Perennial of the Year 2010

           Baptisia australis - Blue False Indigo

Blue false indigo grows three to four feet tall and three to four feet wide in an upright habit. This exceptional perennial grows across a wide range of zones and is one of the most adaptable native species. Newly emerging shoots produce violet-blue, lupine-like flowers in erect 10- to 12-inch racemes atop flower stems extending well above the foliage mound of clover-like, trifoliate, bluish-green leaves. The spring flowers are present for three to four weeks. The flowers give way to inflated seed pods which turn charcoal black when ripe and which flower arrangers consider to be ornamental. The common name, blue false indigo, refers to the use of this perennial by early Americans as a dye. Baptisia australis is an excellent plant to anchor the back of the border. It is also valuable for cottage gardens, native plant gardens, and native area of prairies and meadows. It is best as a specimen or planted in small groups. Blue false indigo can be used with bulbs and other spring flowering perennials to make interesting combinations.

Hosta of the Year 2010

                                                        First Frost

The beautiful blue leaves are edged by a creamy-yellow margin that brightens to creamy-white by midsummer. Lavender flowers top the clump in late summer. This durable hosta received its name because it looks great until autumn's "first frost." Stunning!

     

 

 

 

      Tested Nationally & Proven Locally®

2010 Selection

Gaillardia F1 ‘Mesa Yellow’
AAS Flower Award Winner

Mesa Yellow’ is the first hybrid blanket flower with a

controlled plant habit and prolific flowering. The 3-inch

daisy like flowers and globe shaped seed heads offer a

superior presentation of color which continues throughout

the summer. Gardeners will be glad to know they can cut

the blooms for casual bouquets. The flowers, when left on

the plants, will attract butterflies. Judges noted the improved

plant habit of ‘Mesa Yellow’ with mature plants reaching 20 to

22 inches in a full sun garden location. The neat, mounded

plants are adaptable to smaller space gardens or any type

of containers. When planted near the inside edge of the

container, they will cascade down the container.

They are relatively maintenance free. ‘Mesa Yellow’ plants proved to be wind and rain resistant, meaning the plants recover quickly from severe weather.

               Common name: Blanket flower            Flower size: 3 inches
               Flower color: Yellow                            Plant Height: 16-18 inches
               Width: 20-22 inches                             Garden Spacing: 12-18 inches

 

 

 

Perennials at Andy's 2010

 

 

Coreopsis - 'Dreamcatcher'

Deep rose-red bud offshoot of 'Sweet Dreams' variety.  This variety is known for its profuse flowering all season until frost.  Has attractive ferny foliage.  More likely not root hardy in Zone 5 and above, but can be treated as a tender perennial.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coreopsis- 'Route 66'

Hardy coreopsis boasts rich yellow blooms with burgundy-splashed centers. In autumn the blooms transform to rich burgundy red.
Height: 24" Spread: 18"

 

 

 

 

Sedum - 'T Rex'

Rigid stems form an upright mound that never flops, even under the weight of its large flower heads. Scoop-shaped green leaves have sharply toothed edges making for a distinct texture. In late summer, Sedum 'T Rex' is covered in large clusters of creamy buds that open to light rose flowers.

 

 

 

 

Stokesia - 'Elf'

Stokesia laevis 'Elf' is a small and compact plant that reaches a height of only 8 inches. It is quite a prolific bloomer; flowering from midsummer into early fall. The flowers are lavender-blue in color with a lighter domed center and are 2 - 2 1/2 inches in diameter. This is a fun dwarf variety to have in the landscape.

 

 

 

Alcea - 'Fiesta Time'

(Hollyhock) Alcea 'Fiesta Time' is a great new variety in the Hollyhock family. This stunning seed variety produces relatively short spikes of rose pink, fringed, double flowers. The 3 foot height of 'Fiesta Time' makes this a great choice for courtyard gardens, or container plantings. Hollyhocks should be treated as a biennial or short lived perennial.

 

 

 

 

Heuchera - ‘Berry Smoothie’

A beautiful rose pink leaf emerges in the spring that darkens as the season progresses. Not quite as light purple/rose pink as the original press release photos but still a beautiful addition to your heuchera collection. Like all heucheras you need to watch the water early as to prevent the plant from rotting out so plant them high.

