Featured Plant of The Day: 'Blue Knoll' Blue Mist Spirea

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Blue Knoll'
    Blue Mist Spirea,  Bluebeard

Type    Shrub, woody plant
Hardy range    6A to 9B
Height    24" to 36" / 60cm to 90cm
Spread    24" to 36" / 60cm to 90cm
Growth rate    Average
Form    Rounded
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence    Deciduous

Bloom Color    Blue
Bloom Time    Summer and Fall

The flowers are showy.

Environment
This plant tolerates some drought.
This plant will grow in dry soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to slightly alkaline (less than 6.8 to 7.7) soil.

Leaf Color    Green and silvery
Fall Color    No change in fall color

Landscape Uses
-    Container plantings
-    Alpine garden
-    Rock garden
-    Border
-    Massing
-    Groundcover

Culture Notes
Caryopteris is grown for its attractive, fragrant foliage and flowers.  Blooms appear on current year's growth and appear from late summer through early autumn.  Place in full sun for best flowering. Plant dies back and can be treated as a perennial.  Plants attract an assortment of pollinators.  The bumblebee seems to prefer the blossom.   Plants also serve as butterfly nectar sources.  Prune away flower heads after they are spent to avoid seeding.  This will also help in the vigor of the shrub.  Avoid planting in heavy wet soils. This plant is considered mostly allergy free and causes little or no allergy problems in most people.

Featured Plant of The Day: 'Walker's Low' Catmint

Nepeta x faassenii 'Walker's  Low'

syn. Nepeta mussinii

Catmint

Type    Perennial
Hardy range    3A to 8A
Height    8" to 10" / 20cm to 25cm
Spread    12" to 24" / 30cm to 60cm
Growth rate    Average
Form    Irregular or sprawling, spreading or horizontal and upright or erect
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence    Deciduous

Bloom Color    Blue and lavender
Bloom Time    Spring through Fall

Environment
This plant tolerates drought.
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

Leaf Color    Green and silvery
This plant has attractive foliage and fragrant foliage.

Landscape Uses
-    Container plantings
-    Rock garden
-    Seashore planting
-    Border
-    Groundcover

Attributes and Features
-    Attracts butterflies
-    Extended bloom season
-    Sensitive to humidity

Culture Notes
Cut after blooming to encourage new growth and a denser plant.  Nepeta likes to spill over and needs periodic pruning to maintain its shape.  Prefers full sun, planted in a moist, well-drained soil.  Division of this plant can be done in the spring.  'Walker's Low' has long blooming, lavender-blue flowers.

Flush growth is in the center - prune older foliage on the outside edges after first blooms start drying.

Featured Plant of The Day: Rudbeckia hirta 'Goldilocks'

Rudbeckia hirta 'Goldilocks'

syn. Rudbeckia flava
    Black-eyed Susan,  Coneflower,  Gloriosa Daisy

Type    Annual, biennial, perennial
Height    10" to 15" / 25cm to 40cm
Spread    24" to 30" / 60cm to 75cm
Growth rate    Fast
Form    Rounded and upright or erect
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Bloom Color    Yellow
Bloom Time    Summer and Fall

The flowers are showy and suitable for cut flowers.

Environment
This plant tolerates salt well.
This plant will grow in dry soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

Leaf Color    Green

Native Habitat
Species native to North America.

Landscape Uses
-    Container plantings
-    Border
-    Foundation planting
-    Specimen

Attributes and Features
-    Naturalizing
-    Attracts butterflies
-    Sensitive to humidity

Culture Notes
This plant is a short-lived perennial or biennial and is often grown as an annual.  It self-sows easily and cuttings can be taken in late summer and rooted in the cold frame.  This plant prefers a sunny spot, with a well-drained fertile soil.  Plants serve as butterfly nectar sources.  'Goldilocks' is a Fleuroselect winner.  It is more compact and has double or semidouble yellow blossoms.

Featured Plant of The Day: Purple Loosestrife 'Firecandle'

Lythrum salicaria 'Firecandle'

Purple Loosestrife

Type    Perennial
Hardy range    4A to 9B
Height    24" to 36" / 60cm to 90cm
Spread    12" to 18" / 30cm to 45cm
Growth rate    Fast
Form    Upright or erect
Exposure    Full sun
Persistence    Deciduous

Bloom Color    Pink and purple
Bloom Time    Summer and Fall

The flowers are suitable for cut flowers.

