The Asiatic Hybrid Lily La Toya, \’Lillium\’, a spring planted bulb, produces purple flowers. Asiatic Lilies are great for borders, beds, and containers. They prefer well drained soil, and they will multiply each year. Allow the leaves on the stalk to turn yellow and fall off to provide the bulb with ample nourishment for the next growing year. Asiatic Hybrids are the first lilies to bloom each season and the blooms are long lasting in the garden and in bouquets.
The Persian Lilac, Syringa x persica, is a spreading, graceful shrub with arching branches, reaching 4 to 8 feet in height, 5 to 10 feet spread. This deciduous shrub has dark green foliage.The pale lilac flowers are fragrant, late spring blooming, abundantly produced on 2 to 3 inch long panicles. A reasonably compact lilac for the smaller garden, and shrub border. Introduced 1614.
The Hibiscus \’Dream Catcher\’, stands 4\’ in height and bears a 12\” flower that is extremely unique from all other Hibiscus on the market today. Its pale pink, quilted flowers remind one of a soft pillow and is aptley named. \’Dream Catcher\’ also has maple-cut leaves with purple shades throughout the growning season. It is best to plant this Hibiscus in a full sun area and it will tolerate most soil types. \’Dream Catcher\’ looks wonderful with grasses or as a background plant.
The Freesia Mixed Single Bloom, \’Iridaceae\’, a spring planted corm, displays wonderfully fragrant mixed colored flowers. Freesias are best known as cut flowers, and folks bring them indoors for their breathtaking fragrance. Pinch out the topmost buds and remove old flowerheads to encourage new ones to open. Freesia requires high light intensity and rich soil. Keep them out of extreme heat as they prefer cooler temperatures to perform their best. They are useful for borders and beds and of course, cut flowers.
The Calla Neon Armor, \’Zantedeschia\’, has green broadly shaped foliage with hot pink to bright red flowers that are 1-2\” wide. The unique flowers are wavy, unlike other Calla\’s. It will bloom for 10-11 weeks and should be planted in full sun in a well-drained area. It has a plant height of 13-19\” and a plant spread of 12-16\”. Being somewhat deer resistant, it is suitable for container growing, as cut flowers and in perennial gardens. `Neon Armor\’ is perfect for one who is looking for a bright splash of color in any shady spot.
The Heliotropium Nagano, \’Heliotropium arborescens\’, a Proven Selections plant, produces fragrant deep purple flowers. They are quick to bloom and have a very compact habit. Plant the Nagano in full sun or light shade in fertile and well drained soil. This plant is a great choice for mixed planters with its rich foliage and purple flower clusters. The Heliotropium plant is often called Heliotrope and is great for attracting Butterflies.For zones 9-11, this plant can also be a perennial.
The Canna Futurity Red, \’Canna\’, also known as a novelty Canna or Bengal Tiger, has large bright crimson red flowers and orange centers with deep green foliage. `Fututiry Red\’ is a prolific grower and short in size. It has a plant height of 3-4\’ and a plant spread of 24-36\”. It will bloom from July to October. `Futurity Red\’ should be planted in full sun and in a well drained area. Cannas are an excellent choice for patio plants and they add color, height, and texture to any perennial border. For a tropical look in your garden, don\’t forget Canna\’s.
