© Project SOUND
Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden
Gardening with Western L.A. County Native Plants Project SOUND – 2011 (our 7th year)
© Project SOUND
Radiant Reds / Perfect Pinks
C.M. Vadheim and T. Drake
CSUDH & Madrona Marsh Preserve
Madrona Marsh Preserve
May 7 & 10, 2011
Most of our gardens include ‘Heritage Plants’
© Project SOUND
© Project SOUND
Maybe you have a lovely, water-wise
pomegranate
© Project SOUND
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23295039@N02/2551951823/
Perhaps you have a favorite red rose…
© Project SOUND
…or maybe you’re
blessed with a
‘heritage’ camellia
Whether you want to add some color - or
need to complement existing plants - we
need to understand the ‘color’ red
© Project SOUND
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26244813@N05/2463871154/
Red occupies and interesting
position on the color wheel
© Project SOUND http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/Clothes%20Articles/Color%20Coordination.htm
http://www.fineartuniverse.com/2010_12_01_archive.html
Cool reds look cool; warm reds, warm
© Project SOUND
http://bettyla.com.au/2010/12/how-to-wear-red-this-season/
http://www.house-painting-info.com/the-scarlet-letter-the-
lovehate-relationship-with-red.html#axzz1LfMVJp2b
Is this the felling you want to create?
© Project SOUND
http://fineartamerica.com/featured/il-giardino-rosso-guido-borelli.html
…or is this your idea of heaven?
© Project SOUND http://doves2day.blogspot.com/2011/04/pink-saturday-native-pink.html
http://www.mooseyscountrygarden.com/garden-journal-05/spring-garden-journal-113.html
Warm reds looks best with other
warm colors; cool reds with purples
© Project SOUND
http://joe-kelly.net/2008/05/
Fortunately, flowers come in a wide range
of from magenta to red-orange
© Project SOUND http://www.traderscity.com/board/products-1/offers-to-sell-and-export-1/red-flower-field-garden-oil-painting-fine-art-from-china-57588/
http://doves2day.blogspot.com/2011/04/pink-saturday-native-pink.html
Cercis occidentales
Keckiella cordifolia
My suggestion: see it in flower before you
purchase (particularly for cultivars)
© Project SOUND
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gingermaddy/3778792586/
http://www.bakati.net/
http://www.ginnysherbs.com/
catalog/product_info.php?pro
ducts_id=197&language=en
Let’s brighten up this very green front yard
© Project SOUND
© Project SOUND
* Baja Fairyduster – Calliandra californica
© Project SOUND
Baja Featherduster has a Baja look…
Size:
4-8 ft tall; may be more
4-5 ft wide; sprawls
Growth form:
Evergreen woody shrub (may lose leaves when stressed)
Many crossing branches – airy look; sprawls
Foliage: Bright green
Many small leaflets; lacy/ferny look
Unique and pretty; doesn’t look like a drought-tolerant plant
Larval food for Marine Blue
http://www.theodorepayne.org/gallery/pages/C/Calliandra_californica.htm
© Project SOUND
Flowers are weirdly
beautiful
Blooms: On and off throughout the
year
Peak after rains (spring & fall) in native environment
Flowers: Brillant red stamens
Hummingbird magnet; also butterflies & bees
Nothing quite like it
Seeds: in pea pods that explode when ripe; will need to be creative to collect them
http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/bajafairyduster.html
© Project SOUND
Fairydusters add a unique
charm to the dry garden
Most often used as an accent or specimen plant (both for foliage and flowers)
Can be used as an informal hedge or screen
For a lush, tropical look
Fine for public areas if maintained
As an attractive pot plant
http://www.wildscaping.com/plants/plantprofiles/Calliandra_californica.htm
http://www.elnativogrowers.com/Photographs_page/calcal.htm
© Project SOUND
http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/TEACH/floral/complements.jpg
Complementary colors
Are opposite on the color wheel
Have the most contrast in hue (color) of any color combination
Make a bold graphic statement
Make the brighter hue seem to “advance”
Lively – seem to be constantly in motion
http://www.fiber-
images.com/Free_Things/Reference_Charts/color_wheel.ht
m
© Project SOUND
Complementary color schemes in nature
can be dazzling!
http://www.hypermedic.com/colors/colortable.htm
Complementary colors can brighten up this
very green front yard
© Project SOUND
But what is this is a camellia bush?
© Project SOUND
© Project SOUND
* Pink Fairy Duster – Calliandra eriophylla
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CAER
Fairydusters of the CA Desert
© Project SOUND
C. californica C. eriophylla
form more vase shaped,
open low growing, more dense
size 2 to 4 times larger (smaller)
bloom bright red flowers whitish or pink
fruit seed pod seed pod (same)
http://ag.arizona.edu/pima/gardening/aridplants/Calliandra_eriophylla.html
Note: the two species will hybridize
© Project SOUND
* Pink Fairy Duster – Calliandra eriophylla
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CAER
http://www.graniteseed.com/seeds/seed.php?id=Calliandra_eriophylla
http://www.saguaro-juniper.com/i_and_i/flowers/fairy_duster/fairy_duster.html
Sonoran Desert from CA & Baja to W. Texas
Dry, gravelly slopes & mesas ; often in beds of intermittent streams, bajadas, washes, etc. - rocky, sandy
In Spanish, Cabeza de angel refers to an angel's head or angel's hair
© Project SOUND
Pink Fairyduster is a nice sized accent shrub
Size: 3-5+ ft tall (depends on water)
4-6+ ft wide
Growth form: Woody shrub
Mounded/upright to sprawling; can grow around existing shrubs
Light-colored bark
Foliage: Bright to medium green
Binnately pinnate – small pinna (like Acacia)
Roots: nitrogen-fixing bacteria; rhizomatous – will slowly spread
http://www.public.asu.edu/~camartin/plants/Plant%20html%20files/calliandraeriophylla.html
http://www.fourdir.com/p_fairy_duster.htm © 2005 Dr. Amadej Trnkoczy
© Project SOUND
Flowers: ooh-la-la!!
Blooms: Just after the rains - usually
Jan-Apr in Western L.A. Co.
Will bloom off and on depending on watering schedule
Flowers: Pink: bright to very pale
The long, pink filaments of the stamens that make the showy display
Plant has a fluffy pink appearance in full bloom
Big attraction for large butterflies & hummingbirds!
http://www.sagebud.com/fairyduster-calliandra-eriophylla/
http://www.calflora.net/losangelesarboretum/whatsbloomingmay07C.html
© Project SOUND
A plant of desert washes Soils: Texture: loves sandy/rocky soils
but fine in any well-drained
pH: any local
Light: Full sun for best flowering
Will take light shade
Water: Winter: needs adequate
Summer:
Best looking with occasional water (Zone 1-2 or 2) but very drought tolerant
Some water in Aug.
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils; inorganic mulch
Glenn and Martha Vargas © California Academy of Sciences
© Project SOUND
Showy accent plant
As a foundation plant
A water-wise accent shrub
As an informal hedge – or for erosion control on slopes
Even in large containers
Consider for Asian or Desert-themed gardens
http://ag.arizona.edu/pima/gardening/aridplants/Calliandra_eriophylla.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/36517976@N06/4307505066/
Shaping Fairydusters
Have a good natural shape – can leave as is
Tip-prune during growing season to produce fuller shrub
Lightly prune to shape in late spring
© Project SOUND
http://www.flickr.com/photos/36517976@N06/4307505066/
http://www.avondale.watersavingplants.com/eplant.php?plantnum=1346&return=b_aC http://www.elnativogrowers.com/Photographs_page/caleri.htm
So, we can deal with a camellia bush….
