Thursday, February 27, 2020

Magnolia laevifolia and Asarum maximum 'Ling Ling'—two favorites right now...

If I were going to resurrect my "favorite plant in the garden this week" posts (and I'm not) I'd have a hard time choosing between Magnolia laevifolia and Asarum maximum 'Ling Ling'. The magnolia seems to have put on major growth when I wasn't looking. It's almost as tall as the trachycarpus!

Pretty amazing considering it was just a little guy back in 2014...

Okay maybe not so amazing as that was six years ago. But this plant is not known as a well shaped shrub, it's awkward, kinda draping every which way. I'm happy it decided to send up a tall leader.

Here's a look at the entire plant, in the rectangular outline.

And here's what the dreamy flowers look like (photo from back in 2014), it will be another month at least before they start to appear.

Until then the furry cinnamon covered buds provide plenty of "interest," as they say.

Aren't they cute?

As for my love of Asarum maximum 'Ling Ling' it's all about the flowers right now. Do you see them below? If I told you the common name of this plant is panda faced ginger would that help?

Aren't they fun?

I grow this plant in the ground, but it's doing so much better in the "fern bowl" I put together last summer. As a bonus you don't have to lay in the ground to see the flowers, since it's slightly elevated. Photo from last May...

I think I need to buy a few more of this plant.



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10 comments:

  1. The panda-faced flowers of the Asarum are charming but the Magnolia flowers are magnificent. I'm tempted to plant another, smaller Magnolia but I've no idea where.

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    1. You definitely have room for that magnolia.

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  2. I hardly ever pay attention to the Asarum flowers, so I find it interesting that you do. I love the foliage on most of them. After a long time of pulling out the native variety as it was a thug in my garden, I am letting it go. I would be happy with any Magnolia to have those beautiful flowers.

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    1. They’re so cute, how come you don’t pay attention?

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  3. I should check my Asarum to see if it is blooming. M. laevifolia is also an awkward thing! I'm still trying to figure it out. Great idea to get a central leader. I am glad you mentioned that yours isn't blooming yet because mine isn't either and I didn't want to get jealous. :) The buds are super cool, you're right.

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  4. The Magnolia. We wants it.

    Great pairing of the Asarum with the black Ophiopogon.

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  5. Love the Asarum! Never seen one before. Need to pair it with hostas for cool wet ground cover in shade. - Jim North Tabor.

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    1. Warning, mine in the ground gets munched on...

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