Unique Blooms

Campanula, the common Bellflower, the name is Latin for little bell.
Despite the cute name and dainty bell-shaped blossoms, this is a very
tough and adaptable genus of plants. They can be grown as biennials,
perennials, or annuals, depending on the species and the climate. They
are native to regions spanning from the Mediteranean coast to the
arctic tundra. There are hundreds of cultivated varieties famous for
their distinctive blooms and trusted for their hardiness. They are
popular in gardens all over Europe, especially in the United Kingdom.

Pink
Octopus is a sun-loving perennial originally cultivated in Korea. The
uniquely splayed blooms defy the bell-shape characteristic of the genus
– the petals reach out to become the tentacles of the pink octopuses.
The blooms are popular with hummingbirds and other pollinators, but
deer are not attracted to them. If promptly dead-headed, this Campanula
will provide an impressive mid-summer bloom period.

Black Gamecock is probably the most popular Louisiana Iris available, a
beautiful, dark, and interesting full-sun perennial for your summer
garden. The dark purple to black flowers will bloom in June and July
for an impressive mid-summer show. Combine with other Louisiana Irises
and moisture-loving plants for a fuller effect.

This is one of those plants that solves a problem in your garden – it
will grow in that low wet area that drowns your other plants. Louisiana
Irises are perfect for bog gardens and the edges of ponds. They need
constant moisture to thrive – do not let them dry out between waterings.

Black Gamecock spreads pretty fast, creeping through your garden,
creating a wonderfully natural wild-flower look that really compliments
water features and dense green garden designs.

Flowering shrubs can really brighten up your garden's architecture, supplying height and structure along with a healthy dose of color. Many shrubs and trees will flower and seed in the early spring, leaving you with months of simple foliage and no flowers. Here is a list of three summer-blooming shrubs that will keep your garden bright and colorful until fall.

1. Hydrangea
   Hydrangeas are some of the most well-known flowering shrubs, and they come in many varieties. The most popular is probably the ever-blooming species, macrophylla. They will bloom from early summer to fall, and they are fairly easy to care for. They have the big fluffy, colorful blooms that gardener's have grown to expect from their hydranges.

   Some popular Hydrangea macrophylla varieties:
   Hydrangea 'Endless Summer'
   Hydrangea 'Alpengluhen'
   Hydrangea 'Nikko Blue'

2. Potentilla
   Potentillas are becoming more and more popular. Summer gardeners love their long-lasting bright blooms. They are great for rock gardens, and they are super low-maintenance. They bloom through the entire summer in distinct bright colors.

   Some popular Potentilla Varieties:
   Potentilla 'Arc-en-Ciel'
   Potentilla 'Hopwoodiana'
   Potentilla 'Mango Tango'

3. Roses
   Of course, Roses are the most popular shrub grown around the world. And, why not? They have beautiful fragrant blooms, and many of them provide wonderful color right up to the end of summer. Many new varieties are very hardy, resistant to pests and diseases.

   Try these hardy reblooming roses:
   Rose 'Double Knockout'
   Rose 'Beloved'
   Rose 'Cinco de Mayo'

Cornus kousa Venus® is a brand new dogwood with bigger blooms, improved drought and cold tolerance, and better resistance to the most common dogwood diseases.

The huge snow-white blooms float on the outside of this peculiar tree like big butterflies. Venus® has an odd but interesting habit, with branches all the way to the ground, creating a cloud of large, bright blooms from the ground up. It will reach as tall as 20 feet and at least that wide and requires very little maintenance.

Dogwoods are notoriously thirsty, but Venus® shows a stronger tolerance of dry periods than her fragile cousins. This tree also thrives in cooler climates where dogwoods are usually unavailable (up to zone 4). And, since it's resistant to the most common dogwood ailments, Venus® maintains beautiful deep green foliage right into fall.

Standard Dogwood Care Tips:

• Soil: Dogwoods need a good balance: a blend that drains well but also contains enough organic matter to retain some moisture.
• Mulch: A layer of mulch goes a long way in maintaining soil moisture levels and protecting your roots from climate fluctuations.
• Pruning: Only to remove unsightly dying limbs if necessary.
• Water: Water deeply every couple of weeks, at least for the first year.
• Fertilizer: Use an all-purpose flowering-plant or shrub fertilizer. Rich organic material, like compost, worked into the soil will usually provide more than enough nutrients for your tree.

The evergreen foliage of Helleborus will add interesting texture to your shade garden, the perfect contrast to those spring and summer blooming perennials. Hellebores bloom in the heart of winter, providing year-round interest, filling in those drab flower beds in the down months.

Caring for them is simple, Helleborus/Lenten Roses are very hardy plants:

• They prefer part sun or even full shade, but will tolerate full sun in cool areas.
• Plant them in rich, well-drained soil
• Give them fresh layer of compost each year to provided needed nutrients.
• Lenten Roses are fairly drought-tolerant, but they will need a thorough watering in drier summers.
• Trim back old-growth leaves in late winter. The plants will start to bloom and send out new leaves – trimming old growth will help your plants look neater.

[NOTICE] You may experience mild skin irritation when handling Hellebores, some people do – just wear gloves when you cut back the old leaves to be sure.

Does anybody remember way back on Dec. 26 when I shared some pictures of the the amaryllis in our office? Well I just thought I would follow up with a picture now that it has bloomed. It really is pretty. If any of you purchased one of the Wayside Garden's Amaryllis this holiday season and would like to share your blooms with us feel free to email them to me at tandrews@parkseed.com. If you do, I'll post them here for everybody to see. If you don't have any amaryllis pictures, I may also post pictures of your cat, if I think they are funny.

If you missed out, check out other items in the Wayside Gardens Bulb Collection. I'll post pictures of those too, once they bloom–just send them in. Here's our office Amaryllis – well, it's Jamie's amaryllis, but I believe I have the best view of it from my desk.