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Re: [PRIMROSES] Planting under trees was: New Member Bio

Diana,

I've got the plain Symphytum grandiflora, but in a spot that doesn't get
really dry and it is a fairly aggressive spreader.  May be the dry
conditions are holding S. 'Hidcote Blue' back a bit.  This species does
make a nice groundcover for shade or part sun...may even like full sun in
northerly climates.  I know that dry, rooty conditions will keep some
"aggressive" plants in check.  I've got some Aegopodium (bishop's-weed)
under severe competition with tree roots, ivy and what not that hasn't
spread in years.  Forgot to mention that one, but since most people swear
at it, it's probably not one to recommend.

Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@clark.net
Editor:  Gardening in Shade
http://www.suite101.com/frontpage/frontpage.cfm?topicID=222
Gardening Topic Index for Suite101:
http://www.suite101.com/userfiles/79/gardening.html

----------
> From: Diana L. Politika <diana@OLYMPUS.NET>
> To: PRIMROSES@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
> Subject: Re: [PRIMROSES] Planting under trees   was: New Member Bio
> Date: Wednesday, December 31, 1997 9:45 AM
>
> I grew a particular plant due its ability to thrive in dry shade.  I
> sold some to my sons' day care provider, as she needed something that
> could handle the stomping of little feet.  Thus, I've had the
> opportunity to watch this plant on a daily basis.
> Symphytum 'Hidcote Blue'.  It stays low, 10-12 inches, the bloom period
> is long.  Tubular flowers unroll from a fiddlehead-like flower stalk.
> They emerge with a bright pink hue, and change to a beautiful blue and
> white.
> I planted one under my mature cedar and the leaves overlap like
> shingles, making a perfect rounded mound.  It is doing much better than
> the daycare providers, as hers is planted in very poor soil with round
> wash-rock several inches deep.
> I've read that these spread around, and I've noticed one seedling a few
> feet from mine, tho Sharons' has not done so.
>
> The Greenhouse
> 81 S. Bagley Creek Road & Hwy 101
> Port Angeles, WA  98362
> (360) 417-2664
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