P. Allen Smith's 2018 Fall Plants by P. Allen Smith & Gilbert H. Wild

P. ALLEN SMITH

FALL 2018

MOSS MOUNTAIN FARM PLANTS Beautiful Plants and Tips for your Garden

P. ALLEN SMITH

MOSS MOUNTAIN FARM

A L L E N â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S FA L L FAVO R I T E S 2 0 1 8 1

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Over the years, visitors to our farm and viewers of our television shows have expressed a desire to enjoy some of the same beautiful flowers and plants in their own gardens that we grow here at Moss Mountain. I’m proud to introduce you to the launch of the Moss Mountain Farm Fall Collection. Through my travels I’ve had the good fortune to discover many outstanding plants, some are old fashioned standbys while others are ‘Johnny-come-latelys’ that have helped make my gardens shine. The joy the beauty of nature can bring into our lives cannot be overestimated. As summer gives way to the fall, our attention turns to the next season of gardening. I treasure the fall season because its the time of year to plant many of my favorites and ‘rearrange’ the garden as the plants nod off to sleep. Planting perennials and bulbs now ensures more robust and vigorous plants next spring as they continue to establish a strong root system during the fall and winter. This fall’s collection is our premier for showcasing some of the most tried and true. I can’t imagine a spring without the beauty of daffodils, tulips and peonies ...can you? As you may have discovered, finding the best plants isn’t always that easy; so that’s why I have assembled this collection of some of my favorites. I hope you will find this season’s selection inspiring and the information helpful as we create more beautiful gardens together. Happy Gardening! P. Allen Smith P.S. Plan to come visit us this fall!

Shown above: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Gladiatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Allium 4

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6 Peonies V I N TAG E LU X U RY

18 Daffodils FROM THE HILL

36 Tulips C O LO R GA LO R E !

54 Lilies B LO O M S T H AT I N S P I R E

66 Alliums P U N C T UAT E YO U R GA R D E N

70 Spanish Bluebell C R A Z Y F O R B LU E

72 Leucojum SAY W H AT ? A â&#x20AC;&#x2DC; M U ST H AV E '

74 Hostas I TS A L L A B O U T T E X T U R E

84 Reblooming Iris SAY I T AGA I N . . . R E B LO O M E R S

96 Daylilies TRIED AND TRUE

CONTACT Email us: CustomerService@PAllensFlowers.com Visit us online at pallensflowers.com 5

Shown Above: ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ Peony 6

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PEONIES Vintage Luxury

Shown Above: ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ Peony 8

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Shown Above: ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ Peony

Perfectly Beautiful

PEONIES

In gardening, and in life, it’s rewarding to find things you can count on. In the plant world, old-fashioned herbaceous peonies rank at the top of the list, provided they are happy where they are planted. But isn’t that the case with us, too? Prized for their generous blooms, stunning range of colors, and exceptional cold hardiness, few other perennials, once established, bloom so reliably year after year with such little care. Their large, glorious flowers add bright splashes of color in beds and borders, and their intoxicating fragrance makes them a wonderful cut flower. Peonies are a great value, providing years of beautiful returns. America’s love affair with peonies has been a long and continuous one. I have fond memories of rows of pink and white peonies blooming in my Grandmother Smith’s garden. In many parts of the country, peonies open near the end of May, a characteristic that makes them the flower of choice for Memorial Day decorations. Through the years, plant breeders have developed a spectacular array of new colors, flower forms, and blooming times to give gardeners even more selection. Today you can enjoy nearly 6 weeks of continuous bloom by planting early, mid and late season varieties. Hybridizers have also developed peonies with stronger stems to hold aloft the plant’s large, heavy blooms. And they have developed new varieties for gardeners in the north and mid-south, expanding the range of the plant’s popularity.

PEONY DESIGN TIPS Shown in Front Row, Left to Right: ‘Viking Chief’ Peony, ‘Festiva Maxima’ Peony, ‘Largo’ Peony

In my grandparents’ day, peonies were often planted in rows or set out as islands of flowers encircled by the lawn. I prefer to mix them with other plants in flower borders such as shrub roses, foxglove, iris, daylilies, phlox, perennial geranium and lamb’s ear. Since peonies don’t like to be moved once they’re established, it’s best to plant them in permanent places in loose association with other hardy perennials, such as phlox and Russian sage. I often plant peonies amid spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils because they require little or no cultivation once planted. The takeaway here is peonies, once planted, do not like to be disturbed.

PLANTING DEPTH IS IMPORTANT One of my biggest attractions to the peony is its long life. I’ve heard of peonies outliving the gardeners who planted them – surviving nearly 50 years! But the key to longevity is how they are planted. Plant the bare root tubers in the fall just as the autumn leaves begin to turn. Choose a well-drained site in full sun, although light shade will keep some darker colors from fading. Prepare the soil before planting by adding well-rotted manure, compost and bone meal as needed. The number one rule is not to plant too deep. Make sure the ‘eyes’ on the tubers are pointing up and are covered with only about 2 inches of soil. A little less deep in warmer climates is preferable. Trust me, if you plant them too deep, you will have foliage, but no flowers. Take into account their mature size when planting them so they aren’t crowded, and mulch the area in early winter to avoid a deep frost heaving the tubers up and out of the ground. It usually takes two years after planting before any flowers are produced, but the larger the tuber the more likely it will bloom the first year. Support is often required for the tall, double flower hybrids. 10

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HELPFUL TIPS FOR

PEONY ARRANGING Select half opened blooms, they’ll last longer. Cut the flowers early in the morning. If the heads are heavy with dew, gently shake to remove water. Remove foliage below water line to prevent bacteria build up in the water and clogging the stems ability to take up water. Keep flowers away from heat and direct light.

Left to Right, Top Row: ‘Amabilis’ Peony, ‘L’Eclatante’ Peony, ‘Cherry Royal’ Peony Bottom Row: ‘Opal Hamiliton’ Peony, ‘Largo’ Peony, ‘Big Ben’ Peony , ‘Negricans’ Peony

VINTAGE PEONY COLLECTION 12

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1. ALERTI c.1941 • Early-Mid Season Bloomer • $17.50 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots With a pale pink compact form, and darker pink petals in the center, this ‘Alerti’ peony makes a perfect addition to any garden. The color lightens as the bloom ages.

2. AMABILIS c.1856 • Mid Season Bloomer • $13.50 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots A beautiful double rose pink bloom, with wide guard petals, and a fluffy center. ‘Amabilis’ is easy to grow and has a lovely fragrance.

3. CHERRY ROYAL c.1967 • Mid Season Bloomer • $15.00 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots The ‘Cherry Royal’ Peony has large, pink double blooms, that sit on top of dark green leaves.

4. CORAL SUNSET c.1965 • Early Season Bloomer • $25.00 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots This peony has large cup-shaped blooms that are filled with the element of surprise! The blooms open coral pink, but fade to apricot over time.

5. DUCHESSE DE NEMOURS c.1856 • Early Season Bloomer • $20.00 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots

‘ Duchesse de Nemours’ Peony is a dependable bloomer, with notable fragrance. The blooms are large, cupped, and full centered in a light canary-yellow color that deepens to a pale green at the base of the petals.

6. FESTIVA MAXIMA c.1851 • Early Season Bloomer • $17.50 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots

‘ Festiva Maxima’ Peony, named old reliable white, is a massive white with crimson markings on some petals. The flowers are globular, making it most desirable for design.

7. HENRY BOCKSTOCE c.1955 • Early Season Bloomer • $20.00 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots

‘ Henry Bockstoce’ peony is a beautiful deep red color, with a rose center, and large crinkled blooms. The stems are strong and make a perfect choice for cut flowers!

8. KANSAS c.1940 • Early Season Bloomer • $17.50 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots With a beautiful bright red bloom color, the ‘Kansas’ peony is a breathtaking addition for any gardener! The flowers are held high on strong stems, with dark green foliage.

9. LARGO c.1929 • Late Season Bloomer • $13.50 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots

‘ Largo’ peony has large rounded soft-pink guards, with white staminodes, that are tipped and edged in yellow.

PLANTING

PEONIES

Shown Above: ‘Negricians’ Peony 14

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big ben c.1943 • Early Season Bloomer $17.50 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots A red center is surrounded by fragrant guard petals, making the large blooms a great cut flower!

border charm c.1984 • Mid Season Bloomer $50.00 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots An intersection peony (a cross between tree peonies and herbaceous) that has yellow petals, that are lighter colored at the outer edges, with a red center. Mature height is under 2 feet, very vigorous.

high fashion c.1962 • Late-Mid Season Bloomer $17.50 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots This large and full flower has four rows of guard petals, that surround beautiful lilac-pink center petals, making ‘High Fashion’ a definitive choice for every gardener.

l’eclatante c.1860 • Mid Season Bloomer $15.00 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots ‘L’Eclatante’ Peony has double red blooms and a distinctive yellow eye. Create your perfect garden with this timeless beauty.

mons jules elie c.1888 • Very Early Season Bloomer $13.50 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots The center of the ‘Mons Jules Elie’ peony is incurved and silvered with a light grayish-pink. With a large and light pink bloom color, the ‘Mons Jules Elie’ is one of the most popular peonies.

myrtle gentry

negricans

opal hamiliton

c.1925 • Mid-Late Season Bloomer

c.1920 • Early-Mid Season Bloomer

c.1957 • Mid Season Bloomer

$25.00 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots

$13.50 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots

$17.50 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots

‘Myrtle Gentry’ Peony is stunningly light pink, and gradually fades to pure white. Salmon colors show throughout the petals to make an angelic appearance. One of the most fragrant!

‘Negricans’ Peony has large, full, double black-red blooms that blooms mid season. The dark green foliage and beautiful blooms make it a classic. Very dramatic.

‘Opal Hamiliton’ peony has orchid pink guards and staminodes, with a yellow base and carpels. This peony variety is a stunningly gorgeous favorite.

paula fay

peppermint

pink princess

c.1968 • Early Season Bloomer

c.1958 • Mid-Late Season Bloomer

c.1950 • Mid Season Bloomer

$20.00 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots

$15.00 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots

With a shocking five rows of petals, that are rose pink, this ‘Paula Fay’ peony makes a nice compliment for any garden. Paula’s color borders on coral. A stunning beauty.

The red markings are prominent on some of the petals and give a striped effect like peppermint candy. With flat blooms that open to a light pink color and fade to white, you will want to add this to your collection immediately.

