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Vineyard Gardens

484 State Road
West Tisbury, MA, 02575
508.693.8512
Landscaping & Garden Center

Your Custom Text Here

Vineyard Gardens

  • Home
  • ABOUT
  • LANDSCAPING
    • PROJECTS
    • Landscape Teams
    • LANDSCAPE DESIGN
    • LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION
    • LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
  • NURSERY
    • Nursery
    • SALES & DISCOUNTS
    • BULK MATERIAL
  • Application
  • TESTIMONIALS
  • BLOG
  • Contact

[PLANT PROFILE] ECHINACEA

July 30, 2025 Karen Logan

Echinacea purpurea illustration by karen blackerby logan

ECHINACEA

CONEFLOWER

Echinacea comes from the Greek word echinos meaning hedgehog or sea-urchin in reference to the spiny central cone.

Echinacea purpurea

Natives vs. Hybrids: A Closer Look at Echinacea

Beauty, Biodiversity, and What to Plant

Walk through any summer garden center and it’s hard to miss the bright, joyful faces of Echinacea, or coneflowers. From fiery oranges to soft whites and vibrant reds. Beyond their colorful appeal, coneflowers tell an important story about biodiversity, adaptability, and the relationship between native plants and modern hybrids.

Native Coneflowers: Built for Resilience

At our nursery, we grow several species of Echinacea from seed, including:

  • Echinacea purpurea – the classic purple coneflower

  • Echinacea pallida – with pale, drooping petals

  • Echinacea paradoxa – a rare yellow species

Starting plants from seed introduces new genetic combinations, which increases the plant’s ability to adapt to changing conditions and resist disease. These natives offer long-term benefits to pollinators, wildlife, and the resilience of the garden itself.

Their color palette is more limited, primarily pinks and yellows, but their ecological value is profound. Native coneflowers are also long-lived, drought-tolerant once established, and deeply rooted in local ecosystems.

Echinacea White Swan

Echinacea Sombrero Salsa & Sangrita

Hybrid Coneflowers: Stunning & Sophisticated

The other side of the spectrum are the hybrids. These cultivars, mostly derived from Echinacea purpurea, have been carefully bred for color, size, and form. Today, you’ll find Echinacea in shades of:

  • Reds (Salsa Red)

  • Oranges (Adobe Orange)

  • Greens (Green Twister)

  • Whites (White Swan)

  • And even bicolors that blend two tones in a single bloom

We sell countless hybrids that the horticultural industry has created from mostly Echinacea purpurea. Hybrids are typically propagated asexually through cuttings or tissue culture to maintain consistency in appearance. This can make them less genetically diverse, and potentially less adaptable, especially under stress from disease or climate extremes but boy are they beautiful. When carefully sited and well-maintained, they’re a stunning and reliable part of any garden design.

We carry the Sombrero series, like Salsa Red and Adobe Orange which are two of our favorites. We love many of the Echinacea hybrids like Green twister and White Swan.

*If food for pollinators is your number one reason for planting Echinacea, either plant the native species or pick the single hybrids. The doubles are not believed to be good food for pollinators. Many of the doubles are sterile and produce no seed.

Coneflowers come in a rainbow of colors!

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ECHINACEA AVAILABLE AT VINEYARD GARDENS

***************

SOMBRERO SERIES

(Continues to be one

of our favorites!)

Salsa Red

Adobe Orange

Hot Coral

Lemon Yellow

Rosada


Summer Solstice

Tres Amigos

Sangrita

***************

***************

SUNSEEKER SERIES

(Tall with beautiful flowers that

often transition to other colors as

they mature. Some can be

double.)

Rainbow

Salmon

Perfection

***************

***************

Green Wizard

(The flower petals are

yellow-green

on the tips and

bleed into a pale

pink closer to

the cone.)

***************

Old Fashioned Hybrid

Ruby Giant

(Quite tall with

large pink flowers)

***************

***************

Ruby Giant

Green Twister

(Very hardy)

***************

New this year!

We are testing for hardiness.

Dark Shadows Wicked


 Orange You Awesome

The Fuschia is Bright


One in a Melon

Summer Song

Fire Finch

Baja Burgundy

***************

USES

  • Pollinator Magnet: Coneflowers attract a wide variety of butterflies, bees, birds, and other beneficial pollinators, making them a valuable addition to any ecologically minded garden.

  • Winter Interest & Wildlife Support: Leave the spent flower heads standing through winter. Their signature seed-filled cones provide an important food source for birds, especially finches. In early spring, simply cut the stems back to the ground to encourage fresh growth.

  • Medicinal Tradition: Long used in herbal medicine, Echinacea is believed to support the immune system and may help reduce the duration of colds and flu. Their distinctive blooms are often associated with healing and wellness in both gardens and apothecaries.

GROWING CONDITIONS

A hardy herbaceous perennial, Echinacea is native to the Midwestern prairies of the United States and thrives in a wide range of conditions.

  • Adaptable and resilient, it tolerates drought, heat, humidity, and even poor soils once established.

  • Best grown in full sun with average to dry, well-drained soil, it doesn’t need rich soil to flourish.

  • Coneflowers are low-maintenance and rarely troubled by pests or disease. They require little to no fertilizer.

  • Expect a vibrant display of blooms in mid-summer, with some varieties continuing into fall.

An excellent, long-blooming flower for massing in the border, meadow, native plant garden, naturalized area or wildflower garden. Often massed with black-eyed Susans.

NATIVE SUMMER BLOOMING SHRUBS
In AUGUST, NATIVE PLANTS, PLANT PROFILES Tags echinacea purpurea, echinacea, coneflower, perennial plant, pollinator plant, native perennials
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[PLANT PROFILE] MANDEVILLAS

May 12, 2025 Karen Logan

Mandevillas [illustration karen blackerby logan]

MANDEVILLAS

Bring the Tropics to your Backyard

Looking to add vibrant, long-lasting color to your garden, patio, or porch this summer? Mandevillas are a beautiful and reliable choice. With their lush foliage and stunning trumpet-shaped blooms, these tropical vines thrive in warm weather and full sun, making them perfect for brightening up containers, trellises, hanging baskets, and more.

How to Care for Mandevillas:

Mandevillas bloom non-stop all summer, adding months of color with minimal effort. Their growth habit makes them ideal for vertical accents, while bushier types are great for spilling from pots or hanging baskets. Best of all, they’re heat-tolerant and easy to care for.

  • Sunlight: Provide full sun, 6+ hours a day for the best bloom production.

  • Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch feels dry.

  • Feeding: Fertilize every 2–4 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to keep flowers coming.

  • Support: Use a trellis for vining varieties to climb and spread

Stunning Color Options:

This season’s selection includes a gorgeous range of colors:

  • Classic White – elegant and clean

  • Carmine Red – rich and bold

  • Soft Pink – gentle and romantic

  • Deep Red – dramatic and eye-catching

  • Apricot – a warm, tropical tone

  • Giant Peach Sunrise – a sun-kissed glow

  • Double Pink Blush – full, layered bloom

Available in a variety of colors and sizes, from quarts to 5-gallon pots. We have a Mandevilla to suit every space and style!

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Whether you're creating a lush entryway, framing a sunny window, or building a vertical garden wall, Mandevillas bring beauty, color, and a touch of the tropics all summer long.

