Ruby Spice Summersweet

Common Name: Ruby Spice Summersweet, Sweet Pepperbush
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer (July–August)
USDA Zones: 3–8
Mature Size: 3–5 ft tall × 3–5 ft wide

Introduction

When summer heat peaks and many spring-blooming shrubs have faded, Ruby Spice® Summersweet steps into the spotlight with its fragrant, rosy-pink flower spikes. This Proven Winners® introduction elevates the classic North American native Clethra alnifolia with bolder color and a more compact, rounded habit. Perfect for South East Wisconsin’s humid summers and cold winters, Ruby Spice® delights gardeners with irresistible fragrance—think honey and spice—and continuous bloom that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Whether you’re refreshing a foundation planting or creating a sensory border, this versatile shrub brings both beauty and function to the midsummer garden.

Origins and Description

Native to the wetlands and woodland edges of the eastern United States, Clethra alnifolia has long been valued for its summer fragrance and adaptability. The cultivar ‘Ruby Spice’ was introduced by Proven Winners® for its deeper-pink flower spikes that can reach up to 6″ long, contrasted against glossy, dark-green foliage. Unlike older selections that nod or hang, Ruby Spice® carries its blooms upright on sturdy stems, ensuring maximum visibility and extended display. Leaves are oval, finely toothed, and emerge fresh-green in spring, turning shades of gold and russet in autumn for additional seasonal interest.

Ideal Growing Conditions

• Light: Thrives in full sun to part shade. In South East Wisconsin, aim for at least four hours of direct morning or filtered afternoon sun to balance bloom production with leaf health.

• Soil: Prefers moist, organically rich, well-drained soils but tolerates clay, sand, and even temporarily wet ground—making it ideal for rain gardens or near water features. Amending planting holes with compost will jump-start growth.

• Moisture: Native to damp habitats, Ruby Spice® performs best with consistent moisture. Once established, it withstands short dry spells, but supplemental summer watering ensures larger flower spikes and lush foliage.

• Hardiness: Rated for USDA Zones 3–8, this shrub easily weathers Wisconsin’s winter lows (down to –30°F). A 2–3″ mulch ring in late fall protects root crowns from freeze–thaw heaving.

Planting and Establishment

1. Timing: Plant in spring after soils warm (mid-April to early May) or in early fall (late September) to allow roots to establish before extremes of summer heat or winter cold.

2. Site Preparation: Remove weeds and grass to reduce competition. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep; backfill with existing soil amended up to 25% compost.

3. Planting: Position the crown even with the surrounding grade. Gently firm soil around roots, water thoroughly, and apply a 2″–3″ layer of shredded hardwood mulch—keeping it an inch from the stems to prevent rot.

4. Watering: During the first season, aim for 1″ of water per week (rainfall plus supplemental irrigation). This encourages deep, healthy root growth that supports drought tolerance later on.

Care and Maintenance

• Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture through midsummer. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to reduce leaf wetness and minimize disease risk.

• Fertilization: In spring, apply a balanced, slow-release shrub fertilizer according to label rates. Avoid high-nitrogen blends that promote leafy growth at the expense of blooms. A second, lighter feeding in midsummer can boost late-season flowering if growth appears sluggish.

• Mulching: Refresh mulch annually to suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and retain moisture.

• Pest & Disease: Ruby Spice® is generally pest-free and resists deer browsing. Good air circulation and proper spacing (3–5′ apart) help prevent powdery mildew in humid conditions.

Pruning and Propagation

• Pruning: Since Summersweet blooms on the previous year’s wood, prune immediately after flowering (late August). Remove up to one-third of the oldest stems at ground level to encourage fresh shoots. Lightly trim for shape, but avoid late-season cuts that sacrifice next year’s buds.

• Propagation: Softwood cuttings in early summer can root readily under bottom heat, but most gardeners prefer reliable container liners from a reputable nursery to guarantee ‘Ruby Spice’ characteristics.

Landscape Uses and Companions

• Hedges & Screens: Line plants 3–4′ apart for a low hedge that perfumes the air and provides summer privacy.

• Rain & Pollinator Gardens: Its tolerance for moist soils and nectar-rich flowers make it a standout in rain gardens or wildlife-friendly plantings.

• Foundation Accents: Underplant with shade-tolerant perennials like hostas (Hosta spp.) and ferns (Matteuccia struthiopteris) to soften structural elements.