© Project SOUND http://www.fireflyforest.com/flowers/299/calliandra-
eriophylla-fairyduster/
Let’s add a little water-wise height & interest
© Project SOUND
© Project SOUND
Scarlet Larkspur – Delphinium cardinale
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vsny/2597287552/
© Project SOUND
Scarlet Larkspur – Delphinium cardinale
Coastal CA & Sonoran Desert from Monterey Co to Baja
Locally in Santa Monicas & San Gabriels
Chaparral & sage scrub in dry open slopes, away from immediate coast to 5000'
Likes north facing slopes http://www.efloras.org/object_page.aspx?object_id=6040&flora_id=1
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?6434,6462,6469 http://biology.csusb.edu/PlantGuide/detail.php?id=Delphinium_cardinale&ref=1
You may have seen it in the Santa Monica Mtns
© Project SOUND
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Delphinium_cardinale.htm
http://doves2day.blogspot.com/2010_06_01_archive.html
© Project SOUND
Scarlet Larkspur: a
bold statement Size:
3-6+ ft tall
2-3 ft wide
Growth form: Herbaceous perennial
Upright, branched form
Dies back to ground in late summer/fall
Foliage: Medium to blue-green
Deeply incised leaves – typical for Larkspurs
Roots: all parts of Delphiniums – especially roots – are toxic if eaten
http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/viewplant.php?pid=0253
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Delphinium_cardinale.htm http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/DelphiniumSpeciesOne
© Project SOUND
Flowers are majestic
Blooms: usually late spring/ summer (April-July) – when ground starts to dry
Flowers: Cardinal to red-orange with
yellow
Flowers large – 2-3”
Spread along a tall flowering stalk – typical of Larkspurs
Much larger & bolder than our purple-blue Larkspurs
Attracts hummingbird pollinators
Makes a showy, long-lasting cut flower
http://www.plantscomprehensive.com/category/tags/san-diego-native-landscaping
http://www.flickr.com/photos/anniesannuals/4439583858/
© Project SOUND
Dry & some shade Soils:
Texture: well-drained; rocky
pH: any local
Light: Full sun only in coolest gardens
along coast
Part-shade (morning sun) or dappled shade is perfect
Water: Winter: adequate
Summer: needs summer dry period after flowering – Zone 1 (maybe 1-2)
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: protect from slugs & snails; summer water encourages fungal diseases; may need to stake - tall
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/205893/
© Project SOUND
Glorious red for dry
shade!
On dry hillsides
At the backs of dry mixed beds
For a water-wise cottage garden
Under oaks
Spectacular massed! http://www.flickr.com/photos/82479320@N00/4297811407/
http://www.plantscomprehensive.com/category/tags/san-diego-native-landscaping
Delphinium
from seed
Let seeds ripen/dry on the plant
Collect dry pods when they begin to split; remove seeds
Fresh seeds need no pre-treatment
Stored seeds may benefit from ½ to 1 month cold-moist treatment
Plant in warm weather of fall
© Project SOUND
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/sp
ecies/Delphinium_cardinale.htm
© Project SOUND
* Red (Canyon) Larkspur – Delphinium nudicaule
http://www.vertograd-s.ru/catalog/mn/Delphinium/Delphinium_nudicaule_Fox.html
Analogous colors: because they’re from
the same ‘family’ they always look well
together
© Project SOUND http://dundeeunited.us/color/color_3.html
http://dundeeunited.us/color/color_3.html
‘Hot colors’ garden theme uses
analogous colors
© Project SOUND
http://garden-photos-com.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/Backyard-Deck-Patio-Stock-
Images/G0000cU2.IvH6QQM/I0000pg.rlII4gcE http://www.anniesannuals.com/plt_lst/lists/general/lst.gen.asp?prodid=324
http://sbwildflowers.wordpress.com/wildflowers/ranunculaceae/delphinium/delphinium
-cardinale/
Remember: hardscape
can also be used to add
garden color
© Project SOUND
http://www.nurseriesonline.co.uk/Garden/Garden_Design.html
http://garden.onsugar.com/tag/flower+garden
Penstemons: pale blues to red hot reds…
© Project SOUND http://lightbrightandsparkling.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html
© Project SOUND
* Palmer’s Penstemon – Penstemon palmeri
© Project SOUND
* Palmer’s Penstemon – Penstemon palmeri
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?7177,7483,0,7541
http://www.flickr.com/photos/facilitybikeclub/3609173980/
Mojave Desert foothills/mountains to UT, AZ, NM
Washes, roadsides, canyon floors in scrub to pinyon-juniper
AKA ‘Wild Pink Snapdragon’
© Project SOUND
Palmer’s Penstemon: one tall penstemon
Size: 3-5+ ft tall
2-3 ft wide
Growth form: Herbaceous perennial
wildflower
Erect stems with leaves primarily basal
Foliage: Distinctive blue or gray-
green
Fleshy; shapes typical or penstemon (triangular & toothed)
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Penstemon_palmeri
© Project SOUND
Flowers are out of an
English garden
Blooms: late spring to summer
