Armeria - The Resilient Seaside Bloom

'Blue Pacific' Juniper - A Coastal Beauty

 

ON some rude fragment of the rocky shore,

Where on the fractured cliff the billows break,

Musing, my solitary seat I take,

And listen to the deep and solemn roar.

 

O'er the dark waves the winds tempestuous howl;

The screaming sea-bird quits the troubled sea:

But the wild gloomy scene has charms for me,

And suits the mournful temper of my soul…

- Charlotte Smith, ‘XII. Written on the Sea Shore’, Elegiac Sonnets.

No matter where it’s planted, ‘Blue Pacific’Juniper evokes the feeling of the seashore. It’s native to the seacoasts of Japan. ‘Blue Pacific’ is an improved variety of Juniperus conferta (pronounced “jew-NIP-er-us KON-fer-tuh”) also known as Shore Juniper. It’s height is shorter and the foliage color is richer.

The evergreen foliage of this low-growing beauty is blue-green and needle-like. ‘Blue Pacific’ grows 6 inches to 18 inches in height and spreads 36 inches to 48 inches.

Shore juniper can be grown anywhere in USDA Climate Zones 4 through 9, provided that it’s exposed to full sun and planted in well-drained to dry soil. Soil can be average to poor with pH ranging from 5.1 to 7.8. Sandy soil is just fine.

As you might expect from a plant that’s native to coastal regions, ‘Blue Pacific’ juniper is drought tolerant, deer resistant, and salt-tolerant. So, it’s ideal for xeriscaping, ground cover, and erosion control, especially in coastal gardens.

Prepare the planting bed for Shore juniper by cultivating at least 14" deep, removing all traces of weeds. Composted manure may be incorporated into the soil, but it may not be necessary. ‘Blue Pacific’ does well in poor soil. Nevertheless, incorporate 5-10-15 fertilizer at a rate of no more 2 lbs. per 100 square feet into the soil. Avoid synthetic fertilizers contacting any part of your plants.

Plant this juniper approximately 36” apart. Closer if you want quicker coverage, and budget allows. 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" deep.

Because it likes well-drained soil, plant ‘Blue Pacific’ juniper with other plants having similar cultural requirements. As the plants mature, fertilize sparingly and allow soil to dry between watering.

'Blue Pacific' juniper will undoubtedly become one of your favorite ground cover solutions for your coastal garden, or any other difficult site with dry, sandy soil.

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Choice Plants For The Coastal Landscape

A stroll on Hilton Head Island reveals a short list 

Coastal landscapes are very demanding on plants. Strong sunlight, wind, sandy soil, and salt air require much. A recent stroll at Sea Pines, Hilton Head provided a short list of species that thrive in such conditions, at least in the Deep South.

Here’s what I found:

Nerium oleander flowers and leaves

Usually known only as "oleander", its origins are unknown, though the Mediterranean region is likely. Nerium is usually grown in tropical and subtropical environments as a free-form shrub. It blooms all summer long. Flowers in colors ranging from white to red are fragrant. Variegated foliage is available. Maintenance requirements are extremely low.

Creeping Fig - Ficus pumila

Creeping Fig is an elegant vine that does it's job gracefully, producing a luxuriant, evergreen covering where it is needed. Perhaps you have seen Creeping Fig covering garden walls in lovely cities of the Deep South. Clinging closely, it lends dark green softness to all kinds of structures.

Cycas revoluta - Sago Palm

Cycas revoluta - aka Sago Palm - is not a palm at all, but a member of the ancient Cycadaceae family. It's native to Japan, and is comfortable in warm temperate and subtropical regions. Sago is popular throughout the South, in botanical gardens and landscapes.

Asparagus densiflorus 'Myersii' - Asparagus fern

This member of the Asparagaceae family is not a fern, but an asparagus. It's hardy in USDA climate zones 9-11. While often used as a container plant, it also does well in the landscape, provided that it's protected during freezing weather. Though this particular plant was photographed in the sun, I've found that it has better color if grown in partial shade.

Salvia rosmarinus 'Prostratus' aka Rosemary

As taxonomists would have it, Rosmarinus is now classified as a Salvia. But whatever. It's a fine plant for the coastal garden. Its Latin name is even derived from its native habitat meaning "dew of the sea." Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region. Some varieties are susceptible to frost, but it thrives in heat and well-drained soil. Beside its ornamental use, rosemary is well-known for its culinary value.

