This Month in the Garden: Alluring Alliums!: Fall Planting, Care & Maintenance

Allium Planting, Care & Maintenance

Allium is a genus consisting of over 850 species of plants which includes ornamental forms used for gardening and those cultivated for food, such as onion, garlic, chives, scallion, leek and shallot. Allium can be found growing in the Northern Hemisphere, with a few species occurring in Chile, Brazil and tropical Africa. Originally classified by Carolus Linnaeus in 1753, allium were considered a plant with valuable attributes. By the late 1800’s Russian botanists began collecting species of Allium from Central Asia and introduced them to horticulturists through the Imperial Botanical Garden. Soon after, Britain had heard of this new family of garden-worthy plants and continued to expand the number of available selections through hybridization. Allium has gained increased recognition over the years for its ornamental qualities and was named bulb of the year in 2016 by the The National Garden Bureau and the Perennial Plant Association has voted Allium 'Millenium' as the Perennial Plant of the Year for 2018! 

Globemaster Allium

Allium (Ornamental Onion) are hardy in USDA hardiness zone 3-9, depending on the species, and prefer to be grown in full sun. Allium are drought tolerant and should be planted in a well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5) which is kept on the drier side. Bulbs should be planted in early autumn (September-November) at a depth of approximately four times the diameter of the bulb. Smaller growing Alliums should be planted at 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) apart, while taller species need at least 8 inches (20 cm) between the bulbs. A sprinkle of bone meal around the bulbs at time of planting (but not near the root) will give them a good start. As mentioned, Allium bulbs are best planted in autumn (by late November) but can be planted in late winter/early spring for late May/June blooms. Flowers may not be as large in the first season, so the application of a balanced fertilizer once foliage emerges will encourage plant strength and blooms.

Allium Mont Blanc

Allium bloom time starts in late spring into early summer and plants are available in a wide variety of sizes and colors, ranging from the white Allium (example 'Mont Blanc'), to blue (Allium caeruleum), yellow (Allium flavum) and purple (Allium giganteum). Plant heights vary between 10 inches (25.4 cm.) and 50 inches (127 cm.) and produce rounded blooms that form at the top of a leafless stalk. Many Allium have basal leaves that commonly wither away before or while the plants are in flower, but some species have persistent foliage throughout the season. Generally, species that hold onto their foliage typically bloom later into fall and form dense clumps rather than individual blooming plants. Varieties that lose their foliage tend to form individual stalks with larger blooms. Allium can be planted as seed, but is best planted as bulbs, which vary in size between species from the smaller 2–3 mm bulb to the larger 8–10 cm bulb of larger blooms. 

Allium Globemaster (Allium giganteum)

Allium require little to no maintenance and are mostly pest and disease free. They are members of the onion family, so the foliage and blooms and are not preferred by deer, rabbits or squirrels. They are also an attraction to butterflies, bees and other pollinators. Removing spent blooms after blooming can encourage plants to store more energy for the following year, but it is not necessary, and some gardeners prefer to leave dried blooms for the remainder of the summer for interest and to encourage re-seeding. There is no need to dig Allium up in the fall, since they do not require any dividing, but can be moved to other locations at that time.

Allium caeruleum Blue

Allium have a wide variety of uses in the landscape and can be planted among evergreen or flowering shrubs and along with other perennials. This versatile plant is easy to plant and maintain and will bring years of enjoyment to your landscape. The possibilities are endless!

Photo Credit: Longwood Gardens (Flowering time Left to Right: Late Spring-Early Summer)

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2018. All rights reserved

This Month in the Garden: Ten Perennials For Your Garden That Deer Will Avoid

Deer Resistant Perennials

Over the years as a garden designer, I frequently meet with clients who have an ongoing issue with deer foraging their gardens. The deer population has been escalating and I have heard stories of new homeowners landscaping their entire property with beautiful blooms only to find that all their hard work was destroyed, and sadly within the first week of planting. While no plant is completely deer resistant, there are species that are avoided by our four-legged friends due to their taste, texture or aroma. If you are looking for interest to add to your landscape that will supply years of enjoyment, and not be foraged by deer, here are a few suggestions.

