The Garden Awakens
Anise 'Woodland Red' ( Illicium floridanum ) A few weeks ago, I thought spring would never arrive, but now the change is astonishing. The nights are still cold (40s and sometimes even 30s) so planting tender annuals and vegetables is unwise although I have already succumbed, but covering and uncovering things gets old quickly. Someone made a wise comment last week and I must agree with them - "Don't plant anything tender until after May 1". Several plants are blooming like never before. One is the Anise shrub (above and below). I don't know if the recent tree pruning, which is allowing more sun into the woodland path, is affecting it or perhaps it is just age, but I've never seen so many blooms. Michael refers to this as "the stinky fish shrub" and I have to admit to smell of the flowers is quite unpleasant. It is so beautiful that I can overlook that. The old pink dogwood tree, which was already here, shades our woodland path and it too is prett
Yes, this is a must for me too. I have three containers full of it. Some people grow it in the shade, mine is in full Florida sun and does great. I am trying to over winter one of them.
ReplyDeleteI also can't say enough good things about it, except I wish it came in another color. The first time I saw them was planted with Poinsettias, it was a nice combo.
ReplyDeleteMy "Diamond Frost" is still going strong as well - one in a hanging basket and the other in a large container with geraniums - which are also still going strong. Maybe I'll try bringing it inside to over winter.
ReplyDeleteIt is a marvelous plant. I use it every year. The one with the dark leaves does as well plus you have the darker leaves.
ReplyDeleteI have not tried this although I see it in lots of my gardening mags. I am always for a tough plant. It's on my list!
ReplyDeletePhillip, I have to get this plant into my garden~It's stellar. gail
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing. Have two friends who have a garden on James Island used in sweeps in a gray-white-blue garden. It always looks like mist rising early morning!
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