Well, actually, it's aggregate of all the plants of Phlox pilosa 'Eco Happy Traveler,' a named cultivar of
Gail's beloved "
Practically Perfect Phlox." When in full bloom, they would easily show up in a satellite photograph. I've struggled to get my camera to capture the color accurately. Finally, I figured out I had to take the photograph in the middle of the day with strong sunlight. These plants are in the front (and the middle and heading toward the back) of the faux-prairie garden, where they bridge the gap between the early spring bloomers and the peak season of summer in this garden. ("It can carry a border all by itself!") Their foliage turns a good burgundy in autumn. They also provide a good contrast to the dark purple flowers of Baptisa 'Purple Smoke,' now blooming for the first time.
Well, actually, it's aggregate of all the plants of Phlox pilosa 'Eco Happy Traveler,' a named cultivar of Gail's beloved "Practically Perfect Phlox." When in full bloom, they would easily show up in a satellite photograph. I've struggled to get my camera to capture the color accurately. Finally, I figured out I had to take the photograph in the middle of the day with strong sunlight. These plants are in the front (and the middle and heading toward the back) of the faux-prairie garden, where they bridge the gap between the early spring bloomers and the peak season of summer in this garden. ("It can carry a border all by itself!") Their foliage turns a good burgundy in autumn. They also provide a good contrast to the dark purple flowers of Baptisa 'Purple Smoke,' now blooming for the first time.
10 comments:
Gail's posts have already convinced me to plant some phlox; your photo has just added to my desire! The baptisa is another plant I've been eyeing; it looks very striking in your photo.
I thought perhaps the "snow" in your photos earlier was actually hail, which hit south of here today. I'm glad that it wasn't.
And thanks for your comment on my post about the clematis--I will definitely check out the website, especially because I'm not sure if I pruned it correctly.
Rose - get the Phlox, it's a tough little trouper. The choice of Baptisia is getter harder every year with all the new cultivars. I would have gotten 'Wayne's World' had I heard of it when I got 'Purple Smoke,' not because it's a better plant, but because I want to chant "Wayne's World, party time, excellent." Good luck with the Clem. By observing it, you can determine whether it blooms on old or new wood. With it blooming this early, I suspect it's a Type II, blooming on old wood.
MMD,
I love the way you have contained our happy little traveler...if she can be contained! What was it you said?...Oh, yes, heading toward the back! It is a most difficult color to capture on film! But you've done it and who would think full sun, mid day! And wow, that is a good looking Baptisia! You are so right, there are more and more cultivars to choose from these days! I have the usual purple but just planted one named Moonlight...can't wait to see the blooms in a few years!
Thanks for link and I am glad you have PPPP.
OOOOh....i'm likin it a lot! Love the baptisia, too--I just have the standard blue one, but it won't be blooming for a few weeks yet. The Thermopsis (yellow false lupine) will come on shortly, though.
Gail - Moonlight would look great next to Purple Smoke, assuming you have them together. I wish I had room for another Baptisia.
Jodi - Phlox pilosa is so easy to grow (too easy?). Get some & put it in a confined area. I love the Lupine-type flowers of these plants. I would imagine you can grow Lupines too, which is something I can't do here (too hot & humid).
Hi MMD, after reading Gail singing the praises of the PPP, here you are with a more elite member of the clan, with a real name even. It looks delightful along your walk, so different from what I pictured it from Gail's posts, in a woodland setting? Which is better? Great shot of the baptisia, we have several, and I cannot get a decent shot of any of them.
Frances - PPP is great in any setting! It can be a nice edging (if it is edited yearly), or it can romp through other wildflowers. I think focusing on my hand was part of taking that Baptisia shot. It took a couple of tries.
Wow MMD, you may have just converted me into a phlox believer ... though we have the über common purple garden variety (upright) given to us by a friend, we've always disdained the creeping variety. And your phrase 'lupine like flowers' hooked me. I have to learn more.
And that's a great Baptisia! We only have the basic B. australis, but love love love it! It's blooming now, and I should have some photos up soon at my place. You will come to love this plant ... even when it's done blooming and gets a bit 'out of shape' we cut off branches to use in bouquets, where it, and peony foliage, adds a really nice touch.
I'd recommend you just let the pods go (maybe you already were planning on this) and let them drop their seed around the parent plant. Ours has expanded phenomenally that way, and we always have a few to give away each spring. I discovered a nice 2 yr plant yesterday that is just perfect for a spot out in the central bed out front. Can't wait to get it moved, and no worries about blooms, that will be for next year!
Iowa Victory Garden - the "Lupine-like flowers" to which I referred are those of the Baptisia. The Phlox has typical Phlox flowers. This is vastly superior to that lame-o Phlox subulata. I wish I had room for more Baptisia, but I've seen mature plants & there's just no room in my little bed between the walk & the house.
MMD, that's too bad you're limited in space for the Baptisia, but I can understand. Over time they do spread out and form a very woody clump (our original one was put in around 2000) that would probably require a chainsaw to divide (seriously!). They definitely do want adequate space to spread out over time. Don't you just love when they first come up and look oh so much like giant asparagus spears? Which reminds me, we got asparagus roots to plant last week and need to get them in the ground! At least we got the veggie garden tilled up today and ready to plant!
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