Limerock Ruby



I'm really knocked out with the colour of Coreopsis 'Limerock ruby'. It really is ruby. A deep ruby. Ruby, ruby, ruby in fact. I actually lost all the plants I put in last year. I'm not convinced it's really hardy at all, a combination of frost and root eating chafer grubs put paid to them but I have to say, replacing them this spring with six tiny plants and the growth has gone nuclear, just like an annual which I suspect they are, even here in gentle hardy zone eight.



It's the evening light that brings out the best in them. That Panicum 'Squaw' behind looks positively spiffy too. I'm looking forward to it sending up red tinged inflorescences, I've five planted in this area, so over the next few weeks the show starts.




Talking inflorescence, the first tails of Pennisetum villosum look luminous with the evening sun behind. I'm chuffed with this grass, I started it from seed back in March and it's romped away. I'll tuck it up warm over this coming winter so next year it'll make a really good sized plant. Or should that be a good sized bunch, I guess pennisetum is a bunch grass?



Talking ruby, not dissimilar to Limerock's colour is this rather excellent Cotes de Rhone, Domaine Lafond Roc- Epine. 70% Grenache, 30% Syrah (Shiraz), ruby indeed!

Comments

  1. Your garden looks like it is flourishing, you must have had more rain than we have had, we are bone dry :-( Diane

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  2. Hi Diane

    It's been dry here too, although we had a storm and a downpour a few nights ago. Everything is better for that.

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  3. And Fairview makes a tongue in cheek wine called Goats Do Roam ;~)

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  4. I lost mine too ( coreopsis not wine) here in Virginia.

    I have never replaced it but seeing yours looking all red and pretty I'm tempted.

    Treat it as an annual? Why not!

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  5. Yum. The wine I mean. The coreopsis is not bad, either.

    Hey - Goats do Roam, weird! Hello Elephant's Eye...Have you tried the Bored Doe?

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  6. Goats Do Roam and Bored Doe, ha, ha good names, they're doing good things with Pinotage in that corner of the Southern hemisphere.

    Flwrjane, I've never lost a bottle of wine either. Nope, never, ever, ever!

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  7. I do love the Ruby coreopsis. Mine lasted two years, but NEVER looked as good as yours. The grasses make great companions in your garden vignette.

    Wine. Great idea! (I'm also fond of a good 20 yo tawny port, but that's another country).

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  8. ah i do like that colour and what a fine display...

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  9. Rob, the Limerock Ruby is really beautiful, but be forewarned. I think you are right. It's an annual. I first heard about this plant from a plant professional several years ago. It apparently was rushed into production without proper testing. It seems that it rarely makes it through a winter in the US (don't know about your part of France). But I have to say, looking at yours, it's worth any trouble as an annual.

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  10. The color is gorgeous, and it makes a most excellent garden companion judging from your pictures.

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  11. Freda, 20 year old tawny port sounds good to me. Glass of that with a strong blue cheese - perfect.

    Billy thanks. I've had problems with chafer grubs this year mind. In fact I refer to them as witchity grubs. They look like small versions, but bush tucker they ain't, pain in the arse they are.

    5 Star Farm, thanks!

    James I agree. I've read that they were whisked into production without proper 'testing'. I honestly think the growers/nursery people should stop claiming that they're hardy at all. A kind commenter explained in a previous post that they are a cross between calliopsis and coreopsis. I thought calliopsis was an old timey name for this plant, but it seems it's a reference to a more tender version.

    I put six small plants in back in March and they've grown vigorously. If I have to replace for next year, so be it.

    Sweetbay thanks, It's a great colour that looks right with just about any other. I've also got coreopsis 'moonbean' planted right next to them and reckon they look fine together. I've lost my fear of yellow. In fact it's my new fav. The yellow growing up around the panicum is coreopsis lanceofolia, a deeper yellow than 'moonbean' but I love it.

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  12. Billy thanks. I've had problems with chafer grubs this year mind. In fact I refer to them as witchity grubs. They look like small versions, but bush tucker they ain't, pain in the arse they are.
    Cockchafer grubs are a pain but i believe the chemicals required to rid yourself of em is an even bigger pain..I have large area of them and there is only certain plants which can survive them (for me)..I rather like the challenge of that as i do with most things the world of horticulture likes to blast and Napalm.

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  13. Billy I agree.

    There are pesticides for the soil and they are rank. I don't use them either. They are as you put it, horticultural napalm and will wipe out every living thing. I believe nematodes are the answer. Nuking the soil ain't. It is a living thing, it's that very eco-system with it's micro herds at work that overall promotes good growth.

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  14. Wow, that is a deep shade of ruby. Very striking and it pairs well with the other plants in the border. Hope you're having a wonderful summer!

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  15. Rob, You certainly know how to live well. You surround yourself with beauty and then enhance it all with ruby Cotes de Rhone! Beautiful!

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  16. I am now singing 'Ruby,ruby,ruby' - a la Kaiser Chiefs Rob. I like the look of that coreopsis. Will have to investigate further.

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  17. They look huge! I've never had much success with coreopsis. I can never get them to return. I love this variety.

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  18. Hi Rob! Love those ruby blooms and also love your Pennisetum v. I tried to grow it from seeds last year, but failed...

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  19. Beautiful garden and lovely blog. xx

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  20. blog hopping & came across your blog...i host a garden party on thursday's & would love to have you link up! xoxo, tracie

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  21. Love your Coreopsis 'Limerock ruby' ... unfamiliar with this but enchanting as is your summer garden. I will gladly join you for a tasting :)

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