Well plants are hanging on for the most part but I haven't gone out to do any real work in over a week. I have lost a few plants to the heat and am feeling, well, garden depressed. I want to start thinking ahead to the fall and next spring.
1. Vines that grow fast and take the heat? I want to try some coral honeysuckle but am not sure how well they would do in full sun.
2. Any ideas on plants that can take this heat and bloom early in spring or summer? Most of my plants start in late spring onward.
3. Best ideas to get rid of a lawn? I want to make life easier by not having grass where my flower beds are. Mowing around the rocks and edging the whole area is becoming a pain.
4. New natives that you have had success with. Just needing something to get excited about in this heat.
5. How do lotus handle the heat? Anyone grow the smaller ones in pots? Would love to try one or two but am wondering if the small amounts of water would heat up too much.
I NEED HOPE AND SOMETHING TO BE INSPIRED ABOUT IN ALL THIS HELLISH DRY HEAT!
Cheryl
I need something to look forward to!
Well, my Wild Petunias, Ruellia nudiflora are doing really well and blooming their little hearts out right now;
http://wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=RUNU
Also the Rudbeckia fulgida this one needs semishade in this heat;
http://wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=RUFU2
Of course we will be looking to organize a Fall Swap soon, but not just yet, just thinking.
Josephine.
My R. nudiflora did not start blooming until early summer. Any ideas for plants that start early? I have 4 nerve daisy but that doesn't like certain areas in my yard. I don't know if I will have any plants for a fall swap, too much is on the decline. Hopefully the weather will break soon.
C
Golden Groundsel starts very early; http://wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PAOB6
Also Brazos Penstemon; http://wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PETE3
And Violets; http://wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=VISO
and let us not forget Phlox pilosa, Prairie Phlox; http://wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PHPI
and Phlox divaricata, Lousiana Phlox has a wonderful scent too; http://wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PHDI5
Shoot!!! I forgot Yellow Columbines; http://wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=AQCH
and Red Columbines; http://wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=AQCA
Cheer up Kid, right now it is just save the day everyday, and I am worn out from having to save so many things at so many places, but it will change, I am sure of it!!
Josephine.
I have brazos p. and phlox pilosa and groundsel needs too much shade. I have some sort of violet but the odd thing is I never see flowers. It makes seed pods under the leaves so I guess that is where the flowers are as well.
C
1. My sweet autumn clematis are doing just fine in the heat, setting buds for (looks like) Sept bloom. Not sure but I believe they are native to this area (?). Actually, all my other clematises are hanging in there pretty well too.
2. Georgia Blue speedwell blooms very well in early spring. Some sedums do too, if there's enough sun. My scabiosa is almost evergreen and one of the first things to bloom every year.
3. Best way to get rid of grass is always lasagna layering. You don't have to layer it up as high as you should for a raised bed. It'll still work.
5. I grow lotus in pots. They are attractive if you like their foliage (which I do), and if you don't care about flowers, they are easy enough to grow. But I have not had much luck getting them to bloom. The one that did bloom for me didn't come back this year. The other has never bloomed, in 4 years. It's in too much shade. But it's in mostly shade because it burns and burns when it gets hot.
I don't think it's the water temps as much as the air temps. The tuber never seems to suffer. I keep growing them because, if they do bloom, it's worth the wait. Unfortunately I've never gotten a good photo because the wind blows up the hill I live on and beats them to death.
Thanks for giving me a chance to look at my spring blooms with a purpose!
These are the sunny early bloomers that are still alive now:
Martha Gonzalos Rose
Very pretty rose. Is it ever blooming?
Salvia Greggii
My greggi's dont bloom all that early. More like summer bloomers. I really want something that starts as early as possible, even if it stops in early summer.
C
Yes,the rose blooms in bursts. I fertilize with compost tea
Some one will know the name of this...Phlomis....
This message was edited Aug 11, 2011 7:06 PM
Jerusalem Sage. Can find the latin name if you want
This is moonshine yarrow and Augusta Duelberg salvia
A better pic
Blackfoot daisy
Calyop...Can't find the marker but it is a primrose and has bloomed since April. Found the Jerusalem Sage marker: Phlomis fruticosa
The greggi pic was taken in April..all were from April
This message was edited Aug 11, 2011 6:58 PM
I'm starting to thnk about what to replace things with this fall. Lost some stuff that will leave a big gap in my bed that has the most sun. In another bed that gets more shade my "chocolate chip" buddlea is doing well. Does anyone know if this will take full sun here?