‘Pink Princess’ Peony has a clear and light pink bloom color, with a unique speckle print pattern. This ‘Pink Princess’ variety is a stunning single peony. A single bloom in a vase is a beauty to behold.

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polar king

red charm

sarah bernhardt

c.1932 • Mid Season Bloomer

c.1944 • Early Season Bloomer

c.1901 • Late Season Bloomer

$17.50 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots

$25.00 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots

$12.50 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots

This ‘Polar King’ Peony has white guard petals with yellow fading white staminodes. The ‘Polar King’ Peony is a perfect and unique selection for any garden!

The ‘Red Charm’ peony has large perfectly formed blooms. It’s no wonder it is called Red Charm! Rich deep reds make it an all time favorite.

The large and deep rose-pink blooms of the ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ peony are beautiful! The petals are edged with a lighter pink, making it one of the most popular choices.

victorie de la marne

viking chief

wheaton frills

c.1915 • Mid Season Bloomer

c.1978 • Mid Season Bloomer

c.unknown • Mid Season Bloomer

$16.00 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots

$13.50 - 5 to 8 eye bare roots

‘Victorie de la Marne’ Peony has a large, purplish red bloom, with lighter edges, and an old favorite for every gardener looking to add to their collection.

‘Viking Chief’ Peony has fuchsia pink loose petals, that are accented, with deeper pink flecking throughout each petal. With a beautiful golden circle and petals in the center, this peony is a vigorous grower.

‘Wheaton Frills’ Peony has bright red outer petals, and a gold and red flare in the center, making it a classic favorite. This peony expresses a richness that cannot be captured by photographs.

Shown Above: ‘Replete’ Daffodil 18

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DAFFODILS From the Hill...

DAFFODIL BASICS Who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t love daffodils? One of the most beloved harbingers of spring, daffodils are suitable for both in ground and container planting. Many will naturalize freely in grassy meadows, woodland gardens, and lawns. The smallest of the species, hybrids and cultivars are good rock-garden plants.

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DAFFODIL PLANTING TIPS Daffodils bloom in late winter and spring, in fact as early as the first week of January. Last year, my ‘Rijnveld’s Early Sensation’ was blooming January 5, and it was followed by ‘February gold’ — our two earliest and bravest! For horticultural and identification purposes, daffodils are split into 13 divisions based on their flower forms. While many cultivars have been developed, all are basically grown for their attractive flowers of mostly yellow or white, occasionally green with some cultivars having red, orange, or pink cups, and of course fragrance! Most daffodils thrive in full sun or dappled part-day shade. Those cultivars with red, orange or pink cups generally retain better color when planted in a little shade to protect them from the afternoon sun. Plant daffodil bulbs about 3 times their own height in autumn after the ground cools a bit. In some areas, this will be as early as September and in warmer climates as late as December. Most tolerate a range of soils but grow best in moderately fertile, well-drained soil that is moist during the growing season. Drainage is the key. Hillsides and raised beds are sometimes the best places. Improve clay with well-rotted compost or other natural soil amendment. I plant them a little deeper in sandy soil and shallower in clay to help keep the bulb healthy. The bulbs are very unappetizing to most insects and animals, including deer and voles. If you see any leaves with vertical stripes dig up the bulb and throw it away. It is probably infected with a virus. Watch surrounding daffodils for signs of the virus as it is spread by contact. 21

DAFFODIL

SOLUTIONS Shown Above: ‘Accent’ Daffodil

DAFFODIL DESIGN TIPS Since their blossoms are spectacular but often fleeting, we plant early, mid and late varieties to lengthen the season of bloom. Plant daffodils with companions such as hostas, daylilies and ferns or an evergreen ground cover such as periwinkle or mondo grass. These compatible ‘bed fellows’ will help distract the eye from the foliage until it dies down. My motto when it comes to daffodils is “too many is just enough!” For big impact, plant large drifts of bulbs rather than a sprinkling here and there.

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CARING FOR DAFFODILS AFTER THEY BLOOM It’s important to deadhead the plants as the flowers fade. Fortunately they make excellent cut flowers. Keep plenty of vases handy to make arrangements to use around your home. Water late flowering varieties during dry spring weather as the flowers my drop off under dry conditions. Allow the leaves to remain until they yellow. Now is the time to apply low nitrogen, high potash fertilizer after flowering if bulbs are not performing well. Continue watering for 3 weeks or so after they bloom then stop as they enter their summer dormancy. Water lightly, if at all, during the summer months. Watering during autumn and early winter is needed for good growth before freezing weather sets in. If the autumn rains are late, watering will help prepare the bulbs for winter and spring. You see, a lot of root growth occurs upon initially planting and throughout the fall while the soil remains reliably warm. The great thing about daffodils is they will produce more bulbs over time. Lift and divide them when the clumps become large and the flowering grows sparse. The best time to move or divide bulbs is when their foliage has withered, signaling the end of active growth. Lift them with a digging fork or a spade, taking care to avoid injuring the bulbs and replant them immediately at the same depth.

GOOD TO KNOW Contact with daffodil sap may irritate skin or aggravate skin allergies in some people. If you have sensitive skin, wear gloves or be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after picking the blooms.

Shown Above: ‘Replete’ Daffodil 23

DAFFODILS

accent

avalanche

Large Cupped Daffodil • Mid Season Bloomer $6.00 - qty 5 bulbs

Tazetta Daffodil • Early-Mid Season Bloomer $9.50 - qty 5 bulbs

The American Bred ‘Accent’ daffodil has white collar petals, with a unique deep salmon center on’ trumpet’. I’ve grown ‘Accent’ for many years and it returns reliably each spring.

The ‘Avalanche’ daffodil has clusters of white flowers, with bright yellow centers. A delight in the garden and home.

barrett browning

california

Small Cupped Daffodil • Mid Season Bloomer $7.00 - qty 5 bulbs

Large Cupped Daffodil • Mid Season Bloomer $6.00 - qty 5 bulbs

The ‘Barrett Browning’ daffodil has white pointed petals, and a bright orange center. A hardy bulb with a delicate old fashion bloom.

The ‘California’ daffodil has yellow pointed petals, with small yellow centers. A beautiful classic where the collar petals are slightly lighter yellow than the darker trumpet. Excellent in arrangements.

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dutch master

golden ducat

Trumpet Daffodil • Mid Season Bloomer $6.25 - qty 5 bulbs

Double Daffodil • Mid Season Bloomer $6.50 - qty 5 bulbs

The ‘Dutch Master’ daffodil has yellow petals, with large yellow centers. Bold and beautiful, a classic daffodil similar to the ‘King Alfred’.

The ‘Golden Ducat’ daffodil has double-layered yellow blooms. The daffodil surprises visitors with its multi-petals and bold presence in the garden.

ice follies

ice king

Large Cupped Daffodil • Early-Mid Season Bloomer $6.00 - qty 5 bulbs

Double Daffodil • Mid Season Bloomer $6.00 - qty 5 bulbs

The ‘Ice Follies’ daffodil is white, with a flared lemon-yellow cup. A great old and reliable standby. Always early to bloom with its bright fresh faces.

The ‘Ice King’ daffodil has double yellow blooms, with white frilled edges. Truely a unique variety. We love it for its exuberant ruffles of petals. 25

jetfire Cyclamineus Daffodil • Early-Mid Season Bloomer $4.00 - qty 5 bulbs The ‘Jetfire’ daffodil has small yellow blooms, with red-orange yellow centers. Slightly scented and a great companion to taller tulips.

lemon beauty Split Corona Daffodil • Mid-Late Season Bloomer $8.75 - qty 5 bulbs The ‘Lemon Beauty’ daffodil strikes me as one of those luscious deserts I can never resist. Its white, star shaped yellow center make it a joy to see every spring.

manly Double Daffodil • Mid-Late Season Bloomer $9.50 - qty 5 bulbs The ‘Manly’ daffodil seems oddly named as it looks more like an exuberant pretty dress than a manly flower. It has layered creamy yellow petals, with hues of soft yellow-orange.

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"And then my heart with pleasure fills, and dances with the daffodils." — William Wordsworth

Shown Above: ‘Tahiti’ Daffodil 27

minnow

modern art

Tazetta Daffodil • Early-Mid Season Bloomer $2.25 - qty 5 bulbs

Large Cupped Daffodil • Mid Season Bloomer $14.75 - qty 5 bulbs

The ‘Minnow’ daffodil has small clusters of white creamy flowers, with soft yellow centers.

The ‘Modern Art’ daffodil has overlapping yellow petals, with ruffled chartreuse to yellow centers.

orangerie

parisienne

Split Corona Daffodil • Early-Mid Season Bloomer $8.00 - qty 5 bulbs

Split Cupped Collar Daffodil • Mid-Late Season Bloomer $8.00 - qty 5 bulbs

The ‘Orangerie’ has white petals, with orange flared centers.

The ‘Parisienne’ has white petals, with frilled yellow centers.

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replete

sweet pomponette

Double Daffodil • Mid Season Bloomer $6.00 - qty 5 bulbs

Double Daffodil • Mid Season Bloomer $9.00 - qty 5 bulbs

The ‘Replete’ daffodil has double apricot-pink and cream blooms, with a frilled pink center.

The ‘Sweet Pomponette’ has double white and yellow blooms. The petals are layered and ruffled making them almost carnation like in appearance.

tahiti

yellow cheerfulness

Double Daffodil • Mid-Late Season Bloomer $8.50 - qty 5 bulbs

Double Daffodil • Late Season Bloomer $7.00 - qty 5 bulbs

The ‘Tahiti’ is one of my favorites for its bold presence in our fields. It has double golden-yellow ruffled blooms. Very striking.

