Ten July Favorites

Chaste Tree (Vitex)

One of the highlights of the year is when the Chaste Tree blooms. It pains me that I don't know the name of it, but I suspect it is 'Shoal Creek'. I failed to record it, and I also do not remember where it came from. We sell a newer variety at Yard N' Garden called 'Flip Side', which has stunning leaves of olive-green with a purple reverse.  A friend has the pale pink variety, but I don't think it is as pretty as the blue-colored flowers. This little tree is constantly covered with bees. 

Catalpa bignoinoides 'Aurea'

A large limb died over the winter, leaving a gaping hole. However, it is looking better after Michael raised some of the remaining limbs. It has bloomed profusely this year. Like the vitex, our best view of it is from the windows, where you get an elevated view.

Heliopsis helianthoides 'Fire Twister'

This perennial is doing much better after I moved it to a better location. I saw it last week in an open garden growing in a pot and it was covered with blooms, three times what ours is doing. The gardener said that they really love water.

Fuchsia 'La Campanella'

We have a ton of fuchsias, but it is easy to choose a favorite at the moment - 'La Campanella' wins from the sheer abundance of blooms. It may be the location - it is in a pot near the front door and gets several hours of direct sun but afternoon shade.

Eastern Fleabane (Inula orientalis) 

It is just beginning to bloom. The soft, fuzzy leaves are fun and the flowers are perfection. 

Ornamental Oregano 'Hopley's Purple' (Origanum laevigatum)

This plant wins the award for hardest to photograph. It is a wonderful plant and the bees love it. It blooms constantly.

Gladiolus x dalenii ‘Boone’

I've moved these several times and they seem to be very happy planted in one of the terrace steps (exceptional drainage and very gravely). They are said to be tender but these have survived for at least four years. They are late to emerge and every year I think I've lost them but patience is rewarded.

Clematis integrifolia 'Roguchi'

A delicate beauty but a tough one. I'm growing it on an obelisk but it could be intermingled among other plants.

Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea) - 

A favorite native plant. I've been warned about its wandering tendencies. However, I planted it alongside the driveway so it doesn't have far to go.

Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia)

My first time growing this annual. The color is amazing. I'm hoping for more height. Right now it is hidden from view behind a caryopteris.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy