Ober Land garden
ONE of the new plants for 2018 ‘Morello’ Agastache (Agastache ‘Morello’) With nonstop blooms from May until October, ‘Morello’ agastache, also called ‘Morello’ hummingbird mint, provides a steady splash of burgundy-rose to garden beds. The tall, densely packed flower spikes are rich in nectar and act as magnets for bees, hummingbirds and other pollinators. Plant in soil rich in organic matter and with good drainage — essential if overwintering plants in beds. Pair with bee balm (Monarda spp.), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea, zones 3 to 9) and salvias to create a pollinator garden. Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 26.1 degrees Celsius (zones 5 to 10) Water requirement: Moderate Light requirement: Full sun Mature size: 27 inches tall and 22 inches wide
ONE of the new plants for 2018 ‘Midnight Masquerade’ Penstemon (Penstemon hybrid) With eggplant-purple leaves and lavender bell-shaped flowers with white interiors, the colors of ‘Midnight Masquerade’ penstemon, also known as ‘Midnight Masquerade’ beardtongue, make a head-turning combination. Plant in full sun in garden beds or in large mixed container plantings as a dramatic “thriller.” The bell-shaped flowers open from the base to the tip of the upright flower stalks from mid-spring to midsummer. The plant’s flowers attract hummingbirds. Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 35 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 37.2 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 8)
Golden Jackpot Weigela (Weigela florida ‘MonRigney’) The flashy pairing of magenta flowers and brilliant golden leaves sets Golden Jackpot apart from other weigela. Add to cottage-style and traditional gardens, where the vivid combination will stand out in border plantings or when placed on either side of a gate. Even in full sun and in the heat of summer, the leaves hold their brilliant color without fading. The bell-shaped flowers bloom in mid-spring, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 31.7 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 9) Water requirement: Moderate; water regularly in extreme heat Light requirement: Partial to full sun Mature size: 4 to 6 feet tall and wide Note: Plants listed in the story are all new to garden centers in 2018 and may need to be special-ordered through a nursery.
Candy Apple Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘SMHPMWMH’) Add freshness to garden beds with airy, pale-green blooms that age to a snowy white by midsummer. Unlike pale-green flowering look-alike ‘Limelight’ panicled hydrangeas, the flowers of Candy Apple are held up on sturdier stems that don’t flop over. Flowers can be cut for long-lasting bouquets. Grow as part of a mixed border, in woodland settings, along a fence, as a foundation plant or in containers as a patio accent. Zone 5 partial shade to full sun moderate to high evenly moist soil
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