Working at a Garden Center and Nursery has been a blessing and a curse at the same time. It’s very difficult to resist the urge of bringing home new plants everyday. From time to time, I give into temptation and add a little something here and there at Sutherland. Looking back though, I guess it’s been more than just ‘a little’ something. Maybe I have a problem. Could I be turning into a plant collector? Could it be time for an intervention?
Before the big drought, I began with a few additions to the shade gardens. Its been difficult trying to keep it all alive during the dry period, but I think I have persevered. The following plants are new 2012 introductions at Sutherland.
Astilbe x arendsii ‘Rhythm and Blues’
This lovely perennial is set along the front of the house. I’m unsure of the finicky nature of this very thirsty plant, but when I saw the beautiful raspberry-pink plumes, I knew I had to give it a try. Much like a peony, the bloom period is fleeting, but so worth it. Astilbe is a great plant for color in the shade garden.
Height: 25”
Spread: 16-20”
Exposure: Part sun
Bloom time: Midsummer
Bloom color: Pink shades
Water: Prefers consistent soil moisture.
Thalictrum Evening Star Strain
In the Hosta garden, I’m trying this Thalicturm by Terra Nova. A grower/friend of mine gave me three of these to try and I shared two with other gardeners. I’m looking forward to next season to get a report back on their performance. This is a lovely woodland perennial with foliage like Epimedium.
Height: 8”
Spread: 10”
Exposure: Part shade, Full shade
Bloom time: Spring
Bloom color: Pink shades
Water: Average to moist
Thalictrum kiusianum, Dwarf Meadow Rue
In a different area of the Hosta bed I’ve placed a Thalictrum commonly known as Dwarf Meadow Rue. My goal for this slow spreader is to fill in all areas between the larger Hosta plants where unsightly mulch and bare spots are visible. The lacy foliage will contrast nicely against the larger leafed plants.
Height 4-6”
Spread 12-16”
Exposure: Part Shade
Bloom time: Summer
Bloom Color: Lilac shades
Water: Average to moist
Fallopia japonica ‘Variegata’, Variegated Japanese Fleeceflower
I’m very excited about the addition of this plant as it meets several visual criteria in the garden. This is tall vigorous grower with heart-shaped creamy white leaves splashed with dark green specs. The new growth often has coral shades on reddish stems. I’ve only had the plant a few months and already I’m loving all of its attributes.
Height: 4 feet
Spread: 2-3 feet
Exposure: Full sun, Part shade
Bloom time: Late summer, Early fall
Bloom color: White shades
Water: Low to average water needs
Filipendula palmata ‘Variegata’, Meadowsweet
I find the large maple-shaped leaves along the stems of this plant enchanting. I maintain that I am a foliage guy and couldn’t resist these leaves splashed and marginated in white, platinum, lime and dark green. The leafy stems rise to 4 feet and in late spring are topped with a large plume of white flowers. This plant is best in part shade. Note: Apologies for this photo which focuses on the bloom and not the foliage. What was I thinking?
Height: 4-6 feet
Spread: 2 feet
Exposure: Part shade
Bloom time: June
Bloom color: White shades
Water: Moist, well-drained
Final thoughts:
I’m frightened by the quantity of plants listed above and I haven’t even gotten to the Hostas, Trees, and Shrubs yet. Oh my… stay tuned.
Thalicturm Evening Star photo copyright Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.