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Cheddar pinks
Plant of the week
Photo by Dave Brigner

Sunday July 5, 2009

Common name: Cheddar pinks

Light: Full sun

Height: 6-12 in.

Spread: 6-9 in.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 3

Origin: W & C Europe


There are nearly 300 species of Dianthus. Cheddar pinks (Dianthus gratianopolitanus) are compact low-growing evergreen perennials with silvery-blue grass like foliage with a woody base. Blooming is heavy in late spring and then sporadic throughout the summer. The 5-petalled flowers are serrated along the edges giving a fringed appearance and are clove scented. These drought tolerant plants are ideal for borders and containers and make excellent cut flowers. They prefer a well-drained soil and will attract bees and butterflies. There are many varieties of Cheddar pinks, mainly in shades of pink. ‘Tiny Rubies’ have double dark pink flowers and ‘Firewitch’ (2006 Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year) has attractive magenta flowers with tidy mounds of silvery needle-like leaves. Cheddar pinks are located in the Annual & Perennial Trial Gardens at Franklin Park Conservatory.

- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory

Black-eyed susan
Plant of the week
Photo by Dave Brigner

Sunday July 12, 2009

Common name: Black-eyed susan

Light: Full sun

Height: 24 in.

Spread: 24 in.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 4

Origin: North America


Black-eyed susans (Rudbeckia species) have been grown in gardens for many years. 15 species are included in the genus most of which are herbaceous perennials with few being annuals or biennials. Their large daisy-like flowers range in color combinations in shades of yellow, orange and brown. They have a distinct cone-like brown center. These native plants are striking when used in mass plantings and are ideal for naturalizing. They will attract butterflies and are the host plant to the Cabbage and Dot Moth. Their seed heads will provide food to a variety of finches and if left on will provide winter interest. Black-eyed susans will adapt to a variety of soil conditions and are drought and heat tolerant. In 1999 it was Perennial Plant of the Year. There are many varieties available on the market including Rudbeckia ‘Goldstrum’, ‘Autumn Colors’ and ‘Irish Eyes’, which have a unique green center. Rudbeckia ‘Black Beauty’ is one of the more unusual varieties having a dark brown center with no petals! Black-eyed susans adds color and attracts butterflies in the Sculpture Garden at Franklin Park Conservatory.

- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory

Bonfire begonia
Plant of the week
Photo by Dave Brigner

Sunday July 19, 2009

Common name: Bonfire begonia

Light: Part sun

Height: 12-15 in.

Spread: 12-15 in.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 9

Origin: Cultivated variety


Nearly 900 species are included in the genus begonia. These are tender perennials, meaning they will not survive freezing temperatures. Although most are treated as annuals, they can be brought indoors and treated as houseplants. Begonias have either fibrous, rhizomatous or tuberous root systems. The Bonfire Begonia (Begonia boliviensis ‘Bonfire’) is a fairly recent introduction that has proven to withstand conditions in which other begonias would decline. This variety has attractive thin serrated leaves that grow in a weeping mound. A single plant can have as many as 100 fiery scarlet-orange flowers that can be seen from a distance. Bonfire begonias are excellent for hanging baskets, window boxes and mixed containers. Unlike most begonias, this one does well in full sun and once established can withstand some drought. This species grows from a tuber that may be stored dry throughout the winter and repotted in the spring. Growth resumes in May or June. The more recent introduction, Bellfire Begonia, has bell-shaped coral flowers with plum-colored foliage. Both varieties are outstanding and make great additions to any garden or patio. Bonfire begonias are used in mixed containers in the Grand Mallway at Franklin Park Conservatory.

- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory

Bat-faced cuphea
Plant of the week
Photo by Dave Brigner

Sunday July 26, 2009

Common name: Bat-faced cuphea

Light: Full sun

Height: 1-2 ft.

Spread: 2 ft.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 10

Origin: Mexico


Many of the cupheas have odd and interesting flowers. 260 species are included in the genus. They can be clump forming tender sub-shrubs, annuals or short-lived perennials. The Bat-faced cuphea (Cuphea llavea) is truly an oddity amongst the cupheas. When looked at closely, the flowers truly resemble a bats face with red ears and purple fuzzy snout! Flowers grow along the bristly stems from the leaf axils that bear 3-inch hairy lance-shape leaves. Once established, Bat-faced cupheas are heat and drought tolerant. They prefer well-drained soil and work well in pots, planters and in the mixed perennial border. They attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. When planted near roses or other plants that attract aphids, the hummingbirds will enjoy both the nectar from the cuphea as well as eating the nearby aphids. They will bloom non-stop from late spring through fall. Bat-faced cupheas are planted in mixed containers in the Grand Mallway at Franklin Park Conservatory.

- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
Franklin Park Conservatory Sponsors: City of Columbus, Franklin County Board of Commissioners, The Columbus Foundation and Scotts Miracle Gro
   
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