Gelsemium sempervirens - Carolina Jessamine

As I write this in mid-March, this gorgeous garland of yellow is in full bloom. Its range is from Virginia to Texas and southward through Mexico. Carolina Jessamine is one of my favorite flowering vines. It can be grown high or low, over your mailbox or under it. The deep yellow garlands in the trees drop lovely blossoms on the forest floor below, golden mantles drape garden walls, and the fragrance is wonderful.

Cyrtomium falcatum - Holly Fern

This glossy, evergreen beauty is tough as nails. Its beauty is irresistible. Use if for ground cover, borders, accents. Gardeners in colder climates can grow it as a house plant.

Aspidistra elatior - Cast-Iron Plant

True to its name, Aspidistra is beyond tough. As I wrote in an earlier article, "In dry, thin soil under trees they thrive.  Stuffed in neglected pots, they wait for someone to come and dribble a little water; often just a styrofoam cup of melted ice and lemon slice.  Yellowed by too much sun, ragged from neglect, they persist.  Often they are as neglected indoors, or worse." But when grown in shade with a bit of care, Aspidistra lends a wonderful tropical appearance to the home and landscape.

Nephrolepis cordifolia - Erect Sword Fern

Several species go by the common name of Sword Fern. Best go by the botanical name if you're looking for this one. Nephrolepis cordifolia is a very successful evergreen ground cover fern for southern and coastal gardens. So successful, in fact, that some folks consider it to be invasive. But, hey, it covers ground. Isn't that what ground covers are supposed to do?

Nandina domestica - Heavenly Bamboo

Nandina is a rather common landscape shrub that's hardy from UDSA Climate Zone 6 through 11. It's native to Japan. Evergreen foliage often turns to scarlet shades in winter, and new foliage may be burgundy in color. Berries are usually red, though other colors appear on the market. Dwarf forms are available. It's about as easy to grow as anything you can imagine. Fairly fertile soil and a little water is all it needs. Grow it in full sun or partial shade.

Dianella tasmanica - Flax Lily

Dianella is a fairly new plant on the market. It might be named for the Greek goddess, Diana, or another Diane. I don't know. At any rate, it's native to Tasmania and southeastern Australia. Its small, blue flowers are quite charming. The variegated form is my favorite. Dianella is evergreen, thrives in sun or partial shade, dry soil, and warmer climate zones - specifically USDA Climate zones 9 through 11. 

Hedera algeriensis - Algerian ivy

Algerian Ivy, also known as Hedera algeriensis, Hedera canariensis, Hedera canariensis var. algeriensis, Algerian Ivy, Canary Island Ivy, North African Ivy, or Madeira Ivy is a favorite of gardeners in the South. It thrives in warmer climates. Large, glossy, evergreen leaves cover ground nicely. It's not limited to use as a ground cover, however. It will easily cover fences, balustrades, and trellises, too. Deer won't eat it. Algerian Ivy is salt tolerant and drought tolerant, too.

Asiatic Jasmine

Asiatic Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) vines form a dense, glossy, evergreen mat, that suppresses weeds, making it an ideal ground cover. It thrives in full sun to full shade in USDA climate zones 7 to 9, and tolerates a wide variety of soil types. It's drought tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant. It's a ground cover that you're bound to love.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of appropriate plants for the coastal garden, but I figure it's about all that the normal adult's attention span will tolerate. I'll probably post an additional list in the future.

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Needle Palm: A Cold-Hardy Palm with Hot Points

Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix)

Gardeners are known for returning home with botanical souvenirs. Many of the plants are doomed (they know it before they buy them) but can’t resist. If you want a memento of the subtropics in your own back yard, and you want it to thrive, try Needle Palm.

Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix), native to Florida and other areas of the southeast, is reliably cold-hardy through USDA climate zone 7. Some growers report success in colder areas. It’s more like a shrub than tree, with a dense, mounding habit, growing about twice as wide as its height. The typical size of a mature Needle Palm is four to six feet high by eight to twelve feet wide.

Needle palm foliage

Needle Palm is fairly uncommon even in its native habitat. Outside of that, you’ll own bragging rights for miles around.

Don’t let its name put you off. The evergreen, cut-leaf fronds are not harmful. In fact, the tips of the leaflets are blunt, as though they had been snipped. The long, sharp needles are at the base of the plant protecting the inconspicuous flowers and fruit.

