Agapanthus "Mood Indigo"

Agapanthus "Mood Indigo"
Lily of the Nile

This selection is coveted because its blossoms are among the darkest deep violet available to the species. Grows 3 ft. tall when in bloom. Disease free and deciduous, it will need to be mulched or protected during our Northwest winters. This was an introduction from L.A. State and County Arboretum. It is a hybrid involving Agapanthus inapertus so it is winter deciduous. It will, if protected come back stronger than before.


Native to South Africa, Agapanthus blooming from midsummer through late fall. When planted in ideal conditions, and with exceptional care it has survived winters as far north as zone 5, but I rate it from zone 8 up. One problem in the Pacific Northwest where we ample rains is root rot as much as cold well-drained soil. Plant in full sun to part shade. This is one showy lady for entryways and brings a brasj tropical look to the home. 'Mood Indigo' is the best.. A rare color; dark, dusky and purply seductive.

Bloom color: Violet
Bloom period: summer
Height: 3-4'
Spread: 3'
Zones: 8-11

Needs well drained soils

Dierama pauciflora

Dierama pauciflora -Fairy Wand

S. Africa

This dwarf growing Dierama is much rarer than the more vigorous form D. pendulum. The flowers are normally a rich dark pink but can be differentiated from the former as they look out or upwards rather than dangling down. A bit more early blooming. They insist upon having rich, well drained soil. In cold areas they should be mulched and the foliage never taken off in winter.

Dierama Pulcherrimum

DIERAMA PULCHERRIMUM -Fairy Wand

S. Africa


This high growing Dierama is considered to be a more vigorous form D. pendulum. The flowers are normally a rich satiny pink but can range from wine-violet to white. They insist upon having rich, well drained soil. In cold areas they should be mulched and the foliage never taken off in winter.


PLANTING INFO ...... Zones 8 and higher

South Africa
Height up to 5 feet.
Pink pendulous flowers
Light requirements: some shade to full sun
Cold hardy to zone 8
Needs well drained sunny locations

Giant Gunnera- Gunnera tinctoria

Gunnera tinctoria-Giant Gunnera

Gunnera is one of South America's most recognizable additions to our gardens with individual leaves that can fill the back of a small pickup. It is a gigantic primeval-looking plant that thrives at the edge of a pond or stream and will if wind protected grow some 7 feet high and some 6 feet accross. Native to the cloud forests of Chile, it looks tropical and exotic. It needs rich moist soil --for that matter a lot of garden room. It does well here in the Pacific Northwest, less so in the East and Southeast as it dislikes the high summer humidity.

Protect from muskrats or mountain beavers as the roots are edible to such creatures.

Mulch with its own leaves as to make a tent over the plant. Or use cedar branches etc. Do not mulch with compacting leaves.

Zones 7-10

PLANTING INFO ......

Preferably Zones 8 and higher

Foliage Fireworks
Height 6 ft. or more
Leaves make great molds for casting
Light requirements: some shade to full sun
Not for the beginner
Cold hardy to zone 8
Needs well drained but moist locations

Matilija Poppy

Romneya coulteri - Matalija Poppy

This California native will provide a flowering display from late summer through fall. It thrives in poor, dry soils and does best in areas not overly watered. It does need good drainage and should be contained as it does spread with underground roots.

White flowers are crowned with golden stamens. The foliage is a bluish-green.

PLANTING INFO ......

Preferably Zones 8 and higher

Foliage
Height 6 ft.
full sun

Cold hardy to zone 8
Needs well drained soils

Kaffir Lily - Schizostylis coccinea

Schizostylis coccinea -Kaffir Lily

A good plant for autumn color which also makes a great cut flower. Grows well in most good garden soils in a sheltered sunny position. This beautiful S. African species has green, flat sword like leaves that produce upright spikes of white to red flowers produced in October and November. The variety 'Major' is larger flowered and the deepest red. 'Mrs. Hegarty' has clear pink flowers is the earliest to flower. 'Viscountess Byng' has pale pink flowers. 'Salmon Charm is a salmon-coral color.

The plants are hardy in the Pacific Northwest, but I suspect they would not thrive in very wet clayey soils. Good drainage is essential and mulching with leaves is probably a good idea in colder areas.

PLANTING INFO ...... Zones 8 and higher

S. African rhizome
Height 2-3 ft.
Flowers white to red. Great cutting flower
Light requirements: some shade to full sun
Cold hardy to zone 8
Needs well drained sunny locations