- Author: Erin Mahaney
A native groundcover with brilliant, red, trumpet-shaped flowers? Yes, please! When we re-landscaped our backyard a few years ago, the landscaper suggested a California fuchsia, Epilobium 'Everett's Choice,' as a groundcover in a few locations. Unfortunately, the plant didn't thrive in my backyard, but it's worth considering in other locations.
First, what is the scientific name of this plant? It largely depends on the age of the source that you read. The modern scientific name for California fuchsia is Epilobium canum. In that past, however, the plant was placed in the genus Zauschneria, which is still used by horticulturists and others. You will see either name used in nurseries and online.
The variety that of California fuchsia that I planted (‘Everret's Choice') is a low-growing perennial with grey-green, narrow-leaved foliage. Its bright red, 1.5” flowers bloom in late summer through fall and attract hummingbirds. The plant spreads by rhizomes to 6” high and is said to reach about 4-5' wide, although my plants remained a bit smaller. Other varieties of California fuchsia vary in size (up to 3' tall) and color, including bright orange (‘Orange Carpet'), white (‘Summer Snow'), and coral pink (‘Solidarity Pink').
California fuchsia is heat tolerant, but prefers full sun near the coast and part shade in hotter inland areas. The plant is also drought tolerant and can withstand low water in the summer, but it looks better with a bit of summer water. It is semi-deciduous in the winter and, in my yard, goes completely dormant at that time of year. When it starts to look straggly and ratty in late fall or early winter, I cut it back hard to the ground (about 1-2”) and wait for it to regrow. (Taller varieties should be lightly sheared back.) Common uses include as a groundcover, on hillsides for erosion control, edging pathways, spilling out of beds, and as a nectar source.
In many ways, California fuchsia ticked many boxes that interested me, including being a native species, an important nectar source, and drought tolerant. But after the two years, the plant didn't thrive. It simply faded away in one location and disappeared. In the other location, it is alive, but not thriving. I have a few theories. First, once I removed low fencing in one location to protect the plants from the dogs, the dogs stomped all over it. Second, perhaps regular water via drip irrigation is too much summer water for this drought tolerant plant? It's just a theory and I have no evidence at this point. Third, perhaps after the yard filled in, one location became slightly shadier. I still estimate that the location gets 6 hours of sun, so I think this is the weakest theory. Anyway, in the right dog-free location, California fuchsia is worth a try if you are interested in a late-blooming, drought-tolerant California native.
- Author: Michelle Krespi
As I walked through the garden yesterday, shooting out between the rocks was a pretty light pink flower I hadn't seen before. It was Hyacinthus orientalis, the herald of spring! This flowering perennial has many common names which include: Garden Hyacinth, Common Hyacinth or Dutch Hyacinth and resides in the Asparagaceae family. It is a native to Southwestern Asia, southern & central Turkey, Northwestern Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. It originated in the Eastern Mediterranean but is cultivated everywhere in the temperate world.[1] It was introduced to Europe in the 16th century but didn't became popular until the 18th century.
Common Hyacinth has many interesting characteristics beginning with its name. Hyacinth, in Greek mythology, was a man who was admired by both Apollo and Zephyr, but was killed in a jealous fight between the two Gods. From his blood emerged a flower that was named after him. Upon researching this plant, I discovered that it came in a myriad of colors from deep indigo, bright magenta, fuchsia, purple, white and light pink like the one in my garden pictured here that is just emerging.[2] (Note the rocks it is emerging from!) All the existing cultivars are derived from this species. This genus has three species of bulbous perennials that were found growing on rocky limestone slopes and cliffs 8,200ft up in Asia. They are cultivated for their loose to dense flowers. A standout characteristic of this beauty is its heady fragrance. This is why the plant is commonly grown for perfumes as well as its ornamental value due to the sheer beauty of the flowers they produce. When planted in full sun the plant reaches from 6” to 20” high and spreads from 2.5” to 4” wide. It produces fat spikes of bell-shaped flowers that grow from basil (at base) bundles of narrow bright green leaves. The semi-erect basal leaves are 6” to 14” long. They are strap-shaped, channeled, glossy, and dark green. They can be found growing in containers, beds, borders and in rock gardens as pictured in the two images above, showing the emerging flowers that grow as dense racemes.