Gardening with biennials and “volunteers”
This is the time of year when we start to notice seedlings coming up and decide which ones to relocate, remove, or, perhaps pot up for sale when the garden is open to visitors…
Until I came to Saffrons I had never especially considered the idea of including the recently germinated seedlings of biennials and, what I would call, “volunteers” (those seedlings that have germinated serendipitously around parent plants…) into my planting plans. It was also, of course, having, for the first time, a non-clay soil, a sort of silty, loamy, very stony soil that was perfect for self-seeding.
And, for the first time and very importantly, I had a real gardener who could recognise seedlings in their very early stages and taught me to recognise them as well.
This is the time of year when we start to notice seedlings coming up and decide which ones to relocate, remove, or, perhaps pot up for sale when the garden is open to visitors…
Until I came to Saffrons I had never especially considered the idea of including the recently germinated seedlings of biennials and, what I would call, “volunteers” (those seedlings that have germinated serendipitously around parent plants…) into my planting plans. It was also, of course, having, for the first time, a non-clay soil, a sort of silty, loamy, very stony soil that was perfect for self-seeding.
And, for the first time and very importantly, I had a real gardener who could recognise seedlings in their very early stages and taught me to recognise them as well.
Now, early in the spring, we both start trolling the flower beds to see “who’s shown up”.
Basically, we get seedlings of whatever has been allowed to go to seed:
One of the most prolific (some would say rampant) seeders has been Verbena bonariensis, that very useful “see-through” vertical with small mauve flower heads. Given the chance to go to seed, it will provide a veritable carpet of seedlings for years to come…literally, a carpet.
A tiny seedling will grow into a 4’/ 1.2 m plant by July. I actually prefer the first year seedlings because they are smaller at the base and can be fitted in easily as verticals (I often cut off any horizontal branches and side shoots…remember, the plant is growing for your use, so you can do whatever you like with it…!). So, when I use them, that’s what I use.
Now, early in the spring, we both start trolling the flower beds to see “who’s shown up”.
Basically, we get seedlings of whatever has been allowed to go to seed:
One of the most prolific (some would say rampant) seeders has been Verbena bonariensis, that very useful “see-through” vertical with small mauve flower heads. Given the chance to go to seed, it will provide a veritable carpet of seedlings for years to come…literally, a carpet.
A tiny seedling will grow into a 4’/ 1.2 m plant by July. I actually prefer the first year seedlings because they are smaller at the base and can be fitted in easily as verticals (I often cut off any horizontal branches and side shoots…remember, the plant is growing for your use, so you can do whatever you like with it…!). So, when I use them, that’s what I use.
“that gorgeous silvery thistle”
Eryngium giganteum, that gorgeous silvery thistle, which seems to enhance any plant it is near, also seeds itself. It is tap-rooted and a biennial and can only be moved just after it has germinated when it is tiny…
The seedling and second-year plants become visible in February and early April here. At this stage when they are very tiny (and their tap roots are still short) they can be carefully lifted (I use an old spoon which seems to work pretty well…)
The first year seedlings have tiny rounded, untoothed leaves (smooth at the edges as opposed to pointy…this is the time to try to move them…careful!
Then the plantlet can be placed where you want a mature Eryngium next year. (Note that any damage to the tap root will result in a slow death, where the plant seems to be growing normally and then suddenly gives up the ghost.)
The first year plants will disappear completely at the end of the season and then emerge the following spring ready to send up flowering stems.
““Violetta” blooms here near the end of May and makes a beautiful display”
Verbascum phoeniceum “ Violetta”
A few years ago I ordered some plants of Verbascum phoeniceum “ Violetta” for some early season interest.
By the second year the original plants had grown to full size and left seeds which dutifully germinated.
“Violetta” blooms here near the end of May and makes a beautiful display with the emerging leaves of our Hosta “Sum & Substance”.
Now I’ve allowed them to colonise the “warm Bed”…we’ll see what they do…
“They are beloved by Mint Moths and bees…”
Calamintha nepeta “Blue Cloud”
Calamintha nepeta “Blue Cloud” is another very congenial self-seeder. The soft lavender blue of its tiny flowers harmonise with virtually everything and it makes an easygoing ground cover where cover is wanted but not root competition. They have quite small root systems.
They are beloved by Mint Moths and bees…
Calamintha nepeta “Blue Cloud”
There is also a white form named, rather unoriginally, “White Cloud”. Both plants start as small seedlings of about 6”/15cm and will gradually fill out to 12-18”/ 30-45cm and about 12”/ 30cm up to 36”/ 90cm high!
(Provided they have a taller neighbor, the flowering stems will push themselves up the stems of taller, sturdier plants next to them, like some geraniums do…)
Calamintha nepeta “Blue Cloud”
Calamintha nepeta “Blue Cloud” is another very congenial self-seeder. The soft lavender blue of its tiny flowers harmonise with virtually everything and it makes an easygoing ground cover where cover is wanted but not root competition. They have quite small root systems.
They are beloved by Mint Moths and bees…
There is also a white form named, rather unoriginally, “White Cloud”. Both plants start as small seedlings of about 6”/15cm and will gradually fill out to 12-18”/ 30-45cm and about 12”/ 30cm up to 36”/ 90cm high!
(Provided they have a taller neighbor, the flowering stems will push themselves up the stems of taller, sturdier plants next to them, like some geraniums do…)
“a charming plant nonetheless…”
The specie, Calamintha nepeta ssp. nepeta has paler blue flowers and a more compact habit. It does not flower for as long as the lesser Calaminthas (the “Clouds”) do, but is a charming plant nonetheless…
The specie, Calamintha nepeta ssp. nepeta has paler blue flowers and a more compact habit. It does not flower for as long as the lesser Calaminthas (the “Clouds”) do, but is a charming plant nonetheless…
Really interesting blog. I love seeing seedlings popping up at this time of year.
Thanks for reading John!