Friday, May 21, 2010

Paeonia suffruticosa - Tree Peony 'Radiant'

Tree peonies are flowering, woody shrubs that produce magnificent flowers and have been popular since the 7th century in China. The over-sized beautiful blossoms (often reaching 10 inches in diameter) in a variety of colours, are the signature characteristic of peonies.
Tree peonies, will lose their leaves in the fall leaving the woody stems to winter above ground. However, you will notice leaves and blooms on tree peonies earlier in the spring than is normal for bush peonies.

Tree peonies can eventually produce a shrub that is 3 to 5 feet tall, but with their slow-growing nature, likely will not achieve that size until they are decades old.
Some interesting facts:
• Peonies are long-lived (over 50 years).
• Peonies are hardy (to USDA zone 2).
• Peonies are drought tolerant.
• Peonies are low maintenance.
• Peonies are deer-resistant.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Cornus Florida Rubra


There is an old belief that dogwoods like partial shade, but the fact is, they are healthier in full sun so long as they are provided with sufficient irrigation. When grown in the sun they gain height & width more rapidly, have more leaves & many more flowers. It requires soil with good drainage but is otherwise forgiving of a wide range of soil conditions.

The pink dogwood's flowers in late April and early May are followed by clusters of bright red fruits.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Antirrhinum majus


Antirrhinum majus, or Common Snapdragon, is an upright perennial that is treated as an annual in colder areas and is native to the Mediterranean region. Plants commonly reach a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) and can sometimes attain a height of up to 6 feet (1.8 m) if planted in the landscape.