This week, Jenny and the experts at My Garden Nursery have 3 hardy plants you may have never heard of!
Number 1 is Fothergilla Blue Mist, which is a wonderful compact 2′ to 3′ showy shrub with lovely bluish-green foliage and spectacular fall color. Spring brings fragrant creamy white bottlebrush flowers. You should plant this next to Cryptomeria Black Dragon, where its dark green unusual foliage and texture will be a grand contrast next to Blue Mist.
Number 2 is Rhododendron ‘Bob’s Blue.’ It’s a great dwarf evergreen rhododendron with a nice compact habit and small leaves that turn bronze to maroon in winter. It’s an early prolific spring bloomer with violet blue flowers that cover the entire plant. Bob’s Blue can tolerate more sun than larger leaved rhododendrons and matures at about 3′ by 3′.
Number 3 is Holmstrup Arborvitae, a compact upright Thuja that grows to about 5′-7′ by 2′-3′ wide in 10 years. If you are looking for a low maintenance hedge that stays short, then this is your plant. It is very hardy and holds its gorgeous green color throughout the year. Eventhough it is not guaranteed, because deer are unpredictable, Holmstrup has shown some resistance compared to other Thujas. Spiraes and hydrangeas would make great companion plants to this North American Native. It prefers full sun to part shade.
The Colorful, Fun, and Informative Garden Center on E. Bakerview Rd. in Bellingham
Check out My Garden Nursery for new fruit trees just in like: Honey Crisp Apples, Rainier Cherries and Frost Peaches! And, don’t miss the Big Berry Bonanza! They’re giving away a $200 gift certificate.
