As October nears its end, another summer season is being gently laid to rest and those bright, bawdy and brilliant annuals are putting out their all before the first frost finally silences their noisy colors. It was a sad moment when I had to pull out the lush begonias and throw them onto the compost heap. But as I was taking out the plants from some of the more tired containers around town, I found a few surprises.
At the beginning of the season I was given a number of Proven Winner selections to try. There were two in particular that in their "plug" stage were less than impressive so I was curious to see how they would grow up. An unusual character even in its maturity, Ribbon Bush (Hamalocladium platycladium) should definitely be included in your garden or container next year. It's quirky light green leaves and growth structure resemble a Christmas Cactus but there are no flowers to be had. In a container this plant adds height, ranging from 18"-36"; and great texture without becoming a thug. I put one plant in the garden and, while it did great there, it didn't have the same wow factor as it did in the container. Knowing how it performs, next season I would mix it with flowering plants. Also considered as a house plant, I've saved this one from the compost pile and will see how it does indoors.
At the beginning of the season I was given a number of Proven Winner selections to try. There were two in particular that in their "plug" stage were less than impressive so I was curious to see how they would grow up. An unusual character even in its maturity, Ribbon Bush (Hamalocladium platycladium) should definitely be included in your garden or container next year. It's quirky light green leaves and growth structure resemble a Christmas Cactus but there are no flowers to be had. In a container this plant adds height, ranging from 18"-36"; and great texture without becoming a thug. I put one plant in the garden and, while it did great there, it didn't have the same wow factor as it did in the container. Knowing how it performs, next season I would mix it with flowering plants. Also considered as a house plant, I've saved this one from the compost pile and will see how it does indoors.
Another plant that really had me giving it the one-eyed treatment when I first saw it was Illusion Emerald Lace (Ipomoea batatas). This sweet potato vine looks like the regular Margueritte which has been attacked by OCD slugs. The unique leaf form gives a much lacier appearance but has a more controlled growth habit. The plants I had went into a garden setting and I can definitely agree that, unlike its cousin, the brilliant lime green foliage stayed within sensible boundaries. I'm not sure if there just aren't any slugs (OCD or regular) in the area, but I saw no damage to the leaves either. Now that I know how well behaved this plant is, I'll be trying it in a container next season.
Both plants are worth having for use in your garden or containers. Let your favorite garden center know you are interested so they can be looking for them.
No comments:
Post a Comment