Spring Edition 2008
PAGES     1     2     3    4  
Christa's Garden Corner FALL COLOR POWER by Christa Kenefick (Store Manager)
With so many Hydrangeas on the market, it is hard to keep up with them. I like the following Hydrangea varieties for their extended interest in the summer and fall.
Hydrangea - Lady in Red

This Hydrangea needs morning sun and afternoon shade, blooms pink with flowers deepening to a red as the season progresses. The stems are red & the leaves are dark green, turning to red in the fall.
Hydrangea quercifolia:

Several varieties exist in this species with the differences primarily being size. All of the Oakleaf Hydrangeas bloom white in mid-summer and fade to a pink then eventually brown. The fall leaf color is an outstanding burgundy/merlot color and the bark is the color of cinnamon and exfoliates giving this Hydrangea extra winter interest.
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Quick Fire’; ‘Pinky Winky’; ‘Limelight’a

These are large, upright plants that require full sun. Quick Fire blooms white with the flower petals fading to pink and remain on the plant in the late summer- early fall. Pinky Winky blooms two-tone white and pink at once, then turns entirely pink as the season progresses. Limelight flowers start light green, then brighten to a brilliant white.
Hydrangea - Lemon Daddy

Another afternoon shade lover, prized for its yellow foliage that brightens up a shady garden. The bright foliage stands up to heat and humidity.
Hydrangea - Tree Form

These Hydrangeas make great focal points in the landscape with white flowers in the summer then fading to pink then brown late in the season.
Perennials for Fall Color
Perennials are a great way to add spring and summer color to your landscape, but some have a third season of interest in the fall. Here are some I enjoy!
Heucheras - Coral Bells

These awesome foliage plants provide an array of color depending on the particular cultivar. Foliage colors range from bright yellow, deep purple to black, orange, peaches, chocolate brown, silver and green. Foliage is colorful through the winter.
Anemone ‘Honorine Jobert’ and ‘September Charm’

These large plants bloom in later summer into fall. Honorine has a white flower and September Charm a pink flower. Perfect for late season color in the part shade garden.
Kalimeris 'Blue Star'

Small blue, aster flowers in mid summer through early fall. A very tough plant that is heat and drought tolerant.
Ceratostigma plumbagin:

A vigorous ground cover with true blue flowers in the summer and excellent red fall leaf color.
PAGES     1     2     3    4