Featured Plants : blue

Danica Arborvitae Bushes Show Off Glossy Emerald Green Foliage

patti-nhn — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:39:00 GMT

The Danica Arborvitae Bush is an evergreen that shows off emerald green glossy foliage. It is a dwarf variety that grows from 1 to 2 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide and has a rounded globe form making it very attractive. The branchlets, which are vertical, have foliage that is a beautiful bluish green color. In the winter, the foliage can often be brown to green in color. Often it is used as a small hedge along sidewalks, borders and around your house or garden. It can add softness and color bordering a fence. Because of its compact size, it could be used individually to fill in small areas to add interest among other plants.

This Danica Arborvitae is hardy from zone 3 to zone 7 and needs full sun to partial shade to thrive. It is widely adaptable to soils but does need the soil to be moist, well drained and preferably acidic. It has a slow growth rate but it is well worth the wait. Being an evergreen, you will have all season interest. Arborvitae's are some of the best and hardiest evergreen bushes you can find. With its smaller size, it can fit just about anywhere and it will continue to have its rounded shape. Once you have one, you will be looking for other parts of your yard that you can plant more.

Salvia Velocity Blue Is An Annual With Intense Dark Blue Flowers!

patti-nhn — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:26:00 GMT

The Salvia Velocity Blue is an annual flower that you cannot live without. Its large dark blue flowers grow in spikes. This makes it great to give some height amongst your other plants in the garden or containers. But they will put on a great show on their own in solid blue. Its mature height is 12 to 16 inches and it will spread from 10 to 12 inches. It has a moderate growth rate and does require full sun.

This Salvia is the earliest flowering Salvia farinacea on the market. It would also be a compliment with other red or yellow flowering annuals. It is very heat tolerant and a great performer. The stems are very strong and the plant dense. It will grow upright and bushy. This plant is hardy from zones 3 to 11 and is an annual in zones 3 to 8 and can be a perennial in zones 9 to 11.

Try Lanai Lavender Star Verbena For Attractiveness As Well As Color!

patti-nhn — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:21:00 GMT

The Lanai Lavender Star Verbena is unusual with it's lavender petals with white strips along the edges and a yellow center. It is a great plant to attract butterflies. It grows in clumps and blooms from spring into fall. It is a trailing plant that can grow from 6 to 12 inches tall and 20-24 inches wide. Their growth rate is moderate and they do require full sun to partial shade. They are very hardy from zone 3 to zone 11. In zones 3 to 8 it would be an annual, in zones 9 to 11 it can be a perennial.

The Lavender Stars are low maintenance. They should be deadheaded to encourage new flowers. Once they are established, you can fertilize once a year and watered only when dry. One of the issues that can come up is giving too much food and too much water. These are wonderful, beautiful, unique plants that will give interest to your garden.

This Calibrachoa is Minifamous!

patti-nhn — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:34:00 GMT

This Double Blue Calibrachoa Minifamous with flowers that are more purple than blue would be a great addition to your flower garden. The color is an intense blue and have trumpet shaped blooms which are 1 inch in size. They will continue to open until the first hard frost. They do not need deadheading and they are low-growers.

This plant will mature from 7 to 10 inches in height to 15 to 20 inches wide. They are a trailing plant that require full sun to full shade. Moist soil is also needed. They are hardy from zone 3 to zone 11 and will be an annual in zones 3 to 8 and can be a perennial from zone 9 to 11. These look wonderful in garden beds, hanging planters and containers. They are easy to grow and take care of. Low maintenance is a plus for these beautiful plants.

How About A Star Flower For Some Wonderful Blue Color In Your Garden?

patti-nhn — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:10:00 GMT

The Beth's Blue Star Flower has violet blue flowers that are "star" shaped. The foliage is a great background to the flowers with their medium green foliage. The flowers have interesting petals some consider a steel blue color. The plant is globe shaped and will mature from 12 to 14 inches tall and spread from 10 to 14 inches wide. The flowers will bloom all summer.

This plant is drought tolerant and requires full sun. It actually likes being hot and dry, so you won't want to overwater. They look great in pots, containers and window boxes as well in your landscaping plans. You won't need to deadhead these flowers. The Beth's Blue can grow well from zones 3 to 11. In zones 3 to 8 it is an annual and zones 9 to 11 can be a perennial. This Star Flower will be a nice addition with its interesting star shaped flowers and its great blue color.

This Angelface Charms With Its Gorgeous Blue Colors

patti-nhn — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:14:00 GMT

If you want a beautiful blue annual plant, this Angelface would be a great choice with its upright branching and its full blooming plants. It can fit in containers or in any garden plot where there is plenty of sun. This is a Proven Winner series which makes it an exceptional plant. The flowers will bloom much longer than most into fall. This will allow you to enjoy them inside in vases as well for a beautiful display.