The ‘Yellow Cheerfulness’ is aptly named. Double soft yellow blooms, with orange centers radiate like sunshine. Sweetly scented.

the story of

DAFFODIL HILL Daffodils are my most beloved harbingers of spring. I love these cheery flowers so much, I’ve planted hundreds of thousands of the narcissus bulbs over the years at Moss Mountain Farm. I tend to go overboard with daffodils —and for good reason. The bright yellow beauties inspire me because so few flowers are as resilient. They’re so carefree and one of the first to pop up and brave the cold. They don’t require a lot of attention, and they persist on their own. You can go to an old farm site, and oftentimes, they’re the only sign of life around a crumbling foundation or walkway. The vast majority of my bulbs are clustered on Daffodil Hill, and spread across the farm in the years that I have been here. They are a mixture, in fact, bulbs range with too many variations for me to cover or names to remember. That doesn’t matter, as it’s the perennial beauty that they bring each spring and joy of sharing them with others that matters the most. The first fall I was at Moss Mountain Farm, I began ordering bulbs. We planted 8,000 the first year, then 25,000, then 75,000, then 50,000, and it’s added up to over 450,000 bulbs planted over time. Whew! Daffodil Hill is only two or three acres, but now we’ve planted the flowers in the orchard and all around the side of the house. There was a method to my madness in the design and planting of daffodil hill. I wanted to maintain a mowed path through the meadow and plant the bulbs in all the areas between this gently curving path. The plan has been for wildflowers to follow the daffodil bloom and the path makes it easy for visitors to walk through the meadow and see the flowers and pollinators. I’ve had glowing daffodil supper parties in the field over the years, complete with walks along the paths by the light of the March full moon. The reflected lights on the flowers creates a magical experience. I think of it as a labyrinth or prayer walk and a place to ponder life and meditate.

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Spring Bulb Questions Every year, I receive lots of questions regarding tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other spring flowering bulbs. Most of these questions either come in the spring when these garden beauties are in bloom, or mid-fall when gardeners are trying to get them planted. This year, I thought I would get ahead of the game and answer 10 of the most frequently asked questions now, before the fall rush.

1. HOW CAN I PREVENT SQUIRRELS AND RODENTS FROM EATING MY BULBS?

Planting bulbs in fall for spring bloom can be a bit of a chore, even if the results are well worth the effort. I’ve come up with a way to make the job a little easier and prevent four-legged visitors from disturbing all my hard work. Bulbs should be planted at a depth that is 3 times their height. For example, if a daffodil bulb is approximately 2 inches tall, dig a hole 6 inches deep. And if you plan to add mulch, remember to factor that into your planting depth. Rather than dig individual holes for each bulb, I dig out the entire area to the required depth of the largest bulb. If I have smaller bulbs, I create little mounds of soil for them to sit on that will bring them up to the proper planting depth. I place my bulbs in the dug out area with the pointed end up and the flatter, usually larger end sitting at the bottom of the bed. Next, I add my bulb food and refill the area with soil. I use a synthetic bulb food because it is less attractive to

2. WHEN SHOULD I PLANT SPRING

animals than bone meal, another commonly used fertilizer.

FLOWERING BULBS?

This is the point where I add a piece of chicken wire to further

Spring flowering bulbs can be planted any time in the fall before the

prevent squirrels, raccoons and other neighborhood creatures,

ground freezes. They must be planted in the fall rather than in the

such as armadillos — yes, armadillos — from getting to the bulbs. I

spring because they require a long period of cool temperatures to

simply cut a piece of chicken wire one inch larger on each side than

spark the growth process that causes them to flower. In cold climates

the size of bulb bed. I bend the edges to create a shallow box top

(zones 1 – 4) this can be done as early as late August or September,

shape and set the chicken wire on top of my newly planted bulbs. I

while in more temperate areas (zones 4 – 7) planting can be done any

push the 1-inch edges down into the soil. To complete the planting

time between September and November. I admit I’ve gone as late as

I add a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch. Now this does three things: It

the first of the year with success. But, that’s pushing it!

hides the chicken wire, further insulates the bulbs and gives the beds a finished look.

For best results, plant bulbs as soon as possible after they arrive. Your bulbs need to establish strong root systems, before the frosts

In the spring when the bulb foliage begins to emerge, I’ll remove the

of winter set in and the bulbs enter a new cycle in preparation for

chicken wire so the plants can grow freely.

spring blooming.

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3. WHY DON'T TULIPS COME BACK YEAR AFTER YEAR?

A frequent misconception about tulips is they don’t come back year after year. Actually, wild or indigenous tulips are perennial in their native environment in central Asia. In American gardens, hybrid tulips don’t come back with the same vigor because the foliage dies back too soon, particularly in the South. It’s this foliage that reinvigorates the bulbs; without the foliage dying back naturally, there’s little chance of the tulip coming back. In northern gardens, there is a greater chance for tulips to be perennial because the spring is cooler and longer, but even in the north you need to plant a few bulbs each fall to keep the display as effective and beautiful as it can be. You should also know there are some varieties that are more reliably perennial than others. Both species tulips and Darwin hybrids are known to return. Oddly enough, I’ve found the darker-hued Darwin hybrids do better than the pastel ones. To encourage tulips to come back, plant them in an area that gets good drainage and plant them deep, about 8 inches from the bottom of the bulb to the top of the soil. Fertilize in the fall and spring. After the blooms have faded, remove the spent flowers and allow the foliage to die back naturally. This helps the bulbs store up energy for next year’s bloom. In my zone 7 garden, I grow the species tulip T. clusiana ‘Lady Jane’ and it has reappeared in the spring for several years now. But the modern hybrid tulip should be treated as an annual in Southern gardens. You have to plant it each year, but the blooms are so beautiful, it is still worthwhile.

Shown Above: Eye Catcher Tulip Collection

4. I LIVE IN A WARM, ZONE 9 CLIMATE. CAN I

6. WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH THE FOLIAGE

STILL PLANT SPRING FLOWERING BULBS?

AFTER THE BLOOMS HAVE FADED IN THE

It is a bit more challenging to grow spring flowering bulbs in a warm

SPRING?

climate because the winters don’t give the bulbs the chilling required

Well, if you are dealing with perennial bulbs such as daffodils and

to bloom, but if you take special measures, you can still add their

want flowers next year, you should treat the foliage with respect. It

beauty to your garden.

actually restores the bulb’s energy through photosynthesis and helps

First, with the exception of the daffodils and narcissus, you need to cool your bulbs in the refrigerator, at 35° F - 40° F , for about 6 weeks.

the bulb prepare for blooming next year, so don’t cut it back. It’s okay to remove the spent flower, but be sure to leave the stem intact. After a while, the foliage may begin to look a little rough but keep it

Place bulbs in a ventilated bag (best choices: paper bags, mesh bulb bags, or new open weave vegetable baggies) in a refrigerator at the

in place for at least 8 weeks after the flower fades or until the foliage withers and dies back.

usual fridge temperature of 40° F to 45° F for a minimum of six to

One solution to camouflaging the fading foliage is to over plant your

eight weeks. Don’t worry if you bought the bulbs early in the season

bulbs with cool season annuals such as pansies or even perennials,

and need to store them for several months before planting: keep

which will emerge and begin to gain height about the time the foliage

them chilling – even up to 12 to 16 weeks, if necessary — until it is

is beginning to appear unsightly.

time to plant.

This is also an excellent time to feed your bulbs. I just use about a

And remember, remove any fruit (especially apples) in the refrigerator,

tablespoon or so of a well-balanced fertilizer like 20-20-20 or triple

for the ethylene gas given off by all ripening fruit will kill the flower

13 and sprinkle it around the base of the plants.

inside the bulbs. Keep bulbs in the refrigerator until planting. Take them directly from the fridge to your planting site, and plant the promise of a glorious spring.

7. WHEN CAN I TRANSPLANT DAFFODILS?

If you have daffodils that are in need of relocating, spring is a good time to transplant them. Because the foliage is visible you will have

Water the garden after planting to help the establish root growth. If

no trouble seeing them in the ground. Just remember the name of the

you live in a dry area, be sure to water the garden about once a week.

game here is to keep the leaves green as long as possible to recharge the bulb for next year’s flower. For the best results, wait about 8

5. HOW SHOULD I STORE MY BULBS UNTIL I AM READY TO PLANT THEM?

weeks after the blooms have faded to move your daffodils. When you do move them, take care not to do damage to the bulb, and make sure that the bulb and foliage stay intact.

I often get into a situation where I can’t get my bulbs planted as soon as I would like. In these instances, I keep the bulbs in a cool, dry place, such as my garage or basement. Warmth and moisture will signal the

8. ARE THERE ANY DEER-RESISTANT SPRING

bulbs to start growing. I check on them occasionally to be sure they

FLOWERING BULBS?

aren’t getting moldy or soft and plant them as soon as I can.

Believe it or not there are a few plants that deer tend to pass by. I’ve had the most success with daffodils, but alliums, crocus, chionodoxa, scilla, grape hyacinths and snowdrops are all supposed to be deer resistant. But what I’ve found is that if deer get hungry enough, they’ll eat anything, even these varieties. About the only foolproof system is a very tall fence or a dog trained to keep deer away.

Moss Mountain Farm

Shown Above: ‘‘Gladiator’ Allium

9. WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND PLANTING IN ADDITION TO THE STANDARD TULIPS AND DAFFODILS?

I must confess that the bulbs I plant the most of are daffodils; followed by tulips. I guess I just love the classic bloom and wide range of colors available. However, for variety there are some other, less typical bulbs that I plant every year as well. Allium schubertii – Large, spidery blooms comprised of purple star-shaped florets. These are great planted in drifts and make an elegant statement as a single cut flower in a vase. Dutch Iris - Thanks to Dutch hybridizers, tulips are available in an astounding variety of forms and colors. In fact, there are so many to choose from it can sometimes be overwhelming. Over the years I’ve learned a few things that help me design gorgeous tulip displays. Spanish bluebells - They make a wonderful addition to a partially shaded, woodland garden, but they will thrive in full sun as well. Their soil requirements are minimal, just give them good drainage and they will be happy. Plant the bulbs in fall at the same time you plant tulips and daffodils. Good for gardens in zones 4-9. Iris Reticulata - Commonly named reticulated iris, the curved perennial iris is easily grown in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. The plum petals make a perfect choice for the gardener who is craving a delightful pop of color. Good for garden zones 5-9. Leucojum aestivum, ‘Gravetye Giant’ – The white, bell-shaped flowers of this plant are edged with a chartreuse green. I like this variety because the blooms are larger than other leucojums.

10. WHICH BULBS ARE BEST FOR FORCING INDOORS?

The easiest spring flowering bulbs for forcing are amaryllis, paperwhites, hyacinths, muscari and large flowering crocus. Other bulbs that can be forced but may require a little more attention are tulips, miniature daffodils, lily-of-the-valley and freesias. 35

TULIPS Color Galore!

