Peony 'Ozark Beauty' 23W24 Lactiflora F2- (Wild Bros., 1950) (4-DB-PK) Lactiflora Cultivar Peony, Mature plant size: 36in., PINK, Medium height, large double, shell pink petals, dark pink base, silver sheen, side-buds, Late bloomer, USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW23, In Garden Bed F2 for 9.7 YEARS (Wild). Planted in 2013.

Large rose-type flowers. Needs support. Weak stems. Bred by Gilbert H. Wild & Son (Allen) from Sarcoxie, Missouri. They started hybridizing peonies in 1925 and introduced ~40 new cultivars. They also introduced & marketed peonies from other breeders. In 1991, the nursery (and peonies) was sold to Greg Jones & John Huitsong who continue to market bare root peonies.

APS: Double - Pink - Late. Medium height. (Seedling No. 4 Pink Random). Large dark shell pink with a deeper pink under color and a distinct silvery sheen. Rose type, very free blooming on strong stems. The entire crop of flowers opens within a very few days producing a very showy plant.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2011, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #week5, #sidebuds, #Perennial, #Peony, #Late, #Double , #OzarkBeauty, #23W24

Rosa 'Lady of Shalott' 23W23 DAR V2- (Austin, 2009) English Leander Hybrid Shrub Rose DAR, Mature plant size: 5x4ft., ORANGE, Orange Yellow, 60 petals, USDA Hardiness Zone 4-10, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW23, In Garden Bed V2 for 4.1 YEARS (David). Planted in 2019.

DAR: Rosa 'Ausnyson' [LADY OF SHALOTT]. One of the most reliable and hardy roses in our collection - an ideal rose for the inexperienced gardener. It is highly resistant to disease and will bloom with unusual continuity throughout the season. The young buds are a rich orange-red that open to form chalice-shaped blooms, filled with loosely arranged petals. Each petal has a salmon pink upper side, which contrasts beautifully with the attractive golden yellow reverse. The flowers have a pleasant, warm Tea fragrance, with hints of spiced apple and cloves. It quickly forms a large, bushy shrub with slightly arching stems. The mid-green leaves have attractive, slightly bronzed tones when young.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2019, 20, 21, 22, 23:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #OwnRoot, #week5, #shrub, #DAR, #Rose, #EnglishLeanderHybrid, #Orange, #LADYOFSHALOTT, #23W23

Peony 'Myra MacRae' 23W25 Lactiflora F4- (Tischler, 1967) (5-DB-PK) Lactiflora Cultivar Peony, Mature plant size: 30in., Medium height, large double, lavender pink petals, cupped guard petals, late bloomer, USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW23, In Garden Bed F4 for 20 MONTHS (Wild). Planted in 2021.

American Peony Society: MYRA MacRAE (Tischler - Brand Peony Farms 1967) - Double, late, medium pink.

Blooms are above the foliage. Unusual color. APS Gold Metal 1998. Bloomed second year after planting. Limited blooms in 2021. Split (2) and moved from F2 to N2 on 10/21/2021. Needs support.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2015, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #week5, #late, #Perennial, #Peony, #Double, #GoldMetal, #GMAW-1998, #Floppy, #MyraMacRae, #23W25

Iris pseudata 'Antique Brass' 23W26 SPX G4- (Harris, 2017) Pseudata Iris SPX Beardless, Mature plant size: 48in., Harris: bright golden yellow with a red overlay. Spring foliage is bright chartreuse, blooms late June-July. Height 48″ Zone 3? 4-9, USDA Hardiness Zone 4, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW26, In Garden Bed G4 for 21 MONTHS (SJI). Planted in 2021.

American Iris Society: 'Antique Brass' (Chad Harris, R. 2017) Seedling 08SPCXL6. SPEC-X (pseudata), 48" (122 cm). Midseason bloom. Standards golden yellow (RHS 7A); style arms same, violet undertones on edges and crest; falls yellow with smooth overlay of red-violet (184C), petal underside yellow with slight red-violet overlay, intense yellow (12A) signal with bright red-violet (134A) halo eyelash marking. 'Violet Swallows' sibling. Mt. Pleasant 2018.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2022, 23:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #Midseason, #Perennial, #Monocot, #Rhizome , #SPX, #AntiqueBrass, #Iris, #Pseudata, #23W26

Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Venus' WW43 Mum F4- (¿cummings, 1930) Hardy Garden Mum, Mature plant size: 2-3ft., small flower, soft pale pink maturing to white, USDA Hardiness Zone 5-9, Michigan Bloom Month 10-11, In Garden Bed F4 for 6.5 YEARS (accents). Planted in 2016.

The Garden Geeks: Venus chrysanthemum (chrysanthemum rubellum) is a clump forming, bushy perennial, with woody stem bases. They have pinnatisect leaves. Great for herbaceous border or cutting. "the term korean mum is a bit of misnomer. They may have some lineage that traces back to asia but most of the early work done in developing this type of mum is credited to connecticut nurseryman and plant breeder, alex cummings, in the 1930s. They are frequently listed as chrysanthemum rubellum but many are actually hybrids of several chrysanthemum types. In general these mums have a more vigorous habit than garden mums and are more graceful, with thinner stems and a willowy, sometimesfloppy, habit. The color range is somewhat limited to whites, pinks, soft yellows and shades of gold. If you are willing to explore the internet enthusiastically you may unearth a purple variety or two. The fact that they begin to flower in mid-october and continue past a few frosts make them especially nice for late season color.

2021 note: this mum seems to be more hardy than many of the other so called "hardy" mums. Going strong after over 5 years in the garden.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2016, 17, 18, %1, 19 20, 21, 22:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #Tall, #Perennial, #Heirloom, #Mum, #GardenMum, #Chrysanthemum, #Hardy, #Venus, #WW43

Peony 'Sarah Bernhardt' 23W24 Lactiflora G4- (Lemoine, 1906) (4-DB-PK) Lactiflora Cultivar Peony, Mature plant size: 36in., PINK, large double, light pink, some red edges, lighter tips, side-buds, slight fragrance, occasional gold anther in collar, late bloomer, USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW23, In Garden Bed G4 for 11.8 YEARS (Wild07). Planted in 2011.

Paeonia 'Sarah Bernhardt', (4-DB-PK) lactiflora cultivar Peony, (Lemoine, 1906), USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8, 36" large double, light pink, some red edges, lighter tips, side-buds, slight fragrance, occasional gold anther in collar, late bloomer. Bloom Month 5-6. Bred by Victor Lemoine (1823-1911) & Emile Lemoine (1862-1942) from Nancy, France. They have 83 peonies listed with the APS.