Long bloom season – 4+ weeks
Flowers: Light pink to light lavender
with magenta markings – very striking
Flowers on tall, showy stalks; remind many people of hollyhocks or snapdragons
Flowers more open than most penstemons; sweet scent
Make a great cut flower
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Penstemon_palmeri
© Project SOUND
Penstemons like dry Soils:
Texture: well-drained; likes sand but even clays are fine in most years
pH: any local (up to 8.5)
Light: full sun; fine in hot places
Water: Winter: adequate
Summer: none to little (Zone 1 or 1-2) once established; taper off after flowering
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: No mulch or use an inorganic
May need to tie up the tall stalks
Let it go to seed to replace itself
Prune back the dead stalks
http://www.fireflyforest.com/flowers/1874/penstemon-palmeri-palmers-penstemon/
Grow at the backs of dry beds, like Foxgloves, for cottage garden look
In desert themed of rock gardens; hot, dry, hard-to-water places
Massed with native grasses, shrubs
In the habitat garden (hummingbirds; butterflies; bumble bees
© Project SOUND
http://bloominrs.wordpress.com/2010/01/28/palmers-penstemon/
Great choice for water-wise
flower beds
http://www.alplains.com/Catalog9.html
Cool color scheme with reds
© Project SOUND
http://www.mooseyscountrygarden.com/perennial-plants/perennial-verbena.html
http://agardenplace.com/G/pc/garden-globe-magenta.html
© Project SOUND
All colors have a somber & a light-hearted
aspect Shades (Tones):
Are darker/more somber versions of a color
Created by adding black to the color (hue)
Tints: Are the lighter/more
frivolous versions of a hue
Created by adding white to the hue
http://www.justbynature.com/images/HDColor33a.gif
You can combine many colors in your garden as long as
they are light enough tints or dark enough shades
http://fastflowers.co.uk/product.php?xProd=95&xSec=3
Pastels can be used to integrate..
© Project SOUND
But maybe we need a mid-height warm red
© Project SOUND
© Project SOUND
Firecracker Penstemon – Penstemon eatonii
Patrick J. Alexander @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
© Project SOUND
Firecracker Penstemon is a typical Penstemon
Size:
1-3 ft tall
2-3 ft wide
Growth form: Herbaceous perennial
Drought deciduous
Most of foliage in a mounded clump at the base
Foliage: Thick, leathery leaves;
somewhat coarse looking
Lance-shaped; dark green
Roots: deep taproot
http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=5964
© Project SOUND
Flowers are just
fantastic
Blooms: Summer; usually May-July in
coastal S. CA
Long bloom period – blooms open sequentially
Flowers: Scarlet red; tubular
Along stems above foliage
Extremely showy when massed
Cutting of spent stalks may encourage more blooms
Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies (all Penstemons)
Vegetative reproduction: easy by divisions
Al Schneider @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
© 2008 Thomas Stoughton
© Project SOUND
Garden uses for
Firecracker Penstemon
As an attractive pot plant; be sure pot is deep enough
Great for dry banks and slopes
Nice with other Zone 2 perennials and shrubs
Good bet for the hummingbird and butterfly garden
Spectacular when massed
Excellent choice for dry shade under oaks and other native trees © 1996 Christopher L. Christie
© Project SOUND
Scarlet Bugler – Penstemon centranthifolius
http://www.researchlearningcenter.org/bloom/species/Penstemon_centranthifolius.htm
CA foothills from Lake Co. to Baja & foothills of the Mojave Desert
Dry, open or wooded places, generally in chaparral or oak woodland but also in other communities, below 6500 ft.
© Project SOUND
Scarlet Bugler – Penstemon centranthifolius
© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?7177,7483,7494
http://homepage.mac.com/cjbowdish/ManzanaTrailandFigueroaMtMay2008/
© Project SOUND
A flash of color, perennial style
Size: 2-4 ft tall
2-3 ft wide
Growth form: Herbaceous perennial
Upright form
Dies back in late summer/fall
Foliage: Attractive blue-green color
Simple leaves – many basal
Foliage looks nice & succulent even before it blooms
© 2003 Charles E. Jones
© Project SOUND
Flowers are showy
Blooms: mid- to late spring - usually Apr-June in our area, but may be later.
Flowers: Bright red to red-orange
(less common) – glow in the sun
Narrow, tubular shape – hummingbird flower
Along tall, rather narrow flowering stalks – somewhat like large Heuchera
Long-lasting & showy
http://homepage.mac.com/cjbowdish/ManzanaTrailandFigueroaMtMay2008/
© Project SOUND
Penstemons need summer dormant period
Soils: Texture: any well-drained incl. clays
pH: any local
Light: Full sun to part-shade – dappled
shade fine
Water: Winter: adequate until flowering
commences
Summer: begin to taper off watering as flowering peaks – no water after flowering
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: use only inorganic mulches like gravel or crushed rock.
