Alstroemeria psittacina “Royal Star”-Variegated Parrot Feather

Before propagating Parrot Feather you should know that it is POISONOUS and TOXIC but it can be divided in the spring, it has fleshy roots and is a great cut flower so wear gloves when near the plant. It grows up to 36" and flowers through the summer into the fall. Its flowers are unusual because they are green and red finged with maroon and its leaves are variegated with white borders. It tolerates heat and humidity for Zones 7-9. Native to Mexico and Brazil.

Osteopermum-African Daisy, Cape Daisy

Propagating African Daisy is usually done by tip cuttings, with constant misting, in autumn or try layering. There are over 85 different species and the colors range from purple to yellow to white to blue and with constant deadheading will bloom throughout the summer up until frost but prefer cooler areas. The normal hardiness zones are 8-10. Butterflies are attracted to the flowers and the plants can vary in height from 8-24" and must have a well draining but moist soil and are susceptible to root rot and viruses, either in full sun or partial shade. African Daisies are native to Africa.

Omphalodes cappadocica-Navel-seed

Propagating Navel-seed is accomplished in the spring by digging up the rhizomes that spread underground and rooting it either in a medium separate from the plant or allowing it to spread off from the parent. It grows upwards of 6-10" and can either be used as an edging plant or in a rock garden since its blooms of blue or white tend to be profuse. It will bloom through most of the spring and can be used as a cut flower and is rabbit resistant. Hardy in Zones 6-9 but it prefers cool summers so plant in a windy location in partial shade, truley a woodland plant, in hotter zones in well draining soil. It is native to Asia Minor.

Orthosiphon aristatus-Cat’s Whiskers

Cat’s Whiskers is only a perennial in Zones 9-11 because it is a native of S.S. Asia. Honeybees, butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to its nectar and colors come in white, blue and lavender. It prefers a bog or wet environment in either full sun or partial shade with no drying out, will bloom from late summer to early fall with deadheading, and will reach a height of 18-24". Propagation by 5-6" stem cutting in water or by layering.

Stipa gigantea-Giant Feather Grass

Giant Feather Grass should be used as a speciman plant in a windy location because it prefers cool summers and mild winters but is hardy from Zone 6-9 and in the former it is evergreen but should be cut back in early spring before new growth takes off. It can be divided in the spring but it will take some hacking to achieve division. It does not do well with a winter’s wet soil. It’s tan spikes start in early summer and can last through the winter and of course deer will not munch. It will reach a height of 8-10 feet so it could possibly be used as a screen with ample space. It is native to Spain, Portugal & Spain and is drought tolerant.

Chiastophyllum oppositifolium “Jim’s Pride”-Golden Lambstill

Spring 2012 is just around the corner in many Southern states and those in the Northern half well they could be still shoveling snow. Pity. The first plant in 2012 to propagate is Golden Lambstill which is a native of Armenia or the old Russia. If you can use your imagination it can be similar to Euonymous “Emerald Gaiety from a distance because it’s growth is rhizomatous so it is easy to divide however in early summer. It is evergreen that doesn’t mind full sun as long as the soil is moist and well draining and it is also a succulent. It is hardy from Zone 5, extra protection, to 9 and reaches a height of 4-6" and it’s flower blooms in late spring to early summer and is yellow.