Clematis House is Looking Great! 

Dr. Ruppel in the Clematis House

When coming to Planters' Choice it's always a safe bet that you are going to find a wide variety of Clematis. From the ever astounding Dr. Ruppel, to the Sweet Autumn, we have the entire season of Clematis in bloom! There are 3 different groups that contribute to the bloom pattern of Clematis. Certain Clematis varieties are selected as rebloomers. These are some of our favorites, 'General Sikorsky', 'The President', and 'Henryi' just to name a few. With the elongated bloom time of Clematis, these would make an exceptional choice when looking for a vertical accent in a garden. The importance of keeping the "feet in the shade" is only going to contribute to the success of growth. There is nothing more enjoyable than walking through the Clematis house in May and June -come by we'll make you a believer! Not sure about their pruning? Check out pg. 19 in our Catalog.

Don't forget to take a look at Clematis recta 'Purpurea Select'. Smoky purple new growth will be topped with small white flowers in June. It has a bushy relaxed habit and needs support from it's sturdier neighbors or a stone wall - but don't shy away from them for being lax -it's an interesting addition to any garden.

Stumped for Shade Plants?
Heucheras are the way to go!

Front to back: Lemon Chiffon, Palace Purple and Pistache

There's nothing quite like dark and light foliage plants to spice up the landscape. Heucheras (Coral Bells) now come in such a wide variety of leaf colors that they have become the go-to perennial for the shade garden. Combined with Astilbe, Hosta and Ferns they provide interest to the woodland garden or any part shade site sometimes including the north side of the house. Plant in rich, moist soil in a site protected from the hot afternoon sun. They benefit from winter mulch as they have shallow roots. Prune back early spring.  

Stop by either yard for a good look at these cool-colored Coralbells!

Watertown's Plant of the Week

Phlox divaricata 'Blue Moon'

Blue Moon Woodland Phlox

Here's another great shade plant! We have a very nice selection of  the Blue Moon Woodland Phlox available for your spring gardens. These violet-blue beauties are best planted where they have moist soil in partial shade. Woodland Phlox are a spreading plant but will also self-sow. If you don't want them popping up here and there (which isn't always a bad thing!) then deadhead them as soon as flowering is finished. 

Check out the other blue cultivar named 'Chattahoochee' - a designer favorite! 

PC Grown = Locally Grown!!! 

And lastly we can't say enough about the crews in Watertown and Newtown who pot , water and care for the perennials - it's hard work with awesome results!  These Iris catch the eye standing like colorful beacons of old fashioned goodness. Left to right: Iris germanica - 'Violet Turner', 'Immortality', 'Beverly Sills' and 'Again and Again'.

NOW!
Incoming: Cool, Topiary Boxwood, dark-green Blue Holly and more Tropicals!

Full blocks of beautiful blooming roses

Looking for that one specimen topiary?

Tropicals in Newtown