• Companion Plants: Pair with late-summer bloomers such as ornamental grasses (Panicum virgatum), Japanese anemone (Anemone × hybrida), and sedums (Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’) for layered texture and staggered color.

Conclusion

Ruby Spice® Summersweet is a must-have for South East Wisconsin gardeners seeking fragrance, pollinator appeal, and reliable performance in a compact package. Its rosy-pink blooms, tolerance for varied soil conditions, and easy maintenance make it a go-to choice for borders, rain gardens, and foundation plantings alike.

Purple Pillar Hibiscus Rose of Sharon

Common Name: Purple Pillar Rose of Sharon
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer (July–September)
USDA Zones: 5–9
Mature Size: 10–16 ft tall, 4–5 ft wide

Introduction

In the midsummer garden, when many perennials have finished flowering, the Purple Pillar® Hibiscus bursts to life with richly colored blooms that delight both gardeners and pollinators. Unlike the traditional mounded habit of most Rose of Sharon selections, Purple Pillar® grows upright in a tight column, making it an ideal choice for narrow spaces, privacy screens, or as an architectural focal point. This Plant Spotlight explores its origins, cultural requirements, care guidelines, and landscape uses, offering everything you need to know to integrate this striking shrub into your South East Wisconsin garden.

Origins and Description

Purple Pillar® was introduced by Proven Winners as a standout selection of Hibiscus syriacus, a deciduous shrub native to East Asia and long cultivated in European cottage gardens. The cultivar ‘Gandini Santiago’ was selected for its unique growth habit: multiple strong stems rise vertically, forming a densely branched, narrow column studded with large, five-petaled flowers. Each bloom features a violet-purple outer edge blending into a deep crimson eye, creating a dramatic, two-toned effect that persists over a long flowering period. Leaves are glossy green, three-lobed, and arranged alternately along slender stems.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Light

Full sun is essential—aim for at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. In our South East Wisconsin summers, this ensures robust flowering and helps prevent leggy growth.

Soil

Purple Pillar® thrives in moist, well-drained soils. While adaptable to a range of soil textures from sandy loam to silty clay, amending heavy soils with compost or aged bark will improve drainage and root vigor.

Hardiness

Rated for USDA Zones 5–9, this hibiscus tolerates Wisconsin’s winter lows (down to –20 °F) once established. Spring pruning and a layer of mulch around the root zone will safeguard new shoots from late frost.

Planting and Establishment

1. Timing: Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall at least six weeks before the first expected freeze.

2. Site Preparation: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but no deeper than its depth. Amend the backfill soil with compost (no more than 25% by volume).

3. Planting: Position the root crown level with the surrounding soil. Backfill, gently firming to remove air pockets, and water deeply.

4. Mulching: Apply a 2–3″ layer of hardwood mulch, keeping it an inch away from the stem to prevent crown rot.

During the first growing season, provide regular watering—approximately 1″ per week—especially during dry spells. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring encourages lush foliage and abundant blooms.

Care and Maintenance

• Watering: Once established (after one full growing season), Purple Pillar® is moderately drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture.

• Fertilization: Use a general-purpose shrub fertilizer in early April and again in midsummer. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas, which can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

• Deadheading: Removing spent blooms is optional; H. syriacus sets flowers on new wood, so deadheading won’t reduce flowering and only improves tidiness.

Pruning and Propagation

Pruning

Late winter or very early spring—before bud swell—is the ideal time to prune. To maintain its columnar form:

• Remove any dead or crossing branches at the base.

• Thin out the oldest stems (older than three years) by cutting them to ground level to encourage new, vigorous shoots.

• Shorten overly tall stems by one-third to maintain overall shape and prevent wind damage.

Propagation

While Purple Pillar® can be propagated by softwood cuttings in late spring, most gardeners prefer purchasing container-grown liners to ensure true-to-type performance.

Landscape Uses and Companions

• Privacy Screens: Line several specimens 4–5′ apart for a slender hedge that blooms spectacularly in summer.

• Accent Specimen: Place near entries, patios, or along walkways to create a vertical pop of color.

• Container Planting: Its upright habit suits large containers—pair with trailing annuals at the base for seasonal interest.

• Companion Plants: Combine with late-summer bloomers like ornamental grasses (e.g., Miscanthus sinensis), late-flowering spirea (Spiraea japonica ‘Little Princess’), or sedum (Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’) for a tapestry of texture and color.

Conclusion

Purple Pillar® Hibiscus brings a rare combination of form and color to the summer garden—perfect for gardeners seeking vertical accents without sacrificing bloom power. Its narrow habit, winter hardiness, and long flowering season make it a versatile addition to Southeast Wisconsin landscapes.

Cheyenne Sky Switchgrass

Cheyenne Sky Switchgrass, Panicum virgatum ‘Cheyenne Sky’, is a standout native ornamental grass prized for its striking blue-green foliage and magnificent plumes that shift from coppery rose to purplish bronze in mid to late summer. This cultivar offers a stunning vertical accent, exceptional texture, and a dynamic color display, making it perfect for borders, containers, and mixed native plantings in Southeast Wisconsin landscapes.

Key Characteristics

• Foliage & Habit

  • Upright, clump-forming grass reaching 3–4 feet tall and wide.

  • Narrow, arching leaves exhibit a cool blue-green tint that holds color through summer.

  • Densely tufted base provides a tidy mound, ideal for formal or naturalistic settings.

• Flowering & Seasonal Color

  • Airy flower panicles emerge in July, initially coppery rose, maturing to a deep purple-bronze by mid-August.

  • Panicles stand above the foliage at 4–5 feet, creating an eye-catching plume effect.

  • Winter interest: dried seed heads persist as sculptural elements against snow.

• Hardiness & Lifecycle

  • USDA Zones 4–9; very cold-hardy once established.

  • Warm-season grass: dies back in fall and re-sprouts vigorously in spring.

Cultural Requirements

• Light

  • Thrives in full sun (minimum 6–8 hours daily).

  • Tolerates light afternoon shade but may flower less prolifically.

• Soil

  • Prefers moist, well-drained soil but adapts to sandy or clay soils.

  • Incorporate organic matter at planting to improve structure; avoid waterlogged sites.

• Water

  • Regular watering during the first season to establish roots; moderately drought-tolerant thereafter.

  • Mulch lightly around the crown to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

• Fertilization

  • Low fertilizer needs; apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if soil is poor.

  • Excess nitrogen can lead to flopping, so avoid high-nitrogen feeds.

Landscape Uses & Companion Plants

1. Mixed Borders & Specimen Planting

   • Use as a vertical focal point amid perennials such as Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), or Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum) for layered height and contrast.

   • Pair with late-season bloomers like Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ and Asters for continuous autumn interest.

2. Prairie & Native Gardens

   • Naturalizes well in meadows; plant in groups of 3–5 for mass effect.

   • Complements native grasses (Little Bluestem, Switchgrass mixes) and forbs for a dynamic prairie display.

3. Containers & Urban Landscapes

   • Thrives in large containers on patios or rooftops; consider pairing with low-growing succulents or ornamental alliums for textural contrast.

   • Adds a modern vertical element to urban gardens and courtyard designs.

4. Winter Structure

   • Leave dried plumes in place to add sculptural interest; cut back in early spring before new growth emerges.

   • Provides habitat and shelter for overwintering birds and beneficial insects.

Seasonal Care & Maintenance

1. Division & Planting

   • Divide overcrowded clumps every 3–4 years in early spring to rejuvenate foliage and blooms.

   • Space divisions 3–4 feet apart to allow full habit development.

2. Pruning

   • In late winter or early spring, cut back old stems to 2–3 inches above ground before new shoots appear.

   • Removal of dead foliage encourages vigorous spring flush.

3. Mulching & Weeding

   • Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the base in spring to retain moisture.

   • Keep the area around the crown clear of weeds to reduce competition.

4. Pest & Disease Management

   • Generally problem-free; occasionally slugs may feed on young shoots—manage with hand removal or organic bait.

   • Good air circulation prevents fungal issues; avoid overhead irrigation.

Why We Love Cheyenne Sky Switchgrass

• Stunning Foliage & Plumes: The steel-blue leaves and rosy-bronze panicles add seasonal drama and texture.

• Versatile Design Plant: Perfect for formal borders, naturalistic meadows, or container accents.

• Low-Maintenance Resilience: Drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and cold-hardy—ideal for Southeast Wisconsin’s climate.

