Perennial Plant of the Year 2013

 Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’ 

Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’ grows 18 to 24 inches tall and will spread by rhizomes to form colonies. The oval shaped leaves are carried on upright, arching and unbranched stems. Leaves are variegated a light green with white tips and margins turning an an attractive yellow in autumn. Pairs of small, sweetly fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers bloom in spring with green tips are borne on short pedicels from the leaf axils underneath the arching stems.  Bluish-black berries are sometimes present in the autumn. Variegated Solomon’s seal is perfect for the shady woodland garden or the part-shade to full shade border. A great companion plant to other shade lovers including hostas, ferns and astilbes.  Variegated foliage is excellent in spring floral arrangements or in fall when the foliage turns yellow.
Light
part to full shade conditions.

Soil
prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Uses
This perennial offers vivid highlights in shaded areas of borders, woodland gardens or naturalized areas. The variegated foliage is attractive in flower arrangements.
Unique Qualities
Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’ has arching stems, which carry pairs of small, bell-shaped white flowers in mid to late spring. Variegated ovate leaves are soft green with white tips and margins. Fall leaf color is yellow.
Maintenance
There are no serious insect or disease problems with variegated Solomon’s seal. Plants may be divided in the spring or fall. White rhizomes should be planted just below the soil surface. Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’ is a very easy perennial to grow and will enhance any shade area.
Hardiness
USDA Zones 3 to 8.
 
 Photos by Steven Still/Perennial Plant Association
 

Baptisia australis
The Perennial Plant Association has announced the 2010 Perennial Plant of the Year--Baptisia australis.

2010 Perennial Plant Association Perennial Plant of the Year:
Baptisia australis (Blue False Indigo)

This showy native species has been popular with gardeners for many years because it is easy to grow and offers four seasons of interest in the landscape. In mid to late spring, foot long spires of intense indigo blue flowers rise above the foliage, commanding attention in the spring landscape. After the flowers have faded, the trifoliate, soft blue-green foliage takes center stage, forming a sturdy, upright, shrub-like clump to 3-4 feet tall and wide at maturity. It makes a terrific backdrop for other perennials and groundcovers growing at its feet.

Taking the place of the spent flowers are 2-3 inch long, puffy seed pods which emerge green and then turn charcoal black when they ripen in late summer or early fall. They remain well into winter, providing that much sought after winter interest in the landscape.

Baptisia is a very long-lived perennial. Over time, it expands to form a large clump with a deep, extensive root system. It is best left undisturbed and tends to resent transplanting.

Landscape Uses
Because of its commanding size, this shrub-like perennial makes a beautiful specimen on its own or in small groupings. It is commonly used as a backdrop in perennial borders, but also works well in native or meadow plantings. Deer usually do not bother Baptisia, and it attracts butterflies.

Origin
Baptisia australis is a native species of North America commonly found in prairies, meadows, streambanks, and open woods. Early Americans used this plant as a substitute for true indigo from the West Indies which was used to make blue dye. It was the first agricultural crop ever to be subsidized in America.

Culture
Baptisia australis is very easy to grow and requires little maintenance if sited properly. It grows best in full sun, but will tolerate light shade. If it is planted in too much shade, it may not flower and may require staking. Average to poor soil is suitable, as long as it is well-drained. Once established, Baptisia is drought tolerant due to its tough, deep tap root. No serious pests or diseases are known to afflict this plant.

information from Perennial Resource/Walters Gardens

High Temperature:
Actual: -1°C mostly cloudy Wind NW20km/h P.O.P.20%
Average: 4°C
Record: 19°C in 1998

Low Temperature:
Actual: -5°C flurries .50cm Wind WSW22km/h P.O.P.51%
Average: -4°C
Record: -15°C in 1958

Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'

Selected as the 2009 Perennial Plant of the Year. A beautiful ornamental grass, and one of the few grasses that prefers a shady site. It forms a low mound of arching stems, with cascading layers of narrow leaves striped with bright yellow and green. The look is similar to a dwarf bamboo but without the invasive tendencies. Clumps are slow to grow, but eventually makes a spectacular border edging. Combines beautifully with Hostas or ferns, since all have similar requirements. Mature clumps may be divided in early spring, but be sure to make the divisions large for best success. Needs moist soil.

