New Plants in 2011!
We love staying on top of trends in Midwest landscaping, and we love being able to provide our customers with the plants they are demanding. That’s why every year we look forward with eager anticipation to the arrival of varieties that are brand new to Miller Nursery! And as usual, we want our E-Newsletter subscribers to be the first ones to know about these new gems. Consider it one of the perks of reading our newsletter! So without further ado…
Sherwood Flame Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Sherwood Flame’) – The compact, upright growth habit of this plant makes it a perfect choice for protected areas such as entryways and courtyards. But the real story, as with any good Japanese maple, is the foliage. The fine textured, serrated leaves hold on to their burgundy color even in the hot summer months. Sherwood Flame even has the potential for crimson fall color in dry years.
Fall Fiesta Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum ‘Bailsta’) – This prototypical shade tree has all the right attributes. It has a rounded upright growth habit, produces dense shade, is resistant to storm damage, and is hassle-free. In addition to all these practical items, it also has outstanding foliage. The dark green, glossy foliage turns to gorgeous combinations of oranges, reds, and yellows in fall.
A majestic Katsura Tree at the Morton Arboretum starting to show its fall color.
Katsura Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) – This tree is possibly the one we’re most excited about this year! It has excellent ornamental attributes all year long. Often pyramidal in shape, this tree can fit into a wide variety of landscape situations. The leaves are heart-shaped and slightly fragrant once they have turned yellow in fall. The bark peels and adds attractive winter-interest.
Espresso Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus dioicus ‘Espresso-JFS’) – This is truly a worthy shade tree. Not only is this species native to Iowa, but this variety has been selected for its excellent form and seedlessness. The leaves are huge and provide a surreal textural contrast. In summer, the small leaflets have a fine texture on par with honeylocusts, but in winter, the bare branches are among the coarsest you will ever see! A handsome tree in all seasons!
Charlotte Hellebore (Helleborus orientalis ‘SP Charlotte’) – Hellebores are quickly becoming shining stars in perennial gardens across the country. These early bloomers put on quite a show before most plants in the garden have even turned green. This variety is no exception. The white and red-speckled flowers are tremendous in April, and the coarse, glossy, semi-evergreen foliage is interesting year-round.
Empress Wu Hosta in all its hugeness!
Empress Wu Hosta (Hosta ‘Empress Wu’) – This hosta boasts to be the biggest in the world. If the photos are reliable, then that claim just might be true! If you need a giant, coarse-textured, space-filling plant in your shade garden, boy do we have the plant for you!
The Razor’s Edge Hosta (Hosta ‘The Razor’s Edge’) – This diminutive hosta packs a punch with its bright red stems. Be sure to place this “sharp” looking gem in a location where everyone can see it. The lavender flowers also add seasonal interest.
Little Lime Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Jane’) – This plant is another “Proven Winners” introduction. It sports beautiful lime colored flowers in late summer and fall just like its predecessor Limelight. However, as its name would suggest, Little Lime is much smaller and more compact. Great for small, sunny gardens!
Kinpo Japanese White Pine (Pinus parviflora ‘Kinpo’) – Most Japanese white pines are known for their elegant blue foliage. Unfortunately, they usually grow too large to be placed appropriately in Midwest landscapes. That’s why this slow growing, irregular evergreen is a great choice for protected areas and dwarf conifer gardens.
Wy’east Japanese White Pine (Pinus parviflora ‘Wy’east’)– Similar to Kinpo but this selection has shorter needles and a more upright growth habit. The open, wispy look of this plant makes it a great foil for other more traditional evergreens.