Moss Mountain Farm

Shown Above: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Passion for Pink Collection 37

TULIP COLLECTIONS

garden carnival

garden party

sherbet dessert

Mid Season Bloomer • $15.00

Mid Season Bloomer • $19.00

Mid Season Bloomer • $18.00

5 bulbs of each variety, for a total of 15 bulbs

5 bulbs of each variety, for a total of 20 bulbs

5 bulbs of each variety, for a total of 10 bulbs

The garden carnival color varieties of orange, violet, and maroon remind me of gleeful carnivals from when I was a young boy, and display performances surely pleasing to the eye.

The whimsical shapes of the garden party will be sure to delight with shades of purple, pink, and white, never to disappoint any guest.

The pink, white, and purple color varieties of the sherbet dessert are simply appetizing for any garden, leaving the artistic eye full of delight.

garden radiance

pastel perfection

sweet dreams

Mid Season Bloomer • $9.00

Mid Season Bloomer • $16.00

Mid Season Bloomer • $13.50

5 bulbs of each variety, for a total of 10 bulbs

5 bulbs of each variety, for a total of 15 bulbs

The luminosity of the garden radiance, pink and white color variety, are sure to provide an ample amount of praise and admiration.

The purple, pink, and yellow color varieties of the pastel perfection create a playful backdrop for any garden.

Sweet dreams offers peace and tranquility to any garden, with colors of pink, purple, and white.

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elegant profusion

contrasting beauties

vibrance

Mid Season Bloomer • $15.00

Mid Season Bloomer • $9.00

5 bulbs of each variety, for a total of 15 bulbs

5 bulbs of each variety, for a total of 10 bulbs

Embrace abundance in elegant profusion, with colors of red, white, and pink.

Find distinction, with colors of purple and orange, in contrasting beauties.

Welcome vibrance with colors of pink and orange, that create a spirited offering.

eye catcher

spring parade

bold statement

Mid Season Bloomer • $15.00

Mid Season Bloomer • $13.50

Mid Season Bloomer • $15.00

5 bulbs of each variety, for a total of 15 bulbs

This color combination will be sure to turn heads, with orange, yellow, and purple.

Get inspired with spring parade, with color varieties of purple, white, and pink.

Make a bold statement to all your garden guests, with colors of purple and orange.

Mid Season Bloomer • $9.00 5 bulbs of each variety, for a total of 10 bulbs

TULIP COLLECTIONS

elegance redefined Mid Season Bloomer • $9.00 5 bulbs of each variety, for a total of 10 bulbs Show your sophisticated style with colors of yellow and pink in elegance redefined.

passion for pink Mid Season Bloomer • $27.00 5 bulbs of each variety, for a total of 30 bulbs With charming colors of pink and white, passion for pink will have you singing songs of harmony and inner peace.

peachy king Mid Season Bloomer • $13.50 5 bulbs of each variety, for a total of 15 bulbs This timeless classic, peachy king, will create beauty with colors of yellow, peach, and pink.

Moss Mountain Farm

spring rush

purely spring

Mid Season Bloomer • $4.50 - qty 5 bulbs

Mid Season Bloomer • $5.25 - qty 5 bulbs

Bask in the beauty of spring rush, with colors of orange, red, and purple.

Take pleasure in purely spring, with shades of creamy white, that is surely to delight.

love of spring

constant comment

Mid Season Bloomer • $5.50 - qty 5 bulbs

Mid Season Bloomer • $6.00 - qty 5 bulbs

Delight in the fountain of beauty with colors of pink and purple, in the love of spring.

Guests from afar will be sure to enjoy constant comment, with colors of pink, yellow, and orange.

Shown below: ‘Moonshine’ Tulip, and ‘Hakuun’ Tulip

TULIP BASICS In autumn when most people are visiting pumpkin patches and making Halloween costumes, gardeners are thinking ahead to spring. For gorgeous tulip blooms in April and May, the bulbs need to be planted in fall. I’ve planted them as late the week between Christmas and the New Year, and they have performed beautifully.

Moss Mountain Farm

TULIP FAST FACTS The range of tulip varieties available to us today is enormous, but

removing them. In areas where spring is short and summer is hot,

don’t let that overwhelm you. Tulips are categorized into many groups

gardeners usually replace tulips every year.

or classifications known as divisions, depending on how the flower looks: single early, double early, triumph, Darwin hybrid, single late, lily flowered, fringed, viridiflora, Rembrandt, parrot, double late, Kaufmanniana, Fosteriana, Griegii, and miscellaneous (species), all are beautiful and can find a home in your garden. It’s helpful to know the divisions and the sequence of their blooms to plan for more continuous color. Here is a general guide. EARLY FLOWERING – single early, double early,

Greigii, Kaufmanniana, Fosteriana, species

Plant tulip bulbs in fall at least 30 days before the ground freezes. Keep the bulbs cool, below 65 degrees, and in a dark place until ready to plant. An empty refrigerator or cool garage or basement is ideal. Make sure bulbs are not stored with apples or other ripening fruit as the ethylene gas the fruit emits will kill the tulip bulb. Tulips perform best when grown in full sun, and generally normal rainfall is enough moisture. In the event of a day of winter or early spring, it may be necessary to water the beds and containers as plenty of moisture is needed for the roots and flower buds develop

MID-SEASON FLOWERING – Darwin, Triumph,

underground. They tolerate a wide range of soils as long as the

Parrot

drainage is good.

LATE-SEASON

FLOWERING – Single late,

double late, viridiflora, lily, fringed, Rembrandt Most early and mid-season tulip varieties are excellent for forcing. To do that, purchase non-precooled bulbs, plant them in a pot or your favorite container, cover with fine mulch and keep in a cool place

A friend of mine refers to tulips as the parrots of the spring garden because of their outrageous and bold color displays. I find tulips are most dramatic when planted in drifts or masses with clumps of at least 15 – 20 bulbs. It is recommended to space the bulbs 5 – 6 inches apart, but for a bigger splash, space the bulbs 1 – 3 inches apart.

(around 40 degrees) such as a shed or garage for 6 – 10 weeks. Then

Other perennials, or winter annuals such as violas, pansies, heuchera,

move the pot into a warm room until growth is well underway. The

and low growing spring flowers like pansies and violas are good

blooms will keep longer if the container is placed in a relatively cool

companions for tulips. Just plant these flowers right over the bulbs

room and out of direct sunlight.

and the tulips will come up through the foliage. Where winters are

Tulips can grow from 4 inches to 28 inches high depending on their type. I once grew ‘blushing lady’ to 30 inches tall! I took a yard stick into the garden to verify my astonishment. Tulips thrive in climates with long cool springs, dry summers and cold winters. To try to keep them from year to year, plant at the recommended depth, or slightly deeper, remove faded blooms so they do not produce seed, and allow the leaves to yellow before

mild, plant pansies and violas in fall, but cold climate gardeners can plant them in spring. A background of a small evergreen hedge will also make the blooms stand out against the green canvas. You could plant tulips in containers for additional color. Pots of various types of spring bulbs are a joy to behold grouped in clusters on a patio or terrace. I like to position them so I can see them easily from inside the house.

Moss Mountain Farm

"Life is the flower for which love is the honey." â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Victor Hugo

Moss Mountain Farm

1. AFFAIRE Mid Season Bloomer • $6.00 - qty 5 bulbs White with pink-purple edging.

2. ANGELIQUE Mid Season Bloomer • $5.50 - qty 5 bulbs White ruffled petals with a flush of light rose pink.

3. APRICOT DELIGHT Mid Season Bloomer • $5.00 - qty 5 bulbs Pink, with a slight touch of apricot, a white center, and dark pink on the outer petals.

4. APRICOT IMPRESSION Mid Season Bloomer • $4.50 - qty 5 bulbs Apricot and pink blooms.

5. ATTILA Mid Season Bloomer • $5.00 - qty 5 bulbs A rich violet, and with maturity, the Attila turns red/purple.

6. BALLERINA Mid Season Bloomer • $4.75 - qty 5 bulbs Reddish orange petals.

7. BEAUTY OF APELDOORN Mid Season Bloomer • $4.50 - qty 5 bulbs Golden-orange, with red flames.

8. BEAUTY OF SPRING Mid Season Bloomer • $6.00 - qty 5 bulbs Yellow, with red edges.

9. BIG SMILE Mid Season Bloomer • $5.00 - qty 5 bulbs Warm golden yellow.

1. BLUE DIAMOND Mid Season Bloomer • $5.50 - qty 5 bulbs Double violet-purple flowers.

2. BLUSHING LADY Mid Season Bloomer • $5.50 - qty 5 bulbs Pale yellow, with a flush of light rose pink.

3. CAPE HOLLAND Mid Season Bloomer • $5.00 - qty 5 bulbs Deep pink.

4. CLAUDIA Mid Season Bloomer • $4.50 - qty 5 bulbs Rose-purple pointed petals.

5. CARNIVAL DE NICE Mid Season Bloomer • $6.00 - qty 5 bulbs Double white petals, and a raspberry splash.

6. CUM LAUDE Mid Season Bloomer • $6.00 - qty 5 bulbs Deep purple.

7. DON QUICHOTTE Mid Season Bloomer • $4.50 - qty 5 bulbs Dark rose pink, with a purple sheen.

8. DORDOGNE Mid Season Bloomer • $5.25 - qty 5 bulbs Raspberry petals with an orange margin.

9. FRINGED ELEGANCE Mid Season Bloomer • $5.25 - qty 5 bulbs Fringed yellow blooms, that fade into a soft yellow along the edges.

Moss Mountain Farm

9 49

Moss Mountain Farm

1. HAKUUN Mid Season Bloomer • $5.00 - qty 5 bulbs Pure white petals.

2. IVORY FLORADALE Mid Season Bloomer • $5.75 - qty 5 bulbs Ivory blooms, with a soft yellow center.

3. JUAN Mid Season Bloomer • $5.00 - qty 5 bulbs Deep orange-red, bowl shaped blooms, with a yellow base.

4. MARILYN Mid Season Bloomer • $5.25 - qty 5 bulbs Arched white petals, with red streaks throughout, and a red base.

5. MENTON Mid Season Bloomer • $4.75 - qty 5 bulbs Rose-pink, with light orange stripes, a red center, and base color of yellow and white.

6. MOONSHINE Mid Season Bloomer• $5.50 - qty 5 bulbs Yellow, recurved, and pointed petals.

7. NEGRITA Mid Season Bloomer • $4.50 - qty 5 bulbs Frilled, red-purple, petals.

8. OLLIOULES Mid Season Bloomer • $4.75 - qty 5 bulbs Rose pink color, with a white edge.

9. ORANGE ANGELIQUE Mid Season Bloomer • $6.00 - qty 5 bulbs Double soft apricot-peach petals, with flushes of cream and a soft yellow.

