With summer approaching, the emphasis in most gardens is colourful foliage and flowers. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to choose which ones are best. Here are our plant picks for the first week of July 2012 at Art’s Nursery.
For Sun
Gardenia jasminoides ‘Frost Proof’
Frost Proof Gardenia
This fragrant semi-evergreen features a more upright habit and shiny dark green leaves accented with fragrant, summer blooming white 2-3 inch wide flowers. Makes an excellent hedge or foundation plant as well as a container specimen. Frost Proof thrives with more direct sun than other varieties. Its flower buds also resist late spring frosts. Best when planted in full to part sun in moist, but well drained soils. Slow growing to 5ft tall and 4ft wide. Hardy in USDA zones 7-11.
Lavandula stoechas ‘Anouk’
Anouk Lavender
This attention getting lavender features butterfly-like dark purple-lavender flowers held upright on stems that can reach 12-16 inches in height. Foliage is fragrant. Anouk is suitable for gardens of all kinds but thrives in warm summer climates and well drained soils. Best when grown in full sun. Can be pruned after flowering , usually in August. Hardy in zones 6-9.
Cosmos atrosanguineum
Chocolate Cosmos
A tried and true perennial favourite that have swept the gardening world by storm in recent years. Plants form a medium sized clump of dark green leaves, bearing cup-shaped blooms of deep burgundy-red with the distinctive fragrance of dark chocolate. Plants are slow to grow in Spring and love the Summer heat. Chocolate cosmos can be wintered indoors in much the same way you would a dahlia tuber. Grows to a height of 18-30 inches and a spread of 10-12 inches. Needs a very well drained site in full sun. Hardy in USDA zones 8-9 – winter protection is recommended.
For Shade
Fuchsia magellanica ‘Windcliff Flurry’
Windcliff Flurry Fuchsia
Selected by Dan Hinkley for its exceptional display of brilliant red and purple flowers and its improved winter hardiness. Blooming for several months in summer, it is irresistible to hummingbirds and a great addition to a background border. Best when planted in part sun but will tolerate some full sun. Will ultimately form a 6ft tall high and wide shrub. Hardy to USDA zones 7-9
Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Wilmas Gold’
Wilmas Gold Rosemary
This perennial or kitchen herb is remarkable for its bright yellow leaf colour and light blue flowers in mid to late spring. Can also be used in gardens or hanging baskets. Like other rosemarys, this one is aromatic and is excellent for cooking. Best when planted in part shade in semi-moist but well drained soils. Hardy in zones 7-9. Will grow 1ft tall and up to 4ft wide.
Hosta ‘Golden Prayers’
Golden Prayers Plantain Lily
Golden Prayers is a dramatically textured golden yellow foliaged hosta that retains its colour even in the shade. Handsome pale lavender flowers are displayed on 18 inch tall stalks. This popular perennial is terrific in containers or in the garden. Best in full to part shade in moist, but moderately drained soils. Grows up to 1ft tall and 2ft wide. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8
These and 10 more acres of plants are available at Art's Nursery. Please call ahead to confirm availability as quantities may be limited for some varieties.