Day Of The Daylily

Hemerocallis x 'Catherine Neal'

Daylily

Type Perennial

Hardy range 2A to 6A

Height 24" to 36" / 60cm to 90cm

Spread 24" to 4' / 60cm to 1.20m

Growth rate Average

Form Irregular or sprawling and upright or erect

Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Persistence Deciduous

Bloom Color Purple

Bloom Time Summer

The flowers are suitable for cut flowers.

EnvironmentThis plant tolerates drought.
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to neutral (less than 6.8 to 7.2) soil.

Leaf Color Green
Fall Color No change in fall color

This plant has attractive foliage.

Culture Notes
Hemerocallis hybrids come in a wide range of colors, flowering times and sizes, and some even come with a fragrance. For the most part, daylilies are long-lived, hardy perennials that are tolerant of the sun. However, some species will show sun scald and prefer partial sun. Daylilies are adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, and most bloom from late June until the first frost (depending on the cultivar). These plants attract both butterflies and hummingbirds and, usually, are both heat and drought resistant. Hemerocallis are extremely tough plants that spread rapidly in most conditions, thereby choking out weeds without becoming invasive themselves. The best time to plant daylilies is early spring. Although the individual blooms are short-lived, the number of blooms you get from an average flower stalk continues on for weeks.

Daylilies adapt to almost any location that provides at least six hours of sunlight, but it's best to plant them in a prepared, raised bed of soil that is high in organic matter. For clay soil, coarse sand and organic matter should be mixed in. When planted, the crown should be even with the soil line. The growth rate of daylilies can be increased via generous irrigation practices. At the end of the flowering season, remove the spent flower stalks only so that the remaining dying foliage will protect the center of the plant through the colder winter months. Also, division of the plant every two or three years will increase stem strength and flower size.

'Catherine Neal' has won several awards from the American Hemerocallis Society, including an Honorable Mention in 1983 and the Award of Merit in 1990. Its bloom color is deep purple with a greenish center. Despite its dark color, 'Catherine Neal' fades very little in the sun. This particular Daylily is usually a repeat bloomer, and it goes dormant in the winter months.

Hemerocallis x 'Janice Brown'

Daylily

Type Perennial

Hardy range 3A to 10A
Height 12" to 18" / 30cm to 45cm
Spread 24" to 4' / 60cm to 1.20m
Growth rate Average
Form Irregular or sprawling and upright or erect
Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence Deciduous


Bloom Color Pink

The flowers are suitable for cut flowers.

EnvironmentThis plant tolerates drought.
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to neutral (less than 6.8 to 7.2) soil.

Leaf Color Green
Fall Color No change in fall color

This plant has attractive foliage.

Culture NotesHemerocallis hybrids come in a wide range of colors, flowering times and sizes, and some even come with a fragrance. For the most part, daylilies are long-lived, hardy perennials that are tolerant of the sun. However, some species will show sun scald and prefer partial sun. Daylilies are adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, and most bloom from late June until the first frost (depending on the cultivar). These plants attract both butterflies and hummingbirds and, usually, are both heat and drought resistant. Hemerocallis are extremely tough plants that spread rapidly in most conditions, thereby choking out weeds without becoming invasive themselves. The best time to plant daylilies is early spring. Although the individual blooms are short-lived, the number of blooms you get from an average flower stalk continues on for weeks.
Daylilies adapt to almost any location that provides at least six hours of sunlight, but it's best to plant them in a prepared, raised bed of soil that is high in organic matter. For clay soil, coarse sand and organic matter should be mixed in. When planted, the crown should be even with the soil line. The growth rate of daylilies can be increased via generous irrigation practices. At the end of the flowering season, remove the spent flower stalks only so that the remaining dying foliage will protect the center of the plant through the colder winter months. Also, division of the plant every two or three years will increase stem strength and flower size.
'Janice Brown' won the American Hemerocallis Society's highest honors by receiving the Stout Silver Medal.

Hemerocallis x 'Frans Hals'

Daylily

Type Perennial

Hardy range 4B to 8A

Height 24" to 28" / 60cm to 70cm

Spread 24" to 4' / 60cm to 1.20m

Growth rate Average

Form Irregular or sprawling

Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Persistence Deciduous

Bloom Color Orange and yellow

Bloom Time Summer and Fall

The flowers are fragrant and suitable for cut flowers.