*******************

MAY GARDEN TIPS
PLANT OF THE WEEK : SWEET PEAS 20% OFF

Sweet Peas

In PLANT PROFILES, MAY, TROPICALS Tags tropical vines martha's vineyard, mandevillas, container gardening martha's vineyard
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[PLANT PROFILE] GARDENIAS

May 6, 2025 Karen Logan

Gardenias [photo credit keith kurman]

GARDENIAS

for MOTHER’S DAY!

Gardenia jasminoides

******************************

Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? Gardenias are a timeless choice: beautiful, fragrant, and versatile. Their lush white blooms and rich scent add elegance to any garden, patio, or porch.

We carry Gardenia jasminoides ‘August Beauty’, a standout variety known for its large, velvety white flowers, glossy evergreen foliage, and sweet, lingering fragrance.

GARDENIA HIGHLIGHTS

  • Sizes Available: 1-gallon, 2-gallon, and 5-gallon. Ideal for gifts or landscape projects

  • Growth & Care: Grows up to 5 ft. tall and 3 ft. wide. Prefers full sun to partial shade. Keep soil moist but not soggy.

  • Bloom Time: Late spring into early summer. Right in time for Mother’s Day!

  • Deer Resistant: A reliable option for deer-prone areas.

  • Year-Round Appeal: Shiny, deep green foliage looks great all year.

  • Great for Events: Popular in floral arrangements and wedding bouquets

VERSATILE USES

  • As a hedge or privacy screen

  • In containers on patios or porches

  • Trained as a patio tree

  • Cut blooms for flower arrangements or events

Gardenias offer both beauty and fragrance, a lasting gift for Mother’s Day or a charming addition to your own landscape.

******************************

MAY GARDEN TIPS
Learn About : SPRING BLOOMS & POLLINATORS
In PLANT PROFILES, MAY Tags Deer resistant plants martha's vineyard, fragrant plants, Gardenias, floral arrangement blooms martha's vineyard, evergreen screening, Gardenia "August Beauty"
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[PLANT PROFILE] CORNFLOWER

April 23, 2025 Karen Logan

Cornflower & Poppies [illustration by karen blackerby logan]

CORNFLOWER

Centaurea cyanus (Bachelor Buttons)

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Late Spring Blues

There’s something magical about walking through the garden in late spring and catching flashes of brilliant cobalt blue dancing in the breeze. That’s the unmistakable charm of Cornflower, also known as Bachelor Buttons, a beloved classic that never goes out of style. Here at Vineyard Gardens, we celebrate this beauty in all its hues: the traditional electric blue, soft pinks and deep purples. As part of Andrew Wiley’s Hardy Annual Project, Cornflower was sown in December to encourage strong root development, and are now ready to be transplanted into your garden.

Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) is a true multitasker. It’s stunning in the garden, a joy in a vase, and secretly useful in more ways than one—from herbal tea to bath salts to everlasting bouquets.

******************************

Why You'll Love

Growing Cornflower

They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and bloom abundantly in late spring and early summer.

  • Easy to grow – Even beginning gardeners will find these flowers rewarding.

  • Pollinator-friendly – Bees and butterflies love them.

  • Versatile beauty – Ideal for wildflower meadows, cottage gardens, borders, and containers.

  • Reseed readily – A delightful thing about cornflowers is they reseed themselves in your garden year after year. Plants that reseed are a gardener’s dream—they pop up at just the right time, fill in bare spots, and help tie the garden together beautifully. Cornflowers, along with larkspur and foxgloves, are excellent reseeders that bring a touch of spontaneity and charm to any garden space.

The blooms grow thigh-high on slender stems and create a whimsical, meadow-like effect when planted in mass.

******************************

Varieties Available

at Vineyard Gardens

We carry a colorful selection of Centaurea cyanus to brighten up your garden beds and bouquets:

  • Blue Boy – The classic brilliant blue that never disappoints

  • Select Ultraviolet – A moody, rich purple variety

  • Lady Mauve – Soft and romantic in pink tones

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Harvesting for

Cut Flowers


Cornflowers make wonderful cut flowers, especially for rustic, natural-style arrangements.

  • Cut early in the morning, just as the flower is starting to open.

  • Strip the lower leaves before placing in water.

  • Change the water every other day to extend vase life.

Cornflowers last around 5–7 days in a vase and pair beautifully with other cottage garden favorites like yarrow, snapdragons, and larkspur.

Centaurea cyanus Boy Blue

******************************

Ready to

Grow Your Own?

Whether you're filling a wildflower border or planting for pollinators, cornflowers are the perfect addition to your late spring palette.

Don’t forget to tag us in your cornflower creations. We’d love to see your gardens, bouquets, and dried flower projects!

******************************

Learn About : LARKSPUR
Learn About : SPRING BLOOMS & POLLINATORS
In ANNUALS, PLANT PROFILES, APRIL Tags Cut Flowers, hardy annuals, hardy annuals vineyard gardens, marthas vineyard hardy annuals, vineyard gardens cornflower, bachelor button, centaurea cyanus marthas vineyard
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[PLANT PROFILE] AMMI

April 16, 2025 Karen Logan

Ammi and Cosmos ‘Double Click Cranberries”

A Touch of Whimsy

If you've ever wanted your garden to feel like illustrations from a romantic storybook, Ammi is your flower.

Ammi brings a soft, graceful texture to garden beds and bouquets with its lacy, delicate blooms and feathery foliage. It’s like nature’s lace—light, elegant, and full of charm.

At Vineyard Gardens, we’re proud to be part of Andrew Wiley’s Hardy Annual Project, and that means we’ve got strong, healthy Ammi plants just waiting to bring their magic to your garden. These were sown in December, a technique that allows their roots to develop deeply and ensures robust, resilient plants that bloom beautifully in the months ahead

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Ammi Varieties

at Vineyard Gardens

✧ Ammi majus ‘Select White’: Pure white, delicate blooms that resemble Queen Anne’s Lace. They bring a lightness and airiness to garden beds and are breathtaking in wedding bouquets or wildflower-style arrangements.

✧ Ammi visnaga ‘Green Mist’: Soft green-tinted white blooms with a fuller, denser flower head. The perfect filler flower, Green Mist adds a gentle, misty quality to both borders and floral work. Known for its vigorous growth, it can spread easily in the right conditions—great for some gardens, but it might be a bit too assertive in more managed spaces.

******************************

Why Grow Ammi?

  • Ethereal beauty – Soft, lace-like blooms

  • Cut Flowers – A must-have for garden-style floral arrangements

  • Pollinator-friendly – Bees and butterflies adore them

  • Cold-hardy annuals – Early sowing leads to early blooming!

Ammi bridges the gap between structure and softness—perfect for cottage gardens, naturalistic plantings, and cutting gardens.

Larkspur QIS Dark Blue with Ammi Majus

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How to Grow

Ammi in Your Garden

Now is the perfect time to plant our winter-sown Ammi —strong and rooted thanks to winter sowing.

  • Location: Full sun to part shade

  • Soil: Well-drained, average garden soil

  • Spacing: 9–12 inches apart to allow for their airy shape

  • Watering: Keep moist during establishment, then water during dry spells

Once established these low maintenance beauties will reward you with tall, graceful stems topped with dreamy blooms from late spring into summer.

