Big bloomers: These dramatic flowers are sure to make you stop and say, 'Wow!'

摘要

RARELY HAVE I been accused of being subtle when it comes to gardening—or most other things, for that matter. I like bold, "say-something" foliage. I like brilliant, gleaming colors. And I like big, dramatic flowers. Nothing gets my heart racing likethe beauty of a well-grown dahlia whose blooms are as big as a kid's head. Or what about the foot-long flowers of the giant Dutchman's pipe (Aristolochia grandiflom, USDA Hardiness Zones 10-11)? They are exotic and otherworldly and good for a season's worth of "What is that?" when placed on a fence or arbor to greet garden visitors.