Paeonia-Peony

Propagating Paeonia or Peony can be difficult because the crown or eyes are almost woody and brittle like so a person needs a sharp instrument to cut the crown in the fall. Transplanting the eye should be planted no deeper then two inches otherwise it will not bloom. It is a native to China and as many know they come in single and double blooms which are fragrant and the plant itself is deer resistant. It is deciduous and upwards of 1500 varieties and for those who are interested there is the American Peony Society. Peony’s bloom late spring to early summer and come in colors ranging from white, pink, red, yellow and orange, there are no blue varieties and plants can reach upwards of 5'. They need to be planted in full sun but are not drought resistant and the dead leaves need to be cleaned up in the fall to prevent disease.

Heliotropium arborsecens-Heliotrope, Cherry Pie

For those living in Zones 9-11, lucky you, propagating Heliotrope can be done either by layering or by soft tip cuttings in the spring. Heliotrope is a evergreen soft wooded sub-shrub, or a sturdy perennial that is great as a container plant, without afternoon sun exposure. It needs moisture, it will not withstand drought. There are many varieties of heliotrope but this variety comes in white, violet or purple and blooms midsummer, July through to frost. It is fragrant, the scent of cherry pie, butterflies love the nectar, it reaches a height of 12"18," and is a native of Peru. If you have room for winter storage this is a great container plant for colder zones.

Rosa Caramba-Groundcover Rose

Since Rosa Caramba or Groundcover Rose is a patented hybrid tea woody plant so for home use layering or cuttings would be the best avenue. Cuttings in the fall are best. Plants prefer full sun and grow to a height of upwards of 24". The blooms are salmon-orange with yellow centers, are fragrant and prefer full sun. They will bloom from June through to frost and because they flower on new growth pruning will stimulate blossoms.

Androsace sarmentosa-Rock Jasmine

Propagating Androsace or Rock Jasmine can be done either in the spring or fall by digging up the rooted rhizomes that trail away from the parent and transplanting into a sandy/gritty composted well draining soil. It fills in the crevices in rock walls just fine. It’s blooms are fragrant and various species come in white, pink or lilac and this variety flowers in May-June. It is evergreen, deer may munch, it reaches a height of 4"5", and is semi-drought tolerant in full sun or partial shade, but in warmer zones no afternoon sun.

Aurinia saxatilis-Perennial Alyssum, Basket of Gold

Propagating Aurinia or Perennial Alyssum is difficult because of its tight clump but if you’d like to try its best to be done in the spring, spread seed directly in the ground in the fall or it can be a good self seeder or attempt hardwood cuttings after bloom. The term saxatilis means “growing among rocks,” so it prefers a gritty or a sandy well draining soil. It blooms among the spring bulbs, April to June, and the basic color is yellow but some cultivars can be obtained in white or gold. It is evergreen, deer resistant, blooms are fragrant, and is drought tolerant. It reaches a height of 8"-12", takes full sun, and is native to Asia and S. E. Europe.

Calamintha grandiflora-Large-flowered Calamint

Propagating Calamintha or Calamint is done either in the spring or fall by locating well rooted rhizomes to transplant or if in a great location is does self seed. A native to the northern temperate regions of Europe, Asia and America. It is considered drought resistant after being established but it needs a well draining soil. It blooms appear along the stem while it leaves can be mottled and blooms through most of the summer reaching a height of 12"-18". It is deciduous and attracts butterflies and honeybees and is also deer resistant. Colors can range from pink, to purple to blue to white and could stand either full sun or partial shade and belongs to the mint family so when the leaves are bruised it gives off a mint fragrance.

Caryopteris x clandonensis-Bluebeard

Propagating this woody plant can only be done by softwood cuttings or layering but its varieties are patent protected. This is one plant that blooms from August through to frost and is deciduous and should be pruned back to six inches in the spring. Its blooms are deep blue to purple, are fragrant, and deer resistant. It is native to China and Japan and it attracts butterflies. Once established it is drought resistant and needs a well draining soil, full sun, and grows to a height of 2'-3'.