Plant of the Month 2010 - 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 - 2010
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: Hepatica nobilis

Hepatica nobilis - I have a great affinity for anything blue and that goes for flowers as well. One of the most beautiful and striking is Hepatica nobilis. This hard to find shade perennial has the most delicate, true blue flowers that I have seen. It is hard to find because it is a difficult plant to propagate and takes it's sweet time to grow to a decent size. However, if you can find it (The Natural Gardener carries them) you must add one or two to your woodland garden. It blooms in early spring, around March here on the West Coast, and will stop you in your tracks with its beauty. They are actually quite easy to grow and only require moist, well-drained soil in a partly shady spot although they are quite adaptable to different soil types. Applying a good, organic fertilizer in the spring will ensure that they grow well and bloom profusely. I find they look great under small deciduous shrubs and trees because they will be in full bloom before the trees fully leaf out.

Cultural Requirements
Zone: 5
Light: Part shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained
Height: 6-9 inches
Flower colour: Blue although there is also a pink flowered variety and a white variety.

FEBRUARY: Clematis Belle of Woking

I love clematis, always have and always will. I really believe in vertical gardening to add another dimension to your garden and the clematis family does this perfectly. Clematis Belle of Woking is a real stunner. It is a double-flowered clematis that was first grown way back in 1875 by Jackman & Son of England. The fact that it is still around attests to its popularity, its ease of growing and its beauty. It starts blooming in early summer right into late summer with 5 inch silvery mauve flowers that mature to silver. It is the perfect vine for growing in your garden as it only reaches a height of about 8 feet and because of that it is also a perfect vine for growing in a container on your deck or patio.

When planting dig a hole approximately 18" x 18" and add a little organic bone meal to the hole. Place the clematis in the hole so that 6 inches of the stem is below the soil line and make sure that it is supported by a stake so that it does not get damaged. Once planted top dress with compost, Sea Soil or other mulch. If possible plant a perennial or small shrub in front of your clematis as they like to have a cool, shaded root run. If you can't plant in front of your clematis then use a couple of largish stones or a piece of garden art to provide shade for the roots. "Belle" is a bit slow to get established but once it does it really takes off.

For pruning purposes Belle of Woking is a Group B clematis. This means it needs to be pruned immediately after flowering as it flowers on wood that has been hardened by last seasons growth. Do try the "Belle" in your garden, you will be happy you did.

Cultural Requirements
Zone: 4
Light: Head in the sun, feet in the shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained. Feed with an organic fertilizer once a month over the growing season
Height: 8 feet
Width: 3 feet

MARCH/APRIL: Arisaema sikokianum 'Silver Centre'

As most of you probably know I really, really like Arisaemas. They are unique looking, most like shade and they don't take up much space so are perfect for small gardens like mine. On top of that if you give them the right conditions they are really easy to grow. This particular arisaema, Arisaema sikokianum was what got me hooked on them in the first place. It is truly stunning with its palmate leaves and otherworldly flower. 'Silver Centre' takes things to the next level with wonderful silver variegation running down the centre rib of each leaf. An absolute knockout. Rather than describe the flower I will let the photograph do the talking.

Sikokianum prefers part shade and it is essential that it has good drainage for a healthy plant. It is a fairly early bloomer with flowers appearing in April. I can't recommend this plant enough, it will add some real pizzazz to your garden.

Cultural Requirements
Zone: 5
Soil: Moist but well-drained
Light: Part shade
Height: 28 inches
Photo courtesy of Lyle Courtice

MAY: Thalictrum rochebruneanum - Meadow Rue

Thalictrum rochebruneanum is a striking perennial for the back of the border. It has strong, purple stems neatly covered with lacy, almost ferny foliage that rise up above the other perennials in the garden. Even without the flowers it is a lovely plant but when the lavender coloured flowers appear in clouds above the foliage it is truly stunning. I have one of these growing in a container below my bedroom window and when it is in bloom in late summer it is a real pleasure to look out the window into the many sprays of flowers. It is easy to grow and is relatively pest free. It may need some staking to prevent a strong wind from blowing it over but other than that it is pretty carefree. A real must for everyone's garden.

Cultural Requirements
Zone: 7
Soil: Moist, well-drained
Light: Full sun to part shade
Height: 4' to 6'
Spread: 3'

JUNE: Liriope muscari 'Variegata' - Variegated Lillyturf

I get quite a few queries regarding what will grow in dry shade under cedars, firs and other trees. Well Liriope 'Variegata' fits the bill perfectly. It will grow in the dry shade created by roots and canopies even when nothing else will. 'Variegata' will spread by rhizomes to form well-mannered clumps, and will produce small purple flowers followed by round, dark purple berries. It is a vibrant, grass-like plant with green foliage, striped with cream. Leaves are wider and blunter at their tip than grasses. Clumps run from 1 to 1.5 feet tall and half again as wide. Spikes of small blue-violet flowers appear in late September. It prefers light, acidic soil. Protect from strong winds. Grow in light, moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Lirope is a great addition to your shade garden.

Cultural Requirements
Zone: 6
Soil: Well drained, can tolerate dry
Height: 1 foot
Spread: 2 feet

JULY: Hakonechloa macra aureola - Japanese Forest Grass

Hakonechloa aureola is my favourite of all the grasses and the Perennial Plant Association seems to agree with me, they've named it the Perennial Plant of the Year for 2009. I love it's soft, shimmering look, the way it cascades over containers or onto a pathway and the way it moves in the wind, almost looking like flowing water. In fact at the Elizabeth Miller Garden in Seattle they have used Hakonechloa to simulate a waterfall on a rock face to great effect.

