Plant of the Month 2009 - The Natural Gardener

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The Natural Gardener
Garden Store Ltd.
4376 West 10th Ave.
Vancouver, BC V6R 2H7
Tel: 604-224-2207
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Plant of the Month - 2009
Each month The Natural Gardener will be highlighting one of the many unique and unusual plants here at the nursery.
◊ 2009 Archives | ◊ 2008 Archives | ◊ 2007 Archives | ◊ 2006 Archives

JANUARY: Anemone nemorosa 'Vestal'

Anemone 'Vestal' is a truly sweet spring ephemeral that adds light and a touch of class to any garden. The first time I saw it I fell in love with its pure white, double flowers looking all the world like drops of light spotting the ground. Over time this exquisite beauty will form a small carpet of flowers in your garden. Being an ephemeral it will have disappeared by mid summer to hide away until next spring brings forth its lovely blooms. Vestal is easy to grow and is not invasive although you probably wouldn't mind if it was. It will grow in full sun to part shade and will even do fine in deeper shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and will benefit from a top dressing of compost or Sea Soil each year although it doesn't like manure. Interestingly, on a cloudy day 'Vestal' hides its head and it is not until the sun shines again that the flowers are once again held aloft. I can't recommend 'Vestal' enough so if you have a shady spot in your garden this is a plant you are going to want.

Cultural Requirements
Zone: 4
Light: Full sun to shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained
Height: 6 inches
Spread: 1 foot

FEBRUARY: Corydalis 'Blackberry Wine'

Blackberry Wine is a wonderful new addition to the Corydalis family and to your shade garden. It has delicate looking ferny blue-green foliage edged in white and starting in April produces masses of fragrant, plum-violet flowers. Throughout the summer and into the fall it will continue to produce flowers although in lesser quantities than in the spring. Unlike most corydalis, Blackberry Wine won't go dormant unless we have an extended hot spell. While it likes growing in a woodland setting it will also do well with some full sun, preferably during the morning. I would plant it amongst your hostas, hellebores and other woodland perennials.

Cultural Requirements
Zone: 5
Light: Shade to part sun
Soil: Moist, well-drained
Height: 2 feet
Spread: 2 feet