General Plant Info
Taxonomy Changes:
The Perennial Plant Association adopted the Naamlijst van Vaste Planten (List of Names of Perennials) in most areas, except in the cases of Hosta and Hemerocallis where the American Hosta Society and American Hemerocallis Society lists are being used.
The Naamlijst lists important cultivars and varieties in European and US wholesale catalogs. That still leaves Bluebird with a number of plants to identify. Using Index Hortensis, The Plant Finder, Planten Vinder, The Royal Horticultural Society's Index of Gardenplants, Handworterbuch der Pflanzen-namen, Hortus Third, etc., we've tried to get them correctly named. There are instances where we disagree, and at times we need to use the name we feel is correct. No doubt, in spite of all the research, there will still be errors.
The biggest changes are in the POLYGONUM and CHRYSANTHEMUM genera, and you'll find cross reference lists to help you locate them. You will also notice that names of mixtures are no longer in quotes.
Labels will reflect the new nomenclature as quickly as feasible, especially in areas where the change is major. If the name is now 'Album' instead of 'Alba', the old labels won't be wasted. We appreciate your understanding as we shift gears and try to expedite the nomenclature standardization process.
You will notice that we've renamed our main list 'Ornamentals' to better reflect its contents. Some herbs used predominatly for landscaping have been moved from the Herbs and are cross-referenced.
Woodland WildFlowers:
Many are adapted to early spring growth and summer dormancy. For this reason, order early or expect dormant plants after April 15th. We will ship only viable roots after that date, but cannot guarantee their survival after you receive them. Do not overwater dormant plants!
Annuals - Herbs and Otherwise:
As our list expands to inlcude more annuals, including herbs, grasses and unusual ornamentals, we need to emphasize that many may only be available during the spring planting season. Some are very much 'warm weather' plants, and some just don't grow or ship well in cold or extremely hot weather.
Dormant Plants:
The wide selection offered by Bluebird includes some items that experience dormancy at some time during the year, and it may not be just in winter! We will try to advise you if you have scheduled delivery at a time when plants are dormant. If you receive dormant plants, you must keep them from drying out without keeping them soggy, which invites disease and rot problems. Dormancy is a natural and essential part of many plant's growth cycle, and if expected and properly handled, is not a problem. Please note on your order if you care to recieve dormant plants or not. If you have any questions, please call.