******************************

Cut Flower Magic

Ammi’s doily lace form adds movement and softness to any bouquet.

  • Harvest when about 80% of the tiny flowers in the head have opened.

  • Cut early in the morning for longest vase life.

  • Strip lower leaves before placing in water.

  • Pair with peonies, snapdragons, cosmos, or roses for a garden-gathered look.

Digitalis purpurea, Antirrhinum Potomac Dark Pink with Ammi majus and Ammi visnaga ‘Green Mist’

******************************

What You

Can Do Now


  • Stop by our nursery to pick up Vineyard Gardens winter sown Ammi

  • Prep your garden beds for easy transplanting

  • Tag us in your bouquet and garden photos—we love seeing your Ammi in action!

Fill your garden with the soft lace of Ammi. You'll be amazed how much beauty can come from something so delicate.

******************************

Learn About : SNAPDRAGONS
APRIL GARDENING TIPS
In ANNUALS, PLANT PROFILES, APRIL Tags Cut Flowers, hardy annuals, hardy annuals vineyard gardens, marthas vineyard hardy annuals, vineyard gardens ammi, ammi majus, ammi visnaga
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[PLANT PROFILE] LARKSPUR

April 7, 2025 Karen Logan

Larkspur [illustration by karen blackerby logan]

LARKSPUR

Delphinium consolida

******************************

A Late Spring Spark

Why Hardy Annual Larkspur Deserves a Spot in Your Garden

There’s a certain kind of magic in plants that rely on the cold to gift us beauty just as the world is warming again. Hardy annual larkspur (Delphinium consolida) is one of those graceful gifts. With its feathery foliage, towering spires, and an almost ethereal range of blues, pinks, purples, and whites, larkspur is a must-have for anyone who loves cut flowers or wants to bring a touch of cottage garden charm to their late spring landscape.

Larkspur QIS Dark Blue with Ammi Majus

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An Annual That

Can Handle A Chill

Unlike many annuals that must wait until after the last frost, larkspur thrives in the early season—it actually needs a cold period to break seed dormancy. As part of Andrew Wiley’s Hardy Annual Project, larkspur was sown in December to encourage strong root development, and those plants are now ready to be transplanted into your garden.

Once established, larkspur sends up strong, straight stems topped with layered blooms that almost look too delicate to be real. But don’t be fooled—these plants are workhorses. Hardy to around 20°, they’ll shrug off chilly spring nights while other flowers are still in their seed trays.

Larkspur QIS Dark Blue with Papaver ‘Amazing Grey’

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Elegance

in the Garden


Hardy annual larkspur is one of those old-soul flowers that rewards a little planning with a lot of beauty. They’re a graceful, low-fuss way to add vertical interest and early color. It thrives in garden beds, wildflower meadows and acts as a natural pollinator magnet. In a world that sometimes feels rushed, there’s something satisfying about planting a flower that asks you to think ahead and to trust the process.

And did we mention color? While larkspur’s deep indigo blues are the most iconic, they also come in pastels.

Antirrhinum Potomac Deep Orange and Larkspur QIS Dark Blue

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A Cut Flower Favorite

For cut flower lovers, larkspur is ideal. The blooms are long-lasting in the vase, and the more you cut, the more the plant gives. Harvest when just a few blossoms at the base of the stem have opened and the rest are still in bud—this way, you get the full bloom show indoors. Some growers swear by a quick dip in boiling water to extend vase life even further.

If you’re dreaming of armfuls of early summer blooms, larkspur might just be your next garden obsession.

They pair beautifully with peonies, sweet peas, bachelor’s buttons, and early roses.

Larkspur

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Growing Tips


🌿 Cool-Season Lovers: Larkspur thrives in cool weather. Plant in early spring best results.

🌿 Support Matters: Provide stakes or netting to keep tall stems upright, especially in breezy spots.

🌿 Harvest at the Right Time: For the longest vase life, cut stems when only the lower third of the blooms have opened—they’ll continue to open from bottom to top.

🌿 Winter-Sown for Summer Beauty: At Vineyard Gardens, our December-sown larkspur are ready to plant now. Early winter sowing helps develop strong roots, setting the stage for full, vibrant summer blooms

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Larkspur

Varieties Available

A member of the Delphinium family, larkspur offers tall, elegant spires of blooms that not only bring drama to any bouquet but will also readily reseed in a sunny garden.

  • Deep Blue

  • Fancy Blue Purple

  • Fancy Rose Striped

  • Fancy Smokey Eyes

  • Frosted Skies

  • Misty Lavender

  • QIS 'Lilac

  • QIS 'Pure White'

  • QIS 'White'

******************************

Learn About : HARDY ANNUALS
Learn About : OUR SPRING SALE
In ANNUALS, PLANT PROFILES, APRIL Tags Cut Flowers, hardy annuals, hardy annuals vineyard gardens
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[PLANT PROFILE] SNAPDRAGONS

April 3, 2025 Karen Logan

SNAPDRAGON

Antirrhinum majus

******************************

A Hardy Annual

and an Outstanding

Cut Flower

As a kid, I loved snapdragons. My grandmother taught me how to pinch them just right so their "mouths" would open and close. It felt like a little bit of garden magic, and to this day, snapdragons hold a special place in my heart. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are classic garden favorites, loved for their tall, spiky blooms, vibrant colors and their long blooming season.

Snapdragons bring a touch of childhood magic to the garden!

Digitalis purpurea, Antirrhinum Potomac Dark Pink with Ammi majus and Ammi visnaga ‘Green Mist’ 

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Hardy and Resilient


One of the standout features of Snapdragons are their ability to perform exceptionally well in different growing conditions. As a hardy annual, it can tolerate light frosts, making it a great early-season or late-season bloomer. If planted in an area with sun before the warm weather arrives, deadheaded or cut for flowers, they can bloom all summer long. Their adaptability makes them a valuable addition to any garden, where season extension is key.

A hardy annual that thrives in cool weather and extends your flower season.

Antirrhinum Potomac Red 

******************************

Ideal for

Cut Flowers

The 'Potomac Series' takes snapdragons to a whole new level, making them an excellent choice for both long blooming gardens and cut flowers. With strong stems, a long vase life, and the ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, these hardy annuals are a must-grow for anyone who loves cut flowers. Their tall, sturdy stems make them easy to arrange in bouquets and can last 7-10 days in a vase. The Rocket series is another good variety for cuts.

Antirrhinum Potomac Deep Orange and Larkspur QIS Dark Blue

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Growing Tips


  • Cool-Season Lovers: Plant out in early spring or fall. They thrive in cool weather and may struggle in extreme summer heat.

  • Support is Key: Provide staking or netting to keep stems upright, especially in windy locations.

  • Pinch for More Blooms: Pinching young plants encourages bushier growth and more flower-producing stems.

  • Harvest at the Right Stage: For the longest vase life, cut stems when only the lower third of the flowers have opened. Their blooms open sequentially from bottom to top.

    Vineyard Gardens December sown Snapdragons are ready to be planted out. By sowing them in the early winter it ensures a strong root system allowing them to bloom all summer long!