Coreopsis ‘Zagreb’(Tickseed)

The first is Coreopsis or 'Tickseed', which is known for its delicate yellow or pink daisy-like flowers on lacy foliage, that bloom from early summer into fall. Coreopsis is hardy in USDA zones 4-8, prefers to be grown in full sun in a well-drained soil, and is drought tolerant once established. Coreopsis is available in several varieties ranging in flower size and colors ranging from yellow to pink, and reddish-orange to the newly hybridized yellow-orange bloom. I have found the ‘Zagreb’ variety (photo above) to be an excellent “deer resistant” bloom that produces a full array of repeat blooms for many years in the garden.

Nepeta ‘Walkers Low’ (Catmint)

Nepeta is a member of the mint family and is known for its distinctive gray-green aromatic foliage that is an attraction to cats when crushed. Nepeta displays soft lavender-blue blooms which are produced in early summer and continue through fall, giving a long-lasting display of color. The perennial is available in a variety of heights ranging from the smaller 18-24-inch tall 'Little Titch' to the taller 2-3-foot tall 'Mussinii'. Nepeta is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and prefers to be grown in full sun to partial shade in a well-drained soil. Little care is required once this plant is established.

Salvia ‘May Night’ (Perennial Sage)

Salvia or sage thrives best in USDA zones 4-8, is "deer resistant" and blooms throughout the summer with regular dead-heading. There are many varieties of sage to choose from, ranging in height from the 10-12- inch tall Salvia ‘Marcus’ to the 20-30-inch tall ‘Caradonna’ variety. Species vary in color from the white (Salvia nemerosa ‘Snow Hill”) to rose-pink (Salvia nemerosa ‘Sensation Rose’) to the more popular purple varieties (such as Salvia nermerosa ‘April Night’, ‘May Night’ or ‘Caradonna’). A very popular plant in the garden, Salvia is also an attraction to butterflies.

Peony ‘Karl Rosenfeld’

Peony displays large mildly fragrant blooms in late spring to mid-summer. Peony are hardy in USDA zones 2-8, prefer full sun to partial shade and like their roots protected. Peony are available in a wide range of colors including light pink, rose pink, white and yellow. Plants vary in stature depending on the variety, but generally range in height between 2-3 feet. These beautiful late spring/early summer-blooming beauties are an asset to any garden and blooms are followed by handsome foliage that lasts for the remainder of the gardening season.

Dwarf Fountain Grass ‘Hameln’

If you enjoy having ornamental grasses in your garden, they are also "deer resistant". There are many varieties of grasses in varying heights to choose from including the well-known Fountain Grasses Pennisetum Alopecuroides 'Hameln' (2-3 feet) or 'Little Bunny'(1-2 feet) as well as the Maiden Grasses Miscanthus Sinensis 'Gracillimus' (5-8‘) or 'Morning Light' (4-5’) among others. Ornamental grasses are generally hardy to USDA zones 5-9 and prefer full sun and a well-drained soil. They will add grace and movement to your landscape and are well suited to a variety of garden styles.

Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow' (Bugleweed)

Ajuga (Bugleweed) is a groundcover perennial hardy in USDA zones 3-10 that displays bluish-purple blooms in early spring on 4-6-inch tall plants. Ajuga thrives in partial to full shade and serves well as a massed planting under trees or in perennial borders. Foliage remains evergreen in winter and takes on a rich bronze-burgundy tone to provide constant interest.

Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Japanese Forest Grass)

Hakonechloa, or Japanese Forest Grass, is a grass-like perennial hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 that prefers partial sun to shade and a moderately most soil. Wispy golden-green low arching stems cascade gracefully on an 18-inch tall and wide plant to add a dramatic look to the garden. This plant adds beautiful interest to the landscape when cascaded over a wall, as seen above.

