Growing and Propagating Wild Flowers

by Harry R. Phillips, Dorothy S. Wilbur (Illustrator)

This book, the most complete and expert treatment of wild flower propagation and cultivation to date, offers a sure approach to gardening with native plants while practicing good conservation. Based on ten years of pioneering research at the North Carolina Botanical Garden, Growing and Propagating Wild Flowers features
practical, easy-to-follow methods for raising native plants from seeds, cuttings, and divisions
specific instructions on the propagation and cultivation of plants representing nearly 100 genera of wild flowers, carnivorous plants, and ferns
more than 250 illustrations, including 32 color photographs and 3 sample design plans for a perennial border
For each species treated, the author includes
descriptions of growth habits, flowers, fruits and seeds
outstanding ornamental characteristics, flowering and fruiting times
detailed directions on the collection, cleaning, storage, and germination of seed
information on cultivation and use in the home landscape
notes on related species and their propagation
The native plants cited as examples are found primarily in the eastern United States. The propagation and handling techniques, however, will be useful throughout the temperate areas of the country.

Genres: Gardening, Nature, Plants, Nonfiction

330 pages, Hardcover

First published May 23, 1985

Reviews

[Sarah Ehinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish this book had color photography, but otherwise does a good job of describing how to harvest, prepare and grow wild flowers. It also described how to use different methods of propagation (seed, stem cuttings, and root cuttings).

[David Bellangue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good intro book to wildflower propagation though I think William Cullina's two books on both native wildflowers and trees, shrubs, and vines are gold standard.

[David Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing and Propagating Wild Flowers by Harry R. Phillips (University of North Carolina Press 1985)(635.9676). This is an extremely thorough volume on the propagation and cultivation of wildflowers from seed or cutting. It contains instruction on each method which worked for a given plant as learned from ten years of research at the North Carolina Botanical Gardens. My rating: 7.5/10, finished 2006.

[David R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent reference for wild flower propagation in the southeast. Definitely for those propagating by seeds. Some of the advice may be overblown: I have done well with some species in contradiction to some of Phillips' advice.