-
Green Scene of the Day: Relaxing Summer Blooms
For today’s green scene of the day, I’ve chosen an image from my garden. My Crispa spiraea (Spiraea x bumalda ‘Crispa’) is an unusual spiraea because it grows these crinkly, toothy leaves, which is very unlike a spiraea. But what it shares with other spiraeas are those gorgeous summer blooms. Butterflies love their flat umbels. I also find this shrub sooo alluring.
Plants Popping Through Each Other
The spiraea all by itself is pretty darn cool but my peach Peruvian lilies (Alstroemeria) are pretty heavenly too. They often poke through the spiraea as they reach for sunshine (and because I often forget to stake them, haha). Isn’t that peach and yellow pattern with the tiny stripes so neat? This variety, whose specific name I don’t know, is absolutely my favorite alstroemeria. I bought it eons ago when I lived at a different house. But I brought a couple clumps of tubers to the house I live in now and they’ve flourished.
A Color Combo to Please the Eyes
So I thought it would be a nice bit of relaxation for you to have access to this image. I love how the deep pink puffs of the spiraea play off the smooth coral color of the alstroemeria. If you’re on a lunch break sometime, you might take three minutes out just to sit quietly and enjoy them both. Take a few deep breaths and allow your eyes to roam through this lovely little moment of nature. Hopefully, you’ll feel a bit more relaxed afterward. Cheers.
-
The Versatile Variegated Iris
Variegated Iris (Iris pallida ‘Variegata’) is a versatile and wonderful iris to grow. I have two beside the birdbath in my garden. These natives of Croatia have creamy yellow and light green leaves with two-toned lavender blooms. They also offer great structure for the garden, growing in flat wide spikes. If you grow this rhizome, you won’t be disappointed.
Easy Growing Conditions
Variegated iris likes full sun and moist, rich soil. It can tolerate some shade but if it gets too much, the leaves will flop over. Those sword-like leaves grow to about 24″ tall, creating a bold statement. The plant is hardy from zones 4 to 9, making it able to be widely grown by many U.S. gardeners. Its flowers are fragrant with a touch of yellow in their beards. In warmer areas, the foliage is evergreen. Pair it with mounding geraniums or dark purple heuchera, or even filipendula ‘Red Umbrellas’ (as I have here). The contrast will be lovely. Variegated iris suffers rarely from pests or disease. I highly recommend that anyone try growing this lovely perennial.