2023 note: very tall with long stems. Needs an extra tall support. Main bud and side buds boom at the same time causing the stems to crash.l

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2015, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #Double, #Perennial, #Peony, #BWS, #tall, #Late, #2020Top22, #SarahBernhardt, #23W24

Rose 'Survivor' 23W25 Rose N3- (Corn Hill Nursery,,1975) Explorer Rose, Mature plant size: 4x5ft., Semi-double deep red flowers, USDA Hardiness Zone 3, Michigan Bloom Month 6, In Garden Bed N3 for 17.2 YEARS (GLR). Planted in 2006.

HelpMeFind: When 'Survivor' was introduced by Robert Osborne's Corn Hill Nursery, it was said to be a seedling which had been bred by Felicitas Svejda but not introduced by the Explorer program. The parentage was reported to be 'Old Blush' x 'Fru Dagmar Hastrup'. Dr. Svejda says that 'Survivor' is not one of her roses.

'Survivor' was given that name by Robert Osborne because it survived extreme winter conditions when many other roses were killed back.

Morden #71659501 (RSM I2) has 'Adelaide Hoodless' (RSM 65) as seed parent and an unnamed seedling (RSM 95, also known as RSM 6118) as pollen parent. RSM 6118 is probably from the cross Crimson Glory X (Donald Prior X R. arkansana).

There are many points of similarity between #71659501 (RSM I2) and 'Survivor' (which Osborne received under the code #75659-5015) because the two are siblings bred in different years. The plant labeled as 'Survivor' at Morden has flowers of a slightly lighter color than RSM I2.Semi-double deep red flowers with a very long blooming season.

Developed in Ottawa . Should be cut back every spring to keep the shub under control. Hardy and disease resistant. 1975. Spreads.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2015, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #shrub, #Survivor, #Rose, #Rosa, #Red, #23W25

Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio' WW45 Miscan R2- (Dwarf) Dwarf Maiden Grass Miscan, Mature plant size: 4x4ft,, narrow, silver-gray blades which turn yellow in fall., USDA Hardiness Zone 5, Michigan Bloom Month -, In Garden Bed R2 for 16 MONTHS (Lowes). Planted in 2021.

Missouri Botanical Garden:'Adagio' is a dwarf eulalia grass cultivar which is one of the shortest of the many Miscanthus cultivars available in commerce today, typically growing 3 to 4 feet tall (5 feet in bloom.) It is an upright, warm season, clump-forming ornamental grass which features extremely narrow, silver-gray blades which turn yellow in fall. Tiny pink-tinged flowers appear in tassel-like inflorescences above the foliage in late summer, gradually turning into creamy white plumes by fall as the seeds mature. Foliage and flower plumes persist well into winter providing good winter interest.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2021, 22:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #Warmseason, #clump, #Grass, #ChineseSilverGrass, #MaidenGrass, #EulaliaGrass, #Adagio, #Dwarf, #WW45

Anemone x hybrida 'Honorine Jobert'

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Donna May'

Pinus mugo var. mughus

Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers' WW32 Oak Leaf Y0- (National Arboretum 2010) Oak Leaf Hydrangea, Mature plant size: 4x4ft., Open white, matures Red, USDA Hardiness Zone 5-9, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW25, In Garden Bed Y0 for 4.0 YEARS (Gurney's). Planted in 2018.

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers' (Oak Leaf Hydrangea) is a product of a breeding program started in 1996 at the U.S. National Arboretum in McMinnville, TN (A cross and Intercross of H. quercifolia 'Snow Queen' and 'Pee Wee'). After evaluations, it was introduced in 2010. A dwarf at 3 1/2- to 4-ft. tall, its 9” upright, cone-shaped panicles open white, then turn pale pink and mature to deep rose. Dark green oak-like leaves turn mahogany-red in fall. Grows well in partial shade to full sun. USDA Zones 5-8.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2018, 19, 20, 21, 22:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #Shrub, #Oakleaf, #PartShade, #Dwarf, #ConeShaped, #RubySlippers, #Hydrangea, #WW32

Panicum virgatum 'Cheyenne Sky' WW45 Switchgrass V2- (Babikow, Pensacola, FL) Compact Switchgrass, Mature plant size: 36x18in., blue-green foliage that turns deep wine red in early summer., USDA Hardiness Zone 4, Michigan Bloom Month -, In Garden Bed V2 for 13 MONTHS (Lowes). Planted in 2021.

Missouri Botanical Garden: ‘Cheyenne Sky’ is a switch grass cultivar that is noted for its tall, upright, blue-green foliage that turns deep wine red in early summer. It typically grows in a dense, erect, narrow clump to a compact 2' tall (3' tall with flower spikes present). U.S. Plant Patent Applied For (PPAF).

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2022:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #Perennial, #Grass, #CheyenneSky, #Panicum, #SwitchGrass, #WW45

Peony 'Coral Charm' 23W22 xPeony N3- (Wissing, 1964) (2-SD-PK) xPeony Peony, Mature plant size: 36in., PINK, Medium height, semi-double, antique rose shape (bowl), coral petals, golden center, USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW21, In Garden Bed N3 for 8.7 YEARS (Wild). Planted in 2014.

American Peony Society: F2, inbred Officinalis Otto Froebel (tetraploid). A huge bowl shaped flower with a brilliant penetrating coral color, which has a mild agreeable sheen. The color lightens to a pale cream as the golden center of stamen’s is approached. It is semi-double. The guards and second row of petals are large and have no undesirable petal notches. The petals become narrower and become gradually erect toward the center of the flower. The flower has unusual substance and is a free bloomer. Borne on 36 in. rigid stems, with good foliage. It is late “June 1st here” for a hybrid, and has real vigor. It had three blooms the first time it bloomed in 1S62, seven blooms the second year in 1963, and ten blooms in 1984. It has the stamina to stay in refrigeration for ten days at least and still do well. Seedling # 640.