Environment This plant tolerates drought.
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Green

This plant has attractive foliage.

Culture Notes Hemerocallis hybrids are tolerant of full sun, but sometimes they will show sun scald in hot areas and prefer partial sun. Most are tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions.

Hemerocallis x 'Fairy Tale Pink'

Daylily

Type Perennial

Hardy range 2A to 6A

Height 12" to 24" / 30cm to 60cm

Spread 24" to 4' / 60cm to 1.20m

Growth rate Average

Form Irregular or sprawling and upright or erect

Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Persistence Deciduous and semi-evergreen

Bloom Color Pink

Bloom Time Summer

The flowers are showy and suitable for cut flowers.

Environment This plant tolerates drought.
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to neutral (less than 6.8 to 7.2) soil.

Leaf Color Green
Fall Color No change in fall color

This plant has attractive foliage.

Culture Notes Hemerocallis hybrids come in a wide range of colors, flowering times and sizes, and some even come with a fragrance. For the most part, daylilies are long-lived, hardy perennials that are tolerant of the sun. However, some species will show sun scald and prefer partial sun. Daylilies are adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, and most bloom from late June until the first frost (depending on the cultivar). These plants attract both butterflies and hummingbirds and, usually, are both heat and drought resistant. Hemerocallis are extremely tough plants that spread rapidly in most conditions, thereby choking out weeds without becoming invasive themselves. The best time to plant daylilies is early spring. Although the individual blooms are short-lived, the number of blooms you get from an average flower stalk continues on for weeks.
Daylilies adapt to almost any location that provides at least six hours of sunlight, but it's best to plant them in a prepared, raised bed of soil that is high in organic matter. For clay soil, coarse sand and organic matter should be mixed in. When planted, the crown should be even with the soil line. The growth rate of daylilies can be increased via generous irrigation practices. At the end of the flowering season, remove the spent flower stalks only so that the remaining dying foliage will protect the center of the plant through the colder winter months. Also, division of the plant every two or three years will increase stem strength and flower size.
'Fairy Tale Pink' is the winner of several American Hemerocallis Society awards, including an Honorable Mention in 1984, an Award of Merit in 1987 and the much sought after Stout Silver Medal in 1990. Its ruffled creamy-pink coloring, green throat, form, resistance to sun damage and ability to repeat blooming makes the 'Fairy Tale Pink' quite popular. As a semi-evergreen, this plant becomes dormant during the winter months.

Hemerocallis x 'Cherry Cheeks'

Daylily

Type Perennial

Hardy range 4B to 8A

Height 24" to 30" / 60cm to 75cm

Spread 24" to 4' / 60cm to 1.20m

Growth rate Average

Form Irregular or sprawling

Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Persistence Deciduous


Bloom Color Pink
Bloom Time Summer and Fall

The flowers are fragrant and suitable for cut flowers.

Environment This plant tolerates drought.
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Green

This plant has attractive foliage.
Culture Notes Hemerocallis hybrids are tolerant of full sun, but sometimes they will show sun scald in hot areas and prefer partial sun. Most are tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions.

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Japanese Blood Grass, Perennial Grass Of The Day

Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron'

Japanese Blood Grass

Type Perennial, grass

Hardy range 6B to 9A

Height 16" to 20" / 40cm to 50cm

Spread 18" to 24" / 45cm to 60cm

Growth rate Slow

Form Upright or erect

Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Persistence Deciduous

Environment This plant tolerates some drought. This plant will grow in moist soil. Suitable soil is sandy. The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Pink and variegated
Fall Color Red
This plant has attractive foliage.
Culture Notes `Red Baron' is not invasive and spreads very slowly. The foliage becomes more red in the fall. Do not plant in heavy wet soils. Plant with: Conifers, Heliopsis, Carex, Liriope, and Ophiopogon sp.

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Asiatic Lily, Perennial of The Day

Lilium 'Gardenia'
    Asiatic Lily

Type    Perennial
Hardy range    5A to 9A
Height    12" to 36" / 30cm to 90cm
Spread    18" to 24" / 45cm to 60cm
Growth rate    Average
Form    Upright or erect
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Bloom Color    Pink and yellow
Bloom Time    Summer

The flowers are fragrant and suitable for cut flowers.

Environment
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

Leaf Color    Green

Culture Notes
In medieval times, lily bulbs had several medicinal purposes.  Plants will be less productive if allowed to seed.  Lilies can be easily divided by lifting and propagating the bulbs in early spring.  Flowers produced in the summer come in various colors.

