The Western Garden Collection from Sunset Magazine features 25 striking new plant varieties for discerning gardeners and collectors. Here is part one of our showcase introducing five of these wonderful new plants.
Part 1
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Silver Shadow Compact Astelia
Astelia chathamica x nervosa ‘Silver Shadow’
This striking, clump forming perennial is a great way to add height to containers with its bold strappy metallic silver foliage. Also makes a nice compliment to succulent plantings. Contrasts well with darker leaved Phormium and Loropetalum.
Features good heat tolerance, enjoys being planted in seaside conditions and is fairly disease and pest resistant. Fairly drought tolerant and prefers a well drained soil. . Best grown in part to full sun in B.C. Can be used or over wintered as an indoor plant in bright indirect light. Hardy in USDA zones 7-11. Grows 2-3 ft in height and 3-4 feet wide.
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‘Amistad’ Salvia
Salvia ‘Amistad’
This easy care, long blooming Salvia is striking in the garden, in beds or containers. Dark purple flowers and a nearly black calyx bloom constantly from early spring until frost without pruning.
Amistad is more compact and has a fuller habit than other guarantica types. Flowers are amagnet for butterflies and hummingbirds. Will need winter protection as it is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. Cut back in early spring to maintain shape. Best grown in full to part sun in well drained garden soil. Grows 3-4ft high and 3ft wide.
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Diamond Heights Ceanothus
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var griseus ‘Diamond Heights’
This variety of west coast native plants are prized for their summer drought tolerance and ability to cover a slope with zero maintenance. Diamond Heights combines these qualities with brilliant golden yellow and bright green foliage for year round interest. Pale blue flowers appear in summer.
A great plant for borders. Beds, containers and slopes. Fabulous when combined with dark leaved Phormiums and Carex varieties. Deer resistant and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Best grown in full to part sun, in well drained soils, and will need winter protection in our climate. This low growing plant will reach 12 inches in height and 4-5 feet wide. Hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
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‘Blue Riding Hood’ Penstemon
Penstemon barbatus ‘Blue Ridinghood’
Masses of bright flowers on mid-sized sturdy plants set riding hood penstemons apart. These easy care perennials will fill your border, rock garden or containers with colour from summer through fall. Penstemon attract butterflies and hummingbirds too! Also makes a nice cut flower.
‘Blue Ridinghood’ has good cold and heat tolerance. Hardy to USDA zone 5. Once established, water occasionally as needed. Water wise. Best grown in full sun in well drained soils. Will reach 18 inches in height and 1-2ft wide. Remove spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering.
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Hot Pink Riding Hood Penstemon
Penstemon barbatus ‘Hot Pink Riding Hood’
Masses of bright pink flowers on mid-sized sturdy plants make Hot Pink Riding Hood a popular plant. This easy care perennial will fill your border, rock garden or containers with colour from summer through fall. Penstemon also attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden.
Nice cut flower too! Hardy to USDA zone 5. Best grown in full sun in well drained soils. Will reach 18 inches in height and 2-4ft wide. Remove spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering.
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These varieties are available now at Arts Nursery. Quantities may be limited so call ahead to confirm availability. More new plants from the Sunset collection are coming soon - so drop by or read additional parts of the series when its available. Follow this link for more information about the Sunset Western Garden Collection