Light requirements: full to part shade

Soil requirements: normal, sandy or clay

Soil moisture: average, moist

Height: 35-65 cm

Spread: 45 - 60 cm

Day -8 wc-15 partly sunny Wind NNW19km/h P.O.P.11%
Night -14 wc-20 partly cloudy Wind NNW12km/h P.O.P.0%

Geranium 'Rozanne'

'Rozanne' is a mounding perennial with attractive maple-leaf like, marbled foliage and is covered by 2.5" saucer-shaped flowers from early summer right into the fall. The large blooms are violet-blue with a white centre which is veined with red.

'Rozanne' is easy to grow in full sun to partial shade in any reasonably good, well-drained soil. It grows 20-24" tall and just a bit wider. This is not a floppy plant like some of its cousins. And doesn't mind at all if you prune it back occasionally. In fact a good hair cut will rejuvenate the plant.

This hardy geranium can be used in a variety of garden settings. It is lovely in the border and a great companion to other perennials and grasses. Try it with the ever blooming ornamental grass Pennisetum 'Karly Rose' or some of the new Shasta Daisies like Leucanthemum 'Goldrush'. Add a special Echinacea for a dynamite combination.

Since it blooms all summer 'Rozanne' is also an excellent container ornamental. Use it to add colour to your patio or have it spilling over

walls and walkways. Are you looking for a colourful groundcover? Again 'Rozanne' is an ideal choice. It blooms all summer, has attractive foliage which turns red in the fall.

In addition 'Rozanne' is heat and humidity tolerant. It likes that hot sun provided it has ample moisture. 'Rozanne' is vigorous without being invasive. And it is also deer resistant. Truly a great ornamental, perfect for the busy gardener. Hardy Zone 5 - 8.

Day -15 sun and cloud Winds Sw10km/h P.O.P.20%
Night -15 windchill -23 variable clouds Winds SW25km/h P.O.P.30%

Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’




Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ catmint was introduced in 1988 in Europe,
and has become increasingly popular with each passing year due
to its lovely blue-violet flowers and its long bloom time,
attractive grey-green foliage, ease of propagation, lack of
pest or disease problems, and low maintenance requirements.

Hardiness - USDA Zones 3 to 8
Size - 30 to 36 inches tall and wide.
Light- Best in full sun, but can tolerate shade in hot climates
Soil - Prefers well drained soil and neutral pH
Uses - Good companion plant for early and late blooming plants.
Great for perennial borders, but can be used in herb gardens,
rock gardens, as a ground cover, or as a container plant.
Unique Qualities - Will bloom continuously throughout the season if
properly pruned. Great for attracting bees, butterflies and
other pollinating insects, but is deer and rabbit resistant.
Leaves release a wonderful aroma when crushed.

Day -1 variable clouds P.O.P.20%
Night -4 mainly clear

Dianthus gratianopolitanu 'feuerhexe'

This low growing 'Cheddar Pink' forms a dense mat of blue, evergreen foliage. It is set with brilliant blooms that have been variously described as hot pink, magenta or purple red. No matter how you describe this flower it will add vivid colour to your garden late spring to early summer and sporadically throughout the season, particularly again in the fall. Deadheading will encourage reblooming. When it appears to have finished flowering shear it right back to the foliage. This will encourage reblooming as well as make the plant look much better.



'Firewitch' is about 8 inches tall when in flower. Perfect for the front of the border and rock garden --- or plant it along a pathway or in a container where you can enjoy its enticing clove-like sent.