Planting Ideas for 2012

Tropaeolum majus 'Alaska'

Nasturtium, Indian Cress

Type Annual

Height 18" to 30" / 45cm to 75cm

Growth rate Fast

Form Rounded

Exposure Full sun

Persistence Evergreen

Bloom Color Orange

Bloom Time Spring through Fall

The flowers are fragrant and suitable for cut flowers.

Environment This plant will grow in dry to moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Green, variegated and yellow

This plant has attractive foliage.

Culture Notes Habit of this plant can be either mounding or trailing. Nasturtium is easily grown, prefers full sun, tolerates poor soil and dry conditions. Propagate by seeds directly sown or by sowing under glass in early spring. Will bloom throughout summer in cooler areas only. The foliage stays fresh looking provided the plants receive some afternoon shade, and looks best when provided with occasional irrigation when the weather gets dry.
Nasturtium has several interesting benefits. Because it attracts aphids, it could prove beneficial in the garden, planted next to weaker plants, to protect them from these troublesome pests. It also has several culinary and purported medicinal uses. For example, fresh or dried Nasturtium leaves can be used as a peppery flavoring (although it's quite strong) in sandwiches and salads. Many believe this plant helps prevent colds, relieves itching and soothes the scalp.

Anemone sylvestris

Snowdrop Anemone, Snowdrop Windflower

Type Perennial

Hardy range 4A to 9A

Height 6" to 18" / 15cm to 45cm

Growth rate Fast

Form Upright or erect

Exposure Partial shade or partial sun

Persistence Deciduous

Bloom Color White

Bloom Time Spring and Summer

The flowers are fragrant, showy and suitable for cut flowers.

EnvironmentThis plant tolerates some drought.
This plant will grow in dry to moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Green

This plant has attractive foliage.

Culture NotesThis plant is found natively in meadows and light open woodlands. It spreads quickly and prefers a gritty, well-drained soil with lots of organic matter. Cut back to basal foliage after blooming. Divide as necessary to keep plant in its place. This plant will tolerate dry conditions during the summer months, with some protection from the hot summer sun. The parsley-like leaves of these plants are quite attractive, and the ornate parts of their daisy-like blossoms are actually sepals.

Amaranthus x 'Intensa Pink'

Amaranth, Amaranthus

Type Annual

Height 4' to 6' / 1.20m to 1.80m

Spread 18" to 24" / 45cm to 60cm

Growth rate Average

Form Upright or erect

Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Bloom Color Pink

Bloom Time Spring through Fall

The flowers are suitable for cut flowers and suitable for dried flowers.

EnvironmentThis plant tolerates drought.
This plant will grow in dry to moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Green

This plant has attractive foliage.

Culture NotesAmaranthus is an annual that is usually grown for it unusual blooms and attractive foliage.

Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

Smooth Hydrangea, Ashy Hydrangea, Wild Hydrangea

Type Shrub, woody plant

Hardy range 4A to 9A

Height 36" to 5' / 90cm to 1.60m

Spread 36" to 5' / 90cm to 1.60m

Growth rate Average

Form Rounded

Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Persistence Deciduous

Bloom Color Lavender and white

Bloom Time Spring and Summer

The flowers are very showy, suitable for cut flowers and suitable for dried flowers.

Environment This plant tolerates occasional wetness.
This plant will grow in occasionally wet soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to alkaline (less than 6.8 to more than 7.7) soil.

Leaf Color Green
Fall Color No change in fall color

Culture Notes The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society selected this plant as one of the Gold Medal Plants for 2001. This award recognizes exceptional woody plants hardy from New York to Washington, D.C. It has nice pure white flowers in spring and is certainly one of the best hydrangeas. Do not allow plants to become too dry. The foliage will let you know when plants need water as they wilt predictably at the first sign of drought. Cut plants back nearly to the ground each winter/spring. The plant suckers and spreads forming large clumps if left on its own. Positioning the plant in a shrub border helps hold up the flower laden branches and prevents plants from becoming floppy.
Flowers dry nicely and have been used for a long time by florists for this purpose.

