Wildflower Update

Blue-
bonnets? No, not blooming yet. This is a picture from last year. I was really worried about my wildflowers making it through those cold days we had this winter. If you will remember I even called the Wildseed Farm and asked them about covering the plants--and they said "yes!" But I am pleased to report, the Bluebonnet rosettes are alive and well!
In fact, they are not only alive, they look wonderful. I planted some in the back corner bed, but my concen-
tration this year was the bed around the new tree. (The new tree? I think it's still alive, but that's another post!) They not only survived the cold, the rain, and the snow-they seem to flourish. The bed is almost full of bonnets.
And, they are so lush. I am so excited! And this is the case, not only in my little garden, but across the state of Texas. According to the reports from the newspaper: " Wildflower experts say the upcoming bloom should be exceptional thanks to the heavy rains.. Expect oceans of blue flowers..It's going to be a spectucular year..The spring show will be the best since 2007.." And for other wildflowers: "That stretch of dry weather helped kill off grasses and weeds and other plants, creating more space for wildflowers." I was worried about the snow, but "The snow helped insulate the plants, while the temperatures were not cold enough to threaten the flowers." Bluebonnets are even starting to bloom around Houston! Wow! This is such exciting news for wildflower enthusiest like myself.
I noticed that some of my other wildflowers are starting to produce green as well. This is the Autumn Blush Coreopsis that I fell in love with last year. Not sure about the name as it bloomed all summer.
I don't remember which coreopsis this is, maybe moonbeam, but I just noticed it coming up among the tulips and daffodils.
I need help identifying this plant please. Several of these are growing around the new tree in with the bluebonnets I thought it kind of looked like a columbine. But then I remembered; I planted winecup seeds in the fall. This isn't where I planted them, but you know wildflower seeds are..well..wild. Could this be winecup? They are probably invasive, but right now I am just happy to have the promise of blooms.


Such excitement! Happy March everyone!

Autumn Blush Coreopsis

One of my favorite perennials is Coreopsis. All types of them! I can't resist buying one when I see them at the garden center. This was the case a few weeks ago. As I was looking around, I spotted a rack of brand new plants they were just bringing in. They had not even taken the plastic sheeting that was wrapped around the rack so they wouldn't fall off before I started grabbing.

The flowers were so pretty and unusual. I didn't even know it was a coreopsis until I looked at the tag--and of course then I really couldn't resist buying one....well...I mean two! (two is better than one, right?)

This is a new hybrid coreopsis called "Autumn Blush." It has light peachy-yellow flowers with red eyes. I did a little research on the internet and found that the color will change to a wine rose blush in fall...guess that's how it got it's name.
It is a long blooming perennial forming spreading mounds of green fern like leaves. The article I read suggested that you shear it back lightly in August to encourage renewed blooms. It is suppose to tolerate heat and humidity, and..clay soil! (YES!) It is deer and rabbit resistant and attracts birds and butterflies. Now what more could you ask for? One thing....it requires 6+ hours of sun.
That is quite a bit of sun for most of my yard, but..perfect for one bed. I think this autumn blush makes a perfect addition to my wildflower garden.