 

 

 

 

Heuchera  - ‘Electra’

This hybrid Coral Bells selection is a terrific choice for adding a touch of colour towards the front of a border in shady areas. The large lobed leaves are bright golden-yellow in spring, with striking red veins, ageing to chartreuse in summer then tan for winter. Taller stems of small white bell flowers appear in midsummer. Wonderful in the garden or in mixed containers. Trim off any withered or tired-looking

leaves in spring.

 

 

 

Heucherella - 'Sweet Tea'

Huge cinnamon stars are surrounded by the loveliest orange tea colored borders. A NEW instant classic for containers and garden. Undeniably the most intensely colored Heucherella ever! The big, palmately cut leaves darken in the summer and lighten up again in the fall. Its H. villosa breeding gives it a big bold habit and heat and humidity tolerance.

 

 

 

Astilbe - 'Weisse Gloria'

Very full, stocky plumes of soft white blooms. Excellent plant that is considered one of the best white Astilbes. Blooms mid- to late season

 

 

 

 

 

 

Echinacea Mac 'n' Cheese

Narrow, golden yellow petals radiate from a coppery cone. Like its namesake, 'Mac 'n' Cheese' looks brighter than other yellow Coneflowers. Held on well-branched stems about 26in tall, its 4 1/2in blossoms will light up a border.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Echinacea - 'Milkshake'

This new introduction produces masses of fully double, pompon-like white flowers with a yellow centre. Strong upright plant with excellent branching. Very floriferous from July until the end of September. Happiest in a sunny, well-drained location

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phlox - 'Sherbet Cocktail'®

A colour breakthrough for phlox! Each fragrant cluster of florets produces a fascinating mélange of colour. Yellow-green buds emerge from chocolate-maroon bracts, opening into yellow-edged flowers with centres of soft pink or white.

 

 

 

 

Gaillardia - 'Dakota Reveille'

A fully double Gaillardia with an exceptionally long bloom time!  Fluted red flowers with yellow tips gradually open forming a perfectly round and colorful ball. Blooms June through fall . Height 18-24”.

 

 

 

 

 

Hakonechloa - 'Naomi'

Japanese Forest Grass is a must for all shade gardens. This form has creamy-yellow and green variegated leaves turn striking red to purple tones in fall. Tiny reddish-brown inflorescence are displayed on dancing stems just above the foliage, adding more loveliness during late summer and fall.

 

 

 

Hakonechloa - 'Nicolas'

This form of Japanese Forest Grass has attractive green foliage to contrast with all the variegated Hosta in your shade garden. When fall comes, it really sets the stage for drama with its striking orange and red autumn tones.

 

 

 

Hosta - 'Mighty Mouse'

Round, blue-green leaves are circled by a creamy gold edge. The margin becomes quite wide with age and changes from creamy gold in the spring to white by early summer. Superb substance keeps this little plant looking perfect all season. Hosta 'Mighty Mouse' and the rest of the 'Blue Mouse Ears' sports are destined to be in high demand and will likely raise the standard by which all small hostas are judged in the future. Grows into a 12-14" wide mound crowned with short scapes of cute lavender flowers in mid summer.

 

 

 

Hosta - 'Pineapple Punch'

Features 10" long, 3" wide, heavily undulating green leaves with creamy white margins (margins emerge yellow). Very visually appealing, it constantly looks like it is in a state of movement. A good strong grower.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hosta - Little Treasure

Very wide blue-green border that gives the plant a totally different look; great substance; lavender flowers mid summer are held on pale scapes that compliment the clump.

 

 

 

 

Daylily  - 'Wedding Band'

This award winning daylily produces fragrant, glimmering creamy white flowers with a full picotee, pie crust ruffled, yellow edge. Matching yellow stamens and a green throat complete the look. The broad, rounded petals open flat, making the flower appear even larger than its actual 5.5 inch size

 

 

 

 

 

Daylily - 'Siloam Peony Display'

Like a bouquet of peonies, this lovely cultivar produces an elegant display of fully double, peach colored, diamond dusted blossoms with ruffled petals in midsummer and then again later in the season.

 

 

 

 

 

Daylily - Pumpkin Festival

Large, fragrant, peachy orange daylily with a striking wine purple eye and matching pie crust picotee edge. The broad, rounded, diamond dusted petals surround the gold throat and stamens.