A cross of P. lactiflora x P. peregrina 'Otto Fröbel' bred by Samuel E. Wissing, Lombard, Illinois. Registered with APS by Klehm Nursery. APS Gold Metal 1986. One of the few patented peonies (PP04247, 1978)

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2015, 17, 18, 20, 21, 23:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #GMAW-1986, #Perennial, #Peony, #Pink, #GoldMetal, #PP04247, #2020Top20, #Cupped, #CoralCharm, #Hybrid, #23W22

Abies koreana 'Cis'

Buxus 'Green Mountain'

Camassia leichtlinii alba

Camassia leichtlinii coerulea

Clematis 'Niobe'

Echinacea purpurea

Geranium x cantabrigiense 'Crystal Rose'

Hemerocallis 'Flying Down to Rio'

Hemerocallis 'Mormon Spider'

Hemerocallis 'Tom Thumbs Blues'

Hosta 'Prairie Sum Shine'

Hydrangea paniculata 'TICKLED PINK'

Iris ensata 'Blue Blue Heaven'

Iris pseudata 'Antique Brass'

Iris sibirica 'Purple'

Paeonia 'White Emperor'

Paeonia 'White Frost'

Rosa 'Auswalker' [THE PILGRIM]

Rosa 'Blush Hip'

Rosa 'Chloris'

Rosa 'Ispahan'

Rosa 'OLIVIA ROSE AUSTIN'

Spiraea japonica 'froebelii'

Thuja occidentalis 'Hetz Midget'

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Avalanche' WW46 Feather Reed Grass J1- (American Ornamental Perennials) Feather Reed Grass, Mature plant size: 5x3ft., Variegated, white central band bordered by narrow green margins , USDA Hardiness Zone 4, Michigan Bloom Month 5, In Garden Bed J1 for 16 MONTHS (Menards). Planted in 2021.

Digging Dog Nursery: This distinctive newcomer is a variegated form of Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ first spotted by Steve Schmidt at American Ornamental Perennials. Showcasing dramatically striped foliage, the medium-sized clumps spring to life as a hefty white central band bordered by narrow green margins embellishes each blade. Topped with an airy aura of rose-tinged green plumes that later take on warm, golden hues, ‘Avalanche’s straight-up stance forges a compelling specimen, or when planted en masse, a boldly patterned screen. (PPAF)

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2021, 22:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #ClumpForming, #CoolSeason, #wet, #Grass, #FeatherReed, #Avalanche, #CalamagrostisXacutiflora, #Calamagrostis, #WW46

Abies koreana 'Cis'

Buxus 'Green Mountain'

Camassia leichtlinii alba

Camassia leichtlinii coerulea

Clematis 'Niobe'

Echinacea purpurea

Geranium x cantabrigiense 'Crystal Rose'

Hemerocallis 'Flying Down to Rio'

Hemerocallis 'Mormon Spider'

Hemerocallis 'Tom Thumbs Blues'

Hosta 'Prairie Sum Shine'

Hydrangea paniculata 'TICKLED PINK'

Iris ensata 'Blue Blue Heaven'

Iris pseudata 'Antique Brass'

Iris sibirica 'Purple'

Paeonia 'White Emperor'

Paeonia 'White Frost'

Rosa 'Auswalker' [THE PILGRIM]

Rosa 'Blush Hip'

Rosa 'Chloris'

Rosa 'Ispahan'

Rosa 'OLIVIA ROSE AUSTIN'

Spiraea japonica 'froebelii'

Thuja occidentalis 'Hetz Midget'

Baptisia 'Brownie Points' 23W23 Baptisia U2- (Hans Hansen) False Indigo Baptisia, Mature plant size: 36x40in., BROWN, caramel-brown flowers (aka yellow), USDA Hardiness Zone 3, Michigan Bloom Month 6a, In Garden Bed U2 for 5.8 YEARS (Hallson). Planted in 2017.

Chicago Botanic Garden: Brownie Points false indigo represents a color breakthrough in the breeding program from Walters Gardens. The blooms are a warm amber color with a touch of yellow at the base of each flower.

Members of the genus Baptisia are commonly known as wild or false indigo due to their use by early Americans as a blue dye. Although "indigo" is in the common name, the blooms of native species may be blue, yellow or white and the blooms of newer hybrids may include lavenders and bi-colors. The late spring or early summer flowers emerge along long stems held above attractive foliage and are followed in the fall by dark pods. Overall habits of the plant are broad-rounded mounds to vase-shaped and range in height from two to five feet. Baptisia are considered easy-to-grow, sun-loving, long-lived perennials with very good drought

Baptisia 'Brownie Points' has unusual caramel-brown flowers with a yellow keel, flowering on 10in. spikes in June above a bushy, rounded clump. It grows 3 to 3 1/2' high and wide. (PP#26624)

In its third year (2020), it really looks strong. Good color and many stems. Measures 40x40 inches. I am not sure it is a color breakthrough, but I really like the color.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2018, 20, 21, 22, 23:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #Perennial, #BWS, #FalseIndigo, #Brown, #Baptisia, #BrowniePoints, #23W23

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Avalanche' WW32 Feather Reed Grass J1- (American Ornamental Perennials) Feather Reed Grass, Mature plant size: 5x3ft., Variegated, white central band bordered by narrow green margins , USDA Hardiness Zone 4, Michigan Bloom Month 5, In Garden Bed J1 for 13 MONTHS (Menards). Planted in 2021.

Digging Dog Nursery: This distinctive newcomer is a variegated form of Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ first spotted by Steve Schmidt at American Ornamental Perennials. Showcasing dramatically striped foliage, the medium-sized clumps spring to life as a hefty white central band bordered by narrow green margins embellishes each blade. Topped with an airy aura of rose-tinged green plumes that later take on warm, golden hues, ‘Avalanche’s straight-up stance forges a compelling specimen, or when planted en masse, a boldly patterned screen. (PPAF)

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2021, 22:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #ClumpForming, #CoolSeason, #wet, #Grass, #FeatherReed, #Avalanche, #CalamagrostisXacutiflora, #Calamagrostis, #WW32

Allium 'Serendipity' WW31 Hybrid Allium U0- (McDonough) Hybrid Allium, Mature plant size: 20in., Purple, USDA Hardiness Zone 5-7, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW31, In Garden Bed U0 for 22 MONTHS (Lowes). Planted in 2020.

Missouri Botanical Garden:'Serendipity' features blue-tinged foliage and was discovered as a sport of the hybrid ornamental onion Allium 'Millenium'. Globe-shaped inflorescences of purple flowers reaching 1.5-2" in diameter are held above the foliage on sturdy stems in mid to late summer. The flowers are suitable for fresh cut arrangements. Mature clumps will reach up to 1.75' tall and 1.5' wide. Bulb rot may occur in overly moist soils. Watch for mildew, rust and leaf spots. Thrips are an occasional problem. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant.

2020 note:Sport. 1 gallon pot from Lowes, $10. A Proven Winners selection.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2020, 21, 22:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #Bulb, #Monocot, #OrnamentalOnion, #Garlic, #Clump, #Purple, #Allium, #Serendipity, #WW31

Hydrangea paniculata 'LAVALAMP MOONROCK' WW43 Panicle S3- (Kolster, Peter Rudolf - Boskoop, NL 2018) Panicle Hydrangea, Mature plant size: 5x5ft., WHITE, Creamy blooms age to apple green, USDA Hardiness Zone 3, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW28, In Garden Bed S3 for 24 MONTHS (Burpee). Planted in 2020.

