The Budget-Wise Gardener. Kerry Ann Mendez
*Dictamnus is commonly called gas plant because it emits fumes from the flowers that are flammable. Both the foliage and flowers smell like lemon. Please note that resin and oil from the leaves may cause severe rashes, welts and even oozing blisters. I have not had this reaction, but proceed with caution, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Gas Plant (Dictamnus albus) ‘Purpureus’
■ Buy shortlived perennials in 4-inch pots. Or start them from seed. Why invest money in a large container when the plant will likely fizzle away in three years (maybe less)? Thankfully, most shortlived perennials bloom in their first year. Some attractive “fly-by-nights” include flax (Linum), mullein (Verbascum), Malva ‘Zebrina’, dwarf Delphinium (Delphinium grandiflorum and chinensis), blackberry lily (Belamacanda), Iceland poppy (Papaver nudicaule), columbine (Aquilegia) and English Daisy (Bellis perennis). Another dead giveaway that you’re looking at a short-lived perennial is when the plant tag states “allow some to reseed to enjoy more the next season.”
Iceland Poppy (Papaver nudicaule)
Malva ‘Zabrina’
■ Buy fast-growing perennials in small containers. Give these fast growers an inch and they will take a mile – or close to it! Some “fleet of root” include bee balm (Monarda), gooseneck (Lysimachia clethroides), obedient plant (Physostegia, and don’t be fooled by the cultivar ‘Miss Manners’), threadleaf tickseed ‘Zagreb’ and ‘Golden Showers’ (Coreopsis), ladybells (Adenorpha) and spotted bellflower ‘Cherry Bells’ (Campanula punctata). Which leads to the question, where are you thinking of planting these? I’m not suggesting that they’re bad plants, you just need to be realistic about their intentions. If you think they will politely stay where planted, dream on! Which reminds me, Coreopsis rosea ‘Dream On’ is also aggressive. Fast-spreading perennials usually need yearly “editing” (thinning). Better to plant them where they can run wild and frolic with others of their kind – as a ground cover or in a meadow or wildflower garden.
Spotted Bellflower (Campanula punctata) ‘Cherry Bells’
Bare Root Plants
Save a wheelbarrow of money by buying daylilies, Hosta and peonies as bare root plants (other perennials are also available). Bare roots cost less to ship than container plants – plus, frequently they have more mature root systems. If you have never planted a bare root perennial, you might feel awkward at first. The “dead looking” root can be unnerving. First, place “sleeping beauty” in some tepid water and allow it to soak for at least thirty minutes to an hour. Then place the hydrated root in a container of potting soil or plant directly in the landscape if the temperature is consistently above freezing.
A bare root of perennial Russian Sage (Perovskia) being potted up.
If you are confused about which end goes up, look closely for stem remnants indicating where the plant was cut back after being harvested the year before. The stem end goes up. Place the bare root in the hole so the crown (where the stem meets the roots) is even with the soil surface. Hold the plant in place with one hand and push soil around the roots with the other, filling the hole. Then water in gently so as not to wash soil away from roots. If you still can’t make heads or tails of which end goes up, plant the root on its side and it will solve the problem for you.
After eight weeks the bare root has grown into a gorgeous specimen!
■ Steer clear of perennials that show signs of insect or disease problems, no matter how tempting to put them in your cart. Save your Clara Barton skills for your spouse, children, pets or friends. Bringing a sick plant home to the garden is only inviting trouble to spread.
■ Scrutinize variegated perennials for signs of leaves reverting to solid green. You really can’t blame a plant for trying to shed its variegation. Less chlorophyll (green pigment) in leaves makes a plant less efficient at photosynthesis, needed for food production. Some variegated perennials that have a tendancy to revert include Sedum, Phlox, Arabis and Heliopsis.
This variegated Sedum at a garden center is already showing signs of reverting to a solid green.
■ What to do with a lovable “thug”: If you must have a perennial that is considered a thug (a plant that spreads rapidly, invading its neighbors or even your home!) then there are a few options: 1) you can create a meadow garden where it can range freely (assuming it is NOT on the invasive list, check with your regional extension office); 2) “imprison” it in a large container (with the bottom cut off) sunk into the ground. Make sure the container’s sides are at least 6–8 inches long. Or, 3) check if there is a variegated, chartreuse or blue-leaved cultivar in the same family and buy that. As mentioned above, because the leaves contain less chlorophyll, the plant will be less vigorous.
This patch of gold Lily-of-the-Valley (Convallaria majalis) ‘Fernwood’s Golden Slippers’ is surrounded by the more aggressive, green-leaved variety.
Shopping for Hosta? 5 Things to Know
Hosta ‘Brother Stefan’ has deeply puckered leaves. It was the American Hosta Growers Association’s 2017 Hosta of the Year.
1. Variegated Hosta do not usually develop their mature coloration until three years or older. So the leaf of a first-year Hosta may look very unlike the picture on the plant tag.
2. Solid blue or blue-variegated cultivars may develop green leaves if they’ve been in too much sun or their leaves have been consistently drenched by overhead watering. The “blue” is actually a wax that can fade away under these conditions. If this happens, don’t fret – the blue will return the next season.
3. If you see a variegated Hosta with some solid green leaves at its perimeter, choose another plant. It is trying to revert.
4. If you’re on the hunt for fragrant flowering Hosta, don’t assume the word fragrant on a plant tag means highly scented. It is best to do your own nose test. Most fragrant flowering Hosta bloom in mid- to late summer with flowers that are white or soft lavender.
5. To reduce slug and snail damage, look for Hosta with lots of “quilting” or “puckering” in their leaves. Blue-leaved Hosta are also good choices.
Hosta ‘Royal Standard’ has shimmering white flowers that are prized for their rich fragrance, especially in the evening.
Thyme thrives along this hot, stony outcrop at Coastal Maine Botanical Garden in Booth Bay, Maine.
■ Looking for drought-tolerant, xeric plants? Drought-tolerant, xeric plants are in high demand. When shopping for these, select containers with medium to