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Poppy - California Mikado
The California Poppy Mikado, 'Eschscholzia californica', has dramatic and unusual scarlet-orange flowers that are spectacular in mass plantings and wildflower areas. The California Poppy is a perennial that is usually grown as an annual. In zones 7-11, though, the foliage often overwinters. The scarlet, orange, silky, saucer shaped 2 to 3 inch flowers have 4 delicate paper-like petals. This Poppy blooms best in the cool weather of spring. The Mikado needs full sun. On cloudy days or in the shade, the blooms will close. The Mikado will grow in almost any soil that is well drained. Pinching off spent flowers increases the bloom period. In cold climates, plant as soon as the ground can be worked. In warm climates seed in fall for impressive spring color. The Poppy Mikado can be used as a cut flower, wildflower plantings, and for soil erosion control. ... additional info
Pepper - Ornamental Varingata The Pepper Ornamental, 'Caosicum annuum', is a stunning variegated foliaged pepper with deep purple flowers. Why grow a pepper as an ornamental? Because ornamental peppers, particularly this one, may be the most beautiful plant in your flower garden. The Ornamental Pepper has white, light/medium/dark green variegated foliage with purple veins. It also displays deep purple flowers and dark purple peppers turning to red. Transplant the pepper in the spring, 3 to 4 weeks after the last frost and when soil temperatures are above 65 degrees. Start the pepper seed inside 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting outside. This pepper prefers average garden soil with good organic matter. Peppers use quite a bit of water and like to be watered deeply and not too often. Ornamental Peppers can be grown in the garden or grown in a pot to be brought inside when the temperatures begin to drop in the fall. Gardening News and Articles |