1. ORANGE QUEEN Mid Season Bloomer • $5.25 - qty 5 bulbs Red-orange, and a mid-spring bloomer.

2. PASSIONALE Mid Season Bloomer • $4.75 - qty 5 bulbs Dark plum petals, with darker purple flames throughout.

3. PINK DIAMOND Mid Season Bloomer • $6.00 - qty 5 bulbs Soft pink, with a slightly paler pink along the edges.

4. PINK IMPRESSION Mid-Late Season Bloomer • $4.75 - qty 5 bulbs Soft pink, with a deep rose pink center.

5. PURPLE PRIDE Mid Season Bloomer • $4.50 - qty 5 bulbs Violet-purple, and a mid-spring bloomer.

5 52

Moss Mountain Farm

6. QUEEN OF THE NIGHT Mid Season Bloomer • $4.75 - qty 5 bulbs Dark maroon-purple.

7. VAN EYK Mid Season Bloomer • $4.00 - qty 5 bulbs Lavender-pink, and a mid-spring bloomer.

8. VICTORIA’S SECRET Mid Season Bloomer • $6.25 - qty 5 bulbs Ruffled, layered, and blue-violet, petals.

9. VIOLET BEAUTY Late Season Bloomer • $5.50 - qty 5 bulbs Purple blooms, with a white center. Pairs well with 'Queen of the Night'

10. VIRICHIC Late Season Bloomer • $6.00 - qty 5 bulbs Bright pink, pointed and reflexed petals, with a yellow and light green center. Stunning, lily-like

blooms.

10 53

Shown Above: ‘Commander in Chief’ Asiatic Lily 54

Moss Mountain Farm

LILIES

Blooms that Inspire...

Shown Above: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;John Hancockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Asiatic Lily

Lilies 101 Lilies are one of those plants that offer a big return on your investment. Just a little effort in planting the bulbs will reap years of fragrant, colorful blooms. Lilies belong in the family lilium. Lilium is a large family of plants and some are easier to grow than others. Three common types are Asiatic, Oriental and Trumpet.

Moss Mountain Farm

When the lilies begin to bloom at Moss Mountain Farm, they fill the gardens with such a beautiful fragrance. Some, of course, are more fragrant than others. True garden lilies are not to be confused with daylilies. Their bold blooms usher in the next season of bloom once the alliums and early roses have stepped off the stage. Their majestic and bold flowers are like large brush strokes on an impressionist painting. I am constantly trying both old and new varieties in different ways in the gardens. Early blooming Asiatics for instance, are great companions with black eyed susans (rudbeckia); the lilies bloom first then the black eyed susans follow late in the summer. It’s amazing just how beautiful and stunning this variety is among ornamental gardens and peruvian verbena during the hottest day of July. Asiatic Hybrids — One of the most carefree summer bulbs that I grow are Asiatic lilies. They are perfect for cutting gardens and containers, of the true garden lilies these are the first to bloom. I like to add five to 10 bulbs to my raised vegetable garden so I will have plenty on hand to use as cut flowers. Asiatics are loyal perennials as I’ve had clumps for over 10 years. They don’t have much fragrance but they make up for it in color and easy care. Lily Oriental Hybrids — Like a Southern grand dame dressed in her Sunday best, Oriental lilies are bright, flamboyant and heavily perfumed! Regardless of the variety,I can’t imagine my garden without these royal beauties. They will perform well in partial shade, and beautifully in containers. Trumpet Lily Trumpet and Aurelian Hybrids — The lilies in this group tend to bear striking trumpet-shaped blooms on tall stalks. Many are quite fragrant too. The flowers are so large the plant may require staking, but what an amazing statement in the garden! ‘African Queen’ with its’ apricot/melon color is a favorite.

PLANTING LILY BULBS Lilies are planted as bulbs in fall or early spring. If you plant in fall be sure to mark the area so you’ll know to look out for emerging growth. I’ve unknowingly stepped on the tender shoots more than once and it’s completely heartbreaking. Lily bulbs should be fresh and firm with plenty of white roots. Lily bulbs never go completely dormant like daffodil and tulip bulbs so you should handle them with more care. Select a spot that receives the right amount of sunlight for the type of lily you are planting. For instance, an Asiatic lily appreciates full sun while an Oriental lily can take partial shade. All lilies need good drainage. Wet, soggy soils are the kiss of death. To ensure good drainage I pour a little sand in the bottom of the planting hole, and plenty of compost.. You can also get around heavy soil by planting lilies in containers or raised beds and containers. I like to plant lilies in clumps of 3 to 5 bulbs. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the bulb and roots. Plant small bulbs 3 to 4 inches deep, and larger bulbs 4 to 6 inches deep. Gently place the bulb in the hole, spread the roots, cover with soil and water in. That’s it! After your lilies bloom, just cut off the top of the flower, this will keep it from producing seed heads. Also when you cut blooms for using in arrangements, take no more than one third of the stem. You see, the idea is to leave enough foliage so the plant can build up energy in the bulb for next year’s blooms.

HOW TO WORK WITH

ASIATIC LILIES

Our Lilies are the LARGEST SIZE BULBS available!

Shown Above: ‘Commander in Chief’ Asiatic Lily 58

Moss Mountain Farm

ASIATIC LILY

commander in chief Early-Mid Summer Bloomer • $7.50 - qty 3 bulbs The ‘Commander in Chief’ has large, brick red blossoms, and is 4-5’ tall and an early to mid-summer bloomer.

el tigre Early Summer Bloomer • $7.50 - qty 3 bulbs The ‘El Tigre’ Asiatic Lily has large, bright orange centers, and is 4’ tall with early summer bloom.

giraffe Early Summer Bloomer • $7.50 - qty 3 bulbs The ‘Giraffe’ lily has large golden yellow blooms, and is 4-5’ tall with early summer bloom.

john hancock Early Summer Bloomer • $7.50 - qty 3 bulbs This ‘John Hancock’ lily has large bright yellow flowers, highlighted by dark red brush strokes in the center, and is 3-4’ tall, with early summer bloom.

ORIENTAL LILIES Our Lilies are the LARGEST SIZE BULBS available!

Shown Above: ‘Casa Blanca’ Oriental Lily 60

Moss Mountain Farm

casa blanca

playtime

Mid Summer Bloomer $12.50 - qty 3 bulbs

Late Summer Bloomer $12.50 - qty 3 bulbs

Pure white color and sweet aroma, the ‘Casa Blanca’ is 5-6’ tall, and has auburn anthers with a green throat.

‘Playtime’ lily has fragrant snow-white petals, that are brushed with a two-tone blend of canary yellow and rose-red. This ‘Playtime’ lily is 3’ tall.

rio negro

sorbonne

Mid Summer Bloomer $12.50 - qty 3 bulbs

Mid-Late Summer Bloomer $12.50 - qty 3 bulbs

‘Rio Negro’ lily has fragrant ruffled blooms that are dark red, and trimmed with a narrow white edge. This ‘Rio Negro’ is 3-4’ tall, and has chocolate star located right in the center of the flower.

‘Sorbonne’ lily has wide fragrant lavender-pink petals, with white margins, and dark pink spots. This ‘Sorbonne’ is 4’ tall.

Our Lilies are the LARGEST SIZE BULBS available!

TRUMPET LILIES

Shown Above: ‘Golden Splendor’ Trumpet Lily

Moss Mountain Farm

african queen

golden splendor

Mid Summer Bloomer $15.00 - qty 3 bulbs

‘African Queen’ lily has large fragrant trumpet-shaped blooms, with broad strokes of bright tangerine at the center of each soft apricot colored petal. This ‘African Queen’ is 5’ tall.

‘Golden Splendor’ lily has fragrant gold petals wrapped in maroon stripes. This ‘Golden Splendor’ is 5’ tall.

pink perfection

regale

Mid Summer Bloomer $15.00 - qty 3 bulbs

Early-Late Summer Bloomer $15.00 - qty 3 bulbs

‘Pink Perfection’ lily has large, and fragrant, deep pink petals, with outward facing, funnel shaped flowers that are 10-12 inches long. This ‘Pink Perfection’ is 5-6’ tall.

‘Regale’ lily has fragrant white petals with golden throats and purple washed exteriors. This ‘Regale’ is 4-5’ tall.

LA HYBRID LILIES Our Lilies are the LARGEST SIZE BULBS available!

bright diamond Mid Summer Bloomer • $7.50 - qty 3 bulbs The ‘Bright Diamond’ lily is 4-5’ tall and has large white flowers with mid-summer bloom. Light up your garden with the ‘Bright Diamond’!

yellow diamond Mid Summer Bloomer • $7.50 - qty 3 bulbs The ‘Yellow Diamond’ lily is 3-4’ tall and has sunny yellow blooms with mid-summer bloom. Light up your garden with the ‘Yellow Diamond’!

Moss Mountain Farm

SURPRISE LILY

surprise lily Late Summer Bloomer • $7.50 - qty 1 bulb (Lycoris squamigera) My Aunt Genny gave me our first bulbs for Moss Mountain Farm years ago. Each year, I look forward to their elegant blooms. They are carefree and reliable friends. The flowers are pink and fragrant and spring dramatically from the ground in mid to late summer; it usually takes only four to five days from first emergence to full bloom. This suddenness is reflected in its common names; ‘Surprise’ lily, ‘Magic’ lily, or ‘Resurrection’ lily. Also, because there is no foliage associated with these beauties when they bloom, they are called ‘Naked Ladies’.

WHY I LOVE

SURPRISE LILIES

Shown: ‘Gladiator’ Allium, ‘Schuberti’ Allium 66

Moss Mountain Farm

ALLIUMS

Punctuate your Garden!

