Romance in the Garden

Flowers are the truly language of love. Shakespeare knew that "my love is like a red, red Rose." But romance in the garden doesn’t stop there. Through the years, many plant names have been inspired by the heady sensations surrounding courtship and marriage. From a purely horticultural design view, the plants listed here might not make a well-balanced garden, but their names tell a sweet story that is as old as time! Just for fun, take a stroll along this garden path of romance. (Note: some plants listed here are for spring planting and others for spring blooming.)

Ideas

• Small Talk Narcissus (#7098)–Exquisite 1-inch blooms of brightest yellow crown this 4-inch plant, which blooms in early spring. For zones 4-8 in full sun.
  
  
• First Impression Tulip (#8556)–Long-lived, low-growing (just 8 to 12 inches high) early bloomer. Sets red and yellow flowers that open to form big chalice-shaped blossoms up to 5 inches wide. For zones 4-8 in full sun.

• First Blush Spurge (#47689)–With its cycle of celery-green foliage, yellow bracts, rosy-red buds, and rosy-pink blooms, this Cushion Spurge is uniquely beautiful. Suitable for full sun in zones 4 and 5, part shade farther south.

• New Sensation Cape Fuchsia (#47684)–Long 1³/₈-inch blooms dangle from near-black stems, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. Works well in zones 7-10, with good drainage and plenty of sun.
  
  
• First Love Dianthus (#49843)–New flowers are pure white, the slightly older ones pale rose, and the very oldest a deep rosy-red, all with a spicy clove aroma. Good for ground cover, accent planting, or container use in zones 3-9. Prefers full sun.

• Romance Hydrangea (#48756)–This long-blooming shrub reaches just 28 inches high and 3 feet wide, which makes the double-flowered 6-inch bloom clusters really stand out. Prefers part shade in zones 5-9.
  
  
• Burning Heart Poppy (#40122)–Single flowers range from bright candy pink through red and purple. Blooms are up to 5 inches wide on sturdy stems that typically reach 2 to 3 feet in height. Grows well in full sun for zones 3-7.
  
  
• Purple Passion Hyacinth (#8778)–Deep maroon-purple blooms on very strong 8- to 10-inch stems create a regal atmosphere, complemented by the delicious fragrance. Blooms in late spring and thrives in zones 4-8.

• Wedding Dance Amaryllis (#7256)–These huge white blooms (accented by a small green throat) arise on 18- to 24-inch plant.
  
  
• Honeymoon Amaryllis (#8660)–This rich raspberry-red bloom has a hint of blue shadow. The single flowers are large, arising on plants 12 to 20 inches tall.

Amaryllis are typically started indoors during the fall or winter for holiday blooms. Plant in a container just 4 to 6 weeks before desired bloom time. Or for zones 8-11, plant them outside after they bloom to start a new colony.

Resources

Online:

www.parkseed.com to view product details and images

Interviews with:

• Stephanie Turner. As Director of Seed Product, Stephanie is responsible for selecting the 1,100+ varieties of flower, fruit, and vegetable seeds offered by Park Seed. Possessing deep botanical knowledge, a genuine zest for gardening, and a warm sense of humor, Stephanie is an excellent interview subject for print, radio, or television journalists.
  
  
• Karen Park Jennings. Karen is the granddaughter of Park Seed founder George W. Park and a life-long gardener. She has vast practical knowledge from years of hands-on gardening experience both at Park Seed and in her incredible home garden. Her wealth of knowledge and infectious laugh make her a joy to interview for any medium.

High Resolution Images Available:

"Beauty shot" of each individual product