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Stepping Into May

Rhododendron 'Klondyke' and Geranium maculatum May is already here and the garden suddenly explodes with growth. We spent the weekend watering (already?) because there hasn't been significant rainfall in a while. We don't have a sprinkler system so it is all manpower, dragging hoses and sprinklers. It takes two days - one for the back and one for the front - to water everything. It is possible to get it all in one day if we start really early. The rhododendrons are beginning now - 'Mandarin Lights' 'Jean Marie De Montague' 'Percy Wiseman' - beautiful but suffers from lacebug. I'm considering replacing it or maybe I will try and treat it. A favorite right now is the Chilean Potato Vine ( Solanum crispum 'Glasnevin'). This plant is hardier than you might imagine. Some sources list it as a "9", others an "8".  It is going on its third year in our garden, having been moved once. It is sheltered somewhat by a fence but ...
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Persian Shield



Persian Shield (Strobilanthes dyeriana) is an annual with striking iridescent foliage. I used to grow it in a pot but haven't purchased it in years. This year, I wanted something for a pop of color in our shady border and decided to give it a try in the ground. Here it gets dappled sunlight but mostly shade. This, along with moist soil, suits the plant best. A native of Myanmar (Burma), it grows naturally in tropical areas and becomes a small shrub. It can also be used as a houseplant. This is a plant that always gets lot of comments.


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. Kris PetersonSeptember 19, 2023 at 10:37 PM

    I love this plant but it hates my dry conditions.

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  2. AnonymousSeptember 20, 2023 at 11:11 AM

    Most purple foliage seems suited to sun, so this is quite useful for me in shade. Tender perennial here in 8a Augusta, GA

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  3. Lisa at GreenbowSeptember 20, 2023 at 12:26 PM

    I love this plant. Theor and textures. I usually have some nine a pit but have had it in the ground. Always uses as annual.

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  4. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2023 at 12:21 PM

    Can you imagine it as a small shrub? OMG, it would be amazing.
    Chavli

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