The Angelface is hardy from zones 3 to 11. It can be a perennial in zones 9 to 11. It will grow to about 12 to 18 inches tall and spread from 24 to 30 inches wide. Soil is not a big issue as it is widely adaptable in that area. It has a moderate growth rate. Full sun is required. This is a beautiful plant and if blue is one of your favorite colors, like mine, this would last a long time with its showy blue coloring.

A Plant For The Artist In You, Ageratum Artist Blue

patti-nhn — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:36:00 GMT

The Ageratum Artist Blue Ageratum hybrid is a Proven Winner that grows truly radiant flowers with true blue color. It will renew its blooms continually over the season. The plant will be densely colored in blooms and is wonderful used on its own in the garden, in containers and often used for rock gardens to add color and borders since their mature height is 8-12 inches tall and will spread out 15-18 inches.

The Artist Blue is considered an annual although in warmer climates of zones 9 - 11 it can also become a perennial. It does best in zones 3 - 11. It is low maintenance and will flower from May into October. It is a compact plant so will work in many different types of uses. The Artist Blue can thrive in many differently types of soil and will grow in areas of full sun to partial sun. This would be a good beginner plant.

Frontenac Grapes Are Perfect For Northern Gardens

patti-nhn — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 14:17:00 GMT

If you are looking for a cold hardy grape for Northern gardens, this Frontenac Grape 'Vitis Frontenac' is an excellent variety for you. It has proven to be hardy down to 30 degrees below zero. This makes it hardy from zone 4 to zone 8. If you like wine making, the Frontenac is one of the best for making red wines. It was developed by the University of Minnesota so has had to hold up in their cold temperatures. It is a vigorous grower and is disease resistant to Downy and Powdery Mildew.

The Frontenac will produce white flowers in June and when the fruit ripens the grapes are small and dark blue in color. They can be eaten fresh, used in desserts and fruit salads as well as for wine. Grapes need a strong support to grow on like a trellis, fence or wall. They can be used to create some privacy as well. Moist, well-drained soil and full sun are required. It is best to plant them with a Southern exposure and near buildings or windbreaks to keep them protected from strong winds. Growing your own grapes is not only fun, they are much fresher than what you would get at the store. Growing your own grapes will save you money and can be a great learning experience for your kids.

A Cold Hardy Valiant Vigorous Blue Grape

patti-nhn — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:00:00 GMT

The Valiant Grape Vitis 'Valiant' is known for its vigorous growth and its round blue grapes. The up to half inch diameter fruits are great for jams, jellies and juices. They can be eaten fresh but they are a tart grape so be prepared for a little zing as you bite into them. This grape has low acid and high sugar content. The skins are easy to remove which makes them easier to prepare for cooking. Growing your own grapes will help you save money on your grocery bill and they generally taste better as they are fresh picked. Plus you have the satisfaction of knowing you grew your own grapes.

If you are in a hurry, the Valiant Grapes are fast growers and can bear fruit in about 2 years in good growing conditions. The grapes flower in June and the fruit ripens in late August. Valiant is vigorous and has been known to do well all the way down to 35 degrees below zero with little to no injury. The mature height on the Valiant Grape is 10 to 15 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. It is hardy from zones 3 to 8. Grapes require moist, well-drained soil and full sun. They will need a strong support to grow on like an arbor, trellis, fence or wall. They do best planted with a southern exposure and near a building or windbreak to protect the plants from strong winds.

Blue Moon Kentucky Wisteria Can Handle The COLD!

patti-nhn — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 02:04:00 GMT

If you are looking for a great looking vine that is a vigorous grower and can take the cold all the way down to zone 3, this is the one for you. The Blue Moon Kentucky Wisteria Wisteria macrostachya 'Blue Moon' is known for its cold hardiness even in the cold Northern Minnesota climate. It is also widely adaptable to growing locations.

The Blue Moon is a rebloomer and can rebloom up to 3 times in a season in ideal conditions. The flowers are lavender blue in color and really sparkle with the nice green background. It is hardy from zone 3 to zone 9 which makes it a popular choice. Wisteria is great looking on mailbox posts, balconies anywhere it can climb and grow and show off.

Amethyst Falls American Wisteria Beautiful And Most Familiar

patti-nhn — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:00:00 GMT

The Amethyst Falls American Wisteria Wisteria frutescens 'Amethyst Falls'' is one of the best known Wisteria vines around. You will often find them delicately winding around mailboxes, lamp posts, fence posts, patio screens and the list goes on and on. There are so many uses for this awesome Wisteria. They can be trained as a ground cover as well.

