Choices

Each year at this time we are overwhelmed with all of the new plant introductions and some older introductions that we haven't tried yet.

Emailing back and forth with a friend I realized we were planning our gardens for the upcoming seasons.  We both wanted year round color so many of the plants we bandied back and forth will put on a show in the garden all year.

Hydrangea White Dome

This is a variety that was recommended by the Proven Winners Choice representative at the Mid-Am Show.  It grows on very strong stems, will not flatten out in storms and dries beautifully for winter interest.  It is related to Annabelle but has none of its floppiness.

Hydrangea Pinky Winky

Grows in full sun to part shade, flowers over a long time period

Hydrangea Let's Dance (Starlight)

Small hydrangea, two to three feet, blooms on old and new wood.  I was informed that if your do not prune it down in the fall or spring it will go through two bloom cycles.  However, in a very cold winter this may not be a choice because of dieback.

Hydrangea Let's Dance (Moonlight)

The look of the mophead is sometimes preferred as the plant will look fuller.

Hydrangea Little Lime

A smaller version of Limelight with all of the same characteristics, holds its flowerheads all winter

Not all hydrangeas hold their flowerheads well through the fall and winter and some of the oak leaved varieties do not look good in the fall (leaves become mottled).

Hydrangea Bobo

This is a new smaller paniculata whose panicles do not droop.  It will take full to part sun and likes moisture.

Azalea Karen

Beautiful flowers in the spring

Azalea Karen

Great fall color as it is an evergreen variety

Azalea Bollywood

A newer variety, evergreen with variegated leaves

Molinia Moorhexe 

One of the many grasses that can be left standing over the winter months and add great interest

Miscanthus Little Kitten

One of the few miscanthus grasses that will stay standing throughout the winter season

The Panicums are also great for winter interest and there are many to choose from.

Panicum Northwind

There is no better time to plan where you want winter interest than in the winter.  Looking out into my back garden I can see some areas that are a combination of sticks (roses) and bare ground, not much interest there.