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Good perennial for indoors and later outdoors?
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Libertarian Lilly
Aug 6, 2012, 7:40:58 PM8/6/12
to
We live in the Denver area and have a 4' dual T8 tube light over a shelf in
the living room, which I use for sprouting seeds in peat pots in the spring.
But the light is kind of minimal for growing anything on a long term basis. I
don't know if it's the spectrum of the tubes in there, or whether T8 tubes
just don't put out that much light. ( doesn't anyone make "Gro Lite" spectrum
tubes anymore? )
But I was wondering if there was some kind of perennial that I could sprout
from seed, or get from a nursery, that would green up the room from fall to
spring, and then I could plant outside? Maybe I could do a row of them under
that light. But the would have to be something that could survive from
September to around late May, without a whole lot of light.
Anything green and perhaps pretty, for this?
Suggestions?
the living room, which I use for sprouting seeds in peat pots in the spring.
But the light is kind of minimal for growing anything on a long term basis. I
don't know if it's the spectrum of the tubes in there, or whether T8 tubes
just don't put out that much light. ( doesn't anyone make "Gro Lite" spectrum
tubes anymore? )
But I was wondering if there was some kind of perennial that I could sprout
from seed, or get from a nursery, that would green up the room from fall to
spring, and then I could plant outside? Maybe I could do a row of them under
that light. But the would have to be something that could survive from
September to around late May, without a whole lot of light.
Anything green and perhaps pretty, for this?
Suggestions?
Kay Lancaster
Aug 7, 2012, 5:42:03 AM8/7/12
to
Try impatiens (just the regular garden impatiens, not the New Guinea types) and
coleus for starters. Try one each warm white and cool white T-8 if you
can't find grow lights. And remember that the light output of a fluorescent
tube declines pretty dramatically in 6 months use or so, so you may be
better off getting some new tubes.
Kay
David E. Ross
Aug 7, 2012, 10:57:58 AM8/7/12
to
"Western Garden Book" describes coleus hybrids and Impatiens walleriana
(busy Lizzie) as perennials.
The attraction of coleus is its multicolored leaves. To prolong vigor,
flower shoots should be removed immediately when the appear. Even then,
the plant may lose its vigor after a year. Renew it by taking cuttings,
which are easily rooted.
Although Impatiens walleriana is perennial, it is usually treated as an
annual. To maintain long-term vigor as a perennial, it needs to be cut
back often to about 6". It will quickly send out new shoots and resume
flowering.
--
David E. Ross
Climate: California Mediterranean, see
<http://www.rossde.com/garden/climate.html>
Gardening diary at <http://www.rossde.com/garden/diary>
Bill who putters
Aug 7, 2012, 11:30:18 AM8/7/12
to
In article <slrnk20vk...@hub.fern.com>,
We love bamboo begonias . Flower most of the year and propagate easily.
Keep it in a pot as in warm areas it would like to spread.
--
Bill S. Jersey USA zone 5 shade garden
http://marshallmcluhanspeaks.com/
Keep it in a pot as in warm areas it would like to spread.
--
Bill S. Jersey USA zone 5 shade garden
http://marshallmcluhanspeaks.com/
Brooklyn1
Aug 7, 2012, 4:46:14 PM8/7/12
to
On Tue, 07 Aug 2012 07:57:58 -0700, "David E. Ross"
<nob...@nowhere.invalid> wrote:
>On 8/7/12 2:42 AM, Kay Lancaster wrote:
>> Try impatiens (just the regular garden impatiens, not the New Guinea types) and
>> coleus for starters. Try one each warm white and cool white T-8 if you
>> can't find grow lights. And remember that the light output of a fluorescent
>> tube declines pretty dramatically in 6 months use or so, so you may be
>> better off getting some new tubes.
>>
>> Kay
>>
>
>I always thought of impatiens and coleus as annuals. However, Sunset's
>"Western Garden Book" describes coleus hybrids and Impatiens walleriana
>(busy Lizzie) as perennials.
Depends:
<nob...@nowhere.invalid> wrote:
>On 8/7/12 2:42 AM, Kay Lancaster wrote:
>> Try impatiens (just the regular garden impatiens, not the New Guinea types) and
>> coleus for starters. Try one each warm white and cool white T-8 if you
>> can't find grow lights. And remember that the light output of a fluorescent
>> tube declines pretty dramatically in 6 months use or so, so you may be
>> better off getting some new tubes.
>>
>> Kay
>>
>
>I always thought of impatiens and coleus as annuals. However, Sunset's
>"Western Garden Book" describes coleus hybrids and Impatiens walleriana
>(busy Lizzie) as perennials.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impatiens
Kay Lancaster
Aug 7, 2012, 5:42:03 PM8/7/12
to
On Tue, 07 Aug 2012 07:57:58 -0700, David E. Ross <nob...@nowhere.invalid> wrote:
> I always thought of impatiens and coleus as annuals. However, Sunset's
> "Western Garden Book" describes coleus hybrids and Impatiens walleriana
> (busy Lizzie) as perennials.
Many "garden annuals" are annual only because a heavy enough freeze comes
> "Western Garden Book" describes coleus hybrids and Impatiens walleriana
> (busy Lizzie) as perennials.
along. Keep 'em from freezing and you can keep them growing for many
years. Wax and similar begonias are another possibility for the house
in winter -- just look for plants you like that do well in shade.
On the other hand, many of the things we think of as "houseplants" do
fine outside in summer shade. Dunno how many hanging baskets I've started
over the years that included clippings of Swedish ivy and pothos and
Cymbalaria and various gesneriads, mixed with "garden annuals".
Another easy plant for indoors in the winter, if you can find it, is
sweet potato. You don't want the ones that were sprayed to inhibit
rooting, so you're most likely to find them in the "organics" section.
Even so, eventually the sprayed sweet potatoes sprout... I've got one
that's been sitting here since last Christmas and it's finally putting
out shoots and roots. Occasionally you can also find ginger, taro,
yuca that will sprout, right there in the produce section. <g>
Kay
Libertarian Lilly
Aug 8, 2012, 10:08:16 PM8/8/12
to
Libertarian Lilly
Aug 8, 2012, 10:10:20 PM8/8/12
to
"David E. Ross" <nob...@nowhere.invalid> wrote :
> On 8/7/12 2:42 AM, Kay Lancaster wrote:
>> Try impatiens (just the regular garden impatiens, not the New Guinea
>> types) and coleus for starters. Try one each warm white and cool white
>> T-8 if you can't find grow lights. And remember that the light output
>> of a fluorescent tube declines pretty dramatically in 6 months use or
>> so, so you may be better off getting some new tubes.
>>
>> Kay
>>
>
> I always thought of impatiens and coleus as annuals. However, Sunset's
> "Western Garden Book" describes coleus hybrids and Impatiens walleriana
> (busy Lizzie) as perennials.
>
> The attraction of coleus is its multicolored leaves. To prolong vigor,
> flower shoots should be removed immediately when the appear. Even then,
> the plant may lose its vigor after a year. Renew it by taking cuttings,
> which are easily rooted.
>
> Although Impatiens walleriana is perennial, it is usually treated as an
> annual. To maintain long-term vigor as a perennial, it needs to be cut
> back often to about 6". It will quickly send out new shoots and resume
> flowering.
>
Are we talking about perennial in the Denver area, not California?
>> Try impatiens (just the regular garden impatiens, not the New Guinea
>> types) and coleus for starters. Try one each warm white and cool white
>> T-8 if you can't find grow lights. And remember that the light output
>> of a fluorescent tube declines pretty dramatically in 6 months use or
>> so, so you may be better off getting some new tubes.
