Here is a recap of our plants of the week for the month of June. Each month we try to expose you to some plants and flowers you might not have experience growing. If there are any plants you want us to highlight, please let us know.

Bleeding Heart

Bleeding Hearts are known for their unique heart-shaped flowers. While the flowers are typically red there are pink and white varieties as well. They are an excellent choice for moist areas on the edge of woodlands where they also find shady growing conditions. The plant grows 2 to 3 feet tall but after it blooms, usually in June, it will disappear until the following spring. It is usually a good idea to plant something in proximity to it that can fill that space for the rest of the season. Bleeding Heart is a perennial and hardy in garden zones 3 through 7. If it likes the spot it is planted in it will readily self-seed as well.

Balloon Flower

Balloon Flower is a perennial that is easy to grow and is valued for its flowers which provide a rare blue color to a flower border. They are hardy in garden zones 3 through 8 and come in pink and white shades as well. The flower buds resemble a balloon and once they open the flower itself looks like a star. They are slow to emerge in the spring so it is a good idea to mark their location so you don’t forget that they are there! They combine well with early flowering bulbs which can fill the space until the Balloon Flower appears. They prefer sunny locations although they will tolerate some shade. They often will require some support to make sure they don’t flop over and they are long-lived perennials so once they are established you can expect to have them around for many years to come.

Amaranthus

This annual goes by names such as Love-Lies-Bleeding and Summer Poinsettia as its deep red flowers resemble that holiday favorite. They grow up to 5 feet tall and make a dramatic statement in a flower border. This flower is native to India where they thrive in warm summer temperatures. They are tolerant of hot, dry soil and the colors are more intense when the soil is not as nutrient rich. They can also be dried and used in flower arrangements as well.

Browallia

Browallia is valued for its blue flowers which are not easy to come by in the garden. They are easy to grow and reach heights of 10 to 18 inches. It prefers shady conditions similar to that of an Impatient and it does best in soils that are consistently moist and fertile. This plant is a native of Central America and tolerates the humidity of summer but not hot, dry locations. It is used in hanging baskets as well as finding its way into flower borders. In the fall it is possible to take cuttings of the plant and grow it as a houseplant if you have a sunny window for it.