by Andrea Sprott
Garden Curator, Elizabeth Lawrence House and Garden at Wing Haven
When Scoop asked for a guest blog post about plants, my brain immediately went into a frenzy. I am a plant collector. Really, I’m more of an addict. (So “frenzy” is sort of downplaying the spastic acrobatics of plant choices that raced around in my head.) As garden curator of the Elizabeth Lawrence House and Garden, one of the South’s most horticulturally significant properties, I am often asked to name my favorite plant. There are SO many … how could I possibly choose just one? Thank you, Susu, for asking me to choose more! Here are some fantastic plants that you need in your Charlotte garden.
Daffodils – Narcissus
It doesn’t matter how small or large your garden, daffodils of any kind are a welcome addition to the spring blooming palette. There are thousands of cultivars from which to choose – tall, short, large, small – with bloom-time ranging from very early to very late. Most thrive in sun, but there are some that tolerate a bit of shade. They’re not particular as to soil, but I do recommend good drainage for longevity. Added bonus: deer and critters don’t like them.
Lenten Rose – Helleborus orientalis
A bulletproof winter-blooming evergreen perennial, the Lenten rose was reportedly brought to this area of the country by internationally known garden writer Elizabeth Lawrence. Best suited to the shade garden, Lenten roses tolerate more sun if they receive enough moisture. Mature plants spread to nearly 3’, and rarely exceed 18” in height. Blooms typically range from white to pale pink to dusky purple, and can be spotted or veined. They seed prolifically when happy; seedlings are easily transplanted to fill in bare spots or shared with fellow gardeners.
Swamp Sunflower – Helianthus angustifolius
Here’s a native wildflower that asks nothing of the gardener but stands tall (up to 8 feet) and shines brilliantly when the rest of the garden is fried: the end of a southern summer. Swamp sunflowers prefer moist soil in full sun, and do spread a bit when happy, which means they’re great to share. Who couldn’t use a bright pick-me-up at the end of a long hot summer?
Camellias – Camellia
Although not native to this country, these quintessential southern plants are nearly carefree. Spring-blooming camellias are generally Camellia japonica; fall-blooming camellias are generally Camellia sasanqua. There are many species of camellias, but those two are the best known and most widely grown, and with good reason. Neither is particular as to soil, although they prefer consistent moisture and good drainage, and a soil on the slightly acidic side. Camellia japonica cultivars have larger leaves and prefer some shade while Camellia sasanqua cultivars are happy in shade or sun. Blooms of both come in an array of colors, sizes and types. Both plant types typically grow to 15’ tall by 8-10’ wide, although selections vary enough to fit most any spot in the garden.
Japanese Cedar – Cryptomeria
I have found Japanese cedars, as a whole, to be the easiest conifer to cultivate in almost any situation. Two of my favorite cultivars are ‘Ben Franklin’ and ‘Gyoku Ryu’. ‘Ben Franklin’ grows to be quite large – to 30’ tall with an 8’-10’ spread. It is a perfect replacement for ill-fated leyland cypress. Unlike many cryptomerias, ‘Ben Franklin’ does not bronze in the winter. ‘Gyoku Ryu’ is a much more compact and denser cultivar with more of a tufted appearance. This is one I cannot walk past without touching – it just looks huggable. Like ‘Ben Franklin’, this does not bronze in the winter. It grows to 10’ tall by 5’ wide, and makes a very handsome hedge or moderately sized screen plant. Two more things to love about cryptomerias: they grow very well in our heat and humidity, and tolerate some shade.
I know from personal experience that the Wing Haven Nursery makes it wonderfully easy to choose and grow great plants. This year’s Fall Plant Sale will be no exception.
Plant Sale hours: 9-5 daily – October 7 for Wing Haven members, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC October 8-11.
I hope to see you there!
Wing Haven Nursery, 248 Ridgewood Avenue, Charlotte, NC. winghavengardens.org