>>
>> Kay
>>
>
> I always thought of impatiens and coleus as annuals. However, Sunset's
> "Western Garden Book" describes coleus hybrids and Impatiens walleriana
> (busy Lizzie) as perennials.
>
> The attraction of coleus is its multicolored leaves. To prolong vigor,
> flower shoots should be removed immediately when the appear. Even then,
> the plant may lose its vigor after a year. Renew it by taking cuttings,
> which are easily rooted.
>
> Although Impatiens walleriana is perennial, it is usually treated as an
> annual. To maintain long-term vigor as a perennial, it needs to be cut
> back often to about 6". It will quickly send out new shoots and resume
> flowering.
>
Libertarian Lilly
Aug 8, 2012, 10:16:29 PM8/8/12
to
>>On 8/7/12 2:42 AM, Kay Lancaster wrote:
>>> Try impatiens (just the regular garden impatiens, not the New Guinea
>>> types) and coleus for starters. Try one each warm white and cool
>>> white T-8 if you can't find grow lights.
Oh, look at this!
>>> Try impatiens (just the regular garden impatiens, not the New Guinea
>>> types) and coleus for starters. Try one each warm white and cool
>>> white T-8 if you can't find grow lights.
http://www.ehow.com/list_5832408_t8-bulbs-growing-plants_.html
Philips Aquarelle
The Philips Aquarelle is a mercury vapory fluorescent light that is very
efficient for indoor gardening. The 30-watt Philips Aquarelle model produces
10,000K (Kelvins--a thermodynamic temperature scale) of natural light which
allows plants to achieve photosynthesis as they normally would outdoors. In
addition, the bulb actually stimulates oxygen output in the plants with this
light spectrum. It is one of the best T8 bulbs because of its energy
efficiency, color rendering (promotes photosynthesis and oxygen) and
affordable price.
Now I have to go find them and see the prices!...
Libertarian Lilly
Aug 8, 2012, 10:23:33 PM8/8/12
to
Kay Lancaster <k...@hub.fern.com> wrote :
> On Tue, 07 Aug 2012 07:57:58 -0700, David E. Ross
> <nob...@nowhere.invalid> wrote:
>> I always thought of impatiens and coleus as annuals. However, Sunset's
>> "Western Garden Book" describes coleus hybrids and Impatiens walleriana
>> (busy Lizzie) as perennials.
>
> Many "garden annuals" are annual only because a heavy enough freeze
> comes along. Keep 'em from freezing and you can keep them growing for
> many years.
Did I menion being in the Denver area?
No, I want something that's a true perennial, down to zone 4, please.
> On Tue, 07 Aug 2012 07:57:58 -0700, David E. Ross
> <nob...@nowhere.invalid> wrote:
>> I always thought of impatiens and coleus as annuals. However, Sunset's
>> "Western Garden Book" describes coleus hybrids and Impatiens walleriana
>> (busy Lizzie) as perennials.
>
> Many "garden annuals" are annual only because a heavy enough freeze
> comes along. Keep 'em from freezing and you can keep them growing for
> many years.
No, I want something that's a true perennial, down to zone 4, please.
Libertarian Lilly
Aug 8, 2012, 10:25:33 PM8/8/12
to
Bill who putters <b2fore...@snip.net> wrote :
> In article <slrnk20vk...@hub.fern.com>,
> Kay Lancaster <k...@hub.fern.com> wrote:
>
>> Try impatiens (just the regular garden impatiens, not the New Guinea
>> types) and
>> coleus for starters. Try one each warm white and cool white T-8 if you
>> can't find grow lights. And remember that the light output of a
>> fluorescent tube declines pretty dramatically in 6 months use or so, so
>> you may be better off getting some new tubes.
>>
>> Kay
>
> We love bamboo begonias . Flower most of the year and propagate easily.
> Keep it in a pot as in warm areas it would like to spread.
>
Speaking of bamboo...hmmm.
I once did a little Google research and found that there are species of
bamboo that will grow outdoors and thrive down to zone 3, if I recall.
