You Know You Want Me: A Sneak Peak to 2012

Now that my ‘hibernation’ has begun, its time to torment my clients with a few of the specialty plants that I am hoping to stock my benches with next year! I’ve often been asked, typically at this precise time of year, what exactly it is that I do with myself. Gracious! One would think that without a steady flow of rare and unusual plants, one like myself must surely fall apart, or descend into an abysmal depression to say the very least! Alas my friends, you know me too well!

In actuality I actually look forward to this time of year. Aside of the momentary distraction of Christmas, this is when I hone my plant hunting skills - ‘hunting’ perhaps being a synonym for ‘acquiring!’ I leave it to the much revered plants persons like Hinkley, Wynn-Jones, Lancaster and O’Brien to provide collector’s like myself with such amazing specimens. This is the time of year when I amass my collection of post it’s, gather up my multitudinous notebooks and begin the beguine as it were.

Clematis rooguchi [pictured above] is a delightful C .integrifolia x C. reticulata cross with demure, diminutive bell shaped blue flowers to approximately 5cm in length with gently recurving sepals. With it’s somewhat lax habit, it works best when allowed to cavort amongst nearby shrubs.

   Those familiar with C. tangutica will be interested in this latest hybrid known as C. tangutica ‘My Love.’ Whereas the species boasts wonderful bell shaped yellow flowers, this new selection offers bi-coloured flowers – a wonderful peach blush on the outer sides with a delightful golden hue to the inside and along the very outer edge, giving it a mesmerizing two-toned, layered effect. As with the species, this is a late flowering climber blooming between July and October, where it clamors to a height of 2.5m.

Clematis alpina ‘Willy’ offers pale pink, nodding bell or skirt shaped flowers that are infused with a more rich pink towards the base of each flower. It’s 3.5cm blooms smother the plant in April and May and possibly a second time in late summer, and are followed by the unique seed heads common with the genus. It will attain heights of 1.6-2.5m

While I am less than impressed with next year’s Hosta of the Year, I do remain smitten with Hosta ‘Fire Island.’ It was one of my best sellers this past year with its bright sunshine yellow infused, slightly puckered leaves atop brilliant, striking ruby petioles. Definite to light up a darkened pocket of the shaded woodland garden.

Of course I would be lying if I didn’t admit that the greatest excitement is reserved for a collection of rare and unusual Arisaema species that I hope to be able to offer my fellow shady characters! Arisaema kuisianum is a most unusual species with the eye catching burgundy and golden spathe, with a spadix that indeed looks like a whip-like tongue!

I long lusted after Arisaema urashima var. thunbergii from the moment I stumbled upon this photo. [courtesy of Plant Delights Nursery.] The deep, dark, serpentine hooded spathes with the vertically erect spadix add a degree of sinister beauty to the woodland garden. This one never fails to elicit comment from visitors.

   People never fail to squeal with delight when they spot Arisaema sikokianum. With it’s unique upright flaring spathe, a rubbery confectionary of a deep mahogany purple on the outside with its pristine white, golf ball shaped spadix, it truly is a rarity within the genus. Many believe this to be my favourite, but alas that privilege is reserved for yet another!

You wanted sinister, and I’m only too happy to oblige! Arisaema griffithii is without a doubt the most exotic and sinister member of the genus. Too bad it’s also one of the most tender. With its unique widely rippled wine and green-gold striped spathe, it is sure to garner a passing comment or three! It will need to be taken inside for the winter, which is why I am suggesting it as a container specimen for those who cannot resist his other-worldly beauty and allure!

And there you have it. The sneak peek that I promised. Of course this is only one supplier. I still have a lot of tricks up my sleeve, and a plethora of new and exciting plants to debut for that matter. Stay tuned. My recent lull in posting allowed me to finish the holiday shopping. Now the glog will have my undivided attention. Be forewarned!