Wisteria are hardy plants and long lived. Amethyst Falls American has purple/blue flowers on heads that are short and wide. They will bloom in the spring and often again in the summer. They are a very hardy species and tend to grow well in zones 6 to 9. Their light green foliage really shows off the flowers and is pretty on its own as well. For a pleasant plant to behold, this would be a great choice.

Blue Shadow Fothergilla With Striking Leaves

patti-nhn — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:11:00 GMT

The Blue Shadow Fothergilla 'Fothergilla x intermedia 'Blue Shadow' is a new variety of Fothergilla that originated from the 'Mt. Airy' variety. This Fothergilla boasts blue gray leaves. In April/May it will produce new foliage that looks like feathers. There are also white flowers that send out a honey scented fragrance. Late fall brings on the awesome colors of yellow, red and orange leaves.

Blue Shadow grows from 5 to 6 foot high and 5 to 6 foot wide. It can handle sun or partial shade although the blue coloring of the leaves will come through better in a shady area. Blue Shadow is a vigorous grower and tolerant to a wide range of soils. It is easy care, doesn't need much pruning and is mostly disease and insect free. It is tolerant from zones 4 to 8. This would be a striking plant in your landscaping.

Seedless Grapes - Try The Concord

patti-nhn — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:00:00 GMT

I'm sure you have probably heard of Concord grapes at some time in your life as they are one of the most favorite varieties of grape. If you don't like having to deal with the seeds, you will want to give this seedless variety a try. The Concord Seedless Grape, Vitis 'Concord Seedless', is one of the best varieties of seedless grapes. Typically, Concord grapes are used in wine-making, juices, jams and jellies. They are also great fresh. The Concord Seedless produces a bluish-purple grape that is a bit smaller than the seeded type.

These grapes grow on a deciduous vine which must be attached to a strong structure like a trellis, fence or even up a wall. They can be very decorative and ornamental as well as save you money purchasing grapes from the store. Actually, the stores often do not carry Concord grapes which is even more incentive to grow them yourself.

The Concord Seedless Grape will mature to 12 to 15 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. They need moist, well-drained soil and full sun. They do have a white flower that appears before the fruit which ripens in late September a bit sooner that the Concord with seeds. They are hardy to zones 5 to 8. Birds and other wildlife like the grapes as well so if you don't want to share with them, you may want to put a net over them as they are beginning to produce. For a delicious seedless grape, this is the one to try.

Sage-A Staple And Ornamental

patti-nhn — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:30:00 GMT

As I'm writing this, we are coming up on Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. When I think of Sage Salvia officinalis, I can't help but think about using Sage in the Turkey Stuffing. It seems to be a staple at this time of year. Generally, most people will use Sage that is sold at the stores in the Spice section or found in the Vegetable area of the store. There are those that will want to grow their own and have it fresh or personally preserved for future use. It has a peppery flavor and enhances fatty meats as a marinade, couple with onions, vegetable soups to sauces.

Not only is it used in cooking but it is also considered a medicinal herb. In fact, the scientific name for Sage, 'Salvia', means "to heal". While I can't vouch for it's effectiveness or usage, it is said to be good for "what ails you".

It can also be grown as an ornamental garden plant. It has flowers that are blue to purple in color and they are edible as well. The foliage is a gray to green color and accents the fragrant flowers well. The plants are evergreen and can grow up to 2 feet tall and spread about 18 inches. Sage requires a sunny location and an alkaline soil is preferred.

Hosta Patriot Tough Through All Kinds of Weather!

patti-nhn — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 15:12:00 GMT

If you are looking for a plant that is hard to kill, this one is for you. The Patriot Hosta Hosta fortunei is especially so as a good beginner plant. They can take a licking and keep on ticking! Sorry for the pun. It has also been awarded the American Hosta Growers' Hosta of the Year in 1997. The Patriot Hosta is covered in glossy green heart-shaped leaves with white edges. It is quite a show-off actually. It grows to about 22 inches tall and 36-48 inches wide. The purple flowers that bloom from July to August form on tall stocks that rise like soldiers, tall above the leaves.

The Patriot Hosta does best in full shade, although I've seen them do well even with a bit of sun. They require little care beyond regular watering, an inch of water a week is recommended. The Patriot Hosta is hardy from zones 3-8 so will grow in most zones. They are beautiful in bunches and look nice planted around the base of trees or around posts or fences. They combine nicely with many other shrubs, annual and perennials. It's fun to mix lots of different types of hostas together as there are many sizes, shapes and growth patterns among them.

Once you realize how easy this Hosta is, you will want to add more for their beauty and ease of care.