I can't remember the name of this flower - crosspost on Texas forum
TxMarti
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (11)
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
9 years agocarolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
9 years agoRelated Discussions
I can't remember what this is
Comments (5)Looks suspiciously like vitex agnus-castus. The variety "Shoal Creek" is common in the trade. Known as chaste tree or chaste berry or Texas Lilac. There's a pinkish variety as well, but the name escapes me. It SHOULD be fast growing. And they also get huge, unless you live in area that's cold enough that it dies back to the roots and behaves like a perennial instead of a shrub. Here in z7a, I prune mine back severely each Spring (it blooms on new growth), and it bounces back and blooms for several months. Here is a link that might be useful: Images for V. Shoal Creek...See MoreI can't grow poppies. I must have poppies.
Comments (49)Carrie- does the packet happen to have the species name on it? It depends on which kind it is and where you are. Here in the raleigh area, poppies bloom starting in late april through late may. Unless we have exceptionally cool weather i don't think you're going to get reliable blooms for mid-june here. That said, if you're a good bit further toward the mountains (and 7A says it's colder than here which is 8a/7b), then you might just squeak some blooms out if they are shirlies- p. rhoes-, or p. somniferums, aka bread box or opium poppies. My guess is that 'giant peonies' are somniferums, but there are rhoes cultivars that are double and called peony, too. They aren't nearly as large as the somniferums when they bloom, but just as pretty. If it's either of them, i'd sow the rest of your packet in just a week or 2- don't wait any longer or they won't get big enough (like you've already observed in the past). They need light to germinate, so sow them directly on the surface and just tamp them down or walk on them. I wouldn't worry about hardiness- poppies like cold to germinate. Another flower that would be a more reliable bloomer for that time of year would be daylilies if you can find a friend who has some they'd let you use. Another nice plant for bridal bouquets (if a bit wild) is queen anne's lace. It does wilt fairly fast so you have to plan to pick and use it the same day. You can find it in fields or along the road. Not sure of your colors, but as you mentioned, larkspur are nice and easy, as are nigella and bachelor's buttons. They all bloom about the same time as the poppies but keep going a bit longer. also, poppies and nigella have nice seed pods you might consider using. Good luck!...See MoreI'm so glad we have this forum.....
Comments (35)Ahughes (or anybody else), if you're interested in a trade or SASBE, check out my exchange list... Esh-ga, thanks for the good wishes on the winter-sowing. So far done 65 containers, including 38 native species and several cultivars of native species. Its been fun, and I can't wait to see how well things germinate and grow! Winter-sowing affords the opportunity to grow lots of natives that would be difficult or impossible to get at nurseries, or exorbitantly expensive to buy as plants. I bought lots of native seeds (and a few non-native) this winter and offered extras on the Seed Exchange forum. There was a lot of interest in native seeds, which was nice. But I was dismayed to see people trading invasive species like Euonymous alatus (burning bush) or Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven). One poster even explained on her exchange page how she grows Oriental bittersweet and keeps it contained on a trellis so it's okay! Yeah...only if she strips off every berry...if she saw how it's strangling native trees around here, she might change her mind!...See MoreI can't read the name
Comments (7)Thanks Dave. That's it. I must have been having a dyslexic moment. lol I only found one site that showed a plumie with that name. It was a very pretty pink/white/yellow flower. Hopefully it will look like that. I should know soon enough. Karyn...See Morefloral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
9 years agoTxMarti
9 years agolast modified: 9 years agoplantladyco
9 years agocarolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
9 years agofloral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
9 years agoTxMarti
9 years agolast modified: 9 years agofloral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
9 years agoEmbothrium
9 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
Related Stories
LIFEThe Good House: An Experience to Remember
A home that enriches us is more than something we own. It invites meaningful experiences and connections
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESTexas Gardener's May Checklist
Be especially water wise this month as you sow seeds, tend to your lawn and plant edibles, grasses and flowers
Full StorySOUTHWEST GARDENINGTexas Gardener's December Checklist
Northern neighbors may be hibernating, but in the South it's time to lavish care on fruit trees, flower seeds and bulbs
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESLet Lilac Love Flower This Spring
Whatever you bestow or receive for Mother's Day, lilacs can be an unmatched gift in the garden in May
Full StoryHOUZZ TOURSHouzz Tour: A Modern Take on a Traditional Texas Farmhouse
Contemporary details update the classic form in this Austin home with a kitchen designed for a professional baker
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES5 Prairie Wildflowers That Can Heal Your Soil
Get free, organic soil fertilizer with nitrogen-pumping plants that draw pollinators too
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESTexas Gardener's August Garden Checklist
Here's how to help your garden thrive from the hot, dry month of August through fall
Full StoryGREENHOUSESA Greenhouse Rises From Texas Tornado Wreckage
Barn damage became a blessing in disguise for a thrifty, creative couple with a hankering for more greenery
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESTexas Gardener's June Checklist
Win the battle against heat and drought with these plant picks and extra effort, for a garden that reigns supreme in summer
Full Story
TxMartiOriginal Author