Allium ‘Globemaster’

Allium (Ornamental onion) is an easy to grow bulb which has become increasingly popular in gardens over the past few years. Allium produces globe-shaped purple, white or pink blooms in late spring/early summer on tall stately stalks. Allium is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and is best grown in full sun in a well-drained soil. Bulbs are best planted in fall (September-November) the season before you want them to flower. If you have an issue with deer or rodents, Alliums are an excellent addition, since they are looked upon as distasteful to the palate.

French Lavender

Lavender is a well-known aromatic herb used over the centuries as a perfume and herbal remedy. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and requires full sun and a well-drained, moderately dry soil. Lavender displays bluish-purple blooms on 24-30-inch grey-green foliage in mid-summer to early fall and is deer resistant as well as drought tolerant once established. Lavender also is known to attract butterflies. Different species of lavender vary in cold hardiness,  so choose accordingly for your zone.

Stachys (Lamb’s Ear)

Stachys (Lamb’s Ear) is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and displays silvery-white “wooly” leaves with a velvety feel. Tall stalks appear in summer with pinkish-pink blooms that last into fall. Lamb’s Ear prefers to be grown in full sun to partial shade in a moderately moist soil. The interesting foliage of Stachys remains throughout the winter and serves nicely as a border plant in a perennial garden.

This selection of perennials that can be utilized to create a colorful cottage garden or perennial border that is undesirable to deer. More structural elements to complement these plants could include, but are not limited to, Spirea, Butterfly Bush, Boxwood, Crape Myrtle and certain species of holly and cedar. Generally, the more aromatic and coarse the foliage, the more undesirable the plant will be to foragers. Remember, deer can be unpredictable creatures and your situation may vary, but these selections should get you started in the right direction for a successful and beautiful garden.

For more information on "deer resistant" plantings and use of these ornamental plants in landscape design, see my books,  A Guide to Northeastern Gardening and Landscape Design Combinations, or visit my Author Page.

~As Always...Happy Gardening!~

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2018. All rights reserved

Feature Perennial: Echinacea Cheyenne Spirit-Multi Colored Blooms Mid-Summer Until Fall

Echinacea Cheyenne Spirit

I have discovered a new hybrid Coneflower, Echinacea Cheyenne Spirit with spectacular blooms from mid-summer to early fall.  Winner of the highly regarded Fleuroselect Gold Medal and All-American Selection Awards of 2013,  Echinacea Cheyenne Spirit features slightly fragrant daisy-like blooms in vivid shades of orange, red, rosy-red, yellow, purple and cream surrounding a large brown cone all on the same plant! Besides guessing which color each bloom is going to be, the large colorful petals on this pollinator are just lovely in my late summer garden and are an attraction for butterflies.

Echinacea Cheyenne Spirit

'Cheyenne Spirit' is hardy in USDA zones 4-10 and prefers full sun and moderate watering in a well-drained soil.  Once established watering needs are less and the plant is more drought tolerant. Besides being drought tolerant this perennial is also cold hardy, disease resistant, heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and pest resistant. This herbaceous perennial has a mature size of 24-30" tall by 18-24" wide and displays a full upright habit. Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit' is ideal for sunny borders, mass plantings, massing in cottage gardens and cut flowers. Companion plants include Ornamental Grasses, Rudbeckia and Perovskia.

Echinacea Cheyenne Spirit

As an added bonus Echinacea Cheyenne Spirit's stronger stems have shown in test gardens not to topple over with heavy rain like some of the other Echinacea varieties.  Blooms are constant and deadheading is not necessary; however, regularly removing faded blooms will promote continued flowering.  Besides being attractive to butterflies Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit' is also "deer resistant".

I am testing this beautiful perennial in my gardens this summer and am happy with the results so far. If you are looking for some late summer color try Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit' in your garden!

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2014. All rights reserved

Feature Spring Perennial: Hybrid Peony: Itoh Paeonia 'Bartzella'-A True Beauty!

