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10 June Favorites

Magnolia 'Kay Parris' With so much going on in the garden in June, it is hard to choose only ten favorites. I challenged myself and have done just that. These are plants that look good around the midway point in June, specifically from June 15-20.  I begin with Magnolia 'Kay Parris'. Believe it or not, having spent the majority of my life in the South, I never grew a magnolia. They are emblematic of the South, where magnificent specimens grace old plantation homes and stately homes in older neighborhoods. I always thought of magnolias as huge trees, not suited to a small garden, but things have changed, and more varieties are now available that are not supposed to grow as large.  We now have two magnolias in our garden, both of which were added recently. When one of the old photinias that line our back property line died, it left a gaping hole. I had been looking at magnolias at the nursery and decided a smaller one might make a good backdrop and create a good privacy s...

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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