LAVATERA, SIDALCEA, and ALSTROMERIA
Lavateras
Lavateras are easy-to-grow plants that bear blossoms resembling single Hollyhocks. If you are stumped about what long-blooming, evergreen, drought-tolerant shrub to plant, you might consider one of the Lavateras. Lavatera 'Barnsely' (left above) has large 4 inch pale pink flowers and a dark pink eye Lavatera 'Kew Pink' (middle above) has an attractive pink flower.
These species easily reach 6 feet in height and begin flowering in late Spring until late Fall. Add in their shallow-lobed grayish-green leaves' resistancy to disease and they are about as close to a wonder plant as you can find.
Lavatera assurgentiflora (Mission Mallow, a California Native)
This California native Lavatera (right above) is an evergreen shrub that grows to 12 feet tall and wide and has maple-like leaves. Rosy lavender flowers bloom from mid Spring to late Summer. Little to moderate water.
Sidalcea is a prostrate, spreading plant with dark olive to blue green foliage which can often be hairy and can be glossy or dull. Flowers resemble small single Hollyhocks and can be silver pink to dark rose with white veining. Sidalcea blooms in Spring. It is useful in front of a mixed perennial border or lining the edge of a walk way. It's also good combined with Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium bellum, also available at Markham). Checkerbloom is reliable and generally free of diseases and pests. Trim it after flowering or as needed for a fresh appearance. This is must have plant and one of my favorites. It usually sells out quickly.
Alstroemeria psittacina
This species Alstroemeria has an unusual flower, different than most Alstroemeria flowers. The flowering stalk grows to 2½ ft and is crowned by dark red flowers marked with green and blotches of dark purple. A. psittacina spreads by rhizomes but is not a pest. It prefers partial or faily deep shade.
|
