Peony obovata: Growing the Woodland Peony in the Shade Garden.

If you’re looking for a peony that feels at home in a woodland setting, Peony obovata (Woodland Peony) brings gentle beauty and plenty of character. Our experience growing this species from seed here in southern Australia has taught us patience — from sowing to first real blooms took six years, but the results are worth it.

Where is it From?

We received our seed from the Scottish Rock Garden Club, an amazing resource of information.

However Peony obovata hails from cool forests in Japan, China, Korea, and Eastern Russia, this plant is truly a woodland specialist. Unlike classic garden peonies, Peony obovata thrives in dappled or part shade in the Dandenong Ranges.

Foliage and Flowers

The leaves are strikingly divided into broad, oval (“obovate”) sections, forming a rounded mound through the growing season. In late spring, delicate cup-shaped blooms — typically pink, white, or rose-purple — stand above the foliage on sturdy stems.

The flowers aren’t huge or over-the-top like many of the Herbaceous Peonies. Maybe best described as elegant  with a very subtle fragrance, in flower it a an attractive plant. Like many peonies, a late-season highlight comes as seed pods split open, revealing shiny black seeds nestled in dramatic red cups.

Planting and Care

For best results, choose a spot with part shade and protect from harsh afternoon sun in warmer climates. Prep your soil with lots of compost to ensure good drainage — heavy or waterlogged sites can lead to trouble over winter.

We dig our soil over well adding a layer of bio char that has been 'inoculated' with cow manure. (We put these two ingredients into a bucket and let it sit for a week.) More on that process in a future article.

When planting, keep rhizome buds just below surface level. Adding a sprinkle of garden lime can boost flowering. Water regularly through spring and summer but avoid “wet feet” in dormant months.

Maintenance

Once settled, these peonies are low maintenance. Cut back dead foliage after frost, leave seed pods for autumn display, and enjoy years of dependable growth. Division is rarely necessary and best left for mature clumps.

Good Companions

Hostas, ferns, Corydalis, and Dicentra make excellent partners for Peony obovata in shaded beds. Its natural beauty adds a real difference to a woodland or shaded garden, the elegant white flower, good foliage and then colourful seed pods will provide interest from spring through autumn.

Coming Soon. 

Rosa Nuits de Young, an interesting Moss rose. Bred in 1845 by Jean Laffay, a rose with a wonderful fragrance....

Butterflies in Australia: Host and Nectar Plants for 11 Local Species For Victoria

Butterflies Of Victoria - Vanessa Itea - Yellow Admiral Butterfly

Australia is home to a beautiful diversity of butterfly species — In Victoria the well-known Common Brown and Australian Painted Lady to rarer visitors like the Yellow Jewel Butterfly. Each species plays a role in our local ecosystems, relying on specific native grasses, shrubs, and trees for their survival. 

This guide brings together information on eleven butterfly species found in Victoria, outlining where they occur, the plants their caterpillars depend on, and the flowers that adult butterflies feed from. Whether you’re a gardener, student, or nature enthusiast, these details can help you create habitats that support local butterfly life.

Any suggested additions or changes to this are welcome. We hope to have more information on Butterflies in future posts