Environment
This plant tolerates occasional wetness.
This plant will grow in dry to moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

Leaf Color    Green

Landscape Uses
-    Container plantings
-    Seashore planting
-    Border
-    Massing
-    Specimen

Attributes and Features
-    Naturalizing
-    Wetlands plant
-    Attracts butterflies

Culture Notes
Many cultivars are available which should not be confused with the species.  The species is outlawed in many states because it will quickly take over a wetland habitat. The cultivars are slower to increase and are usually divided in the spring. Self-sows easily.  Expect fall color from the foliage.  'Firecandle' has bright rosey-red blossoms.

Featured Plant of The Day: 'Gold Greenheart' False Sunflower

Heliopsis helianthoides ssp. scabra 'Gold Greenheart'
    Ox Eye,  Goldgefinger,  False Sunflower

Type    Perennial
Hardy range    4A to 10A
Height    36" to 4' / 90cm to 1.20m
Spread    24" to 36" / 60cm to 90cm
Growth rate    Average
Form    Upright or erect
Exposure    Full sun

Bloom Color    Yellow
Bloom Time    Summer and Fall

The flowers are suitable for cut flowers and suitable for dried flowers.

 Environment
This plant tolerates drought.
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

 Leaf Color    Green
This plant has attractive foliage.

 Landscape Uses
-    Container plantings
-    Border

 Attributes and Features
-    Naturalizing

 Culture Notes
This plant may need staking.  Removal of spent flowers is needed to extend the blooming period.  Division can be done in spring, but will be slow to reestablish.

Featured Plant of The Day: 'Klaus Jelitto' Stoke's Aster

Stokesia laevis 'Klaus Jelitto'

syn. Stokesia cyanea 

Omega Skyrocket Stoke's Aster,  Stoke

Type    Perennial
Hardy range    5A to 9A
Height    12" to 18" / 30cm to 45cm
Spread    16" to 18" / 40cm to 45cm
Growth rate    Average
Form    Rounded
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence    Evergreen

Bloom Color    Lavender
Bloom Time    Summer and Fall

The flowers are suitable for cut flowers and suitable for dried flowers.

Environment
This plant will grow in dry to moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

Leaf Color    Green

 Landscape Uses
-    Container plantings
-    Border

Attributes and Features
-    Attracts butterflies

Culture Notes
The leaves of this plant are evergreen in warmer climates.  This plant can tolerate dry conditions and partial sun, but it prefers full sun and a well-drained sandy soil.  Mulch this plant in colder areas during the winter months.  In the spring, remove dead foliage only. Deadhead spent flowers after blooming, and fall cut back to basal foliage.  Propagate by seeds, root cuttings, and division in spring.  The lavender, daisy-like blossoms of 'Klaus Jelitto' are somewhat larger than the species.

Featured Plant of The Day: Pink Turtlehead

Chelone lyonii
    Pink Turtlehead

Type    Perennial
Hardy range    3A to 8A
Height    24" to 30" / 60cm to 75cm
Spread    24" to 36" / 60cm to 90cm
Growth rate    Average
Form    Upright or erect
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence    Deciduous

Bloom Color    Pink
Bloom Time    Summer and Fall

The flowers are suitable for cut flowers.

Environment
This plant will grow in moist to wet soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

Leaf Color    Green

Native Habitat
Southern United States.

 Landscape Uses
-    Border
-    Foundation planting
-    Massing
-    Specimen

 Attributes and Features
-    Wetlands plant
-    Attracts birds
-    Attracts butterflies
-    Sensitive to humidity

Culture Notes
This plant prefers wet sites, but will adapt to the average garden.  It looks great when planted alongside a pond's edge.  Prune in the summer to reduce height, if desired.  Deadhead after blooming, and spring cut to basal foliage.  Division can be done in the spring.  Cuttings can be taken in the summer.  Seeds can be gathered after flowers are spent in late summer or early fall. This plant had a poor performance during the '98 season, resulting in sporadic and weak blooms.  Plants are hosts for butterfly larvae.

Featured Plant of The Day: 'Blue Knoll' Blue Mist Spirea

Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Blue Knoll' 

Blue Mist Spirea,  Bluebeard

Type    Shrub, woody plant
Hardy range    6A to 9B
Height    24" to 36" / 60cm to 90cm
Spread    24" to 36" / 60cm to 90cm
Growth rate    Average
Form    Rounded
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence    Deciduous

Bloom Color    Blue
Bloom Time    Summer and Fall

The flowers are showy.

Environment
This plant tolerates some drought.
This plant will grow in dry soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to slightly alkaline (less than 6.8 to 7.7) soil.

