From the Latin lupus, a wolf (destroyer), because it was thought that the plants depleted the fertility of the soil by sheer numbers (Leguminosae). Lupine. A genus of over 300 species of annuals, perennials, and subshrubs, mainly from North America, though there are a few Mediterranean species which, since Roman times, have been used for green manuring. This is surprising […]
Corydalis – Perennial Plant, How to grow
How to grow Corydalis (kor-e-day-lis) From the Greek korydalis, a crested lark, a reference to the shape of the flowers (Fumariaceae). Hardy annuals and perennials, widely distributed throughout the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Perennial species cultivated C allenii, 3-4 inches, pink and white flowers, spring. C. cashmeriana, 6 inches, blue flowers, spring. C. cheilanthifolia, 10 inches, yellow flowers, summer. […]
Coreopsis – Tickseed, Perennials Guide to Planting Flowers
Coreopsis – Tickseed Coreopsis is surely one plant that should be in every garden as it is one of the most popular hardy, yellow flowers. The common name, Tickseed, is very appropriate because the seed of the plant looks like a bug; however, the flowers are exceedingly attractive. They first begin to bloom early in June and are a mass […]
Anthemis – Golden Marguerite, Common Chamomile, Perennials Guide to Planting Flowers
This hardy Marguerite is a sturdy, very easily grown plant. It is about 1 foot or 1 1/2 feet high, very bushy, with finely cut foliage somewhat resembling the Pyrethrums, and bears Daisy-like, yellow flowers in great profusion from June until Fall. The colors range from purest white to a rich yellow. Anthemis tinctoria Kelwayi is the best one for […]
Erigeron – Fleabane, Perennials Guide to Planting Flowers
Erigeron – Fleabane The Erigeron has Aster-like flowers which are in bloom during the Summer months. The different species vary in height from 5 inches to 3 feet. The flowers grow from small tufts of leaves, somewhat like the English Daisy (Bettis) and the blooms of the taller varieties measure 2 inches and 2 1/2 inches across. The colors are […]
Lythrum – Purple Loosestrife, Perennials Guide to Planting Flowers
Lythrum – Purple Loosestrife, Black Blood The common Purple Loosestrife (Lylhrum Salicaria) grows from 4 feet to 6 feet tall and blooms during the months of July and August. Banned by most States in the United States. The foliage is willow-like and the tall, erect, graceful spikes produce brightly colored reddish-purple flowers. The Rose Loosestrife (L. roseum superbum) has a rose-colored […]
Potentilla – Cinquefoil, Five Finger, Perennials Guide to Planting Flowers
Potentilla – Cinquefoil, Five Finger Potentillas greatly resemble the Strawberry Plant, especially in the manner of growth and the foliage. This is a trailing plant which covers the ground rapidly and sends out roots as it goes along. The flowers are very showy, the colors are very bright, with reds, oranges and yellows predominating. These flowers are both double and […]
LINARIA Toadflax, Annual Flower Information
LINARIA Toadflax (From Linum-flax; refers to fact that foliage is like that of flax) The Toadflax or Butter-and-eggs, growing along railway embankments, is familiar to all. This is related to the group of annuals known as Linaria. Apparently, the cataloged sorts are hybrids of L. reticulata and L. biparlita. The flowers are lipped, long-spurred and borne in dainty spikes. They […]
Centranthus – Perennial Plant, How to grow
How to grow Centranthus (ken-tran-thus) From the Greek kentron, a spur, anthos, a flower, alluding to the shape of the flower (Valerianaceae). A small genus of annuals and perennials, natives of Europe and the Mediterranean area. The hardy herbaceous perennial, C. ruber, the red valerian is almost a weed on cliffs, railway embankments, and old walls. The name is sometimes […]
STRELITZIA Bird of Paradise Flower (Strelit’zia)
STRELITZIA — Bird of Paradise Flower (Strelit’zia) A group of tender perennial plants, only one of which is commonly grown. This is Strelitzia Reginae, which has large ornamental leaves on long strong petioles (leafstalks), and bears brilliant orange and purple flowers, several together within a large bract, on stems 3 ft. or more high in spring. It is a native […]