COOL PLANTS

Here are this month’s featured plants that we have available for purchase at Falling Water Gardens nursery. We think this selection would look great in your garden right now. Visit our plant database to learn more about aquatic & terrestrial plants.

TERRESTRIAL PLANTS

Euonymus Japonicus ‘Happiness’

Euonymus japonicus ‘Happiness’ is a relatively dwarf evergreen and its special feature is its foliage. The new growth is pale green then fading to pale yellow and maturing to a rich golden yellow before; the foliage color makes a colorful contrast with the stems which remain green. Eventually the foliage turns dark green, creating the ideal background against which the bright new foliage is shown off.

Developing into a low mound about 8in high and 10in wide after three years, eventually it reaches about 24in high and 30in wide. So it’s relatively slow growing, but is also robust and tolerant of a wide range of conditions.

Light Need: Shade to Partial Sun

Water Need: Water well to establish

Lewisia Cotyledon ‘Sunset Series’

Lewisia are native to western North America, and one of the most treasured rock garden plants. They form low, fleshy rosettes of tough evergreen leaves, bearing large star-shaped flowers in late spring and early summer. This strain features clusters blooms in sunset shades of yellow, peach, salmon, orange and pink. Best in a cool rock garden setting, with excellent drainage.

Light Need: Full Sun to Part Shade

Water Need: Prefers Dry Soil

Hakonechloa Macra ‘All Gold'(Japanese Forest Grass)

Striped, bright gold foliage. Forms a weeping mound that adds grace to your garden. Prefers moist, well-drained soil and part to light shade. Ht. 6-10in.

Light Need: Part Sun

Water Need: Keep Soil Evenly Moist

Rudbeckia Fulgida ‘Goldsturm’

Easily grown in dry to medium, organically rich to average, well-drained soils in full sun. Best bloom occurs in full sun, although plants will tolerate some light shade. Plants prefer consistent moisture throughout the growing season, with some tolerance for drought once established. Good air circulation is appreciated. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional bloom. Plants slowly spread in the garden by rhizomes.

Light Need: Full Sun

Water Need: Once established, water occasionally; more in extreme heat or containers.

AQUATIC PLANTS

Colocasia esc. Fontanesia (black/violet stem taro)

Gardeners can grow potted Colocasia esculenta cultivars in shallow bodies of water, but other species, such as Colocasia gigantea, need better drainage. Colocasia grow very well as a pond marginal, and when grown in containers, the pots can be submerged slightly during the summer months. Containers of Colocasia must be brought indoors in cold winter climates. The major veins on the leaf are usually colored like the petiole. It performs best with morning sun and afternoon shade. Plant with compost and other materials which enhance the soil’s water-holding capacity.

Light Need: Partial sun

Water Need: Bog gardening. Needs consistently moist soil.

Tulbaghia Violacea ‘Variegated Society Garlic’

Variegated Society Garlic is a terrific perennial plant with narrow, up to 12 inch (30 cm) long leaves. The leaves arise from a rhizome that creeps underground to form clumps up to 24 inches (60 cm) wide. The leaves and flower stems have a garlic odor when crushed. The leaves can be used in salads and in cooking. It is an easy plant to grow whether in the landscape or in containers. They are hardy in USDA zones 7-10.

Light Need: Full sun to part shade

Water Need: Moist soil to wet soil

Assorted Hardy Water Lilies

Hardy Water Lilies are perennial pond plants. A hardy water lily, will reward you with many flowers throughout the summer months. They overwinter well and the waterlily will return each spring, once again rewarding you with a lovely pond plant. Hardy water lilies provide coverage for your fish and help shade the water, which will help to control algae.

Light Need: Full to partial sun

Water Need: Can be submerged in up to 3′ of water

Scirpus tabernaemontani ‘Zebrinus’ – Zebra Rush

For those who love the variegation of Zebra Grass, Scirpus tabernaemontani ‘Zebrinus’ offers that same color combination in a rush to complement the other bog and marsh plants in the water garden. Zebra Rush has tapered tubular stems that are horizontally banded with green and white and grows to 30″. It performs best in wet soils and full sun.