Snapdragons Potomac Series

******************************

Snapdragon

Varieties Available

This Season

  • The Potomac Series (Andrew’s Hardy Annual Project): We have a beautiful selection of Potomac Series snapdragons ready to plant now! Andrew seeded four varieties in December—‘Cherry Rose,’ ‘Dark Orange,’ ‘Potomac White,’ and ‘Royal’—which are in larger pots, with strong root systems and a long blooming season. In addition, we have early-arriving Potomac Snapdragons in 3” black pots in Royal, Pink, Orange, and Cherry Rose. These are the best cut-flower snapdragons we will have this season, and they’re hardened off outside and ready to go. 

  • The Rocket series: These are another good variety for cut flowers. Available in White.

  • Snaptini series: We are growing this dwarf series that are too short for cut flowers but extremely beautiful and very hardy. 4 packs are available in Red, White and Yellow.

  • Twinny Peach and the Candy Showers series  in Pink and White.

The ‘Potomac Series' is a rewarding flower to grow with their stunning color range, excellent vase life, and ability to withstand cool temperatures. Add these beauties to your garden, and you’ll enjoy their blooms from spring through fall!

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Learn About : HARDY ANNUALS
Learn About : OUR SPRING SALE
In ANNUALS, PLANT PROFILES, APRIL Tags Snapdragons, Snapdragon Potomac Series, Cut Flowers, hardy annuals
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[PLANT PROFILE] SWEET PEAS

March 19, 2025 Karen Logan

Sweet Peas [illustration by karen blackerby logan}

SWEET PEAS

Lathyrus odoratus 

A Fragrant Climbing Favorite

Sweet peas are a hardy annual that thrive in cool weather and full sun, producing an abundance of blooms from late spring through fall. Their delicate tendrils eagerly climb trellises, fences, or arbors, bringing vibrant color and a light, sweet fragrance to the garden. Reminiscent of classic cottage gardens, their scent and charm make them a favorite among gardeners and flower lovers alike.

Part of Andrew Wiley’s Hardy Annual Seed Project, these sweet peas were sown in the fall to develop stronger roots, resulting in longer-lasting flowers and a more robust growing season. Regular watering, deadheading, and support for climbing will keep them flourishing. When plants reach about 8 inches tall, pinching the central stem encourages more branching and fuller growth.

A top choice for cut flowers, sweet peas look stunning in bouquets and bloom more when harvested regularly. Whether left to climb in the garden or brought indoors, they bring beauty and fragrance wherever they grow.

SWEET PEAS A GREAT CHOICE FOR CUT FLOWERS!

Sweet Pea Zinfandel

Sweet Pea High Scent

Sweeet Pea April in Paris

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SOWING

SWEET PEAS

Follow these simple steps to set your plants up for success.

1. Prepare the Soil

  • Dig a large hole and mix in plenty of compost—sweet peas thrive in rich, well-draining soil.

  • Choose a sunny spot for the best growth and yield.

2. Planting & Supporting

  • For best results, plant sweet pea seedlings before they become root-bound to avoid root disturbance.

  • Provide a support structure like bamboo canes or trellises to help vines climb.

3. Water & Feed

  • Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, especially as plants begin to grow and flower.

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer regularly—peas are heavy feeders and need extra nutrients to thrive.

4. Maintenance for Continuous Growth

  • Deadhead (remove spent blooms) from sweet peas to encourage flowering into late summer or even fall.

  • Cut Sweet Peas frequently to keep plants producing.

WITH PROPER CARE, YOUR SWEET PEAS WILL REWARD YOU WITH LUSH BLOOMS ALL SEASON LONG!

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NOW AVAILABLE!

A variety of hardy annual Sweet Pea seedlings Andrew sowed in the fall are now ready to be planted out!

High Scent

Cupanis Original

Elegance Lavender

April in Paris

Raspberry Twirl

Queen of Hearts

Mermaids Dream

Enchante

Zinfandel

Royal Wedding

Watermelon

Strawberry Fields

*****************************

march

garden tips

spring checklist

need a hand this spring?

In ANNUALS, MARCH, PLANT PROFILES Tags spring blooms, hardy annuals, sweet peas
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[PLANT PROFILE] HELLEBORE

March 13, 2025 Karen Logan

HELLEBORES

LENTEN ROSE

*********************

On a walk through Coastal Maine Botanical Garden last year at the beginning of May, one of the many surprises I stumbled upon were the enormous array of Hellebores dappled throughout the shade gardens. I was mesmerized by their range of colors from deep red to shades of pink and white. In the shade of the Giles Rhododendron and Perennial Garden, swaths of Hellebores were groundcover for the Rhododendrons and Azaleas. I have always been in awe of Hellebore’s unique flower structure and evergreen foliage but witnessing it in these numbers was just glorious.

Hellebores awaken in mid April when they begin to put on a show with their abundant blooms. Their flowers last for several weeks and once the petals have faded, the sepals, which look like a flower, remain attractive for several months. The sturdy evergreen foliage is appealing well into the winter months. With all their different stages they are the plant that keeps on giving from spring to winter.

Hellebores are perfect in woodland gardens and in shady areas under deciduous trees.

Helebore at Maine Coastal Botanical Garden

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GROWING CONDITIONS & CARE

  • Easy to grow

  • 12 x 24” H. Spreads over time

  • Drought tolerant but thrives in slightly moist conditions

  • Sensitive to poor drainage

  • Cold hardy and tough

  • Rabbit and deer resistant

  • Perfect along shaded borders and woodland gardens

  • Beautiful when planted under deciduous trees as a ground cover

  • After a long winter, the large evergreen leaves look flattened and tattered. Remove the worst of these before the flower stalks begin to grow. Do not remove leaves prior to that or may harm plant.

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Hellebore
Hellebore
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Hellebore
Hellebore
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Helleborus orientalis 'Pink Lady' Lenten Rose
Helleborus orientalis 'Pink Lady' Lenten Rose
Helleborus x hybridus
Helleborus x hybridus
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HELLEBORES AVAILABLE AT VINEYARD GARDEN

  • Hellebore Ice N' Roses® Bianco (Monrovia)

  • Hellebore Ice N' Roses® Red (Monrovia)

  • HelleboreIce N' Roses® Rosado (Monrovia)

  • Helleborus x iburgensis Ice N' Roses® Merlot Hellebore (Monrovia)

  • Hellebore Ice N' Roses® Rose (Monrovia)

  • Helleborus Paris in Pink (Walter’s Garden)

  • Helleborus Rio Carnival (Walter’s Garden)

  • Helleborus Romantic Getaway (Walter’s Garden)

  • Helleborus Maid of Honor (Walter’s Garden)

  • Helleborus Wedding Bells (Walter’s Garden)

  • Helleborus Spanish Flare (Walter’s Garden)

  • Helleborus New York Night (Walter’s Garden)

  • Helleborus Rome in Red (Walter’s Garden)

  • Helleborus Snowbells (Walter’s Garden)

  • Helleborus French Kiss (Walter’s Garden)

  • Helleborus Sandy Shores (Walter’s Garden)

  • Helleborus Ivory Prince (Walter’s Garden)

  • Helleborus Irish Luck (Walter’s Garden)

A hardy, deer resistant perennial with evergreen foliage, long-blooming flowers and multi seasonal interest!

