Philip’s Garden Blog

and at the Huntington Botanical Garden:

Irises are a bulbous or rhyzomatous native to northern temperate regions all over the world. Their distinctive flowers consist of three inner petals or “standards” nested inside three outer petals or “falls”.  But other than these characteristics, iris flowers vary enormously in terms of size and color.  Irises are usually propagated through division.  Divide every year and the intrepid gardener can achieve similar effects!

In this environmentally friendly roof garden, drought tolerant perennials are placed in drifts of complimentary colors. White yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and ornamental grasses add texture.

          
This imposing biennial, Greek mullein (Verbascum olympicum) is native to Ulalag, Turkey, a region of great biodiversity and botanic interest. Certainly this mullein grows in a single season to olympic proportions.   The grey hairy leaves are indicative of plants endemic to arid regions. These  plants exhibit little but their  leaves for a year or two before it sends a stock up to 8 feet high, with many flowering branches. After summer blooming, the plant dies but not before it releases many seeds for future plants.

Greek mullein grows naturally in stony ground, well drained with little fertility. Give it a similar situation in full sun and it is easy to grow.  This plant has the potential for great dramatic effects in the garden when planted in multiples, as shown here in a mixed border at Great Dixter.  Plants can be purshased here: http://www.anniesannuals.com/signs/v%20-%20z/verbascum_olympicum.htmidal paniclerming a pyramidal panicle