ALL ABOUT

ALLIUMS

“ W h e n e v e r yo u c rea te a g a rd en, y ou w a nt to d o s o m e t h in g t h at ’s rea lly sp ec ia l a nd unique, y ou c a n do t h at b y addin g some rea lly fun p la nts like th ese Al l iu m s , o r o r n a menta l onions. I ts a s th oug h D r. S e u s s adde d a touc h of w h imsey a nd ma g ic ! ”

Alliums are like bold punctuation points in the spring garden. Its the bulb I always wish I had planted more of because of their personality and extraordinary nature. The timing of their bloom coincides with many of our early flowering roses such as ‘Cornelia’ and the combination is like pure nectar. Alliums have also a place, in my opinion, where chartreuse appears in the garden. Alliums set against golden hops or the electric color of chartreuse colored leaves of golden spined or abelia makes for a memorable image. 68

Moss Mountain Farm

gladiator $6.95 - qty 1 bulb (A. Gladiator) ‘Gladiator’ Allium has large fragrant lavenderblue florets, with round softball sized heads, on 3–4 stems. This strong and beautiful allium is an early-summer bloomer.

drumstick $4.50 - qty 25 bulbs (A. spharerocephalon) ‘Drumstick’ Allium has wine-colored florets on wiry stems. This whimsical allium is a mid summer bloomer.

purple flowering $8.50 - qty 5 bulbs (A. Atropurpureum) The ‘Purple Flowering’ Allium has fragrant dark red, almost black, loosely formed florets. This ‘Purple Flowering’ Allium has 2 inch flower heads on strong 20–30 inch stems, and is a late spring bloomer. Create your perfect garden with the ‘Purple Flowering’ Allium!

starburst $15.00 - qty 3 bulbs (A. Schubertii) The ‘Starburst’ Allium has purple florets that have a 1-1.5 inch spread. ‘Starburst’ Allium has a height of 1-2 feet and does best in zones 5 to 8. Create a show-stopping piece in your garden with ‘Starburst’ Allium! 69

SPANISH BLUEBELL Crazy for Blue!

Moss Mountain Farm

SPANISH

BLUEBELL For those who love true blue flowers, Spanish bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica) is the plant for you. This flower’s Old World charm brings to mind poems by Wordsworth or Shakespearean tales. Even the name has a lyrical quality to it. Many of you may already be familiar with Hyacinthoides hispanica, but under its former name Scilla hispanica or just scilla or squill. There is also an English bluebell, (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) that blooms earlier and is smaller in stature. Spanish bluebells grow to about 3 to 4 times taller than their English cousins. They will also require more sunlight than English bluebells. Spanish bluebells are a wonderful addition to a partially shaded woodland garden, but they will thrive in full sun as well. Their soil requirements are

spanish bluebell $4.00 - qty 5 bulbs (H. Hispanica ‘Excelsior’) The ‘Spanish Bluebell’ is a deep violet-blue, and has bell-shaped flowers, making it a desirable selection for any garden!

minimal, just give them good drainage and they will be happy. Plant the bulbs in fall at the same time you plant tulips and daffodils. Once they are established you will find Spanish bluebells are very drought tolerant and need little attention. They naturalize by both bulb offsets and self-seeding so they are perfect for wildflower meadows, wooded glens and anywhere else you would like to add a little poetry.

LEUCOJUM Say What? Must Have...

Moss Mountain Farm

SUMMER SNOWFLAKE

DEER RESISTANT AND RELIABLE A

spring flower that is easy to grow and deer-

resistant. However, its exotic-sounding name has not served it well. Nor has its common name ‘summer snowflake,’ as it blooms in the spring, not summer, on the heels of our daffodils. I’ve grown ‘Gravetye Giant’ for years, and it’s one of those old reliable ‘must-have’ bulbs for the spring garden. Their delicate white blooms with tiny green dots

summer snowflake

might lead one to think this is a fussy plant to grow, but nothing could be farther from the truth. And

$9.75 - qty 5 bulbs

what beautiful cut flowers they make! Like daffodils,

(Leucojeum ‘Gravetye Giant’) The ‘Summer Snowflake’ has white, bell shaped blooms, with green-tipped tepals. This ‘Summer Snowflake’ is deer resistant, therefore making it a perfect choice for gardeners!

you will often see these flowers growing around old hemocytes, a testament to their hearty and persistent nature. Leucojum bloom between April and May, so they need to be planted in the fall along with other spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils and tulips. Plant these bulbs in partial shade about 4 inches apart. Snowflakes like consistent moisture and will even tolerate soggy soils.

HOSTAS It's all about Texture!

Moss Mountain Farm

Shown Above: ‘Empress Wu’ Hosta 75

blue mouse ears $8.00 - 1 quart pot 8" tall, 12" spread, with lavender flowers. This adorable mini hosta has thick and round blue-green to grey-green leaves. Charming with ajuga and Japanese painted fern.

curly fries $8.00 - 1 quart pot 6" tall, 16" spread. 'Curly Fries' are among everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite! Its leaves are arching, narrowed, and wiggly narrow. This petite-sized hosta is the perfect selection for your garden, especially when planted in a container. Love growing this one with Creeping Jenny.

mighty mouse $9.50 - 1 quart pot 8" tall, 12" spread. In the spring the rounded leaves are blue-green with bright yellow trim. In the summer, their leaves transition to grey-green with white trim. This hosta produces lavender flowers. This petite hosta will make a perfect choice to patio containers.

Moss Mountain Farm

mini skirt $10.00 - 1 quart pot 5" tall, 13" spread. This small hosta has mini blue-green leaves with yellow trim in spring. In summer, the center turns a deeper green and the edge lighten. This hosta produces lavender flowers with dark purple stripes. Show off your 'Mini Skirt' hosta in patio containers or plant near the edge of your landscape for a beautiful and simple statement.

empress wu $12.50 - 1 quart pot 3-4' tall, 5-6' spread. I have used 'Empress Wu' in a large container as a focal point for years and everyone that sees them are astonished by the size of the leavesâ&#x20AC;Śindeed an impressive presence. 'Empress Wu' produces pale reddish-violet flowers with huge, thick, deeply veined dark green leaves that can measure more than a foot wide. Its large leaves are formed while it is young, though the entire clump can take 5 or more years to reach full maturity. It will form a massive, upright clump that will make an outstanding focal point in your garden.

humpback whale $9.50 - 1 quart pot 3' tall, 7' spread. It can take several years to achieve mature size, but it is worth the wait! This 'Humpback Whale' hosta has dome-shaped blue-green, corrugated and heart-shaped leaves. Its color is bluer in the spring with white flowers blooming in the summer. This giant whale of hosta is a show-stopper for any garden.

komodo dragon $9.50 - 1 quart pot 30" tall, 7' spread. This 'Komodo Dragon' hosta produces large, dark green leaves with white lines along the edge. The 'Komodo Dragon' has lavender blooms in the summer.

royal standard $8.00 - 1 quart pot 26" tall, 63" spread. The 'Royal Standard' hosta has wavy green, glossy pointed leaves. This hosta produces white flowers in late summer.

wu-la-la $10.00 - 1 quart pot 36" tall, 48" spread. This offshoot of 'Empress Wu' has blue-green leaves have striking apple-green edges. Like other giant hostas, this hosta will take about 5 years to reach full maturity and size. The size of this plant will definitely be a conversation starter! Purple flowers will appear early to midsummer.

Moss Mountain Farm

Made in the Shade Whenever I talk to people about their gardens, one of the

important to be careful what you plant in those areas.

most frequently asked questions is, “What can I grow in the

Hydrangeas, azaleas and hostas struggle when exposed to

shade?” Many homeowners view these areas of reduced light

several hours of western sun, while they seem less bothered

as “problem spots” and “no-grow” zones.

with the same amount of morning light.

The good news is that although you may be more familiar with

Good to Know: Know Your Shade

plants that flourish in full sun, there is also a beautiful selection

To select the right plants for your shade garden ask yourself

of shade-loving plants that can add color and interest to those

these questions and then select varieties that best suit the site.

darker areas of your garden. In fact, I have found these often

Do I have dry or moist shade?

little-used places to be wonderful opportunities to create

Is the area fully shaded all day or are there periods when it gets

refreshing havens when summer temperatures climb. But,

sunlight? If the area receives periods of sunlight, what time of

before you place your order, there are some tips you should

the day does it happen and for how long?

know that will help you achieve the best results.

Raise the Shades

A New Mindset

If you are faced with deep shade under trees, one way you

First, readjust your thinking that everything in the garden

can bring more light to the understory is to lift the canopy

needs to bloom. Even in sunny areas, I find the most interesting

by pruning some of the lower branches. I call this “raising the

compositions are a mixture of flowering and foliage plants.

shades.” It’s important to remove limbs in a balanced way so

Discover all the beautiful varieties of hostas, ferns, variegated

the tree continues to look natural and attractive. This type of

foliage plants, shrubs, vines and ground covers that will

pruning will allow the sun to come in at an angle, bringing in

brighten shady areas with their colorful leaves. Next, blend

filtered light.

in some flowering shade plants such as impatiens, columbine, lamium, spiderwort, and torenia.

Create Focal Point Shady spots are perfect places to create a dramatic focal point.

Working Around Tree Roots

An eye-catching object in a darkened area makes a powerful

Turning over soil to create bed space around tree roots can be

visual hook. A brightly painted bench, statue, ornament, or a

difficult and can potentially harm the health of the tree. The

colorful container full of bright plants can add interest to an

good news is that these areas don’t have to go neglected. You

otherwise overlooked area of the garden. Or, perhaps a bold

can add beautiful splashes of color to dark areas under trees

planting of a large or variegated leaved hosta could intrigue

with container gardens. Pack the containers full of vibrant

the eye.

flowers and foliage for drama.

Dry Shade

Morning or Afternoon Light

For dry, shady locations the best solution often is to plant

As you think about what you would like to plant in your shade

ground covers. Check with local garden centers for the varieties

garden, observe the area through the day and note the light

suited to your growing zone. In my zone 7 garden, I’ve had

conditions as they change from morning to night. What I’ve

good luck with Bishop’s weed (Aegopodium podagraria), vinca

discovered, especially in warmer parts of the country, is that

(Vinca minor), variegated wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei),

the afternoon sun, when even for a few hours of discreet sun,

liriope and varieties of mondo grass as well as epimediums,

is especially hard on shade loving plants, so it is especially

sometimes called ‘Bishop’s hat’ or ‘Barrenwort.’

el niĂąo $9.50 - 1 quart pot 17" tall, 29" spread. With blue-green pointed leaves that have white edges, this hosta is a must. This 'El Nino' hosta produces bell-shaped flowers lavender flowers that are produced in midsummer.

handâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up $10.00 - 1 quart pot 14" tall, 20" spread. The very unique 'Hands Up' hosta features very thick, slug resistant leaves that stand nearly straight up to form an upright mound in your garden. The leaves twist as they rise, giving rise to the name, 'Hands Up'. Lavender flowers appear in the summer.

stained glass $6.00 - 1 quart pot 15" tall, 48" spread, with fragrant lavender flowers. Large, beautiful, golden leaves with wide, dark-green edges. Variegation appears early in the season while the veins throughout give it the look of "stained glass".

