Before I get to current blooms, I would like to share some spring blooms. Melittis melissophyllum is absolutely one of my most favorite spring bloomers. Relatively unknown to North American gardens, this 12" mounding perennial has downy, honey-scented foliage. Small orchid-like flowers are clustered near the stem tips, white with a wine-red lip and very attractive to butterflies. In my garden, melittis is planted in full sun with plenty of moisture and flowers in late spring.
Have you ever wondered how common plant names are derived? Well, this one certainly makes me scratch my head, and I take no credit whatsoever with bestowing the name "bastard balm."
Melittis melissophyllum, Myosotis, Alamo Fire Lupine |
Phlox divaricata 'Blue Moon' is another spring favorite. The wonderful fragrance of Blue Moon is only outdone by the beautifully intense blue-violet color. Phlox divaricata, woodland phlox, prefers semi-shade with moist fertile soil and reaches 12". I have not been fortunate enough to have mine self sow.
Phlox divaricata 'Blue Moon' |
Centaurea montana ‘Amethyst in Snow’ |
Folklore has it that this flower honored William, Duke of Cumberland, on his return from victory over the Scots at the Battle of Culloden in 1745. Unimpressed, the Scots retaliated by naming one of their worst weeds Stinking Billy.
Dianthus barbatus |
I discovered Kalimeris incisa 'Blue Star' about 3 years ago and boy and I glad I did. A long-blooming perennial that doesn't ask for much in return except well-drained soil...maybe some oohs and ahhs wouldn't hurt either. ‘Blue Star’ is a clump-forming perennial the will grow to about 18". When the plant finally starts to slow down in flowering, shear back a little and watch for blooms once again.
Kalimeris incisa 'Blue Star' |
I love the "Stinking Billy" vs "Sweet William" common name story.
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