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Cornus hybrid 'Venus'
If I had room for one more dogwood or woman, this would be she: the goddess Venus. Truly a woman who stands her ground. 6" flowers decorate her beauty; jewelry fit for a window at Tiffany. Wipe the drool off your lip and stand back, you aren't man enough. With resistance to Anthracnose and powdery mildew, who could say no to this lovely? 20' x 20-30', Venus is an interspecific hybrid with one half C. kousa x nutalli and one half C. kousa. Zones 4 - 8. What a woman.
Wisteria sinensis 'Caroline'
Luminescent lavender blossoms drip from this vigorous vine. Who doesn't love the sight of a sturdy arbor covered in wisteria. Let me repeat: with a sturdy arbor...too often I see a tiny arbor or even worse, a downspout with newly planted wisteria. Folks, lets be clear; wisteria is a vigorous climber growing upwards of 40'. Plan accordingly or get out the checkbook for home repairs. That said, wisteria makes me think of my grandmother, I'm not sure why. I don't think she actually had wisteria in her garden but there is a Southern grace in all of its vigor that speaks refinement and charm. With counter-clockwise turning stems as opposed to the clockwise Japanese wisteria, 'Caroline' is the belle of the ball.
Primula "Glowing Embers'
Hot, hot baby. 'Glowing Embers' is on fire with its whorls of deep magenta tubular flowers and orange and yellow centers rising 30" from May to June. A Candelabra Primula, 'Glowing Embers' needs moisture and protection from the afternoon sun. Talk about a stunner in the shade; I have the perfect spot.
Acorus gramineus 'Minimus Aureus'
Dwarf Golden Sweet Flag is a bright little monocot, perfect for a border or container. As with most of the posted plants here on Jardinology, I like it. Zones 5-7, taking full sun to part shade and medium to wet soil, it is a vibrant work horse. Note the wet soil characteristic. How many times do our eyes glaze at the question of what to plant in wet or moist soils? This little gem provides a solution. Cluster several together as it is 3-6" x 6-9". I grow mine in full but bright shade at the edge of a lime green rectangular container on the front porch. "Welcome folks" it says, "come on in but please be mindful of the puppy dog who will tear the leg from your soft body."
Rosa 'Flutterbye'
Like 'Mutabilis', a personal favorite, this rose changes color, from yellow to pinks and golds as the flower ages. It can be kept as a shrub but is better served as a climber at 6-8' tall. Very fragrant and hearty in zones 5-9. And while I'm not fond of yellow, I think I might like this as an addition to my garden. I am picturing it climbing over my fence next to a hot pink rose. Outlandish? I think not but you tell me....
Iris Reticulata "Gordon Dutch Iris" is abloom. Perhaps a signal of an early spring? We hope so. An early spring blooms hope eternal. Perhaps this spring we will have confidence in our ability to rally and pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and get things done.
Perhaps we have been bulb-like, needing a time of rest in the soil to gather strength for a burst of productivity as spring approaches.
Perhaps...
Either way, I will take a moment to enjoy a blue sky and matching bloom.