Moss Mountain Farm

sweet innocence $9.50 - 1 quart pot 15" tall, 36" spread, produces white flowers in late summer. With apple-green leaves and a wide cream edges this hosta choice will be the focal point of any garden. The leaves turn bright white by midsummer and gains more beauty as the summer season progresses.

waterslide $12.50 - 1 quart pot 14" tall, 32" spread. The blue, rippled leaves of the 'Waterslide' hosta will make you remember your childhood summer with all over again! Lavender flowers make their grand appearance in late summer. This medium-sized hosta makes the perfect addition to any garden.

abiqua drinking gourd $8.00 - 1 quart pot 18" tall, 36" spread, with white flowers. Dark blue-green leaves with display a beautiful cupped form up to "3 inches" deep. The 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' is slug resistant and makes a great addition to any landscape.

Moss Mountain Farm

1. DIAMOND LAKE $10.00 - 1 quart pot 18" tall, 45" spread, with fragrant pale lavender flowers that appear in early to mid summer. With beautiful, heart-shaped, thick corrugated blue leaves that have wavy edges, this large sized plant makes a great addition to any garden. The leaves can get up to "9 inches" wide by "11 inches" long. With slug resistance benefits, who wouldn’t want this 'Diamond Lake' hosta?

2. GUACAMOLE $6.50 - 1 quart pot 22" tall, 38" spread, with fragrant pale lavender flowers. The 'Guacamole' hosta has huge, glossy, apple-green leaves that are streaked with dark-green edges. Leaf centers become brighter gold in the summer when exposed to more sunlight while the edges remain dark green.

3. MINUTEMAN $7.50 - 1 quart pot 18" tall, 30" spread, with pale lavender flowers. The 'Minuteman' hosta has impressive very dark green leaves that are surrounded by a wide, white edge. The leaves are sometimes cupped and slightly wavy. The 'Minuteman' makes a show stopping addition to any garden.

4. NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS $7.50 - 1 quart pot 18" tall, 36" spread, with pale lavender flowers. The 'Night Before Christmas' hosta has huge, dark-green leaves with a remarkable white center. This hosta attracts both hummingbirds and songbirds and makes the perfect addition to any garden.

5. RHINO HIDE $15.00 - 1 quart pot 20" tall, 40" spread. This 'Rhino Hide' hosta lives up to its name. The texture of the leaves will remind you of a rhino’s hide. The 'Rhino Hide' hosta has blue edges and a narrow, light-green center that brightens to yellow. The leaves are cupped and produce white flowers in early to midsummer. The 'Rhino Hide' hosta is slug resistant making it a perfect addition to any garden!

6. SILVER SHADOW $9.00 - 1 quart pot 18" tall, 36" spread, with lavender flowers. Shiny dark-green leaves, with slug resistance, and a thin silvery-white edge making this a perfect addition to any garden.

Shown Above: ‘Empress Wu’ Hosta

REBLOOMING

IRIS

Say it Again...Rebloomers!

Moss Mountain Farm

Shown Above: ‘Cordoba Bearded’ Iris 85

Tall Bearded

Reblooming

IRIS

When I studied in England, I visited a well-known garden called Hestercombe on a day in May when the tall bearded irises were in full bloom. In one of the garden rooms, I found a long double row of tall bearded irises masterfully arranged in a way where one color family subtly gave way to the next. The border began with mahogany and ended with a blue as pale as a summer sky. In between there were iris blooms of sepia, ochre, gold, yellow and a whole range of blues. In my own garden, I don’t have the space to recreate the tall bearded iris planting I saw at Hestercombe, but I have adapted the design’s approach to color. I have found planting several varieties from the same color family makes a similarly elegant presentation, such as selecting five different

CUTTING BACK

IRIS

blue irises ranging from the palest, almost white, to azure blue. When you plant tall bearded iris, choose a sunny location. For those living in hot climates, a little afternoon shade is beneficial. They like a slightly alkaline, well-draining soil. Tall bearded iris grow from a rhizome; it looks similar to a ginger root. To plant, dig a hole and mound soil in the middle. Set the rhizome on the mound with the roots fanned out. Cover the roots and leave the top of the rhizome slightly exposed. Water well. Tall Bearded Iris: Iris germanica Zone: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9 Categories: perennial, sun garden favorite Bloom Time: May - June - repeat bloom in late summer and fall Light: Full Sun

Moss Mountain Farm

Shown Above: ‘City Lights’ Iris

Stop the Car Reblooming Iris Collection $17.00 - 1 quart pot each of three varieties This collection includes one each of the following irises (pictured below): ‘Pleasant Peasant’, ‘Innocent Star’ and ‘Blatant’

pleasant peasant $7.00 - 1 quart pot The ‘Pleasant Peasant’ iris has bright golden yellow standards and falls are accented with a tangerine beard and a bit of mahogany veining. Beautiful paired with any other iris variety in the deep purple tones.

innocent star $6.50 - 1 quart pot The ‘Innocent Star’ iris has white standards with dark beetroot burgundy wash. White falls with dark beetroot burgundy shoulders and edging add unique visual appeal while the orange beards aid in the beautiful color contrast. Ruffled with a slight sweet fragrance.

blatant $7.50 - 1 quart pot This lovely re-bloomer features lemon yellow standards over rich burgundy falls, feathered at the edge with the same golden yellow of the beard. Lushly fragrant.

Sweet Dessert Reblooming Iris Collection $28.00 - 1 quart pot each of three varieties This collection includes one each of the following irises (pictured below): ‘Bernice’s Legacy’, ‘Priscilla of Corinth’, ‘Rock Star’ ‘My Friend Jonathan’ and ‘October Splendor’

1. BERNICE’S LEGACY $7.00 - 1 quart pot Lush garnet falls shaded with cinnamon and mahogany, gorgeously accented with bronzed gold beards. Frilly standards allow canary yellow to peek through. An exceptionally strong bloomer that performs well even in light shade.

2. PRISCILLA OF CORINTH $6.50 - 1 quart pot

‘ Priscilla of Corinth’ iris is beautifully laced and ruffled light pinkish peach blooms with coral beards. Old fashion traditional iris look with a great rebloom!

3. ROCK STAR $7.00 - 1 quart pot Ruffled pale apricot falls are heavily banded and overlaid with rich raspberry-rose plicata markings, the same color of the standards. Beards are red-orange with speckled red violet horns.

4. MY FRIEND JONATHAN $7.00 - 1 quart pot ‘ My Friend Jonathan’ is a bright fuchsia & brick red blend, and has very unique veined chocolate beards that appear almost bronze. This iris is very lightly ruffled and faintly laced.

5. OCTOBER SPLENDOR $7.50 - 1 quart pot ‘ October Splendor’ iris is ruffled with a lightly laced pink beard with pops of tangerine. This variety has a pronounced sweet fragrance.

Moss Mountain Farm

halloween halo $6.50 - 1 quart pot The ‘Halloween Halo’ iris has white standards that are delicately etched with yellow while a yellow-amber halo edges the falls. The bright orange beards add to the visual appeal, and they have an enticing sweet fragrance.

cordoba $7.00 - 1 quart pot The ‘Cordoba’ iris is one of my favorites. I fell in love when I saw its jaw dropping blooms. Its blooms have bright orange beards that highlight the hot mango orange color also present on these gorgeous petals. The heavy lavish ruffles and great vigorous growth habits make this the perfect addition to any garden.

champagne elegance $7.00 - 1 quart pot Delicately shaded apricot amoena. Near white standards, light apricot falls.

Warm Sunrise Reblooming Iris Collection $17.00 - 1 quart pot each of three varieties This collection includes one each of the following irises (pictured above): ‘Halloween Halo’, ‘Cordoba’ and ‘Champagne Elegance’

Tranquil Moment Reblooming Iris Collection $22.00 - 1 quart pot each of four varieties This collection includes one each of the following irises (pictured below): ‘Immortality’, ‘Harvest of Memories’, ‘Frequent Flyer’ and ‘Mesmerizer’

immortality $7.00 - 1 quart pot Well-named in that ‘Immortality’s’ re-blooming ability is consistent throughout the country. Vigorous in growth habit sending up multiple stalks of soft white flowers in the spring and again summer through fall.

harvest of memories $6.50 - 1 quart pot This fine bright yellow iris is best known for its excellent rebloom. Arched standards and flaring falls are totally permeated in yellow. A slight sweet fragrance will draw you closer to the garden.

Moss Mountain Farm

Shown above: ‘Harvest of Memories’ Iris

frequent flyer $6.50 - 1 quart pot The yellow beards of the ‘Frequent Flyer’ iris contrast with the white petals and make for a stand out flower. The unusually broad, gray-green leaves make this iris attractive even when it is not in bloom.

mesmerizer $7.00 - 1 quart pot The extra-large flowers of the ‘Mesmerizer’ iris have a very flaring form and are finished in pure white. Incredibly dramatic frilled flounces protruding from the tips of its beards. This ‘Mesmerizer’ is one of the best!

Regal Display Reblooming Iris Collection $36.00 - 1 quart pot each of six varieties This collection includes one each of the following irises (pictured on right page): ‘Victoria Falls’, ‘Clarence’, ‘City Lights’, ‘His Royal Highness’, ‘Gypsy Lord’ and ‘Ozark Rebounder’

1. VICTORIA FALLS $7.50 - 1 quart pot This fresh light blue self’s ruffled petals seem to cascade at random. In the center of each fresh light blue fall is a “signal patch” of white, highlighting the flower’s white beards. The three main branches and two spurs often produce up to 14 flowers. Strong fragrance.

2. CLARENCE $7.50 - 1 quart pot Bright, shining and gentle describe this noble flower with its bluish white standards crowned violet-blue at the top. The falls are a light blue-violet with white centers and hafts. Creamy white beards. A moderate sweet fragrance and dependable fall rebloom.

3. CITY LIGHTS $7.00 - 1 quart pot Envision that deep blue, almost purple, color that exists for a few moments at dusk, just before all the daylight drains out of the sky. Now freeze that color and brush it over ruffled petals. Sprinkle a few white “lights” in the heart of the flower; add a white beard and lovely fragrance and you have this beautiful rebloomer.

4. HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS $7.50 - 1 quart pot This bearded iris delivers color fit for royalty with a rich blend of magenta, violet and wine. Gold beards add the crowning touch. A consistent fall re-bloomer.

