Garden Photo of the Day

Summer in Lynn’s Garden

Dahlias and vitex steal the show

close up of a large pink and yellow dahlia flower

We’re in Malvern, Pennsylvania, today visiting Lynn Crawford’s garden. We’ve been to Lynn’s garden before (Peonies and Other FavoritesFlowering Tonight Only!), and today we’re looking at some summer blooms.

close up of a large white dahlia flowerWhat is late summer without dahlias? In Zones 8 or warmer they can be left in the ground over winter. In colder climates they are easy to dig and store over winter in a cool spot like a basement.

close up of a large pink dahlia flowerA lovely rich pink dahlia

two dark pink dahlia flowersDahlia blooms are endlessly variable. This one has petals with a lighter fringe at the edge.

close up of a large pink and yellow dahlia flowerDahlias love rich soil and plenty of water to support the most vigorous growth and biggest, most abundant blooms.

two pink and light yellow dahlia flowersJust stunning! Dahlias are equally beautiful in the garden or cut for a vase inside.

close up of Chaste treeI thought I would share this picture of my Vitex (chaste tree, Zones 6–10) in bud. I have enjoyed this shrub for many years with its blue/purple flower spikes. It reminds some of a buddleia or lilac, but I prefer the vitex flower. I also have it in white (alba) in a tree form. Just last year I was thrilled to find a pink variety and have added it to my garden. It is a young plant and the blooms are not as striking as the blue/purple ones, but I am hopeful. It is a magnet for bees and butterflies, and sometimes it’s difficult to get close enough to cut some stems for a bouquet because of all the busy bees. It enjoys full sun and is drought tolerant, deciduous, and hardy in my Zone 6. The foliage is large, with five leaflets. This China native is popular in the southern part of the United States, especially Texas.

 

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Comments

  1. User avater
    treasuresmom 09/01/2022

    Love your dahlias!

  2. User avater
    simplesue 09/01/2022

    You sure have the magic touch for Dahlias, they look happy and healthy! You have my interest with the chaste tree...I'm going to look into those for my own garden!

  3. btucker9675 09/01/2022

    I, too, love the chaste trees. Had two in my last garden and looking for the best spot for one in my current place. Your dahlias are spectacular!

  4. [email protected] 09/01/2022

    Thanks, Lynn. Your dahlias are beautiful, and the Vitek is very tempting, as well. Maybe I can find room for one...

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