Flowers of Our Lady Data Base

Go to Home Page
Intro Mary Garden

God's Riches and His Artistry

Flowers of Our Lady Descriptive and Cultivation Database for
Temperate Climate Zone - from 1951-1955 Research

(Historical note: cultivated by and available from Mary's Gardens
1955 through 1964.)

Seed, bulbs, plants and what you may expect of them.

The seed, bulb, and plant listings in this database include the
following information . . . Religious, current, and technical names
. . . Reputed origins, associations, and symbolism of the religious
names . . . Color, form, height, uses, and other facts about the
plants, flowers, foliage . . . Soil, also, sun and shade
requirements . . . Period of bloom by months. Means for propagation
are given (many annuals and biennials are all commonly grown only
from seed).

Mary-named Seed

The seeds in this database, because of their varying temperature
requirements for germination and growth, are grouped by according
to the sequence of the seasons for their sowing.

For each sowing season the seeds are sub-grouped by annual,
biennial and perennial for nursery bed grouping according to growth
characterietics.

Annuals bloom and die in the year sown; biennials in the year
following the sowing. Perennials bloom in the year after sowing,
and for some years thereafter.

Fall and Winter Sowing - Require 33 deg to 42 degree F. soil

(or can be sown in warm soil in spring, if given cool-moist
pre-conditioning in containers of peat or vermiculite in a
refrigerator for 6 weeks before such warm soil sowing, to unlock
germination)

HARDY PERENNIALS

101. Mary's Slipper (Monk's Hood; Aconitum napellus)
Naming: slipper-like, deep blue flowers in showy spires. Toxic.
Tincture and liniment made from roots formerly used for reduction of
fever and relief of pain.
Seed, division. Moist, rich soil.
Plants grow larger in full sun; blooms last longer in light shade.
To 48", tending to climb. July-August.

102. Our Lady's Laurel (February Daphne; Daphne mezereum )
Associated with Apollo and Daphne in pagan mythology. Later
associated with Our Lady. Fragrant silky blossoms of soft purple;
then scarlet berries.
Slow to germinate. Seed; cuttings; layering. Sandy soil.
Full sun. To 48". February-March.

103. Christ's Mass Rose (Christmas Rose; Helleboris niger)
Naming: legend that an angel's wings swept the earth raising up
these blooms for a poor girl's gift to the new born Infant Savior.
Blooms in Christ's Mass season in warmer climates. Large, white,
shallow blossom cups, attractive foliage.
Seed; division. Seeds germinate very slowly, sometimes not until the
second spring. Moist, rich soil.
Partial shade. To 12". February-March; Christmas bloom with special
protection.

104. Our Lady's Fingers (Honeysuckle; Lonicera caprifolium)
Naming: clusters of finger-like buds. Fragrant yellowish
white blossoms with purplish outsides.
Seed; cuttings; layering. Rich, moist soil.
Sun; tolerates light shade. To 20', climbing. June-July.

105. Our Lady's Rose (Scotch Rose; Rosa spinossima)
A variety of rose popularly associated with Mary, the Mystical Rose
of Heaven. Pink, white, or yellowish blossoms. Valued as cut flower.
Seed germination slow, sometimes not until second spring. Sow in bed
mulched to retain moisture. Seed; cuttings, layering. Common garden
soil.
Full sun. Shrub. To 48". June.

106. Virgin Flower (Periwinkle; Vinca minor)
Assumed as associated with Our Lady through the blueness of its
flowers, in bloom in some areas for the feast of the Annunciation,
March 25th, symbolizing her fullness of grace.

Late Winter or Early Spring Sowing - Require 50 deg to 55 F.
degree soil

(The seedlings of these plants prefer cooler weather and can stand
some frost. If sown in later, warmer temperatures they grow too
fast and become "leggy")

HARDY PERENNIALS

201. Our Lady's Pincushion (Thrift; Armeria, hybrids)
Naming: tufted cushion-like foliage and tall-stemmed buds resembling
large pins. Deep pink, rose, violet and near-red blossoms Valued for
rock garden or border and as cut flower.
Seed; division. Sandy soil.
Sun; tolerates light shade. 6" to 12". April.

202. Our Lady's Birthday Flower (Italian Aster; Aster amellus)
Naming: bloom in the liturgical season of the Feast of the
Nativity of Our Lady, September 8th. Rose toned blossoms
with white, and many rich shades of blue. Valued as cut flower.
Seed; division. Common garden soil.
Sun, tolerates light shade. To 24". August-September.