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APRIL GARDEN TIPS
EARLY SPRING COLOR
In MARCH, DEER RESISTANT, PERENNIALS, PLANT PROFILES Tags perennial plant, Hellebore
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[PLANT PROFILE] SEDUMS

August 5, 2024 Karen Logan

SEDUMS

There are over 400 species of sedums, in the family Crassulacea. They are known for their succulent foliage and drought tolerance. Sedums are easy to grow, hardy perennials that come in a range of sizes, colors and shapes and flower beautifully. Plant them in full sun and well drained soil and they will be happy campers. Some even do fine with afternoon shade.

Sedums are terrific low maintenance plants which really stand out in late summer to fall.

Sedums grown at our on site production location

SEDUM PLANT TYPES

  • Creeping Sedum: Groundcover that can spread up to 3 feet. This low growing sedum usually spreads quite wide like a carpet. Many of them have little rosettes for foliage which look like flowers but are actually foliage. The Sedum major is a great example of foliage that resembles flowers.

  • Tall Sedum: Upright habit that can reach 2-3’ tall and wide. These taller sedums are like small shrubs. They can even work as hedges.

  • Trailing Sedum: Used in containers, hanging baskets or spill over rock walls.

Vineyard Gardens usually divides Sedums into the low growing, spreading type referred to as rock garden sedums and the taller more upright type many of which are in the species spectabile, which means showy.

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SEDUMS AT VINEYARD GARDENS

  • Sedum rupestris Angelina: A rock garden spreader with yellow foliage and yellow flowers.

  • Sedum reflexum Blue Spruce: Great in rock gardens and have bluish gray foliage.

  • Sedum Steel the Show: This sedum is the perfect ground cover for a sunny garden. It has bright blue green foliage.

  • Sedum dasphyllum Major: A rock garden type whose foliage looks like tiny little blue flowers.

  • Sedum Sunsparkler Series: This series is medium size and the foliage ranges from plum purple to green with cream variegation.

    We carry Dazzleberry, Plum Dazzler, Cherry Tart, Lime Zinger, Firecracker and Blue Elf.

  • Sedum Munstead Dark Red: A spectabile type that grows 15-18” tall with greenish foliage and dark red flowers.

  • Sedum Mojave Jewels Saphire: A plum colored upright sedum.

  • Sedum Night Light: Flower color in shades of yellow to gold. 22-26” tall; 30-36” spread.

    Sedum blooms attract pollinators. Birds, butterflies and many insects love them!

Sedum in a planted container

Flowering yellow sedum with Butterfly Bush and Hydrangea paniculata

In AUGUST, GROUNDCOVERS, PLANT PROFILES Tags Sedums, creeping sedums, trailing sedums, Tall sedums
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[PLANT PROFILE] HIBISCUS

July 16, 2024 Karen Logan

Rose of Sharon illustration by karen blackerby logan

HIBISCUS

Hibiscus plants add a bold, tropical effect to the garden with their huge, dinner-plate colorful flowers.

There are over 100 species of Hibiscus in the family Malvacea. They are mostly found in tropical areas but a few are hardier and will overwinter in our climate. Due to their tropical nature they are later to emerge and most bloom in mid to late summer. We grow both annual, perennial and shrubs in the hibiscus family. We carry other popular ornamental perennial plants in the Malva family that have similar flowers to Hibiscus, such as Hollyhocks (Alcea)and Sidalcea.

Jazzy Jewel Ruby Hibiscus (Tropical Hibiscus)

Hardy Hibiscus,

Shrub Hibiscus &

Tropical Hibiscus

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HARDY HIBISCUS

Hardy Hibiscus primarily includes the species native to North America such as Hibiscus moscheutos. These plants are true perennials, tend to have the largest flowers and die back to the ground each year. The species Hibiscus is known as Rose Mallow or Swamp Mallow and is native to Martha’s Vineyard. They are highly valued for their beautiful flowers late in the season. The pink flowers grow around ponds on the south shore and bloom profusely in mid to late summer. At Vineyard Gardens, we sell the species, as well as many hybrids with a wide range of flower colors (pink, purple, white, red & bi-color), large flower sizes and green to deep dark foliage. These perennials die to the ground in winter and emerge from the crown of the plant the following season.

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CARE OF HARDY HIBISCUS

  • Hardy hibiscus needs frequent watering, especially when young and new. When watering, do so deeply and thoroughly, drenching the plant.

  • Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and to provide winter protection for the roots.

  • To encourage rebloom, either remove the spent flowers before they form seed heads or prune plants back by one-third after a flush of bloom is finished.

  • Perennial hibiscus will freeze back to the ground each winter; cut old stems to the ground.

  • Hibiscus bloom on new wood (this year’s growth), so pruning is best done in the spring.

  • In early spring, remove dead stems from established plants and apply a balanced fertilizer.

  • Mature plants can be divided in the spring, not fall.

  • Plant them in full Sun.

Varieties available

______________

Hibiscus mosheutus

Kopper King

Perfect Storm

Berry Awesome

Holy Grail

Candy Crush

Hibiscus 'Berry Awesome'  [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc]
Hibiscus 'Berry Awesome' [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc]
Hibiscus 'Berry Awesome'  [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc]
Hibiscus 'Berry Awesome' [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc]
Hibiscus 'Candy Crush' [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc]
Hibiscus 'Candy Crush' [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc]
Hibiscus 'Dark Mystery' [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc]
Hibiscus 'Dark Mystery' [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc]
Hibiscus 'Holy Grail' [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc]
Hibiscus 'Holy Grail' [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc]
Hibiscus 'Marshmallow Moon' [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc]
Hibiscus 'Marshmallow Moon' [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc]
Hibiscus 'Midnight Marvel' [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc]
Hibiscus 'Midnight Marvel' [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc]
Hibiscus 'Perfect Storm' [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc]
Hibiscus 'Perfect Storm' [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc]
Hibiscus mars madness.jpeg
Hibiscus 'Berry Awesome'  [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc] Hibiscus 'Berry Awesome'  [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc] Hibiscus 'Candy Crush' [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc] Hibiscus 'Dark Mystery' [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc] Hibiscus 'Holy Grail' [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc] Hibiscus 'Marshmallow Moon' [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc] Hibiscus 'Midnight Marvel' [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc] Hibiscus 'Perfect Storm' [photo credit Walters Gardens, Inc] Hibiscus mars madness.jpeg

[1. Hibiscus ‘Berry Awesome 2. Hibiscus ‘Berry Awesome 3. Hibiscus ‘Candy Crush’ 4. Hibiscus ‘Dark Mystery’ 5. Hibiscus ‘ Holy Grail’ 6. Hibiscus Marshmallow Moon’ 7. Hibiscus ‘Midnight Marvel’ 8. Hibiscus ‘Perfect Storm’ 9. Rose Mallow ‘Mars Madness’ . All photos above credit to Walters Gardens, Inc]

Midnight Marvel

Dark Mystery

Marshmallow Moon

(LUNA SERIES)

Luna Red

Luna White

(DISCO BELL SERIES)

Pink

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SHRUB HIBISCUS

The most popular shrub is the Rose of Sharon also known as Hibiscus Syriacus. Rose of Sharon has a woody habit and bloom on the same structure each year. It has beautiful hibiscus like flowers in mid to late summer and is valued as an ornamental in landscapes. These tend to be the largest in size with some varieties getting 15′ tall.

