Archives
 By  Staff Reports Published 
1:47 pm Tuesday, July 30, 2002

Finding summer container plants

By By AMELIA O'BRIAN / horticulture columnist
July 28, 2002
Dear Gardener: I love the look of the summer blooming lilies. I have looked at the garden centers, but I can't seem to find any container plants. When might I be able to obtain these beauties?
Dear Reader: Lilies are not usually available as container plants. The bulbs are typically offered for sale in the spring and fall, since these are the preferred planting seasons. The planting information available with each variety will tell you the best planting times and conditions. Plant the bulbs as soon as possible after purchase.
Dear Gardener: I have seen some chaste trees around town. I would love to have one in may garden. Is there anything I should know about them before purchasing one?
Dear Reader: Lilac Chaste tree (Vitex agnus castus) is a wonderful small tree, large shrub. It can reach up to 25 feet in height, but in our area it will probably not grow that large. It loses its leaves during the winter and produces large spikes of fragrant, purple flowers throughout the summer. The berries that follow have medicinal uses.
Pick a sunny spot to plant your chaste tree. They do not require much in the way of maintenance. Deadheading during summer will prolong the blooming season. Pruning should take place in early spring. Trimming branches back to live wood will encourage lots of new growth and plenty of blossoms, since the flowers are borne on new wood.
Dear Gardener: All the poppies I plant tend to die out. I would love to have them as regular staples in my garden. Any suggestions on types to purchase and plant?
Dear Reader: Many of the poppies available are of the annual type. these should be allowed to set seed in the late summer or be reseeded by hand each fall. Of the perennial ones on the market, Oriental poppies and Iceland poppies are the most common two.
Oriental poppies bloom in spring and grow quite large, usually 2 to 4 feet high. The large flowers range from white to pink to red. Iceland Poppies are smaller, only reaching about 12 inches in height. If deadheaded, their white, yellow or orange flowers will continue throughout the summer. They are available in single or double varieties.
Be sure to plant your poppies in a very sunny location. Water oriental poppies occasionally throughout the summer months. Stop watering once the leaves begin to die down. Mulch them for winter protection. Iceland poppies are a bit easier to cultivate. Simply let them reseed at the end of the summer and you will be ensured a good planting next spring.

Also on Franklin County Times
County school board adopts $52M budget
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE Franklin County Schools has adopted a $52 million budget for fiscal year 2026, reflecting a $2.5 million increase over last year. The bud...
Judge denies YO status for Phinizee
Main, News, Z - News Main
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 17, 2025
FLORENCE — Youthful offender status was denied Tuesday for a 17-year-old charged with the death of a 13-yearold during what authorities said was a rob...
RCS passes $43.3M budget
Main, News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- The city school board has approved a $43.3 million budget for the 2025-26 school year. Chief Financial Officer Lisa Witt said revenues...
Program tackles stress of caregiver burnout
News, Records, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- Many people deal with caregiver burnout. Kids and Kin childcare partner Marquita Wilson presented a program at the Russellville Public...
Flavil Wayne McCaig
Obituaries
September 17, 2025
Flavil Wayne McCaig Sept. 12, 2025   Flavil Wayne McCaig, 82, of Russellville, passed away Sept. 12 at his residence. He was born March 3, 1943, to Au...
Cultura Garden Club begins its year with roses and plans for fall
Columnists, News, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
September 17, 2025
The Cultura Garden Club held its first meeting of the year. President Cheri McCain presided. She provided information on projects and programs for the...
We can’t afford to lose electric vehicle industry
Columnists, Opinion
September 17, 2025
In Alabama, we understand what it means to build things that matter. We’ve long been home to builders and winners – our steel won wars and built the s...
Firefighters, cadets honor 9/11 with stair climbs
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE – Firefighters and RHS JROTC cadets participated in a stair climb in recognition of the 24th anniversary of 9-11. Sgt. Grant Tarascou and...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *