylvatica (also known as Myosotis alpestris and Myosotis oblongata) is arguably the most popular.

M. sylvatica is hardy in USDA climate zones 3 to 8, thriving in light shade. Plant in loamy, well-drained garden soil with pH ranging from 6.1 to 7.8., though Forget-Me-Nots are tolerant of wet soils. Space young plants 8 inches to 12 inches apart.

Deer and rabbits don't much like them, nor are Forget-Me-Nots prone to insect problems. Mildew can appear in unkempt, humid gardens where plant debris is left to accumulate.

Forget-Me-Nots often bloom the same time as tulips, narcissus, and hyacinth, filling the space between the bulbs with a profusion of soft, dainty flowers. They are suitable for planting in container gardens, rock gardens, in the fronts of borders, naturalizing and woodland gardens. Because they tolerate wet soils, they're also ideal for rain gardens. Forget-Me-Nots are perfect for theme gardens such as Victorian, Cottage gardens and children's gardens. For that romantic touch, don't forget to include Forget-Me-Nots in your plantings. You will be inspired.

“Forget me not:” no, lovely flow’r,

I’ll think on thee for many an hour:

If I could paint, I’d copy thee;

Then thou wouldst long remember’d be.

-From A Little Girl To Her Flowers In Verse, Anonymous, 1828.

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