Cushion spurge
Photo by Dave Brigner
Sunday May 4, 2008
Common name: Cushion spurge
Light: Full sun
Height: 12-18 in.
Spread: 18-24 in.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4
Origin: C. & S.E. Europe
The Cushion spurge (Euphorbia polychroma) is an exceptional spring flowering deciduous perennial. Like other euphorbias, the true flowers are small and insignificant. It is the large bright yellow bracts, or modified leaves, that draw attention to this plant when in flower. The 2-3 inch clusters last for weeks and make great companion plants to spring flowering bulbs, such as tulips and grape hyacinths. Their 2-inch medium green oval leaves last all summer and turn red, orange and purple in the autumn. These deer and rabbit resistant plants are ideal for mass, border and rock garden plantings. This plant has been given an Award of Merit from the Royal Horticulture Society. This drought tolerant plant prefers a well-drained sandy or gravelly soil, but is adaptable to various types. Cutting the stems back after flowering to 4-5 inches will stimulate new growth and keep the plant compact. Avoid skin and eye contact, as the sap is toxic and may cause irritation. Plantings of Cushion spurge accents the Cascades at the Franklin Park Conservatory.- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
Columbine
Photo by Dave Brigner
Sunday May11, 2008
Common name: Columbine
Light: Part sun
Height: 1-3 ft.
Spread: 1-2 ft.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3
Origin: Cultivated varieties
Columbines (Aquilegia hybrids) are herbaceous perennials belonging in the Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). These long lasting whimsical flowers bloom spring through early summer and are favorites of hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. They are resistant to rabbits and deer. Colors range includes shades of purple, pink, blue, yellow, maroon and white. Their attractive blue-green leaves are divided into three leaflets and are loosely mounded. Columbines prefer rich and moist well-drained soil. They are commonly found in mixed perennial borders and are suited for woodland and shade gardens, along with hostas and ferns. In mid summer, leaf minors often chew their way through the upper and lower leaf layers leaving a light colored “squiggly” path. The foliage can be cut back to the ground and new leaves will quickly regrow. Our native Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is reddish-orange and yellow. Many cultivars are available on the market, including McKana, Biedermeier and Dragonfly hybrids. A few doubles have been bred. Columbines are planted throughout the gardens and in mixed containers at the entrance to Franklin Park Conservatory.- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
Foamflower
Photo by Dave Brigner
Sunday May 18, 2008
Common name: Foamflower
Light: Part sun
Height: 6-12 in.
Spread: 6-9 in.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4
Origin: Eastern North America, Eastern Asia
Foamflowers (Tiarella cultivars) are herbaceous perennials having similar
characteristics to the more common Coral bells (Heuchera), both of which are included in the family Saxifragaceae. Many cultivated varieties have been bred from this wildflower. They have attractive tidy mounds of foliage with heart-shaped leaves containing three to five lobes. Some varieties have very deeply cut lobes adding interest to the plant. Others have distinct reddish variegation along the veins. The leaves take on a reddish bronze color in the autumn. Numerous pink buds appear on tall wiry stems opening to small white flowers having a “feathery” appearance. Flowering occurs late spring to early summer. Foamflowers are suitable for the shade, woodland and shaded areas of the rock garden. They prefer a well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Cutting the spent flower spikes will neaten up the plant after flowering. Foamflowers are located in the Shade Garden at the Franklin Park Conservatory.- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
Lantana
Photo by Dave Brigner
Sunday May 25, 2008
Common name: Lantana
Light: Full sun
Height: 12-18 in.
Spread: 1-2 ft.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 8
Origin: Tropical Americas, Tropical Africa
Over 150 species are included in the genus Lantana, commonly known as Lantana (Lantana camara). This tropical evergreen shrub is used in temperate areas as a summer annual. Their one to two inch flower clusters are made of many small brightly colored flowers that turn different shades as they age. Colors include white, yellow, orange, red and pink. Their oval pointed leaves have toothed edges with a textured top surface. Both leaves and stems are covered with rough hairs and emit an unpleasant odor when crushed. Lantana is often used in hanging baskets and mixed containers. Their nectar-filled flowers are favorites of butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. Lantana montevidensis has lilac colored flowers and is much more trailing or weeping than Lantana camara. When grown in containers they require copious amounts of water, especially during hot sunny weather. Too much fertilizer will produce more leaves and fewer flowers. Theyrespond well to heavy pruning to keep the plant compact. Pets have become ill after ingesting this plant. The berries are also toxic. Lantana is placed throughout the Blooms and Butterfly exhibit at the Franklin Park Conservatory.- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