203. Wild Holy Hay (Goat's Rue; Galega officinalis)
One of the forage "Holy Hays" reputed by legend to have burst
into bloom in the manger when the new-born Christ Child was
laid on it by Mary. Bushy plants bearing many dense clusters of
purplish blue or white pea shaped flowers.
Seed, principally. Common garden soil.
Full sun. To 36". July-August.

204. Mary's Hand (Five Fingers; Potentilla nepalensis)
Naming: hand-like, five foliate leaf form. Salmon pink to
rosy crimson blossoms. Long blooming.
Seed, division. Moist soil.
Sun; tolerates light shade. To 14". June-July.

205. Our Lady's Keys (Cowslip Primrose; Primula veris)
Naming: clusters of bright golden or light yellow flowers
suggesting bunches of keys. Also called: St. Peter's Keys;
Our Lady's Fingers.
Seed, division. Moist, rich, soil.
Partial shade. To 8". April.

206. Our Lady's Rue (Meadow Rue; Thalictrum dipterocarpum)
Naming: association with sorrow and mourning, possibly
because of the purple color of the airy little flowers. Leaves
daintily divided into sub-groups of three leaflets. Excellent for
mixed bouquets.
Seed, division. Well-drained, rich soil.
Full sun. To 50". July-August.

207. Our Lady's Petticoat. (Wood Anemone; Anemone nemorosa)
Naming: resemblance of solitary white or purplish flowers
to petticoats hanging out to dry. Desirable for rock garden
or border. Seed; division. Well drained, rich, sandy soil.
Sun; partial shade. 3" to 8". May-June.

208. Our Lady of the Snows (Lady of the Snow; Anemone vernalis)
Symbol of Our Lady according to its frequent bloom in
the snow. Up-facing, purple cup-shaped flowers with downy
white insides and golden anthers.
Seed; division. Moist soil.
Partial shade. To 6". April.

209. Mary's Drink (Mountain Tobacco; Arnica Montana).
Liniment made from roots used as old remedy for bruises and sprains.
Possibly associated with Mary because of its beneficial, healing
effects. Big golden flowers on slender stems from rosettes of
flannelly foliage.
Seed; division. Rich soil.
Full sun. To 20". June.

210. Our Lady's Smock (Cuckoo-Pint; Arum italicum)
Naming: smock shaped leaves. Also called Our Lady's
Fingers, from the creamy, finger-like flowers, which are
followed by clustered, bright red berries.
Seed; underground root off-sets. Moist, rich soil.
Partial shade. To 10". April.

211. Rose of Sharon (Rose of Sharon; Hibiscus syriacus)
Chinese plant now commonly known as Rose of Sharon;a title applied
to Our Lady from the Canticle of Canticles. A tall shrub.
Blooms ranging from blue-purple to violet-red, flesh color and
white.
Seed; cuttings. Common garden soil.
Full sun. 6' to 12'. August.

212. Our Lady's Cushion (Mossy Saxifraga; Saxifraga mossy mixed)
Naming: cushion-like grassy tufts bearing mats of violet,
lilac, or rose-purple flowers.
Seed; division. Moist soil.
Must have partial shade. To 6". May.

213. Our Lady's Seal (False Solomon's Seal; Smilacena racemosa)
Also Our Lady's Signet. Naming: signet-like scar left on
top of root stock by each year's shoots after they wither
in the winter. Arching stems of creamy white flowers; then
clusters of ruby-like berries.
Seed, principally. Moist soil.
Partial or full shade. 12" to 36". May.

214. Our Lady of the Meadow (Queen of the Meadows; Spirea ulmaria)
Naming: natural habitat in meadowlands. Symbol of Mary's
presence. Dense panicles of white flowers rising above fern-like
foliage. Excellent for mixed bouquets.
Seed; division. Moist, rich soil.
Partial shade. 20" to 48". June.

215. Our Lady's Tears (Spiderwort; Tradescantia virginiana)
Naming: blue tear-like fluid emitted to foliage from spent blooms
pendant beneath blossom "eyes." Reputed to be named for Our Lady
after introduction to England from America in the 17th
Century. Morning-blooming, triangular violet-blue blossoms.
Seed; division; cuttings. Common garden soil.
For sun; tolerates and blooms longer in partial shade. To 20".
May-June and September.

216. Our Lady's Modesty (Sweet Violet; Viola odorata)
Naming: the "modest" manner in which the rich blue blooms nestle
among the leaves. In religious painting the violet has long been
associated with Our Lady as an emblem of her humility. Valued for
bouquets.
Seed; division root offsets. Moist, rich, sandy soil.
Sun, tolerates light shade. To 10". May-June.