[3] The racemes[4] grow up to 8” long and are closely packed with tubular-bell-shaped single or double flowers, .75”-1.5” long. It is advised to plant the bulbs before the ground freezes. Plant in organically enriched, sandy well drained soil. For larger bulbs, plant 4”-5” apart and 5” deep. For smaller bulbs plant 3” deep, 4”-5” apart in the autumn. Be warned when handling, these bulbs have invisible barbs that can cause itching with some people, therefore it's always advisable to wash your hands before touching your face or eyes. If you plan to keep your bulbs in the ground fertilize as the blooms fade, removing the spent spikes and watering regularly until the foliage yellows. If you are planting in containers, use a porous mix of potting soil with the tip of the bulb near the surface. Cover this soil with a thick layer of mulch of sawdust, wood shavings or peat moss. This will help keep the bulbs cool, shaded, and moist until you start to see top growth. Once that happens remove the mulch and pace in full sun.[5]
Another approach is to force the bulb into early growth for indoor display in the winter. To do this plant them with the tips just showing in a container filled with soil based potting mix, making sure the container has drainage holes. Store in a dark place with a temperature range from above freezing to no higher than 45 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 10 weeks, allowing for root development. When the shoots reach 1” long, gradually increase both light and temperature. Remember “gradually” is the operative word! Water carefully. Avoid wetting the shoots or waterlogging your soil since both water logging and poor drainage lead to disease. Over-watering (not under watering) is the most common way people kill their plants. After the plant flowers it is safe to plant them in your garden where they will flower for years to come! Happy gardening!
[1] Wikipedia- Hyacinth orientalis
[2] FoliageFriend- What colors are Hyacinth Flowers? A simple guide to their vibrant spectrum
[3] A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants- Hyacinthus pg
[4] A raceme is an unbranched, non-terminating type of inflorescence of stalks flowers growing on a single axis.
[5] Sunset Western Garden Book- pg 367-Hyacinthus orientalis
- Author: Jennifer Hansford
Part 1
BREATHTAKING would be the word I used for Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden which was one of our destinations during our Thailand Vacation. Over 2,500 acres, this garden is situated at the edge of the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park in Chaing Mai. The garden sprawls over a hillside reaching the highest point (in a conservation zone) at about 4,000 ft.
Surrounding this area are gardens, twelve glasshouses, trails, and natural vegetation ranging from hill evergreen through dry dipterocarp forest (family of 16 genera and about 695 known species of tropical lowland rainforest) to pine forest found in the higher elevation.
Within the garden we explored walking trails, gardens and glasshouses all displaying a diversity of plants either in their natural settings or arranged according to a theme or classification.
The Queen's Botanic Garden's focus is strengthening “ex situ” (outside, off site, away from the natural location) conversation of valuable Thai flora. Where they have breeding programs for native Thai orchids.
Our first stop in the botanical garden was a “Canopy Walk,” which is a trail made of steel, mesh metal, glass, and fiberglass (stretches for approximately 1,211 feet), winds through the jungle canopy, providing a bird's-eye view of the forest below. As you stroll along, you will feel like you are living among the wildlife, surrounded by the vibrant foliage.
Of course, there was scenic vista overlook and walkways which provide stunning viewpoints.
There was wildlife but you needed to keep your eyes peeled for fascinating creatures! While we did not spot any “flying dragons” (Draco Maculatus divergens) also known as a flying lizard during our visit, they are known to inhabit the area. this was the beginning of our adventure in the gardens!
In my next article, I will talk about the incredible gardens arranged in themes!
- Author: Brenda Altman
Rain makes the Flowers grow
Poppies are hardy survivors
They are back! A little traffic island on Georgia Street in Vallejo is again a home for the California State flower: the Golden Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)! Every year this brilliant eruption of orange poppies appears! Nature is working hard to make us smile; when I drive by them, I smile back.
Where did these beautiful flowers come from? There is no cut out in the concrete island, there is no soil, there are no hanging baskets, how do they survive? Look closely and you can see where they are anchored. They are growing between the cracks of the concrete! Originally the first seeds were probably windblown and took hold in the small concrete cracks, found some soil, and sprouted. The poppies must like it here because they reseed every year!
