Re: Rhodea/ Painted Ferns

In a message dated 10/31/2002 10:32:03 AM Central Standard Time, 
genebush@otherside.com writes:


>  Japanese Painted ferns do just wonderful. Actually, I think I have too
> many of them in the garden now. I keep trying the newest named cultivar to
> come on the market because I like them so much. Now have numerous different
> ones scattered about.... and they are great plants one and all, but somehow
> nothing has surpassed the original 

Gene:  I'm  in complete agreement - I love the original Japanese Painted 
Fern, I also use it as a companion with some of my hardy Begonia's that have 
the dark purple foliage and  many times plant it at the base of my Alocasia 
plumbea 'metallica' - really a great combo.

Whenever I'm putting together a combo I think foliage first, blooms second.  
Many times I find that there only has to be one blooming plant in a combo if 
the foliage is attractive....also makes that particular bloom really stand 
out.  BTW - Blue Lobelia would be beautiful with the pale yellow Salvia - but 
will it bloom in the shade for you?  Down here it will.  

Something else that is nice with the pale yellow Salvia and the Rhodea would 
be a Barleria - for me they start to bloom in late summer and bloom til 
frost....and I mean they bloom in mass.  One bloom isn't much but in mass 
there is a statement.  I grow mine in shade and they bloom beautifully.  
There is also the burgandy blooming Salvia vanhoutii (sp??) - it should bloom 
in the fall but probably wouldn't be hardy for you. 

Have you considered just using annuals (I know, off topic, but it seems these 
have been recently discussed in length)....some of the St. John's Wort 
(perennial for me) has variegated foliage (with red/pink) and the color stays 
in the shade for me.

Something I love to do - which you probably do, is put a pot over something 
that has gone dormant.  I nice blooming pot of annuals would look great in 
place of your Jack.


Kemberly

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