There are some plants that are difficult to find or difficult to grow but rewarding once established. These are for the experienced gardener who thrives on a challenge.
The Cardiocrinum giganteum (Giant Himalayan Lily) ( 7-9 feet) has huge glossy green heart-shaped leaves, up to 20 (8鈥� long) fragrant trumpet shaped white flowers with purple throats and is magnificent to behold.
It takes 7 years to bloom from seed - but from a large bulb, it will only take 4-5 years. It performs best in part shade, deep humus rich, well drained soil and is an excellent choice for the woodland or cottage garden. It is native to the mountain regions of China, India, Myanmar and Tibet.
At zone 7-9, you will need to mulch it in winter and the luscious leaves will need to be protected from slugs. It is often seen in botanical gardens showcased in a grove on its own. After the mother plant blooms, it dies and sends off many small bulbs that will flower in a few years. Once established, it will form its own grove of plants blooming at different times. It is a stunner that鈥檚 worth the wait.
Also from the Himalayas, comes the Meconopsis betonicifolia (Blue Poppy) which was considered so rare they were once thought to be a myth. It is a short lived perennial (2-3 years) boasting large silky cup-shaped clear blue flowers. It blooms in late spring and early summer and also prefers humus-rich soil that is moist but well drained. Whereas most poppies are relatively easy to grow, this one provides a challenge. It prefers part shade, is deer and rabbit resistant, but will need protection from slugs. Once you see this poppy bloom, the amazing shade of blue will be forever etched in your mind. It is both magical and breathtaking.
In comparison, the Albizia julibrissin (Silk Tree)(20-40鈥�) is easy to grow, just not always easy to find. A fast growing, exotic looking tree that is celebrated for its stunning pink silky fragrant pom-pom like flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. It attracts many pollinators and is deer resistant and drought tolerant.
For the conservatory (Zone 9-12), try the award-winning Dicksonian antarctica (Tasmanian Tree Fern). It is one of the oldest plants in the world and adds drama and style to any d茅cor. It prefers part to full shade, humus rich well drained soil and is native to Tasmania.
Thought to be extinct but found in remote parts of Mexico, the Cosmos atrosanguineus (Chocolate Cosmos) (8-10鈥�) has velvety deep crimson flowers up to 2鈥� across that smell intensely of dark chocolate. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies and is deer and rabbit resistant. At Zone 7-9, it will require additional protection in the winter. Although the flowers are stunning, it is the aroma that is worth the effort - that smell of dark chocolate will shock and delight you. (Remove spent flowers for a longer bloom time)
Nature is amazing and the varieties seem never-ending. Are you game to try something new this year? Happy Gardening.
