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Re: [PRIMROSES] Polygonatum and Podophyllum was: Planting under

In a message dated 98-01-04 13:49:58 EST, you write:

<<
 I'm glad to see that the Podophyllum doesn't take over your other plants.  I
 have wondered if I would regret planting it with my other wildflowers.  I
like
 the looks of this plant alot.

 Cindy Johnson
 White Bear Lake, MN
 zone 4a
 cidjohnson@aol.co >>

Cindy,

There is a difference in zones 3/4 in height and general plant production for
most of these plants from the higher numbered zones.

This is from my general observation and experience.  While someone in Maryland
or Georgia may have Solomon's Seal run all over the garden you will not have
that problem in zone 4.  In fact you may have to wait years longer to achieve
a good sized clump.

While there does not seem to be any easily found research on the subject
written in the gardener's press the short season (here last of May to middle
of September) seems to hamper the more vigorous growth reported south of us.
For instance, a plant that makes some fall growth before going dormant (many
biennials) will not get the job done in the northerly zones.  Trees and shrubs
takes years to achieve height here.  Summer blooming bulbs (acidanthera) often
do not bloom, they just do have the time to complete their life cycle.

I think the colder temps are not always the problem, the shortness of growing
season is.  I have a variegated Solomon's Seal that is 5 or 6 years old and is
still a modest clump.

Claire Peplowski
East Nassau, NY
Zone 4 - Berkshire area (where snow and cold is not enough, today it is
freezing rain)
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