I'd love to start some indoors this fall, if it's possible.
> In article <slrnk20vk...@hub.fern.com>,
> Kay Lancaster <k...@hub.fern.com> wrote:
>
>> Try impatiens (just the regular garden impatiens, not the New Guinea
>> types) and
>> coleus for starters. Try one each warm white and cool white T-8 if you
>> can't find grow lights. And remember that the light output of a
>> fluorescent tube declines pretty dramatically in 6 months use or so, so
>> you may be better off getting some new tubes.
>>
>> Kay
>
> We love bamboo begonias . Flower most of the year and propagate easily.
> Keep it in a pot as in warm areas it would like to spread.
>
I once did a little Google research and found that there are species of
bamboo that will grow outdoors and thrive down to zone 3, if I recall.
I'd love to start some indoors this fall, if it's possible.
Libertarian Lilly
Aug 8, 2012, 10:35:19 PM8/8/12
to
Libertarian Lilly <LL...@nospam.com> wrote :
Following up on this, it seems that many of the ones mentioned in that
article arent available in the U.S. BUT, Googling: 10,000k t8
looks like a good starting point!
article arent available in the U.S. BUT, Googling: 10,000k t8
looks like a good starting point!
David E. Ross
Aug 8, 2012, 11:03:28 PM8/8/12
to
outdoor plants rarely do well indoors for prolonged periods.
Kay Lancaster
Aug 9, 2012, 5:42:03 PM8/9/12
to
On Wed, 08 Aug 2012 21:23:33 -0500, Libertarian Lilly <LL...@nospam.com> wrote:
> Did I menion being in the Denver area?
>
> No, I want something that's a true perennial, down to zone 4, please.
No you don't, at least not if you want it to flower in the normal growing
> Did I menion being in the Denver area?
>
> No, I want something that's a true perennial, down to zone 4, please.
season. The cold chill is necessary for flowering to be induced. And
ripping up a perennial every year to haul it into the house is likely to
kill it in a very short period of time.
Kay
Kay Lancaster
Aug 9, 2012, 5:42:04 PM8/9/12
to
On Wed, 08 Aug 2012 21:25:33 -0500, Libertarian Lilly <LL...@nospam.com> wrote:
> bamboo that will grow outdoors and thrive down to zone 3, if I recall.
>
> I'd love to start some indoors this fall, if it's possible.
>
Not enough light intensity.
> bamboo that will grow outdoors and thrive down to zone 3, if I recall.
>
> I'd love to start some indoors this fall, if it's possible.
>
Kay
Libertarian Lilly
Aug 9, 2012, 9:28:59 PM8/9/12
to
"David E. Ross" <nob...@nowhere.invalid> wrote :
> On 8/8/12 7:10 PM, Libertarian Lilly wrote:
>> "David E. Ross" <nob...@nowhere.invalid> wrote :
>>
>>> On 8/7/12 2:42 AM, Kay Lancaster wrote:
>>>> Try impatiens (just the regular garden impatiens, not the New Guinea
>>>> types) and coleus for starters. Try one each warm white and cool white
>>>> T-8 if you can't find grow lights. And remember that the light output
>>>> of a fluorescent tube declines pretty dramatically in 6 months use or
>>>> so, so you may be better off getting some new tubes.
>>>>
>>>> Kay
>>>>
>>>
>>> I always thought of impatiens and coleus as annuals. However, Sunset's
>>> "Western Garden Book" describes coleus hybrids and Impatiens walleriana
>>> (busy Lizzie) as perennials.
>>>
>>> The attraction of coleus is its multicolored leaves. To prolong vigor,
>>> flower shoots should be removed immediately when the appear. Even then,
>>> the plant may lose its vigor after a year. Renew it by taking cuttings,
>>> which are easily rooted.
