Using protective barriers can help your investment survive the cold weather and other elements. Barriers such as Bonide Wilt Stop (that can be purchased at our nursery) is a recommended product. Comes in two different sizes to meet your needs and is extremely easy to use. Dilute as directed on label and then spray on both sides of the leaves, needles and stems until runoff. Once applied, a soft clear and flexible film will form that will protect the plant from drying out, drought, wind burn, sun scald, winter kill, and salt damage. The film doesn’t prevent the plant’s growing process and can be used year-round. However, application should be applied before freezing and will last for the entire season. Wilt Stop can be used on almost all your landscape.
Drive around any neighborhood and you’ve probably seen a few of these neat little trees in front yards displaying big beautiful flower clusters. There are several different varieties of Hydrangea trees that will thrive in our zone. A fan favorite is the Limelight. Whether in a planting bed or as a standalone, this little tree will not disappoint. Big bright lime-green flowers appear in mid-summer and as the flowers age, the blooms will display different shades of pink and burgundy. Much like the shrub form, flowers on new wood, so pruning can be done in winter or early spring.
Privacy screens/hedges are often composed of the traditional Cotoneaster, Boxwood, or Yew. While these plants make excellent choices if you’re into monochrome coloring. Viburnums, especially the Blue Muffin, however, make beautiful alternatives. Springtime brings an abundance of white flowers that are later followed by rich clusters of blue berries. Looking for that dual purpose shrub? Plant other viburnum varieties for greater displays of color while providing feathery friends both food and shelter. The Blue Muffin Viburnum will mature between 5-7′ in height and 4-6′ in width and can handle a variety of soil/light conditions.
The University of Minnesota has been known for their abilities in creating perfect cold hardy apples for cooler climates like ours. The SnowSweet® is just that €¦ Perfect!! A cross between €˜Sharon’ and €˜Connell Red’, SnowSweet® has a deliciously sweet, slightly tart taste that is slower to oxidize when cut. Besides being sweet, these beauties have an above average resistance to diseases, like fireblight and scab. €˜Honeycrisp’ another good tasting apple, makes a good pollinator.
Looking for a plant that can handle that hot afternoon sun? The Millenium Ornamental Onion will do just that. Begins blooming when most perennials have reached their end, giving your planting beds that extra boost of color for the rest of the season. Not only eye-catching and easy to grow, this perennial also seems to be deer proof. Planting a few of these in your garden may deter them from eating other plants as well.
