JohnnyA Gardens

2025-01-09T20:26:00.000-08:00

Lysimachia paridiformis var. stenophylla: A Hidden Gem in the World of Perennials

One of the many great shade loving plants that Craig Wilson from Gentiana Nursery has hidden away is Lysimachia paridiformis var. stenophylla. Its a shade loving plant, evergreen and easy care - So lets take a closer look…..

When it comes to cultivating unique and visually captivating plants in the garden, few species can compete with the charm of Lysimachia paridiformis var. stenophylla. Often flying under the radar, this perennial species from the primrose family (Primulaceae) is a gem for gardeners seeking a touch of understated elegance. Its distinctive features, adaptability, and relatively low maintenance needs make it a fascinating plant for enthusiasts interested in adding something special to their landscapes.

An Introduction to Lysimachia paridiformis var. stenophylla

Native to China, Lysimachia paridiformis is a member of the Lysimachia genus, which includes a variety of species commonly known as loosestrifes. While most people are familiar with the aggressive and invasive purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), Lysimachia paridiformis and its variety stenophylla offer a far more restrained and garden-friendly alternative. The latter variety, often referred to as the "narrow-leaved loosestrife," is particularly appreciated for its elongated, narrow foliage and its compact, dense growth habit.

Distinctive Features

The most striking characteristic of Lysimachia paridiformis var. stenophylla is its slender, lance-shaped leaves, which give the plant a refined, elegant appearance. These long, dark green leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, creating a textured and delicate visual effect. Unlike other varieties in the Lysimachia genus, which may have broader or more rounded leaves, the narrow foliage of this variety offers a more refined look, perfect for those seeking a minimalist aesthetic in their garden design.

From late spring to early summer, this plant produces clusters of small, star-like yellow flowers. While not as flamboyant or flashy as the blossoms of other flowering plants, the bright yellow blooms add a subtle pop of color, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. These flowers emerge in compact inflorescences at the tips of the stems, complementing the plant’s slender foliage without overwhelming it. The blooms are often considered a highlight for those who appreciate the quieter beauty of more understated flowering species.

Growing Conditions and Care

Lysimachia paridiformis var. stenophylla thrives in a wide range of soil types, though it prefers moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. This makes it ideal for gardens with moderate moisture levels, including those with naturally damp spots or areas with intermittent rainfall. It can tolerate a variety of soil conditions, though it does not thrive in extremely dry or waterlogged environments.

The plant does best in partial shade to full shade, where the filtered sunlight allows its delicate leaves and flowers to shine. While it can tolerate some sun exposure, especially in cooler climates, it is particularly well-suited to woodland gardens, shaded borders, or along the edges of ponds and streams where moisture levels are higher.

Once established, Lysimachia paridiformis var. stenophylla is relatively low-maintenance. It requires minimal pruning, though cutting back the plant after flowering can help maintain its shape and prevent excessive self-seeding. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage a tidier appearance, but this is largely an aesthetic choice rather than a necessary upkeep step.

Ideal Garden Uses

This plant is well-suited for a variety of garden styles, particularly those focused on woodland or naturalistic plantings. Its fine texture and understated presence make it a great companion for other shade-loving perennials such as ferns, hostas, and astilbes. It can be planted as a ground cover or used in a mixed border where its slender foliage contrasts nicely with broader-leaved plants.

Lysimachia paridiformis var. stenophylla is also an excellent choice for water-adjacent plantings, where it can help soften the edges of ponds or streams. Its preference for moist, well-drained soil means it thrives in these environments, while its compact nature ensures it won’t overwhelm other plants or take over the space.

For those with more limited garden space, this plant’s moderate size—reaching up to 18–24 inches in height and spread—makes it a great option for container gardens or smaller urban plots. Its non-invasive growth and relatively slow spread mean it won’t outgrow its space too quickly, offering lasting beauty without the risk of becoming a nuisance.

You can Find Gentian Nursery at https://gentiananursery.com.au/

Conclusion

Lysimachia paridiformis var. stenophylla is a plant that may not be on every gardener’s radar, but its distinctive appearance and low-maintenance needs make it a fantastic addition to any landscape. Whether you are looking to fill a shady nook in your garden or enhance the borders of a water feature, this perennial offers a refined beauty that stands out without demanding too much attention. Its yellow flowers, narrow leaves, and adaptability to various soil and light conditions ensure that it will continue to be a favorite for gardeners seeking plants with both elegance and resilience.

