Friday, August 26, 2016

August Favs...but wait, how is this the last Friday of August!!!???

So this is it, the last Friday in August. What the, really? Around these parts — and since we don't have kids (no "back to school")  September is still very much summer, so I'm not quite in panic mode yet...

As is my tradition for the last Friday of the month I'm gonna share a few favorites. Funny most of these are in the shady parts of the garden. Ya, it's been hot here the last couple of weeks (finally). First we're taking a look at that small variegated Farfugium...

I love it! Picked up at Cistus Nursery recently, here it is still at the nursery — or rather I think that was a couple of plants  when I was holding the beauty contest to see which one got to come home with me...

The Cistus description: "Farfugium japonicum 'Argenteum — an evergreen form in cultivation for many years though never common, this slow grower for dappled shade and moist soil produces 6-8" delicately rounded leaves streaked dark green and white. Great plant for containers or to add brightness to a shade spot. Frost hardy and evergreen to mid USDA zone 8; regrows in spring with mulch in zone 7."

I don't really feel like "streaked dark green and white" convays the magic happening on those leaves. The Joy Creek Nursery description does a little bit better job: "The 10-inch cupped leaves of Farfugium japonicum 'Argenteum' are very thick and have irregular cream white margins and some blue green streaks in their centers. Their undersides and the surfaces of young leaves are coated in fine hairs. The purple stems are woolly. Yellow daisy-like flowers late in the season." Ugh! Those damn yellow "daisy-like" flowers!!!

It's in a container still because I'm scheming on a new planting area which I'll probably do in the fall. That Ligularia to it's left will be part of it too. Moving on to the next "fav" see that dramatically variegated Aspidistra at the bottom of this shot?...

It was a gift from the Outlaw a last year and I couldn't decide where exactly to plant it, thus it's living in a container too. I'm hopeful it can be a part of the future shade planting alluded to above.

Aspidistra elatior 'Variegata' is hardy in USDA Zones 7-10, wants part sun to shade (mine is in bright shade) and even moisture. It should get those strange ground level flowers someday.

Next I want to talk about that purple business, in the green hanging planter. I think it might go by the name Tradescantia zebrina var. purpusii?

I bought it in a 4" pot simply labeled "annual"...it's one of those "grandma" plants that I used to run from, but this year looked at with fresh eyes. I needed something that would contrast with the odd green of the ceramic pot and not mind being in the shade.

Although the sun does hit the leaves every so often and really light them up — the back sides even sparkle.

And for only $1.99 it's performed marvelously! (and it's grown A LOT) Heck I might even take cuttings and call it a houseplant over the winter, we shall see.

Next up is another gift from Peter (aka the Outlaw) Strobilanthes gossypinus...

I first saw this plant at the NWFG Show last February and immediately had a bad case of plant lust. I never expected it to be fulfilled so soon! Peter was kind enough to grab one for me at a spring plant sale where Dan Hinkley's Windcliff Plants were for sale. Dan's description: "Sensational evergreen species from South Africa is sadly only appropriate for container culture in our region, but long lived and easy to overwinter in a cool, bright location.  Spidery webbed leaves in tones of mercury possess a near iridescent like quality in the waning light of evening.  Full sun and even moisture"

I think it partners very nicely with the Rhododendron pachysanthum I recently purchased from Gossler Farms nursery.

One more "fav" to talk about...Aeschynomene fluitans (Giant Sensitive Fern).

Early in the spring I started to get another bad case of red algae bloom in the stock tank and purchased several water hyacinth to help combat the problem. They did a great job put I never have really like the look of them so finally gathered them all up and tossed 'em a few weeks ago. I was yearning for another of the Giant Sensitive Fern (last year was my first year growing it, but it died over the winter) and was lucky enough to score one at Portland Nursery on Division St.

The foliage on it's long ropey arms is what I love about this plant...

Eventually yellow pea-like flowers will bloom and black pods might follow. Plus it's a very fast grower. Both good things...

So those are a few of the plants I'm loving in my August garden, what about you???

All material © 2009-2016 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.

31 comments:

  1. Oh, how I wish I had more shade and more water to grow both the Farfugium and the Aspidistra - I love the variegation on both. It's slim pickings in my august garden but I did come up with a few highlights: http://krispgarden.blogspot.com/2016/08/august-2016-favorites.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. People keep asking how I will deal with the increased shade in my garden as things mature. Any chance you're (unintentionally) creating more (future) shade in your garden?

      Delete
  2. I also said "ugh" at the idea of yellow daisy flowers interfering with a perfectly gorgeous foliage plant. Love the silver plant combo; so wish I could grow those blue-leaved Rhodies.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The yellow flowers will be removed tout de suite!

      Delete
  3. Wow...fun recap! I too love variegated plants, purple burgundy plants and silver gray plants. Summer isn't over here either but since fall is our best season....I am looking forward to it. It is like summer on the west coast : ) I had no idea you could grow sensitive fern in water. The Strobilanthes gossypinus have qualities I like in my White Velvet Spiderwort Tradescantia sillamontance and Jerusalem Sage Phlomis fruticosa. Hoping you have a long summer season!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't think the plant usually thought of as sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) can be grown submerged in water, oh the confusion of common names!

