Summersweet in all its native glory!

Clethra alnifolia, or Summersweet, as it is commonly referred to, thrives in wet soil and as a result, does extremely well along river banks and lakes or ponds. Pictured here is a bank of Clethra in full bloom taken from my kayak in Mansfield Hollow State Park. It's sweetly scented white flower spikes cover the plant in July to August. These native shrubs provide a wonderful nectar source for butterflies and bees. The dense and spreading form of Clethra, in addition to being visually appealing, provides great shelter for many birds. Tolerance of shade as well as a bright yellow Fall foliage show complete the package of a wonderful and hardy native plant.

Hardy Hibiscus...Hooray!!

Hibiscus moscheutos 'Chablis' is pictured here. Also known as perennial Hibiscus or hardy Hibiscus, not to be confused with tropical Hibiscus, this plant is a real winner! It thrives in full sun and fertile, but well-drained garden soil.

Hibiscus have some of the most amazing and huge flower heads out there in the perennial garden. Disc-shaped and generally 5-petaled with oftentimes a second layer of petals, Hibiscus blooms attract the attention of many a bee or butterfly passing by, as well as curious customers!

Chablis is a bright white with a hint of pink in the center and about 10-12" across. The plant itself is very full and compact, achieving 36" in height and about 24" in width. Most definitely, Hibiscus is a very impressive center showpiece or backdrop for any sunny perennial garden. It is hard to believe they reach this size in one growing season, if cut back in Fall!

Hibiscus come in a multitude of colors and varieties with different foliage, some dark red or 'black' and some green, some palmate and some more rounded in nature. We sold out of Hibiscus but have since re-stocked! Fresh plants arrived this afternoon and are looking amazing!!

Wow! Now That's a Big Daddy...Hydrangea!

We've got some amazing looking Hydrangea here in our nursery yard. Looking particularly healthy are our 'Big Daddy' Hydrangea, or Hydrangea macrophylla 'Big Daddy'.

'Big Daddy' has most likely gotten its name from the colossal flower heads which are a magnificent clear blue color. Often the size of a human head, 'Big Daddy' is a big leaf, or macrophylla-type hydrangea which blooms on sturdy stems from early summer through Fall. The leaves are thick and glossy and disease-free. The flower heads themselves are great for cutting and using in fresh or dried arrangements.

As is the case with most hydrangea, a part sun exposure is ideal as well as an acidic, well-drained soil. Feed in Spring with an Aluminum Sulfate or similar plant food to encourage blooms.