If you are anything like me then you are probably feeling sick and tired of this cold, wet weather. I hate to say it, but I have had zero motivation to get out in the yard and do all the things that need doing. The only real solution is to distract myself with seed and plant catalogs and dream about all the new exciting introductions that I will simply have to find a home for once it warms up and dries out. Join me in exploring some of the following goodies that I will be looking for this month and beyond.
Japanese maples: With literally hundreds of varieties to choose from one can only wonder if we really need more, but of course the only answer is… absolutely! Here are two from Iseli Nursery’s ‘Pacific Rim’ collection in Boring, Oregon…
Acer x pal ‘Wabi Sabi’: With a spectacular weeping habit and character, this variety grows best in full and good drainage. Mature size is about 7’ tall and 10’ wide in the garden. Foliage is bright green in spring turning incredible shades of red/yellow/orange in fall. Showy red seeds point up to add interest and white color to bark adds interest as well.
Acer x pal ‘Origami’: This variety is perfect for small gardens and container growing. Best in full sun or part shade with good drainage, maturing at about 8’ tall and wide with a bushy upright habit. Lime green colored foliage in spring is followed by orange/yellow color tones in the fall. Great form and interesting two tone green foliage in summer months is very nice.
Roses: There are always several new rose introductions every year, but this one in particular stands out if you are looking for a completely disease-free variety with bountiful blooms all summer long.
Sultry Night Shrub Rose: Features large flowers in magenta pink, with hints of blue. Each petal has a lighter reverse, adding a mystical shine to this shrub rose and an unforgettable heat to the garden. Sultry Night features a sweet grapefruit fragrance.
Magnolias: March is ‘Magnolia Month’ in my book. Also known as “tulip trees” or “saucer magnolias", these trees make a perfect focal point in the garden, growing to 25 feet tall and as wide. The following variety only gets 10 feet wide so it is a much better fit for the smaller yard.
Magnolia ‘Sunsation’: Sports unique large 7” tulip flowers that are golden yellow flushed with some pink at the base. Has large green foliage all summer long and vibrant yellow fall color. Does best in full sun with good drainage.
Hydrangeas: Ever since the introduction of the repeat blooming ‘Endless Summer’ series, there have been new variations every year. Keep your eyes peeled for this one…
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Pop Star’: Repeat blooming lacecap flowers are showy from late spring until frost, their color being blue/acidic or pink/alkaline. Super tidy and compact habit, perfect for small spaces and container growing in part shade. Cut back if needed in early spring.
Perennials: There is never a shortage of new perennials to choose from and the following are some exciting variations of some of the most tried and true varieties…
Astilbe ‘Dark Side of the Moon’: Foliage emerges yellowish with dark edges and matures to a rich dark chocolate purple. Grows into clumps about 2’ tall and 3’ wide, producing rosy purple flowers starting in early summer. Likes some water and is perfect in sun (with water) or shade.
Hakonechloa macra ‘Lemon Zest’: A Japanese Forest Grass with unique variegation – both ivory white and lemon yellow. Has incredible foliage color to brighten up shady gardens, eventually turning to pinky red in the fall before going dormant. Clumps grow to about 1’ tall and 2’ wide and spreads slowly with time.
Polemonium ‘Golden Feathers’: This Jacob’s Ladder boasts sumptuous gold/green variegated foliage, sure to add color and texture to the shade or partial shade garden. Purplish flowers bloom late spring.
Annuals: While the following annuals won’t show up in garden centers until late April or May, watch for them never the less…
Cuphea ‘Hummingbird Lunch’: Known as “cigar plants", these compact woody annuals have always intrigued me. As the name implies, this one is an absolute hummingbird magnet all summer long. Hot colored tubular flowers keep on coming throughout the entire summer too.
Mandevillea Coral Orange Sunrise: Produces coral-orange blooms all summer long. Loves some support as a container centerpiece or it can be used as a trailing plant in baskets.
You will find most of these shrubs, trees, and roses available now, while the perennials will trickle in this month and the annuals won’t show up until April and May. In addition to this very abbreviated list, garden centers will have many, many more choices as the season unfolds. Shop early and often for the best selection. In the meantime, stay warm and keep dreaming, spring will be here soon!