#	Species	Distribution in Victoria	Larval Host Plants	Nectar / Adult Feeding Plants
1	Common Brown (Heteronympha merope)	Across south-western & south-eastern mainland Australia & Tasmania; forests, urban areas, grasslands in Victoria.	Native grasses: Poa spp., Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass), Microlaena stipoides (Weeping Grass).	General nectar sources; flowering plants such as native everlastings and daisies.
2	Meadow Argus (Junonia villida)	Open grassy areas, woodland/forest clearings, suburban gardens.	Herbaceous plants including Plantago spp. (plantains) and Malva spp. (mallows).	Flowering plants in open habitats; daisies, asters, and low shrubs.
3	Australian Painted Lady (Vanessa kershawi)	Widespread; open country, gardens.	Native and introduced daisies, e.g. Xerochrysum bracteatum (Paper Daisy), Chrysocephalum apiculatum.	Nectar from everlastings, daisies, wildflowers (e.g., Sticky Everlasting).
4	Yellow Admiral (Vanessa itea)	Mostly southern Victoria (Melbourne/Geelong), less common in drier NW.	Nettles and relatives: Parietaria debilis, Urtica urens (Stinging Nettle).	Nectar from flowering shrubs and trees; garden and native wildflowers.
5	Lemon Migrant (Catopsilia pomona)	Migratory; irregular visitor/resident in Victoria.	Senna spp. (Fabaceae).	Nectar in open woodlands, gardens; limited Victorian data.
6	Macleay’s Swallowtail (Graphium macleayanus)	Cool rainforest and higher rainfall forest zones; only swallowtail permanently in Victoria.	Trees/shrubs in Lauraceae, Rutaceae, Winteraceae: Atherosperma moschatum (Black Sassafras), Tasmannia lanceolata.	Leptospermum, Lantana, Buddleja flowers.
7	Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) [Introduced]	Naturalised species; gardens, open areas.	Asclepias spp. (Milkweeds) and related plants.	Wide range of nectar-rich plants, native and exotic.
8	Orchard Swallowtail (Papilio aegeus)	Rare in southern Victoria; more common in eastern areas, sometimes via citrus plantings.	Boronia, Eriostemon, Zieria (native Rutaceae) and Citrus spp. (introduced).	Garden/orchard flowers; Lantana, Chrysocephalum, Ammobium alatum, everlastings.
9	Caper White (Belenois java)	Migratory; appears in Victoria but rarely breeds.	Capparis spp. (Caper bush); host plants rare in Victoria.	General flowering plants during migration; limited data.
10	Small Grass-yellow (Eurema smilax)	Recorded in Bayside area; distribution less detailed.	Native legumes (Fabaceae), e.g. Senna spp.	Open grassy/shrubby areas; general flowering plants.
11	Yellow Jewel Butterfly (Hypochrysops byzos)	Mainly eastern Victoria.	Pomaderris lanigera, P. andromedifolia, P. aspera, P. cotoneaster, P. ferruginea, Commersonia fraseri (Brush Kurrajong).	Brachyscome, Callistemon, Grevillea, Kunzea, Leptospermum, Melaleuca, Pimelea, Senecio.

About This Project

This article was created to help Victorian gardeners, students, and butterfly enthusiasts learn more about local species and the plants that support them. Information is sourced from Museums Victoria Collections, Castlemaine Field Naturalists, and Butterfly Conservation SA, among others.

Readers are encouraged to get involved in local groups such as the Ferny Creek Horticultural Society to learn more about native plants and butterfly conservation in their area.

We are compiling similar articles for each state and territory, if you would like to contribute or comment please contact us.

References & Sources

• Museums Victoria Collections
• Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club
• Butterfly Conservation South Australia
• Geoff Park: Natural Newstead Blog
• Climate Watch Australia
• Bayside City Council Fauna Lists
• Moths and Butterflies Australia

Information compiled from these sources and local field observations Including Kawarra Gardens Kalorama. Readers are encouraged to explore these sites for more details on Victorian butterflies and native plants.

Beallara Orchids - Snowblind ‘Sweet Spots’: Striking, Easy-Care Orchid

 Here  is a quick look at an amazing Beallara Orchid, its called Beallara Snowblind ‘Sweet Spots’ and is a hybrid orchid that’s both elegant and surprisingly easy to grow. Its ruffled white flowers, dotted with purple spots, add instant charm to any orchid collection. A cross between Oncidium Black Diamond and Aliceara Tropic Splendor, it combines beautiful blooms with the hardy nature of Beallara orchids.

Care made simple:

• Light: Bright, filtered light with 3 hours of morning sun. Avoid harsh afternoon rays.

• Medium: Use a well-draining bark mix with perlite to keep roots healthy.

• Water: Keep the medium moist but never soggy; don’t let it dry completely.

• Temperature & Humidity: Day 20–30 °C, night 13–20 °C; 30–60% humidity.