Conclusion & Availability

Cheyenne Sky Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ‘Cheyenne Sky’) offers multi-season appeal, from its crisp blue foliage to its showstopping summer plumes and winter structure. Enhance your Southeast Wisconsin garden with this versatile ornamental grass! You can buy a variant of Cheyenne Sky here!

Parkland Pillar® Birch

If you’re seeking a stately, space-saving specimen for your landscape, look no further than Parkland Pillar® Birch. This columnar form of Asian white birch was selected for its remarkably narrow habit—reaching just 6–7 feet wide at maturity—paired with the lustrous white bark and golden fall color that make birches such prized garden accents. Whether used as a living screen, a vertical focal point, or a dramatic accent in a tight urban yard, Parkland Pillar® Birch brings year-round interest and effortless elegance to Southeast Wisconsin gardens.

Key Characteristics

• Form & Size

  • Columnar, upright habit: 30–40 ft tall × 6–7 ft wide

  • Dense branching creates a clean, vertical silhouette

• Bark & Foliage

  • Smooth, creamy-white bark that stands out against dark evergreens and masonry

  • Bright green, ovate leaves (2–3″ long) with serrated edges

• Seasonal Interest

  • Spring/Summer: Fresh green canopy adds height and structure

  • Fall: Leaves turn a vibrant golden yellow, creating a glowing column

  • Winter: Bark shines against the snowy landscape, offering sculptural appeal

Cultural Requirements

• Light:

  • Thrives in full sun to light shade; best bark color develops with ample sunlight.

• Soil:

  • Prefers moist, well-drained loam but tolerates a range of soils, including clay and alkaline conditions.

  • Avoid prolonged waterlogged sites; good drainage is essential.

• Water:

  • Provide regular moisture during establishment (first 1–2 years).

  • Once established, moderately drought-tolerant; supplemental watering during hot, dry spells will keep foliage lush.

• Hardiness:

  • USDA Zones 3–7.

  • Resistant to cold winters and shows some tolerance to heat and alkaline soils.

• Pest & Disease Resistance:

  • Exhibits improved resistance to bronze birch borer compared to other birch cultivars.

  • Minimal pruning required; remove any dead or crossing branches in late winter.

Landscape Uses & Companion Plants

1. Narrow Screening & Privacy

   • Ideal for lining driveways, property lines, or tight urban lots where space is limited.

   • Plant 4–6 feet apart for a living privacy screen.

2. Vertical Accents & Specimens

   • Use one or three specimens as a dramatic focal point in a courtyard or small lawn.

   • Pair with contrasting textures—such as blue spruce or dark-leaf hostas—to highlight its columnar form and bark.

3. Mixed Borders & Foundation Plantings

   • Mix with low-growing evergreens (e.g., dwarf yews) and spring bulbs for layered seasonal interest.

   • Underplant with shade-tolerant perennials like Heuchera and Ferns to soften the base.

4. Container Planting

   • Young specimens can thrive in large planters on patios—just ensure adequate root space and moisture.

   • Combine with ornamental grasses or dwarf perennials for a textural container display.

Seasonal Care & Maintenance

1. Planting Tips

   • Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than its height.

   • Backfill with native soil amended with compost; water thoroughly.

2. Pruning

   • Minimal pruning needed. Remove deadwood and upright competing leaders in late winter before bud break.

   • Maintain single-stemmed form by removing lower suckers and side shoots from the trunk.

3. Mulching & Fertilization

   • Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch around the drip line—keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.

   • Fertilize with a balanced slow-release tree fertilizer in early spring.

4. Winter Care

   • Young trees benefit from a temporary windbreak or burlap wrap in the first winter to protect bark from sunscald.

   • After establishment, bark withstands sun and cold without damage.

Why We Love Parkland Pillar® Birch

• Space-Saving Elegance: Offers all the charm of white birch in a narrow footprint ideal for modern landscapes.

• Four-Season Appeal: Striking bark, lush foliage, vibrant fall color, and winter form make it a year-round standout.

• Low-Maintenance Performance: Resistant to common birch pests and diseases, with minimal pruning requirements.

Conclusion & Availability

Parkland Pillar® Birch (Betula platyphylla ‘Jefpark’) is the perfect solution when you crave the grace of a white birch but have limited horizontal space. Its slender profile, radiant fall color, and commanding winter silhouette bring elegance and structure to any Southeast Wisconsin garden. Check it out here!

