Tag: perennials
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Hibiscus syriacus
Hibiscus syriacus offers some of the most beautiful flowers I know and is a favorite of mine. Alas, it is not made for this climate and this garden, although two specimens had been planted years before. Hibiscus syriacus loves rich, humid soil and temperatures up to a maximum of 27-30 degrees Celsius. It may survive…
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Alcea Rosea
Alcea rosea (Hollyhocks in English or Rose trémière in French) are another example for plants that – in my experience – grow best if left alone to do their thing. They like to sow themselves where they please and need nothing besides maybe some support against the wind in their quest for the sky. Not…
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Roses for a Mediterranean Garden
A garden without roses? It’s possible but is it necessary? I did my research in 2022 and chose what I thought was a varied selection of robust roses. My experience so far shows that there are huge differences between varieties, even those said to be robust and resistant. And there are a lot of aspects…
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Gaura Lindheimeri
Supposedly Gaura Lindheimeri should thrive in this climate and I’ve been dreaming of large swathes of them swaying in the breeze. But I’ve not had much luck so far. Since 2022 I’ve planted quite a few and until last fall all of them either died or looked sick and weak – despite tender loving care…
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Echinops ritro / bannaticus
Another one of those “I would never have planted it myself but now I love it!”-plants. I dislike the feel of prickly plants, that’s the main reason I never before considered Echinops for my various gardens. But since it was already here I let it be – and fell in love. Its blue color is…
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Catananche caerulea
A very pretty, cornflower-like flower in blue, lilac, or white with a blue middle, depending on variety. Catananche caerulea supposedly blooms June through July, in my garden it blooms profusely all through May and then a little bit less in June. The flowers are followed by pretty transparent seedheads that stay on the plant for…