PRO.
PLANT LIKE A
Ask Tom Bowman, nursery buyer from Homestead Gardens, about his favorite plants, and he lights up.
Two that come to mind are underused natives: bush honeysuckle (Diervilla*) and oakleaf hydrangeas. When a nurseryman, or woman, endorses plants, you know they’re going to be easy to grow and indestructible.
Diervilla Bush Honeysuckle This underused shrub is native to most of the eastern half of the United States. It thrives in dry shade, flowers beautifully, has great fall color and it’s deer resistant, too. The trumpet-shaped flowers bloom in late spring and early summer and attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. It is not fussy, prefers dry to slightly moist soil in full sun to part shade. Plus, it is drought resistant once established. Use in shrub borders, woodland gardens, on slopes or as a low hedge. Prune back after flowering if necessary. This is an excellent landscape plant that will succeed in even the most challenging sites. Tom’s favorites Include:
Diervilla splendens Firefly™ Nightglow™ The name says it all. The foliage on this well-behaved native shrub is as dark as night in deep shades of cherry and chocolate. Firefly refers to the yellow flowers that dance above the leaves. The foliage colors look impressive when planted in a sea of green shrubs. In fall, the color becomes even darker.
» Height: 24-36” » Spread: 24-36” » Hardiness Zone: 4-7 » Attracts: Hummingbirds, butterflies + bees » Sun or shade » Deer Resistant » Perfect for Dry Shade » Outstanding Foliage Color
Photo courtesy of Proven Winners | www.provenwinners.com
Kodiak® Orange Diervilla A native selection from Proven Winners is a show-stopper. New growth is bright orange with pink undertones. In autumn, it simply glows as the foliage turns a deep reddish-orange. The foliage color will be best when grown in bright light.
» Height: 36-48” » Spread: 36-48” » Hardiness Zone: 4-7 » Attracts: Hummingbirds, butterflies + bees » Sun or shade » Deer Resistant » Perfect for Dry Shade » Outstanding Fall Color
*This species should not be confused with Lonicera japonica, which shares the common name bush honeysuckle and is an exotic invasive species.
14 inspirations SPRING/SUMMER 2020