Late Winter or Early Spring Sowing - 50 deg to 55 deg soil
(continued)

HALF-HARDY ANNUALS

301.Mary's Rose (Pheasant's Eye; Adonis aestivalis)
One of several red flowers associated in Christian popular
tradition with Mary, the Mystical Rose of Heaven. Associated with
Venus and Adonis in pagan mythology. Rich, crimson flowers over
fern foliage. Valued as cut flower.
Seed. Slow to germinate. Moist, light soil.
Sun; tolerates light shade. To 20". June-July.

302. Blue-Eyed Mary (Collinsea; Collinsea bicolor)
Naming: round, eye-like whorls of two-colored, blue and white blooms
formed around shoots.
Seed. Common garden soil.
Sun; tolerates light shade. To 20". May-June.

303. Our Lady's Flannel (Viper's Bugloss; Echium vulgaris)
Also known as Infant Savior's Flannel. Named from hairy,
flannel-like texture of leaves. Hills of intense blue blossoms in
showy sprays.
Seed. Well-drained soil gives better blooms.
Full sun. 24" to 48". June-July

304. Virgin Stock (Virginian Stock; Malcomia maritima).
Assumed as associated with Our Lady under her title of Virgin,
exact origin not reported. The name, stock, refers to the
cross-shape of the small flowers. Shades of lilac and red to white.
Seed. Wide latitude as to soil.
Full sun. To 12". June-July; extended to September by second
sowing in June.

305. Our Lady in-the-Shade (Love-in-a-Mist; Nigella damascena)
Naming: the dense, finely divided, needle like foliage
surrounding the white or blue flowers, symbolizing Our Lady
overshadowed by the Holy Spirit.
Seed. Sow seeds directly in garden beds; avoid transplanting. Common
garden soil.
Full sun. 12" to 24". June-July: extended to September by
second sowing in June.

306 Mary's Rose (Sweet William Catchfly; Silene armeria )
One of several red flowers associated with Mary, the Mystical Rose
of Heaven. Bright pink or rose flowers.
Seed. Sandy soil.
Full sun. To 12". June-July; extended to September by second sowing
in June.

307 Our Lady's Looking Gloss (Venus' Looking Glass; Specularia
speculum)
Associated with Venus in pagan mythology. Later associated with Our
Lady, Spotless Mirror of the Divinity, in Christian popular
tradition. Many tiny blue or white flowers.
Seed. Sow directly in garden beds; avoid transplanting. Sandy soil.
Full sun. To 9". June.

Spring or Early Summer Sowing - 65 deg to 70 deg soil

(Or may be started 4 to 6 weeks earlier indoors on sunny
windowsills, or with artificial light, in trays of a sterile germination medium such as vermiculite; transferred indoors to
small containers of soil when 2" high; and then transplanted to
nursery beds outdoors after danger of frost is past.)

TENDER ANNUALS, HARDY BIENNIALS

Varieties marked with an asterisk (*) are biennials which may be
treated as late-blooming annuals in same year as sown.

NOTE: Varieties marked with an asterisk ( * ) in the following lists
are biennials which may be treated as late-blooming annuals in the
same year as sown. Specifically, these are flowers numbered 405,
410, 411, 412, and 413.

401 Mary's Bud (Pot Marigold; Calendula officinalis)
(Also called Mary's Gold. See 404, below.) Mentioned by Shakespeare
in Cymbeline, II, iii: "And winking Marybuds begin to ope their
golden eyes." The reference is to the blooms of the single,
daisy-flowered strain of this species, which close each night and
open with the morning sun. White-yellow to deep orange blooms.
Valued as cut flower.
Seed. Common garden soil.
Sun; tolerates light shade 12" to 24". June-July: extended to fall
by second sowing in June.

402 Our Lady's Earrings (Balsam; Impatiens balsaminum).
Naming: earring-like varied, pink, rose, red and white rosette
blossoms clustered close to shoots. Also called Our Lady's Slipper
from hollow shape of blossoms. Plants are most attractive if growth
is stunted and made bushy by several transplantings. Or place close
together and make to grow tall by pinching off side shoots. Massed
in the garden, effects are oriental, brilliant.
Seed. Moist, rich, light soil.
Full sun. 25" to 30". June-July: extended to September by second
sowing in June.

