Really Great Expectations

Tigger · Post by **Tigger** » Jun 05, 2007 11:00 am

This was always the poorer-performing plant of the two we have, but I think this year it wins! (the other one had to get moved to one of the new raised beds, where I planted it in a pot in the bed) This is right next to an asphalt driveway, but there's constant underground soil moisture here, and I think it benefits from the gravel driveway base as well. But whatever the trick is, I'll take the results! It makes a nice pair here with the white-striped Hakone grass, with the fabulous Bridegroom beyond.

(there's a pic of another end of this bed in the heuchera forum)

barbara · Post by **barbara** » Jun 05, 2007 11:13 am

Hard to beat a good growing G.E., me thinks, and yours looks happy. Nice combo, and that Bridegroom looks great, can we see more of it?

Tigger · Post by **Tigger** » Jun 05, 2007 11:35 am

I don't have a good recent pic of Bridegroom (hailstorm last year); I'll have to take one on my next round of pics.

wishiwere · Post by **wishiwere** » Jun 05, 2007 12:12 pm

Yeppers! The 2 I have absolutely love the gravelly areas. One is under plum tree with a gravelly base that was here when we came 20 + years ago and the other is at the top of a gravel section of drive that gets tons of snow 'plowed' onto all winter! They both are thriving.

Then there is one I planted in good soil, and it's slowly disappearing! Sad deal, and needs to be transplanted but just haven't decided where. All are 3 years old and given the same care (or lack of care really)

caliloo · Post by **caliloo** » Jun 05, 2007 12:48 pm

That is beautiful!

I have never ventured trying GE... but that is so nice I may have to consider one.

Good growing!

Alexa

party_music50 · Post by **party_music50** » Jun 05, 2007 1:59 pm

It's a beautiful plant.

I keep reading how everyone has problems growing GE.... why does it like the gravelly conditions over 'good' soil? I just ordered one for myself, so need to decide what's best for it when it arrives.....

Do you think it prefers gravel because it's so well-drained? or is it because the gravel moderates the soil temps better? I also read that it needs more sun than most hostas.

renaldo75 · Post by **renaldo75** » Jun 05, 2007 10:46 pm

Beautiful combination of well-grown plants, Tigger!!

Dee · Post by **Dee** » Jun 06, 2007 9:06 am

I am so jealous of those of you that can grow Great Expectations well. No matter what I seem to do, it just doesn't like me! Tigger, yours is gorgeous.

I have Bridegroom and just love it. Those tips are so darn cool!

Kent · Post by **Kent** » Jun 06, 2007 11:07 am

Great pics David.

I'm with you Dee...it just doesn't like me

Kent

thy · Post by **thy** » Jun 06, 2007 6:57 pm

Think it like both good soil and gravel/ sandy soil... just give it some water and feed it well if sandy.. then turn your head the other way for some years.. and WOW... ....it is a darn slow starter

Walnut grove · Post by **Walnut grove** » Jun 06, 2007 8:27 pm

Your GE looks great! Hope mine gets to looking like that one of these days. Mine is still rather small, but it is pretty. So hopefully with a little patience it will get there.