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CARE OF ROSE OF SHARON

  • Full Sun woody shrub

  • A little late to emerge in spring because of its tropical roots

  • Blooms on new growth, therefore best pruned in spring when buds start to swell and plant comes to life

  • Prune out a few of the biggest oldest stems as low as possible. Encourage young stems as these will produce the most flowers, and growth from down low in the shrub. That helps keep it looking full. Rose of Sharon grow from the tips so they can lack growth down low if not pruned properly.

  • Fertilize new plantings with a slow release complete fertilize

Rose of Sharon

Varieties available

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HIBISCUS SYRIACA

(ROSE OF SHARON)


(Single Flowers)

Diana


Aphrodite

Fiji

Red Heart

Minerva

Blue Satin

(Double Flowers)


Chiffon Blue


Chiffon Lavender


Chiffon Pink

Hibiscus syriacus

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TROPICAL HIBISCUS

The annual hibiscus we carry is the tropical hibiscus also known as Hibiscus rosa sinensis. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, are from southeast Asia and are technically a shrub but less hardy than Rose of Sharon. This plant makes a lovely garden or container plant and will bloom all summer long. We usually carry it in both shrub form and as a topiary patio tree. The tropical hibiscus is not frost tolerant.

Hibiscus Tropical Jewel Ruby

Varieties available

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HIBISCUS TROPICAL

The Path

Cherie

Hula Girl

Red Dragon

***

Jazzy Jewel Series

Opal

Ruby

Amber

Gold

Hibiscus Too Hot To Handle

Hibiscus illustration karen blackerby logan

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GROWING CONDITIONS

  • Prefer full sun. They will grow in partial sun but will not flower as well.

  • Prefer well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter, and neutral to slightly acidic soil.

  • To avoid breakage of the long stems, plant hibiscus where they won’t be exposed to strong winds.

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Hibiscus Brilliant (Tropical Hibiscus)

Hibiscus Hula Girl (Hibiscus Tropical)

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marsh mallows

martha’s vineyard times

In JULY, PLANT PROFILES Tags hibiscus, hardy hibiscus, shrub hibiscus, tropical hibiscus, rose of sharon
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[PLANT PROFILE] SALVIAS

June 5, 2024 Karen Logan

SALVIAS

Salvias are North American natives in the mint family. There are over 900 species, both annuals and perennials and a few biennial. Salvia are pollinator magnets! Wonderful plants for hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Salvia Leucantha

Salvia Blue Monday

Salvia nemorosa (perennial)

GROWING SALVIA

Salvia flowers come in a variety of colors, but mostly blues and purples. There are some varieties of pinks, fuchsia, white, red and a yellow one we are trying this year. They are easy to grow, easy to care for, deer resistant, bloom abundantly and have long lasting blooms. They do best in full sun and well drained soil. We have a wonderful selection of perennial and annual salvia at the nursery.

THINK OF LATE SUMMER AND FALL EFFECT WHEN PLANTING NOW. THE LATER BLOOMING SEASON EXTENDER SALVIAS CAN DO THAT FOR YOU!

How to Plant Salvia for Success

Salvias are sun-loving, low-maintenance perennials that thrive in well-drained soil and reward you with vibrant blooms and pollinator activity all season long. Here's how to give them the best start:

  1. Choose the Right Spot
    Select a location with full sun and good drainage. Salvias don’t like soggy roots.

  2. Prepare the Soil
    Dig a hole twice the width of the plant’s container to give the roots room to grow.
    Mix a 3-inch layer of compost into the existing soil to enrich and improve drainage.

  3. Planting
    Gently remove the Salvia from its container. Place it in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
    Space plants 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety, to allow for airflow and mature growth.

  4. Backfill and Firm
    Fill in around the plant with soil, pressing gently to eliminate air pockets and stabilize the root ball.

  5. Water Well
    Give your newly planted Salvias a deep, thorough watering to help settle the soil and reduce transplant stress.

Tip: Salvias are drought-tolerant once established, but consistent watering during the first few weeks is key to healthy root development.

Salvia Purple Rain

Salvia Care Tips for Thriving Plants

Once your Salvias are planted, a little routine care will keep them blooming beautifully all season long.

  • Mulch Wisely
    Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

  • Water Deeply
    Water regularly and deeply, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Once established, Salvias become more drought-tolerant but still appreciate occasional deep watering during dry spells.

  • Encourage More Blooms
    Deadheading spent flowers encourages repeat blooming. Follow the flower stem down to the base and cut just above the foliage for a clean finish and more blossoms.

  • Spring Cleanup
    Wait until early spring, when you see signs of new growth, to cut back old stems. This helps protect the plant during winter and gives you a clearer view of what's emerging.

  • Divide Every 3 Years
    To keep your Salvias vigorous, divide clumps every 3 years. The best time to divide is in early spring, before new growth fully emerges.

With just a bit of maintenance, Salvias reward you with long-lasting color and a steady stream of pollinators.

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PERENNIAL SALVIAS

The perennial salvias mostly bloom in early summer and if deadheaded will give a second flush of bloom that same year. The perennial Salvias are blooming now!

Perennial Salvias Available this Year:

Salvia Wind Walker Red

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A perennial species of

Salvia that is majestic

for it’s size, 4’ tall.

Graceful arching stems

with brilliant red flowers

bloom from late June

through fall. Cut this

Salvia back to 6” in

early summer to keep

stems shorter and

stronger. Hummingbirds

love it!

Salvia nemorosa Species

  • Savatore Blue: Aromatic royal purple/blue spikes adds depth and upright interest to garden beds and planters

  • Dark Matter

  • Caradonna

  • Feathers Peacock

  • White Profusion

  • Blue by You

  • Violet Riot

  • East Friesland

  • Blue Marvel

  • Rose Marvel

  • Snow Hill

Perennial salvia

  • Salvia greggi Mirage. A new perennial salvia series we are carrying. We have Mirage Salmon and Mirage Blue

  • Salvia Midnight Model : striking violet blue flowers in a round, dense clump.

  • Salvia Evening Attire : Huge, vivid violet blue flowers are packed tightly into a refined habit.

  • Salvia Moulin Rouge : Huge, rosy pink flowers.

  • Salvia verticillata ‘Purple Rain’: An oldie but Goody

  • Salvia sclarea turkestanica : this variety has white flecks with pink.

  • Salvia sclarea ‘Clary Sage’ : A biennial species of Salvia that we grow from seed. This one is native to the Mediterranean basin. It is very showy with big spikes bearing large colorful bracts that seem to last all summer. This is a big plant! The straight species is pink with darker pink edges.

Salvia argentea : Commonly called silver sage is a clump-forming biennial with silvery leaves and white flowers

  • Salvia Lyrical Blue : meadow sage, indigo-blue petals and burgundy accents

  • Salvia Lyrical Rose

  • Salvia Rhythm and Blues

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ANNUAL SALVIA:

SEASON EXTENDERS

Plant them now and they will be gorgeous in the fall!

