Featured Plants : low maintenance

Profuse Flowering Eastern Whitebud

barb-nhn — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 10:51:00 GMT

The Eastern Whitebud tree adds a striking touch to any landscape. It is best known for its profuse white pea-like flowers. The heart-shaped leaves of this redbud tree are 3-5" across, and its fruit are brown flat pods about 2-3" long. The stout trunk of this small tree usually branches close to the ground resulting in a spreading flat-topped to rounded crown. Since this tree does not transplant easily, it should be planted when young.

Eastern Whitebud trees grow best in full sun to light shade with moist well-drained deep soil. This small deciduous tree is adaptable to other soil types but will not grow well in permanently wet or poorly drained soil. It is used as an ornamental or patio tree; leaves turn yellow in the fall. This rapid growing, low maintenance tree grows anywhere from 15-40 feet in height in zones 4-9.

Flowering ornamental trees add pizzazz in the spring and gorgeous foliage in the summer to any landscape or yard. They are an indispensable part of the landscape. Use as a beautiful specimen tree, hedge, or border.

Azalea White Mollis Hybrid Has Large Clusters of White Flowers!

patti-nhn — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:30:00 GMT

If you are a fan of Azaleas, you will want to try this Hybrid White Mollis Azalea. The flowers call out to those who walk by, they just have to come closer to get a better look. The funnel-shaped blooms and clean white petals make this Azalea bush burst with beauty from spring into early summer. Its fall color adds more interest. Being hybridized, it is hardy in colder regions from zone 5 to the warmer regions of zone 8. With their funnel shaped blooms, they can attract hummingbirds and butterflies as well as other birds.

Growing conditions for this Azalea require full sun, too much shade will reduce blooming the next year. Soil should be acidic and well-drained otherwise they could get too dry midsummer and that will also affect next year's growth. It is a slow grower but your patience will be well rewarded. It will grow 4 to 6 feet tall and spread from 3 to 4 feet wide. This is a relatively trouble free plant and low maintenance. Azaleas look great planted alone, especially in a bare spot where you need some pizazz. They can also be planted as a hedge or border plant, wherever you want showy flowers.

Red Mollis Hybrid Azaleas Are Lush And Hardy

patti-nhn — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:28:00 GMT

This Red Mollis Hybrid Azalea is hybridized to be hardy in the colder climates. This shrub has funnel shaped blooms that attract attention with their reddish-orange blooms in spring to early summer. The flowers grow in large clusters and the flowers are 2 to 3 inches in size. There are large trusses that hold the many flowers that fill this shrub giving it quite a beautiful appearance. Red Mollis is known for its fall color as well. With its rounded shape and height of 4 to 6 feet and a 3 to 4 foot spread, it is a wonderful specimen in any landscape.

As with most Azaleas, full sun is required. Moist well-drained acidic soil is needed. The hardiness of the shrub makes it almost completely free of any problems. The foliage is green and it is deciduous meaning it will lose its leaves in the late fall/early wintertime. It does well in zones 5 to 8 and is a slow grower but well worth the wait! These shrubs add a lot of color to your landscape and can be planted individually or in groups. Shrubs are often used by birds for protection and cover as well as butterflies and hummingbirds may be attracted to the flowers.

Concorde Barberry Shrubs Are Compact And Colorful

patti-nhn — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:00:00 GMT

If you are looking for a compact shrub, the Concorde Barberry shrub is an excellent choice. It has a round form that will mature to 2 foot tall and spread to 3 foot wide. Like its name says, it has reddish-purple leaves that will remind you of the color of Concorde grapes. Their color is deeper than most and will keep their color no matter the heat. They can be used as hedges and are often used to pop some color in front of other landscape borders or hedges. In the fall they have wonderful red, orange and yellow foliage color. The red fruits that grow in the fall are desired by birds and other wildlife.

The Concorde is also pest tolerant and allergy free. It grows best in full sun, if it is planted in the shade the leaves will be green and not have the great purple coloring. They prefer moist, well-drained soil but can grow in dry soil. It is a slow grower so you will want to be patient with it. This shrub will grow in zones from 4 to 8. What a versatile shrub this is and will make your neighbors green with envy. You will enjoy the coloring and beauty of this bush for years to come.

Try The Green Mound Alpine Currant For Early Spring Interest

patti-nhn — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:11:00 GMT

The Green Mound Alpine Currant is a compact shrub that will grow from 3 to 4 feet tall and spread from 2 to 3 feet wide. It makes a great small hedge or as a border plant along your fence, driveway, sidewalk or even on its own used to fill in a bare area. Often you will find the Green Mound planted in masses in shady woodland areas. This shrub has all season interest. Early in the spring it will begin to leaf out with beautiful dark green foliage that will last well into summer. It has yellowish green flowers that show off against the dark green foliage. Its foliage is very full and dense and has a mounding shape. It is considered spineless and is deciduous meaning it will lose its leaves in the winter. The branches will add interest during the winter months.

