This time of year, there's just nothing more impressive in my garden, including the stargazer lilly, than my perennial hisbiscus plants. The salad plate-sized flowers are too stupendous to describe, so I'm providing a few photos that I hope do them justice.

I currently have two hibiscus plants, one that is a survivor of a 4-pack of plants that I purchased off QVC from Cottage Farms (remember yesterday I was telling you how I learned my lesson about buying plants off TV -- well I didn't admit defeat right away, it took a couple times). The other one was bought locally from Glick's Greenhouse. Both plants are about four years old.
I couldn't wait to see them bloom the first year I planted them. The blooms don't come until about mid-August, and one morning I looked out the window to see the most gorgeous plate-sized flower beaming back at me! Of course, I took photos and invited the family to see it. Unfortunately, to my surprise, the bloom only lasted one day. The very next morning I looked out and thought "where'd it go?" It was already drooped and parts of it were on the ground. That was the only bloom I got that first year. This year, the blooms are coming in abundance and both plants are entering their third week of constant blooming!

If you're interested, here's a few facts. Perennial hibiscus plants, those that come back for several years without replanting, are rapidly gaining favor with plant lovers across the nation. If you wish to enjoy a plant that is easy to care for, try the perennial hibiscus. Our zone (6) is perfect for this plant.
The perennial hibiscus should not be confused with the tropical hibiscus, which would not survive our winters. As the name implies, perennial hibiscus are truly perennial and, once established, will provide years and years of brilliant landscape color. There are many varieties of perennial hibiscus to choose from. Plant heights range from 3 feet to 8 feet tall. They can be used in the garden as focal point or arranged in a manner to provide an informal hedge. Some perennial hibiscus plants are compact and rather formal looking compared with the more loosely arranged habit of taller hibiscus.

So don't be afraid to try this easy-going, versatile plant. All your neighbors will be impressed and think you're a master gardener!
Up next -- beware Creeping Jenny!

About four years ago, I got sucked into a presentation by Cottage Farms on QVC. I'm sure you've already seen it at least once. Those smart marketers in West Chester usually bring in Cottage Farms some time in late February/early March, when all us gardeners are stuck in the house dreaming of the upcoming spring blooms.
And they always have a beautiful already-blooming specimen of what they're selling. Whether it be roses, strawberries, hydrangeas, or various collections of bulbs. The presentations are absolutely irresistable to the average gardener. All shipments come with a year-long guarantee, however, if a plant is damaged in shipment, you might not get the same plant for a replacement (but that's another story).

Anyway, it was during one of these presentations, that I couldn't help myself and decided to try the ever-blooming lilly package. I think it consisted of over 40 bulbs in all different colors and varieties. Well, long story-short, I planted each bulb according to the packaged instructions and right now (four years later) I have about seven active lillies that have actually flourished and spread in my gardens. Remember, that's 7 out of 40! And, I can't be sure, but I believe that with tax and shipping, it cost around $50 for the collection!
I've since learned my lesson regarding those spectacular TV presentations ... but the lillies that have lasted are absolutely gorgeous. And no one more than the Stargazer Lilly. It's one of those pleasant surprises that blooms in August and it's spectacular!

Known for its striking blooms and heavenly scent, the stargazer is a fantastic choice for a number of occasions. It's delicate, bold, and fragrant all at once, and is fabulous in floral arrangements (although I like mine too much to cut them). Developed in the latter part of the 20th century, the stargazer lily is a recent addition to the lily family, but this unique and rather exotic hybrid has rapidly risen in popularity to become one of the most adored and sought-after of all lily varieties.
Of the many different lilies that are available today, the stargazer lily is one of the true stand-outs. Its spectacular blooms, which can range in color from pure white to the more familiar shades of deep pink, can make a definite impression. Its dazzling appearance and seductive scent has resulted in a flower that can really make an entrance.

Stargazers are floral celebrities – bold, beautiful and dramatic – and they're sure to make that statement for you, whatever the occasion may be.
I highly recommend this spectacular flower, but I don't recommend buying it of TV. There are plenty of catalogs out there, as well as local nurseries where you can find this one of a kind bulb!

While walking through my gardens this week, I was pleasantly surprised to see the first blooms of two of my Clematis vines starting to open. I have four different varieties of this aristocratic vine in my gardens, two along the stone path and two more climbing an arbor in the back of my yard.
Clematis are among the most spectacular flowering vines, and within the wide range of colors, bloom times, and bloom sizes, there's a cultivar that's perfect for your garden.
Here are a few tips:
Most Clematis need at least six hours of sun each day to flower well.
The roots require cool tempeartures, so add 2-3 inches of organic mulch to reduce soil temperature and limit soil moisture loss.
And, perhaps most important, clematis climb by twining, so they need something to wrap themselves around, such as latticework or wire. Provide a support as tall as the vine's mature height. We have iron lattice that's about 4-ft. high that allows our clematis on the path to reach the top of our split rail fence and then it trails along it. I also run twine up the backside of our shed, so the Clematis can climb up and provide a wall of flowers.
"To prune or not to prune," is the most often asked question, regarding Clematis. It should be noted that incorrect pruning will never bring an early death to the clematis. At worst an inappropriate pruning will only delay flowering. Furthermore, if all varieties were left unpruned they would all flower very well.
I've been told that cutting the spent blooms off will promote more flowers. I have yet to test this theory, perhaps this year. Generally, I don't cut the vine back to the ground in the fall, but I do give it a good trim. I wait until late winter/early spring, when the first new leaves start to grow. Then I cut them back to about 6-8 inches from the ground.
But cutting/trimming the plant during blooming season won't necessarily hurt it at all. Sometimes you just want to keep it neat.
You don't have to spend a fortune for this splendid plant either. However, if you buy one that's not as established, but cheaper in price, it may take a few years to reach full blooming status. Our first two Clematis (the ones on the path) cost $29.99 each (5 yrs. ago) at Waterloo Gardens in Exton. While that may seem steep, as you can see in the photos provided, these were well worth the price.
Our other two Clematis were acquired from Cottage Farms via QVC. And while they look nice now (though not as spectacular as the others), it has taken four years to get there.
So, in essence, you get what you pay for.
And, I do recommend a trip to Waterloo Gardens in either of their locations (Exton or Devon). The place is absolutely fabulous! It's like an amusement park for gardeners. The displays are out-of-this-world and you can get quite an education there as well. Take the trip, you won't be sorry. (No one said you have to spend a fortune ... except on gas!)
Or you can check it out first online at http://www.waterloogardens.com/

And just a reminder that the Oley Valley Perennials Open House and Sale starts tomorrow at 9 a.m. at 675 Covered Bridge Road in scenic Oley. Also from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and June 6-7 and 20-21. If you go, make sure you get on their mailing list! More directions are available on this past Monday's (5/19) blog entry.