White Flower Farm: Luminous white panicles, each packed with more than 1,000 flowers and each highlighted with shades of pistachio green, are held upright on the strong stems of this relatively compact, high performance Hydrangea. Line a walkway, create a standout patio pot, or plant this one in a white garden where the conical blooms will outshine the moon. 'Kolmakilima' PP 29,853

Heritage Hydrangea: Hydrangea paniculata 'Kolmakilima' LAVA LAMP™ MOONROCK can grow to 2m wide and 2m tall. Inflorescence: Panicle, 230mm x 150mm. Creamy blooms age to apple green. Bred by Peter R. Kolster and Cornelis P. Eveleens of Kolster Holding BV, Boskoop, The Netherlands.Trade designation: Hydrangea paniculata LAVA LAMP™ MOONROCK. Formerly LAVA LAMP™ SUBLIME. Zones: 3 to 9. Size: Large (to 2m).

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2021, 22:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #Full-sized , #PanicleHydrangea, #ConeShaped, #PeeGee, #Shrub, #PP29853, #Kolmakilima, #LAVALAMPMOONROCK, #Hydrangea, #Moonrock, #WW43

Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Zebra' WW39 Miscan F2- (Thomas Walsh, Nunica, MI) Dwarf Maiden Grass Miscan, Mature plant size: 4x4ft, horizontally-banded foliage and wine-purple flower plumes, USDA Hardiness Zone 5, Michigan Bloom Month -, In Garden Bed F2 for 14 MONTHS (Lowes). Planted in 2021.

Missouri Botanical Garden: ‘Little Zebra’, sometimes commonly called dwarf zebra grass, is a compact cultivar that typically grows in a clump to 3-4’ tall and to 2-3’ wide. It is noted for its compact size, upright form, horizontally-banded foliage and wine-purple flower plumes. Leaf blades feature, at irregular intervals, distinctive horizontal yellow bands (to 1” in height) that retain good coloration throughout the growing season. Flowers appear in corymbose panicles of 10-13 racemes (each to 6” long) above the foliage in late summer. Tiny flowers emerge gray-purple with the plumes having an overall wine-purple coloration. As seeds begin to form, the flower/seed plumes fade to creamy tan, often providing some winter interest. Foliage fades to tan after frost. U.S. Plant Patent PP13,008 issued September 24, 2002.

Peony croaked in this spot.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2021, 22:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #Warmseason, #clump, #Grass, #ChineseSilverGrass, #MaidenGrass, #EulaliaGrass, #LittleZebra, #Dwarf, #WW39

Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus' 22W47 Miscan N3- (Variegated) Maiden Grass Miscan, Mature plant size: 5x4ft., variegated with green and white stripes, USDA Hardiness Zone 5, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW39, In Garden Bed N3 for 16 MONTHS (Lowes). Planted in 2021.

Missouri Botanical Garden: 'Variegatus' is a variegated eulalia grass cultivar which typically grows in an arching, rounded clump to 5-6' tall (flower plumes can increase height to as much as 7- 9' tall). Features leaf blades variegated with green and white stripes, with white being the predominant color from a distance. Foliage fades to tan after frost. Tiny reddish flowers appear in tassel-like inflorescences which rise above the foliage clump in September, gradually turning into silvery plumes in fall as the seeds mature. Plumes persist well into winter providing good winter interest.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2021, 22:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #Warmseason, #clump, #Grass, #ChineseSilverGrass, #MaidenGrass, #EulaliaGrass, #Variegatus, #Miscanthus, #22W47

Chelone lyonii 'Tiny Tortuga' WW39 Turtlehead S2- (Lentjes, NL 2015) Turtlehead, Mature plant size: 15x18in., Pink turtle-head shaped flowers, USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8, Michigan Bloom Month 9a, In Garden Bed S2 for 7.0 YEARS (Lowes,). Planted in 2015.

A little-known American native perennial that thrives in damp soils. Offspring of well-known variety 'Hot Lips'. Blooms in late summer to early fall and performs well in shade. Slightly darker foliage than 'Hot Lips'

2020 note: Tiny Tortuga is an offspring of Hot Lips. I have them growing side by side. The only difference that is obvious to me is that Hot Lips leaves are a somewhat lighter shade of green. Both are close to 3 feet tall. Flowers are unusual. aka 'Armtipp02'

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2015, 18, 19, 20, 22:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, , #wet, #Perennial, #TinyTortuga, #Turtlehead, #WW39

Peony 'Smith Family Jewel' 23W22 Itoh D3- (Smith 2002) (3-SD-PK) Itoh Intersectional Peony, Mature plant size: 34in., Pink Cream, USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW22, In Garden Bed D3 for 3.7 YEARS (Solaris). Planted in 2019.

Solaris: Smith Family Jewel. Smith. 2002. Semi-double to double cream flushed in pink flowers. Petals often bordered in pink and center of the flower appears deeper in color. Excellent foliage and plant habit.

American Peony Society: Parentage: Martha W. x unregistered home grown lutea hybrid seedling. First year bloomed 2002. Double intersectional hybrid of cream flushed pink, rose form. Stamens, pollen and fragrant. No seeds. Reliable, one or two buds per stem. Very good substance. Excellent 28″ stems with bloom. Early mid season to late midseason. Excellent foliage, highly disease resistant. Semi-double to double tree peony type flowers on herbaceous stems. Gorgeous, perfectly formed flowers open cream that is heavily flushed and edged in medium amethyst pink. As the flowers age, they become a smooth creamy white with a beautiful bluish lavendar pink picotee. Both color phases are stunningly beautiful. Large flowers up to 7-8″ in diameter. Many excellent lateral buds (2 per stem) that yield nearly perfect double rosettes averaging 5″ across, thus extending the blooming for up to 2½ weeks. Center contains a neat circle of stamens with pink and cream filaments and 3-4 pale green carpels with light pink stigmata enclosed in a cream sheath. Abundant flowers are displayed on strong, upright to slightly arching stems well above and beyond the foliage making this a superb landscape variety. Plant is very hardy with stems entirely from below ground overwintering buds. Excellent dark green foliage which lasts well into autumn. Mild but pleasant fragrance.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2022, 23:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #Perennial, #Peony, #SemiDouble, #Itoh, #CreamyPink, #SmithFamilyJewel, #23W22

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' WW31 Panicle N4- (Zwijnenburg, NL 2001) Panicle Hydrangea, Mature plant size: 7x7ft., Flowers emerge creamy white, mature to chartreuse-lime and eventually acquire pink-darkening-to-rose tones before finally fading to beige, USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW27, In Garden Bed N4 for 22 MONTHS (Lowes). Planted in 2020.

