A match made in heaven to be enjoyed on earth.
I purchased one ‘Dark Towers’ penstemon from Dutch Gardens, not knowing I’d receive a trial plant of the same from Terra Nova Nurseries a couple weeks later. Last year both remained rosettes of dark purple foliage and didn’t bloom, so when I sowed the seeds of ‘Lauren’s Grape’ poppy around them (a sample from Botanical Interests), I just had this vague idea that the poppies would “go” with the penstemon.
The poppy and the penstemon complement each other on many levels.
I still go out at least once a day to look at that combination in wonder and gratitude. The only flaw in this arrangement is that the penstemon was almost done blooming by the time the first poppies opened. However, I sowed the poppies rather late, so perhaps they will be more in sync next year.
One can hope.
Further Reading
Plant patent for ‘Dark Towers’ penstemon
About Kathy Purdy
Kathy Purdy discovered the joys of writing in fourth grade, when she started corresponding with a former classmate. She's been writing letters ever since, first on looseleaf, then electronically, and now as weblog entries. That makes you, the blog reader, her pen pal. Her first independent (though frustrating) attempts at gardening were made in high school, though the gardening bug didn't bite hard until her mid-thirties, when she found herself mistress of a rural home on 15 acres. • USDA Hardiness Zone:4 • AHS Heat Zone: 3 • Location: rural; Southern Tier of NY • Geographic type: foothills of Appalachian Mountains • Soil Type: acid clay • Experience level: intermediate • Particular interests: colchicums, narcissus, cottage gardening, NY native plants, gardening with/for children
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
I purchased a Dark Towers penstemon today and I’m glad I did.
.-= MNGarden´s last blog ..Happy Mother’s Day =-.
Twitter: @JenniferCote
I was glad to see your website pop right up when I googled “dark purple poppy”. I’ve been growing the Lauren’s Grape variety for several years now, and thought of giving some of the seeds to my friends/relatives in colder states. I guess they grow in places besides here on the California coast- good to know! Love your pictures
Jen
Twitter: @OurLittleAcre
So beautiful! I too planted ‘Lauren’s Grape’ poppy seeds from Botanical Interests, but got MUCH smaller blooms and they weren’t very dark. More of a medium plum color. The flowers themselves weren’t much more than an inch or so across. I planted them early, and they germinated well, so I expected a good “crop” but was disappointed. I may try again next year, because I was so taken with the photos of them. Glad you had such good success!
.-= Kylee from Our Little Acre´s last blog ..Where Did All the Zucchini Go? =-.
Kathy, I came to read about the blight, but this is much more pleasant subject matter
What a wonderful combination! These two plants are being added to my wish list as we speak….
Thanks for sharing your feelings over this happy surprise with us. I think we can all understand those moments well
.-= kerri´s last blog ..Daylily Delight =-.
Twitter: @suburbangarden
That is a fantastic combination. I have a packet of Lauren’s Grape waiting to be sown & 3 baby Penstemon ‘Dark Towers.’ Hopefully next year, a bit of your garden will be found in mine.
.-= Mr. McGregor’s Daughter´s last blog ..Whaddaya Think This Is, A Wildlife Sanctuary? =-.
Twitter: @Patsybell
this is like a photographic poem. Every once in awhile it all comes together, sort of like a floral blessing. It’s a beautiful combination and a great photo.
.-= Patsybell´s last blog ..Up On The Roof =-.
What the heck?. I lost my last comment. Anyway, I love that combo. Going to order some of those seeds straight away!
.-= MA´s last blog ..Friends? Gardeners? Anyone out there? =-.
That is wonderful! OK, I am ordering some Lauren’s Grape seeds from Botanical I. I have been trying to get a purple poppy established here for 4 years. Perfect combo!
.-= MA´s last blog ..Friends? Gardeners? Anyone out there? =-.
Twitter: @indygardener
Wow, that is a great combo!
.-= Carol, May Dreams Gardens´s last blog ..Letters to Gardening Friends, August 9, 2009 =-.
I read this earlier in the day, and am just now back to leave my comment, unless, that is, I left one before, and you have comment moderation. I am pretty scatterbrained. That is a nice combination. Even the foliage on the plants add to the nice combination.
.-= Sue´s last blog ..Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate =-.
Sue, I have it set to moderate new visitors only. You are one of my faithful commenters, so you won’t be moderated until you change your email or name. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
love the poppy. i think i have seed. better plant it.
.-= michelle´s last blog ..Gourmet Garlic =-.
It is wonderful! What is more important – you don’t see this combination often (actually, I’ve never seen it before). It is new, different, it’s a lovely surprise. You should be proud of yourself Kathy!
.-= Tatyana´s last blog ..Better Than Growing Vegetables =-.
Beautiful! I totally get it! Your poppies were a touch later than mine, but I also planted late. They were Botanical Interests “Hungarian Blue”, and close in color to yours. Also close–but not that close–to Penstemon “Husker Red.” Nice when those happy accidents occur.
.-= Lynn´s last blog ..all full up on garlic =-.
Twitter: @LindaCTG
Agree, so lovely. Want some! But mine will have to wait until spring.
So nice to enjoy them right this minute in your garden!
.-= Linda Lehmusvirta´s last blog ..From Linda: August 6, 2009 =-.
Twitter: @mycornerofkaty
Oh, that is drop dead gorgeous, indeed! I like the Nicotiana with it, too.
.-= Cindy, MCOK´s last blog ..RePeat =-.
Twitter: @truegrit
Fantastic! Really like this- it reminds me of some of the Penelope Hobhouse combinations that I like so well.
.-= Ilona´s last blog ..My Chores And Prairiefire Crabapple =-.
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