Nothing piques our interest more than seeing the first plants of the season emerge from dormancy and begin to deliver the much awaited blast of colour after another typically dreary fall and winter.
These six beautiful plants were the first ones that caught our eye as we toured the nursery building up our very lengthly spring cleaning to-do list. Enjoy the colour and consider adding these delights to your pots or containers.
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Donard Gold Golden Monterey Cypress
Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Donard Gold’
This conifer is a bright, eye-catching star for the garden with distinctive, two-tone yellow foliage. Chartreuse new growth surrounds radiant, lemon yellow inner foliage. Both stand out against reddish, cinnamon brown bark. Upright branches produce narrow form. Best when planted in full sun in moist, but well drained soils. Will reach 25ft tall at maturity. Can be a little tender in the Pacific Northwest. Protect or shelter in the winter for best results
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Rubinetta Japanese Skimmia
Skimmia japonica ‘Rubinetta’
A compact evergreen flowering shrub with a low spreading habit. The leaves and petioles are flushed red in the winter. Predominantly grown for its bronze red buds that open to fragrant white flowers in late winter and early spring. Will grow 2-3ft in height and spread. Best when planted in part sun but will tolerate more sun if soil is kept a little moist. Well drained soils are best. Hardy to zone 7.
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HGC Jacob Christmas Rose
Helleborus niger ‘HGC Jacob’
This lightly fragrant, evergreen perennial features single white flowers that age to light green or blush pink in the cool weather. Glossy dark green leaves and burgundy stems add further interest. Blooms very early (Nov-Jan); can also be enjoyed indoors for the holidays and then brought out for planting. Relatively trouble free and long lived. Deer resistant. An excellent plant for shady borders, woodland gardens and naturalized settings. Jacob is best when planted in full to part shade in a cool area. Prefers moist, but well drained locations, but do not allow it to sit in stagnant water. Will grow to 1ft in height and similar spread.
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Jelena Witchhazel
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena’
One of our favourite small trees. ‘Jelena’ Witchhazel is a vase shaped deciduous small tree that produces rich, coppery-orange flowers resembling wavy, crinkled paper. Blooms on bare branches in late winter through early spring. Adds blazing colour to the winter landscape. Plant near entry ways ad patios. Best when planted in the full sun. Will reach 15-20ft tall and 10-15ft wide. Hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
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Lunar Glow Variegated Bergenia
Bergenia ‘Lunar Glow’
‘Lunar Glow’ is a new twist on a classic garden perennial. Bold, shiny new leaves are a showy gold in spring. Leaf colour goes to light green in summer to red in winter. Bright pink flowers are carried aloft.
An excellent plant for winter containers or seaside gardens. Nice when used in mixed beds and borders. Prefers sun to part shade and moist, but well drained soils. Will grow 8 inches in height and 12 inches in spread. |
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Whitewater Variegated Bears Breeches
Acanthus ‘Whitewater’
This vigorous, variegated Acanthus has striking bold leaves with deeply cut white margins and splashing. It forms a large clump with 4ft tall showy flower stalks with white and pink cream flowers in summer. Prefers part shade to shade and moist, but well drained soils. Will grow 2-3 ft in height and similar spread. Excellent in the garden and containers. Hardy in USDA zones 7-10, so may need some winter protection if colder than average season is predicted.
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These plants and many others like them are usually available year round at Art's Nursery. If you are making a special trip, please call ahead (604.882.1201) to confirm availability.