Top Choices In Plants
Hibiscus
Hibiscus- otherwise known to most as a Rose of Sharon, are lovely shrubs often mistaken for a tree. They grow to a maturity of 8 to 12 feet in height and 6 to 10 feet in width. The growth rate of Pink Hibiscus is considered to be in the slow to the moderate range; it grows on average of 13 to 24 inches per year. They bloom late in the summer into the fall, making them one of the few flowering plants to bloom that late, leaving the owner to enjoy the color and beauty of this flowering shrub long after the others have faded.
The Rose of Sharon's fall into the 5 to 9 hardiness zone that includes most of the United States. Except for a couple of the most northern states like Minnesota.
This shrub is an erect, deciduous shrub that produces colorful, cup-shaped flowers. As I said earlier, they bloom late in the summer into the fall while few others are still thriving. They come in a plethora of colors depending on the variety of Pink Hibiscus being one of the favored colors. If you are looking for something to plant in an urban garden, this is an excellent choice they seem to be very tolerant of pollution. Some of the distinctive features of the Althea is the fact that they are easy to care for and low maintenance. It is best to select a site that has full sun to light shade, with moist soil that is well drained. This shrub can be planted in the fall or the spring. If planting in a row, they should be spaced 6 to 10 feet apart, depending on the maturity of the plant.
This shrub needs very little care but here are a few tips; put a layer of compost under the bushes and add mulch to hold in moisture and keep the weeds to a minimum. Pruning is a must; always trim the dead or dying branches this can be done any time of the year.
This plant is a native of Asia; it is a heat lover and can easily tolerate high temperatures. The Rose of Sharon is a multi-stemmed shrub that can be pruned to grow like a tree if you are so inclined. These wonderfully colorful plants are attractive, easy to care for and bloom profusely. They are great to use in places where the deer tend to eat your plants, for the most part, deer and another animal will leave this plant alone. One of the best things about this shrub is that it will attract bird and butterflies including hummingbirds they are also pest-resistant the only things that bother them are aphids and Japanese beetles. The Pink Hibiscus can be used as a privacy hedge, or as a centerpiece in your garden. I recommend that you do not plant it near a frequently used walkway, the blooms fall off and can be slippery. All in all, this is an exceptional plant, minimum maintenance the hardy in many different zones.
Burning Bush Shrub
If you are looking for a fantastic plant that is easy to grow and maintain, and that will also give your yard unique color in the fall, then this bush is the one for you.
The Burning Bush, or Euonymus Alatus, is a deciduous plant that delivers green, blue-green, foliage in the spring and summer. While in the fall the leaves turn to a fabulous flaming red color, giving the bush its name. Once established this bush is natural to grow since it will become in any soil condition. Though it's preference is moist and well-drained soil, it can also handle drought conditions well.
If planted in the shade it will not deliver those fabulous flaming red leaves in the fall, so be sure to plant in full sun. With its fast growth the Burning Bush makes a perfect accent plant, or for an even more eye-catching display, you can plant in groupings.
The burning bush can be used for borders and hedges as well. With a line of brilliant green in the spring and summer, your neighbors will be amazed when in the fall your fence turns into a dazzling display with its flaming red leaves. So there you have it. An easy to grow bush that will deliver a gorgeous flaming red color, and it can be used for a hedge or as an accent plant.
- Hardiness Zone: 4 - 8
- Spread: up to 25 feet
- Width: 4 - 8 feet
- Mature Height: 4 - 8 feet
Sphagnum Moss
Attractive, and versatile, Sphagnum Moss is an invaluable and inexpensive resource for the grower. Whether growing with potted seeds, hanging baskets or window boxes and planters, this plant is a vital part of the plant grower’s toolbox. For the orchidist and the succulent and carnivorous plant grower, sphagnum moss is an indispensable medium component for successful growing.
Sphagnum is a genius, or type, of over 150 different species of mosses. With its ability to absorb moisture from the air rather than rely on the water within the soil, sphagnum moss uniquely absorbs water like a sponge, holding many times its weight in water. Because it can absorb and retain water, it serves the grower working with a variety of plants and media. With its capacity to hydrate, stabilize and condition the soil environment, sphagnum moss helps ensure the greater success of a variety of plantings and garden projects.
Found in bogs and other moist areas, this original plant will create its own bog-like conditions to ensure its own survival. With the great variety of mosses within the genus, the hardiness zones vary greatly, but sphagnum, in general, is tolerant of a range of conditions.
With its lush feel and aesthetic appeal, Sphagnum Moss takes advantage of some beautiful geometrical and stellar designs. Identifiable for its vibrant green hues and soft appearance, this plant is practical, economical and attractive. It makes a lovely accent to a variety of planters and growing areas where it will stay moist. If desired, this plant also provides the grower with many uses in its dried forms as well.