Iris x robusta ‘Gerald Darby’ 1.6 stars
Gerald Darby Iris
Flower Description and Bloom Time
Purple flowers with yellow-splashed sepals (falls) appeared on purplish-black stems. Flowering began in early June and persisted for about two weeks. One evaluator recommended removing the spent flowers in midsummer.
Foliage Interest — Color and Texture
In spring, the leaves are a dusky purple tipped with green. Although one evaluator noted that the iris, which was planted in part shade, did not exhibit purple leaves, another found the purple leaves “very desirable.”
Habit and Growth Rate Observations
Plants ranged in size from 8 to 24 inches wide and 24 to 35 inches tall. Some plants flopped by midsummer. Several plants were slow to establish.
Site Preference — Soil and Light
Grow this plant in medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. It may be grown in 2 to 4 inches of shallow standing water or a very moist border.
Successes and Possible Drawbacks
Soils must be consistently moist and should not be allowed to dry out. Site in full sun, moist soil and mulch with leaf mould.
Notes from Growers/Retailers
N/A
Good Combinations
Can be combined with any other moisture- and sun-loving plants, such as hibiscus, swamp milkweed and canna lilies.
Parting “SHOT” — The overall evaluation results were poor. *
This plant was evaluated from 2012 to 2015 at four sites in Chicago’s western and far northwestern suburbs with a total of 12 plants in the trial. By the third year of the evaluation, only five of the 12 plants survived. Although the evaluators did not recommend this plant, some noted that the lack of overall vigor may have been due to the size of the transplants and their small root systems. One of the four evaluators recommended the plant for its purple spring foliage that held onto its color into mid-summer as well as for its attractive flowers. evaluated 2012-2015
Knautia macedonica ‘Mars Midget’
Mars Midget Knautia
Burgundy/ maroon pin cushion-like blooms averaging 1″ across. Flowers heavily end of May through June then sporadically until frost. Deadheading promotes repeat blooms and tidies up overall appearance. Very attractive when in bloom.
Foliage interest – color/texture
Foliage presents with neat clean, silvery green basal mounds round out as the season progresses. Evaluators agreed this plant can look a little ratty at times due to its loose habit. No disease or pest problems.
Habit and growth rate observations
Compact but inconsistent growth habit. All evaluators agreed that this plant has a leggy and loose habit and is a slow grower. The average size after 3 years was 18″ x 15″ There is little evidence of reseeding but is not bothersome.
Site preference – soil & light
Performs well in full sun and light shade. Withstands several soil conditions from clay to loam and dry to moist. This is an excellent plant for tough spots.
Successes and possible drawbacks – how to overcome them
This cultivar has a better habit and stays within its growing space unlike the straight species. Plant tends to lack luster out of bloom so removal of the spent blooms will keep this plant looking fresh.
Notes from growers/retailers
Easy to grow in a container yet slow to fill out. Even though it is a low maintenance grower too much water will rot the crown. For retailers, this is a hard sell when not in flower.
Best combinations
Geranium ‘Rozanne’, Salvia, Coneflower. Best planted by, or intermingled with perennials that support or serve as a backdrop. Consider white or pastel perennials so burgundy flowers will really stand out.
Parting SHOT – the overall evaluation results were Good***
Very attractive plant in bloom and recommended as a team member versus a specimen in the garden.. The flower color and long bloom time are also noteworthy.
Evaluated 2005-2008
Phlox divaricata ‘Plum Perfect’
Plum Perfect Woodland Phlox
Plum Perfect’s flowers area a lavender- plum purple with a darker red purple eye zone blooming Late May into June. The flowers have a slight vanilla fragrance and attract butterflies.
Foliage interest – color/texture
The foliage on this Woodland Phlox is a fine textured medium to dark green. Burgundy tones come up in cooler spring or fall weather.
Habit and growth rate observations
Phlox ‘Plum Perfect’ has a loose, open growth habit ranging in evaluator gardens from 5-7 inches tall and 7- 20 inches wide. Only one evaluator noted that it had vigorous growth but was not invasive. Others noted a struggling growth habit and some floppiness.
Site preference – soil & light
This Phlox prefers part shade with 3-4 hours of sun. Most were grown in well drained but moist, clay loam soil.
Notes from growers/retailers
Growing tips include placement in dappled shade and good air circulation to reduce potential for powdery mildew. On the retail shelf these plants can be cut back after flowering for fresh growth.
Successes and possible drawbacks – how to overcome them
Deer love this Phlox and will graze this plant in early spring but it will rejuvenate buds and bloom. See next pix. Deadhead and apply supplemental water to keep this plant looking good all summer.
Best combinations
Phlox ‘Plum Perfect’ works well in the garden with other spring blooming plants: Brunnera, Polemonium, Ajuga, Tree Peonies, Tiarella and Daffodils.
Parting SHOT – the overall evaluation results were Fair
At the end of the evaluation period only 7 of 15 Phlox that were planted were still alive. Only one evaluator was completely successful with this plant and most noted that it was nothing special and overall a poor, weak performer
Evaluated 2007-2010
