Saturday, June 12, 2010

Plants of the Week

NINEBARK DIABLO:

These multi-branched, upright shrubs are fast growers. In spring, Diablo ninebark bears white or pinkish-white flowers that grow in clusters. The purplish foliage of Diablo ninebark plants (with a touch of red here and there) earn them the nickname, "purple ninebarks" or purple-leafed ninebarks." An increase in red color and a hint of bronze added to the purple in the leaves make them even more attractive in fall. Mature branches exhibit exfoliating bark, giving Diablo ninebark plants winter interest.

Diablo Ninebark

Besides it's aesthetic value in the landscape, Diablo is also loved for it's versatility. While it will flower best in full sun, it also thrives in partial shade.  Additionally this extremely hard plant, Diablo prefers a well drained soil, but can also be used as a wetland species -- while conversely...tolerating some drought!!

Ninebark Diablo grows 8-10' tall with a similar spread.  It makes an excellent specimen plant or privacy hedge.  Many prefer a natural 'overgrown' look, but Diablo can be pruned after blooming to make it more compact or shaped.

TWICE AS NICE DAYLILIES:

Traditionally in the midwest, perennials add background and greenery to the garden and the most powerful color punch comes from annuals.  Re-blooming daylilies offer summer-long bright and colorful blooms from a perennial plant.

Daylilies

The award-winning Plants that Work® "Twice as Nice" Daylily Collection represents some of the best hybridization and breeding the Daylily world has to offer. As America's most loved perennial, these selections offer a broad range of color, form and bloom time, with heights suitable for most any garden. And in most zones and under normal conditions, attentive gardening practices result in repeat blooms! "Twice as Nice" Daylily Collection continues to be a favorite choice of the home gardener including favorites like "Going Bananas", "Bright Sunser", and "Siloam Double Classic"