Releaf: Long-blooming and well-adapted plants
Published 7:00 pm, Saturday, July 11, 2015
Well adapted, long blooming and gorgeous — what more could you want from a plant? Here are a couple of plants that fit that description.
Mexican oregano (Poliomentha maderensis), possibly listed as (Poliomentha longiflora), is a subshrub that grows two to three feet tall and three to four feet wide. It’s outstanding characteristic is a long bloom period. It typically begins to bloom in June and will bloom until September with one and half inch long, tubular light lavender flowers on stiff, slightly arching, thin branches. Once established, it has good heat and drought resistance. Mexican oregano can accept most soil types as long as they drain and don’t stay too wet. Plant in full sun or part shade. New specimens planted in the heat of summer may pout, but results are better with fall, winter or spring planting. Cut plants back to a few inches in February or before new growth begins each year to keep plants dense, compact and blooming. As flowers fade, they tend to hang on the plant, spoiling the flower show. Take nitrile palm and finger covered garden gloves and lightly stroke the flower stalks to remove these faded blooms. Or give plants a light trim to remove faded blooms and blooming will continue in a week or so. Mexican oregano isn’t a true oregano, but it is sometimes used as a substitute. Some information claims the plant is toxic. It’s not worth the risk to eat, but it is well worth planting. It is a little hard to find, but worth the search.
Another long bloomer is golden thryallis (Galphimia glauca). This root hardy shrub grows three to five feet tall and wide with a rounded growth habit. It has medium green leaves on slender, reddish stems. It blooms this time of year and continues into the warm fall with bright yellow flowers with dark red stamens that play off the reddish stems. Plant in full sun to part shade in well drained, amended soil. Once plants are established, they are well adapted, but survival of new plants was poor last winter. Thryallis is rated for USDA Zone 7, although they are slow to emerge in the spring. Texas AgriLife Extension and Permian Basin Master Gardeners have tested thryallis since 2006 and all specimens have survived, but they have been slower to emerge and grow this year. No doubt that’s related to soil temperature with our cooler than normal spring. Despite this report, they are an excellent risk. Plant as soon as you can, so they have the remaining summer and fall to establish. Keep new plants mulched and well-watered to help with establishment. Thryallis can be found in local garden centers.
Get re-leaf for your garden with dependable and lengthy summer color.
Debbie Frost is a local horticulturist specializing in regionally appropriate horticulture. Email her at firstname.lastname@example.org.