403 Our Lady's Pincushion (Sweet scabious; Scabiosa atropurpurea)
Naming: the white, pin-like stamens which stick out from
dark purple or rose cushion-like petal clusters. Also, lavender and
white shades. Long-stemmed flowers prized for cutting.
Seed. Common garden soil.
Full sun. To 24". June, lasting to frost, if picked regularly.

404 Mary's Gold (French marigold - Tagetes patula, mixed)
Naming: as symbol of Mary's resplendence in heaven and in her
appearances on earth. Colors are varied applications of yellow,
orange, mahogany, scarlet and crimson. Valued as cut
flower.
Seed. Common garden soil.
Sun; tolerates light shade. To 16". June, lasting to frost.

405. St. Joseph's Staff (Hollyhock; Althea rosea)*
Naming: resemblance to the flowering staff associated with
St. Joseph in religious tradition and art as emblematic of
his chastity and as a sign at his divine calling to be Mary's
spouse. Large yellow, pink red and deep maroon blossoms.
Seed; self-propagating through root offsets. Moist soil.
Sun, tolerates light shade. To 72". A biennial. Treat as an
annual, by sowing in April for August-September bloom.
As a biennial sow in July or August for bloom the following
July.

406. Our Lady's Tresses (Quaking Grass; Briza maxima)
Naming: showers of handsome, drooping, braid-like spikelets of
seeds. Excellent for mixed cut flower arrangements. Use dried, for
winter decoration.
Seed. Common garden soil.
Full sun. 12" to 24". Seed spikelets form in summer. July-August;
extended to September by second sowing in June.

407. Mary's Gold (Annual Chrysanthemum; Chrysanthemum segetum)
Naming: as symbol of Mary's resplendence in heaven and in her
appearances on earth. Daisy-like. Valued as cut flower. Fairly
heavy soil. Full sun. 12" to 18". July-August: extended to
September by second sowing in June.

408. Our Lady's Mantle (English Morning Glory; Convolvulus major,
mixed)
Naming: lovely mantle-like covering of leaves, interspersed
with intense blue, red, white and varied morning-blooming
blossoms. Unsurpassed for quick covering of trellis or
fence.
Seed. Common garden soil.
Full sun. To 8'. Growth stunted and earlier bloom induced by
confining roots to box or pot. June-September.

409. Mary's Gold (African Marigold; Tagetes erecta)
Naming: as symbol of Mary's resplendence in heaven and in her
appearances on earth. Color range from sulphur yellow to deep
orange. Valued as cut flower.
Seed. Common garden soil.
Full sun. 24" to 30". July-September.

410. Our Lady's Thistle (Blessed Thistle; Silybum marianum)*
Naming: old legend that the characteristic white splotches
on the large spiked leaves were left by drops of the Maiden
Mother's milk which fell as she nursed the Infant Savior.
Rose-purple flowers.
Seed. Common garden soil.
Full sun. 12" to 48". A biennial. Treat as an annual by sowing in
April and June for July-September bloom. As a biennial, sow in
August for June-July bloom the following year.

411. Our Lady's Delight (Pansy; Viola tricolor)*
Associated with Our Lady by name, but origin not reported
or evident. Hybrids; wide color range of well-marked blossoms.
Valued as cut flower.
Seed. Moist soil.
Full spring sun. To 7". A short-lived perennial, but treated as
a biennial or annual. As an annual, sow in April and June in partial shade
for June-September bloom. As a biennial, sow in August for May-June
bloom the following year.

412. Our Lady's Delight (Johnny-jump-up; Viola tricolor)*
The smaller bloomed, wild flower from which the larger
more varied strains of cultivated pansies are considered to
have been developed; hence the original Our Lady's Delight.
Also called Trinity Flower from the three-colored blooms:
mostly blue, whitish and yellow. Moist soil. Full spring sun.
To 7" A short-lived perennial, but treated as a biennial or
annual. As an annual, sow in April and June in partial
shade for June-September bloom. As a biennial, sow in
August for May-June bloom.

413. Mary-Loves ( English Daisy; Bellis perennis)*
Name from legend that flowers were originally all white, and turned
to red when drops of blood fell on them from a cut on the Christ
Child's hand - cared for in compassionate love by Mary, in sorrowful
anticipation of the precious blood to be shed by the Suffering
Servant for the salvation of the world. White, pink and red daisy
blooms. Valuable as cut flower.
Seed; division. Moist, rich soil.
Full spring sun. To 6". A short-lived perennial but treated as an
annual or biennial. As an annual sow in April and June for
July-September bloom. As a biennial, sow in partial shade
in August for May-June bloom the following year.

