Plants with Pop

Spring is just about over, and it has been a good one. But don't let that stop you! If you plan things right, your garden can be just getting started. As we wind our way into summer, here are a few reliable choices for the heat of the upcoming days.

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'

Hydrangea paniculatas are exceptional as shrubs for your garden or even as cut flowers for your summer arrangements. Here are two of my favorites:

Limelight habit

The early flower color is a dead giveaway- limey green opens to a clear white, with many flower heads opening as the days go by.

Hydrangea paniculata 'Phantom' is a monster- no doubt- but a friendly one. I don't know of a bigger better flower for this time of year. The flower heads are HUGE and right white even as unfolding buds.





For all summer herbaceous color, why not try Butterfly weed? There are several species and multiple colors- mostly yellows, oranges and reds- within those species. You'll have butterflies and hummingbirds in addition to flower color!

 And speaking of butterflies and hummingbirds? Check out this amazing Abutilon megapotanicum! It starts flowering in early May (April this year!) and goes until frost. It is a real beacon in a container on a deck or in the ground in a garden. You will love these little red lanterns with the yellow skirt!