Gene....do you have naturally acidic soil? If not, how do you amend yours specifically for azaleas? And how do you alter this for other acid-loving plants? This has always been a challenge for me. The yellow sulphur granules have never been very effective for me and liquid acid fertilizers require nearly constant drenchings. Peat moss has lightened the soil nicely but never prevented chlorosis to any real degree. BTW, I have two Azaleas which do not seem to mind  non-acidified soil and thrive, blooming well each spring in soil which is probably ph 7+. Can azaleas be planted under trees or is the root competion/compaction too great?  Thanks so much for any help as I'd love to add more azaleas to the perennial garden.

 

Joanie Anderson

 

 

Liv and Joannie, Kitty

            I do not know anything much other than what is in Dan's book. Read the section on Cardiandra and put it on my lust-list. Came across seeds once and purchased a packet. Four plants made it from a whole pan. Three are in my garden now. Seed to transplant size only took a full year. I put mine in the same area as my azaleas as Cardiandra wants acidic soil. I do not expect a plant any larger than perhaps 3 feet in height and a touch more across. Just have to see ..... part of the excitement of trying new plants.

At this point, if I tried zone 5 I would give it a protected spot. Cannot tell you why... just would. Plant is so new and I cannot find anyone to tell me anything from actual experience in my neck of the woods.

           

Gene E. Bush

Munchkin Nursery & Gardens,LLC

www.munchkinnursery.com

Garden Writer - Photographer -  Lecturer

      

 

 

 

From: owner-perennials@hort.net [mailto:owner-perennials@hort.net] On Behalf Of Kitty
Subject: Re: Cardiandra alternifolia

 

Of course Cardiandra was in Dan Hinkley's book - The Explorer's Garden, but since there is no longer a REAL Heronswood, where would one find it?  I tried Arrowhead, but not there.  Gene?  Where did you obtain yours?

 

Hinkley says it tolerates temps to 10° F and perhaps lower.  Then he goes on to say "Little information...but my educated guess says...5-9, perhaps colder."

 

Kitty
neIN, Zone 5

----- Original Message -----

From: l*@hotmail.com

To: p*@hort.net

Sent: Saturday, June 11, 2011 7:16 PM

Subject: RE: Cardiandra alternifolia

 

Joanie's right - looks lovely - shade/woodland. Yum! Any idea how hardy? I could only find 1 reference  - think it will do in zone 5?
Lil T
 

---

From: J*@aol.com
Date: Sat, 11 Jun 2011 15:23:56 -0400
Subject: Cardiandra alternifolia
To: p*@hort.net

Gene...just checked out the Cardiandra alternifolia...zounds...gorgeous...is it a small plant? I recognize the Hydrangea in it. What can you tell me about it? Thanks, Joanie Anderson

 

In a message dated 6/8/2011 1:48:41 P.M. Central Daylight Time, genebush@netsurfusa.net writes:

I am becoming more and more aware of hydrangea relatives.... top on my list of performers is the quiet little Platycrater arguta. Goes with anything and is a subtle charmer. Blooms are like pearls over glossy rich-green long leaves. Just added Cardindra alternifolia to the azalea area with Nicholas Hakonechloa and Heartthrob violet.


Gene E. Bush
Munchkin Nursery & Gardens,LLC
www.munchkinnursery.com
Garden Writer - Photographer -  Lecturer