May is the month of many flowering plants.
Two sayings I remember well from my childhood; “March winds, April showers, bring forth May flowers.” And, “Ne’er cast a clout (clothes) until May is out.” Neither of these quotes seems to be fully true anymore.
I have on many occasions been without a sweater in April, this year included, and have been known, on rare occasions, to only wear a tee shirt in January!
This year, April, showers and May, flowers, seem to be here together. This month, I am more often wearing, not only a sweater, but rain gear as well.
But the saying is not wrong about the flowers; every day I see more and more flowers opening their buds across the framework of their branches. Some of the most beautiful flowers bloom in May and June.
The Rhododendrons and evergreen and deciduous Azaleas, too numerous to name, are covered with flowers, everywhere throughout both the town and county. This link is a good site for Rhododendron variety with color pictures. Click on the photo gallery and then scroll down through the color pictures, the purples, unfortunately have a blue haze over most of the pictures.
All parts of the Rhododendron are dangerous, especially the leaves, which is why the deer leave then alone!
Approximately 800 species belong to this huge group. The genus Rhododendron, includes both Rhododendrons and Azaleas both evergreen and deciduous Azaleas. The genus was discovered by the 16th century Flemish botanist, Charles I’Ecluse.
The name comes from the Greek words “rodon” which means, “rose” and “dendron” which means, “tree.” I am hoping that the rain lets up sufficiently, as they open wide I would like to see them in all their glory at least once before the petals fall.
Rhododendrons and Azaleas have the same basic soil and water requirements. They require acid soil, air in the root zone and constant moisture for healthy growth. sun tolerance and cold hardiness for Rhododendron and Azaleas differ by species and variety.
The first of my tree Peonies has been opening a little bit each day. It has three pink flowers this year! I am hoping that the rain lets up sufficiently,as they open wide I would like to see them in all their glory at least once before the petals fall.
I have three more tree Peonies, each a different color, and many herbaceous Peonies, many of which are fragrant. I expect them to start opening soon.
Peonies are very rewarding garden flowers. They are rated among the most beautiful plants, both in foliage and flower. They are easy to grow and long-lived, and grow well in almost all areas except sub-tropical. They are unlike any other perennial, in that they do not need to be divided. They are best left undisturbed.
The bloom are large, showy and have a wide range of form and color from pure white to deepest red, many of which are fragrant. They also make superior cut flowers, lasting a long time if cut in full bud.
Peonies can be healthy, vigorous and free from diseases if grown in full sun, with good air circulation, adequate water and good drainage. To prevent problems, practice good sanitation and cleanup, especially in the fall.
When planting, ‘peony eyes’ (sprouts) must be pointing up and no more than two inches below the surface of the soil or the plants may not bloom.
As soon as foliage starts to turn brown in late summer, the stalks can be cut off level with the ground. Do not compost, to prevent the carry over of foliage disease to the next season.
Lilac
The Lilac, Syringa vulgaris, is a genus of 20-25 species of flowering plants in the Olive family, originating in Europe and Asia, with large panicles of pinkish purple to white flowers.
The Lilac capital of the world is Rochester NY, its love of lilacs date back to 1892, when horticulturalist, John Dunbar planted 20 varieties on the sunny side of Highland Park. The park now has over 500 varieties of lilacs and more than 1200 bushes in the park’s 155 areas.
Note: Lilac trivia www.lilacfestival.com/09history.html
Unfortunately, Lilacs bloom for a very brief couple of weeks and even shorter if it rains. Planting a variety of lilacs, from dwarf to early, mid and late varieties, will give you a prolonged blooming time of perhaps 6-8 weeks.
Lilac 'Palibin'
My favorite Lilac is the Dwarf Korean Lilac, Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin.’ It is not susceptible to powdery mildew or lilac borers and is considered one of the most versatile lilacs, requiring little to no attention once established. It is the smallest Lilac, growing to 4-5’ in width and height at maturity. The small dark lavender buds cover the bush for a long time before opening in a burst of intense fragrance in May-June, with a lighter re-bloom in the later summer. The leaves are petite and rounded unlike the Dwarf ‘Miss Kim’ Lilac and many Syringa vulgaris.
Here is another link of some beautiful close up photos of Lilacs.
Jane
Harmonious Garden Artistry
Professional Landscape Consulting|photos