Planting and establishing shrubs The most common cause of young plant failure is planting too deep. Plant the root ball no deeper than it was in the nursery. In most instances, the root flare zone (point where the top-most root in the root ball originates from the trunk) should be located just above the landscape soil surface. Sometimes plants come from the nursery with soil over the root flare. If there is soil over this area, scrape it off. The planting hole should be at least twice the width of the root ball, preferably wider. In all but exceptional circumstances where the soil is very poor, there is no need to incorporate anything into the backfill soil except the loosened soil that came out of the planting hole. Never place ANY soil over the root ball. If a row or grouping of plants is to be installed, excavating or loosening the soil in the entire bed and incorporating organic matter enhances root growth and establishment rate.

Celosia argentea (Cristata Group) 'Bombay Purple'

Cockscomb, Crested Celosia

Type Annual

Height 6" to 24" / 15cm to 60cm

Growth rate Average

Form Upright or erect

Exposure Full sun

Bloom Color Purple and red

Bloom Time Summer and Fall

The flowers are showy, suitable for cut flowers and suitable for dried flowers.

Environment This plant will grow in dry to moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Green

Culture Notes The annual, Celosia, belongs to the Amaranthaceae family which originates in Africa, explaining its preference for light and warmth. The Celosia (Cristata Group) is characterized by the cock, comb-like growth from the flower spike producing a flattened flower form. This is in contrast to the C. plumosa which forms a crest. The long-stemmed Cristata is exceptionally suitable for professional growers. The exotic form and colors are a challenge for any florist or flower arranger.
A Gold Medal was awarded to 'Bombay Purple' in the trials carried out by Fleuroselect, the international organization of flower breeders, for its beauty, uniformity and productivity. It performed better than any existing variety. It has striking flattish flowers which are almost geometrically triangular. The flowers are a reddish-purple color and although fading somewhat, the color remains after drying. This makes 'Bombay Purple' a real acquisition in the cut flower assortment. It can reach into modern and exotic lifestyle cultures where its color and form will harmonize distinctively.
Its uniformity and productivity make 'Bombay Purple' especially suitable for professional flower cultivation under glass. The culture is not simple, but certainly viable for the right professional. Celosia argentea cristata or the Cockscomb will never undergo mass production, but will stay an exclusive product, cultivated for distinction.
Just as the cock raises its comb to show off, the Cockscomb 'Bombay Purple' is showing off against the established cut flower varieties, daring the industry out to use varieties which suit artistic and fashion-conscious lifestyles. Flower growers and florists show good professionalism and sound economic insight with their choice of 'Bombay Purple'.

Amaranthus tricolor var. salicifolius 'Joseph's Coat'

Summer Poinsettia, Chinese Spinach, Fountain Plant, Joseph's Coat

Type Annual

Height 24" to 4' / 60cm to 1.20m

Growth rate Average

Form Upright or erect

Exposure Full sun

Bloom Color Red

Bloom Time Summer

The flowers are suitable for cut flowers and suitable for dried flowers.

Environment This plant tolerates drought.
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Variegated

This plant has attractive foliage.

Culture Notes This plant sprouts and grows quickly. It has long lasting flowers and displays well with ornamental grasses.

Campanula punctata syn. Campanula nobilis 'Cherry Bells'

Spotted Bellflower

Type Perennial

Hardy range 5A to 9A

Height 20" to 26" / 50cm to 65cm

Growth rate Fast

Form Spreading or horizontal and upright or erect

Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Bloom Color Red

Bloom Time Summer

The flowers are suitable for cut flowers.


Environment This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is a neutral to slightly alkaline (6.8 to 7.7) soil.

Leaf Color Green

Culture Notes Campanula will not do well in dry or wet soils or if humidity is high. As long as there is adequate drainage, this plant will easily spread to show off its numerous bell-shaped flowers. It's a good idea to remove spent flower heads for continuous blooming. C. punctata is noted for its pendulous, tubular blossoms that have tiny purple spots on the inside. A Terra Nova introduction, 'Cherry Bells' has a strong, upright habit and unusual tubular, red flowers. This plant attracts hummingbirds.

Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Baby Cole'

Blanket Flower

Type Perennial

Hardy range 3A to 8A

Height 6" to 8" / 15cm to 20cm

Spread 20" to 24" / 50cm to 60cm

Growth rate Fast

Form Upright or erect

Exposure Full sun

Persistence Deciduous

Bloom Color Red and yellow

Bloom Time Summer and Fall

The flowers are suitable for cut flowers.

