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GARDENER'S
READING ROOM
Perennials
Old Time Rockery Favorites
In
early spring we notice our rockeries turn from stony walls
to mat-forming perennials that carpet the ground in eye catching
colors of red, blue, lavender, purple, white and yellow. Every
year the popularity of these early arrivals increases due
to their workhorse quality in the garden.
These
reliable plants include Rockcress, Basket-of-gold and Candytuft.
All of these plants require full sun, lean alkaline soil and
good drainage, having originated in the Mediterranean area
where these requirements are commonplace.
 Aubretia
or Rockcress has flower colors ranging from lavender, red
to purple. Each plant grows 6-8 inches tall and will spread
up to two feet. The available varieties include: ‘Blue
Carpet’, ‘Cascade Blue’, ‘ Cascade
Red’, ‘ Purple Gem’, ‘Royal Blue’,
‘Royal Red’, and ‘Royal Violet’.
The
bright yellow color flash often seen with Rockcress is called
Aurinia (formerly Alyssum saxatile) or Basket-of-gold. Each
plant will form fairly large mounds of silver-gray leaves
contrasting nicely with the yellow flowers. Besides the typical
rockery conditions Basket-of-gold will need to be sheared
after flowering to prevent elongated stems. Common varieties
include: ‘Compactum’,‘GoldBall’, and
‘Goldkugel’
 Included
in the display of colors already mentioned is the crisp clean
white flower of Iberis, commonly called Candytuft. The narrow,
shiny dark green leaves look good all year. Height ranges
from 8 to 12 inches; it grows twice as wide. As a companion
planting to Rockcress and Basket-of-gold it is chosen for
its rugged loveliness. Snow-white flowers welcome the longer
days of spring. The flowers on longer stems can be used for
cut flowers. Varieties Sky will sell include ‘Little
Gem, ‘Purity’, ‘Alexander’s White’
and ‘Snowflake’.
You’ll
be happy to add the newest cultivars of these perennial favorites
to your garden. Call us for current availability.
By Sarah Garrison
Skylights Spring 2003, Vol 17, No. 1
Other
articles on perennials
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