Leaf Color    Green and silvery
Fall Color    No change in fall color

Landscape Uses
-    Container plantings
-    Alpine garden
-    Rock garden
-    Border
-    Massing
-    Groundcover

Culture Notes
Caryopteris is grown for its attractive, fragrant foliage and flowers.  Blooms appear on current year's growth and appear from late summer through early autumn.  Place in full sun for best flowering. Plant dies back and can be treated as a perennial.  Plants attract an assortment of pollinators.  The bumblebee seems to prefer the blossom.   Plants also serve as butterfly nectar sources.  Prune away flower heads after they are spent to avoid seeding.  This will also help in the vigor of the shrub.  Avoid planting in heavy wet soils. This plant is considered mostly allergy free and causes little or no allergy problems in most people.

Time To Fall Into Autumn With Mums

Dendranthema x grandiflorum 'Minnautumn' 

syn. Chrysanthemum hortorum; 

Chrysanthemum x morifolium; Dendranthema x koreanum

Type Perennial

Hardy range 5A to 10A
Height 18" to 4' / 45cm to 1.20m
Growth rate Average
Form Rounded
Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Bloom Color Orange
Bloom Time Summer and Fall
The flowers are fragrant, showy and suitable for cut flowers.

Environment This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Green
This plant has attractive foliage and fragrant foliage.

Culture Notes Some cultivars need pinching to produce good bloom or staking to maintain form, so check with you local nursery for the specific care of your plant. These plants are tolerant of heat and humidity. Leaving the foliage on the plant helps the plant to winter over. Division can be made early spring. Cuttings can be taken early to mid summer.
This plant has attractive foliage and fragrant foliage.

Dendranthema x grandiflorum syn. Chrysanthemum hortorum; Chrysanthemum x morifolium; Dendranthema x koreanum

Type Perennial

Hardy range 5A to 10A

Height 12" to 4' / 30cm to 1.20m

Spread 24" to 36" / 60cm to 90cm

Growth rate Average

Form Rounded

Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Persistence Deciduous

Bloom Color Orange, pink, purple, red, white and yellow

Bloom Time Summer and Fall

The flowers are fragrant, showy, suitable for cut flowers and suitable for dried flowers.

Environment This plant tolerates some salt.
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Green
This plant has attractive foliage and fragrant foliage.

Culture Notes Some cultivars need pinching to produce nice blooms or staking to maintain form, so check with your local nursery for the specific care of your plant. These plants are tolerant of heat and humidity. Leaving the foliage on the plant helps the plant to winter over. Division can be made in early spring. Cuttings can be taken early to mid summer.

Please feel free to comment on any post at any time. All feedback is welcome and we’d love to receive all of your thoughts.

Thank You

'Boisbriand' Eastern Arborvitae: Featured Plant of The Day

Thuja occidentalis 'Boisbriand'

Eastern Arborvitae,  American Arborvitae,  Siberian Arborvitae,  

Northern White Cedar,  White Cedar

Type    Tree, woody plant
Hardy range    3A to 7B
Height    10' to 16' / 3.00m to 4.80m
Spread    5' to 10' / 1.60m to 3.00m
Growth rate    Slow
Form    Columnar and oval
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence    Evergreen

Bloom Color    Yellow
Bloom Time    Spring

Environment
This plant tolerates some drought, flooding and a little salt.
This plant will grow in dry to wet or submerged soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to alkaline (less than 6.8 to more than 7.7) soil.

Leaf Color    Green
Fall Color    No change in fall color

Landscape Uses
-    Screen
-    Specimen

Attributes and Features
-    Wetlands plant
-    Attracts birds
-    Inconspicuous blooms
-    Persistent fruit
-    Inconspicuous fruit

Culture Notes
Transplanting is moderately easy if plants are root-pruned and either balled and burlapped or potted.  White-Cedar likes high humidity and tolerates wet soils and some drought, but not salt exposure of any kind.  Many of the natural stands in the United States have been cut.  Some remain in isolated areas along rivers throughout the East.

Foliage reportedly remains greener than others in winter.

Maintain adequate mulch area

Be sure to clear all turf away from beneath the branches and mulch to the drip line (the edge of the branches), especially on young trees, to reduce competition with turf and weeds.  This will allow roots to become well established and keep plants healthier.  Locate the tree properly, taking into account the ultimate size, since the tree looks best if it is not pruned to control size.  The tree can enhance any landscape with its delightful spring flush of foliage.  It can be the centerpiece of your landscape if properly located.