NIEHS Springs to Life with Hardy Orange Flag Flowers
NIEHS Springs to Life with Hardy Orange Flag Flowers
Photo courtesy of Bill Willis
By Bill Willis
February 23, 2017
It is common to see early spring flowers on campus, but the Flag Flowers are truly remarkable. It’s not rare to see them spring up during warm weather in the most unusual places. NIEHS has had a few specimens for the last couple years, but this year is exceptional as NIEHS has five ongoing land disturbing projects at this time.
These wiry 12-inch flower stalks can be seen swaying gracefully in the wind. One characteristic that makes them so valuable in the landscape is they will tolerate about any soil type and temperature range. You can literally put them in the ground and forget about them.
Photo courtesy of Bill Willis
Considered annuals in most zones, they are long bloomers, holding their color for weeks to months. After they finish their usefulness, they quickly disappear. Unfortunately, they don’t do well as cut specimens. Therefore, we ask that they be enjoyed where they are and not pulled up.
If you are interested in obtaining some for your yard, most hardware and garden centers carry a good selection in a variety of colors.