Needle palm needles

The needles do offer a significant benefit, however. They discourage through-traffic. Intruders who encounter them will get the point and hotfoot it out of there. If you're looking for a plant that offers a degree of crime prevention - call it "homeland security"- this is the palm for you.

Needle Palm prefers slightly moist, well-drained soil. Nevertheless, it is somewhat drought-tolerant when established. Space 6 feet to 10 feet apart in full sun to light shade. Soil should be moist to well-drained, pH from 6.1 to 7.8. Allow soil to dry between watering.

Pruning can be done at any time to remove damaged fronds. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer from late spring to midsummer. Needle Palm is very resistant to insects and disease, deer resistant and salt tolerant.

Needle Palm is excellent for native plant collections, coastal and tropical gardens, screens and hedges. Suitable native companion plants include Cut-leaf Coneflower, Goldenrod, Wax Myrtle, Inkberry Holly, Red Buckeye, Sensitive Fern, Allegheny Pachysandra, and Partridge Berry.

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Must-Have Plants: Blue Pacific Juniper

Juniperus conferta 'Blue Pacific'

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.

Juniperus conferta 'Blue Pacific', also known as Blue Pacific Juniper, is a big improvement over the well-known Shore Juniper because the height is shorter and foliage color is better.

Name(s): Juniperus conferta 'Blue Pacific', Shore Juniper.

Flower Color: Not applicable.

Bloom Time: Not applicable.

Foliage: Evergreen, blue-green, needle-like.

Height/Spread: 6 inches to 18 inches x 36 inches to 48 inches.

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

Sun Exposure: Full sun.

Soil Condition: Well-drained to dry, average to poor, pH 5.1 to 7.8.

Features: Drought tolerant, deer resistant, salt-tolerant.

Uses: Xeriscaping, massed planting, ground cover, erosion control, coastal gardens.

Comments: The foliage of Juniperus conferta 'Blue Pacific' is needle-like. Mature height is 6 inches to 18 inches. 'Blue Pacific' spreads to 48 inches.

'Blue Pacific' prefers full sun in USDA climate zones 4 to 9. Average well-drained garden soil is fine. It adapts to a wide variety of soil types and pH levels, and is salt-tolerant.

Juniperus conferta 'Blue Pacific is an excellent ground cover solution for medium to large areas. It performs well in coastal gardens, and dry, sandy soils. 'Blue Pacific' is superb for erosion control.

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Stoke's Aster - A Sensible Plant Named For A Lunartick

Stokesia laevis (Stoke's Aster)

Stokesia laevis, also known as Carthamus laevis, Stoke's Aster and Cornflower Aster, is an heirloom plant you may remember seeing in your grandmother's garden. Many hard-working women of yesteryear had no time for fussy flowers. Today's overwhelmed gardeners aren't much different. Perhaps that's why Stoke's Aster was and is so popular. It's a beautiful, sensible, low maintenance plant.

According to the USDA PLANTS database, Stoke's Aster is native to the southeastern United States, generally found growing in the coastal plain. Native plants are perfectly suited to their environments. That's why they're native. Ubiquitous native plants are ignored. Undesirable native plants are called "weeds." Attractive native plants are called "ornamentals", collected and transplanted to gardens. Perhaps that explains why Stoke's Aster ended up in my grandmothers' flower beds.

Stokesia (pronounced "sto-KEES-ee-ah") was named for Dr. Jonathan Stokes (c. 1755 - 1831). Stokes was an English physician and botanist. Historically, physicians tended to be botanists because doctors relied on plants for their medicinal qualities. They usually corresponded with others about their findings, and often published them. This was the case with Dr. Stokes.

As a member of the original Lunar Society, Stokes often met and corresponded with fellows to discuss science, philosophy and whatever else mattered. Apparently, the Lunar Society was so-named because the members met at night under the full moon. The moonlight made nocturnal travels easier. Eventually, the members were known as "lunarticks", an appellation they merrily embraced. Their convivial society was beneficial personally and professionally.

Jonathan Stokes published books on botany including A Botanical Materia Medica: Consisting of the Generic and Specific Characters of the Plants Used in Medicine and Diet, with Synonyms, and References to Medical Authors (1812) and Botanical Commentaries (1830). Botanical Commentaries would be most interesting to the layman.