Paeonia x 'Bartzella'

I came across a new hybrid variety of Paeonia called Itoh Peony 'Bartzella' this past week and thought it was definitely worth sharing the information I found on it.  As an avid gardener and designer I was thrilled to find this yellow beauty to fill a void in my garden where the past harsh winter had severely damaged an established spirea. Itoh Peonies are hybrids created from a blend of woody Tree Peonies and herbaceous Garden Peonies. The plant is named after the Japanese breeder Mr.Toichi Itoh who created the first hybrid. The first successful cross was made in 1948 but this cultivar is considered to be relatively new.  The enormous double blossom flowers on this plant are breathtaking and resemble that of tree peonies but have the expanded color range of garden peonies. Their stems are sturdy like those of a tree peony and will support the weight of the unusually large blooms that appear in late spring. Itoh Peonies are hardy in zones 4-9, grow to a height of 30-36 inches and once established have an extended bloom time in succession for up to a month. 

Paeonia x 'Bartzella'

Plant Itoh Paeonia 'Bartzella' in full sun and in a moist, well-drained soil.  Keep them evenly moist to establish a deep, extensive root system but do not over water.  As blooms fade remove faded flowers to encourage new blooms.  After blooming, the dark green foliage of this hybrid peony resembles that of Tree Peony and adds interest to the garden well into fall. At the end of the season cut back stalks and cover with a thin layer of mulch as you would treat any herbaceous peony to protect the roots. Paeonia 'Bartzella' serve beautifully as a single focal point or as a mass planting and fit into a large range of garden styles including perennial borders, foundation plantings and cottage gardens.  As an added bonus Paeonia 'Bartzella' are also disease resistant, deer resistant, low maintenance and long-lived... hands down a winner!

As Always...Happy Gardening! 

                                             

       Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2014. All rights reserved.

Design of a Long Island Native Garden

Long Island Native Garden

As a designer I occasionally encounter jobs that are more challenging than others. This past summer I was contracted to design a Long Island native planting on the island's north shore.  Being the natural area was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy of 2012 and needed to be re-vegetated, there were set environmental guidelines that all plantings had to be native to the area and that the use of topsoil, mulch or fertilizers to sustain the plants was not permitted. That was no problem.  Most native plantings are tolerant of a variety of soil types and can thrive even in poor soil.  The challenge was that the homeowner did not want a natural planting but rather an organized garden that would look well planned and aesthetically pleasing. As you may be aware native plantings are not known for their aesthetic value. My idea was to create a garden with evergreens, flowering shrubs and colorful perennials that would be native and fit into the style of the surrounding area.  After going to several nurseries and researching numerous native plants for the area I proceeded on a design plan which gradually fell into place.

Before & After 

The first thing was to measure the blank slate and see the amount of space I needed to fill.  My goal was to achieve a well-balanced structure throughout the garden as to attain all season interest and provide a framework even in winter. After much decision making I choose native plants with good structural qualities such as Rosebay Rhododendron (Rhododendron Maximum), Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia' Sixteen Candles'), Inkberry (Ilex glabra 'Compacta') and Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica).   For colorful blooms I choose Echinecea, Liatris, Yarrow, Tiarella and native American Wisteria for the pergola.  Native Shenandoah Switch grass and Christmas fern were added throughout the garden to add movement and Bearberry was used as a ground cover for soil stabilization. 

Before & After 

I massed the different species of plants to achieve more impact and give the area a relativley full look while allowing growing room.  Besides the requirement of being native, the plantings also needed to be as "deer resistant" as possible.  Once I had the main list I  used my own experiences and research to determine the best plantings for the space. Besides the deer, there were a multitude of other local guests to the property including ducks, swans and rabbits.  As I was first designing on site one of the local swans diligently watched over every move I made until I quietly worked from one of the boulders.  Being an animal lover I guess he sensed it was alright for me to be there.  Eventually we developed a mutual understanding and I was able to walk around and continue on with my work.

