On a walk through the woods early last month I came across some bloodroot growing wild. It reminded me of why I wanted some bloodroot in my own garden. The blooms are really quite charming, even before they fully open.
I was thrilled shortly after when the first bloodroot bloomed in the woodland walk. Here they come, I thought. But then, nothing. I checked the ground every day for signs of emerging life. But there was nothing. My happiness over my single bloodroot bloom gave way to disappointment.
I despaired over my investment. I purchased eight bloodroot plants last spring. I considered the care I gave them as they established themselves. They were in part shade with plenty of moisture in spring. Did I let them dry out too much in summer? Did they shrivel up and die? To have only one plant return made me feel like a deflated balloon at a birthday party.
I stopped checking for bloodroot. But the bloodroot wasn't done just yet. It has been close to a month since that first bloodroot bloomed. Since then (and seemingly overnight) all but two of the plants have returned (just goes to show that a watched garden never blooms.) The experience has been a good reminder that patience is an excellent trait to have as a gardener. So as I wait to see if those last two bloodroot plants will make an appearance, I am so happy to say: "There will be bloodroot" in the garden this year.
On a walk through the woods early last month I came across some bloodroot growing wild. It reminded me of why I wanted some bloodroot in my own garden. The blooms are really quite charming, even before they fully open.
I was thrilled shortly after when the first bloodroot bloomed in the woodland walk. Here they come, I thought. But then, nothing. I checked the ground every day for signs of emerging life. But there was nothing. My happiness over my single bloodroot bloom gave way to disappointment. 
I despaired over my investment. I purchased eight bloodroot plants last spring. I considered the care I gave them as they established themselves. They were in part shade with plenty of moisture in spring. Did I let them dry out too much in summer? Did they shrivel up and die? To have only one plant return made me feel like a deflated balloon at a birthday party. 
I stopped checking for bloodroot. But the bloodroot wasn't done just yet. It has been close to a month since that first bloodroot bloomed. Since then (and seemingly overnight) all but two of the plants have returned (just goes to show that a watched garden never blooms.) The experience has been a good reminder that patience is an excellent trait to have as a gardener. So as I wait to see if those last two bloodroot plants will make an appearance, I am so happy to say: "There will be bloodroot" in the garden this year.
10 comments:
What a lovely plant! I have to put it on the list of wanted plants for my shade garden.
that is a lovely plant. A watched pot never boils, lol.
This is a lovely plant, wonder if we can get them here in the UK?
See what happens when you turn your back for two minutes!lol!
Nature always has it's surprises, no? It is indeed a lovey plant, so happy it returned for you.
Irene, I think you are correct it is blood root and now that I think about it, I think I knew that but forgot :), senior moment I guess........anyway it is a lovely plant, isn't it?
Bloodroot is just one of my favorite garden plants. I have a double, I forget what it is called but it is just marvelous. Most summers it dies back so don't worry about them. They will return and when they are established you can start watching for others to emerge. Happy May Day.
HAHA! Love the title of your post. I can never come up with anything clever like that :)
I seem to miss when this sweetie blooms in the garden...It is hidden by some of the larger plants and I need to research moving it...it's too pretty to miss! Glad it kept on blooming for you... The determination of some plants is amazing....gail
How true you are, and I am finding this year especially, look too closely and you never find what you are looking for until it is too late. I have the double flowering one, sterile flower, lasts much longer, but still no sign of it yet..... stop looking Teza! You too will have bloodroot! Great post title! If nothing else, we gardeners are a positive bunch!
Beautiful pictures..
Thank you for visiting and gratulations for my Birthday. One more year gone by..time to stop and smell the flowers:)
The Toronto Botanical Garden has a wonderful plant sale right now and an excellent selection of very interesting items. Just watch your budget, it's easy to buy too many items.
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