Plant of the Week - June 27, 2008

Awesome Astilbe

 4th of July fireworks for your garden!

Astilbe chinensis var. taquetti 'Purpurkerze' (Purple Candle) 

It’s hard to beat Astilbe in shady June gardens – particularly if soils remain consistently moist. Here in the Hudson Valley, June 2008 has been a wet month in many locations setting the stage for a great astilbe season.

Loomis Creek Nursery favors Astilbe chinensis (Chinese astilbe) and its cultivars because of their tall, sturdy habit, coarse foliage, magnificent plumes of color – and better sun and drought tolerance. We offer: Astilbe chinensis ‘Visions’ (lilac-rose plumes), ‘Visions in Red’ (red-purple plumes on red stems), var. taguetti ‘Superba’ (huge purple-rose plumes) & ‘Purpurkerze’ (aka Purple Candle with dark purplish red plumes) -- among others. Happy gardening, Bob Hyland, www.loomiscreek.com

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Friday to Sunday, July 4-6 – July 4th Shrub & Annual Sale at Loomis Creek Nursery; 25% off shrubs, 50% off annuals

Saturday, July 12 – Hidden Gardens of Spencertown; 4 private gardens open at the height of summer glory + plant sale by Loomis Creek Nursery. Info & tickets: 518-392-3693; www.spencertownacademy.org