Stokesia flowers appear from spring to fall. They're about 3 inches in diameter and usually purple, though colors may range to pinkish and nearly white. They are borne on strong stems. They're long-lasting, too.

Foliage is herbaceous. The plant rosette may remain green during winter months in warmer climates. Leaf surfaces are smooth. Plants grow to 12 inches height and spread from 12 to 15 inches.

Stoke's Aster is hardy in USDA climate zones 5 through 10. They thrive in full sun to partial shade, but flowering is most profuse in full sun. Plant in well-drained, loamy to sandy loam soil with pH ranging from 5.6 to 7.5. Take a soil sample to your local Cooperative Extension Office for analysis. If stokesias fail, the problem can usually be traced to poor drainage or too little sun exposure.

Stokesia laevis is best known for colorful, long-lasting flowers. In addition, the flowers attract butterflies. Plants are deer-resistant, drought-tolerant and somewhat salt-tolerant.

Stoke's Aster, a perennial plant, is well-suited to garden borders, butterfly gardens, cut flower gardens and xeriscaping.

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FAQ: Is Carolina Jessamine salt tolerant?

(Note: I'm often asked whether certain plants are salt tolerant. I intend to address the subject generally in a later blog article.) 

Q. We are interested in purchasing some Carolina Jessamine, but have a question.  We plan to use it to climb on a pergola at our beachfront home.  The local county agricultural extension agent says that it is salt-tolerant.  What do you think?  Do you know of anyone who has grown in successfully in a beachfront environment?

A. I can not think of a specific beachfront property where I've seen Gelsemium sempervirens growing, but that's probably because it is so ubiquitous in S. GA. I've seen it growing in the wild all over Skidaway Island. I was on Jekyll Island recently, and saw plenty of it near the rivers and beach.

A paper, SALT TOLERANT PLANTS Recommended for Pender County Landscapes published by Cooperative Extension Service, Pender County, NC, shows Gelsemium as being moderately salt tolerant.

I could not find a similar document from your state that names Gelsemium, but if it's salt-tolerant in NC it's salt-tolerant where you live.

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Sea Thrift Grows By The Summer Sea

 SEA THRIFT grows by the summer sea,

Till the summer’s close,

On a grassy cliff, ’neath a radiant sky,

While sun and summer and wind go by,

Sea thrift blows and blows.

-Dollie Radford (1858-1920)

With apologies to Mrs. Radford, the Sea Thrift about which I am writing is not the cottage standing in a garden at some distance from the sea, but the flower growing on the cliff that is full of joy all the summer through.

Thrift is a common name often applied to plants in three separate genera: Phlox subulata, Dianthus spp. and Armeria. I suppose it's mostly because they so closely resemble. All have low profiles, mounding habits, and linear or needle-like foliage. The name, Armeria, is the latinized version of Dianthus, so that could also contribute to the confusion. But the one I'm writing about is Armeria.

Armeria (pronounced "ar-MEH-ree-ah") is a perennial, native mostly to the Mediterranean region of Europe and Great Britain, often found along the coast. As any know who have lived by the sea, it can be a harsh environment. Strong winds, sand, heat and cold, dry conditions and salt spray buffet the shore. Coastal plants are well-suited to the situation, hunkering down behind dunes, sheltering in crags, bending with the wind, and tolerating the salt. Just so does Armeria thrive.

Though Armeria boasts over 100 species, just a few are commercially available. Among them are A. alliacea (resembling Allium), A. juniperifolia (resembling juniper foliage), A. maritima (of the sea) and A. pseudarmeria (the plant looks more like Dianthus than Armeria, so is called False Armeria though it isn't). A. maritima is the most popular.

Armeria is perfect for rock gardens, coastal gardens, low borders along patios and walks, and cutting gardens. For water-wise gardeners, Armeria is great for xeriscaping. Armeria maritima has the added advantage of being very tolerant of high copper levels in the soil.

Armeria prefers full sun in USDA climate zones 3 or 4 to 8. Plant in very well-drained soil with pH ranging from 6.6 to 7.8. Space 6 inches to 8 inches apart. Do not water too much or Armeria will rot. To prolong the bloom season, dead-head the spent flowers to prevent them from going to seed. Once seeds are produced, Armeria thinks its job is done and will settle down to rest.

Those of you who garden near the sea should find Armeria very much to your liking. Even if you don't live near the shore, it will delight you with its joyful little flowers blown by the breeze.

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