Weigelas take center stage

Just when the spring bloomers are starting to wane, another beautiful plant takes center stage – Weigelas.

These early summer bloomers have beautiful pink or red tubular blooms.  Many new varieties have recently come on the market. These new varieties come in multiple sizes and have various leaf colors including green, burgundy, and yellow.  Weigelas grow best in full or part sun.

Here are a few varieties that we carry here at Natural Plus:

• Dark Horse- grows 3’, pink blooms, burgundy/bronze leaves

• Golden Jackpot – grows 4-6’, pink blooms, yellow leaves

• Minuet- grows 2-3’, pink blooms , green leaves with purple casts

• Pink Sonic Bloom – grows 4-5’, green leaves, bright pink blooms

• Rainbow Sensation- grows 4’, pink blooms, variegated leaves

• Red Prince – grow 5-6’, bright red blooms, deep green leaves

• Rumba – grow 3’, dark red flowers with a yellow throat, bronze-purple tinged leaves 

• Spilled Wine – 1-2’ tall, 2-3’ wide, magenta blooms, red wavy leaves

• Wine and Roses -  grow 4-5’, burgundy/bronze leaves, rosy pink blooms

Things You Might Not Know About the Renaissance Spirea

Things you might not know about the Renaissance Spirea

Blooming now – Renaissance Spirea (commonly known as Bridal Wreath Spirea)

These graceful spireas got their common name as they were the flower of choice for June brides a couple generations ago. At that time, other flower choices were limited or none - so this graceful plant became the bouquet of those June brides.

 Although not often a choice for brides now, we still enjoy these plants and their graceful cascading white blooms. They look especially beautiful – making a historical statement -when planted around Victorian type homes.

Photo from monrovia.com

Renaissance spireas typically grow 6-7’ tall and wide. Allow plenty of space for them to spread out. They prefer full or part sun but will even grow in nearly full shade.

If you do not have enough space for one of these beauties, smaller varieties have been developed and are now available. These newer “cousins” include:

·      Snowmound – a similar plant and bloom but grows 3-5’ tall

·      Birchleaf Spirea- these have a similar bloom, but leaves are blue green and resemble eucalyptus leaves – grow 2-3’

What You Need to Know About Rhododendrons

If you notice a bush blooming now with bright lavender-purple blooms it is most likely a rhododendron. Even though blooms only last 1-2 weeks, these early spring bloomers add a touch of spring delight as we wait for the other spring bloomers to emerge.

Two varieties of rhododendron do well here in North Iowa. They are PJM and Ramapo.  PJM’s grow 3-5 feet tall, Ramapo’s  grow 2-3’.

 Another characteristic of rhododendrons is that they have “broad” leaves that do not drop in the fall. Leaves hold on and turn a mahogany brown/green during winter.

The ideal location for rhododendrons is on an east or north side of a building where it is more shaded from bright afternoon winter sun that can winter burn the broad leaves. However, this year we have noticed rhododendrons thriving on the south and west sides, and even in the middle of yards where there is no protection.

Care for rhododendrons is relatively easy. Water twice a week the first season. After the first season, water once a week if rain is inadequate. Fertilize with “Miracid” fertilizer 2 or 3 times in early and mid-summer. Trim or shape bushes early summer after blooming. (Blooms set on plants in the late summer and fall – so late trimming will simply trim off next spring’s blooms.) 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HYDRANGEAS

HYDRANGEAS

Hydrangeas bloom in July and August and many varieties will continue to give beauty clear in to fall. There are many hydrangeas to choose from and they are easy to grow.  Here are some of our favorites.

Tree Hydrangeas :  Tree hydrangeas offer a small tree for those spots where you need something smaller in size. Most grow 8-12 feet tall and 6-12 feet wide. Some common varieties include Limelight (mint green blooms), Pee Gee (white/pink), and Strawberry Sundae (white/pink). Most require part to full sun.

An annabelle hydrangea bloom

Bush Hydrangeas:

·      Annabelles – Annabelles are a favorite because they grow in sun or shade. They have prolific large round white blooms and are easy to grow.  They grow 4-5’ tall. (SEE ABOVE PHOTO)

An endless summer hydrangea bloom

·      Endless Summer Varieties: These hydrangeas have beautiful large powder blue blooms. Most varieties grow 3-4 feet. They prefer part shade. Fertilize with a miracid fertilizer to keep blooms blue. If you forget to fertilize they will still bloom but blooms will be pink in color instead of blue.

Hydrangea bloom

·      Other bush hydrangeas: There are many varieties to choose from. Some include PeeGee, Strawberry Sundae, Angels Blush, and Quick Fire. These hydrangeas grow from app. 5-8 feet tall and bloom with large blooms that usually open white and fade to light pink or deep pink/red as they mature. Most prefer full sun. Blooms can be dried for fall arrangements.

·      Dwarf Hydrangeas: Many of the older larger varieties of hydrangea now come in dwarf sizes of 3-5 feet. Some varieties include Baby Lace, Bar Harbor, Bobo, and Hamptons. If you are short on space or need a smaller plant these are a good choice. Most prefer full or part sun.

Hydrangeas can add dramatic beautiful color to your landscaping. After planting they are low maintenance. Trim in the spring to shape them and trim in the fall to remove spent blooms. Be sure to choose the right size and variety for your spot. At Natural Plus we can advise you which varieties will work best for your spot or get started HERE.

Enjoy your summer garden