Van Bourgondien

Questions and Answers

Which will compete better with Silver Maple roots, Epimedium or Hellebore? Can they be planted together?

Yes, Epimedium and Hellebore can compete with tree roots. Try mounding compost on top of the tree roots in which the perennials can establish themselves. Epimedium and Hellebore take similar conditions and do well planted together.

Why hasn't my Peony bloomed in 5 years?

Peonies need gentle sunlight (not too harsh) to bloom effectively, check to be sure it receives afternoon shade or has dappled shade all day long. Also try a low nitrogen fertilizer (high Phosphorous and Potassium) in Spring and Fall.

I just brought my Angel Trumpet out of the garage for spring, why does it have green spots all over it?

If the spots are raised, it is probably aphids. Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap (available at any garden center) to safely kill the pests. Also, cut back the Angel Trumpet to approximately 6" above the soil level. Give the plant plenty of water and liquid fertilizer throughout the spring and summer and it will grow and bloom beautifully.

How big is the Daylily 'Wild Horses' flower?

The daylily Wild Horses is classified as "large" meaning that it is at least 4.5" in diameter.

My tulips are in a flooded window box, why haven't they come up?

Tulips can rot easily if they are left in stagnant water for too long. Dig down into the soil to see if the bulbs are still firm and white. If they are, then they should be fine and will grow as soon as the soil is warm enough. If they are brown and squishy, they rotted.

What are some thick leaved plants that will not be hurt by the wind?

Canna, Curcuma, Hibiscus, Gunnera, Elephant Ears, Angel Trumpet

Does Mouse Plant spread?

Yes, Mouse Plant spreads slowly by underground tubers. It performs best in moist but very well drained soil. It likes bright shade and is NOT evergreen.

Which iris are variegated?

Variegated foliage can occur in all species of Iris and is not limited to any category or type. Most variegated iris will have a cultivar name like 'Variegata.'

Will Arisaema candissimum multiply?

Yes, if Arisaema candissimum is grown in moist, but well drained soil it will develop offsets on its underground tubers.

How do you grow Phlox paniculata?

Phlox needs bright sunlight, well drained soil, and good air circulation. The long stems will need support to keep from flopping over, stakes or surrounding it with sturdy perennials will accomplish this. Use a slow release fertilizer in spring. When the stems are 18 inches tall cut back one-third of them to 10" to prolong the bloom. Cut the entire plant to the ground when it is done blooming and the foliage is no longer attractive.

Do I need to add sulfur before planting ferns?

Sulfur increases the acidity of the soil (lowers the pH). Most ferns prefer to grow in slightly acid soil. Most soils are already slightly acid. Use a pH test to determine if your soil is strongly alkaline (high pH) and if it is, the ferns will benefit from the addition of sulfur.

How can I overwinter Callas in Zone 5?

Callas are hardy to Zone 9-11, they need to be brought inside in cooler climates. It works well to grow them in pots and bring the pots inside. Keep them in a cool place, not too warm or too cold. Reduce or stop watering them until spring. When temperatures begin to warm up start watering again and move them outside after the danger of frost.

How much room should I leave around potentilla and hardy geranium?

Potentilla will grow to be 2-4' in diameter, hardy geranium will reach a diameter of approximately 2' over time.

What vine will grow well in an 18“ pot?

Any of our clematis will grow well in a container, as long as they get plenty of water and have good drainage.

Can I plant some things that I bought last year and never planted?

Yes, as long as they did not rot they should be just fine. Some of the items may not bloom until next year.

Is Stokes Aster 'Blue Danube' really blue or more lavendar?

Blue Danube is actually more of a light lavender-blue.

Do I need to plant Arisaema with the flat side up or down?

Arisaema are not picky as to which side goes up or down. If you are in doubt as to which side is the root side, simply plant it on its side and it will be fine.

How wide does Egret Flower grow?

Not very wide, it is a small plant and each bulb will grow a plant straight up out of the ground. It will be approximately 3-5" wide and 10-15" tall. If the Egret Flower is planted outdoors in optimum conditions it can spread slowly... these optimum conditions (full sun + drenched, but quickly draining soil in summer + slightly damp, not wet soil in winter) are difficult to achieve.

How do Oriental Lilies grow?

The key to Oriental Lilies is constant moisture and very good drainage. Use high Phosphorous fertilizer. Amend the soil in the planting hole with compost, WELL rotted cow manure, sand or leaf litter. Plant the bulb between 6 and 10" deep.

Will Clematis take extreme heat of San Bernardino, CA? What is their growth rate? What about Lavender?

Clematis thrives in zones 3-8 and should be just fine in your climate (which I estimate to be zone 8 or less). This plant likes to have "hot tops" and "cool bottoms." This means that the vines and foliage benefit from lots of sun and warmth while the roots need to be kept cool. I recommend planting clematis with ample organic compost in the soil and put mulch 3 inches deep around the base of the plant. Keep the plant well watered and use a liquid fertilizer throughout the summer. The clematis that we offer in our catalog will reach their maximum heights in one growing season.

What about Lavender in San Bernardino, CA? Most lavenders prefer to grow in Mediterranean climates (like coastal southern California), however they can survive in hotter climates as long as their soil is moist, but well drained and they are not subjected to too much humidity. I am not sure about the humidity levels in your city, but the heat will not be a problem as long as the soil is not permitted to become "bone-dry."

Dinosaur Tree, how far apart to plant them and how fast will it grow?

The Dinosaur Tree is large and can grow to be over 70 feet tall. It is also wide, often reaching widths of 30-40 feet in diameter. It grows relatively quickly and sometimes grows 3-4 feet in one season if established well and given plenty of water.

Will Clematis take shade and cover a chainlink fence?

Yes, Clematis are perfect to cover a chainlink fence. Plant them 4-5' apart to cover a fence 8' tall.

What kind of conditions do mini lilies need? Do rodents eat them?

Lilies need full sun and good drainage. Yes, rabbits will eat the leaves, but sometimes Ornamental Alliums (onions) will deter them.

Can I grow Calla Lilies under a Carob tree?

Carob trees are heavy water users and will probably compete with the Callas for water. Calla Lilies need lots of water to thrive.

What items in your catalog work well in a cut flower arrangement?

Try: Gladiola, any Lily, Callas, Echinacea, Dahlia, Crocosmia, Iris, Phlox, Lupine, Delphinium, Astilbe, Peony

Why won't my wisteria bloom?

Wisteria needs full sun, lots of water, and high Phosphorous fertilizer. Even then it may take 3-5 years to bloom well.

What month should I plant bulbs in the Southwest? Do rodents eat them?

Generally it is always best to begin planting after the danger of frost has passed. Bulbs however can be planted as soon as the ground is not frozen because they do not emerge until a few weeks (or even months) after planting and so they are not subject to cold air temperatures. Avoid planting in the high heat of summer; the bulbs need time to establish good roots before they begin to need lots of water. Spring and Fall are the best planting seasons. Most bulbs appreciate organic well draining soil. Sandy or loamy soil amended with well-rotted compost is ideal. Most plants prefer a slightly acid soil, not very acid, just slightly. If you haven�t already done so send a soil sample to your local Agriculture Extension Station (you can search for it online, they are usually associated with your state�s major university or college). If you find that your soil is very alkaline you can add sulfur compounds (available at most garden centers) to lower the pH.

What plants can I use on a shady hillside in Indiana?

Echinacea, Bletilla, Crocosmia, Iris, Hemerocallis, Phlox, Perovskia, Hosta, Saponaria, Geranium, Achillea.