Okay, so you're attracted to the lush foliage and exotic blooms of the tropicals, but you're not sure what to do with them. Take a few tips from Corrine...

Caladium bicolor  (top) Gorgeous foliage that really earns its keep in the shade! Who needs flowers when this colorful pink foliage shows its stuff all season. They'll grow 12-24" in part shade to shade and in moist soil. Once established they'll even take some dry spells. Caladium work well in containers, too. They are very easy to grow, they just don't like the cold.  We have a few dozen left so hurry over.  

Canna (Canna Lily - seen here both the green leaf and 'Tropicana' at right)  Here's a statement and a half!  Big, bold foliage with an exotic flower. Dwarf varieties plus taller growing 5-6' with foliage ranging from green, deep purple and the striped orange and green of 'Tropicana'. Flowers are a vivid orange, pink or red. They need at least 6 hours of full sun for best performance and adequate water! Plant 18" apart in the back of the border or in large pots at least 20". Makes a fabulous focal point - great for the poolside (and the leaves can also be used for tamales!) If you want to over-winter them here in the Northeast, cut back after the first frost, lift carefully and clean soil off, then store in a paperbag with perlite in a cool, dark place. 

Dahlia (seen here in bud) are an excellent plant for the summer garden that will reward you with a big punch when planted in full sun. Dwarf and taller varieties available for pots and in the border.  They can also be used for cut flowers. There are several flower colors to choose from.  The stalks will require staking so pick up some bamboo stakes and some TwistEms. If you want to over- winter them here in the Northeast, as stated above, after the first frost, cut them back, lift carefully and clean soil off and store in a paperbag with perlite in a cool, dark place.

Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Amour' seen at right) is already blooming and will continue to produce large flowers throughout the summer enhanced by its glossy foliage. They will grow 5-6' tall and almost as wide. It needs regular watering and excellent drainage.  

Meadowsweet

This is a great perennial for moist to wet, sunny sites. It has bold foliage and airy flowers made of tiny white flowers with red stamens. 'Elegans' is a compact variety that will grow 28" tall x 36" wide. Right now they're in bud and ready to bloom soon! Take advantage of this opportunity to save! 

Stop by either yard, mention this special to your salesperson and receive 10% OFF.  

Valid:  While supplies last!    

*Price is net. No further discount applies. 

Lamium 'Orchid Frost', 'Gaura 'Whirling Butterflies' and Dicentra 'King of Hearts'

Here's a list of great looking perennials - in stock and in good supply - ready for your next job! 

Dicentra 'King of Hearts' (Bleeding Heart) Ferny foliage loaded with deep rose flowers. 'Ivory Hearts' also look great.

Gaura 'Whirling Butterflies' Full in the pot and blooming

Hosta 'Ginkgo Craig' Nice sized plants - 10" H x 18" W, leaves are green with white margins, light purple flowers.

Lamium 'Orchid Frost' full plants in bud and bloom. Shade tolerant.

Paeonia lactiflora 'Duchesse de Nemours'  All peonies look great now. Budded and blooming.   

Thanks Heather! 

"How do you get rid of clover in the lawn?"

Clover

Mark's answer: Traditionally, clover has always been one of the more difficult lawn weeds to control. However, with good cultural practices to encourage turf growth and with effective control product usage, clover can be easily controlled. First, choose a broad leaf herbicide that is labeled for clover. If using a granular product, these need to be applied when the turf is damp so the product sticks to the leaf of the weed AND does not wash off for 24 hours, early morning dew works great or just after a rain. Be pre-pared to make a second application usually about a month later according to label re-treatment intervals. While applications can be made any time the weeds are actively growing, the best control is often obtained in the fall when the plant is translocating carbohydrates down to the roots taking the herbicide with it to the roots.

When spraying liquid herbicide, be sure to use a spreader sticker, so the product does not bead up and roll off the leaf like water on a freshly waxed car, and make follow up applications before weeds recover from the initial application.

Lastly, as I first eluded to, employ good cultural practices to give the grass plants the competitive advantage over the clover ie. aerate to reduce soil compaction, adjust soil pH to 6.5, fertilize and water.

And remember always read, understand and follow product labels before using control products.

Submit your landscaping question via email to sbarbier@planterschoice.com and you'll be entered in a monthly drawing to receive 10% OFF your next purchase (pick up only, does not apply to deliveries). Please use "Question of the Week" in the subject line and let me know if you want your name and business mentioned.  

Styrax japonica

We can't let these bloom quietly in the sales yard without giving them their due in the Weekly Picks!   Growing 20-30' it has a rounded habit with wide spreading branches. Hanging bell-shaped flowers that are slightly fragrant appear May-June.  Plant in rich soil that is moist and well-drained. If necessary ammend with peatmoss.

It's a nice small tree to place near the patio or close to the house or walkway where you can appreciate the flowers. If you haven't seen them up close, come take a look while they are blooming! 

Incoming and looking great this week- 
Deciduous Trees

Looking especially nice right now are all the Kousa Dogwood. Many in full bloom in sizes ranging from 5'  to 12'

Deciduous Shrubs
Hydrangea m. 'Endless Summer'
Rosa Knockouts and Drift Roses

Broadleaf and Specimen Evergreens
Buxus semp. (Boxwood) Common and 'Green Mountain'
Plus a fabulous selection of specialty evergreens for accent plants, rock gardens and providing year-round interest. After all, gardens aren't just for summer!

Evergreens
Something for everyone - from Arborvitae to Tsuga!


Perennials
Super selection of perennials right now like the Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower above) plus Achillea 'Moonshine' (Yarrow), Dianthus (Hardy Carnations), Salvia (Meadow Sage), Peonies, Centranthus (Red Valerian). There are just to many to mention here - so stop by soon!

Annuals
Just in...New Guinea Impatiens! Plus so many others for your summer landscapes.


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