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Later-blooming Deciduous Azaleas
(If only you could scratch and sniff!) |
Clockwise from top left: 'Parade', 'Lemon Drop', 'Lollipop', 'Lollipop' close-up, R. viscosum. | The first day of summer is only days away. Not a time when we normally think of azaleas is it? But there are a nice group of deciduous azaleas in bloom right now - and they have an added plus of great fragrance! Perfect for the shade garden under a high canopy or near a shady patio where its scent can really be appreciated.
They all like moist, well-drained acid soil, high in organic matter ie. peat moss, hummus or compost. Light shade is preferable. If they receive enough sunlight, they'll reward you with good fall color. Using PHC 3-4-4 for Rhododendron and Azaleas will get them off to an excellent start. Water well until established. Hardy to Zone 4.
Our native Swamp Azalea (Rhododendron viscosum) will slowly reach 9' under the right conditions. Found along stream banks and ponds, they're happiest planted in moist, rich soil. Flowers are a pure white, 1 1/2 - 2" blossom with a sweet spicy scent. Its leaves turn an orangey/bronze in fall.
'Lemon Drop' is a viscosum hybrid with an upright habit reaching about 12'. The peach colored buds open to pale yellow. It is fragrant and has a yellow fall display. Winter twigs are a distinctive red-brown.
'Lollipop' is a very fragrant pink bloom with a yellow flare. It is a relatively slow grower with red-orange fall color. It has a wider habit than 'Lemon Drop'
'Parade' is another viscosum hybrid, reaches 8', with 1 1/2" pink trumpet blooms with orange centers. Some say it has a soft vanilla fragrance. Fall color is a bronzey-green.
So come by soon and take a sniff! |
Staff Picks! Dan's Cool with 'Blue Ice' Amsonia
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Amsonia 'Blue Ice' | Dan's been working for Planters' Choice in Watertown since 1999. He has experience in almost every facet of the company from working with Duane out in the field to pest control to putting together our weekly Perennial 'Hot List'.
One of his favorites: Amsonia x 'Blue Ice'.
I really like it for the subtle true blue flower and its long bloom time. And there are no real insect or disease problems.
It'll grow 12-15" tall and 24" wide forming a nice mound. Good yellow fall color. A vigorous plant that's hardy to Zone 5. Drought tolerant. Looks great massed for the front of the border. Thanks Dan!
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NOW
| Euonymus 'Emerald Gaity'  | In This Week:
Deutzia gracilis 'Nikko' 3ga.
Euonymus ''Emerald Gaity', 'Emerald Surprise'
Miscanthus sin. 'Gracillimus', 'Purpurescens' (Flame Grass), 'Prairie Sky', 'Silberfeder'
Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' (Switch Grass)
Rosa Bonica, Coral Drift, Flower Carpet, Knockout Family
Sarcococca humilis (Himalayan Sweetbox) Evergreen, deer resistant
Dan's Weekly Perennial HOT List!Astilbe 'Ellie' 2ga.  |
Looking Great and in Good Supply!
Achillea (Yarrow) 'Oertell's Rose', 'Paprika', 'Moonshine'
Astilbe (False Spiraea) Many colors in flower! All 2 gallon and gorgeous!
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides (Plumbago, Leadwort) Great groundcover.
Echinacea 'Ruby Star' in flower
Liatris (Blazing Star) White & purple, 1ga. and 2ga.
Ligularia 'The Rocket' and 'Little Rocket'
Lilium (Lily) Asiatic and Oriental 2 ga. $5.00/each
Pennisetum 'Rubrum' (Fountain Grass) Dark red annual grass
Salvia 'Blue Hill' (Meadow Sage) In flower
So many perennials look great. Stop by and design your palette!
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Mark's Turf Tip
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 The Japanese Beetle Grub is still arguably considered one of the most serious turf grass pests causing untold amounts of turf damage year after year. The adult beetles mate in the summer and start laying eggs as early as mid-August and with adequate moisture and temperatures, can develop and hatch in as little as 8 days at which point they begin to feed on turf roots.
One of the best defenses is to be pro-active and apply Lebanon 20-0-5 Fertilizer with Merit. Merit has a proven track record in effectiveness and safety. The best time to apply it is June-July. Water in immediately after application and 96% control can then be expected. Merit is also labeled for Chinch Bug suppression. It will kill young nymphs and will thus suppress their population and damage as well.
There are many other factors that can affect the control of grubs and other pests, and much can be done with persistent cultural practices that are a sensible part of any turf management program to promote a beautiful healthy turf for your customers' landscape.
As always if you would like to discuss any of this please give me a call or stop by and say hello here at Planters' Choice. Remember to always read, understand and follow all pesticide label instructions for their proper and responsible use.
Your 2011 turf care program starts this fall with an aeration and over-seeding to get off to a beautiful start next spring! |
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 Planters' Choice, LLC
Visit our two locations:
140 Huntingtown Rd. Newtown, CT 06470 Tel. 203-426-4037 Fax 203-426-8057
496 Bunker Hill Rd. Watertown, CT 06795 Tel. 860-945-6588 Fax 860-945-9282
Hours:
March 15th - June 26th Mon.- Sat. 7 am - 4:30 pm
June 28th - Nov. 20th Mon. - Fri. 7 am - 4:30 pm & Sat. 7 am - 1 pm
Winter Hours Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 4:30 pm | |
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