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 screen. I first planted 'Baby Grand' and was upset when a limb crashed down on it during a winter storm last year. The central leader was broken, and I had initially decided to remove it. In the meantime, 'Kay Parris' came to my attention, a magnolia that sports a more columnar habit. I planted it directly in front of the hole that the dead photinia had left.

In the meantime, 'Baby Grand' sat patiently to the left and wouldn't you know it, it is beginning to fill out nicely, so I guess it will stay, and we will have two magnolias, side by side.  

Magnolia 'Kay Parris' is a winner so far, with many blooms in its first year. The lemony fragrance is intoxicating. We both love it.

Bush Honeysuckle 'Firefly' (Diervilla vessilifolia 'Bokofire')

Bush Honeysuckle 'Firefly' (Diervilla vessilifolia 'Bokofire') -  I'm sure I've already told the story of discovering this plant at our nursery when it was covered with bee activity. I bought it for that reason alone. It has been fantastic, not only making the bees happy but also very attractive as well. I replaced a flowering quince with this plant. It is located right next to our driveway, where it gets some morning sun and semi-shade for the remainder of the day.

Rue (Ruta graveolens)

Meadow Rue (Ruta graveolens) - This common herb is steeped in folklore and is said to cure ailments ranging from epilepsy to baldness. In the Middle Ages, it was used to ward off witches and the plague. The bitter taste and unpleasant smell are a turn-off for many. I absolutely love it. The blue-gray foliage and yellow flowers are very cheery. It does well in the harsh conditions along our driveway, and it blooms for such a long time. I see bees on it all the time. I planted it too close to the edge of the planting strip, but I've learned to like the way it hangs over the driveway.

Dianthus 'Raspberry Surprise'

I've never really paid much attention to Dianthus. However, there are two in our garden that have done exceptionally well over the years. The first, Dianthus 'Raspberry Surprise', is on the same strip along the driveway as the Rue.  Growing right next to the pavement, it thrives on neglect and takes the reflected heat from the pavement well. As you can see in the above photo, half of the plant is growing on the concrete! The flowers are quite gaudy, and the grey-green foliage is neat and tidy. 

Dianthus 'Sooty'

The other Dianthus has the terrible name of 'Sooty' but gorgeous in bloom with deep red flowers that completely cover it. This one is in a raised border in our front garden where it gets quite a bit of shade.

Silver Lotus Clover (Dorycnium hirsutum)

Whatever you wish to call this - the common names range from "Silver Lotus Clover" to "Hairy Canary", this is one of my absolute favorites. The botanical name is Dorycnium hirsutum (now reclassified as Lotus hirsutus - thanks Kris!). It is not the hardiest of plants, and I've replaced it twice over the years. I should try it in our back garden, which faces south and is sheltered. However, I've always grown it in front next to a pathway. It is a true Mediterranean plant and doesn't like a lot of fuss.

Hebe 'Blue Mist'

I love the Hebes. I've learned that some varieties do well while others have succumbed. The trick is that they must have exceptional drainage. Some varieties are also winter-hardier than others. When happy, they usually grow fast and get much larger than anticipated. One of my favorites is 'Blue Mist' because the bees go nuts over it. I also love the graceful habit it has. This photo was taken a tad past its prime, and the blooms are beginning to fade. I wish it bloomed longer.

Kniphofia 'Shining Scepter'

I also wish the Red-Hot pokers (Kniphofia) bloomed longer. At least their strap-like foliage provides good contrast when not in bloom. My favorite is 'Shining Scepter', which always provides a good show and the color just glows, especially in the late evening hours. 

Indian Pink 'Little Redhead' (Spigelia marilandica)

Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica) is a plant that I fondly remember from the south. There, you only saw it in woodland gardens, and it is indeed considered a woodland plant. Here in the PNW, it will tolerate full sun if it has moisture. I'm not sure why it is called "pink" when the flowers are red. We only get this occasionally at Yard N' Garden Land, but if you are looking for it, One Earth Botanical had an entire table of it when I was there a few weeks ago.

Australian Mint Bush (Prostanthera cuneata 'Badja Peak') - I'm always surprised when this plant blooms. One day it is a nondescript plant and the next day it is covered in white orchid-like flowers. It blooms for a long period of time and is just an enchanting plant. It has been vigorous, wider than tall, and grows about 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide in our garden. It also gets a considerable amount of shade, which doesn't seem to affect the blooms. 

Is that ten already? I had a list of runner-ups. Some are clematis and hydrangea which I can do in a future post. June is truly a glorious time in the garden!

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy