by Beth Bolles | Aug 5, 2013
Thinking of bulbs for the garden? Summer is not necessarily the time of year that gardeners think about beautiful blooms from bulbs and bulb-like plants, but there are many that bloom in the summer garden.
In general, many types of plants with an underground storage organ are classified as a bulb. These include plants with tubers, rhizomes, or corms. True bulbs including Lycoris and Crinum lily are compressed stems with a growing point surrounded by thick, fleshy scales. Corms such as Crocosmia are solid masses of stem tissue with a terminal bud and side nodes. The rhizome is an underground stem that grows laterally, with representatives of this type being blackberry lily and ginger.
It is likely that your garden is full of bulb-like plants and you were just not aware of their underground beginnings. If you want to consider a few more for the summer garden, here are some good choices.
Blackberry lily is a member of the Iris family that offers good summer bloom in our northern Florida gardens. Plants form sprays of foliage about 2 feet in height with stalks of orange flowers with red spots. Plant in full sun or partial shade and supply with well drained, amended soil.
A hairstreak butterfly visits the Blackberry lily flower.
Another bright summertime bloomer is Croscomia. Commonly overlooked early in the year as foliage regrows from the cold, the bright orange flowers that emerge in summer make it a feature in garden beds. Plants grow well in both full sun and partial shade but clumps can expand easily beyond the desirable planting area. Thin out every few seasons to keep the clump manageable.
A tuberous perennial that will have stunning flowers closer to eye level is the Gloriosa or flame lily. Plant stems will wind around a trellis or garden feature, hold on with tendrils, and support large upward-curved petals. Flower colors are red, yellow, orange, or mixes of several colors. Flame lily prefers sunny locations and lots of moisture in the growing season. Winter soils should be drier to prevent tubers from rotting.
Flame lily growing with a spring blooming vine.
All of these options can enhance your garden and extend your bulb growing season beyond the spring. Happy Gardening!
by Beth Bolles | Jul 7, 2013
Bring your own blend of fireworks to the garden this July by adding the Red Rocket Russelia, Russelia sarmentosa to a full sun area.
- Russelia sarmentosa. Image Credit Beth Bolles, University of Florida
A favorite perennial to those who grow it, the Red Rocket has many positive qualities that make it a must have for everyone. Plants form a large group of arching stems that grow 5-6 feet in height. Clusters of tubular red flower occur at each node, covering the entire stem in color. Flowering occurs soon after regrowth from winter cold and continues until the first frost. Once established plants perform well with occasional irrigation or a routine rain shower. The added bonus of this colorful perennial is that hummingbirds visit flowers often to feed on nectar.
by Beth Bolles | Jun 17, 2013
There are a couple of possibilities for gardeners who are looking for something a little different than the old favorite French hydrangea. If you want to make your neighbor’s and gardening friends envious, consider adding one of the following selections to your garden.
The first to consider is the ‘Limelight’ hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) which is a hardy shrub and performs well in sunshine. New leaves emerge each spring and large greenish-white blooms emerge in the summer. Blooms may offer a color change into the fall, adding a delicate pink shade. This hydrangea should definitely be installed where it can be viewed and can grow 6-8 feet in height with a similar spread. Once established, it can be tolerant of some drought but will require moisture during extended dry periods.
If you have a garden with more dappled shade, the ‘Fuji Waterfall’ hydrangea is a good selection. This hydrangea will require a soil with more consistent moisture and will offer interesting lacecap blooms that appear to cascade over the dark green leaves. Growth will have a layered look with plants reaching about 3 to five feet in height.
For more information on newer selections of hydrangeas for our climate visit the University of Florida publication New Hydrangeas for North and Central Florida: Bigleaf and Mountain Hydrangeas
by Beth Bolles | Jan 24, 2013
A hidden surprise in many gardens this time of year are the delicate blooms of terrestrial orchids. One species that is a consistent bloomer along the Gulf Coast is the Chinese ground orchid, Bletilla striata. Although foliage and flowers may be sensitive to cold weather, the preferred growing conditions under tree canopies often offer this plant protection during many winters. Flower spikes emerge from the underground structures and hold numerous bright pink flowers about 12-15 inches high. Strap-like foliage is bright green and makes an effective groundcover for the remainder of the season. It is important that the ground orchids have rich soil with some moisture. Local sandy soils may need amendments with composted materials. Each season, the clump of ground orchids will continue to expand so you can divide them in late summer for a new planting or to share with friends.
