Plants to Look for

Metasequoia glyptostroboides ‘Gold Rush’
Until just 55 years ago, Dawn Redwoods were thought to be extinct! Then living specimens of these ancient deciduous Conifers were discovered in China, & now there for is an outstanding golden-leaved variety from Japan.
The gorgeous foliage keeps its colour well into summer, even in warm areas, then turns orange-brown in fall. Its pyramidal habit and pale, narrow foliage create a graceful, feathery look. ‘Gold Rush’ grows up to 50 feet in just 20 years, eventually reaching 70 to 100 feet tall and 25 feet wide. It is easy to grow, untroubled by pest or disease and content in any moist soil in full sun. Zones 5-9

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Ayesha’
‘Ayesha’ has three features uncommon to a Hydrangea: slightly fragrant blossoms, distinctive spoon-shaped
sepals, & foliage so glossy it looks waxed. Growing up to 6 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide, it sports numerous, somewhat flat flower heads in midsummer; their colour ranges from pale blue to pinkish-white depending on soil pH. Outdoors it needs a protected location. Zones 6-9

Cornus kousa  ‘Wolf Eyes’
This Asiatic Dogwood has striking variegation that easily withstands even intense summer heat. It displays all
the finest characteristics of the species: abundant, creamy-white blooms in early summer; bright red fruits; beautiful pinkish-red fall foliage; & colourful winter bark. Stunning multicoloured leaves sport wavy edges with crisp ivory margins surrounding green "eyes." Resistant to many pests & diseases that plague native Dogwoods. ‘Wolf Eyes’ reaches 10 feet tall after 5-7 years. Plant in sun or partial shade in rich soil. Zones 5-9

Weigela florida ‘Midnight Wine’
Weigela florida ‘Midnight Wine’ has dark burgundy foliage. This dwarf weigela
is best used in perennial borders because it has a mounding habit like Artemisia ‘Silver Mound.’ Anything silver, pink or chartreuse beside ‘Midnight Wine’ will light up your garden. Zone 5

Buddleia x weyeriana ‘Honeycomb’
‘Honeycomb’ offers rich golden blooms that deepen toward the centre, creating the illusion of greater depth. The strong fragrance attracts more butterflies than other species, & the long June to November
bloom season endears this Scottish native to gardeners. Best of all is its carefree habit--needing only a hard spring pruning. It reaches 8-12 feet in warmer areas, a bit less in the north. Drought-, pest-, & disease-resistant. Zones 5-9

Echinacea ‘Kim’s Knee High’
Masses of butterflies will appear when these lovely rosy-pink flowers, with rigidly reflexed petals, open all over bushy 18- to24-inch plants.
Try ‘Kim’s Knee High’ in the front of the herbaceous or mixed border, where its smaller stature (it spreads just 18-20 inches wide) & striking mid- to late summer blossoms can be admired. With tough, leathery foliage, this plant is highly drought- & heat-tolerant & thrives in any well-drained soil--even the poor, dry patches that plague gardeners. Zones 3-9

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Buttons ‘n Bows’
Fascinating colour makes this  quick-growing,
compact mop head an eye-catching  source of beauty at the front of the border, or as a foundation planting. The densely-packed florets in each large, rounded flower head begin light green, then turn a deep pink with white edges, creating a charming picotee effect. Leathery mid-to dark green foliage is an excellent foil for the flowers, which arise in summer on low -growing planting plants 3-4 feet tall & wide. Space 5 feet apart in full sun & well-drained soil enriched with organics.       Zones 6-9