Primrose

There are many varieties of Primroses. These bloom from late spring through early summer and prefer full sun to partial shade. They seem to grow best in soil that is somewhat sandy.


The picture below shows some that were transplanted earlier this spring. I like primroses best when they are mixed with other flowers like the picture above.

Lupines

Lupines bloom from late spring through early summer. This one is just getting started.
This particular variety grows from 25" to 30" tall and prefers full sun to partial shade. Cutting the faded flowers at the base of the plant will help keep them strong and healthy.

We didn't plant this one here. Lupines are self seeding, so it's possible that some of the seeds from another part of the garden were carried by a bird or the wind to this spot. It will be crowded by the Hibiscus and Hosta it is growing next to and will need to be moved once it is done flowering.

Honeysuckle

Honeysuckles bloom from late spring through the summer. They attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.

Fast growing, they prefer full sun to partial shade. Give them lots of space to grow! Some varieties grow as tall as 30 feet and can be trained to climb a trellis. This one is overgrowing the butterfly garden. It's already been cut back once this spring.

I was just reading the you can take cuttings from the honeysuckle in the spring, place them in a glass of water until they start forming roots and plant them....I think I'm going to try that!

Coral Bells

Coral Bells, also known as Heuchera or Alumroot, come in a variety of flower and leaf colors.
They prefer full sun to partial shade. Depending of the variety, the dainty flowers can grow from 15" to 36" tall. The leaves at the base of the plant grow to a height of 12" - 24" tall.

Coral Bells are blooming now. Cutting off fading flowers and wilted leaves at the base of the plant will keep these flowers blooming well into the summer.

Water only when the top 1" of soil is dry. These flowers don't like to be over watered.

Divide these in the spring every 3-4 years, discard any older woody growth.

Rain Got Your Peonies Down?

Cut them for an old fashioned bouquet.

Caution: Ants are attracted to the nectar in the flowers. Remove any of these critters before bringing inside.

Hiding the Dog Kennel

Purple Iris plants, a white Clematis and 2 Spireas add color and hide the kennel.