Missouri Botanical Garden: ‘Limelight’ is a slightly more compact cultivar that typically grows to 6-8’ tall and as wide. It is noted for producing large, dense, upright, cone-shaped panicles (to 8” across) of mostly sterile flowers that change color on the shrub as they mature. Flowers emerge creamy white, mature to chartreuse-lime and eventually acquire pink-darkening-to-rose tones before finally fading to beige. As the flower show fades in fall, the oval to ovate, serrate, dark green leaves (to 4” long) turn attractive shades of red. Panicles may be cut for fresh arrangements or for drying, or may be left on the plant where they will persist well into winter. U.S. Plant Patent PP12,874 issued on August 20, 2002.

Michael Dirr: Limelight’ (‘Lime Light’) is promoted as producing bright lime-green flowers, however, as I observed it at Dudley Nursery, Thomson, Georgia, the flowers simulated those of ‘Grandiflora’. Sepals are white with smaller, more uniform inflorescences; I suspect the heat of Zone 7 results in the expression of white.

Condon confirms the white color in his Nantucket,

Massachusetts, garden. Stems were weak with inflorescences, producing a weeping willow effect on the container-grown plants. Promos state flowers are fresh green in 10- to 12-inch-long, 6- to 7-inch-wide panicles, held on Limelight1 strong stems, grows 6 to 10 feet, 5 to 6 feet wide, rounded shrub, moderate grower. Hybridized by Pieter Zwijnenburg.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2020, 21, 22:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, , #PanicleHydrangea, #ConeShaped, #PeeGee, #Shrub, #PP12874, #Dutch, #BloomsOnNewWood, #Full-sized, #Deciduous, #Limelight, #Hydrangea, #WW31

Allium 'Millenium' WW31 ornamental onion G4- (McDonough) ornamental onion, Mature plant size: 20in., Purple, USDA Hardiness Zone 5-7, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW31, In Garden Bed G4 for 6.1 YEARS (MBulb). Planted in 2016.

Missouri Botanical Garden: 'Millenium', commonly called allium, is a bulbous ornamental hybrid developed by allium breeder Mark McDonough. Its hybrid parentage is unknown, but likely includes some A. nutens. Each bulb typically produces an upright foliage clump of slender, somewhat flattened, broad linear, grass-like, glossy deep green leaves to 6-12” tall in spring. Unbranched naked scapes rise above the foliage clump to as much as 18-20” tall by mid-summer, each scape being topped by a showy 2-inch spherical umbel of rose purple florets. Flowers typically bloom mid to late summer (July-August). Although all parts of this plant have an oniony smell and taste when cut or bruised, this hybrid is considered to be an ornamental and is not used for culinary purposes.

Cultivar name suffers from a minor spelling problem. It is often spelled 'Millennium', but Mark McDonough apparently registered it under the name of 'Millenium'. 2018 Perennial Plant Association's Plant of the Year.

2020 note: Planted 4 years ago, it is a mature plant. Measures 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Blooms later than my other garlic. The scapes are slightly taller than the grass like foliage and forms an attractive mounded plant. Unlike some ornnamental garlic that has long scapes coming from a short base.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2016, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #Bulb, #Monocot, #OrnamentalOnion, #Garlic, #Clump, #Purple, #Millenium, #Allium, #WW31

Anemone x hybrida 'Honorine Jobert' WW37 Anemone U2- (Verdun, Fr 1858) Japanese Anemone Windflower, Mature plant size: 3ft., white flowers, yellow stamens with chartreuse centers, USDA Hardiness Zone 5, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW38, In Garden Bed U2 for 5.0 YEARS (Michigan). Planted in 2017.

Missouri Botanical Garden: Genus name is often said to be derived from the Greek word anemos meaning wind. 'Honorine Jobert' is a vigorous, fibrous-rooted, mounding, compact Japanese anemone hybrid cultivar which typically grows to 3-4' tall and spreads by creeping rhizomes. Single flowers (2-3" diameter) with 6-9 overlapping white petaloid sepals and yellow center stamens appear on long, wiry-but-graceful, branching stems over an attractive foliage mound of trifoliate dark green leaves. Lengthy August to September bloom period. Japanese anemone cultivars are commonly sold as Anemone x hybrida or Anemone japonica. 'Honorine Jobert' is an old garden hybrid discovered in Verdun, France in 1858. Synonymous with A. x hybrida 'Alba'.

Ranunculaceae family (ra-nun-kew-LAY-see-ee). AKA fall-blooming anemones. Two month fall bloom period. Spreads.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2017, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #Perennial, #HonorineJobert, #Anemone, #White, #Single, #WW37

Picea orientalis 'Spring Frost' 22W49 Oriental N4- (Stanley, OR) Oriental Spruce, Size at 10 years: 6x4ft., lemon-yellow new growth, USDA Hardiness Zone 5, Michigan Bloom Month -, In Garden Bed N4 for 3.6 YEARS (Stanley). Planted in 2019.

American Conifer Society: Picea orientalis 'Spring Frost' is a broad-upright growing selection of Oriental spruce which, in the spring, will flush with lemon yellow new foliage that matures to dark green by summer. The plant does not appear to be affected by full sun. After 10 years of growth, a specimen will be considered to be mature at 6 feet (2 m) tall and 4 feet (60 cm) wide.

The origin of the cultivar is unknown at this time, but appears to have been introduced to the nursery trade by Larry Stanley & Sons nursery, Boring, Oregon.

Stanley & Sons Nursery: A dwarf, upright Oriental Spruce that has lemon-yellow new growth in spring. Leaves turn back to a rich green with no burn. Only grows about 4-6 inches a year.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2019, 20, 21, 22:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #dwarf, #sun, #Conifer, #PiceaOrientalis, #Picea, #OrientalSpruce, #SpringFrost, #22W49

Dahlia 'Hollyhill Black Beauty' WW36 dahlia N4- (Kennedy 2012) Dark Red Decorative dahlia, Mature plant size: 4.5ft., BB-ID-DR Class(3107), USDA Hardiness Zone 8, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW32, In Garden Bed N4 for 303 DAYS (swan21). Planted in 2021.