We also carry a vast selection of annual salvias. They are considered season extenders because they bloom all summer and into late fall. Sometimes the Pineapple Sage is still blooming in November! They benefit from being planted early so they can reach full size. Annual Salvia do great in containers or in your garden beds but remember they are annuals so will not come back next year. This year we have a wonderful stock of Salvia Indigo Spires, Salvia guaranitica Black and Blue, Salvia leucantha and Salvia uliginosa. They are referred to as tender Salvias and are good season extenders!

Salvia guaranitica Black and Blue

Salvia Wendy’s Wish

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Annual seed grown Salvias are fabulous garden performers.

Clary sages (salvia) are grown from seed . These Salvias are a Vineyard Gardens favorite. The bracts are prominent making the flower large and exotic looking. Long lasting blooms. It grows at Monticello.

  • Salvia horminium Blue Monday (a VG favorite)

  • Salvia horminium Rose Sundae

  • Salvia patens Patio Sky Blue

Salvia Blue Monday

Salvia patens Blue Angel

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Salvias grown from plugs

  • Salvia guaranitica Black and Blue

  • Salvia Indigo Spires: A deep blue. Will still be blooming in your gardens with the asters and mums in fall.

  • Salvia Amistad (Andrews recommendation)

  • Salivia Skyscraper Orange

  • Salvia Skyscraper Pink

  • Unplugged Pink

  • Salvia Rockin Deep Purple

  • Salvia Rockin Blue Suede Shoes

  • Salvia Rockin Fuschia

  • Salvia Wendys Wish: A customer favorite. A hot pink flower.

  • Salvia Love and Wishes: A customer favorite. Antique shade of pink

  • Salvia leucantha ‘Mexican Sage’: great season extender. Blooms in October.

Salvia Wendy’s Wish

Salvia ‘Indigo Spires’

Salvia madrensis

Tender Salvia

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Salvias (sage) in the herb house

Tricolor variegated Sage

  • Salvia elegans ‘Pineapple Sage’ (annual): Elgens means it is tender and will not overwinter. A great season extender. Does especially well when planted in spring or early summer and allowed to reach full size before bloom. A 4” pot of Pineapple sage will reach 4-5 feet tall and wide in one season. It bears beautiful red spiked flowers in late summer and into the fall. It’s foliage smells like pineapple and can be brewed into a tea.

Salvia officinalis or the culinary sages (perennial)

  • The species and Bergarten are the two most popular ones used for culinary purposes.

  • Purple Leaf Sage

  • Golden Sage

  • Tricolor Sage: An very ornamental sage with purple, pink and white leaves.

In PERENNIALS, ANNUALS, JUNE, PLANT PROFILES Tags salvia, vineyard garden salvia sale, growing salvia, care for salvia, black and blue salvia, blue salvia, clary sage

[PLANT PROFILE] SERVICEBERRY

April 17, 2024 Karen Logan

SERVICEBERRY

(SHAD TREES)

Amelanchier ×grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’

Known as Shad Trees on Martha’s Vineyard because they bloom when the Shad (a type of small fish) swim up the creeks here on the island to breed.

A native multi-stemmed shrub or small tree, about 20 feet tall, has year round interest. Serviceberries are one of the first to burst into bloom in April with their showy white flowers. Once the flowers pass, tasty purple colored fruit, similar in flavor to blueberries, follow in mid June. The fall brings showstopping brilliant orange to red autumn color.

Attract more wildlife to your garden with native berry producing shrubs like Serviceberry!

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VALUABLE SHRUB FOR WILDLIFE

Native to eastern United States and Canada, Serviceberries support numerous butterfly and bird species These early bloomers support pollinators in spring and produce sweet berries in the summer that support birds like cedar waxwings, robins, and thrushes. Once the berries ripen, they provide a rich source of nutrition and are a crucial food source for early nesting birds and returning migratory species.

Serviceberries are a valuable shrub for wildlife. One of the earliest blooming shrubs in spring, Serviceberries burst into bloom typically in April, making it an essential early spring food source for pollinators.

native berry producing shrubs

attract wildlife to your garden

supporting birds

with native plants

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GROWING & CARE

Serviceberries have an upright habit with grayish to silver, smooth bark.

  • Easy to grow

  • Tolerant of most site conditions but does not tolerate salt or poor drainage. Prefers acidic, well drained soils in partial shade to sun.

  • It is susceptible to heat and drought stress.

  • Use as a small tree in mixed borders or foundation plantings.

  • Excellent companion with Carolina allspice (Calycanthus floridus), flowering dogwood (CornusBenthamidia florida), mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), pink-shell azalea (Rhododendron vaseyi), arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum), and whorled tickseed (Coreopsis verticillata).

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ATTRIBUTES

Attracts Wildlife: Host Plant / Other Pollinators & Wildlife / Attracts Songbirds / Attracts Bees

Tolerance: Deer & Rabbit Resistant / Urban Environment / Drought Tolerant

Additional Attributes: Edible / Low Maintenance

Landscape Use: Rain Garden / Specimen

Attractive Fall Foliage and/or Ornamental Fruit: Red to Purple Fruit / Fall Foliage

Height: 15-25 ft

Spread: 12-20 ft

Exposure: Sun / Part Shade

Soil Moisture: Average / Dry

Ornamental Interest: Spring Bloom / Summer Fruit / Fall Foliage

In APRIL, DEER RESISTANT, FLOWERING SHRUBS, NATIVE PLANTS, PLANT PROFILES, SHRUBS Tags native shrubs, host plant, deer resistant, Serviceberries, Amelanchier ×grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’, Amelanchier laevis, Amelanchier canadensis
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[PLANT PROFILE] AGASTACHE

August 9, 2023 Karen Logan

Agastache (left corner) infront of the herb garden

AGASTACHE

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Agastache foeniculum will grow 2-3′ tall in full sun and well drained soil. Numerous species of bees and butterflies are attracted to it’s purple-blue flowers.

Agastache

foeniculum

ANISE HYSSOP / HUMMINGBIRD MINT

Agastache foeniculum is a native edible perennial flower that is extremely long blooming and one of the best for pollinators. It’s tubular flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. It is a member of the mint family and produces aromatic foliage. Agastache will grow best in full sun and prefers dry to medium soil. It is not suitable to wet areas or flooding.

Agastache foeniculum

Agastache foeniculum Blue Fortune

Agastache foeniculum

There are four cultivars of Agastache foeniculum we sell as perennials. All four will come back year after year. They have a spike of blue / lavender flowers in midsummer and fragrant foliage that repel deer. They also are known for reseeding and spreading in your sunny garden.

Agastache Black Adder

Agastache foeniculum cultivars

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- Black Adder

- Blue Fortune

(RHS Award)

- Golden Jubilee

(yellow foliage)

- Little Adder

(dwarf blue cultivar)

Agastache Little Adder

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Other Agastache We Carry

There are many other Agastache species and hybrids we carry. Even though the literature and the catalogs tout them as zone 5 plants we have not had good luck with them perennializing. If our winters were a typical zone 5 winter, where the ground freezes and stays frozen all winter they would survive but with our freeze thaw cycles all winter long they do not usually survive. Therefore, we treat them as annuals. These Agastache start blooming in early summer and continue to bloom until a killing frost, which is often not until Thanksgiving or later.