5. GYPSY LORD $7.50 - 1 quart pot The ‘Gypsy Lord’ iris has beautiful blue-white standards and blue-violet falls, with a marbled rim in a soft blue.

6. OZARK REBOUNDER $7.50 - 1 quart pot The ‘Ozark Rebounder’ iris is the best reblooming black in commerce. Standards are deep velvety black-purple and the falls even darker yet, with a slightly lighter glow around the bronze-tipped beards. Nicely ruffled. Dependable rebloom beginning in Mid-August.

Moss Mountain Farm

6 93

“The Earth laughs in Flowers.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Shown Above: ‘Eye of the Tiger ‘ Iris 94

Moss Mountain Farm

DUTCH IRIS

I’ve had Dutch iris return in my garden for years... they are persistent little beauties bridging that gap between the last tulips and the first alliums for spring color. Clumps of 12 to 15 bulbs create the best effect, but I like to plant more so I can enjoy a few as ‘cuts’ for the house. They stand out and look so majestic blooming early among all the fresh and emerging perennials.

eye of the tiger $3.00 • qty 5 - 1 quart pots The ‘Eye of the Tiger’ Dutch iris has deep purple petals with a dark yellow throat.

mystic beauty $3.50 • qty 5 - 1 quart pots The ‘Mystic Beauty’ has purple-blue petals with a pale lavender throat, and golden blotches.

Moss Mountain Farm

DAYLILIES Tried and True!

alabama jubilee

azure violets

black eyed susan

Mid Season Bloomer

Early Season Bloomer

Early-Mid Season Bloomer

$7.50 - 2-3 fan division

$15.00 - 1 quart pot

$6.50 - 2-3 fan division

‘Alabama Jubilee’ has large fragrant redorange blooms, a deep red band, and gold throat.

‘Azure Violets’ have medium blueviolet blooms, lined with gold, and an ivory eye zone with a green throat.

‘Black Eyed Susan’ has yellow-orange blooms and a maroon eye.

brown witch

daring dilemma

dragons eye

Mid Season Bloomer

Mid-Late Season Bloomer

$7.50 - 2-3 fan division

$5.00 - 2-3 fan division

$9.50 - 2-3 fan division

‘Brown Witch’ has a brown and purple 6 inch bloom size, and a yellow throat.

‘Daring Dilemma’ has trumpet-shaped 5 inch blooms, with an overlay of pink and plum edging, and a green throat with a deep plum eye.

‘Dragons Eye’ has rounded, ruffled edged, pink blooms, and a red eye.

Moss Mountain Farm

elegant candy Early-Mid Season Bloomer • $6.00 - 2-3 fan division ‘Elegant Candy’ has pink ruffled 4 ¼” blooms, with yellow edges, a red eye, and a large green throat.

encore in yellow Early Season Bloomer • $10.00 - 2-3 fan division ‘Encore In Yellow’ has elegant yellow blooms, and makes a perfect addition to any garden.

gelato Early-Mid Season Bloomer • $15.00 - 2-3 fan division ‘Gelato’ daylily is lavender, with golden edges, above a green throat.

gold embroidery Mid-Late Season Bloomer • $10.00 - 2-3 fan division With a 5” bloom and sunshine yellow petals this daylily would make a great addition to any garden! The ‘Gold Embroidery’ has a green throat and does best in full to partial shade.

happy returns Very Early Season Bloomer • $5.50 - 2-3 fan division The ‘Happy Returns’ daylily has lemon yellow blooms with edges that are slightly crimped. Descended from ‘Stella de ‘Oro’, this re-bloomer is slightly larger and colored a purer yellow than its parent. A reliable performer in warm and cold climates. Beautiful with purple and blue companions.

joan senior Early-Mid Season Bloomer • $7.50 - 2-3 fan division Good old ‘Joan Senior’ has a 5” inch bloom, with white ruffled petals, that are recurved. I have grown her for years! ‘Joan Senior’ has a yellow-green throat, blooms in early to midsummer, and makes a great addition with other perennials such as verbena and liatris.

lacy doily Mid Season Bloomer • $10.00 - 1 quart pot This beautiful pastel daylily has a soft coral-pink ruffled edge, with a light green-yellow throat, that radiates into the midribs. The ‘Lacy Doily’ makes the perfect addition to any garden!

100

The scientific name for daylily is Hemerocallis, which translates from Greek to “beauty” and “day.” The blooms only last one day, but don’t worry! Daylilies grow in clumps with many buds on each stalk or scape. Much like fireworks, they’ll give you one exploding bloom after another for many weeks. Bloom! Bloom! Pow! Daylilies are problem solvers, perfect for slopes to control erosion, beds near foundations as a ground cover, or even in containers. They need at least six hours of direct sun per day to thrive, but they will bloom even better in a full day of sunshine. When planting a daylily, set the plant in the ground or in a container at the same depth it was growing in the pot. You want to avoid planting it too deeply. Space plants 10 to 12 inches apart in the ground or grow just one as a “thriller” in your combination container. For best results, add some compost, especially if you have heavy clay or sandy soil. Water your newly planted daylilies consistently during the first growing season as they

seize the

DAYLILY

establish themselves. You’ll find one of the best things about growing daylilies is how they multiply! Divide and share with friends or plant elsewhere in your garden. Spring or late summer is the best time to divide and share daylilies. To do this, carefully lift

If your grandmother had a garden, chances are good she grew

the clump out of the ground with a shovel and divide it with

daylilies. This easygoing perennial has been a favorite for

a sharp knife, removing any sickly looking foliage. Cut the

generations, but the newer kids on the block are definitely not

foliage down to about half its height and then transplant

for the old guard. Today there are reblooming, peony-flowered

the divided pieces back into the garden immediately.

and ruffled-edge types.

Because of their association with cottage gardens and my

I always recommend daylilies to first time gardeners because

grandmothers’ gardens, daylilies have a vintage feel, but I

they’re low-maintenance, showy in the garden, and many are

prefer to call them “timeless.” Though they’ve been around

now repeat bloomers. If you choose several different varieties

for generations, newer varieties have improved upon the

that bloom early, mid and late in the season, you can extend

older ones, making them stronger, brighter and more

their bloom time throughout the entire season. Because of this

generous with their blooms. The following varieties are

wide range of bloom times and colors, these are the perfect

colorful, floriferous and vigorous; everything you expect

companions to many other perennials.

from a daylily, but more of it. 101

102

maestro puccini

mighty chestnut

pandora’s box

Mid Season Bloomer

Mid-Late Season Bloomer

Early-Mid Season Bloomer

$15.00 - 1 quart pot

$6.50 - 2-3 fan division

$7.50 - 2-3 fan division

The ‘Maestro Puccini’ has beautiful colored blooms mid season. With wine purple petals, and a yellow throat, this ruffled petal edged daylily is a showstopper!

The ‘Mighty Chesnut’ daylily has redorange ruffled petals, a deep burgundy eye, and a gold throat. This ‘Mighty Chestnut’ daylily makes a great addition to any garden!

This ‘Pandora’s Box’ daylily has a 4” bloom that is cream with purple eye zones and a green throat. The ‘Pandora’s Box’ does best in full sun to partial shade and makes a great addition to any garden!

pardon me

passion for red

phial of galadriel

Mid Season Bloomer

Early-Mid Season Bloomer

Mid Season Bloomer

$5.00 - 2-3 fan division

$7.50 - 2-3 fan division

$10.00 - 2-3 fan division

The ‘Pardon Me’ daylily has a bright cranberry red bloom, with a narrow yellow watermark, and a bright green throat. This daylily is a conversation starter with slightly recurved, ruffled edged petals.

This vibrant orange-red flower has a contrasting yellow eye and throat. The ‘Passion For Red’ daylily has large, fragrant blooms that put on a terrific show!

This ‘Phial of Galadriel’ daylily has a 8” bloom that is white, with beautiful lavender edges, and a large yellow-green throat. The ‘Phial Of Galadriel’ does best in full sun to partial shade. Its unique flower shape makes a striking addition to the garden.

Moss Mountain Farm

pretty in pink Early-Mid Season Bloomer • $9.50 - 2-3 fan division The ‘Pretty In Pink’ Daylily is one of the best pink tetraploids! With fragrant lavender-pink flowers, and a deep green throat, this daylily makes a great match with soft yellow blooming companions such as Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’ and Lantana.

rediculous Mid-Late Season Bloomer • $10.00 - 1 quart pot ‘Rediculous’ is a show-stopper with its double petals and bright red blooms. This daylily is a shining star in the garden!

return a smile Early-Mid Season Bloomer • $10.00 - 2-3 fan division The ‘Return A Smile’ daylily has mauve pink blooms, a prominent wine purple eye, and a yellow-green throat with ruffled edges. This ‘Return A Smile’ daylily is a must have for any garden!

103

ruby sentinel Mid-Late Season Bloomer • $6.00 - 2-3 fan division With three-foot tall scapes, that carry loads of fragrant ruby red flowers, and a brilliant emerald green throat, this is an award winning choice for any garden! The ‘Ruby Sentinel’ has broad, rounded petals, that are ruffled and somewhat recurved.

stella de oro Early Season Bloomer • $3.00 - 2-3 fan division The ‘Stella de Oro’ - the world’s most famous daylily - has bright gold blooms, a green throat, and pie crust edging. The ‘Stella De Oro’ daylily makes a great choice for any garden because of its reblooming qualities. Little Stella is generous with her blooms!

unlock the stars Mid Season Bloomer • $10.00 - 1 quart pot A favorite double bloom - the flowers are almost peony-like - with a double color pattern and large 6” blooms. This ‘Unlock The Stars Daylily’ is one of those “constant comment” flowers in our gardens. Double lavender-pink flowers are edged with yellow ruffles.

wineberry candy Early-Mid Season Bloomer • $6.00 - 2-3 fan division With a pink and deep purple eye zone, and a yellow-green throat, this ‘Wineberry Candy’ Daylily is beautiful with white companion flowers such as Candytuft and Gaura. ‘Wineberry Candy’ has ruffled edges with purple veining and recurved petals. 104

PLANTING

STELLA DE ORO

105

P. ALLEN SMITH

MOSS MOUNTAIN FARM ROLAND, ARKANSAS

Fall Farm Tours Thursdays & Fridays September - October

$96.75 per person (All applicable taxes included)

Tour P. Allen Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s private home, abundant gardens, & enjoy a garden-to-table lunch.

pallensmith.com/tours