414. Our Lady's Flower (Blue Pimpernel; Anaphalis grandiflora)
Associated with Our Lady by name, possibly from the blue flowers
seen as a symbol of her fullness of grace. Long blooming,
brilliantly blue flowers.
Seed. Common garden soil.
Full sun. To 12". June-July: extended to September by second
sowing in June.

415. Mary's Tears (Job's Tears - Coix lachryma)
Naming: tear-like large, hard, shiny pearly-white to gray
seed pods. Can be used for Rosary beads.
Seed. Common garden soil.
Full sun. 24" to 48". Seed pods form in the summer. June-July;
extended to September by second sowing in June.

416. Madonna's Pins (Heron's Bill; Erodium gruinum)
Naming: pin-like, thin, pointed seed pods formed following
long-blooming blue-violet blossoms.
Seed. Common garden soil.
Full sun. To 15". June-July: extended to September by second sowing
in June.

417. Our Lady's Mantle (Heavenly Blue Morning Glory; Ipomoea
purpurea)
Naming: mantle-like covering of large, sky-blue, morning
blooming blossoms. Valued as cut flower.
Seed. Common garden soil.
Full sun. To 8', climbing. Growth stunted and earlier bloom
induced by confining roots to box or pot. June-July: extended to
fall by second sowing in June.

418. Mary's Gold (Livingston Daisy; Mesembryanthemum criniflorum)
Naming: as symbol of Mary's resplendence in heaven and in her
appearances on earth. Also shades of white, buff, apricot, pink,
rose and crimson.
Seed, Sandy soil.
Full sun. To 2", trailing. June-July: extended to fall by second
sowing in June.

Spring or Early Summer Sowing - 65 deg to 70 deg soil

Easily started early indoors

BIENNIALS

The varieties listed below are excellently suited to spring sowing,
but often are sown in mid-summer, in locations shaded from hot,
noon-day sun., for bloom the following year.

501. Our Lady's Nightcap (Canterbury Bells; Campanula medium)
Naming: resemblance of violet, white, rose and pink bell
shaped flowers to winter nightcaps.
Seed. Rich soil. Full sun.
12" to 48". June-July.

502. Our Lady's Tuft (Sweet William; Dianthus barbatus)
Associated with Our Lady by name, but origin not reported or
evident. Flowers grouped in rounded tufts. Wide color range in red,
rose, purple and white. A perennial, but commonly treated as a
biennial because of its good growth by the year after sowing.
Seed; layering. Common garden soil.
Full sun. To 20". June-August.

503. Our Lady's Glove (Foxglove; Digitalis purpurea)
Naming: resemblance of spotted, white, pink, rose and purple
blossoms - in thin tall spires - to fingers of gloves. Also called
Our Lady's Thimble. Sometimes blooms third and fourth year. Foliage
attractive as edging first year if sown early.
Seed. Common garden soil.
Full sun; light shade. To 60". June.

504. Our Lady's Basin (Fuller's Teasel; Dipsacus fullonum )
Naming: second year leaves joined together at shoots in pairs form
water-catching cups. Small blue or lilac flowers in big dense heads.
Heads are saved and used in winter bouquets. Common garden soil.
Full sun. To 60". June-July.

505. Eyes of Mary (Forget-me-not; Myosotis alpestris)
Naming: small, dainty blue blossoms, suggestive of eyes. Valued for
bouquets. A short-lived perennial. Commonly treated as a biennial
and by very early sowing indoors, as an annual.
Seed- division.Moist soil.
Partial shade. To 12". April.

506. Mary's Candle (Great Mullein; Verbascum thapsus)
Naming: candelabra-like foliage and long, slender, candlelike heads
of yellow blossoms. Foliage attractive as edging first year, if sown
early.
Common garden soil.
Sun- tolerates light shade. 4' to 6'. June-August.

Spring or Summer Sowing - 65 deg to 70 deg soil

Easily started early indoors.

PERENNIALS

601. Our Lady's Shoes (Columbine; Aquilegia, short-spurred mixed)
Naming: resemblance of fallen blossom spurs to dainty pointed shoes
or slippers. Also called Our Lady's Slippers. The dove-like blossoms
have long been used as emblems of the Holy Ghost in religious
painting. Wide color range in lavender, purple, red, rose and cream.
Foliage valued for mixed cut flower arrangements.
Seed; division. Light, sandy soil with good drainage.
Sun; light shade. To 36".May.

