Week 34, Year 3: Daisy Chain

When you think of daisies – you think of fun, fresh and bright.  You can always count on a daisy to cheer you up and put a smile on your face. That’s why this year’s garden features a number of daisy or daisy-like varietals.  True daises are those plants that belong to the voluminous asteracae family, which is the second largest plant family with over 23,000 species. The common name of “daisy” derives from an old English term meaning “day’s eye”, so named because its petals open at dawn and close at dusk.  

“Sunny” Lemon Star Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata)

The black-eyed susan vine is easy to grow and a great addition for novices and experienced gardeners alike. The vines can adapt to various conditions, managing in containers, part shade and without a lot of maintenance. The plant can grow up to 8 feet, though you will want to provide a climbing structure for that kind of growth.  Although not a true daisy, the flowers are reminiscent of a sunny daisy -- the vine features five petaled tubular flowers, in orange or yellow, with purplish brown centers.

A returning favorite, this year’s vine is a sunny lemon. Unlike previous years, I planted it in a window box. I had planted previous editions in a pot with a trellis. However, the plant had trouble flowering and I hadn’t been happy with the results. So, this year, I figured I would mix it up a bit – and boy is it working. The vine is managing to hold its own against the aggressive picasso petunias and seems to be thriving as a down climber (rather than being forced up a trellis). 

“Daybreak Red Stripe” Gazania (Ganania)

A true member of the daisy family, Gazania is a a native of Africa and was introduced in the late 1700s.   It is an annual in the midwest, but can be a perennial in milder climates. True to its origins, Gazania is tough. It does well in dry, hot condition and features the bold, vibrant colors of an African savannah. The Daybreak Red Stripe features bold daisy-shaped flowers with dark ringed centers, growing on toothed (jagged edged) foliage. The florets are a vibrant yellow, with golden brown center rays.  The  petals start as spiky rays and then flatten their way into curved petals.

      

It is doing fairly well in a mixed container my garden, but could be doing better. I’ve realized I’m overwatering it a bit, but am also stuck with the fact that its co-habitants require more moisture. So, I have to settle for less than perfection.

“New Amethyst” Brachyscome (Brachyscome)

According to Wikipedia, there are more than 70 species of brachyscome, a member of the daisy family. The brachyscome are found in a variety of climates, but all bear the daisy flower or “head” with ray florets (petals) narrowing into a disc-shaped yellow center.   The “New Amethyst” species is true to its genus with masses of tiny lavender daisy blossoms with yellow centers amid lacy green textured foliage. It has a “mounding” growing habit, which means it grows in great rounded “mounds” or clumps. In my garden, the brachyscome plays a filler role in a mixed window box. However, it can also work in landscaping jobs as ground cover in the cooler areas of your garden.

Fleabane “Prosperity” (Erigeron)

Often mistaken for an aster, Fleabane is in fact a perennial member of the daisy family and has its origins as a wildflower.  The fleabane has daisy-like flowers with purple florets and chartreuse centers, sort of the bigger version of the brachyscome. They do best in part shade, and, apparently, can bloom continuously all summer. I say apparently because mine have not been so successful. I think its because they are overcrowded in a window box that includes three other inhabitants.

“Sun Brella’s” Corona African Daisy (Osteospermum) 

Osteospermums are  relatively new to the gardening scene – less than 25 years old. However, these annuals are incredibly popular and can be found at almost every greenhouse. Although a member of the sunflower family, African Daisies are so named because of their daisylike flowers with disc centers and ray florets. They require full sun and can grow fairly tall.

When I say it requires full sun, I’m not kidding. Growing osteosperumums has always been a challenge for me because of the sun. I find them a bit high maintenance between the sun issues and the deadheading they require. However, they make a nice addition to any container.

Week 30, Year 3: Fun with Foliage - Caladium

 

While flowers often steal the show, foliage plays an important role in any garden – adding color, texture and contrast. I’ve decided to focus a few posts on some of the supporting players in this year’s garden, starting with Caladium.

Often called Elephant Ears, there are over 1,000 variations of this South American native. Although wild plants continue to grow mostly in Brazil, 98% of all caladium bulbs in the U.S. originate in Lake Placid, Florida – how’s that for some trivia? Known for their heart shaped leaves, varying in green, pink, white and red patterns, caladium can grow up to 24 inches.

 

In my garden, I have three caladium residents. Two are brightening up combo-pots and the other is on its own. I’ve learned they are not exactly the hardiest and tend to get overrun by other pot mates. They also are a rare breed that prefers shade to sun.

 

The first is a traditional caladium with white leaves and green veins with slight pink centers. This one resides with ornamental pepper, ornamental oregano and picasso petunias. The leaves are almost papery thin and are almost transparent like an onion skin. You really can see the “Elephant Ear” motif with these in the shape of the leaves.

 

The second plant has pink leaves with green blotches and look as if it has been graffiti-ed by a green slinging tag artist. This varietal makes it home with tuberous begonia, sedum, mimulus and nicotiana. The leaves are a bit sturdier than the white varietal and are supported by brown stems.

  

The last version has its own pot. This guy has chartreuse leaves with white veins. The leave lightens toward its center, giving it an antiqued look that marries with its romantic pot splendidly. This one seems to be the most fragile, though, and hasn’t had as good of a run as I would like. I’m not sure if its been the historic high temperatures or if it’s getting too much sun or if it’s just a bad plant. I’ll be keeping my eye on it in any case.