Author Archives: grayslady

Attractive Addition to Russian Sage Selections

Posted on July 3, 2016

  Proven Winners ® has introduced a new Perovskia atriplicifolia called ‘Denim ‘n’ Lace’. The plant has all the growth and hardiness characteristics of other Russian sage, but at 28”-32” (71-81 cm) tall, it is somewhat shorter than the species. … Continue reading →

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Golden Vicary Privet

Posted on July 3, 2016

Here’s a fun plant to use in a mixed border or as a pair of accents by an exterior door. In full sun, the leaves are lemon yellow; in semi-shade locations, or where lower branches are shaded, the leaves are … Continue reading →

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Plant of the month: Spiraea japonica ‘Little Princess’

Posted on July 3, 2016

Few shrubs are as spectacular in bloom as established plantings of Spiraea vanhouttei (Bridal Wreath Spirea). Not all of us have room for this magnificent bloomer, but breeders have worked diligently to develop smaller spirea with three-season interest. Two of my … Continue reading →

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Dianthus Devon Cottage ‘Waterloo Sunset’

Posted on July 3, 2016

Deep magenta pink has always been my favorite color to make all other garden plants come alive. Its intensity makes pale blues and lavender look softer. Combined with yellow and orange, magenta turns the garden into a Monet painting. It … Continue reading →

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Plant of the Month: ‘Technito’® Arborvitae

Posted on October 20, 2015

Thuja occidentalis ‘Techny’ (the Techny arborvitae) is, perhaps, the most handsome of the lush, dark green arborvitaes. Unfortunately, not all of us can find the right location for a 12′-15′ (3.7-4.6 m) tall evergreen. Now, however, there is a moderate … Continue reading →

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Lilac Blights

Posted on August 28, 2015

A long rainy spring, such as many of us experienced this year, creates the perfect conditions for lilac blight. There are two types of lilac blights, a fungal variety, Ascochyta syringae, and a bacterial variety, Pseudomonas syringae p.v. syringae (the … Continue reading →

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Alternaria Leaf Spot Fungus on Aster ‘Purple Dome’

Posted on August 26, 2015

Regrettably, I can no longer recommend Aster (syn. Symphyotrichum) novae-angliae ‘Purple Dome’ due to its susceptibility to Alternaria leaf spot. Alternaria is a fungal leaf spot disease that can affect trees, as well as perennials. Although often not serious on … Continue reading →

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