Firelight Tidbit Hydrangea

Firelight™ Tidbit® is a stunning panicle hydrangea that packs all the drama of larger varieties into a compact, 2–3-foot tall and wide habit—making it perfect for small gardens, mixed borders, and container plantings. Bred by Proven Winners®, this shrub dazzles with its long-lasting, conical flower panicles that emerge lime-green, fade to creamy white, then age to brilliant shades of pink and deep rosy red. Blooming from midsummer into fall, Firelight™ Tidbit® delivers season-long color and structure with minimal effort.

Key Characteristics

• Bloom Time & Flower Color

  • Flowers appear in midsummer (July) and continue into September or October.

  • Early panicles start lime-green, transition through ivory to soft pink, and finish in fiery rose-red hues—often on the same inflorescence.

  • Blooms are conical, about 6–8 inches long, and held above the foliage on sturdy stems.

• Size & Habit

  • Compact, mounding form: 2–3 ft tall × 2–3 ft wide.

  • Well-branched habit maintains a neat silhouette without staking.

  • Deciduous shrub; attractive dark green foliage turns bronze in autumn before leaf drop.

• Hardiness & Adaptability

  • USDA Zones 3–8.

  • Tolerates heat and humidity when given adequate moisture and at least partial sun.

  • Blooms on new wood—no need to worry about spring frost eliminating flowers.

Cultural Requirements

• Light

  • Thrives in full sun to part shade.

  • For best flowering in Southeast Wisconsin, plant in a location that receives morning sun and light afternoon shade.

• Soil

  • Prefers fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

  • Adapts to clay, loam, or sandy soils if drainage is good.

  • Incorporate compost at planting to improve structure and fertilities.

• Water

  • Keep evenly moist during the first growing season to establish a strong root system.

  • Once established, moderately drought-tolerant but performs best with supplemental watering during hot, dry spells.

  • Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

• Fertilization

  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges.

  • A second light feeding in midsummer can support continuous bloom.

Landscape Uses & Companion Plants

• Containers & Small Spaces

  • Ideal choice for patios, decks, or front-door planters.

  • Pair with annuals like Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ or ornamental grasses (e.g., Pennisetum alopecuroides) for textural contrast.

• Mixed Perennial Borders

  • Use as a colorful focal point amid summer-flowering perennials such as Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) and Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan).

  • Surround with late-season bloomers like Aster and Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ for continuous interest.

• Foundation & Hedge Plantings

  • In small gardens, a row of Firelight™ Tidbit® shrubs creates a tidy low hedge that lights up the landscape.

  • Underplant with groundcovers such as Heuchera or Ajuga to soften the base.

• Cut Flower & Dried Arrangements

  • Sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms make excellent fresh-cut flowers.

  • Dry blooms by harvesting at peak color and hanging upside down in a cool, dark spot for rustic arrangements.

Seasonal Care & Maintenance

1. Pruning

   • Since Firelight™ Tidbit® blooms on new wood, prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.

   • Remove any dead or weak branches; cut back remaining stems to 12–18 inches from the ground to promote vigorous flowering.

2. Mulching

   • Apply a 2–3-inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone in spring to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.

   • Refresh mulch each year, keeping it a few inches away from the main stem to prevent rot.

3. Pest & Disease Management

   • Generally trouble-free; monitor for aphids or spider mites in hot, dry weather and treat with insecticidal soap if needed.

   • Good air circulation and proper spacing help prevent powdery mildew and leaf spot.

4. Winter Protection

   • In extremely cold winters, add a light mulch or evergreen boughs over the crown after the ground freezes.

   • Remove protective mulch in early spring to allow new shoots to emerge.

Why We Love Firelight™ Tidbit®

• Compact Powerhouse: All the showy blooms of larger panicle hydrangeas—without the bulky size.

• Season-Long Drama: Dynamic color shifts keep your garden engaging from July through first frost.

• Low Effort, High Impact: Minimal pruning, few pests, and dependable bloom on new growth.

Conclusion & Availability

Firelight™ Tidbit® Hydrangea brings vibrant, evolving color and elegant form to even the smallest Southeast Wisconsin gardens. Its manageable size, long bloom season, and adaptability make it a standout performer for containers, borders, and hedges alike.