All the Dirt on Gardening

Hypericum inodorum Hypearl Compact Red48" tall Plant Delights Nursery posted on their blog recently about a new St. John's Wort with Ornamental Fruit, Hypericum inodorum Hypearl Compact Red. It is really beautiful!  It's one of the hundreds of interesting selections in this year's catalog from plantsman Tony Avent and his crew at PD Nursery. Tony said the hardiness range is 6a to 9b so we are just barely safe to plant it but with winter protection ... .  Several years ago I received a garden writer sample plant of Hypericum Hypearls Renu from Blooms of Bressingham and it is thriving seven years later in part shade.  Just in case you were planning to go looking for Blooms of Bressingham they now call themselves Must Have Perennials  (wholesale) and  rozanne and friends (retail). Hypericum, St. John's Wort, in general, is considered a butterfly attracting plant and there are many varieties. Common St. John's Wort, Hypericum calycinum, has a...

Blooms of Bressingham sent garden writers some of their new selections this week.  Before I put them into the garden beds, I thought I'd show you what they are so you can look for any that interest you for your summertime beds. Verbena Lollipop Verbena bonariensis 'Lollipop', Vervain Dwarf Verbena bonariensis from Greenleaf Plants Garden Care: Provide moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Bloom Time: Spring, Summer, Fall Flower Color: Purple Foliage Color: Green Height: 24"/61cm Spread: 24"/61cm Habit: Mounded USDA Hardiness Zones: 7,8,9,10,11 / -17°C Uses: Front border Attributes: Attracts humming birds Lavandula Oxford Gem  Lavandula angustifolia 'Oxford Gem' , Lavender from David Kerley, UK. Dark purple flowers late June through August. Healthy, vigorous silvery-green foliage forms dense mounds. Carefree and drought-tolerant.  Garden Care: Tolerates various soil types, but requires good drainage for best performance. Bloom Time: S...