Part 2 of 2
I am a big fan of the shrub commonly referred to as “ninebark” because it’s native, hardy and adds color in the garden year round. “Little Joker” is a new ninebark that is a compact variety. It reaches about four feet tall and wide in full sun. This ninebark also had burgundy leaves. It will bloom with small, palepink flowers in early summer, too.
The 2014 Royal Horticulture Society Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year was “Miss Saori mophead hydrangea.” A member of the hydrangea macrophylla family, this hydrangea is now becoming widely available in the U.S. Featuring double bi-color flowers with dark pink margins that blossom in June and continues through fall, the leaves of this hydrangea also age to burgundy in the fall. This hydrangea reaches about 40 inches tall and wide. It will grow in part shade to full sun.
I have always loved the Asian kousa dogwood, Cornus kousa. “Scarlet Fire” is a new kousa dogwood that has deep pink flowers in late spring. This tree is a slow grower, but it can eventually reach a height of 25 feet and a spread of 20 feet. It grows best in full sun to part shade and is heat tolerant. Look for this plant at RareFind Nursery, www.rarefindnursery.com.
Love unusual vegetables in your garden? Look for “Depurple” cauliflower. This Brassica features purple florets. While it’s unusual, it will definitely add a splash of color that cauliflower doesn’t usually bring to the dinner tables. Sprinkle a little vinegar or lemon juice on the purple cauliflower when cooking it to help retain the color.
“Tempest” is a new yellow crookneck summer squash. This yellow crookneck has a firmer texture and more flavor than standard varieties. It can be picked at four to seven inches in length, reaching maturity is 54 to 60 days.
In the tomato department, “Midnight Snack” is a new variety of cherry tomato that has received honors for excellent flavor and early harvest in 65 to 70 days after transplant. This tomato is bright red in color with black-purple overlay.
If you like variegated foliage, the new “Candy Cane Red” sweet pepper has variegated foliage and variegated fruit. Beginning as green and white striped peppers, these will mature to four-inch red peppers if left on the plant. Plants reach about two feet in height and produce fruit in 45 to 65 days.
Whatever you do in 2018, find something new to try growing this year. There are many different types of plants and seeds. Let me know what you try and how it goes!
Questions or comments related to gardening? Contact Joleen at missourigardener@hotmail.com.