Snowbank in September


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Every year for the past five years I've made (and lost) a gardening bet and it has to do with "snow". Yup, there's snow out there right now -- as in the aptly named Boltonia asteroides "Snowbank." But from now on, all bets are off.

"Snowbank" in full bloom is impressive. For starters, it's about five feet tall and covered with miniature white daisy flowers. The blue green foliage stays healthy all season and the stiff, wiry stems strike a handsome pose. In my garden, this boltonia has been rock hardy and bloomed every fall without fail. So that's not what the bet is about. Nosirreee. This bet has to do with staking.

What consternates me is the flopping. This huge plant the size and weight of a snowbank has been described as "needs no staking". So for five years I have wanted to believe the hype (instead of my own experience) and let it grow unsupported. But each year, like clock work, just as the plant comes into full bloom, it blows over in a rain storm. Then I either haul the big soggy mess upright and attach what's left of it to a stake as best I can or else I decapitate it to save its neighbors from certain death by smothering.

"Oops! It did it again!"

I don't know why I'm so surprised, but "Snowbank" has fallen over yet again. Just as it has for the past four years and in three different locations in my garden. I may be stubborn, but I'm finally catching on!

We all know plants don't read the books. "Snowbank" definitely needs staking (or a good haircut in June) at my house. From here on out, all boltonia bets are off. Let's hope I still remember that next spring.

Find Boltonia in:

  • Selected Perennials for Fall

  • Plant the Perfect Perennial Mix

  • Mixed Border Design at NYBG

  • Waterwise Perennials

    ENJOY!

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