© Project SOUND
Penstemons shine
in dry areas
Dry hillsides; lovely massed
With local native grasses
Paired with Salvias, other penstemons
Under oaks or other water-wise trees & shrubs
http://xasauantoday.com/2009/05/04/spring-at-the-indians/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amarguy/2388294009/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/12205793@N04/5116623276/
Use Penstemons to add medium height in the
driest parts of your yard
© Project SOUND
Let’s add some wildflowers and bulbs to
brighten up our cool color scheme
© Project SOUND
© Project SOUND
* Godetia/Farewell-to-spring – Clarkia amoena
http://www.yerbabuenanursery.com/images/garden_weekly/amoena_cu1_wk12_big.jpg
© Project SOUND
* Godetia – Clarkia amoena
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-
bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?5263,5341,5343
CA and OR coast north of San Francisco Bay
Generally open, drying places, < 1500 ft.
Found in coastal scrub, prairies and dry open coastal slopes & bluffs
A staple of cottage gardens world-wide since the 1800’s
Charles Webber © California Academy of Sciences
© Project SOUND
Godeta is similar to our local Clarkias
Size: 1-3 ft tall
1-2 ft wide
Growth form: Annual wildflower
Upright, branched form
Foliage: Leaves simple
Typically blue-green to gray-green – may be tinged with red or magenta
© 2002 George Jackson
© Project SOUND
Flowers: C. purpurea
on steroids Blooms:
Spring/summer: usually Apr-June in our area but may be later into summer with water – 2-4 months
Flowers: Glorious two-toned colors: usually
featuring magenta, but may be more purple or more pink
Incredibly showy – like Elegant Clarkia but larger and often more bright
Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds
Seeds: many small seeds in capsules – will reseed on bare ground or gravel/crushed rock mulch; edible
http://www.americanmeadows.com/godetia-seeds?___store=default
© 2002 George Jackson http://www.rampantscotland.com/colour/supplement070818.htm
© Project SOUND
Godetias: Annual
Wildflowers Soils:
Texture: any
pH: any local
Light: Full sun to light shade
Water: Winter: plenty of water when
growing
Summer: water until flowering slows, then taper off to none
Fertilizer: whatever – not particular
Other: can serial sow seeds every 2 weeks to get longer bloom (into summer with water)
© 2005 Doreen L. Smith
© Project SOUND
Cottage garden & more
Lovely in containers – with bulbs and other annuals
Massed on slopes with grasses
In mid-beds for cottage garden
To fill in spaces that need a little color © 1998 Gary A. Monroe
© Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College
Annuals & bulbs: for accents & bare spaces
© Project SOUND
Fill in spaces with warm/cool annuals & bulbs
© Project SOUND
© Project SOUND
* Firecracker Flower – Dichelostemma ida-maia
J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
© Project SOUND
* Firecracker Flower – Dichelostemma ida-maia
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101565
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?8349,8535,8540
Coastal areas and coastal foothills of N. CA and OR
Sea level to ~2500 ft
In woodland openings or grassy areas, grasslands
http://www.ogrodkroton.pl/towar.1921.dichellostemma.-.ida.maia.html
© Project SOUND
Firecracker Flower – a Dichelostema at heart
Size: to 1 ft tall
1- 1 ½ ft wide
Growth form: Perennial from a bulb; dies
back to bulb after blooming
Dainty
Foliage: Grass-like leaves
Die back about the time of blooming
© Project SOUND
Flowers: wow!
Blooms: In spring – depends on rains
Usually Apr-May in S. CA
Flowers: Cardinal to dark red –
unopened flowers are green-tipped
Cylindrical – long & narrow
In clusters at end of the flowering stalk
flowers hang; fruits are erect
Look like firecrackers – hence the common name
Attract hummingbirds & butterflies
Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database http://www.flickr.com/photos/succulentisima/4584516278/
© Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: most – well-drained
pH: any local
Light: Best in light shade to fairly
shady
Great under trees; north side of buildings
Water: Winter: adequate water
Summer: need summer dry after flowering
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: fine with organic mulch if summer dry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/anniesannuals/4408931419/
© Project SOUND
Bulbs are great fillers
Along walkways
In pots
With other bulbs
Massed for color
http://www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com/spring/productview/?sku=14-0103
http://newhollandbulb.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_76659
http://www.learn2grow.com/plants/dichelostemma-ida-maia-images-large-134271/
With ‘Queen Fabiola’
http://ele-middleman.at.webry.info/200606/article_37.html
The Pacific Bulb Society
Organized in 2002 to benefit people who garden with bulbs.
Emphasis on ‘successfully growing bulbs in our yards and gardens and in sharing our successes, and our failures too, with our fellow members.’
Pacific Bulb Society List – discussion forum
Pacific Bulb Society Wiki
© Project SOUND
© Project SOUND http://seedbyte.blogspot.com/2009_12_11_archive.html
© Project SOUND
* Crinkled Onion – Allium crispum
http://www.srgc.org.uk/discus/messages/283/39997.html
Central CA coast
On clay slopes, including serpentine, < 2000 ft.
© Project SOUND
* Crinkled Onion – Allium crispum
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101348
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?8349,8354,8369
http://www.timetotrack.com/jay/ccal/onionc2.htm
© Project SOUND
Crinkled Onion: a pretty native Allium
Size: ~ 1 ft tall
< 1 ft wide
Growth form: Perennial wildflower from a
bulb
Dies back to the bulb in summer
Foliage: Strap-like blue-green to
medium-green leaves
Leaves begin to die back before flowering
© 2008 Aaron Schusteff
© Project SOUND
Magenta flowers
Blooms: In spring - usually Mar-May in S.
CA,
Flowers last 3-4 weeks
Flowers: Bright magenta color
Typical bell-shaped onion flowers – slightly larger then local onions
Flowers in cluster of stalks at the end of the flowering stalk
Seeds: Small, dark angular seeds
Vegetative reproduction: Rounded bulbs
http://drystonegarden.com/index.php/2009/04/allium-unifolium/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Allium_crispum_2.jpg
© Project SOUND
Plant Requirements
Soils: Texture: does best in clay soils
pH: any local
Light: Full sun to part shade
Fine under trees
Water: Winter: adequate until
flowering
Summer: needs summer dry period after flowering complete
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: inorganic mulch, if any
Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
© Project SOUND
Onions: decorative additions
to the garden
As an attractive pot plant
Fine in part-shade under oaks & pines
Plant with native grasses
Mass for prettiest show
http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/discussion/atshows//
East+Anglia+Show+Formal+Photos/259/?page=3
http://www.flickr.com/photos/xerantheum/469645349/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/sftrajan/3455172798/
The choice of red/pink filler plants is
expanding every year – with the
popularity of native plants
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http://www.calfloranursery.com/pages_plantlists/plantinfo.html
© Project SOUND
Island Buckwheat – Eriogonum grande
Heuchera cultivars: white to red
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Heuchera 'Canyon Duet'
'Canyon Delight' ‘Canyon Melody’
‘Canyon Chimes’
‘Canyon Belle’
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) cultivars
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‘Rosy Red’
http://www.larnerseeds.com/_pages/wildflower_perennial.html ‘Island Pink’
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/04/05/3502356/arboretu
m-all-star-plants.html
‘Red Velvet’
http://www.tinpenny.plus.com/CatFrame.htm
‘Pink Grapefruit’
Bright, saturated reds are – let’s face
it – ‘leading lady’ colors
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http://www.skinnyvscurvy.com/eva-longoria/eva-
longoria-fabulous-red-dress-golden-globes.html http://www.probertencyclopaedia.com/photolib/people/Girl%20Red%20Dress.htm
http://homepage.mac.com/cjbowdish/ManzanaTrailandFigueroaMtMay2008/
Unless, of course, everyone’s
wearing a red dress!
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/thehearttruth/2176283654/
Tips for using Reds: don’t overdo
© Project SOUND http://www.lecormier.com/Summer%202009.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lytes_Cary_2009_Red_Garden.JPG
http://www.123rf.com/photo_485889_a-red-flower-garden-border.html
http://www.northcoastgardening.com/2009/06/fickle-hill-old-rose-nursery-june/
Tips for using red: massed is good
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http://rol.vn/resourcedetail/6/1268/the-ultimate-magic-garden/
Tips for using red: use contrast to
increase the effects
© Project SOUND http://country-and-thecity.blogspot.com/2009/11/garden-festival-chaumont-sur-loire.html
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/color-theme-garden-ideas2.htm http://www.gardenvisit.com/garden/long_house_reserve_and_sculpture_garden
We hope we’ve convinced you that there are
many red/pink flower choices
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We need your help
Suggest good places to see native plants growing in garden setting – fill out sheet
‘Adopt an Oak’ program – we’ll send a flier
‘Native Habitat Gardens in a Box’ – need schools for pilot program
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Let’s go see the garden
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