Swan Island: Beautiful 6" blooms of black red are an excellent variety for cutting. Nice contrast when used with almost any color in floral arrangements or garden plantings. Plant height is 4 1/2'

2021 note: Very dark red. Not that many blooms. Attractive. Fairly large tubers, easy divide.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2021, 22:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #BK, #Perennial, #tuber, #tender, #Dahlia, #Red, #HollyhillBlackBeauty, #WW36

Viburnum opulus var. americanum 23W21 American High Bush cranberry N3- (trilobum) American High Bush cranberry, Mature plant size: 10x10ft., lacecap white flowers in spring, USDA Hardiness Zone 2-7, Michigan Bloom Month 4-5, In Garden Bed N3 for 8.1 YEARS (Cold). Planted in 2015.

Missouri Botanical Garden: Viburnum opulus var. americanum, synonymous with and formerly known as Viburnum trilobum, is native to swampy woods, bogs, lake margins, pastures, thickets, slopes and moist low places from New Brunswick to British Columbia south to New York, the Great Lakes, South Dakota and Oregon. It is often called American cranberry bush in order to distinguish it from the similar European cranberry bush, Viburnum opulus. For many years, American cranberry bush has also been commonly called highbush cranberry. It is a deciduous shrub with a dense, rounded, spreading habit that typically grows to 8-12’ tall. It features lacecap white flowers in spring in flat-topped 3” wide cymes of tiny fertile florets surrounded by larger sterile florets, drooping clusters of cranberry-like red berries (drupes) in fall and three lobed, maple-like, dark green leaves. The berries (drupes) are edible fresh off the shrub, and are much less bitter than those berries found on V. opulus. Berries are sometimes used to make jams and jellies. Fruits tend to shrivel after frost. Foliage turns a sometimes attractive purplish red in fall.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2015, 21, 22, 23:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #Shrub, #bog, #Viburnum, #ViburnumOpulus, #AmericanHighBushCranberry, #, #23W21

Pinus Mugo 'Zundert' 22W49 Mugo N4- (Winter Gold) Flat Dwarf Mugo Pine, Size at 10 years: 3x4ft., YELLOW, golden needles in winter, USDA Hardiness Zone 2, Michigan Bloom Month -, In Garden Bed N4 for 3.6 YEARS (Stanley). Planted in 2019.

Stanley & Sons Nursery: A dwarf, golden Mugo Pine. One of the best looking golden mugo's in winter time. In summer leaves green. Grows 2 -4 inches a year.

American Conifer Society: Quote from Coenosium Gardens "This selection has an exceptionally bright gold winter color and distinctively long needles. Its mature shape is much lower and denser than a typical v. pumilio. Conifers The Illustrated Encyclopedia states "A compact shrub to 80 cm tall, with yellow needles in winter, less so in summer."

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2019, 20, 21, 22:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #sun, #Conifer, #Pinus, #PinusMugo, #MugoPine, #Dwarf, #Zundert, #22W49

Tithonia rotundifolia WW33 Sunflower s3- (Sunflower) Mexican Sunflower Heirloom, Mature plant size: 5ft., 4in. orange flowers, USDA Hardiness Zone HA, Michigan Bloom Month -, In Garden Bed s3 for 93 DAYS (Victory). Planted in 2022.

Victory Seed: This wildflower is native to Mexico and Central America. The plants are erect, can reach six feet in height, has leafy stems with leaves that are large and triangular shaped. They have bright orange flowers that are four inches wide with multiple flower heads per stem. Attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects.

Prefers well-drained soils in a sunny location. Heat and drought tolerant. Makes a great cut flower and terrific at the back of beds and borders. Thin to 18"

Each packet contains 0.5 gram, which is approximately 45 seeds. 2022note: the one in G2 snapped off, probably due to wind. Seems somewhat brittle. Started seed indoors, 3 seeds per 4" pot. Rather than thin, I planted 3 plants together. Worked really well, tall and very full.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2022:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #75days, #Annual, #openpollinated, #Sunflower, #seed, #Orange, #TithoniaRotundifolia, #Tithonia, #WW33

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' WW31 Panicle N4- (Zwijnenburg, NL 2001) Panicle Hydrangea, Mature plant size: 7x7ft., Flowers emerge creamy white, mature to chartreuse-lime and eventually acquire pink-darkening-to-rose tones before finally fading to beige, USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW27, In Garden Bed N4 for 22 MONTHS (Lowes). Planted in 2020.

Missouri Botanical Garden: ‘Limelight’ is a slightly more compact cultivar that typically grows to 6-8’ tall and as wide. It is noted for producing large, dense, upright, cone-shaped panicles (to 8” across) of mostly sterile flowers that change color on the shrub as they mature. Flowers emerge creamy white, mature to chartreuse-lime and eventually acquire pink-darkening-to-rose tones before finally fading to beige. As the flower show fades in fall, the oval to ovate, serrate, dark green leaves (to 4” long) turn attractive shades of red. Panicles may be cut for fresh arrangements or for drying, or may be left on the plant where they will persist well into winter. U.S. Plant Patent PP12,874 issued on August 20, 2002.

Michael Dirr: Limelight’ (‘Lime Light’) is promoted as producing bright lime-green flowers, however, as I observed it at Dudley Nursery, Thomson, Georgia, the flowers simulated those of ‘Grandiflora’. Sepals are white with smaller, more uniform inflorescences; I suspect the heat of Zone 7 results in the expression of white.

Condon confirms the white color in his Nantucket,

Massachusetts, garden. Stems were weak with inflorescences, producing a weeping willow effect on the container-grown plants. Promos state flowers are fresh green in 10- to 12-inch-long, 6- to 7-inch-wide panicles, held on Limelight1 strong stems, grows 6 to 10 feet, 5 to 6 feet wide, rounded shrub, moderate grower. Hybridized by Pieter Zwijnenburg.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2020, 21, 22:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, , #PanicleHydrangea, #ConeShaped, #PeeGee, #Shrub, #PP12874, #Dutch, #BloomsOnNewWood, #Full-sized, #Deciduous, #Limelight, #Hydrangea, #WW31

Peony 'Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt' 23W23 Lactiflora D4- (Franklin, 1932) (3-db-PK) Lactiflora Cultivar Peony, Mature plant size: 28in., Medium height, shell pink double, midseason bloomer, lightly fragrant, USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW23, In Garden Bed D4 for 20 MONTHS (Adelman). Planted in 2021.

American Peony Society: Double with extra long, loose petals of soft rose color. Its size, form and color combine to make it most attractive. A good grower and free bloomer. Award of Merit received at Des Moines, Iowa, peony show, June, 1932. Selected 1924.

