Annual: Bromeliad “Rana”

We’re featuring this terrific tropical under our annuals section because it adds holiday color at just the right time!

Ranging in height from 20 to 24 inches, “Rana” is a striking and colorful plant with blooms lasting about 6 weeks, but commonly continues for up to 3 months.  Once the bloom dies back, the plant itself will slowly die back as well, but first sends out new starts or “pups” that can be re-potted to start the process all over again.

And if you think bromeliad reminds you of a pineapple, plant—you’re right! They’re both “monocarpic plants” meaning they flower, set seeds once and then die back.

Easy to maintain “Rana” adds vibrant, living color during dreary winter months!

Perennial: Amaryllis “Minerva”

Poinsettias might be the traditional flower for the holidays, but amaryllis are an elegant alternative that can be used in a variety of ways.  “Minerva” blooms are a striking deep red with a bright white star and red veining that provides a punch of holiday color that is hard to beat. 

Typically producing 4-6 flowers per stem, this giant amaryllis grows 22-26 “ tall and flowers 30-45 days after indoor planting.

Feature “Minerva” in your holiday decorating by placing in a simple terra cotta pot, add some potting soil and cover with a little moss for a finished look.  Wrap a holiday plaid ribbon around the pot and you’ve got an instant centerpiece for the entry, the dining buffet or the kitchen table.  Happy Holidays!

Shrub: Red Twigged Dogwood

This showy shrub provides a flash of color when you need it most—in the winter months!    Cherry red branches add interest to winter landscape, but the Red Twig Dogwood has much more to offer.  Luscious green foliage throughout the growing season (which turns a rich brick red in the fall), clusters of creamy white flowers in late spring, and powder blue berries in late summer make this shrub a four season winner.

Tree: Colorado Blue Spruce “Baby Blue”

This new introduction of Colorado Blue Spruce takes a superior evergreen to an even higher level.  Sixteen years in experimentation, this variety gives gardeners exactly what they’re wanting from a Blue Spruce, including

• Uniform, bright blue color
• Tight, compact growth habit due to heavy bud formation on each branch
• Evenly radiating needles, giving each branch a very full appearance at all ages

Like all Spruces, “Baby Blue” grows best in full sun and in well-drained soil.  Mature height is approximately 25-30 feet.

Stately and majestic, “Baby Blue” gives your landscaping a contrast of gorgeous color difficult to find in other plantings.  Welcome a spanking new “Baby Blue” to your landscape this year!

Ground Cover: Pachysandra

A favorite for shady gardens, “Green Carpet” boasts a rich, deep green foliage and compact form for a true carpet-like effect.  When established, this pachysandra quickly spreads and rewards you with white blooms above the new growth in early Spring.

With a spread of 12-24 inches and a height of 6-12 inches, “Green Carpet” is a lovely, maintenance free groundcover and offers a bonus by being deer-resistant.

Add a lush roll of “Green Carpet” to your shade landscape this upcoming season!

Looking for a companion to Green Carpet”?  Try Astible “Fanal” for a bold contrast that thrives in part-to-full shade.