Spiderwort and honeysuckle begin to flower in spring
My wish is to have flowers in my garden (in Bethesda, MD) all 365 days a year. This year, the hellebores may make my wish come true. They were out in early December (warm winter), and are still flowering. Sure, they are expensive, and I hesitated to buy them. On seeing my hesitation, one of my friends gave them to me as gift, and I am grateful for it.
The summer snowflakes (Leucojum aestivum) are now dying out. They still look good throughout the day, and stand out at night. Unfortunately, I am not a good enough photographer to get an effective night-time photo.
Summer snowflake. Photo credit: Abhijai Mathur Copyright: CC-BY-SA 3.0
Like the hellebores, they are also expensive. However, they have multiplied freely for me (no special care). I am planning to divide them once they stop flowering and begin to droop.
The first spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) began to flower today. Quite surprising because it is planted in rather unfriendly soil. It does get the morning sun, which may be the reason.
A small spiderwort plant with a single flower. Photo credit: Abhijai Mathur Copyright: CC-BY-SA 3.0
I really like spiderworts. They have an attractive shape. And they are quite reliable – come back year after year. Plus, they are easy to divide and spread all over.
Just outside the front porch, I have a climbing rose and a honeysuckle – each in its own container.
Honeysuckle on the left, climbing rose on the right. Photo credit: Abhijai Mathur Copyright: CC-BY-SA 3.0
The honeysuckle has just begun to flower, but the rose has buds only so far. The rose does not have many flowers perhaps because it does not belong in a container.
Get Growing!
Summer Snowflake
Leucojam aestivum
Perennials from bulbs
How to use them: Grow them en masse in borders and beds, or in containers.
Full sun
Medium
Easy
Fall
Spring
4 – 9
Spiderwort
Tradescantia virginiana
Perennials
How to use them: Grow them as groundcover, or in pots and hanging baskets.
Shade
Medium
Easy
Any time
Summer
4 – 9