Snap up these new favorites full of dazzle and function.
1 Primo arborvitae
THUJA OCCIDENTALIS ‘ISLPRIM’, ZONES 4 TO 8
Resembling a Hinoki cypress, this conifer tops out at a diminutive 3 feet tall and less than 2 feet wide in 10 years, making it a perfect choice for a container or to fill a small garden space. For most of the year, the tree is a rich, deep green color, turning muted bronze during winter. It does best in cold or moderate climates.
Why we love it:
It’s cute, tough and tiny and develops more and more character over time. You’d never guess this stunner is an arborvitae.
2 Tuff Stuff Ah-Ha hydrangea
HYDRANGEA SERRATA ‘SMNHSDD’, ZONES 5 TO 9
If big leaf types are not doing what you hoped for, try the Tuff Stuff line of hydrangeas, bred from durable mountain hydrangeas. Ah-Ha works well in smaller gardens or containers, reaching only 2 to 3 feet.
Why we love it:
With its cold tolerance, it has a better chance of reblooming than some other hydrangeas. Double florets resemble tiny waterlilies and are either pink or blue, depending on your soil acidity.
3 Big Blue salvia
SALVIA LONGISPICATA X FARINACEA ‘PAS1246577’, ZONES 7 TO 10
Crossing two kinds produced one of the biggest, sturdiest, showiest salvias ever. Grow Big Blue in full sun to achieve ever-blooming purple-blue spires that reach 2 to 3 feet tall. It grows in partial sun, too, but may be shorter with smaller bloom spikes.
Why we love it:
Hummingbirds, butterflies and pollinators flock to the low-maintenance blossoms that don’t require deadheading.
4 Cat’s Pajamas catmint
NEPETA HYBRID ‘CAT’S PAJAMAS’, ZONES 3 TO 8
This story is from the April/May 2019 edition of Birds & Blooms.
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This story is from the April/May 2019 edition of Birds & Blooms.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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