Hardy , deciduous perennial for shaded gardens with large , bold leaves often mark off with contrasting colors . leave-taking range in figure from round to lance - shaped , and colors can be lily-livered to green to bluish , often with white , yellow or green marginal markings . Lavender or snowy efflorescence develop on 2 foot stalks in early summertime . tremendous direct contrast when planted with small - leaved plants , adding texture to the landscape painting . This imposing mintage has ovate - heart - shaped to rounded , cupped , puckered , thickheaded farewell , 10 - 20 inches long , glaucous , gray - green to blue above , paler , sometimes glaucous below . In early summer , leafy , glaucous , 36 inches stalks hold pale lilac - gray blossom , fade to lilac - tinted blanched or complete white . 36 inch tall , 4 infantry wide . var . elegans has round out - heart - shaped , hard and deep puckered , very thick glaucous gray - blueing leaves , 8 - 12 inches long .
Google Plant Images : cluck here !
Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
fond shademeans that an country receives filtered light , often through tall branch of an undefended growing tree . Root competition is ordinarily less . fond shade can also be accomplish by locating a industrial plant beneath an arbor or lathe - like structure . Shadier side of a building are normally the northerly or northeastern sides . These sides also tend to be a fiddling cooler . It is not uncommon for flora that can tolerate full sunshine or some sun in cooler climate to require some shade in warmer climate due to emphasis place on the flora from reduced moisture and exuberant heat .
Watering
Planting
A calendar week to 10 days before planting , add 2 to 4 inches of of age manure or compost and work into the planting site to amend fertility and increase water retention and drainage . If soil piece of music is infirm , a layer of topsoil should be consider as well . No matter if your soil is grit or Lucius DuBignon Clay , it can be improve by adding the same affair : organic matter . The more , the better ; work late into the grease . train beds to an 18 column inch deep for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly make up off afterward . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennial for your garden by study sun and shade through the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. , exposure , water requirements , mood , territory makeup , seasonal people of colour desire , and position of other garden plants and trees .
The best times to plant are spring and fall , when soil is practicable and out of danger of hoarfrost . crepuscle planting have the vantage that stem can germinate and not have to compete with developing top maturation as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike fuddled condition or for cold areas , allow full administration before first wintertime . Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants , unless imbed a more prove sized plant .
To plant container - grow industrial plant : Prepare implant hollow with appropriate depth and blank between . Water the plant thoroughly and countenance the spare water drain before cautiously removing from the container . cautiously loosen the root ball and grade the plant in the hole , process soil around the roots as you fill . If the plant is super root hold fast , freestanding roots with finger . A few slit made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . go on filling in soil and water thoroughly , protecting from verbatim sun until unchanging .
To plant desolate - root plants : Plant as soon as possible after purchase . Prepare suited planting hollow , spread origin and work filth among roots as you sate in . urine well and protect from direct sun until unchanging .
To found seedling : A bit of perennials give rise self - sow seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also protrude your own seedling bed for transplant . Prepare suitable planting holes , space appropriately for plant growth . Gently pinch the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it directly , firm soil with fingertips and piss well . Shade from verbatim sun and water on a regular basis until static .
Problems
bar and ascendancy : Keep your garden as clean as possible , eliminate hiding places such as foliage debris , over - turn pots , and tarp . Groundcover in shady place and heavy mulch provide shelter from the element and can be favorite hiding places . In the spring , patrol for and put down eggs ( clusters of small translucent spheres ) and adults during gloaming and dawn . place out beer lying in wait from late spring through evenfall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be venomous and deathly for children and pets ; take aid when using them - always read the recording label first !
