What is that 'Yellow' mound?

Euphorbia polychroma (cushion spurge)

                  

For those of us who must share our gardens with the many rabbits that have been around in recent years, the cushion spurge is a plant that will survive the garden raids as the little critters much prefer the flavour of other herbaceous perennials.

 

This hardy spring blooming plant does not require any winter protection, can survive up to -40, is rarely bothered by insects or diseases and can easily be considered a three season plant. Once established this plant can tolerate dry conditions, which makes it a good choice for those interested in xeriscaping.

For 4-6 weeks in the spring you can enjoy the bright yellow bracts which are leaves that look like flowers.  After the yellow bracts fade away to green, shear your cushion spurge by half to maintain a neat rounded mound for the summer months.  Be careful to wear gloves when shearing as the milky sap can cause skin irritations.

In the fall the foliage turns reddish orange, providing a lovely contrast to your dwarf evergreens.   For best results keep your cushion spurge in loose soil amended with organic material and place in full sun.  They should grow approx 40 cm -high and 60 cm wide.

The Easter Flower

Anemone patens (formerly known as Pulsatilla patens) (pasqueflower, prairie crocus, windflower, Easter flower)            

The pasqueflower is one of the first flowers to bloom in spring. A welcome sight, these cup shaped flowers with their quirky, hairy grey green stems, provide a spot of cheerful colour amidst the drabness left behind following winter’s melt.   The plant (15cm x 10 cm) forms a nice neat clump producing flowers in blue-violet, lilac, yellow and cream.  After two to three weeks, the flowers mature to delightful airy, puffed seed heads which provide more interest in the landscape.

Pasqueflowers prefer a sunny dry area, and appreciate a little peat moss added to the soil. Like many plants they enjoy well drained soil.  These perennials are a nice addition to any rock garden or mixed flowerbed.  Try them at the front of your flowerbed or use them as a border in a perennial garden.  Young growth may be attacked by slugs and snails.        

As the floral emblem of Manitoba and a traditional healing herb for the Blackfoot, Cheyenne and Chippewa peoples, the pasqueflower or prairie crocus holds a firm place in prairie literature and landscape.   According to some taxonomists the prairie crocus is not really a crocus and therefore is not a member of the Lily family. It has been suggested that it is in fact an anemone which is a member of the Buttercup family (Prairie Garden Annual, 2006, p.61).  In Canada, the pasqueflower is found primarily in southern Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Sound the Trumpet

Gentiana acaulis (trumpet gentian, stemless gentian)

On a warm spring day, as you stroll through your neighbourhood, keep an eye out for deep blue flowers in rock gardens, edgings or perennial borders.  Found growing naturally in North Europe, the Alps, Italy and Spain, when grown en masse, the carpet of blue in the spring is breathtaking.    Like a Van Gough palette, this true blue beauty is stunning when partnered with a bright yellow.

Gentiana acaulis is a small alpine plant.  At 8-10cm high and 30 cm wide this mat forming evergreen wears lovely trumpet shaped, almost stemless flowers approximately 5-7 cm in length.    Interestingly, the flowers only open when the sun is out.  As soon as it clouds over, the flowers close. Although these blue flowers are typically fashionable in May and June, on occasion, depending on the weather conditions, they have been known to make a second appearance in the fall. 

This alpine plant prefers moist, loamy, well drained soil.  Although it does tolerate some sun it grows best in partial shade, preferring morning sun and afternoon shade.  If you want to share this plant with friends or increase your collection you can grow it from seed, divide the plants or grow from offsets.

Early Spring Beauties

Vitaliana primuliflora  (Golden primrose)

You may have to search a bit for this little spring beauty, which some have described as the perfect plant, but it will be well worth the effort.  It is not commonly found in neighbourhood gardens but once you plant it, others will be emulating your style.  Vitaliana is a one species genus in the Primula family, named after the Italian botanist Vonati Vitaliano and is native to the Alps and the Pyrenees.

An evergreen, tufted, mat forming alpine, it flowers early to late spring with a mass of bright yellow, tubular shaped, stemless, solitary flowers.  The flowers are surrounded by rosettes of pointed, usually hairy, pale green leaves.  This small plant (2-5cm high10-20cm wide) will be a cherished accessory in your rock garden. 

Why is it the perfect plant?  It’s easy to establish, it survives in temperatures as low as -45 C and easily tolerates hot, humid temperatures in the summer.  This plant is not prone to disease or insects. The burst of colour and lovely fragrance appeal to the senses and signal to all that spring is finally here. 

The Vitaliana primulaflora prefers moderately fertile, well drained soil in full sun.