The Quaking Aspen tree, Poplus tremuloides, is the most widely distributed tree in North America. It is known by many common names: trembling aspen, golden aspen, mountain aspen. This deciduous tree grows on many soil types, especially sandy and gravelly slopes, and it is quick to pioneer disturbed sites where there is disturbed soil. Quaking Aspen trees are fast growing and very hardy. The Aspen is esthetically appealing with light bark, trembling leaves, and yellow fall color.
The Coleus Rainbow Blend, \’Coleus hybridus\’, is one of the best plants for adding masses of colorful foliage to shady areas. Great in north facing flower beds and around shade trees. It is also an excellent houseplant that will add color on those dreary winter days. The foliage colors are white, bronze, gold, copper, yellow, pink, red, and purple. Insignificant flower spikes appear in late summer. Rainbow Blends are great for pots and planters.
The Pygmy Globe, Thuja occidentalsis, is a globe shaped dwarf arborvitae tree. These Arborvitae trees have bright green foliage. This slow compact growing evergreen tree does not need to be sheared to maintain the globe shape. The Pygmy Globe tree or shrub thrives in full sun or light shade. It has great appeal as a specimen planting or as an accent shrub in a yard or garden area.
The Hibiscus \’Lord Baltimore\’, Hibiscus moscheutos, has beautiful red flowers that are a definate eye-catcher. It has a plant height of 6-8\’ and a spread of 3-4\’. The red flowers are 10\” in diameter.The deep green, lobed leaves make a wonderful contrast. It should not be missed. \’Lady Baltimores\’ prefer moist to wet soil conditions and loves the heat of summer. It is frequently used as a specium and can be used as a border. Plant it in full sun or partial shade.
The Forsythia \’Meadowlark\’. Forsythia x \’Meadowlark\’ is noted for the cold-hardiness of its buds and its blooming ability in exposure to temperatures that are below-zero. Heavier flowering is encouraged if planted in full sun. This fast growing deciduous shrub produces bright yellow flowers. These soft yellow flowers line arching branches in April which creates a 10-foot waterfall of glowing color. A true harbinger of spring!
The Daffodil \’Mount Hood\’, \’Narcissi trumpet\’, a fall planted bulb, is an old-time favorite, introduced in 1937, and it is unsurpassed for its length of bloom. They exhibit enormous flowers, pure as fresh-fallen snow. When the flower opens, it is at first creamy yellow, and as it matures, it turns into pure white. They are highly recommended for your early spring garden. If necessary, very large clumps of bulbs can be lifted as soon as the leaves wither, and then they can be divided and replanted as soon as possible. The plants are deer, rabbit, and squirrel resistant.
The Butterfly Red Penta, \’Penta lanceolata\’ is a unique and very hardy plant that can be grown at any light level. It\’s fairly drought tolerant too! This tall garden plant can be grown in both northern and southern garden beds and patio containers. This annual is also called \’\'Egyptian starflowers\”. The flowers are a red color. This hybrid has very good plant vigor and it produces larger flowers and umbels, withstands stressful conditions, and demonstrates better garden performance than other commercial varieties on the market today.
