Perennials at Behnkes: Phlox, Heuchera, Peonies!

April 13, 2011
Larry Hurley
Perennial Plants
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Phlox subulata Scarlet Flame; Behnke Nurseries, Potomac — Creeping Phlox

Are you getting tired of the “one nice day in a row” weather we’ve been having so far this spring? I know I am. It feels like the coast of Washington State instead of the ‘burbs of Washington, DC. That said, there are some mighty fine perennial gardens in the Pacific Northwest, and the cool weather has extended the blooming period for plants in the gardens here, so maybe we are on to something.

Our perennial departments are so full of plants that we are running out of space; around 25,000 plants between the two stores. We have a lot of interesting perennials in smaller pots this year, good for containers or if you want to plant 5 or 7 of something.

April 20, 2010 002 — Heucheras in an assortment of colors

My personal favorite, Heuchera. Sometimes they are called coral bells for the flowers, which on some of the varieties are actually coral-colored and bell- shaped. Most people grow Heuchera and related Heucherella (Foamy Bells) for the spectacular foliage colors: green, gold with red highlights, purple, nearly black, silver…it’s hard to believe they are real. They are perfect for container gardening if you have a spot with some afternoon shade.

Itoh Peony; Paeonia 'Cora Louise'; Behnke Nurseries, Beltsvlle — Itoh Peony

Itoh hybrid peonies. These are hybrids of “regular” and “tree” peonies. They don’t die down completely in the fall, but make little woody stems that overwinter above ground like tree peonies. They are vigorous and have colors that are unusual for peonies including yellow and coppery. Expensive–oh, yeah. But these are big, heavy plants, ready to bloom.

by Larry Hurley

Larry Hurley

Larry Hurley worked at Behnke Nurseries from 1984 until the business was composted in 2019, primarily with the perennial department in growing, buying and sales.

Before landing at Behnke’s, he worked as a technician in a tissue culture lab, a houseplant “expert” at a florist shop, and inventory controller at a wholesale nursery in Dallas. With this and that, ten years passed.

When his wife Carolyn accepted a position at Georgetown University, Larry was hired at Behnke’s for the perennial growing department and garden center at Behnke’s Largo location.

In 2021, Larry and Carolyn moved back to Wisconsin to be closer to family and further from traffic. After 37 years in a shaded yard in Maryland, he is happy to have a sunny lot where he can grow all sorts of new perennials, if only he can keep the rabbits at bay. He also enjoys cooking, traveling, and the snowblower.