A daisy named "Becky" is the Perennial Plant Association's Plant of the Year.
This announcement should be greeted with delight by those who love any kind of daisy, thinking that daisies, with their open, appealing countenances, present welcoming happy faces like no other flower.
The Perennial Plant Association picks its annual winners not only on attractiveness and interest, but also on long bloom period and hardiness.
Becky is considered hardy to Zone 4. While we are on the border of 3 and 4, Becky should be hardy enough for us. It would be wise to plant it in a protected spot, however.
Becky, botanical name Leucanthemum, is described as a single white daisy with strong stems that do not need to be staked. The plant grows 2 to 3 feet tall and starts flowering in late June. If deadheaded, it will continue to bloom into late August and September.
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Becky will grow in ordinary garden soil and full sun, and withstands heat and humidity well.
This is the 14th year the Perennial Plant Association has chosen a plant of the year. Executive director Steven Still says the association selects plants that are both outstanding and easy to grow. The perennials are available at local or mail order outlets.
The association is an international professional association of 2,200 members incorporated in 1984. One of its goals is to disseminate information to the public on use and care of perennials. Membership includes growers, retailers, educators, garden writers and members of landscape-related industries.
You probably have had one or more of the winners in your garden over the years. If you haven't, you might want to. They are all worthy of growing.
Here are the winners over the last five years: 2002, David Phlox; 2001, Karl Foerster (a grass); 2000, Butterfly Blue Scabiosa; 1999, Goldsturm Rudbeckia; and 1998, Magnus Echinacea.
Cacti as house plants
After writing about recommended house plants recently, my son Ross inquired why I hadn't mentioned cactus and succulents. I guess I had forgotten.
If you have winter sun and are not inclined to over-water, you can succeed with cactus. Water only enough to keep the plant from drying out completely. It is better to water too little than too much, but keep any cactus (except jungle cactus) in the best sunshine you have.
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With jungle cactus, and this includes Christmas cactus, water when the top half inch of the soil is dry. After bloom, you can water even less because the plant will be at rest. Keep plants in good light.
In the summer, all cacti should be outdoors.
Collins is The Forum's garden columnist. Write to her by mail at The Forum, Box 2020, Fargo ND 58107, or direct e-mail to her at drhodes@forumcomm.com