Environment This plant will grow in dry to moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Green and silvery


Culture Notes G. grandiflora is a perennial, treated as an annual. In late summer, cut back spent blossoms to encourage a fall bloom. Do not remove foliage from the plant in late fall. This helps to protect the plant in colder climates. Stem cuttings can also be taken in late summer and seeds can be collected after flowering. Spring cut dead foliage only; after blooming, deadhead spent flowers to keep plant attractive. Plants go well with: Coreopsis, Stokesia, Caryopteris, and Platycodon. 'Baby Cole' is a dwarf, compact variety with red blossoms and yellow margins.

Viola x wittrockiana 'Joker® Rot-Gold'

Pansy, Heart's Ease, Ladies Delight, Stepmother's Flower

Type Biennial, perennial

Hardy range 6A to 9A

Height 4" to 8" / 10cm to 20cm

Growth rate Average

Form Irregular or sprawling and spreading or horizontal

Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Persistence Evergreen

Bloom Color Red and yellow

Bloom Time Spring and Summer

The flowers are suitable for cut flowers.

Environment This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Green

Culture Notes Short lived perennials that are usually grown as biennials or annuals. Pansies are grown to provide color in the early season, and they will usually fade away when summer arrives. 'Joker Rot-Gold' is gorgeous and bi-colored, with deep red and gold markings. Remove spent blooms to encourage a second flowering.

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Beechwood goes to the Flower Show at Epcot

Hosta, Deciduous Perennial Of The Day

Hosta x 'Pilgrim'

Hosta, Plantain Lily, Plantain Lily

Type Perennial

Hardy range 3A to 9A

Height 6" to 10" / 15cm to 25cm

Spread 24" to 30" / 60cm to 75cm

Growth rate Average

Form Rounded

Exposure Full shade to full sun

Persistence Deciduous

Bloom Color Lavender

Bloom Time Summer

The flowers are showy.

EnvironmentThis plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to neutral (less than 6.8 to 7.2) soil.

Leaf Color Green, variegated and yellow

This plant has attractive foliage.

Culture Notes Remove flower heads when flowers are spent. Hostas will grow best in a moist, fertile loamy soil in a woodland setting. Plants go well with: Astilbe, Ferns, Epimedium, Rodgersia, and Dicentra sp. This plant is considered mostly allergy free and causes little or no allergy problems in most people. 'Pilgrim' has a horizontal habit, showing off its gorgeous greenish-gray foliage with wide, irregular creamy colored edges.

Please feel free to comment on any post at any time all feedback is welcome and we’d love to hear it.

Coleus, Evergreen Perennial of The Day

Solenostemon scutellarioides 

Coleus

Type    Perennial
Hardy range    9B to 11
Height    12" to 36" / 30cm to 90cm
Spread    12" to 24" / 30cm to 60cm
Growth rate    Fast
Form    Upright or erect
Exposure    Full shade to partial sun
Persistence    Evergreen

Bloom Color    Blue and white

Environment
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to neutral (less than 6.8 to 7.2) soil.

Leaf Color    Green, orange, pink, purple, variegated and yellow
Fall Color    No change in fall color
This plant has attractive foliage.

Culture Notes
These plants are usually grown as annuals in cooler zones, but can be perennials in frost free areas.  Flowers can be left on these plants, but removing them will help the plant maintain its bright foliage. Once plants begin to flower, even the new shoots that develop after pinching produce flowers. This signals that it is time to begin thinking about replacing the plants with new ones. The foliage of Coleus plants looks great when arranged with freshly cut flowers.

Iris germanica, Deciduous Perennial of The Day

Iris germanica
    Bearded Iris,  Tall Bearded German Iris,  Orris Root

Type    Perennial
Hardy range    4A to 10A
Height    12" to 4' / 30cm to 1.20m
Growth rate    Average
Form    Upright or erect
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence    Deciduous

Bloom Color    Blue, orange, pink, purple, red, white and yellow
Bloom Time    Spring

The flowers are fragrant and suitable for cut flowers.

Environment
This plant will grow in dry to moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

Leaf Color    Green

Culture Notes
Prefers a sunny well-drained fertile soil.  Will tolerate some shade in well-drained areas.  Division can be done in the fall as well as early spring before new growth.  Some cultivars will bloom in late spring and again in the fall.  Dwarf cultivars are also available.  The Orris Root can be dried and used in potpourris and other mixtures needing a lavender scent.