Some of our favorite plants for the season!
Spotlight Plants
Tree Peony Care Guide: Growing Paeonia suffruticosa in Wisconsin (Zone 5b)
Common NameTree PeonyBotanical NamePaeonia x suffruticosa FamilyPaeoniaceaePlant TypeDeciduous shrubHardiness Zone4-8 (thrives in Zone 5b)Mature Size3-5 ft tall, 3-4 ft wideSun ExposureFull sun to part shadeSoil PreferenceMedium moisture, fertile, well-drainingBloom TimeLate spring to early summerBloom ColorVaries: white, pink, red, purple, yellowNative ToChinaDeer ResistantYesPollinator FriendlyYes (bees) Why Tree Peony for Wisconsin Unlike herbaceous peonies that die back to the ground each year, tree peonies keep their woody stems above ground year-round. That gives them structure even in winter. Hardy to Zone 4, they handle Wisconsin winters and reward you with flowers that can reach 6-10 inches across. A well-established tree peony can live for decades, sometimes over a century. Planting Instructions When: Fall is ideal (September-October). Spring works too if planted before...
Spice Island Koreanspice Viburnum Care Guide: Growing in Wisconsin (Zone 5b)
Common NameSpice Island Koreanspice ViburnumBotanical NameViburnum carlesii 'J.N. Select A'Plant TypeDeciduous shrubHardiness Zone4-8 (thrives in Zone 5b)Mature Size4-5 ft tall, 5-6 ft wideSun ExposureFull sun (6+ hours)Soil PreferenceWell-drained, fertileBloom...
Contender Peach Care Guide: Growing Contender Peach in Wisconsin (Zone 5b)
Common NameContender PeachBotanical NamePrunus persica 'Contender'Plant TypeDeciduous fruit treeHardiness Zone4b-8b (thrives in Zone 5b)Mature Size10 ft tall, 10 ft wideSun ExposureFull sun (6+ hours)Soil PreferenceEvenly moist, well-drainedBloom TimeEarly springBloom...
Plant Spotlight: Gold Cone Juniper
Accent Plant: Use as a vertical highlight in mixed borders. Foundation Plantings: Brightens corners and entryways. Rock Gardens: Perfect for smaller spaces with well-drained soils. Containers: Excellent for year-round interest in patio pots. Companions: Pairs...
Haywire Port Orford Cedar
Common Name: Haywire Port Orford CedarBloom Time: Evergreen (year-round interest)USDA Zones: 5–8 (cold-hardy enough for Southeastern Wisconsin with protection in exposed sites)Mature Size: 8–12 ft. tall × 3–5 ft. wideHabit: Narrow, upright conifer with slightly...
Red Sprite Winterberry
Common Name: Red Sprite WinterberryBloom Time: Inconspicuous white flowers in late spring to early summer (May–June)Fruit Time: Bright red berries from fall through winterUSDA Zones: 3–9 (hardy in Southeastern Wisconsin)Mature Size: 3–5 ft. tall × 3–5 ft. wideHabit:...
Red Osier Dogwood ‘Baileyi’
Common Name: Red Osier Dogwood ‘Baileyi’Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May–June), with ornamental fruit in late summerUSDA Zones: 2–7 (exceptionally hardy in Southeastern Wisconsin)Mature Size: 8–10 ft. tall × 8–10 ft. wideHabit: Multi-stemmed, rounded...