  • Agastache auriantica ‘Apricot Sprite’ : We grow these from seed and they are a great season extender. It is the perfect orange color for fall.

  • Agastache Kudos series : A hybrid Agastache developed at the famous Terra Nova nurseries and is more compact than the species. It comes in many colors: Mandarin, Ambrosia, Coral, Gold and Slivery Blue and Blue Boa. Plant these in the summer for a long fall season of color. They are great season extenders. A bonus, their minty foliage is not eaten by deer.

“Combine them with other season extenders like salvias and chrysanthemums. Plant them with late season asters, perennial sunflowers and rudbeckia.” -Chris Wiley, owner

  • Agastache ‘Rosie Posey’ & ‘Peachie Keen’ : Walters Gardens introductions that we still have in stock. These are shorter, more mounded plants that want a sunny location and are drought tolerant once established. Easy to grow.

  • Agastache ‘Mango Tango’

  • Agastache ‘Guava Lava’ and ‘Queen Nectarine’ : Two new Walters Gardens introductions we have ordered for 2024 (a Proven Winner variety). New for next year!

Agastache Mango Tango

Agastache Kudos Coral

Agastache Apricot Sprite

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DESIGN TIPS

Agastache is a versatile perennial, with many uses in the landscape. Here are a few ideas:

  • Plant a compact variety in a rock garden in combination with creeping succulents, thyme, stonecrop, dianthus, ice plant (Delosperma), and blue fescue.

  • Adorn a curbside strip with agastache and other long blooming, low water perennials such as lavender, catmint, yarrow, beardtongue (Penstemon) and fountain grass (Pennisetum).

  • Place a large decorative ceramic container near a deck or patio and plant with a compact variety of agastache alongside other plants with similar cultural needs such as lantana, gazania, African daisy (Osteospermum), ‘Angelina’ sedum, or New Zealand flax (Phormium).

  • Naturalize in a meadow setting with other flowering natives such as black-eyed Susan, gayfeather (Liatris), purple coneflower (Echinacea), salvia, milkweed, and asters to attract hummingbirds, butterflies and insect pollinators.

  • Plant an herb garden with anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) and some of your culinary favorites such as oregano, marjoram, sage, rosemary, thyme, mint, and lavender.

  • Mass along a slope, alternating groupings of other long blooming drought-tolerant plants such as lavender, Russian sage (Perovskia), salvia, sea holly (Eryngium) or tickseed (Coreopsis).

  • For late season color, plant agastache alongside asters, goldenrod, salvia, Joe pye weed, silvergrass (Miscanthus), stonecrop (Sedum), and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium).

    [Resource: Garden Design}

Agastache foeniculum

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autumn climbers

clematis / wisteria / honeysuckle

grow native massachusetts

every garden matters

In PLANT PROFILES, AUGUST, NATIVE PLANTS Tags Agastache foeniculum, native plants, hummingbird mint, anise hyssop
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[PLANT PROFILE] LILIES

August 2, 2023 Karen Logan

Lily illustration by karen blackerby logan

LILIES 30% OFF!

Lilies are colorful, star-shaped flowers that add elegance and fragrance to any garden. They come in an endless range of colors, shapes, heights and bloom times. When blending the right varieties together you can enjoy lilies throughout the entire growing season, from spring to first frost. Popular lily species, include Daylilies, Orientals & Asiatics.

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Daylily

LILIES

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DAYLILY

Daylilies are grown via tuberous roots and have multiple stems.

Daylilies [illustration by karen blackerby logan]

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daylilies.jpg lily seaside scallop1.jpg PXL_20230710_152806974.MP.jpg PXL_20230710_152917469.jpg PXL_20230710_153015141.PORTRAIT.jpg PXL_20230731_144438309.PORTRAIT.jpg PXL_20230731_144443383.PORTRAIT.jpg

Varieties available

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Hemerocallis altissima


Regal Flare


Tetrinas Daughter

Golden Prize


Gulf Stream

Ruffled Apricot


Indian Hill dbl


Buttered Popcorn


Sea Wampum

Seaside Sun Glow

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ORIENTAL LILIES

Oriental Lilies are native to Japan and developed from only a few species . They are heavily scented, with much larger flowers, and bloom later than most other types of Lilium.

Oriental Lilies

Stargazer Lily [illustration by karen blackerby logan]

Varieties available

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Lillium Casa Blanca


Lillium Honeymoon


Lillium Black Beauty

Stargazer Lilies

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ASIATIC LILIES

Asiatic lilies are grown via bulbs and only have single stems,

Tiger Lily

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TORCH LILIES

  • Kniphofia (Torch Lilies) produce spikes of upright, brightly colored flowers above the foliage, in shades of red, orange and yellow. They produce abundant nectar attracting bees and hummingbirds.

Kniphofia Flamanco Mix

Kniphofia Solar Flare

daylily varieties

bloom times

grow massachusetts

tips for this week

recipe

cooking with lily bulbs

In PLANT PROFILES, AUGUST Tags Lilies, Daylily, Oriental Lilies, Asiatic Lily
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[PLANT PROFILE] CREEPING PHLOX

April 26, 2023 Karen Logan

Creeping Phlox ‘Scarlet Flame’

Creeping Phlox

(Phlox subulata)

A low growing, sun-loving herbaceous perennial that has an exceptional spring bloom. It creates a magnificent carpet of color ranging from red-purple to violet-purple to pink and white in April and May. The flowers are backed by dense green foliage that stays green throughout the summer and fall. It grows 6 in. tall, forming a thick mat up to 3 ft. wide and is known for ‘creeping’.

PHLOX SPECIES

There are many phlox species

  • Phlox subulata: Creeping phlox, Phlox subulata, is only one species with many cultivars.

  • Phlox divaricata and Phlox stolonifera: These are woodland phlox that spread and can take partial shade.

  • Phlox paniculata: This is the most common phlox, the tall English phlox. It does best in full sun.

  • Phlox drummondii: This is the annual phlox. Annuals, unlike perennials, bloom all summer.

CREEPING PHLOX VARIETIES NOW AVAILABLE

We have a wonderful selection of blooming creeping phlox available at Vineyard Gardens

  • Emerald Blue

  • Candy Stripes

  • Purple Beauty

  • Red Wings

Creeping Phlox ‘Scarlet Flame’

Creeping Phlox ‘Candy Stripe’

CARE

  • Protect from Deer! They do eat Creeping Phlox.

  • It tolerates dry conditions once established

  • Good soil drainage is important

  • Cut back stems after flowering by 1/2 to maintain form and promote denser growth plus to stimulate a possible light rebloom.

WHERE TO PLANT

  • Perfect accent in a rock garden

  • Beautiful mixed with annuals.

  • Spreads easily on slopes & banks

  • Great along pathways

  • Attractive groundcover & border plant

  • Loves to cascade over walls!

    GREAT FOR BUTTERFLIES & INSECT POLLINATORS!

HAPPY GARDENING!

landscape & garden resource

april garden tips

In SPRING PLANTS, APRIL, PLANT PROFILES Tags creeping phlox, herbaceous perennial, rock garden plant, pollinator plant
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484 State Rd. West Tisbury, MA 02575

mon - fri 8am - 5pm // sat 8am - 1pm

Closed Sundays

(508) 693.8512