Archive for the ‘Perennials’ category

Aruncus Dioicus, The Goat’s Beard Plant

December 21st, 2011

Aruncus Dioicus or Goat’s Beard belongs to a small genus of perennials from Europe, Asia and North America. The plant is grown for its broad, fern-like leaves that make it an excellent ornamental plant for landscapes. It also serves as an excellent foliage plant for gardens where it can be grown in shady spots to provide a rich background to flowering beds.

Aruncus Dioicus, Goat's Beard

Aruncus Dioicus, Image by Megan Hansen

Aruncus Dioicus does not have any special requirements of soil as it can be grown quite easily is almost any type of soil. Growing as a decent foliage plant, Aruncus Dioicus grows up to 2 meters and bears delicate plumes of creamy-white flowers in summer. The name ‘Aruncus’ comes from a Greek word meaning ‘beard of goat’ because of the feathery plumes that actually resembles the beard of a goat.

Aruncus Dioicus belongs to the family of rose. It grows as a low-maintenance plant that has average watering requirements and grows in a well-drained soil under full sun to partial shade.

Ornamental Grass for Lovely Landscapes: Miscanthus Sinensis

December 15th, 2011

I have a special liking for grasses when it comes to selecting accent plants for landscapes and gardens. Though usually under-valued, grasses, like Pampas or Miscanthus, can add a soft and striking look to any garden or landscape design. They are easy to maintain, do not require special attention and look good in any season – just like Miscanthus Sinensis.

Usually described as Chinese Silver Grass or sometimes as Zebra Grass, Miscanthus Sinensis is quite a robust grass that produces large clumps of blue-green leaves. Like other species of this genus, this ornamental grass grows as tall as 3 meters and produces long, feathery flowers heads of silvery-white color in summer.

Miscanthus Sinensis Grass

Miscanthus Sinensis, Image via Wikipedia

Miscanthus Sinensis is a sun loving grass and grows as evergreen perennial in Pakistan, India, Japan, Korea and parts of Eastern Asia. It is resistant to both windy and frosty conditions and withstands long droughts.

This graceful grass can be used in gardens and landscapes to fill in tough spots and empty spaces where no other plant can survive. It is also good as ornamental plant along borders or for adding variety to ornamental landscapes. It is also used in dried flower arrangements.

Miscanthus Sinensis is also considered a good source of fiber in paper industry. Another popular variety, Miscanthus Giganteus is an excellent source of ethanol and bio fuel.

Miscanthus Sinensis is also described as Susuki Grass in Japan.

Quick Growing, Tropical Ground Cover: Rhoeo Spathacea

December 9th, 2011

Rhoeo Spathacea is a fast growing and evergreen perennial usually grows as ground cover or border plant. Native to West Indies, Mexico and parts of central America, this tender perennial produces clumps of long bicolor leaves – green leaves with purple side underneath.

Rhoeo Spathacea which is commercially sold as Boat Lily or Moses in the Cradle is quite fast growing plant in warm and humid climates. It can also survive long spells of drought which makes it a good choice for landscapes, xeriscape projects and ornamental perennial for places where most plants would not grow easily. Rhoeo Spathacea only requires a regular but well-drained soil mix, a sunny or partially shaded spot, a moderate watering. It is does quite well as ornamental houseplant especially for beginners.

Rhoeo Spathacea, Ground Cover Plant

Rhoeo Spathacea, Image by Tony Rodd

Rhoeo Spathacea is not a demanding plant and grows well with other plants, that is why, it can be grown with a number of other plants in garden beds, mix borders, landscaping schemes, rock gardens or just as ornamental ground cover. It can also be grow in hanging baskets to add delightful colors in patios or window and balcony gardens.

Rhoeo Spathacea produces small white flowers almost all through the year. Flowers are, however, not very significant. Propagation is easy from cuttings taken in spring or fall.

Long Flowering, Tropical Bush: Gaura, the Butterfly Bush

November 21st, 2011

Butterfly bush belongs to the genus of Gaura, which grows natively in most tropical parts of Mexico and the US. These hardy annuals and perennials grow fast and produce long lasting flowers. Ideal for garden borders or as ornamental houseplants, most species of Gaura are tough and accommodating plants. The most common of them is Gaura Lindheimeri or Butterfly Bush. The plant grows as tall, evergreen shrub and produces very delightful flowers of white color with a tinge of pale pink. These beautiful flowers grow on tall stems and stand out in any background.

Gaura, Butterfly Bush

Gaura, Butterfly Bush

The plant grows up to 1.2 meters and can be propagated easily from divisions. Like other species of Gaura, Butterfly Bush is a sun loving plant and blooms in summer. The plant flourishes in a well-drained soil and is able to withstand droughts in tropical or sub-tropical climates. When in full bloom, it attracts a lot of butterflies and justifies it common name very well.

Hardy Flowering Plant for Garden Borders: Jerusalem Sage

November 17th, 2011

Phlomis is a genus of hardy bushes and shrubs from the Mint family and is popular border plant for tropical, sub-tropical and the Mediterranean climates. The most popular species of this genus is Phlomis Fruticosa or Jerusalem Sage. It is a tough and quite hardy plant that can be grown in almost all climates except climates with long spells of freeze and frost.

Phlomis, the Jerusalem Sage, Flowering Bush

Jerusalem Sage, Image by Wulf Forrester (flickr)

Easily propagated from cuttings, Jerusalem Sage grows up to 1 meter and produces velvety leaves and yellow flowers. Flowers usually bloom in summer or late spring and grow as small, ornamental clusters. Young plants require fertile soil and regular watering however mature plants can grow in a well-drained and alkaline soil without requiring much water.

Though popular as border plant, Jerusalem Sage can be grown as container plant as well.