• Fertiliser & Repotting: Feed lightly in spring/summer, reduce in winter. Repot every two years after flowering.

Tips for success: Good airflow, a slight night-time temperature drop, and trimming spent flower spikes help the plant thrive.

Perfect for hobbyists, this orchid offers long-lasting blooms and a splash of pattern that stands out from plain whites. With minimal fuss, Beallara Snowblind ‘Sweet Spots’ is a rewarding addition to any indoor garden.

Ref: https://www.nurseriesonline.com.au/plant-index/orchids/beallara-orchids/

Shooting Stars (Dodecatheon meadia) – Perfect for Light Shade

 

Shooting Stars (Dodecatheon meadia) are charming spring-flowering perennials that bring a touch of woodland magic to shaded gardens. These delightful plants feature clusters of elegant, reflexed flowers that truly resemble tiny shooting stars in mid-flight.

Native to North America, Dodecatheon meadia thrives in light shade and well-drained soil with moderate moisture. They’re a wonderful choice for woodland gardens, rock gardens, or naturalized areas where they can quietly multiply over time.

We originally purchased ours from Gentiana Nursery in Olinda, and they’ve been thriving for over ten years — a testament to how hardy and low-maintenance these plants can be.

🌿 Growing Tips

• Light: Prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight

• Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich soil

• Water: Keep soil evenly moist during spring growth

• Care: Little maintenance once established — allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering

With their elegant blooms and easy-going nature, Shooting Stars are a must-have for gardeners who love delicate, long-lasting spring color in shaded spaces.

A  few others to consider are

• Geranium maculatum (Wild Geranium) 
• Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania Sedge) 
• Trilliums including Trillium grandiflorum (Large-flowered Trillium) 
• Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-Pulpit) 
• Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot) 

All of these share similar woodland or meadow conditions and add extra layers to the seasonal interest in gardens featuring Dodecathion meadia.

If you would like to know a little more about these plants check out my article here.

Sophronitis brevipedunculata

 Sophronitis brevipedunculata, sometimes called the Short Stemmed Sophrontis is a vibrant orchid native to Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, is prized for its fiery red-orange blooms. 

This one comes from altitudes of around 1000 - 2000 metres, moisture coming from the ever present clouds

so it thrives in cool to intermediate climates, it prefers bright, indirect light and excellent air circulation. 

Water moderately, allowing roots to dry slightly between waterings. Mounted or in bark-based media, it flourishes best with high humidity and regular fertilization during the growing season.

Phragmipedium Peruflora’s Cirila Alca

 Phragmipedium Peruflora’s Cirila Alca is an outstanding orchid hybrid between  Phragmipedium kovachii × Phragmipedium dalessandroi. known for its vivid, slipper-shaped blooms. With elegant red petals and a gracefully elongated pouch, it is a real attention grabber.

Rare and thriving in moist conditions, bright indirect light,  high humidity, warm temperatures and a free draining potting mix.  It is one to look for.

How and When to Divide Delphiniums (Australia, UK, and USDA Zones)

 

Keep Your Delphiniums Healthy and Thriving By Dividing Them

Dividing delphiniums is an essential task for maintaining healthy, vigorous plants with stunning blooms year after year. Whether you're growing them in garden beds or containers, dividing delphiniums correctly ensures better flowering and prevents overcrowding.

This guide is tailored for gardeners in Australia, the United Kingdom, and USDA Zones 3–8, where delphiniums thrive best.

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🌱 When to Divide Delphiniums by Region

General Rule: Divide in early spring, just as new shoots start to appear above ground.

Region	Best Time to Divide	Notes
Australia (cooler zones)	Late August to early October	After winter dormancy and before rapid spring growth
United Kingdom	March to early April	Once frost risk is minimal and new growth is emerging
USDA Zones 3–8	Late March to mid-April	Avoid dividing during frost or very cold conditions

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🌼 Why Divide Delphiniums?

