Plant of the Month-Septermber 2010

From In the Garden

This month's Plant of the Month has to be the sedums. It was funny too because I truly did not expect to choose the sedums but here they are! The sedums are one of the most drought tolerant plants in my gardens, they have year round interest, there are tons of cultivars , they are easy to propagate, and they make a tremendous impact in a garden. I love them!!

The particular cultivar pictured above is 'Autumn Joy' and it grows in my Rear Center Garden along the south side under some oaks. The location is a very inhospitable place. A place so awful that not even daylilies like it. I have had to switch out several plants in my garden due to drought conditions this year and the daylilies and sedums were two that switched positions in this spot. More on that at another time.

From In the Garden

Here we have 'Autumn Joy' and 'Autumn Fire' growing in the driveway garden. This is a garden under siege from me! It is normally a spring garden which is all good and fine in the spring when we have rains but when the rains stop I wind up with very little to look at. Enter the sedums and other drought tolerant plants. I am determined to water less or not all next year so I've been busy moving plants around lately. This is one garden that has received attention in the form of added sedums. Sedums can't be beat for low maintenance. Yuccas and artemesia also grow in this garden. All three make good companions. As you can see from the above picture this garden is in part shade, actually mostly shade and under a mature oak tree, yet the sedums do okay. You gotta love that!

From In the Garden

Runners up for this month's Plant of the Month were Great Blue Lobelia (thanks Catherine!) These were started from seed back in February and even though I initially thought they were red valerian I am so very pleased with these lovely blue plants! Here they grow in a bed in the vegetable garden but I might move them all next spring to a flower garden. We'll see.

From In the Garden

Hyacinth beans are simply splendid. Not only do I have tons of seedpods but the vines are still blooming. Here they grow on the huge PVC arbor; which graces the entry to my vegetable garden.

From In the Garden

Lastly the battle for October's Plant of the Month had me seriously considering the salvias and lantanas. Here we have Pineapple sage growing alongside 'Miss Huff' lantana in a vegetable garden border. While lantana is drought tolerant and simply stunning this time of the year the sedums had it beat out for this month's coveted title of Plant of the Month....

in the garden....

What is your Plant of the Month in your garden?

Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team,

In the Garden

Plant of the Month-October 08

There can be no finer plant blooming in my garden this month than the Pineapple Sage, aka Salvia elegans. Okay, maybe the Angel Trumpets, but I just posted on them. I must confess this is the first year I have grown this sage and I am in love! This plant has been trouble free, grows in part sun in an inhospitable spot on the edge of a new garden, and just grows and grows. See how big it has gotten with no help from me? Despite being planted too close to a few beautyberries and other plants, it has held its own and even shined. It is the big green plant on the right in the picture below with the beautyberries on the left. The foliage is gorgeous and let's not forget why it is called Pineapple sage. The foliage, leaves and stems smell a bit like pineapples. I always enjoy showing visitors this plant and they are duly impressed, though some can't quite get the scent at first try.

I was SO happy to finally see the buds then the blooms late last month. They came slowly at first, then all of a sudden exploded into bloom. The butterflies and hummingbirds can't get enough of this late bloomer. Neither can I. I have mine planted in an area visible from the kitchen that is backlit by the setting sun. It is truly a sight.

According to my Southern Living Garden Book, Pineapple sage grows to 2-3 feet, with light green leaves that have a fruity taste and scent. The leaves can be used to flavor drinks. I also found on Wikipedia that Pineapple sage is used extensively by Mexicans to treat anxiety and depression. The Southern Living Garden Book also says Pineapple sage is hardy only to the coastal and tropical south; which does not include my Zone 6/7 garden. We are located in the Upper South. I have taken cuttings of my Pineapple sage and you can rest assured, it will grow in Tiger Gardens again next year.

in the garden....