The English-Gardener

PERENNIAL OF THE MONTH

Each Month we will feature a different perennial, some which are probably familiar to you and some that you may not recognize. We hope that you will try some of the varieties in your garden

MAY’S PERENNIAL - COLUMBINE

One of the prettiest spring flowers for the garden is the columbine (Aquilegia). It is a dainty plant with fern-like leaves and attractively coloured flowers appearing in mid to late spring. Hybrid varieties (McKana) come in mixed colours ranging from red, purple, pink and yellow. Columbine can be a relatively short-lived perennial but will self-seed. Scatter seeds after the flower has faded to ensure blooms for next year. Water well during dry spells and fertilise regularly throughout the growing season.

Light – Prefers sun to part shade
Bloom – Mid May to early June
Soil – Well-drained light soil (pH 6.0)
Size – 2-3ft.
Spacing – Place plants 1 ft apart.
Propagation – By division in spring or by seed.
Zone – 4-5

APRIL's PERENNIAL - (LU -PI’ NUS) ‘LUPINES’ lupinus

SPECIAL NOTES: Requires cool summer conditions. Provide afternoon shade. in late july, cut plants to 6in. Mulch in winter. Prone to aphids. Generally a short lived perennial.

Color: Mixed
Light: Full/part sun
Bloom: June - July
Height: 3 -4 ft.
Soil: Rich, organic, acidic, well-drained
Propogation: By division of side shoots in spring

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