It’s never too early to start thinking about your garden—especially when it comes to shopping for new plants. Keep your eyes out for these 4 beautiful perennials at garden centers this spring.
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Best new perennials for 2017
By: Garden Gate staff
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MissionBells™ Deep Rose penstemon (Penstemon hybrid)
What we love MissionBells Deep Rose penstemon blooms with 1- to 1¼-inch pink blooms on dark stems for the entire growing season. Deadheading isn’t necessary but does help plants look better. And because the flowers are sterile it won’t reseed. Feed plants once a month to keep that colorful show going. Usually penstemons do best with excellent soil drainage but MissionBells Deep Rose tolerates denser soils.
Blooms Pink from summer to frost Light Full sun Soil Well-drained Size 20 to 24 in. tall, 16 to 18 in. wide Cold-hardy USDA zones 5 to 9 Heat-tolerant AHS zones 9 to 1 Introducer Darwin Perennials® Source White Flower Farm
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‘Storm Cloud’ amsonia (Amsonia tabernaemontana)
What we love In spring this perennial’s leaves and stems emerge from the ground deep purple, almost black. In late spring, its blooms are sky blue. Amsonia’s summer look is understated and reliable—there aren’t any pests or disease that bother this native plant, and deer give it a pass, too. In fall, ‘Storm Cloud’ is the attention getter once again with vibrant yellow foliage.
Blooms Sky blue in late spring Light Full sun Soil Moist, well-drained Size 24 to 30 in. tall, 38 to 42 in. wide Cold-hardy USDA zones 4 to 9 Heat-tolerant AHS zones 9 to 1 Introducer Proven Winners® Source Garden Crossings
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‘School Mouse’ hosta (Hosta hybrid)
What we love Miniature hostas fit into any garden, regardless of size. ‘School Mouse’ has wavy green leaves with a bonus: a crisp, wide yellow margin that stays yellow all summer instead of fading to cream as many other hosta cultivars do.
Grow ‘School Mouse’ along a shady path where it can spread to create a colorful edging along stone or bricks. Another great way to enjoy this tiny treasure up close is in a small composite container or trough. Overwinter the hosta, pot and all, in a protected place outdoors or store it in an unheated garage until spring.
Blooms Lavender in summer Light Part to full shade Soil Moist, well-drained Size 6 to 8 in. tall, 14 in. in flower, 12 in. wide Cold-hardy USDA zones 3 to 9 Heat-tolerant AHS zones 9 to 1 Introducer Walters Gardens, Inc. Source Mason Hollow Nursery
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‘Limelight Lady’ eared lady fern (Athyrium otophorum)
What we love Lighten up your shade garden with the bright chartreuse new growth of ‘Limelight Lady’. Deep burgundy stems and veins provide a beautiful contrast, adding depth to frilly fronds, which mature to pale green. New growth keeps coming for most of the season, providing a two-toned effect. The upright habit of ‘Limelight Lady’ makes it easy to grow other smaller shade plants below. Choose ones with broader leaves for an interesting texture contrast.
Blooms Does not flower Light Part to full shade Soil Moist, well-drained Size 12 to 15 in. tall, 22 to 24 in. wide Cold-hardy USDA zones 5 to 9 Heat-tolerant AHS zones 9 to 1 Introducer Pacific Plug and Liner Source NH Hostas & Companion Plants
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