Each winter brings anticipation for spring. Our yards and gardens are a place we go to escape, relax, and get inspired. One way we help you bring the beauty of nature closer to home is by offering a large selection of quality plants. Here are a few new for ’22 varieties our department managers have selected for you. From houseplants to a large shade tree and everything in between, we’re happy to get you growing this season.
For Colorful Attraction
We look for unusual annuals and perennials that you are not going to find everywhere. We find hardy, new varieties and will add new color choices to tried and true favorites. Many of the selections are grown in our production greenhouses at our Aurora location.
‘Bodacious® Hummingbird Falls’ Salvia
Salvia x guaranitica
This is the first trailing variety of its kind, producing cascades of blue flowers that emerge on black calyces and stems. Plant in full sun to part shade with average, well drained soil. Butterflies are attracted to the blue blooms. Plant in hanging baskets for a natural hummingbird feeder. Deadhead to encourage continual blooms til frost in fall. Grows 18” – 24” H by 18” – 36” W with a trailing habit.
Kalanchoe ‘Chocolate Soldier’
Kalanchoe tomentosa
The felted pale green leaves are oblong, margined in reddish brown. The ‘fur’ is actually soft, fine hair covering the succulent. The leaves store water, making them low maintenance, perfect houseplants. Kalanchoe mix well with other succulents in containers, offering a different texture, color, and look. Plant in full sun to part shade with dry, well drained soil. Grows 12″-18″H by 6″-12″W in an upright form.
Daylily ‘Lavender Blue Baby’
Hemerocallis
Large, recurved, purple flowers have a stunning lavender blue eye. The 5” fragrant blooms begin to show in mid summer and intermittently rebloom. Plant this perennial in full sun to part shade with average soil. Grows 24” – 30” H by 18” – 24” W. Resistant to rabbits, Daylilies can be cut to make beautiful arrangements. This Diploid Daylily will charm in all types of landscapes.
For Privacy and Shade
The Growing Place obtains hardy and healthy trees and shrubs from Northern nurseries with a climate similar to ours. We continually search for new varieties that are proven to perform well in our area. Listening to customer needs and feedback, we strive to find trees and shrubs that will perform well and make a long-lasting impact in your landscape.
Shagbark Hickory
Carya ovata
Known for its rugged grey bark, the native Hickory is an Heirloom tree first introduced in 1629. Plant in full sun in a park-like area where its size can provide shade in summer for many years to come. Foliage is deep yellow-green that changes to rich yellow and brown tones in fall. Hickory nuts are edible and sweet. Grows 70’ – 80’ H by 40’ – 50’ W, preferring rich, well-drained soil, but adaptable to its surroundings.
Junior Giant Western Arborvitae
Thuja plicata ‘Junior Giant’
The perfect plant for smaller spaces. Plant this smaller version of Green Giant in groups to form a hedge, screen, or barrier. The size requires less trimming making for easy maintenance. Plant in average soil where the arborvitae will receive full sun to part shade. Grows 15’ – 20’ H by 8’ – 10’ W in an upright form providing year round interest for your privacy and view. Many songbirds find nourishment and cover in the branches of deer-resistant evergreen ‘Junior Giant’ arborvitae.
Homefree Nannyberry Viburnum
Viburnum lentago ‘Homefree’
A versatile, hardy native that thrives in a variety of settings, Viburnum can be planted in full sun or partial shade, wet or dry areas. ‘Homefree’ is an improved selection with large flat-top clusters of white flowers that bloom late spring. Edible blue fruit appears late summer to late winter attracting birds. Foliage turns from green to red in fall. Grows 10’ – 12’ H by 8’ – 10’ W in an upright habit and can be used as an accent plant or for screening and hedges.
We are champions of ‘right plant, right place’. No matter how much love you give a plant, if it’s not in the right spot it’s not going to thrive. We’re here to help! We encourage you to visit, ask questions, and meander through our Learning Gardens.
