Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Plant Of The Year

The 2012 plant of the year is Jack Frost Brunnera.  It has been marketed since the year 2000 so it has had plenty of time to prove itself.



Brunnera Jack Frost in my summer garden

It is not inexpensive and unless you order it online it most likely will be in the double digits, worth the price because it looks fantastic for at least three seasons.

Three others received honorable mention this year including my favorite grass, Panicum Northwind, which I would call a four season grass.

Panicum Northwind

Panicum Northwind in its winter color in the alley garden

Heuchera Carmel also received honorable mention and I also have this one in my garden.

Heuchera Carmel is a tight leaved variety and looks good all summer and fall.

Heuchera Carmel is hardly a vision of itself in the winter, not sure I would have given this one an honorable mention.  However, I am judging them on looking good in all seasons maybe not the criteria for the Perennial Plant Association.

 Heuchera Peach Flambe certainly looks great at the end of December!

Heuchera Autumn Leaves

Heuchera Pistache

Heuchera Southern Comfort (shadier area)

Heuchera Southern Comfort (sun)

Southern Comfort is one of my favorites because of its coloration throughout the winter even in the snow.  Snow, what is that, we really haven't had any yet, hard to believe with the new year approaching.

The last honorable mention for plant of the year was Chelone lyognii Hot Lips.  I do not have this one but would certainly consider it for my shadier moist area.

Chelone Hot Lips

As you can see I do not totally agree with the heuchera choice, but that's okay I'll just keep trying the new ones that come out each year, if I can find a space for them!

13 comments:

  1. Hi Eileen, The brunnera and heuchera are lovely. I would like to get a brunnera next year, as well as add to my heucheras. Happy New Year, Eileen!
    Blessings, Beth

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  2. The only one I have is the Heuchera Carmel. I only planted it last summer so it has not had time to prove itself in my garden.

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  3. I'm definitely going to give the brunnera a try this year (your photo is just gorgeous, btw). And I, too, love heuchera 'Southern Comfort' - mine has done really well in my garden for a few years now and reliably returns each spring. Happy New Year!

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  4. Hi Beth,

    This brunnera was a surprise with how vivid it was in its colorations.

    Eileen

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  5. Hi Zoey,

    The Carmel looks great all summer and into the fall. It gets pretty ratty looking after the first frost.

    Eileen

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  6. Hi Rebecca,

    The Jack Frost is very striking, have Angel Wings also and it is much more muted. I am waiting until spring to see this one bloom, hopefully the flowers will be more striking.

    Eileen

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  7. I have yet to try the Brunnera. Every spring I swear I'm going to get one...but can never find a spot where I think it would work (and not get smothered by neighbors later in the season!). I love those leaves...they are so amazing. I heartily agree about 'Northwind', one of the finest grasses around...I hope it will start to get used more and more...we could certainly use more variety around here. I just planted a few this summer, but am already quite smitten with them...their form is so very striking...even now!

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  8. I do not have any Chelone plants either. I love looking at them in others gardens. I love Jack Frost Brunnera too Eileen. I have planted some seeds from mine and kept them going and shared them with my daughter. Heucheras are so wonderful for color in the shade beds. So many colors anymore that you can find one to suit your garden. I definitely need more grasses around in the garden.
    Happy and Blessed New Year to you.

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  9. Hi Scott,

    I have the same problem with other plants covering up surrounding plants. I have actually taken to pruning certain plants so they can peek through and survive.

    Eileen

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  10. Happy New Year to you Lona,

    I am looking at my new catalogs and it is just oveerwheling what is offered. I must restrain myself and make a list because I just do not have the space for everything I would want.

    Eileen

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  11. Thank you for posting your pictures of Jack Frost Brunnera, Eileen. I happened upon this one in late summer 2011 and planted 3 "infant" roots.

    Brunnera has begun life in my garden very healthy indeed. After seeing your post, I'm looking forward to enjoying them in bloom!

    Happy new year!

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  12. Eileen girl your blog looks very perky ! All set for the New Year !
    I want to do a post like this too .. with some favourite annuals and perennials .. it seems forever since I did a true garden post and that need is beginning to break through : )
    Happy New Year when it comes girl !
    Joy

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  13. I'm not surprised at the Brunnera as I grow it and know how good it performs but surprised by the type of Heuchera - that's such a weak growing variety in my garden. I'm also surprised by the Chelone.........hopefully that variety is better behaved. I made sure I never bought any Chelone for this garden as in my previous garden it was far too happy and started to take over.

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