The 2010 Cary Award, an award for Outstanding Plants for New England Gardens, was given to the Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) and its cultivars. It is one that we see often on the backs of trucks leaving our nursery, and no wonder -  it has lots to offer!  It has something to look at from the start; developing flower buds in late June, large showy blooms July-September that typically turn pink as the head matures and for fall interest they fade to brown and persist on the branches. They tolerate a certain amount of shade, but require some hours of sun for assured flowering. The shrub form is nice for the back of the border and the tree form lends itself well as a specimen for a wonderful old fashioned look. All are typically upright, arching growers, 8-12' tall. Pruning is not an issue as they bloom on new wood. Best yet, they are hardy to Zone 3!

'Grandiflora' or Pee Gee is the cultivar that comes to mind for most of us with its densely packed,  rounded flowerheads. It's wonderful in both tree and shrub form.
'Limelight' It's light lime-green flowers are award winners by themselves - 2008 Royal Horticulture Society Award of Garden Merit.
'Kyushu' (Snow Mountain) The bright white panicle is a more open flower head made up of both sterile and fertile flowers.
'Tardiva'  has loosly arranged mostly sterile flowers in an 8" long pointed panicle. It's a later bloomer, pairing up nicely with 'Quickfire'.
'Quickfire' blooms earlier than other varieties with a nice stem color, clean leaves, and bright white sterile flowers that turn bright pink earlier than other varieties. Nice fall color, too!
'Unique' has pure white, large conical heads. One of the showiest.
'Pink Diamond'  White flowers fade to pink and then turn a deep, rich pink in fall. The flower head is not as heavy as 'Grandiflora'.

'Pinky Winky' has large white panicles with a base that turns deep pink late summer, giving it a two-toned look. A Proven Winner!

So consider these award winners as you plan your 2010 designs and installations. And remember, they are grown on our farms and competitively priced - what's better than that? 

RESCHEDULED: Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 1:30pm- Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Woodies! with Ed Gregan. Hear about new ideas for our tried and true favorites and learn to site plants from an expert. Ed's career has brought him from designing out on Long Island, to running  high-end garden centers, to consulting for Landscape Architects. He is now working as a Field Consultant for Carlton Plants - a bare-root producer in Dayton, Oregon. He loves our industry and is a passionate and captivating speaker. Stop by and learn!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 1:30pm- Turf - What Every Landscaper Should Know! Review the Basics with Glenn Morrell from Lebanon Seaboard. Hear about the differences between the grass seeds. He'll also talk about LockUp vs Confront for broadleaf weed control and a whole lot more!   Don't forget to bring your questions!

They're FREE! Don't miss out this year - save the dates and learn something new to help your business grow!  All lectures are held in Newtown -140 Huntingtown Road.
 
RSVP by email sbarbier@planterschoice.com or give us a call at 203-426-4037.