By Steve Smith
Back in September, I introduced you to several new shrubs for 2020 and promised you more.
After reading through the November/December edition of Horticulture I have cherry picked a few to expound upon.
•‘Ringo’ Shrub Rose — If you are looking for a sun-loving, “constantly blooming all summer” shrub, low maintenance and disease-free plant, then look no further. “Ringo’s” single blooms open a bright-golden yellow with a blazing-red center, mellowing to a soft yellow before turning white with a distinct pink center. Growing 3- to 4-feet tall and as wide, simply shear it back to a foot tall every February and keep it dead-headed through summer. •Sedum “Boogie Woogie” — If you have a hot sunny spot with poor soil (but good drainage), then you need to “Boogie Woogie” with this sedum. Colorful foliage with creamy leaf margins and yellow flowers in summer will liven up any rockery or slope where nothing else wants to grow. Combine it with other “Hens and Chicks” for a “thrive on neglect” garden bed. Grows 6-inches tall and 18-inches wide.
•Begonia “Silver Treasure” — I have always been a sucker for begonias – blame it on my Southern California upbringing. “Silver Treasure” is hardy in our zone (with mulch). It does best in full shade or morning sun and can be planted either in the ground or in containers/hanging baskets. The large 4- to 6- inch heart-shaped leaves have a silver patina and are complimented with soft pink flowers in summer. Grows to 14-inches tall and 25-inches across.
•David Austin Roses — Two types: “Emily Bronte” roses are 3.5-inches across and soft pink with the smaller inner petals a deeper rich apricot for a total of 100 petals on each bloom. The fragrance starts out a delicious tea-rose scent that over time becomes more old rose with hints of lemon and grapefruit. And “Tottering-By-Gently” roses; this variety provides masses of 3.5-inch single yellow flowers surrounding a center of golden stamens. The fragrance is a “light-medium musk with fresh notes of orange peel” and if not deadheaded, will produce a nice crop of long-lasting orange-red hips that are great for winter interest or flower arranging. Grows 4-feet by 4-feet and prefers full sun to part shade.
•Petunia “Midnight Gold” — This is a basket variety with fully double flowers that are deep crimson to black with a lemon border. Use it by itself or combine it with a chartreuse sweet potato vine. This is just a taste of what is to come for spring so keep your bibs on; I will reveal a few more treats over the next several months. It’s never too early to start planning for spring.
Steve Smith owns Sunnyside Nursery in Marysville and can be reached at info@sunnysidenursery.net
