Remembering June (2)

Towards the end of June it was not only very dry, but also super hot, much to the dislike of quite a few species. Others, which by their nature enjoy such conditions, were not bothered at all (Salvia daghestanica, Veronica oltensis in the featured image). Also, Centaurea jankae, the subject of a plant portrait a little while ago, flowered non-stop from June until late fall.

So, we will retreat on the part-shaded sides of the garden to have a look at a few Arisaemas, Roscoea and companion plants.

Arisaema flavum is one of the most easy to grow species, and while not an overly showy species, it will become a ‘fixture’ of the garden; something that you can always count on to be there, quietly doing its thing. Arisaema candidissimum also flowered well. After it was tried in a container for a few years it was planted in the ground (in two locations). Why bother with containers? Arisaema ciliatum var. liubaense made a short apparition and in protest to the weather went dormant sooner than usual.

Newly in ‘town’ in 2022 was the Eastern NA native Arisaema dracontium, the green dragon. This is a threatened or vulnerable species in many regions of Eastern USA, and a rare sight in Eastern Canada (I have never encounter it).
The bad thing is that some people confuse it with Pinellia pedatisecta (a Chinese species), and worst of all, tubers of the latter are exchanged between gardeners as such. Many Pinellia species have a ‘weedy’ tendency.

It is not hard to distinguish them when in flower – see explanations; there are other more subtle differences (also for fruits/seeds), but the main idea is: do not share tubers unless you are sure what species you have!

Speaking of native species suitable for part-shade, the not often grown, Triosteum aurantiacum, the horse gentian, flowered and even produced a few fruits! In a shaded, overcrowded corner, Vancouveria hexandra always competes for space with Viola canadensis and others.

The more exotic Roscoea cautleyoides also starts flowering in late June. Similar to most Arisaemas, it emerges late from the ground, and thus it needs careful positioning close to more early growing species. Due to the high temperatures, the flowers were short lived, despite being part-shaded; otherwise they are not difficult to grow.

I wanted to also show by comparison the Jeffersonia species capsules & seeds, which both mature in June but this post it’s getting to long. Until the next one…