Weeping Maple garden

Rhododendron stenopetalum (macrosepalum) 'Linearifolium'

http://www.rarefindnursery.com/index.php/all/r-azalea-evergreen-macrosepalum-var-linearifolium-sold-out.html



This azalea is strikingly unusual with its long narrow ( 1/8 inch x 2 inches) hairy leaves and strap-like flowers of similar proportions. The flowers look like lavender-pink spiders at the branch tips.
The odd Spider Azalea, native of Japan, is a pleasing addition to any collection of rhodies & azaleas, for it is so "different" that many people would not even suspect it is an azalea.

The skinny strap-like crinkly leaves are matched by the strap-like lavender-pink (or rose-lilac) flower petals. Hardly a guess why this is called a "Spider."

When first introduced to western gardens in 1980, it was known as Rhododendron macrosepalum 'Linearifolium.' That is now ammended to R. stenopetalum 'Linearifolium.'

Spider Azalea We procured our first small specimen at the Rhodododendron Species Foundation annual spring, when it consisted of hardly more than three stems with two branchings.

At that time it was only about eighteen inches tall, but already eager to bloom, as shown in a May 2002 photo above. In May the little shrub had already been blooming a full month, & the flowers took a full eight weeks to wear out.

A year later (as shown in the second photo shot in April), it had considerably bushed out, though still & always destined to remain a dwarf. To see more of this specimen, see the Spider Azalea Page of the Rhodies & Azaleas Blossoms Gallery.

Though small, it almost qualifies as a big shrub compared to the groundcover rhody visible in the lower right hand corner of the second photograph. That tiny thing is R. keiskei var. cordifolia 'Yaku Fairy,' by far the smallest of the dwarf rhodies we possess.


It likes sun to part shade & our first one grows under a Paperbark maple at the edge of the shade-line where I hope it is getting enough sun. In 2004 we added a second spider azalea in a raised patio-edge garden, shaded by a Diablo Ninebark. A spider azalea is easily harmed by winds, so finding it the perfect location where it is protected by larger plants, but not too deeply shaded from the sun, can be quite the balancing act. http://www.paghat.com/spiderazalea.html

Veronica Gentian Speedwell

Veronica Gentian Speedwell

Finally found the name of this beautiful plant. It only shows up in the spring. The only light blue flower that I have.



http://www.perennials.com/plants/veronica-gentianoides.html
Also called Gentian Speedwell, this has a fairly compact habit that makes it of great use towards the front of a border, in the rock garden or even in tubs and pots. Plants form a low rosette of wide leaves, with upright spikes of powder-blue flowers appearing in late spring and early summer. Trim off dead flowers in late June to tidy plants up for the summer. Contrasts beautifully with other flowers in hues of bright golden-yellow or orange, or mix with other pastel shades for a softer effect. Easily divided in fall or early spring. Evergreen in mild winter regions.

Further details for
Veronica gentianoides

Optimal Growing Conditions	Appearance and Characteristics
Sun Exposure   Full Sun or   Partial Shade Soil Type   Normal or   Sandy or   Clay Soil pH   Neutral or   Alkaline or   Acid Soil Moisture   Average or   Moist Care Level   Easy	Flower Colour   Light Blue Blooming Time   Early Summer   Late Spring Foliage Color   Deep Green Plant Uses & Characteristics   Accent: Good Texture/Form   Border   Containers   Cut Flower   Deer Resistant   Edging   Rabbit Resistant   Evergreen   Massed Flower Head Size   Large Height    30-40 cm    12-16 inches Spread    30-45 cm    12-18 inches Foot Traffic    None Growth Rate    Medium