Perennials Archives - gardenmyths.com

Best Way to Germinate Baptisia Australis Seeds

Baptisia australis, also called false indigo or false blue indigo, is a native of North America and a great garden perennial. In addition to this species there are a number of other species in the genus Baptisia that are suitable for the garden. Some grow as herbaceous bushes while others are vines.

Germination of the genus seems to be difficult, at least in my hands. A single seedling might germinate, but in many cases none of the seeds germinate. This article summarizes a study conducted to better understand the germination of Baptisia australis seed.

Germinating Baptisia australis from seeds

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Are Castor Bean Plants Poisonous – Should Gardeners Grow Them?

Cold climate gardeners are always looking for something exotic to grow and there are few plants that beat the dark red-leafed castor bean. Unfortunately, this plant has a bad reputation for being poisonous. Many experts tell you not to grow castor beans because they are so toxic.

I used to grow it, and grew a new variety last year. I am still alive! So how toxic is it? Is it safe to grow in the garden?

Are Caster Bean Plants Poisonous - Should Gardeners Grow Them? — Are Castor Bean Plants Poisonous – Should Gardeners Grow Them? Credit: Home of miniclover

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Roscoea cautleyoides – the Orchid Roscoea

Are you interested in an easy to grow exotic orchid for your garden? Roscoea cautleyoides isn’t a real orchid but the flowers sure look like one.

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Alyssoides utriculata – the Greek bladderpod

I have grown Alyssoides utriculata for a number of years and I never see it mentioned in discussions. It really does deserve more attention. It is bright yellow, very easy to grow, seems long lived and makes really unusual seed heads. Consider this one for your rock garden.

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Salvia Sclarea v. Turkestanica – Clary Sage

Salvia sclarea has been in my garden for over 12 years and it is always a pleasure to see it. It is very fragrant, and makes a nice showing with long lasting flowers.

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Know Your Green Dragon: Arisaema Dracontium vs Pinellia Pedatisecta

Who wouldn’t want a green dragon in the garden? The problem is that some green dragons are native to North America (Arisaema dracontium) and others are not (Pinellia Pedatisecta). Pinellia is commonly sold as Arisaema dracontium, and since Pinellia is much more aggressive it can take over native areas after well intentioned gardeners plant it.

If you grow either of these plants, make sure you know which one you have.

There is nothing wrong with growing Pinellia in North America; just make sure you label it correctly, and don’t plant it in wild areas.

Know Your Green Dragon: Arisaema Dracontium vs Pinellia Pedatisecta — Know Your Green Dragon: Arisaema Dracontium ripe fruit, source: ozarkedgewildflowers

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Mertensia virginica

Mertensia virginica is a delightful spring ephemeral with soft blue flowers. Easily grown in shade or part shade, and requires no effort from the gardener. Plant and forget it. You don’t even have to clean up the foliage as it just disappears under other garden stars that grow later in the year.

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Acanthus hungaricus – Hungarian Bear’s Breeches

The first time I saw Acanthus hungaricus, the Hungarian Bear’s Breeches, in flower I was mesmerized. This is such a spectacular architectural plant that it should be in every garden.

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Don’t Pick The Trillium Flower and Other Trillium Myths

The trillium is one of the main harbingers of spring, at least here in Ontario. It is not the earliest ephemeral to flower, but it is the most spectacular and if you find the right location, a deciduous forest without a lot of visitors, the ground is covered with them. It’s the prettiest weed I know.

It is an odd plant. Takes forever to grow big enough to bloom and is mostly distributed by ants. It blooms white but then fades to a light pink. If you transplant one in flower, it could take years before it flowers again. This is one plant that is best left alone.

Many people think that it’s illegal to pick, probably because it is the Ontario flower. Why would it not be protected? This and several other myths about trillium need some attention.

Don't Pick The Trillium Flower and Other Trillium Myths. Photo of Trillium grandiflorum — Don’t Pick The Trillium Flower and Other Trillium Myths. Photo of *Trillium grandiflorum*

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Why Do Hellebore Flowers Last So Long?

Hellebores are all the rage right now and everybody seems to be adding more to their garden. A big appeal is the fact that they flower so early, sometimes even when there is still snow on the ground. But the real reason people like them is that they bloom a very long time; as much as five months.

Or do they?

They certainly seem to bloom for a long time; a closer look will reveal their secret. Once you understand why they bloom so long you will be able to select other plants that do the same thing.

Why Do Hellebore Flowers Last So Long? This is Helleborus niger, by Robert Pavlis

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Ligularia przewalskii

Ligularia przewalskii is a great plant for part shade to heavy shade. It likes lots of moisture but does just fine with medium moisture levels. It has interesting toothed leaves and tall yellow flower spikes that contrast well with other shade plants. I cut it back the flower spikes after flowering and that is all the maintenance it gets. By spring, in zone 5, the leaves are on the ground and you can just leave them there. New foliage will soon cover them.

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When To Start Seeds Indoors – Includes a Chart

One of the most frequently asked questions from new gardeners is, when should I start my seed indoors? It all seems so complicated with many different types of seeds, both vegetables and flowers. This post will simplify the answer for you.

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