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Phygelius (Cape Fuchsia)
We have problems too!
Just like it happens in our own home gardens, Markham's irrigation system decided to go on the fritz during the hottest spell of the year. We came in on Tuesday after the sale to find no watering happening and some of the plants frying. One of them was supposed to be the plant of the week (Haloragis erecta), but it was hard hit. So the Haloragis have been amply watered and moved to the shade section but we'll have to see if they come back. It'll be a true test of how hardy they really are. In the meantime, we're offering a repeat email featuring Phygelius. We still have quite a few of these, and they are starting to bloom, so consider giving them a home in your garden (hopefully one with a functioning watering system).
Native to South Africa, Phygelius is a shrubby perennial that is an excellent addition to gardens in our area. Growing at least two to five feet tall and wide, they typically stay evergreen in our area and so provide a substantial appearance in the garden year round. Although Phygelius has the common name Cape Fuchsia, it is related to snapdragons and penstemons. Long spikes of dangling flowers resemble those of penstemons and appear for a long period from summer into fall. The tubular flowers are attractive to hummingbirds. Phygelius likes moderate water and well drained soil and full sun or part shade. Use it in a border with shrubs and/or perennials since its appearance blends well with each. The compact varieties we have could be good in containers too.
Thanks to a generous donation from Troy McGregor of the former Garden Natives Nursery in Martinez. we have an excellent selection of two varieties of Phygelius: 'Cherry Ripe' and 'Snow Queen' which are described below. Phygelius x rectus 'Cherry Ripe'
 This is a very showy compact Phygelius with dense cherry-red tubular flowers on upright stems and with dark green foliage. It grows to 2 feet tall and wide.
Phygelius aequalis 'Snow Queen'
 This Phygelius is a great new addition with pure white flowers (the first) that have a pale yellow throat. Lots of flowers cover this compact and bushy variety.
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A Few Places Left... maybe... if you act now
You are cordially invited to attend a
with Robin Parer
"Saving the Geranium Family" Workshop
The Geranium Family is large and contains many beautiful members. But economic pressures on nurseries, the fads and foibles of the plant buying public, as well as habitat loss, are bringing some members of the family to the point of extinction. It is estimated that over 10,000 named cultivars of pelargoniums have been lost in the last 150 years. Some cultivated forms of hardy geraniums are going the same way. We will look at the factors involved in the acceleration and decline within the family and learn what we can do about it. And we will learn how to propagate the weird and wonderful to insure their survival. There will be plants for sale.
Where:
Garden Center, Markham Nature Park and Arboretum
1202 La Vista Avenue, Conocrd, CA 94521
When:
Saturday June 25, 2011 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PDT
Cost:
Free to Markham members; $10 to non-members
Click on the links below for info or to register or RSVP.
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Register Now!
You can also call the office on Tuesday or Thursday from 9 am until noon or email us if you have any questions about the event or how to register.
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