It is a slowly spreading, deciduous grass perfect for brightening up a shady part of the garden. The lovely variegated leaves take on a more lime green colour in the shade and a creamy white colour in full sun. Although it spreads by rhizomes it is not invasive and can be easily kept to the location you want it to be in. They are not prone to much in the way of diseases or pests and once established are fairly drought tolerant. It reaches a height of 2 feet in a couple of years which makes it perfect for container growing, especially as it looks wonderful cascading over the edge of the pot. I have a four foot long rectangular planter filled with Hakonechloa that cascade over the edges beautifully adding a real touch of elegance to my garden.

Because it is so easy to grow, Hakonechloa is considered a low maintenance plant. Basically all you have to do is cut out the old leaves in early spring when you see the new growth starting to emerge from the soil. As an added bonus it is also deer resistant.

Cultural Requirements
Zone: 5
Light: Part shade to full sun
Soil: Loamy, moist
Height: 2 feet
Width: 2 feet but slowly spreads

AUGUST: Eremurus bungei - Fox Tail Lily

The first time I saw an Eremurus I was blown away but it's exotic appearance. Tall, stately and slightly otherworldly in looks it makes a real statement in a sunny border. Eremurus originates in the dry, mountainous areas of central Asia. Some people consider them a bit difficult to grow but if you give them the right growing conditions you will have them for years. It needs excellent drainage and lots and lots of sun. When planting, dig a hole 6 inches deep and bigger than the tuberous root. Place the root on a small mound of soil at the bottom of the hole and gently spread the roots over the mound. Don't be put off by the fact the root looks like a giant starfish, there is real beauty hiding inside there. Water during it's growing and flowering period and then stop watering once it finishes flowering. After flowering the foliage will die back.

Cultural Requirements
Zone: 6
Light: Full Sun
Soil: Moist, well-drained during growing & flowering. Keep dry during dormancy.
Height: 4 feet
Width: 2 feet

SEPTEMBER: Drimys lanceolata - Mountain Pepper

Drimys is an attractive shrub found in Tasmania & New South Wales. Its red stems and dark green glossy leaves are a wonderful contrast in the garden. Scented white flowers are followed by seeds that can be used as a pepper substitute hence its common name Mountain Pepper. It can be a little tender but is hardy up to -15°C as long as it is out of drying winter winds. Drimys is not commonly found in gardens outside of Australia & Tasmania so it is a treat to have some available in the nursery. It is a really lovely shrub and is a great addition to your garden.

Cultural Requirements
Zone: 8
Light: Does well in dappled light to full sun
Soil: Moist but well-drained, acidic. They don't like lime and don't let it dry out.
Height: 12 feet
Spread: 8 feet

OCTOBER: Cotinus 'Grace'

This lovely, versatile shrub is a hybrid between American smoke tree, (Cotinus obovatus) and Cotinus coggygria. It is grown for its enormous clusters of flowers; frothy, pink panicles reach fourteen inches high and twelve inches wide but personally I like it for the foliage. In spring, leaves emerge light red, darkening through the summer to dark red. In autumn, foliage turns a mosaic of red, orange, and gold. Cotinus 'Grace' is an excellent shrub, offering multiple seasons of interest in mixed plantings.

Like all smoke trees, Cotinus 'Grace' is disease free and drought tolerant. It requires full sun and will not grow well in shade. In low light conditions it has a lax habit and will not flower or develop foliage colour. Cotinus 'Grace' will grow in a wide range of soils with average fertility. Cotinus 'Grace' can be cut to the ground in late winter to maximise its potential as a foliage plant. It will not flower when treated in this manner, but the growth habit will be extremely vertical, making an excellent accent plant.

Cultural Requirements
Zone: 5
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained
Height: 15 feet
Spread: 15 feet

NOVEMBER: Skimmia japonica 'Fragrant Cloud'

Skimmia 'Fragrant Cloud' is a perfect small shrub for the shade to part shade area of your garden or patio. This evergreen shrub was recently developed to provide colour from fall all through the winter and into spring. The white buds appear in early fall and hold all winter until opening up in April or May and producing a lovely lily of the valley scent. Skimmia's have male and female plants and Fragrant Cloud is a male plant. It won't produce berries but that doesn't really matter as it provides such great interest in the garden for such a long period of time. It is easy to look after and is not troubled by many pests. Because of its smaller size it makes an excellent choice for your winter containers. Just combine it with some winter pansies or violas and you will have a beautiful container all winter long.

Cultural Requirements
Zone: 7
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained, loamy
Height: 2-1/2 feet
Width: 3-1/2 feet

DECEMBER: Nandina domestica 'Filamentosa' - Thread leaf Nandina

The Nandina's are a used frequently in landscape projects because they are so reliable and hardy. 'Filamentosa' is an intriguing variation of the regular Nandina that more people should try in their gardens. It is an evergreen small shrub grows to 1 to 2 feet tall and has intricate dissected leaves which give it a very lacy, almost fern-like, look. The first time I saw one I was instantly fascinated and was fooled into thinking it was a new, unusual Japanese Maple. Imagine my surprise when I was told it was a Nandina. It is slower growing and much smaller than the species yet it still has the same bamboo cane-like stems and foliage colours. New foliage is reddish in colour and during the fall the leaves turn an orange, bronze or purplish red. Pinkish white flowers bloom in clusters at the ends of branches in the late spring and summer. Plant in sun or shade and water occasionally. I will have Filamentosa in the nursery this spring so do try this in your garden next spring. I can guarantee that you will have more people ask questions about it than any other plant in your garden.

Cultural Requirements
Zone: 6
Light: Prefers full sun but will tolerate part shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained
Height: 2 - 3 feet
Width: 2 - 3 feet