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Japanese Maples Fall Color

'Skeeter's Broom' is the most colorful maple in our garden. I have just returned from a 2-week trip to Japan. This was my first ever trip outside the United States. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. Japan was wonderful - they really have their act together and I think the U.S. could learn a few things from them. There was one disappointment on the trip - the fall color had barely begun there and was really just beginning as we left. That is okay because the gardens were still spectacular, and I got a nice shot of fall color when I got back. 'Ryusen' I missed a few things - our ginkgo had just turned a glorious color the day before I left, and the leaves were gone by the time I got back.  'Sango-Kaku' I came home to many leaves on the ground but still a lot on the trees. 'Osakazuki', a beautiful red maple always changed color very late and therefore doesn't usually last long. When I left there was no color but a few remaini

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

Comments

  1. I love this plant but it hates my dry conditions.

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

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