• Rejuvenates old, woody clumps
• Promotes stronger growth and more flowers
• Improves air circulation and reduces disease
• Provides new plants for free

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✂️ How to Divide Delphiniums – Step-by-Step

1. Prepare Your Planting Site or Containers

• In the garden, dig over the soil and enrich it with compost and aged cow or sheep manure. These are mild fertilizers that won’t damage delicate roots.
• For pots, choose a high-quality potting mix with good drainage and added nutrients.

2. Dig Up the Plant

• Carefully lift the whole clump using a spade or fork.
• Try to keep the root system as intact as possible.

3. Divide the Clump

• Look for natural divisions in the crown.
• Each division should have:
  • At least one healthy shoot
  • A piece of the crown
  • A good section of roots
• Discard any old, woody parts in the centre that have no new growth.

4. Replant Immediately

• Replant your divisions into prepared soil or pots at the same depth as before.
• Water in well with a liquid seaweed or kelp solution to help reduce transplant shock.

5. Mulch and Maintain

• Apply mulch (straw, bark, or compost) to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.

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🌿 Regional Growing Tips

Australia

• Best suited to cooler regions: VIC, TAS, SA, and highland areas of NSW.
• In warmer climates, grow in part shade or treat as annuals.
• Watch for slugs and snails during moist weather.

United Kingdom

• Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with fertile, well-draining soil.
• Mulch in spring and support tall flower spikes with stakes or rings.

USDA Zones 3–8

• In colder zones (3–5), cover young divisions with frost cloth if temperatures drop suddenly.
• In warmer zones (7–8), provide afternoon shade and keep soil cool with mulch.

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✅ Quick Division Checklist

• ✅ Divide in early spring
• ✅ Use compost and aged manure (not fresh)
• ✅ Each division must have shoot, crown, and roots
• ✅ Replant and water immediately
• ✅ Apply mulch and water consistently

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🌸 Final Thoughts

Dividing delphiniums is a simple but powerful way to extend their beauty in your garden. By following the right timing and techniques for your region—whether in Australia, the UK, or USDA zones—you’ll enjoy more blooms, healthier plants, and new additions to your flower beds every season.

Good Luck With Your Gardening!

Ferny Creek Horticultural Society Plant Collectors Sale and Garden Expo 2025

 Put this in your Diary If your in Melbourne.....

Ferny Creek Horticultural Society  will be holding its Plant Collectors Sale and Garden Expo for 2025

Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th March Sat 10am - 4.30pm Sun 10am- 4.00pm

100 Hilton Rd, Sassafras,Victoria, 3787

More Details Coming Soon.....

Hemerocallis 'Green Flutter' - An Outstanding Daylily

10 Top Tips for growing Daylilies and the best Yellow one Hemerocallis 'Green Flutter' 

Although Hemerocallis is a genus of about 15 species it is the hybrids that draw our attention and for a brilliant splash of colour Hemerocallis 'Green Flutter' is well worth a look.

It's not new in fact it was bred in the early 1960's, acid yellow flowers with a green throat.

Here are 10 tips for growing healthy, vibrant daylilies:

Daylilies are hardy, low-maintenance plants that thrive in a variety of conditions:

1. Choose the Right Variety: Select daylilies that suit your climate and garden space. There are thousands of varieties, from small to large, with different colors and bloom times.
   
   
2. Plant in Full Sun: Daylilies perform best in at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. While they tolerate some shade, blooming will be less abundant.
   
   
3. Well-Drained Soil: Ensure your soil is well-drained. Daylilies do not like "wet feet." Amending with compost can improve drainage and fertility.
   
   
4. Space Appropriately: Plant daylilies 18-24 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
   
   
5. Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy, especially during dry spells. Water deeply to encourage deep root growth.
   
   
6. Fertilize Moderately: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer blooms.
   
   
7. Deadhead Regularly: Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance.
   
   
8. Divide Every 3-4 Years: Divide daylilies every few years to prevent overcrowding and rejuvenate growth.
   
   
9. Mulch: Apply mulch to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
   
   
10. Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and slugs, though daylilies are generally pest-resistant.

Lysimachia paridiformis var. stenophylla - A Flowering Shade Loving Groundcover

Another 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.