      Delete
  4. Love that type of variegation you have on the Farfugium. Really a garden star. Love the strobilanthes, too. I keep reminding myself that I am giving up most silver-leaved annuals and perennials because the wool-carder bees strip them naked. I guess I have a few hairy things they don't touch-I should make a list or something!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would be very upset to see the "hair" stripped from my Strobilanthes, here's hoping they don't find it.

      Delete
  5. Wow, that silver Strobilanthes! Silver, my fav.

    I agree about those yecch yellow flowers on Farfugium--just spread by roots, honey.

    As to the Tradescantia, maybe Granny was on to something?

    My fave for August is Lagerstroemia 'Dynamite'. Likely it was last August's favorite, and the August before that, too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why do so many great foliage plants insist on having those hideous yellow flowers!?

      Delete
  6. you know, i really do love grannie type plants a lot lately. i'm still trying to figure out how to select the ones that mesh a bit better with my cool, structural stylish plants though.

    Also, I've always wanted a sensitive plant! Thanks for the blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know that this is THE sensitive plant, but rather a water version. Still cool though if you've got a place for it.

      Delete
  7. A lot of those "grandma" plants are really kind of cool and most of them are tough as nails. Purty plants!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I may be quizzing you for your thoughts on "grandma" plants. I'm writing a story on them for the OAN.

      Delete
  8. Clearly, I need to water my variegated Aspidistra more - it is not half as gorgeous as yours! Joining in this month with a few odds and ends .
    https://flutterandhum.wordpress.com/2016/08/27/august-faves-in-the-garden/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmmm...so maybe I should keep it in a container then, where it's easier to get it watered directly.

      Delete
  9. I kept counting the days to make sure it really IS the last Friday in August ;-) I'm loving your variegated plants - especially the watercolor effect on that Farfugium!
    And the term "grandma plants" definitly covers a whole lot of things that I shy away from, and yes, I should be more objective about them as there are good reasons they've been appreciated over the years... that purple is gorgeous!
    Here is my belated favs post celebrating a good try on the part of the weather: https://smallsunnygarden.blogspot.com/2016/08/betwixt-and-between.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And after all everyone loves a grandma right?

      Delete
  10. Sometimes, Grandma knew best. Love the gossipy plant from Peter with a rather unattractive intensity. Finally, I got it together to join in: http://bannersbyricki.com/archives/5576

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So I should watch you very closely the next time you're over here?

      Delete
  11. Love that Strobilanthes gossypinus, used to have one myself years ago until it bloomed and then died. I'd taken cuttings the year before, thinking it good insurance against loss of the mother. Unfortunately, all of the plants bloomed and died simultaneously. I would amend your post to correct the habitat, it's not South African, but native to Sri Lanka. If yours blooms, collect seed!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So Dan Hinkley got the place of origin wrong?

      Delete
    2. Apparently he did; they grow it ornamentally in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia where it is much easier to find in both nurseries and gardens. But native to Sri Lanka and southern India.

      Delete
  12. I do like the Giant Sensitive Fern. Too bad the last one didn't survive the winter (too sensitive, I guess - ba-dum ching!). I hope the new one does better. As for summer, I'm feeling quite melancholy about how it has quickly slipped away. My August favorites - Tithonia and Cup Plant, of course.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You and me both brother! Why do June, July and August go by as fast as the single month of January?

      Delete
  13. That Farfugium japonicum 'Argenteum' used to be a favorite of mine. One is still alive--quite a feat, considering my other farfugiums became victims of my reduced watering regime in the wake of the California drought. They do need regular, if not plentiful, water to thrive. But what beautiful leaves they have!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm hoping this one bulks up nicely once it's in it's permanent home. Maybe I should hedge that by buying a couple more...

      Delete
  14. Funny, I've never considered the indoor "grandma" plants, though I've been known to be quite vocal about what I think of as "grandma" shrubs (those shapeless, multi-stemmed, twiggy things like Weigela, Forsythia, Deutzia, etc). I love the Farfugium, Aspidistra, and Strobilanthes, but what I'm really curious about is the fern next to your big Podophyllum. It looks like a baby tree fern! I'm ashamed to admit that I (once again) lost track of the day and forgot to put together a favorites post. Hopefully I'll get something together this week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a baby tree fern (Dicksonia antarctica) forever stunted by its life in a container.

      Delete
    2. Wow! I didn't know they could be dwarfed that much in a container! I'm actually glad to know that, because I have one in a container and I've been wondering what I'll do with it if it gets too big before I manage to make it to the coast. And I finally got my act together and wrote a favorites post! At least I got it done before August ended! http://practicalplantgeek.blogspot.com/2016/08/end-of-august-favorites.html

      Delete
  15. Ohhhhh, that farfugium! I have such envy! I need about ten of them for the awkward newly full shade spot in front of my porch and can't justify spending $17 a pop. Le sigh! The only non-green form of farfugium you can find in Austin has gross mottled yellow spots that make it look diseased.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to comment. Comment moderation is on (because you know: spam), I will approve and post your comment as soon as possible!