Adelman: (Franklin, 1932) Light pink, double, lightly fragrant, midseason, 28" tall, lactiflora. A soft shell pink with in curved petals in rose form. The size, color and form combine to make this a most attractive flower. APS Gold Medal Award 1948.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2022, 23:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #GMAW-1948, #Double, #Perennial, #Peony, #2020Top20, #Mrs.FranklinD.Roosevelt, #23W23

Acer palmatum 'Wolff' 23W20 Japanese Maple N3- (EMPEROR) EMPEROR I™Japanese Maple, Mature plant size: 20x15ft., deep red, USDA Hardiness Zone 5, Michigan Bloom Month -, In Garden Bed N3 for 9.9 YEARS (Wayside). Planted in 2013.

Missouri Botanical Garden: 'Wolff' (Amoenum Group), commonly marketed under the trade name of EMPEROR I, is a moderately-sized red-leaved Japanese maple that typically matures to 15' tall and as wide. Attractive dark purple red foliage in spring and summer turns scarlet red in fall. Each palmate leaf has 5-7 serrate, deeply-cut lobes (divided 3/4 of the way to the leaf base). Lobes are broadest in the middle with long tapered tips.

Dark purple red foliage in spring and summer turns darker red in fall. Leafs out later than others, avoiding frost damage. Grows about the same rate as Bloodgood. Severe die back in 2020. We did not have an unusally cold winter in 2019/20, so I am surprised at the die back of a 7 year old tree.

2021: trimmed back the dead trunk.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2015, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22. 23:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #Tree, #AcerPalmatum, #Acer, #JapaneseMaple, #Wolff, #23W20

Hemerocallis 'Lavender Stardust' 23W28 Daylily T3- (Carpenter-J., 1991) Pink Daylily , Mature plant size: 26in., blue pink blend, USDA Hardiness Zone 3, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW28, In Garden Bed T3 for 13.9 YEARS (Gilbert). Planted in 2009.

Missouri Botanical Garden: ‘Lavender Stardust’ is a diploid daylily cultivar that features lavender flowers (to 5.5”) and green throats. Flowers appear on naked stems (scapes) that typically rise to 26” tall above a clump of arching, linear, blade-like, green leaves. Individual flowers open up for one day. Blooms in late season. Carpenter, J., 1991.

28in. EM 6in. Blue Pink Blend Sev Tet. N1 Garden. Planted in 2009.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2010, 12, 15, 17, 19, 23:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, M-L D Re Fr, #Perennial, #Tetra, #Dor, #BC/B=, #Midseason, #Monocot, #LavenderStardust, #Pink, #23W28

Taxus x media 'Densiformis' 22W48 Yew N3- (Hoogendoom Nursery, RI 1950s) Dense Yew, Size at 10 years: 4x6ft., Dark green foliage, Red fruit, USDA Hardiness Zone 4, Michigan Bloom Month -, In Garden Bed N3 for 11.4 YEARS (Lowes,). Planted in 2011.

Chicago Botanic Garden: This hybrid yew cultivar is a cross between Japanese yews (Taxus cuspidata) and English yews (Taxus baccata). This particular one is a semi-dwarf, dense, spreading, evergreen shrub that grows to 3-4' tall with a spread of 5-7'. It will tolerate a wide range of conditions from full sun to almost full shade, a wide range of soils as long as they are well drained, but is intolerant of temperature extremes. This is one of the few conifers that can tolerate heavy pruning. Please note that all parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested.

Prune to maintain shape... think balls and cones:) Looks bad in 2012 from the draught. Some winter damage 2013-14. Planted in 2011. Produces red, fleshy, single-seeded fruit instead of cones. 'Densiformis' is a female cultivar, a cross between (Taxus cuspidata) x (Taxus baccata).

2022 note: removed bottom branches to get it off the ground.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2015, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #Conifer, Black Walnut Sensitive., #Taxus, #TaxusXmedia, #AngloJapYew, #Yew, #Poisonous, #Densiformis, #22W48

Peony 'The Mackinac Grand' 23W21 xPeony N3- (David Reath, 1992) (2-SD-RD) xPeony Peony, Mature plant size: 40in., RED, Tall, semi-double, orange red guard petals, ruffled, yellow stamens, red-tipped carpels, fragrant, early bloomer , USDA Hardiness Zone 3-6, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW21, In Garden Bed N3 for 8.6 YEARS (Brooks). Planted in 2014.

American Peony Society: first year bloomed 1981. Parentage, Reath F-3 (Burma Ruby x Moonrise) x Reath E-78. Ruffled brilliant orange red hybrid with three or four rows of guard petals, all ruffled. Very fertile as a pod and pollen parent. Fragrant.

American Peony Society Gold Medal Selection for 2013 and Peony of the Year for 2014. Looks very red to me, not orange red. Entry in Burkhardt's peony database is mis-spelled. I assume that the peony is named after the famous Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MI.

2021, not as good looking as previous years. Fewer flowers. Back to normal in 2022.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2015, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #Early, #SemiDouble, #Perennial, #Peony, #BWS, #GoldMetal, #ALM, #GMAW-2013, #2020Top20, #Red, #TheMackinacGrand, #23W21

Rose 'Milano Kolorscape' 23W25 Rose G4- (Tim-Hermann Kordes, 2013) Hybrid Shrub Rose Forever & Ever®, Mature plant size: 3-4ft., Velvet Red double flowers, glossy foliage, USDA Hardiness Zone 4, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW23, In Garden Bed G4 for 9.1 YEARS (Lowes,). Planted in 2014.

Rosa 'KORjuwko' [Milano Kolorscape]. Small red rose shrub. No pruning required. Vigorous. Excellent resistance to Powdery mildew, blackspot , and rust. Basically died to the ground in 2017-18 winter. Trimmed, growing back well. A very intense red, hard to photograph.Cut to ground level in 2022.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2015, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #PP23547, #shrub, #MilanoKolorscape, #Rose, #Qty2, #23W25

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers' WW32 Oak Leaf Y0- (National Arboretum 2010) Oak Leaf Hydrangea, Mature plant size: 4x4ft., Open white, matures Red, USDA Hardiness Zone 5-9, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW25, In Garden Bed Y0 for 4.0 YEARS (Gurney's). Planted in 2018.

