We’re thrilled to bring you our latest edition of plant highlights for August! These posts are a favorite among our readers, offering both valuable information and a splash of inspiration. This month, we’re showcasing plants that will add vibrant energy to your garden and keep things blooming strong, even as summer starts to wind down.
In this edition, we’re featuring four fabulous plants ready to transform your outdoor space. Whether you’re a gardening pro or just starting out, these selections are sure to make an impression.
Once you’ve explored the botanical brilliance in our blog, why not visit us at the nursery? Our shelves are stocked and tailored to suit every gardening style and landscape. Don’t miss the chance to find the perfect plants to make your garden shine all season long. Read on to get inspired and make your garden dreams a reality!
Berry White® Panicle Hydrangea
Image source: Bailey Nurseries
Description:
This long-awaited introduction is a step forward in paniculata breeding. With strong, upright stems and large cone-shaped flower panicles that stay upright, this plant is a summer stunner. Like the other paniculatas from Mr. Renault at Pépinières Renault, the flower color starts out white in July then progresses to dark pink. Coloring occurs from the bottom and progresses to the top of the panicle. Berry White® blooms a little later than Strawberry Sundae® and about the same time as Vanilla Strawberry™. Color shades can vary according to location, climate and type of soil. Our growers like this plant, and we think you will, too.
Species Specs
Height: 6-7’
Spread: 4-5’
Shape: Upright
Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
Foliage: Medium Green
Zone: 3-8
Plant Care:
It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it thrives best in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Adequate moisture is essential, especially during the hot summer months, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Cristi™ Mallow Hibiscus
Image source: Bailey Nurseries
Description:
Introduced exclusively by Bailey Nurseries, bred by Hugh and Ruth Cocker of Rochester, MN. Cristi™ is a big bold plant with enormous ruby red flowers in late summer. The flowers begin to bloom in August and can be 6-8" in width. This plant has a nice, round bushy habit. Remember, this species is notorious for not breaking bud until early June in the garden. Best in good organic soil.
Species Specs
Height: 4-6’
Spread: 3-4’
Shape: Bushy
Exposure: Full Sun
Foliage: Green
Zone: 4-9
Plant Care:
It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder zones. This plant can be propagated by cuttings.
Lemon Puff™ Shasta Daisy
Image source: Monrovia Nurseries
Description:
Delightful double flowers with soft lemon yellow petals and darker golden yellow centers on a compact plant with a tight, low habit. Incredible flower power with a profusion of blooms. Excellent for container gardening or at the front of a border. An herbaceous perennial.
Species Specs
Height: 16-18”
Spread: 18-22:
Shape: Flower Stalks
Exposure: Full Sun
Foliage: Green
Zone: 4-9
Plant Care:
Thrives in average, well-drained soils; does not tolerate poorly drained, soggy soils. Water deeply, regularly in first growing season to establish root system. Once established, reduce frequency; tolerates mild drought. Remove spent flower stems to encourage rebloom and maintain a tidy appearance.
Honeycrisp Apple Tree
Image source: Bailey Nurseries
Description:
An exciting apple that is exceptionally crisp and juicy. Flavor is sweet but well-balanced. Excellent storage life, up to 7 months. Has been rated equal to or higher in overall quality than 'Haralson', 'Honeygold' or 'Keepsake' in winter storage trials. Ripens in late September in Minnesota and stores like a late season variety. Has become an outstanding commercial and home orchard variety because of its explosive crispness, flavor and storage life.
Species Specs
Height: varies
Spread: varies
Shape: Pyramidal
Exposure: Full Sun
Foliage: Green
Zone: 4-7
Plant Care:
Apple trees thrive in full sun and well drained soil. Water deeply when planting and twice weekly for 3 months while your tree is establishing. For the first year, we recommend watering deeply once weekly in spring and summer and once monthly in fall in winter after the establishment period. Adding a layer of 2 to 3 inches of mulch is recommended especially with newly planted trees. Fertilize with a slow release fertilizer in early spring and when planting to give your tree a boost.