Shrub Plants for the New Year

New, Unusual and Unique Plant Varieties for 2008 Gardens

Jan 6, 2008

Weigela Eyecatcher: Bright, accent flowering shrub, Proven Winners

See the best of the new flowering and ornamental shrubs for home gardeners in 2008. New colors, healthier plants and interesting flower forms can all be found.

Dave Fleming Hardy Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos 'Dave Fleming') – The new Fleming Hibiscus shrubs are hardier than most and will survive winters to Zone 4! Fleming Hibiscus are known to be disease resistant and all enjoy full sun and average to rich soil. The 'Dave Fleming' has bright red-pink flowers and bold, yellow anthers in the center of the flower. The large hibiscus flowers will add a tropical feel to any garden, as will the foliage which has an attractive burgundy tinge. The 'Dave Fleming' hardy hibiscus is an exclusive Monrovia introduction for 2008.

Eyecatcher Weigela (Weigela florida 'Eyecatcher') – Zones 4-8. The weigela shrubs are becoming popular ornamentals in the modern landscape today and with good reason. Weigela often have variegated foliage, grow well in containers or mixed borders, attract birds, butterflies and hummingbirds and have brightly colored spring blooms. The 'Eyecatcher' is a new weigela by Proven Winners that sports bright yellow and line green foliage and deep crimson flowers that contrast with each other so vividly. Compact and easy to grow the 'Eyecatcher' weigela only grows 24” tall and wide but provides a lot of color as an ornamental shrub.

Kaleidoscope Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope') – Zones 6-9. A beautiful variegated shrub to begin with, this abelia is a beautiful specimen with green, yellow and red tones throughout the foliage that intensifies throughout the summer. Kaleidoscope really lives up to its name with the amount of color this shrubs packs into a smaller 2' tall and 3' wide growth habit. Like most abelia shrubs, this PlantHaven Inc. introduction tolerates part shade but prefers full sun and well-draining soil for optimal health. Kaleidoscope will change colors in the autumn and usually holds its leaves throughout winter providing year-round interest.

Rosey Carpet Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica 'Rosey Carpet') – An amazing garden shrub introduced by Greenleaf Nursery, Co. is the 'Rosey Carpet' prostrate crape myrtle. This crape myrtle is only 12” tall but grows about 4' wide and will cascade attractively over containers or rock walls and ledges or sprawl gracefully on the ground to provide almost a ground cover look when mixed with other perennials and shrubs. The flowers are a true, rose-pink color and bloom for an extended season each summer. Like most crape myrtles, gardeners should provide 'Rosey Carpet' with a sunny, well-drained location.

Firegold Spirea (Spiraea x vanhoutii 'Levgold') – Zones 4-8. A stunning spirea for 2008 was introduced by Bailey Nurseries and is part of their First Editions series. The 'Firegold' spirea has shocking lime colored foliage that is variable in tones with soft yellow growth when the leaves are new, and darkening to lime green. The white, bridal wreath flowers appear every spring to cover the arching branches on the medium shrub. Gardeners should allow enough room for this spirea which will grow 4-6' tall by 6' wide.

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