Succulent Nursery Tour - With James Lucus

2023-02-12T15:52:00.003-08:00

For those of you who like succulents, here is a quick tour of a specialist Succulent Nursery, Rare and interesting succulents with James Lucus from Succulents Australia

Photographing Black Flowers - A few simple tricks.

2023-02-11T22:11:00.000-08:00

For a start, no flowers are really black and in fact black is not really a colour at all. So what we are talking about is those really deep red flowers and plants that look black.

Taking photographs of near black flowers is difficult. The problem is that really dark colours (very deep reds) absorb light, this tricks the light metre in cameras and the cameras in phones to give you the wrong exposure.

With cameras that have a spot metering system, or with a light metre, you can can take a light reading off the flower and adjust the camera to that reading.

With camera phones, which are so widely used, it is a different matter. You can use the touch to focus feature and that will activate a sort of spot metering. AND THEN if your camera phone has the feature, you can also use the slide up and down feature to darken the image.

Below we have a very deep red Aeonium.

In the image on the LEFT exposure is automatic. The image does not look as dark as it does to the eye.

The image on the RIGHT has been spot metered and exposure adjusted using the slider on iphone.

And of course you can use one of the many camera apps, that allows you to have even more control.

The problem with this is that when you alter exposures to darken photographs you often loose detail and clarity, so the best way to photograph really dark coloured flowers and foliage is under artificial light using a slow shutter speed.

You can find a good explanation of all of this at https://cameraharmony.com/photographing-dark-objects-how-to-do-it-right/

Echeveria Gilo 'Raindrops' - A Rare new succulent release

2023-02-10T22:16:00.003-08:00

A truely wonderful Echeveria this one is Echeveria Gilo x Raindrops. The small bumps or raindrops on top of the leaves make this a magical little specimen plant for a container.

As with all echeveria, good drainage is required as is good sunlight. Make sure you do provide some protection from hot afternoon sun and transition this plant form indoors tom outdoors full sun slowly to avoid leaf burn.

This is one of the many echeveria varieties that are now available with intensive hybridization taking place in South Korea, Japan and other countries.

Lithops Origins, Care.Problems and a Tour of a large Collection.

2023-02-10T13:31:00.000-08:00

Lithops are commonly called 'Living Stones', 'Stoneface plant' or 'Stone Plant' 'Split rock plant' and some species have their own common name such L.viridis which is sometimes called the 'Green rock plant'. They are a succulent from South Africa, they spread over a large area and we have many species as well as many natural variations.

They do come from different climate areas, some are exposed to coastal fogs, some are not.

It was Cole who first started a comprehensive classification of the genus, spending many years collecting and numbering species and sub species so today we see tags such as C105. The C indicating the that this is one of Coles discoveries and the number indicating where it was found.

In the video, we look at the Origins, Differences and Problems as well as discuss the breeding of lithops, both hybridisation and line breeding.

We also look as other Mesembs from the collection of James Lucas of Succulents Australia

The Tree Philodendron - Philodendron selloum

2023-01-25T22:47:00.002-08:00

If you are looking for an indoor plant with amazing foliage, or an outdoor plant that gives you a tropical look then Philodendron selloum could be one to consider.

Philodendron selloum

Although often sold as an Indoor plant Philodendron selloum syn. P. bipinnatifidum has now been renamed named Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum.

It is a tropical plant from South America, however it can be grown outdoors in temperaate climates.

Sometimes mistaken for Monstera delicosa, it can easily be distinguished by the foliage.

Philodendron selloum has lobed leaves Monstera delicosa has windows or 'fenestration'.

Indoors this can be a real feature plant, over time it can grow to take over a wall of a reasonably large room, of course you can prune it to keep it at a reasonable size, in fact you will need to.

So if you are looking for an interesting, and easy care plant to add to your indoor jungle, this is one to consider.

For more information see - https://www.nurseriesonline.com/indoor-plants/philodendron-selloum/

2022-08-22T02:45:00.005-07:00

If you like Lithops, Living Stones or whatever you like to call them then we provide a look at a range of species and discuss names, origins and identification.

50 plus New and Rare Succulent Collection

2021-01-03T17:23:00.005-08:00

In this video we talk with James Lucas about some new and rare succulents in his collection. - 50 plus Rare, and New Echeveria, Agavoides, Aeonium and other Varieties

2021-01-01T20:34:00.001-08:00

Soil For Succulents

We look t how to make your own potting mix for succulents.

Crassula Varieties, a diverse group of succulent plants

2017-12-23T13:05:00.001-08:00

A quick look at some of the many varieties of succulents in the Crassula genus.

How to Grow Cilantro or Coriander From Seed

2017-08-14T18:27:00.001-07:00

Spring is a great time to plant Coriander (Cilantro) and it is very easy to grow from seed, in this short video, we show you how.

2016-07-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

Lily of The Valley

Did you know that Lily of the Valley comes in a number of forms, some with larger flowers, some with pink flowers and sone with variegated foliage.

All are easy to grow in a partly shaded position in a humus rich soil.

If its fragrance you are looking for, then Lily of the Valley can be planted near Daphne, especially D. odora, which has finished flowering when the Lily of the Valley starts.

You can read more about the varieties, and find out where to buy them on the website.

Garlic

It is getting a little late in the season, however not to late to plant garlic.

Look for named varieties such as Monaro Purple and Spanish roja (our favourite).

All varieties taste a little different, some hot and spicy, some milder.

The different varieties are suited to different uses in the kitchen... it is all a matter of taste.

You can grow garlic both in the garden and in containers if you wish, we show you how .

Misome

A leafy green that you may not of seen yet, it is from Japan and has a spicy mustardy taste, easy to grow and tolerates warm climates. The name is Misome. We can't say it is commonly available, however it is well worth looking for.

2016-03-02T12:53:00.000-08:00

Campanula Barbara Valentine

New to Nurseries Online

Our ALL NEW mobile friendly web site is up and running, check it out for all of the latest gardening news.

Plants to Consider

Campanula Barbara Valentine is a wonderful new release, flowers late summer to autumn.
See the web site for details

Also - New Plant Catalogues for 2016 from

Tonkins Bulbs

Riddles Creek Daffodils

Humulus Lupus a versatile climber

Do you know that Hops are ornamental climbers as well as for making beer. Great coverage in spring to summer, it dies back in winter,

Read about them at Humulus Lupus

Iochroma Wooly White

Iochroma Rainbow Lorikeets love it, so will you.

If you like to attract birds to the garden, then you will like Iochroma.

You will pleased to know that Don Teese from Yamina Collectors Nursery has a great collection of colours, including a white one.

Read more about Iochroma on the web site or give Don a call an the nursery.

Dahlias - The perfect flowers for late Summer to Autumn

2014-09-10T16:16:00.000-07:00

It is time to buy Dahlia tubers, and with the huge variety available we have found the best catalogue of Dahlia flowers availoable in Australia.

Dahlias flower in late summer to autumn, and therefore spring is the perfect time to plant them.

Sometimes seen as a little 'old fashioned', they are actually a wonderful plant for colour in the garden in autumn as well as being great for cut flowers.

In Australia, Jenny Parish (Country Dahlias) has the largest selection we have seen. And if you are looking for variety, this is the place to look.

You can grow dahlias in pots, the smaller growing types are easier, however if you stake the plants even the taller ones can be grown in pots.

For long flowering, deadhead regularly. Removing the spent flowers will help produce a second and even third flush.
The best time to plant dahlias in most of Australia is in early November, in Queensland try September. You can plant as late as December, you will get later flowering usually in March.

Look for a position with good morning sun and shade or filtered sun in the afternoon.
Check out the Country Dahlias 2014 catalogue for an insight into the wonderful varieties available.

Proteas and their relatives, Geranium and Pelargonium show.

2014-07-27T18:08:00.001-07:00

Proteas and their relatives.

If you happen to like Proteas it is worth considering some other members of the Proteaceae family as well.

The well known Proteas such as the King Protea do take pride of place, however Leucodendron, Leucospermum and the lesser known Serruria are all wonderful garden plants.

From the top we have : Leucodendron Harvest, Leucospermum cordifolium, Protea 'King White' and finally Serruria florida x rosea.