Like virtually all Dianthus, 'Firewitch' prefers a sunny location, in well-drained soil. Avoid overwatering and over fertilizing. 'Firewitch' performs best when the soil is on the lean, dry side. Do water thoroughly if it has not rained for a week or more.

'Firewitch' is quite hardy growing well in Zones 3 - 9. Combine it with a Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum), catmint (Nepeta) and Salvia for a dynamite garden display.

(Lenton Rose) Helleborus xhybridus


Helleborus are old-world perennials that have been used in gardens for centuries. In recent years there has been a great resurgence of interest for these ornamentals. Helleborus or Lenten Rose, as it is sometimes called, forms a sizeable, compact clump of leathery, evergreen foliage set with large, nodding, buttercup-like blooms in early spring. Blooms can be in shades white, cream, pink, rose, maroon, purple or red -- sometimes flushed with green. Very showy -- particularly when the weather suggests that it is still winter.
The Lenten Rose is hardy from Zone 5 - 9. Climate will determine the timing of blooms. In warmer areas it may flower as early as Christmas, however in Zone 5 the blooms may not make an appearance until well into April. Generally the plants perform best in Zone 6 - 9. Mulch well with leaves or straw in colder climates. No matter your location it is always a good idea to provide shelter from drying, winter winds.

Helleborus are not the easiest plants to grow requiring a shady location in fertile, rich, well-drained loam. They hate dry shade. Adequate moisture, particularly in spring is essential. They also hate to be moved and will sulk for months afterwards or just give up.

Generally if the plants are happy they will flourish, forming vigorous clumps and producing masses of blooms. However, if unhappy they will likely not survive beyond the first season.

Please note: Plants can be toxic if eaten and may also be a skin irritant.

Perennial of The Year

The Perennial Plant of the Year™ (POY™) program began in 1990 to showcase a perennial that is a standout among its competitors. Perennials chosen are suitable for a wide range of growing climates, require low maintenance, have multiple-season interest, and are relatively pest/disease-free. If you are looking for an excellent perennial for your next landscape project or something reliable for your gardens, make sure to check out the Perennial Plant of the Year™ archive list.
Since the Perennial Plant of the Year™ was introduced in 1990, the Perennial Plant Association has received frequent inquiries about how the Perennial Plant of the Year™ is selected. The selection process is quite simple – PPA members vote for the Perennial Plant of the Year™ each summer. At that time, in addition to the vote, each member may also nominate up to two plants for future consideration. The Perennial Plant of the Year™ committee reviews the nominated perennials (more than 400 different perennials are often nominated each year) and selects 3 to or 4 perennials to be placed on the ballot.
Nominations generally need to satisfy the following criteria:

• Suitability for a wide range of climatic conditions
• Low-maintenance requirements
• Relative pest- and disease-resistance
• Ready availability in the year of promotion
• Multiple seasons of ornamental interest

For more information go to http://www.perennialplant.org

Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'

Is a low maintenance Japanese painted fern hardy to Zone 3. This is one of the showiest ferns with gorgeous bluish green fronds which are heavily frosted with silver. Dark red stems bleed colour into the silvery foliage to create a stunning painted effect. 'Pictum' is a well-behaved, clumping fern easily grown in part to full shade and moist, well-drained, compost-rich soil. It will grow to be about 18" tall and produce a clump over 2' wide.
The magnificent texture and colour of this fern electrifies the shaded, dark areas of the garden. It is a wonderful companion to other shade loving perennials. Try it in combination with dark leafed Heuchera and blue foliage Hosta such as Halcyon or Bressingham Blue. In my garden I have paired it with Brunnera 'Jack Frost'. Wow what a combination! Add a white flowering Dicentra or Astilbe to complete this picture or a variegated grass such as Carex 'Silver Sceptre' or Carex 'Ice Dance'.



The Japanese Painted Fern lends itself well to a mass planting -- in a woodland setting, around a water feature or in a more formal setting this fern makes a strong visual impact. Even as a solitary specimen, in a container or the garden 'Pictum' is always eye-catching.