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Collier's Garden Scoop
May 2022
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Summer temps are settling in, but we still have a great selection of annuals, perennials, herbs, veggies and hanging baskets. Maybe your garden is filling up, or maybe you haven't even begun digging yet (it's not too late, by the way); in either case, we hope you'll stop by and see us soon! |
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Truly Tough Trio
Only the strongest plants survive an Alabama summer, including three of our favorites: cuphea, gomphrena and ruellia. This trio is particularly well-suited to our climate, since they are native to hot, humid areas of Mexico and Central America. All grow best in full or partial sun (4 hours minimum), are seldom bothered by disease, pest, or deer and bloom profusely until frost. Flowers of cuphea, gomphrena and ruellia attract butterflies and other pollinators as well as hummingbirds.
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Members of the Loosestrife family, and distantly related to crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia). Most cupheas are native to Mexico and Central America. Common names include bat flower (Cuphea llavea), cigar plant (C. ignea) and Mexican heather (C. hyssopifolia).
Small but profuse blooms from spring until frost, no dead-heading required. Cupheas need well-drained soil and prefer consistent moisture but will tolerate short dry spells (somewhat drought tolerant). Varieties with tubular flowers, like 'Vermillionaire' cuphea, attract hummingbirds. Mexican heather's compact growth habit makes it a good choice for edging flowerbeds (pair with Joseph's coat for an eye-catching combination).
In store now: 'Honeybells' (trailing variety) and 'Vermillionaire' cupheas and Mexican heather with white, lavender, fuchsia and purple flowers.
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Also known as globe amaranth, Gomphrena globosa is native to Mexico and Central America. Their papery, clover-like "blooms" (technically called bracts) are long-lasting when cut and retain their color when dried, as well as being edible (commonly used in teas).
Gomphrena flowers from spring until frost without the need for dead-heading. The colorful bracts attract butterflies and are usually left alone by deer. Plant in well-drained soil and don't overcrowd to avoid powdery mildew. Gomphrena are available in dwarf and tall-growing varieties, making them versatile in the garden.
In store now: 'Buddy' (6-8" tall), 'Fireworks' (3-4' tall), 'Las Vegas' (16-20" tall), 'Pinball' (12-20" tall), 'Ping Pong White' (16-20" tall), 'Strawberry Fields' (12-18" tall)
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Commonly known as Mexican petunia or Mexican bluebell, Rullia simplex is of course native to Mexico. In the warmest and coastal climates, they grow year-round and spread aggressively by seed or rhizome (they've become in invasive in parts of South Carolina, Florida, Texas and Hawaii). In central Alabama they are an herbaceous perennial when planted in the ground (die back in winter and reemerge each spring).
Ruellia adapt to a wide range of growing conditions: they thrive in wet, boggy conditions but are also drought tolerant once established. Seldom damaged by deer. The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and ruellia leaves are a food source for several Lepidoptera caterpillars. Each ruellia flower lasts only one day, but they are produced in a non-stop procession through the warm months. The fiery red blooms of the variety 'Ragin Cajun' are a hummingbird favorite.
In store now: 'Katie Purple' (dwarf variety), 'Purple Showers (3-4' tall), 'Ragin Cajun' (red flowers)
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Impatiens
Shade Garden Jewels
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Impatiens pack a punch in shadier areas of the garden. Prolific, showy flowers in a wide variety of colors brighten up areas where not much else will bloom. Impatiens do best in 2 or 3 hours of morning sun, or bright filtered sun throughout the day (the exception being sunpatiens, which will tolerate full sun if watered consistently). All impatiens prefer damp soil, so water regularly for most vigorous growth and flowering. Cut plants back in mid-summer and fertilize to encourage fresh growth and keep them from getting leggy. Impatiens, along with torenia and hostas, attract hummingbirds to the shade garden.
Pictured here:
Sunpatien 'Compact White'
New Guinea Impatien 'Harmony Deep Salmon'
Double Impatien 'Fiesta Bonita White'
Impatien 'Xtreme Lilac'
Trailing Impatien 'Patchwork Cosmic Orange'
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Little Green Thumbs
Summer break is almost here and what better way to keep those little hands busy than to get your kids or grandkids outdoors and gardening! Spark their imaginations and help them create lasting memories by setting aside a space that can be their very own- whether it's a flowerbed or a container on the patio. For a child, the smallest amount of independence is a big deal- let them select the plants and pick their favorite colors for the garden.
Inspire them to enjoy the color, fragrance and textures of the garden. Help them find unusual blooms, vivid colors, fragrant flowers or foliage and add in a few edibles- a pot of tomatoes or peppers or a herb tucked in here and there.
Help your child discover plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, allow them to develop an appreciation for bees, pollinators and other beneficial insects in the garden. Eliminate fear with knowledge- dispel unwarranted fears of harmless insects and teach your child which ones to be wary of.
Encourage your child to care for the plants he or she has selected. Give them knowledge and assistance when needed and remind them that plants are living things that need care and attention.
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Several local gardens and organizations offer summer programs for children, with many great opportunities for kids to learn about plants, animals and nature. Click on the links below for more info:
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COLLIER'S NURSERY
2904 Old Rocky Ridge Road 35243
Call or Text: 205-822-3133
info@colliersnursery.com
Current Hours:
Monday through Saturday 9 to 5:30
Sunday 1 to 5
*Close at 5 beginning Tuesday 5/31*
Memorial Day Weekend Hours:
Open Saturday 9 to 5:30
*Closed Sunday & Monday*
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