Planting Autumn Crocus (Colchicum)
I don't believe I have ever grown autumn crocus ( colchicum - I love to say that word) - although we did inherit one when we moved into this house. I moved it, and apparently it did not like that because I never saw it again. I have always wanted to grow it, but I always think about it at the wrong time of year. Plus, I never see it at nurseries (not even at Yard N' Garden Land). When a friend offered me some, I said YES. She gave me one special one called "Waterlily" and several that I guess we would call the "average one". 'Waterlily' The question then was where on earth would I would plant them. I read that they are nice in grassy areas so I then decided to plant them along the grassy pathway in front. (This pathway is about to become a gravel pathway as I am refusing to water it daily. Michael wins this battle and gets to do the "told you so" dance .) I decided to tuck the primo one at the corner of the path next to this pot. Diggin...
I have been considering where I could fit a New Dawn into my small Georgia garden. I've heard wonderful things about this rose. Your beautiful photos are encouraging me to keep thinking how to fit one in!
ReplyDeleteWell, you give me hope of having roses again in my heavily shaded yard. Might have to see if I can find one! Carol
ReplyDeleteHome Depot ( Minneapolis ) has them
DeleteMy daughter-in-law gave me a cutting of a pale pink climbing rose that she believes is New Dawn. But it doesn't repeat bloom in my garden or hers - so perhaps this is the Van Fleet rose instead? It is hardy and lovely and blooms profusely (in sun) in May.
ReplyDeleteOh Phillip, you are the devil. I have already went out and bought a yellow climbing rose this past week after your previous posting. When I return from vacation I am going to be on the look out for Dawn. Wow. How exciting to find a rose that tolerates a little shade.
ReplyDeleteAgreed Philip, New Dawn is an iron-clad rose performer. At the K-State Univ. gardens, it grows against a North Wall and I doubt it ever gets direct sunlight at all, but it still does well. In my garden it gets direct sun from sunup to sundown and is completely exposed; but yet, again, no disease or dieback. Carol, another great old rose for shade is Zephirine Drouhin, a repeating Bourbon with a heavenly fragrance and good disease resistance.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason, I always have problems with blackspot on Zephirine Drouhin but I know a lot of people have success with it.
ReplyDeleteGinny, I bet it is Dr. Van Fleet. I can't tell a difference in the blooms.
Lisa, which rose did you buy?
Hello Phillip! Your roses are gorgeous! I love that you throw them out if they need chemicals and New Dawn is a favorite of mine. It seems rather slow to grow though. Did you find it so? Perhaps I need to give it more of something. I have missed seeing your beautiful gardens but I have not been able to blog much these past two years. Scrolling through the pages of your blog is so inspiring!
ReplyDeleteI like that the thorns remind you that nothing in life is perfect.
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