Summer Garden - flower varieties

Flower & Garden Magazine, July, 2001 by Lee Mitchell

Two other worthy hydrangeas, H. paniculata `PeeGee' and H. quercifolia `Oakleaf' belong in the summer garden. The `PeeGee' overflows with flower clusters, opening in a lime-white, aging to pinkish-purple and finally taming bronze by late summer. The `Oakleaf' hydrangea is simply elegant in shady sites with its elongated pinnacles of white flowers set against deeply-lobed foliage resembling the oaks.

The silk tree, also called Mimosa, loves the summer heat. In my landscape there's not one, but four silk trees. Affectionately dubbed the "umbrella tree," the limbs fan out like huge feathers on a hot day. Walk beneath its graceful, airy limbs and fluffy pink flowers, and you'll probably agree the temps sway a bit to the cooler side. Very easy to grow (water it well in the hottest weather and watch it go), the silk tree ultimately reaches a height of about 40 feet and can be sized into a variety of landscape plans.

The common butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) is a summer treat. A sunny day often finds me on the front screen porch overlooking the cottage garden watching throngs of butterflies, moths. bees and the occasional hummingbird sipping nectar from the bright purple flower of these upright, arching shrubs. Towards evening, I'll catch a visiting bird hopping among the inner branches slip towards the birdbaths below. Look for named butterfly bushes, such as `Royal Red,' `Black Knight' and `Nanho Purple.'

The southern magnolia, with its intoxicating perfume and stately blossoms, is a staple of the summer landscape. Seedlings, however, can take up to ten years to mature and bloom. Opt for newer varieties that offer smaller size, faster growth and flowering within four years. Some favorites include `Edith Bogue,' which is extremely hardy; `Majestic Beauty,' with especially large leaves; and `Little Gem,' which can be trained to a shrub or small tree.

* VINES

I would be amiss if I failed to include a category for these warm weather lovers. Tumbling vines romance the summer garden and make it a playful ground. While perennial vines return for yet another year, annual vines often win us over with lush, late summer blooms.

Of the perennial vines, one of the prettiest in my gardens is the silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii), known in olden days as the mile-a-day vine. That's because once established this perennial vine literally sprints off. Its foliage is divine--tiny spirals of pearly blossoms with a heavenly scent. And don't omit a perennial choice from the clematis variety. I particular like `Jackamanni,' often seen trailing up mail-boxes nearly all summer with its rich purple blooms.

When it comes to annual vines, there is one sure favorite that I reseed every year. The hyacinth bean vine (Dolichos) is a true wonder. The seeds are large and can be pushed directly into the soil. Expect the hottest days to send this vine upward, but watch out--it loves to literally cover a trellis, a fence or an arbor! When the jewel pea-blossoms of lilac and purple arrive to change over to royal pods, you'll particularly enjoy the ongoing combination of its purple-vein foliage, flowers and seedpods.