I have a small patch of pink turtlehead (Chelone obliqua, Zone 4), sometimes called twisted shell flower, a perennial that blooms in late summer through early fall. They send up 30-inch (75-cm) spikes of hooded pink-purple blooms, similar to the violet-blue helmet flowers of ‘Bressingham Spire’ monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii, Zone 3). The monkshood begins blooming a little … [Read more...] about Hummingbirds love the nectar from turtlehead
Flowers
Time for more Martagon lilies
I nearly drove off the road when I passed a neighbour’s garden this week and spied something tall and dangly. It was a cluster of four-foot (1.2-m) stems bearing speckled, pink downward-facing Martagon lilies (Lilium martagon). The flowers resemble butterflies in flight and are good enough to fool the local red admirals that pay them some attention. I’ve never seen a lily I … [Read more...] about Time for more Martagon lilies
Time to order snowdrops
Although summer is still upon us, it’s time to consider snowdrop orders. Snowdrop bulbs are susceptible to drying out once lifted from the ground, and require early planting if they’re to survive. Early orders for these delicate bulbs will help us get them safely planted by the end of September. Those in-the-know about the ways of snowdrops can tell you that the later the … [Read more...] about Time to order snowdrops
How to prune Japanese tree peonies
There seems to be some correlation between pounding rain and peony blooming schedules. My two Japanese tree peonies were smacked down by heavy rain, but I did get to see their beautiful flowers for a fleeting day or so before the devastation. Now it’s time to assess their structure, which is a bit wonky from abusive weather. I suspect they don’t stand up well to the weight of … [Read more...] about How to prune Japanese tree peonies
Unpredictable hellebore seedlings
Hellebore blossoms are opening in my garden, and early bees are enthralled with the wide flowers and thick central stamens. It’s going to be another exciting season of unpredictable seedlings. Hellebores crossbreed and reproduce with enthusiasm, and there’s perpetual confusion as they take free rein with their own hybridization programs. Trying to identify self-sown hellebores … [Read more...] about Unpredictable hellebore seedlings