Poppies are easy to grow and are drought tolerant. They will grow almost anywhere where they can get at least 6 hours of sun. They need little water and germinate in the fall after the first rains or in the spring when the soil warms. They will self-germinate if they find the soil and other conditions favorable. You may have several years of golden poppy heaven before you have to re-seed. Ideally, they prefer sandy well drained soil but as you can see, they are pretty good in almost any soil. They flower February through September.
I guess these poppies could be considered a weed. A weed is an unintended, unwanted plant. If the City wanted the poppies, they would have put a flower planter there. Unintended but unwanted? I think it is a wanted plant. I enjoy them! I am sure their bright colors bring joy to everyone who sees them.
Now is the time to look for and plant poppies! There are other varieties of poppies white, red, and other colors. A packet of 50 seeds costs less than $4.00. Re-wild our open spaces with our State Flower!
This small wonderland of poppies in an urban setting is spectacular.
If you get a chance visit amazing super blooms now erupting throughout California. According to the LA Times, Lancaster CA has some spectacular displays of poppies. For up to date info on super blooms visit: https://www.parks.ca/gov
- Author: Michelle Davis
The last week of February this year was designated National Invasive Species Awareness Week. While it states “National” in its title, it really is international, since many species are imported into areas where they were never intended to be. Nancy Olmsted, Invasive Plant Biologist,
Maine Natural Areas Program, Maine Dept. Of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, defined invasive as “A non-native species whose introduction causes economic or environmental harm, or harm to human health, and which can establish and spread in minimally managed habitats.” She is talking about plants, but this definition can be extended to the creatures that travel in on or with these plants too.
You may be thinking now of the wild mustard seen in Napa, Solano and Yolo vineyards this time of year or the star thistle that covers Solano hillsides in the summer. The California Invasive Plant Council has a good-size list with pictures https://www.cal-ipc.org/plants/profiles/ . A shorter list is available onPlantRight®, https://plantright.org/about-invasive-plants/plant-list/ . Some Master Gardeners have worked with PlantRight® in big box store nurseries in the not-to-recent past to identify the invasive plants being sold at the stores. A more recent threat is the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)and a pest that came along with it, the Spotted Lanternfly. An upcoming Statewide UC Master Gardener program will be addressing these two. Many plants are imported and don't cause any problems. Some are imported and later cause problems that were not foreseen. I have a large black acacia in my backyard that I bought from a Vacaville nursery years ago. It was not on any invasive species list when I bought it. It is now quite large and sprouts root suckers (clones) that I whack off on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the tree also produces seeds that birds can disperse. Rain runoff can also spread the seeds as can my own shoes. The tree, my tree, is now on Cal-IPC's list. A 2013 study reported that 60% of the invasive plants were deliberately imported. (Lehan et al. 2013. Am. Journal of Botany 100(7): 1287-1293).
A short list of problems related to the invasive plants and critters they attract includes the following:
They out-compete the natives and alter the habitat so that native plants and the creatures that survive on them can no longer live. Some of you may have read Braiding Sweetgrass and can recall the author's cleanup of a water land on her own property in New York state. Many creatures returned after her backbreaking work to get rid of the non-natives to make the water clean and clear again.
Desired plants can be choked to death by invasive vining plants or their surrounding soil can be poisoned by invasive plants.
Invasive plants can attract invasive creatures that eat what is required by part of the native food web be it plant or another creature.
Invasive plants and animals can totally alter native habitat. I immediately think of kudzu in the South and Burmese pythons in the Everglades.
Invasive plants can fuel wildfires. Grasses that have overtaken open areas, and eucalyptus trees and their debris are just a couple of examples of potential fuel. Cal-IPC.org estimates the cost of just trying to mitigate the problem through education/outreach, monitoring and control at $82 million a year. That does not include the cost of wildfires!
Preventing spread of invasive plants and creatures is key. Here are a few ideas.
Check the plant you want to buy to ensure that it is not invasive. There are knowledgeable plant nursery gardeners and reference guides that will help you to “plant this and not that”.
Clean your shoe treads and clothing when working near invasive plants. Clean your boat when you come ashore, so that invasive creatures will be left where they were picked up initially. Signs encourage this at Lake Solano Park.
If you love a plant that is identified as invasive, find a version of it that is sterile. For example, many new butterfly bush varieties are now listed as sterile and not capable of reproducing.
Prune suckers and dig up offshoots while they are small. Yank out seedlings when you see them.
Do not compost invasive plants. They belong in the gray toter.