The Garden Awakens
Anise 'Woodland Red' ( Illicium floridanum ) A few weeks ago, I thought spring would never arrive, but now the change is astonishing. The nights are still cold (40s and sometimes even 30s) so planting tender annuals and vegetables is unwise although I have already succumbed, but covering and uncovering things gets old quickly. Someone made a wise comment last week and I must agree with them - "Don't plant anything tender until after May 1". Several plants are blooming like never before. One is the Anise shrub (above and below). I don't know if the recent tree pruning, which is allowing more sun into the woodland path, is affecting it or perhaps it is just age, but I've never seen so many blooms. Michael refers to this as "the stinky fish shrub" and I have to admit to smell of the flowers is quite unpleasant. It is so beautiful that I can overlook that. The old pink dogwood tree, which was already here, shades our woodland path and it too is prett
A gorgeous color and form for the garden.
ReplyDeleteI bought one of these in May, and have yet to figure out where to put it, but I had to have it.
ReplyDeleteGreat plant, Phillip. I spent ten minutes trying to figure out why the genus Aralia sounds so familiar to me, but I can't. Do you know if it's hardy to Zone 5?
ReplyDeleteSome sources say zone 3, most say zone 4. So it should work for you!
DeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to grow native Aralia racemosa this year for the 1st time.
So far, it's been a steady if not spectacular performer, but I have a feeling it's just settling in for the long haul...
(At least, I hope so!) :)
I just planted some a few weeks ago and they still have a way to go before reaching that size, thanks for the timely inspiration!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I really love these. Ya gotta love a bright plant for shade. :o)
ReplyDeleteThat really lights up a shady spot! Wonderful. The three leaf textures in the foreground, so simple and elegant. It is interesting that while that lovely plant is not appropriate to my climate, we have a golden Duranta that provides the same effect.
ReplyDeletePhillip, this is beautiful a beautiful aralia. I love the color! I must do some research to see what growing conditions it likes, but I suspect if it will grow for you, it will grow for me too!
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