Native Plant Pallette

Here are some of the plants I choose for the design.  Top Row (Left to Right):  Achillea, Yarrow, Liatris and Bottom Row (Left to Right) Echinecea, Clethra and Switch Grass.  I laid out my landscaping flags to get a good vision of how the plants would come to play and everthng came together.  The combinations of plants worked beautifully and the garden design that I set out to achieve for the client was accomplished. 

Long Island Native Planting

Every project I encounter is always exciting and new and sometimes it is exhilarating to encounter a good garden challenge.  The completed garden was a success and turned out to be everything the client and I had hoped for.  The moral of the story...it is possible for a native planting to be well-structured, fit into a natural setting and be aesthetically pleasing!

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2014. All rights reserved.

Feature Plant: Ajuga Reptans - Early Spring Color

Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow'

Blooming in early May, Ajuga reptans is a hardy perennial ground cover that is an excellent candidate for the shadier areas of the garden.  Ajuga is hardy in zones 3 to 9 and grows 3 to 4 inches in height.  Vibrant purple blooms form a carpet of color in hard to grow areas such as under trees and between shrubs or in shade area rock gardens.  Ajuga spreads rapidly in humus soil and can be divided and replanted after bloom. 

Ajuga reptans in Shade Garden

Ajuga grows best in partial to full shade in a well-drained soil.  Depending on the variety, foliage ranges from glossy medium green to variegated cream, purple and green oval shaped leaves that stay semi-evergreen throughout the winter months.  Blue-violet flowers appear in spring on 4-6 inch spikes that add a vibrant sea of color to the garden.

Ajuga serves as a focal point when planted around a boulder or along with other shade loving perennials.  The garden here is in part shade and sun with the purple ajuga in the shade along with hosta and Nepeta next to it in the sunnier area.  I have been growing this perennial in my zone 7 garden for the past several years and have found it to be successful.  Ajuga adds a beautiful splash of color in early spring along with attractive foliage throughout the rest of the season and as an added bonus...it is also considered to be "deer resistant"!

As Always...Happy Gardening!

 

Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2013. All rights reserved

Deer Resistant Plants in the Landscape

Deer Resistant Plants

While no plant is completely deer resistant there are several species that you can choose from that are attractive in the garden and are less desired by our four legged friends. While some plants such as hosta, arborvitae and yew are referred to as "deer candy" other selections are often avoided due to their taste, texture or aroma. The selections that I will mention are plants that provide color and interest all season long in the garden and are hardy in USDA zone 7. Many of these plants are also drought tolerant.

Spirea 'Gold Flame'

The first two "deer resistant' plants I would like to mention are Spirea and Barberry. These deciduous shrubs are both very popular for their colorful foliage, and in the case of Spirea, for its summer blooms. Barberry and Spirea are frequently used in foundation plantings, raised island beds, rock gardens and border gardens.

Barberry 'Rosy Glow'

Each cultivar comes in a variety of sizes including Barberry 'Royal Burgundy' (smaller 2-3'), Barberry 'Rosy Glow' (larger 5-6'), Spirea 'Gold Flame' (2-3'), Spirea 'Limemound'(2-3'), and Spirea 'Little Princess' (1-2') among others. These plants are also drought tolerant once established.

Buddleia 'davidii'

Our next candidate for a "deer resistant" garden is Buddleia or Butterfly Bush. A deciduous shrub, Buddleia davidii is hardy to zone 5 and produces prolific purple blooms throughout mid to late summer. There is also now a new dwarf variety 'Lo and Behold'.

Coreopsis 'Zagreb'

On the "deer resistant" perennials list is coreopsis. Coreopsis or 'Tick seed' displays beautiful daisy-like flowers throughout the entire summer and is drought tolerant once established.  It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.

Nepeta 'Little Titch'

Nepeta 'Walkers Low' is another favorite long blooming perennial that deer do not forage on. It comes in a variety of different heights ranging from 'Mussinii' which is taller to 'Little Titch' which is a dwarf form.

