Editor’s Choice

Editor’s Choice noteworthy plants

Through the years we have introduced a ers all year long. This flowering plant is a bit on multitude of plants. From trees and shrubs, the larger size when full grown, however they to annuals and perennials, the varieties are will flower when young about 8 to 10 inches tall. too numerous to recall in this space. However, Flowers range from white, pink, to red and last there were a featured few that caught my eye. So for weeks while more are produced. Anthuriums much so that I have included them in my garden, like to be allowed to dry between watering and or, in the case of tropicals, I have given them as misting helps to create the humidity they like. gifts. The plants highlighted here are on my list Remember, they are tropical after all. Place them of favorites and come to mind when a fellow garin a bright window where flowering will be at its dener asks for a suggestion. best. Nestle them in with your orchids, they will

Perennial climber American wisteria, make a nice addition. Wisteria frutescens, native to North America is a One that I never tire of is the tropical bropreferred species here in Kansas City rather than meliad Aechmea. Well suited to grow indoors the more aggressive Asian species. Fragrant and or out, they thrive in light shade or indirect sunshowy, they flower more reliably in our area in light. Mine has made a lovely centerpiece on the late May through June in sunny sites. When the dining room table. Other than keeping water in garden conditions were right this season, mine its central tank at all times, the care is effortless. rebloomed. It is unusual, yet delightful. With so many to choose from, you’ll likely want

My daylily collection continues to grow. This more than one. beauty Hemerocallis ‘Outrageous’ is vigorous Peonies are my garden treasures. From the and stunning in the garden. Blooms mid season, hundreds of different peony varieties, there are is drought tolerant and attracts butterflies and a select few in my garden, due only to sunlight hummingbirds. limits. Yumi Itoh Peony pictured here is an inter

Zinnias are my new favorite annual. When I sectional hybrid named ‘Yellow Doodle Dandy’ met ‘Zahara Double Raspberry Ripple’ a double with exceptionally large blooms. Most of my two-tone flower that holds its flower pattern peonies are tree form, rather than herbaceous, fairly well even during the dog days of summer, and always deliver enough blooms to bring I knew I wanted more. Growing from seed has indoors plus share with the neighbors. been fun and easy. This hardworking annual Hosta is another category of long-lived perenprovided stunning color all season. nials that return year after year. These shade tol

In the houseplant category, Flamingo flower erant plants are known for their diverse foliage. or painter’s palette is a very tropical looking The entire east side of our landscape is full of flowering plant that will produce beautiful flowvarieties like ‘June’, ‘Elegans’, ‘Guacamole’ 12 September 2020 | kcgmag.com American Wisteria

Daylily Outrageous

Anthurium

Aechmea

Peony Yellow Doodle Dandy

and ‘Halcyon’. These paired with fern varieties like ‘Autumn Brilliance’ and ‘Lady in Red’, the display is captivating.

Clematis can add a nice focal point to the landscape. ‘Ramona’ offers a softer color to the palette, with soft purple blooms throughout the summer. I haven’t had much success with clematis and ‘Ramona’ is no exception. Despite those experiences, I plan to continue my research and try again.

It seems I am drawn to plants that benefit wildlife. And I have grown particularly fond of ‘Allegheny’ Viburnum rhytidophyllum. Attractive, dense upright grower that makes a great hedge, screen or windbreak.

‘Allegheny’ features slender, oblong, and beautifully textured leaves that are deep green forming a dense shrub. In our area, it is considered semi-evergreen. When winter is harsh, the Hosta

Clematis Ramona

leaves become unsightly. For my garden, that adds to the natural forest look of the backyard.

This viburnum isn’t particular about soil type, although it must be well draining for best performance.

When selecting a site, keep in mind mature size. These beauties need room to grow.

Light needs are simple: sun to part shade, making viburnum versatile in any landscape.

Although ‘Allegheny’ is drought tolerant, consistent watering is essential for the first season. Deep, regular watering helps to establish an extensive root system. Taper off watering once established.

The flowers are abundant in spring. When late summer comes, bright red berries appear maturing to black just in time for feeding backyard birds. Such a delight to see birds use the shrubs as playground and habitat.