Hot New Perennials for 2008

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Pink Double Knock Out Roses are the most recognized landscape rose in America.

Color, Foilage, Hardiness and More for This Season.

People are always asking me "What's new this year?" We're excited to tell you about the new perennials and shrubs that are hardy for our growing zone (Zone 5), that also provide brilliant colors, stunning foliage and are relatively easy to grow. The following shrubs and perennials can enhance your existing gardens or can be the focal point for color in a new garden.

SHRUBS
Lemon Daddy Hydrangea
Even when it's not in bloom, this hydrangea provides the shade to part shade garden with a shocking contrast of glowing lemon-yellow foliage with thick shiny leaves. It is a robust shrub that quickly reaches 4' high and wide making it a lovely and lively accent plant. It has survived the heat and humidity of Midwest summers. Good soil at planting time is a must, but once established, this hydrangea needs little care.We had a few sample plants at the store last year and they were very popular.

Pink Double Knock Out Rose
The Knock Out Roses were a hit last year and they did well in our hot and humid summer. They have received a lot of press because they are so easy to grow. This new Knock Out rose has double, hot-pink flowers and does not require dead-heading to continue blooming. This rose reaches 4'high and wide and is disease resistant and likes moderate to full sun. It's size and ease to grow, makes it a popular plant that's suitable for many garden spaces. We will have a full display of the Knock-Out rose varieties at the store come mid-May.

PERENNIALS
Gaillardia Commotion Frenzy and Tizzy
Newly enhanced these stunning and vibrant Gaillardias are show stoppers. Their full, semi-double flowers have a fluted form which gives the plants a nice rounded habit. There are more red and burgundy tones with hints of yellow and by summer's end, orange plays into the red flowers giving the plant an autumn tone. These are vigorous plants that grow 18" high and 24" wide, require full sun and well-drained soil.

Echinacea Pink Double Delight
Are you looking for an Echinacea that's different from all the rest and has enough flower power to perform all summer? 'Pink Double Delight' fits the bill. Pink pom pom like flowers are fragrant and consistently flower on sturdy stems for 3 months. Thrives in the heat and humidity, takes full sun and likes moderately dry soil between waterings. Plants reach 20" high and 12" wide, deadheading is recommended.

Huechera Midnight Rose
This plant has burnished-black leaves that are heavily spotted in hot pink during spring. As the summer heat intensifies, the dark leaves begin to lighten and the spots take on a softer pink and cream color. A vigorous growing plant that retains its shape and provides season long interest to your garden. Grows 15"high and 12" wide, sun to light shade.