602. Our Lady's Thimble (Harebell; Campanula rotundifolia) Naming:
low showers of dainty, luminous blue and violet bell-shaped blooms
on slender stems. Valued for mixed cut flower arrangements.
Seed, principally. Well drained soil.
Sun, partial shade. To 12". May-September.

603. Mary's Rose Carnation; Dianthus caryophylus)
Used in many regions in place of the rose as an emblem of Our Lady.
Deeply fringed crimson double flowers. Clove scented. Valued as cut
flower. Bloom in first year if sown early.
Seed; layering. Common garden soil.
Full sun. To 10". June.

604. Virgin Pink (Garden Pink; Dianthus plumarius)
Assumed as associated with Our Lady under her title as Virgin. Pink
comes from "Pinkster", a name for the Feast of Pentecost, which
comes in late May when these flowers begin to bloom. Pinking shears
derive their name from the toothed edges of these blooms. Purple,
rose, pink and white clove-scented blossoms. Valued as cut flower.
Seed; layering. Dry, well-drained soil.
Full sun. To 12". May-June.

605. Mary's Rose (Rose Campion; Lychnis coronaria)
One of several red flowers associated with Mary, the Mystical Rose
of Heaven. Glowing rose-crimson flowers rising above downy silver
foliage. Valued as cut flower.
Seed principally. Common garden soil.
Full sun. 12" to 24". June-September.

606. Mary's Pink (German Catchflyl; Lychnis viscaria splendens)
Associated with Our Lady by name, but origin not reported.
Brilliantly hued rose pink blossoms on fountain-like stems. Valued
as cut flower. In the garden gives brightness.
Seed, principally. Common garden soil.
Sun; tolerates light shade. To 20". May.

607. Our Lady's Resting Place (Veronica; Veronica, semi-dwarf
mixed).
Naming: Blanket-like patches of densely ascending blue-flowered
spires.
Seed; division. Common garden soil.
Full sun. 12" to 18". June.

608. Our Lady's Bell (Bell flower; Adenophera farerri)
Naming: nodding blue bell blossoms.
Seed, principally. Light soil.
Full sun. To 30". July-August.

609. Our Lady's Fingers (Kidney Vetch; Anthyllis vulneraria)
Naming: finger-like spikes of yellow and sometimes pink
and white flowers. A clover-like plant. Valued for rock
gardens.
Seed; division. Common garden soil.
Full sun. To 6". June.

610. Our Lady's Cushion (Rock Cress; Arabis alpina)
Naming: cushion-like masses of fragrant, small white
flowers. Valued for rock gardens. Seed- division- cuttings.
Common garden soil. Full sun. To 15". April.

611. Sweet Mary (Red Valerian; Centranthus ruber)
Associated with Our Lady by name, but origin not reported. Deep
crimson to pale red flowers.
Seed; division. Common garden soil.
Full sun. 12" to 36". June-September.

612. Our Lady's Paintbrush (Orange Hawkweed; Hieracium aurantiacum)
Named from deep orange-red color of flowers. A magnificent plant,
but commonly regarded as a weed because of its rapid spreading and
vigorous growth.
Self-seeding. Wide latitude as to soil.
Full sun. To 12". July-August.

613. Rose of Sharon (Rose of Sharon; Hypericum calycinum)
One of several plants bearing the title "Rose of Sharon"
applied to Our Lady from the Canticle of Canticles. Large
red flowers. A rapidly spreading subshrub.
Seed; root offsets; division. Common, or moist, sandy soil.
Sun; partial shade. To 12", creeping. July-August.

614. Madonna's Herb ( Mother-of-Thousands; Linaria symbalaria)
Associated with Our Lady by name, but origin not reported. A creeper
bearing lilac-blue flowers with yellowish throats.
Seed; division. Moist soil.
Partial shade. 2", trailing. June.

615. Our Lady's Sorrel (Oxalis; Oxalis, mixed)
Associated with Our Lady by name, but origin not reported. The names
Sorrel and Oxalis refer to the sharp acid taste of the leaves. Small
white and lavender cloverlike flowers, closing at night. Valued for
window sill culture.
Set tiny bulbs three or four together in pots, or in clumps in the
garden. Store dormant bulbs in a cool cellar for winter. Sandy, rich
soil.
Full sun. To 8". June-September.

616. Rose of Mary (Rosemary; Rosemarinus officinalis)
Associated with Our Lady through an old legend which relates plant
acquired its pine-like fragrance, and blooms changed from white to
blue when she placed her cloak on it to dry after a shower on the
Flight into Egypt. Evergreen. A seasoning in cooking.
Seed;cuttings; layering. Requires winter shelter. Prefers well
drained, sweet (lime) soil.
Full sun. 24" to 48". May.

