This breathtaking Phantom Panicle Hydrangea serves as a stunning focal point when planted either in a bed or as a standalone feature. Its densely packed, conical-shaped creamy white blooms, which can reach up to 15 inches, emerge in July and gradually transition to a dark pink hue come fall. Thriving best in full sun for the majority of the day and partial shade in the late afternoon, this hydrangea can grow to dimensions of 8-10 feet in both height and width. For optimal health, plant it in well-draining soil and maintain regular watering, particularly during its blooming phase. A 3-4 inch layer of mulch around the tree—avoiding direct contact with the base—will aid in moisture retention.
The seasonal interest of the Lucky Devil Ninebark makes this smaller rounded compact shrub a beautiful specimen for a planting bed. Maturing around 3-4’ h x 3-4’ w the Lucky Devil can be used as the focal point or planted in odd numbers for larger design plans. In the spring beautiful tiny white blooms appear against a backdrop of bright yellow leaves that will turn orange in the fall. When planted in full sun, in an area with well-drained soil, care is fairly minimum. Pruning can be done in early spring, if desired but not necessary. Adding fertilizer and topdressing with mulch at the beginning of each season will give the ninebark what it needs to thrive. Once established, the Lucky Devil can withstand periods of drier weather.
Looking for a showy plant that attracts wildlife to your garden? The red blooms of the Raspberry Wine Bee Balm often attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees during the months of July and August. If planted in well-draining soil and given plenty of sun, this perennial will thrive. However, make sure there is adequate spacing between plants thus allowing for proper air flow that will assist in preventing foliar and fungal diseases. Although this variety of Bee Balm grows to be about 3-4’ h x 2-3’ w, it can be divided as needed. Plant some in containers to dress up porches or decks. For those of you that like tea, the leaves are edible. Stop by the nursery today and pick your own Raspberry Wine Bee Balm before they are all gone.
Think of the Puffer Fish hydrangea as a bigger, more puffed up version of the Bobo hydrangea, with fluffy white blooms that adorn the plant from early summer through early fall. When planted in an area that receives at least 6+ hours of sun daily, this hydrangea can grown to be about 3-5‘ h x 3-5‘ w. Although the Puffer Fish can adapt to most soil types, it prefers a good loamy soil and adequate watering. If cut and/or dried flowers are your thing, then this beauty won’t disappoint. Not much of a gardner? No worries as this shrub requires little maintenance. Each spring ammending the 1st layer of soil around the shrub with a good quality fertilzer like Bio-tone or Plant Tone (that can be obtained at our nursery) followed by a fresh layer of mulch, will ensure a good seasonal start.
In need of an eye-catching perennial in your planting beds that will sure draw attention? The large deep red color of the Summerific Cranberry Crush hibiscus flowers will do just that. When planting, be sure to give this beauty room to grow as this upright tops off around 4’ h x 4-5’ w. When given part sun-full sun daily, along with moist well-draining soil, the easy growing hibiscus will maintain the focal point from mid-summer until early fall. If adding one of these plants to your landscape it is advisable to have in the ground well before the heat of summer arrives and plan on heavily mulching for the first winter. In the spring, you can cut back stems to 4-6” tall but do so before new growth appears. Hibiscus plants are usually late to emerge, so don’t panic if no new leaves appear when the rest of your perennials are well on their way.
