EWe have a new crab tree in our yard. The crisp, bright white flowers have brought me immense joy the past few days. Instead of looking down onto the floor that needs to be swept, I look out of the kitchen window and smile. Instead of bemoaning the fact that we are once again having pizza for dinner during this busy spring season, we laugh and talk about the gorgeous new tulips that are blooming. There is a special feeling that is often associated with something that is new.
In the gardening world, a new year brings new plant introductions. The plant introductions are a result of an initial discovery of a plant with unique characteristics followed by years of evaluations and trials. The final result is a plant being available to consumers that is superior to other plants that are currently available. The following is a select list of new plants that are available for 2016:
Verbena Lanai Vintage is a new annual flower. It grows to a height of 4-10” and can spread to about 12”. It is a luxurious cascade of soft, textured foliage complimented by round clusters of bright flowers. The flowers range in color from pale yellow to rose pink. It adds a splash of color to sunny, hot locations. Looks great in hanging baskets, spilling from mixed containers, or cascading over a wall.
Pixie Periwinkle Baptisia, also called Dwarf False Indigo, is a very durable perennial flower. This Baptisia is appreciated for the compact and rounded habit, unique light lavender bloom color and overall great performance. It is perfect for smaller gardens. It attracts butterflies and is deer resistant. It does best in full sun. False Indigo typically blooms in May through June. It grows to a height of 24-28” and a spread 28-32”.
Brazen Raisin Heuchera, also called Coralbells, have gorgeous deep purple foliage. They grow best in part shade and will grow to about 15” wide and 12” tall. They are primarily grown for the beautiful leaves but do have a pinkish airy flower in mid summer.
Coreopsis “Tweety,” also called Tweety Tickseed is a newer version of a tried and true perennial flower. A profusion of bright, pure yellow flowers will provide season-long color. Dark green, thread-like leaves give a loose, airy look. It attracts bees and butterflies. This carefree perennial has a compact, bushy habit and is an ideal choice for small spaces. It does best in full sun and grows to about 15” high and 15” wide.
Little Quickfire Hydrangea is a shrub that has it all! Compact compared to other paniculata hydrangeas, it grows to 3-4 ft tall and wide. It blooms from early summer through fall. The flowers start out white and mature to a deep red as the summer progresses. The compact size fits easily into any landscape. Use it in a mixed border, or as a showy specimen or foundation plant.
Centennial Blush™ Star Magnolia The pink buds on this tree open to incredibly full and wonderfully fragrant pale pink flowers in spring. Centennial Blush is a prolific bloomer with flower buds formed at almost every node yielding a fantastic floral display of delicate pink covering the entire plant. Attractive medium green foliage on an interesting branching structure follows in the summer turning yellow to bronze in autumn. Centennial Blush can be grown as a large shrub or a small tree, perfectly suited for small urban gardens. It will grow to about 10-12’ high and wide.
Golden Spirit Smokebush, Cotinus ‘Golden Spirit’ grows to 8’ tall and wide. Spectacular foliage emerges lime green and matures to brilliant gold and then coral, orange and red in fall. Smoke-like plumes of whitish-pink flowers add interest in May and June. It is tolerant of clay soil and drought and does best in full sun to part shade.
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a garden center and landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or tgsinc12@msn.com Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She will address it in an upcoming column.
