Pennisetum
Pennisetum rubrum by the pond with the frost-bitten crinums behind. The Pennisetum clumps are much happier here than they were in pots on the patio. A dry sandbank is what they like.
This photo disguises the fact that that bank is riddled with trumpet vine, which is a right beast to remove. In fact, I don’t think you can get rid of it. I just have to weed it out every year. I have done that with the one in the middle of the fig, and it still comes up every year.
We’re having a lovely spell of warm, damp weather. Perfect for planting. Yesterday, I moved the blue agapanthus from the front bed. Amazing how much it has grown. It was a single bulb 4 years ago and now it’s a huge clump that took ages to wrestle out of the ground.
While reading your post I can just dream of planting. We have real winter now with frost and frozen soil. I love agapanthus too, but due to the climate we have, they do not grow so fast as yours. My pennisetum grows in heavy clay soil and does quite well though.
Have a wonderful and happy 2008 (as well with regard to gardening)! Regards from Switzerland.
Barbara
Comment by Barbara — January 2, 2008 @ 11:26 am
Well, we had a pretty severe frost last night, too. And a howling gale of a wind, which makes it very unpleasant to be outdoors. Interesting that you can grow pennisetum in clay. It is a pretty plant. I need to go and cut mine back soon. They are looking pretty battered.
Happy 2008 (in the garden and out) to you too.
Comment by karen — January 2, 2008 @ 12:49 pm