Van Bourgondien

Garden Guide Perennials

Varieties

Miniature Hollyhock

See Sidalcea

Miscanthus sinensis

(Zebra Grass) Plant in welldrained soil in full sun. Space 36-48" apart. This ornamental grass is grown for its tall, variegated foliage rather than for its flowers. Foliage fades to wheat color in fall, persists through winter. In early spring, cut the plant down to the ground before new growth begins. Grows 6- 8' tall. Blooms late summer to fall. Hardy in zones 4-9.

Monarda

(Bee Balm) Plant in rich, moisture-retentive soil in full sun to partial shade. Space 18" apart. Foliage fragrant when touched. Divide in spring every 2-3 years. Cut plants back hard in the fall. Grows 36- 48" tall. Blooms July-August. Hardy in zones 4a

Monk's Hood

See Aconitum

Nymphea

(Water Lilies) Plant in a 6" or larger open container such as an open wire pot or a plastic netted pot. Use a heavy, humusy potting medium. Cover entire root with the potting medium and cover the top of the pot with approximately 1a
2" of gravel to keep the medium in the pot once it is submerged into the pond. Water thoroughly after planting. It might be a good idea to keep the pot above water until you see some growth develop. Once there is a sprout of 1" or more, the pot is ready to be submerged into the pond. Do not place the pot deeper than 24". Once the water lily has been placed in the pond, it can stay in the same spot during the winter. Fertilize with special water plant tablets which can be purchased at your local garden supply store. Hardy in zones 4-8.

Oenothera

(Evening Primrose, Sun Drop) Plant in well-drained, ordinary garden soil in full sun to partial shade. It will not tolerate rich or poorly drained soil. Space 24" apart. The varieties that flower during the day are sundrops. Others, which open in the evening and close in the morning, are evening primroses. Divide in spring when necessary. Grows 6-10" tall. Blooms June-September. Hardy in zones 5-10.

Omphalodes Starry Eyes

Plant in the spring or fall in partial shade in moist, humus soil. Will tolerate dry, shaded locations. Space plants 10" apart. Grows 10" tall and as wide. Blooms April-August. Hardy in zones 3-6.

Oriental Poppy

See Papaver Orientale

Paeonia

(Peony) Plant in deep, well-drained soil enriched with plenty of well-rotted manure or compost in full sun. In warmest areas, shade the plants from intense summer sun. Thrives in areas with long, cold winters and mild summers. Space 24-36" apart. Plant the fleshy roots so that the eyes are no more than 1-2" deep. Support plants and their heavy blooms with hoop-type stake. You may notice ants on the flower buds; it is a symbiotic relationship and does not hurt the plant. Water deeply in periods of drought. Grows 36-48" tall. Blooms May. Hardy in zones 3a

Paeonia suffruticosa

(Tree Peony) Not a perennial, but a small shrub. Plant in deep, well-drained, slightly alkaline, sandy loam enriched with abundant organic matter in light shade to full sun. Midday sun can quickly fade the flowers. Shelter from wind. Space 36a