All like a sunny position and a well drained soil and will flower from mid winter through to spring. Easily pruned and very easy care.

Geraniums and Pelargoniums.

One for the diary, Australian Pelargonium & Geranium Society Annual Spring Show 2014

Bellfield Community Hall Melways 31E4
Corner of Oriel Rd. and Banksia St Ivanhoe Vic.3081

Saturday Nov 1st 12.00pm To 4.00 pm
Sunday, Nov 2nd 9.30am To 4.00pm

$5 entry fee - includes Morning / Afternoon Tea Good Free Parking at Hall - Plants and cuttings for sale

Time to plant Liliums

2014-05-20T23:24:00.001-07:00

Liliums

It is time to plant easy to grow Liliums, they are excellent in the garden, plant the taller varieties beneath a low growing shrub and let them grow up through. You can also grow them in containers, a well drained humus rich soil and a sunny position is all that you need.

Lilium 'Red Sun' is one that lives up to its name and this is an Oriental hybrid.

Shirley and Jane from Tonkins Bulbs have just released the 2014 catalogue, you can check out the wonderful range online.

Chrysanthemums mean Mothers Day - Easy to grow

2014-05-04T04:50:00.001-07:00

Mothers Day means Chrysanthemums, and thats nest Sunday in Australia. So heads up.

You may not be able to buy Mum a Chrysanthemum like the 'Firewheel' pictured, however you can buy her potted plants instead of cut flowers. And after Mothers Day is over, you can plant them for her in the garden.

Chrysanthemums, are very easy to grow, you can rely on them to flower, and if you want to get those large exhibition type flowers, then learn how to pinch them back.

As for varieties, the colours and forms are endless.
You can read about how to grow, and if you want to learn about how to get those exhibition sized blooms, we tell you how to that as well. it's called, pinching back chrysanthemums.

New Catalogue from Tonkins Bulbs

2014-01-06T17:33:00.000-08:00

A new bulb catalogue from Tonkins Bulbs has just been released. Lots of easy care bulbs and many rare species as well. Top left is Lycoris sprengeri as well, a rare, but lovely species.
Below is Morea glaucopsis, and look for the Snowdrops or Galanthus, great spring flowering bulbs that naturalise easliy.
See http://www.tonkinsbulbs.com.au

Marcus Harvey also has a new web site for Hillview Rare Plants, www.hillviewrareplants.com.au

Fuchsias - Great for the garden as well as hanging baskets

2013-08-27T15:03:00.000-07:00

BRENLISSA FUCHSIAS

Fuchsia cultivar – "Peachy"
This is a wonderful double variety with 8 or more petals. Sepals pale pink. Corolla orangey pink. Very large blooms up to 75mm wide!
A free flowering large flowered fuchsia with fancy double blooms in shades of pink and lavender. Good in baskets or staked as a small shrub.
'Peachy' has huge pink skirts, topped with lighter coloured petals. The individual blooms can measure up to 7.5cm (3in) across and are sure to make a colourful impact in your summer displays.

Perfect for hanging baskets or the edges of containers, its lax stems naturally trail making a brilliant standard.

Fuchsias are one of the most versatile and longest flowering plants known. H x W 90cm. Also worth getting hold of some of the yellow clivias all Available from Brenlissa Fuchsias

COUNTRY DAHLIAS
If you like Dahlias, probably the best selection in Australia in the new catalogue from Country Dahlias

And one that you will not see everywhere is Gentiana acaulis, pictured left, a wonderful blue flowering rock garden plant. Look for that on our web site.

Lots of Orchid shows coming up so watch out for them as well on our events page.

LILIUMS
It is also not to late to plant lilium bulbs, check out the suppliers listed at www.nurseriesonline.com.au

New Catalogue form Hillview Rare Plants - Yellow Clivia

2013-08-02T23:28:00.000-07:00

Clivia citrina "Yellow" - Rare Yellow & Cream. Broad, dark green strap like leaves and beautiful dense umbels of large creamy yellow flowers produced in deep shade have made this unusual form of Clivia a most prized possession. A good pot subject, it needs a shady position and thrives on regular feeding in a well-drained humus rich soil.
Imported from their natural home in South Africa, these seventh generation Clivia plants are hard to find in golden yellow varieties.