617. Herb of Grace (Rue; Ruta graveolens)
Included among flowers of Mary, Mediatrix of All Grace,
because of its former liturgical use for sprinkling holy
water, from which it receives its name. Delicate yellow
flowers. Attractive foliage of many tiny leaves. Pungent
fragrance.
Seed, principally. Common garden soil.
Full sun. 18" to 24". June.

618. Our Lady by-the-Gate (Bouncing Bet; Saponaria officinalis)
Naming: one of the flower symbols of Mary's presence, from its
appearance as a wild flower outside gates or fences.
Blossoms of pure white or softest blush. Single-flowered blooms have
spicy fragrance. Showy in the garden. Valued as a cut flower.
Seed;layering. Common garden soil.
Sun; tolerates light shade. 18" to 30". July-August.

619. Blue-eyed Mary (Blue-eyed Grass; Sisyrinchium angustifolium)
Naming: small, bright blue flowers suggestive of eyes.
Rising above narrow foliage.
Seed, principally. Moist, sandy soil.
Full sun. To 12". June.

Mary-named Flower Bulbs and Bulb-Like Plants

For Fall Setting

PERENNIALS

701. Our Lady's Tears ( Lily of the Valley; Convallaria majalis)
Naming: tiny white nodding bell-shaped flowers which can be likened
to a train of tears. Also bears the title Lily-of-the-Valley,
applied to Our Lady from the Canticle of Canticles 2 :1.
Seed; self-propagating through underground runners ("pips"). Plant
pips just under the surface of soil. Common garden soil.
Partial shade. Tolerates full sun. 5" to 10". April-May.

702. Candle Mass Bells ( Snow Drop; Galanthus nivalis)
Also called Purification flower. Naming: bloom of pendant
white flowers in England at the Feast of the Purification
of Our Lady ( Candlemas ), February 2nd.
Propagated principally by division of bulb offsets. Set bulbs in
clumps 4" deep. Moist, rich soil.
Partial shade. 6" to 9". February.

703. Mary's Sword of Sorrow (Iris; Iris species )
Naming: from the prophecy of Simeon at the presentation of Jesus in
the Temple that Mary's soul would be pierced by a sword of sorrow,
that the thoughts of many hearts would be revealed. Iris, the royal
lily, is also an emblem of Our Lady's Queenship and of her descent
from the royal house of David. Deep blue-purple flowers.
Propagated by division of bulb offsets. Set bulbs with green clump
above the ground.
Common garden soil. Full sun. To 18". May.

704. Annunciation Lily (Madonna Lily; Lilium candidum)
An ancient emblem of Our Lady: The waxy white petals symbolizing her
bodily purity; the gold anthers her purity of soul.
Division of bulb offsets; bulb scale; seed. Set bulbs in 5" deep
trenches in late summer or early fall, leaving tops or points of
bulbs uncovered. As fall growth develops add soil until trenches are
filled. Light, sandy, rich soil.
Sun; light shade. 24" to 48". June.

705. Our Lady's Ruffles (Double white daffodil; Narcissus
psuedo-narcissus)
Naming: rows of wavy, snow-white blossom petals.
Seed; division of bulb offsets. Set bulbs 5" deep. Common garden
soil.
Full sun. 18" to 24". April.

706. Mary's Tears (Star-of-Bethlehem; Ornithogalum umbellatum)
Naming: fallen tear-like petals from white, clustered,
star-like flowers.
Propagated by division of bulb offsets. Set bulbs 3" deep. Sandy,
rich soil.
Full sun. 6" to 8". June.

Mary-named Plants

For April-May or October-November Planting

PERENNIALS

For bloom as indicated. Varieties marked (*) for spring
planting only. Those marked (**) for fall planting only.

801. Our Lady's Mantle (Lady's Mantle; Alchemilla speciosa)
Naming: mantle-like downy, silver-green leaves. Sprays of tiny cream
or yellowish flowers. Valued for mixed cut flower arrangements.
Seed; division. Cool soil germination (50 deg to 55 deg F.). Common garden
soil.
Sun; tolerates light shade. To 8". May-June.

802. Our Lady's Fern (Lady-Fern; Anthyrium felix-foemina)
Associated with Our Lady by name, but origin of association not
reported or evident. Long bright green foliage fronds. Valued for
borders and for planting in front of taller plants, such as Madonna
Lilies.
Division. Common garden soil.
Partial shade. 18". Foliage from May-October.

803. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum, yellow)
Associated with Our Lady and the Infant Savior through
a legend which relates golden yellow flowers were in bloom
before the manger in Bethlehem, marking it for the Wise
Men by their resemblance to the star in the sky above.
Valued as cut flower. Plants will be more bushy if cut back
in early summer.
Division, principally; does not come true to color from seed. Common
garden soil.
Full sun. To 24". October-November.

804. Mary's Heart (Bleeding Heart; Dicentra spectabalis)
Naming: gracefully curved sprays of large, pendant, rose
colored heart blossoms, tipped white.
Seed; division. Cold soil germination (33 deg to 42 deg F.). Germinates
very slowly.
Common garden soil. Full sun. To 20". May.

805. Our Lady's Ruffles ( Dropwort; Filipendula hexapetela)
Naming: ruffle-like clusters of purest white flowers above
fern foliage.
Seed; division. Cool soil germination (50 deg to 55 deg F.). Common garden
soil, if not too moist.
Full sun. 12" to 36". July; August.

806. Our Lady's Eardrops (Garden Fuchsia; Fuchsia speciosa)
Naming: pendant, earring-like blossoms with blue tubes and red
sepals. Suited for hanging pots. A tender plant which must be
protected from frost by wintering in pots indoors, preferably in a
light cellar.
Cuttings from shoots at base of plants; seed. Warm soil germination
( 65 deg to 70 deg F.) . Moist, rich soil in the garden.
Partial shade. Some bloom in full shade. 12" to 36". May-September.

807. Our Lady's Bedstraw (Yellow Bedstraw; Galium verum)
Naming: an old legend that the plant was in straw in the manger at
Bethlehem, where its blooms changed to gold when Mary laid the
Infant Savior on it. A native plant of Palestine. Tiny, yellow
flowers on soft, filmy branches.
Division; produces little seed. Common garden soil.
Full sun. To 12", spreading. July-August.

808. Madonna's Pins (Wild Crane's Bill; Geranium maculatum)
Naming: pin-like, pointed seed pods formed following
mauve to lavender flowers.
Seed; division. Cool soil germination (50 deg to 55 deg F.). Moist soil.
Sun; tolerates light shade. To 25". May-June.

809. Assumption Lily (Funkia; Hosta plantaginea)
Naming: bloom in the liturgical season of the Feast of the
Assumption of Our Lady, August 15th. Waxy white trumpet flowers
above attractive foliage.
Division; produces little seed. Moist, rich soil.
Partial shade. 12" to 20". August.

810. Mary's Rose (Peony; Paeonia albiflora)**
One of several red flowers associated with Mary, the Mystical Rose
of Heaven. Large double, rose-colored blooms.
Propagated by division, as seeds require two years for germination
and early growth is slow. Planted, transplanted and divided in the
fall to avoid damage to the roots which can come from moving in the
spring. Moist, rich soil.
Sun; tolerates light shade. 24" to 36". June-July.

811. Our Lady's Wedding (Wild Sweet William; Phlox divaracota)
Associated with Our Lady by name, but origin not reported or
evident. Spreads of blue or pinkish blue.
Seed; division. Seeds require cool soil for germination ( 50 deg to
56 deg F.). Moist, rich soil.
Partial shade. To 10". May.

812. Mary's Tears ( Lungwort; Pulmonaria angustifolia)
Naming: for Our Sorrowful Mother at the foot of the Cross on Calvary
where, according to an old legend: her eyes were still blue as the
flowers, but her eye-lids were as red as the buds from crying.
Division, produces little seed. Moist, light soil.
Sun; light shade. 6" to 12". March-April.

813. Our Lady's Seal (Solomon's Seal; Polygonatum multiflorem)
Naming: Resemblance of tiny blooms, when viewed from below, to the
six-pointed star or inverted triangles of Solomon's Seal. Also Our
Lady's Signet. Arching stems of nodding, greenish-white flowers
followed by deep blue berries. Attractive foliage.
Propagated by division, due to vigorous root development. Moist,
rich soil.
Partial shade. 24" to 36". May.

814. (Mary's) Rose (Rose; Rosa odorata, hybrid, var. Crimson Glory)
Included because the rose for centuries has been associated with
Mary, as emblematic and symbolic in religious painting and writing
and also in the liturgical sense, as in the petition, "Mystical
Rose, pray for us." Beautifully formed crimson red blooms.
Cuttings; layering. Well-drained, rich soil.
Full sun. 24" to 36". June-September.