This shrub is very winter hardy from zone 2 to zone 7 so can handle the coldest of temperatures. It does require well drained soil but can adapt to many types of soil. It will need partial sun and is a moderate grower. The Green Mound Alpine Currant is a dioecious shrub which means that if you want the scarlet berries (that are inedible) you will need a male and female plant. This is a male plant so you would need a female to bear fruit. It requires partial sun preferably normal to moist soil. This shrub would do well in many areas including an urban setting. It is very hardy and tough. A low maintenance plant, it would work well for a new gardener.

Burgundy Carousel Barberry Bushes Colorful And Fun

patti-nhn — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:15:00 GMT

If you like burgundy and purple, the foliage of this Burgundy Carousel Barberry shrub will fit in with your color scheme. When I think of Carousels at the fair, I think of the assortment of colors that brighten it up. The same with this shrub. It will continue its bright burgundy/purple colored foliage from spring into fall. It makes a colorful hedge and a good barrier due to its thorns. It also makes a great landscape shrub to add color that is not your typical plant colors. The leaves will give a good contrast to other plants and shrubs. In the spring it will provide bright red berries that will attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

This shrub grows 3 feet tall and will spread from 4 to 5 feet and has a moderate growth rate. The spreading habit of the shrub droops a bit for more interest. It does require full sun and moist well-drained soil. It will grow from zone 4 to zone 7 so is cold hardy. If you are a bird watcher, birds love bushes with berries. They are also great for birds to rest, groom and protection from the weather. They will give them a good roost to watch for predators and finding food like insects and many other types of bugs. A versatile shrub always makes a great addition to your landscape and this one is no exception.

Technito Arborvitae Makes A Great Evergreen Hedge

patti-nhn — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 11:11:00 GMT

Looking for a tall evergreen bush for a hedge or as a single specimen? The Arborvitae Technito fits that bill. It matures from 5 to 6 feet tall and will spread from 2 to 3 feet wide. It is an evergreen so will continue with its dark green color throughout the winter. It is similar to the Techny variety however the Techny is much bigger at 15 to 20 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide. The dark green color of the Techny and the fact that it does retain its wonderful color into the winter are two of the similarities. The Technito is very dense and does not need much trimming. You will also enjoy the reddish-brown bark that is furrowed adding lots of interest. The foliage has a texture that is medium/fine making it a little softer than some other Arborvitae's can be. This Technito has an attractive pyramidal shape and can be used as a screen for privacy, you would probably want at least two depending on the space you have available.

The Technito requires well-drained soil and it does best in a very fertile soil. The soil should be moist and not left to dry out between watering. Technito does best in sun to light shade and has a slow to moderate growth rate. This is a low-maintenance bush that is hardy from zone 3 to 7. It can handle the cold weather very well. The soft look of this Arborvitae is very pleasing as an accent to your landscape.

The Sem Ash Leaf Spirea Appeals With Its Pink Fern-Like Foliage

patti-nhn — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 11:00:00 GMT

For a low hedge or small bush, the Sem Ash Leaf Spirea could be the answer for you. If you also like Pink, then the foliage of this plant will also be right up your alley. This bush will grow from 3 to 4 feet tall and from 3.5 to 4 feet wide making it also useful in a small bare spot or an accent in your landscape. The pink/red foliage grows on deep pink stems. As it unfurls in the spring, you will enjoy the fern look of this Spirea. There are also creamy white blossoms that will appear in July and August. Its shows off its wonderful bronze color in the fall. This Sem is a newer variety that, if you are familiar with the older Sorbaria varieties, is quite improved.

This bush will fill in tightly and be dense which is very attractive. It is hardy from zones 3 to 7 and would be a good choice in northern climates. It does well in partial shade and is a moderate grower. The Sem Ash Leaf Spirea is well branched, grows upright and is compact. For small spaces this fills in well and looks very elegant. As an easy to grow bush, this would be a great beginner bush. Being so versatile gives you many options for planting. Make sure you put it in a spot that you can enjoy it every day!

Alpine Currant Bushes Make Great Hedges

patti-nhn — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:38:00 GMT

The Alpine Currant makes a dense and decorative hedge that will enhance your landscape with its glossy green foliage and its yellowish green flowers. In the winter, it will also add interest and beauty. It is one of the best bushes for privacy due to the fact that it fills in so completely. This bush can grow from three to five feet tall and spread from five to six feet wide. If you prefer a smaller hedge, it can be trimmed back as low as eighteen inches to four feet above the ground.

Alpine Currant's are low maintenance and are able to withstand the cold winters to as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit. It can grow well from zone 2 to zone 7. They are also drought tolerant so they would grow well in dry soil areas. It requires full sun to partial sun. Insects and plant diseases generally leave this bush alone. These make great borders for gardens or flower beds as well as along a walkway or driveway. They can even be planted as an individual bush to fill in a bare spot or a small area where you want something that will enhance your home.

For A Variegated Foliage Plant This Vinca Vine Fits The Bill

patti-nhn — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 01:23:00 GMT

The Periwinkle Variegated Vinca Vine will add lots of interest to your garden or patio with its green leaves with white edges. It is a great filler for hanging baskets and great contrast against the bright colors of flowers. This vine has a trailing habit and will not climb surfaces but can be strung on fences, wires or even used as a ground cover. They do require full sun and are very low maintenance. Another plus is that they are deer resistant.