 Their flowers are a delicate pale lemon and have the elegant yet solid appearance of a Frangipani (Plumeria acutifolia). Clivias make great border plants growing around under trees. Flowering in the spring these bright flowers will brighten up any dark spot under trees. H x W 75cm clump forming, easily divided for sharing or spreading throughout garden. Available from Brenlissa Nursery

HILLVIEW RARE PLANTS New 2013 Catalogue

With so many offering in Hillview catalogue it is a little difficult to pick one as a standout, we do love the Liliums, many you will not see anywhere else in Australia. We also love the Primulas and Auriculas, wonderful old fashioned plants well worth a place in the garden. We have however found two that really do deserve a little extra exposure.

The first is Paeonia kesrouanensis, (pictured right) this is a species peony from Syria and Turkey, a wonderful flower.

The second is Lilium duchartrei, a species from China, check out the catalogue and see what you think. Available from Hillview Rare Plants

And while we are talking new catalogues, Post Office Farm Nursery have the 2013 catalogue online now. Wonderful hellebores. Read about them and fond links to the Hellebore Open Days at www.nurseriesonline.com.au

New Catalogues - Liliums - Its time to plant them.

2013-06-18T16:33:00.000-07:00

The Daffodils are on the rise, at least the are in our garden, not flowering, but beginning to poke the first signs of life through the ground, so its to late to plant them now. So what is next ?

Well for us it is Liliums, and we are a little fascinated with the Orienpet hybrids, which are wonderfully tough in Australian conditions, we also like some of the species liliums, including L.wardii and L. langongense, the flowers are fascinating.

And of course the Asiatics with 'Showoff' with its deep lemon flowers, and 'Sylvan Angel' being wonderful examples.

But enough from us, check out what is available in the new catalogue from Shirley and Jane Tonkin, all grown on their own property.

www.tonkinsbulbs.com.au

And you probably have never heard of Primula vialii, let alone seen it. So take a look at that one as well, this one is a lovely little Shade Loving Perennial

Autumn is time to plant Peonies - we tell you how

2013-04-28T04:19:00.000-07:00

PEONIES

Now is the time to plant peony roses, so if you like peonies and would like to know how to grow them, we have had Peter and Jess from Whitehouse Nursery put together some notes.

Peter and Jess and also have some for sale.

Chinese Peony Rose Care

Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show

2013-03-20T19:21:00.001-07:00

Landscaping Ideas From The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show

It is always interesting to look at the ideas of others when it comes to gardens. The Melbourne International Flower and garden show is a good place to start (especially if you can't get to the big one in Chelsea)

The first garden we will look at is - Japan - Easy by the students at Chisholm Institute featured a bamboo water feature (Shishi Odoshi) along with bamboo fence panels. The sand and rock pavers are a simple solution. Acacia cognata is an interesting addition and a good solution.

The second garden is Grey To Green, this one by the students at Swinburne Institute of TAFE. It examines the concept of making use of our under utilised spaces with clever reference to the iconic 'Skipping Girl'. The tree in the background is a Cloud Pruned Luma apiculata, adding shape and form to the garden.

More information on the Flower Show on the Web Site.

New Plant Catalogues

2013-02-20T21:17:00.000-08:00

It is that time of the year when the new plant catalogues are coming thick and fast. The latest is from Lynns Rare Plants and she indeed has some really rare plants. For orchid lovers why not have a look at the Cypripedium (see picture right).

Also worth a look are some of the garden gifts she has. We like the copper plant labels, they look great in the garden.
You can check them out at www.lynnsrareplants.com.au

And talking about rare plants you may be interested in the Google Plus Forum on Rare and Interesting Plants

New Rose Releases for 2013

2013-01-14T20:47:00.000-08:00

Every year new release roses come onto the market and one of the first for 2013 is LITTLE SUNSET a miniature rose released by Treloar Roses.
A fabulous patio rose that produces spectacular clusters for yellow blooms with red outer petals.
A neat and compact growth habit, growing to an average height and width of 40cm is further enhanced by glossy green foliage making this a ideal choice for pots.
A Silver Medal winner at the 2012 National Rose Trials proves this is one of the best disease resistant miniatures we have come across.

Treloars also have a number of other new releases along with a great range of Kordes Climbing Roses, all available from May 2013.