Astilbe 'Sprite'

If you have a shaded area with deer try Astilbe.  Astilbe is a popular perennial that comes in a variety of sizes and colors and thrives in low light. There are many varieties of Astilbe ranging from white to pink to red and salmon. The one shown here is Astilbe 'Sprite' which is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.

Salvia 'Maynight'

Next is perennial Salvia or sage. Salvia thrives best in USDA zones 4-8, is "deer resistant" and blooms throughout the summer with regular dead-heading. There are many varieties of sage to choose from.

Peony 'Karl Rosenfeld'

Peony are another favorite of many a gardener, displaying magnificent large blooms in early spring.  Put them onto your list. They are not desired by deer and our four legged friends usually pass this one by.  Peony are hardy in USDA zones 2-8. 

Dwarf Fountain Grass 'Little Bunny'

If you enjoy having ornamental grasses in your garden they are also "deer resistant". There are many varieties of grasses to choose from including the well-known Fountain Grasses Pennisetum Alopecuroides 'Hameln' or 'Little Bunny' as well as the Maiden Grasses Miscanthus Sinensis 'Gracillimus' or 'Morning Light' among others.

Crape Myrtle 'Sioux'

Crape Myrtle, a favorite tree in the landscape also happens to be on the deer do not eat list. Crape Myrtle once more popular in the Carolina's is now also popular in the northeast and is hardy in USDA zones 7-9. Crape Myrtle come in a variety of colors and sizes. Shown here is Crape Myrtle 'Sioux'.

Chamaecyparis 'Gold Mop'

There are various evergreens that are that can also be grown in the "deer resistant" garden. The one shown here is Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Gold Mop'. Gold Mop Cypress is a lovely golden evergreen that retains its color all year long, grows 2-3 feet in height and is hardy in zones 4-8.

Deodara Cedar 'Aurea'

Deodara Cedar is also unfavored by deer and is a beautiful focal point in the landscape. Deodara Cedar is a large pyramidal evergreen with graceful cascading branches and golden needles hardy to USDA zone 6.

Cryptomeria japonica

A beautiful evergreen for a privacy screening is Cryptomeria japonica. Shown here in the backdrop, Cryptomeria japonica 'Yoshino' is known for its soft delicate foliage (not liked by deer) and golden-green coloring. Cryptomeria is hardy to USDA zone 5 and is available in many varieties ranging from dark green to golden.

Ilex 'Nellie Stevens' (Nellie Stevens Holly)

Next on the list are Ilex or the hollies. For the most part deer do not prefer most hollies. I have seen cases where the deer are hungry enough that they will nibble on the new spring growth of  the plant but will not touch the more mature inner growth. The more jagged the leaf on the variety of holly you choose the better.

Vibernum 'Carlcephalum'

Another lovely plant, Vibernum, displays white flowers in early spring and is a nice addition to the woodland garden. Vibernum are hardy to USDA zones 4-8 and come in a variety of types and sizes.

As mentioned in the beginning of this article, no plant is completely "deer resistant". If the deer are hungry enough they will tend to nibble on plants in the landscape, but there are some plants that are much less attractive to deer for various reasons. The species of plants I have mentioned in this article are the plants I have found to be most successful in the garden over the years as a designer. I hope you find this list to be helpful and informative. 

*Update (2015):  Barberry has been labeled as invasive in some states. Alternatives for dwarf barberry are Dwarf Weigela 'Spilled Wine', 'Wine and Roses'', 'Midnight Wine' or 'Fine Wine'. Alternatives for regular sized Barberry are Eastern Ninebark 'Summer Wine' or Purple Smoke Bush. 

Looking for some gardening help and inspiration? Check out my Author Page & Books!

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9

Landscape Design Combinations

Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener 

Gardening by Month: A Monthly Guide to Planning the Northeastern & Mid-Atlantic Garden

Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening,© Copyright 2011, All rights reserved.