>>>
>>> Although Impatiens walleriana is perennial, it is usually treated as an
>>> annual. To maintain long-term vigor as a perennial, it needs to be cut
>>> back often to about 6". It will quickly send out new shoots and resume
>>> flowering.
>>>
>>
>> Are we talking about perennial in the Denver area, not California?
>>
>
> You did mention keeping it indoors during the winter. Of course, few
> outdoor plants rarely do well indoors for prolonged periods.
>
NO, just starting them indoors in fall, keeping them over the winter and
> On 8/8/12 7:10 PM, Libertarian Lilly wrote:
>> "David E. Ross" <nob...@nowhere.invalid> wrote :
>>
>>> On 8/7/12 2:42 AM, Kay Lancaster wrote:
>>>> Try impatiens (just the regular garden impatiens, not the New Guinea
>>>> types) and coleus for starters. Try one each warm white and cool white
>>>> T-8 if you can't find grow lights. And remember that the light output
>>>> of a fluorescent tube declines pretty dramatically in 6 months use or
>>>> so, so you may be better off getting some new tubes.
>>>>
>>>> Kay
>>>>
>>>
>>> I always thought of impatiens and coleus as annuals. However, Sunset's
>>> "Western Garden Book" describes coleus hybrids and Impatiens walleriana
>>> (busy Lizzie) as perennials.
>>>
>>> The attraction of coleus is its multicolored leaves. To prolong vigor,
>>> flower shoots should be removed immediately when the appear. Even then,
>>> the plant may lose its vigor after a year. Renew it by taking cuttings,
>>> which are easily rooted.
>>>
>>> Although Impatiens walleriana is perennial, it is usually treated as an
>>> annual. To maintain long-term vigor as a perennial, it needs to be cut
>>> back often to about 6". It will quickly send out new shoots and resume
>>> flowering.
>>>
>>
>> Are we talking about perennial in the Denver area, not California?
>>
>
> You did mention keeping it indoors during the winter. Of course, few
> outdoor plants rarely do well indoors for prolonged periods.
>
planting outside in spring. Using them for some indoor color in the meantime.
Libertarian Lilly
Aug 9, 2012, 9:30:50 PM8/9/12
to
Kay Lancaster <k...@hub.fern.com> wrote :
I don't know how I gave the impression, but didn't intend to.
I want to start some seeds indoors in the fall, use the plants for some
indoor color until spring, then plant and leave them outdoors.
Repeat the cycle the next fall.
I want to start some seeds indoors in the fall, use the plants for some
indoor color until spring, then plant and leave them outdoors.
Repeat the cycle the next fall.
Kay Lancaster
Aug 10, 2012, 5:42:03 AM8/10/12
to
On Thu, 09 Aug 2012 20:30:50 -0500, Libertarian Lilly <LL...@nospam.com> wrote:
>
> I don't know how I gave the impression, but didn't intend to.
>
> I want to start some seeds indoors in the fall, use the plants for some
> indoor color until spring, then plant and leave them outdoors.
>
> Repeat the cycle the next fall.
Well, I'm still coming up dry. Most cold climate perennials just don't
>
> I don't know how I gave the impression, but didn't intend to.
>
> I want to start some seeds indoors in the fall, use the plants for some
> indoor color until spring, then plant and leave them outdoors.
>
> Repeat the cycle the next fall.
grow much the first season -- at least on top, where you're looking for color.
Instead, much of the first season growing is concentrated in the roots...
which is why a lot of perennial growers either grow from cuttings or
if they're growing seedlings, use something like Conetainers or DeePots.
In addition, many of the cold hardy perennials have long dormancy periods
or even double dormancy -- the classic example of which is sweet cherry, which
remains dwarf until it's had the right sequence of warm and cold temperatures.
http://carolbodensteiner.com/prairie-spring/ that second photo is what a
new perennial seedling is likely to look like for the first full season.
I truly believe you've got to choose between color and perennial in your
area. Or try some of both and see what gives you pleasure.
Kay
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