Archive for the ‘Purchasing Plants’ Category

Perennials With Great Autumn Leaf Color

In addition to foliage changes seen in landscape trees and shrubs, a select number of perennials contribute to the autumnal leaf colors. Here is a select list of popular perennials endeared for their autumnal foliage hues. Arkansas bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) – stunning golden foliage beginning in late September. Bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum) – geranium ground […]

Forms of Western Arborvitae

Here is a partial listing of cultivars of Western arborvitae (Thuja plicata), as found in the U.S. nursery industry. Several are good choices for dwarf conifer collectors, in rock gardens, and in large containers. Winter hardiness of some cultivars is variable. Note: some are dwarf forms of ‘Green Giant’ arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata) which […]

Possum Haw Holly

Possum haw (Ilex decidua) is a deciduous holly, grown as a large shrub or small tree. Its colorful winter berries brighten woodlands along creeks and rivers in the Midwest and Southeastern U.S. (USDA hardiness zones 5 -9). It is known by a number of common names, including bearberry, winterberry, deciduous holly, among others. Its popular […]

Coral honeysuckle

Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), aka trumpet honeysuckle, is a vigorous twining flowering vine that is primarily native to the southeastern U.S. (USDA hardiness zones 4 -8). Cultivars are available in shades of red, orange. and yellow. The colorful flowers appear in spring and summer, and colorful berries decorate in late summer and autumn. Invite hummingbirds […]

Fuzzy Bolivian Sage

The large and bright fuzzy blossoms of Bolivian Spearhead Sage (Salvia oxyphora), aka Fuzzy Bolivian Sage, should catch your eye in late summer and early autumn. Equally attractive is the plant’s lush tropical-like glossy green foliage. This sage inhabits the edges of moist forests in the foothills of the Andes. It is grown as an annual in full sun in Northern […]

‘Goshiki’ Holly Tea Olive

Holly Tea Osmanthus, also called holly tea olive and false-holly (Osmanthus heterophyllus) is a large (15 feet tall), dense, upright, oval-rounded evergreen shrub. The species blooms in late fall and the tiny inconspicuous white flowers are sweetly fragrant. Small numbers of fruits ripen the following year, and often go unnoticed. Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Goshiki’ is a […]

Clump Type Ornamental Grasses Excel In Autumn

City gardeners want low maintenance. These ornamental grasses are what you’re looking for. They achieve their intended growth heights in summer, and produce flowers (inflorescence). Foliage of some change color as temps start cooling in late summer. Five of six listed grass species are winter hardy and overwinter outside in large containers or tubs in most regions […]

Fall Planting – Hyacinths

For over 400 years hyacinths have been popular spring-flowering bulbs, beloved for their colorful blooms and delightful floral fragrance. Modern day varieties are hybrids of a single species (Hyacinthus orientalis) that grows wild in Turkey, Syria, and other regions in the eastern Mediterranean. Over 50 cultivars are listed by Dutch growers. Centuries of breeding have […]

Goldenrods

Goldenrods (Solidago spp.) represent about 100 species of perennials that grow ubiquitously alongside U.S. roadsides, prairies, open woods, and riverbanks. (USDA hardiness zones 4-9). A few species are also native in South America and Eurasia. Goldenrods are grown for their bright yellow or golden flowers that form late in the summer. They are easy to grow, […]

Fall Anemones

Japanese anemones (Anemone x hybrida) are popularly called “fall anemones”. These late summer-fall blooming perennials are long-lived and make fine additions to flower borders and open woodland areas (USDA hardiness zones 4 to 7). Many colorful varieties are available and their flowers are great additions to cut floral arrangements. Showy 2-4 inch wide flowers stand […]