The mature height of this vine is 3 to 6 inches and they will spread from 6 to 12 inches. They are hardy from zone 3 to zone 11. They are an annual in zones 3 to 8 and in zones 9 to 11 they can be a perennial. This would be a great choice for an interesting vine than is very versatile and hardy.

Yellow Chiffon Calibrachoa Superbells Are Long Bloomers

patti-nhn — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:55:00 GMT

This Yellow Chiffon Calibrachoa Superbell has small one inch bell shaped flowers that are similar to Petunias. Their medium yellow flowers have a soft color, like chiffon. They also have a larger leaf than other Calibrachoas. They grow semi-upright and need full sun. They will bloom from spring until the first frost and are low maintenance. With their trailing habit, they look very attractive in pots and hanging baskets.

This Yellow Chiffon will mature from 7 to 10 inches high and 8 to 10 inches wide. They have a moderate growth rate and require full sun. The Yellow Chiffon is self-cleaning, so no need to deadhead. Their heat resistance is a wonderful plus. If you like hummingbirds, they are attracted to this type of flower. You will want to make sure that you don't overwater or they will be susceptible to root rot or other diseases. It is hardy from zone 3 to zone 11 and is an annual in zones 3-8 and a perennial in zones 9 to 11. Try this out for its original color and flowers.

Yellow Blooms Are Long Lasting On This Surfinia Yellow Bush

patti-nhn — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:57:00 GMT

If you like Petunias, you will like this variety of brilliant yellow flowers that are unique. This Surfinia Yellow Bush is a Petunia Hybrid that is low maintenance and does not need dead-heading. It is drought and heat tolerant once established. It can be planted in the garden bed, in baskets, on balconies and with other plants for lots of color. They are fast growing so will need ample moisture and fertilizer. Its form is trailing is not leggy like some petunias.

This is a hardy plant and low maintenance. They are low maintenance and and long living, densely branched and the blooms can trail to 4 feet per season. They can mature from 6 to 12 inches in height and 24 to 40 inches wide. They are hardy from zones 3 to 11 and in zones 9 to 11 can be a perennial and in 3 to 8 would be an annual.

Bermuda Beach Supertunia Sounds Like A Breath Of Fresh Air

patti-nhn — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:44:00 GMT

The Petunia, Supertunia Bermuda Beach has free-flowering salmon/coral flowers. It does not spread as vigorously as most Supertunias. Its spread is 10 to 18 inches and mature height is 5 to 8 inches. They are easy to grow and almost maintenance free. They will attract hummingbirds and butterflies. They are also drought and heat tolerant. They bloom long into the season. Planted in containers, baskets, beds, balconies and along with other flowers as well, they will really provide some color for you in the garden or deck. It has also been voted one of the best Petunias for 2008.

Petunias are fast growers so you will want to make sure they are kept moist and fertilize often. This variety does not require deadheading. Supertunia's are a favorite for growers and gardeners. They will require full sun to partial shade to bloom their best. They are moderate to fast growers and are hardy from zones 3 to 11. They are an annual in zones 3 to 8 and can be a perennial in zones 9 to 11. Try this beautiful medium pink flower to show off in your garden.

This Light Blue Calibrachoa Really Shows Its Stuff!

patti-nhn — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:54:00 GMT

The Callie Light Blue Calibrachoa is a trailing plant that is a Proven Winner plant. The trumpet shaped blooms are one of the best out there. It does well in containers and hanging baskets. The Callie is compact and a low grower. It will mature from 7 to 10 inches tall and will spread 8 to 10 inches wide. They will do well and bloom through the season until a hard frost. You will not need to deadhead these plants.

The Callie requires full sun and well drained soil. You will also want to fertilize regularly. Hummingbirds like this plant because of the nectar in the flowers. The blooms are about 1 inch in size. They are easy to grow and low maintenance. It can grow from zones 3 to 10 and can be a perennial in zones 9 to 11 and will be an annual only in zones 3 to 8. It has a moderate growth rate. Falling over the sides of your hanging baskets or containers, provides a wonderful blue accent to your patio or back yard.

If You Like Purple Flowers, This Ageratum Is For You!

patti-nhn — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:41:00 GMT

The Artist Purple Ageratum is a wonderful plant with its purple flowers that re-flower for a long time. Their colorful interest is wonderful in your garden as a border, rock gardens and even in containers. They will begin flowering early in the season and flower from May through October. If you are looking for a low maintenance plant, this would be a good one.

The Artist Purple is an upright compact plant that will mature to 8 to 12 inches tall and spread to about 15 to 18 inches wide. They are widely adaptable to soil and moisture. They are a moderate grower and require full to partial sun. They grow from zones 3 to 11. In zones 9 to 11 this plant can be a perennial. This is a Proven Winner plant. It is also exceptionally heat tolerant. For a dash of color, this would be a great choice for you.