Some of our favorite plants for the season!
Spotlight Plants
Jane Magnolia Care Guide: Growing in Wisconsin (Zone 5b)
Common NameJane MagnoliaBotanical NameMagnolia x 'Jane'Plant TypeDeciduous tree/large shrubHardiness Zone4-8Mature Size10-15 ft tall, 8-12 ft wideSunFull sun to part shadeSoilMoist, well-drained, slightly acidicBloom TimeMid to late springBloom ColorPurple-pink outside, white insideDeer ResistantYes Why Jane Magnolia for WisconsinJane is one of the "Little Girl" hybrid magnolias developed by the U.S. National Arboretum specifically to bloom late enough to avoid spring frost damage. That's the problem with most magnolias in Wisconsin: they bloom early and a late frost kills the flowers. Jane waits until mid to late spring, after the worst frost risk has passed, then opens reddish-purple buds into tulip-shaped flowers that are purple-pink on the outside and white inside. Planting InstructionsWhen: Spring. Magnolias establish best when planted in spring, giving roots a full season before...
In The Spotlight: Amethyst Falls Wisteria
Amethyst Falls Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens 'Amethyst Falls')Wisteria gets a bad reputation in gardening circles, and for understandable reasons. The Asian species (W. sinensis and W. floribunda) are aggressive invaders that swallow buildings, crush pergolas, and...
In The Spotlight: Incrediball Hydrangea
Incrediball Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'Abetwo')Some hydrangeas demand fussy soil amendments, precise pH levels, and sheltered microclimates. Incrediball is not one of them. This improved selection of our native smooth hydrangea was bred by Proven Winners to fix...
In The Spotlight: Donald Wyman Crabapple
Donald Wyman Crabapple (Malus 'Donald Wyman')If you want a four-season ornamental tree that practically takes care of itself, the Donald Wyman crabapple belongs on your shortlist. This variety has earned a reputation among Midwest landscapers and homeowners for good...
Rozanne Geranium Care Guide: Growing in Wisconsin (Zone 5b)
Common NameRozanne GeraniumBotanical NameGeranium 'Gerwat' (Rozanne)FamilyGeraniaceaePlant TypeHerbaceous perennialHardiness Zone5-8Mature Size18-20 in tall, 24-28 in wideSun ExposureFull sun to part shadeSoilAverage, well-drainedBloom TimeJune to frostBloom...
Black Lace Elderberry Care Guide: Growing in Wisconsin (Zone 5b)
Common NameBlack Lace ElderberryBotanical NameSambucus nigra 'Eva'FamilyAdoxaceaePlant TypeDeciduous shrubHardiness Zone4-7 (thrives in Zone 5b)Mature Size6-8 ft tall, 6-8 ft wideSun ExposureFull sun to part shadeSoilMoist, well-drainedBloom TimeEarly summerBloom...
Tamarack (Eastern Larch) Care Guide: Growing Larix laricina in Wisconsin (Zone 5b)
Common NameTamarack / Eastern LarchBotanical NameLarix laricina FamilyPinaceaePlant TypeDeciduous coniferHardiness Zone2-5 (thrives in Zone 5b)Mature Size40-60 ft tall, 15-30 ft wideSun ExposureFull sun (6+ hours)Soil PreferenceMoist, acidic, well-drained; tolerates...