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers' (Oak Leaf Hydrangea) is a product of a breeding program started in 1996 at the U.S. National Arboretum in McMinnville, TN (A cross and Intercross of H. quercifolia 'Snow Queen' and 'Pee Wee'). After evaluations, it was introduced in 2010. A dwarf at 3 1/2- to 4-ft. tall, its 9” upright, cone-shaped panicles open white, then turn pale pink and mature to deep rose. Dark green oak-like leaves turn mahogany-red in fall. Grows well in partial shade to full sun. USDA Zones 5-8.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2018, 19, 20, 21, 22:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #Shrub, #Oakleaf, #PartShade, #Dwarf, #ConeShaped, #RubySlippers, #Hydrangea, #WW32

Chelone lyonii 'Tiny Tortuga' WW39 Turtlehead S2- (Lentjes, NL 2015) Turtlehead, Mature plant size: 15x18in., Pink turtle-head shaped flowers, USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8, Michigan Bloom Month 9a, In Garden Bed S2 for 7.0 YEARS (Lowes,). Planted in 2015.

A little-known American native perennial that thrives in damp soils. Offspring of well-known variety 'Hot Lips'. Blooms in late summer to early fall and performs well in shade. Slightly darker foliage than 'Hot Lips'

2020 note: Tiny Tortuga is an offspring of Hot Lips. I have them growing side by side. The only difference that is obvious to me is that Hot Lips leaves are a somewhat lighter shade of green. Both are close to 3 feet tall. Flowers are unusual. aka 'Armtipp02'

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2015, 18, 19, 20, 22:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, , #wet, #Perennial, #TinyTortuga, #Turtlehead, #WW39

Fall 2022, Backyard gardens

Peony 'Ozark Beauty' 23W24 Lactiflora F2- (Wild Bros., 1950) (4-DB-PK) Lactiflora Cultivar Peony, Mature plant size: 36in., PINK, Medium height, large double, shell pink petals, dark pink base, silver sheen, side-buds, Late bloomer, USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW23, In Garden Bed F2 for 9.7 YEARS (Wild). Planted in 2013.

Large rose-type flowers. Needs support. Weak stems. Bred by Gilbert H. Wild & Son (Allen) from Sarcoxie, Missouri. They started hybridizing peonies in 1925 and introduced ~40 new cultivars. They also introduced & marketed peonies from other breeders. In 1991, the nursery (and peonies) was sold to Greg Jones & John Huitsong who continue to market bare root peonies.

APS: Double - Pink - Late. Medium height. (Seedling No. 4 Pink Random). Large dark shell pink with a deeper pink under color and a distinct silvery sheen. Rose type, very free blooming on strong stems. The entire crop of flowers opens within a very few days producing a very showy plant.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2011, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #week5, #sidebuds, #Perennial, #Peony, #Late, #Double , #OzarkBeauty, #23W24

Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Venus' WW43 Mum F4- (¿cummings, 1930) Hardy Garden Mum, Mature plant size: 2-3ft., small flower, soft pale pink maturing to white, USDA Hardiness Zone 5-9, Michigan Bloom Month 10-11, In Garden Bed F4 for 6.5 YEARS (accents). Planted in 2016.

The Garden Geeks: Venus chrysanthemum (chrysanthemum rubellum) is a clump forming, bushy perennial, with woody stem bases. They have pinnatisect leaves. Great for herbaceous border or cutting. "the term korean mum is a bit of misnomer. They may have some lineage that traces back to asia but most of the early work done in developing this type of mum is credited to connecticut nurseryman and plant breeder, alex cummings, in the 1930s. They are frequently listed as chrysanthemum rubellum but many are actually hybrids of several chrysanthemum types. In general these mums have a more vigorous habit than garden mums and are more graceful, with thinner stems and a willowy, sometimesfloppy, habit. The color range is somewhat limited to whites, pinks, soft yellows and shades of gold. If you are willing to explore the internet enthusiastically you may unearth a purple variety or two. The fact that they begin to flower in mid-october and continue past a few frosts make them especially nice for late season color.

2021 note: this mum seems to be more hardy than many of the other so called "hardy" mums. Going strong after over 5 years in the garden.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2016, 17, 18, %1, 19 20, 21, 22:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #Tall, #Perennial, #Heirloom, #Mum, #GardenMum, #Chrysanthemum, #Hardy, #Venus, #WW43

Abies koreana 'Cis'

Buxus 'Green Mountain'

Camassia leichtlinii alba

Camassia leichtlinii coerulea

Clematis 'Niobe'

Echinacea purpurea

Geranium x cantabrigiense 'Crystal Rose'

Hemerocallis 'Flying Down to Rio'

Hemerocallis 'Mormon Spider'

Hemerocallis 'Tom Thumbs Blues'

Hosta 'Prairie Sum Shine'

Hydrangea paniculata 'TICKLED PINK'

Iris ensata 'Blue Blue Heaven'

Iris pseudata 'Antique Brass'

Iris sibirica 'Purple'

Paeonia 'White Emperor'

Paeonia 'White Frost'

Rosa 'Auswalker' [THE PILGRIM]

Rosa 'Blush Hip'

Rosa 'Chloris'

Rosa 'Ispahan'

Rosa 'OLIVIA ROSE AUSTIN'

Spiraea japonica 'froebelii'

Thuja occidentalis 'Hetz Midget'

Chionanthus retusus WW44 Chinese Fringe Tree N4- (Chinese Fringetree) Chinese Fringe Tree, Mature plant size: 15-25ft., white, USDA Hardiness Zone 5, Michigan Bloom Month -, In Garden Bed N4 for 3.5 YEARS (Dog). Planted in 2019.

Missouri Botanical Garden: Chionanthus retusus, commonly called Chinese fringetree, is native to China, Korea and Japan. As with the native U.S. species (C. virginicus), this plant is noted for its profuse spring bloom of fragrant white flowers. It is most often seen in cultivation as a large, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub growing to 10-20’ tall with a rounded, wide-spreading form. It also may be grown as a small tree (multi-trunked or trained as a single trunk), ultimately reaching up to 30-40’ tall. Terminal clusters (to 4” long) of mildly fragrant, pure white flowers with fringe-like petals bloom in late spring to early summer. Bloom appears about 2-3 weeks before that of C. virginicus. Plants are primarily dioecious (separate male and female plants), but some plants may have some perfect flowers. Male flowers are slightly showier. Female flowers (if fertilized) give way to clusters of olive-like fruits (each to 1/2”long) which ripen to a dark bluish black in late summer/fall and are a good food source for birds and wildlife. Lustrous, leathery leaves are ovate to elliptic and 4” long. Leaves on young plants have serrate margins. Leaves are bright green above and whitish-green plus downy beneath. Leaves turn yellow in fall (reportedly more attractive in northern areas). Exfoliating gray-brown bark is attractive in winter.

Genus name comes from the Greek words chion meaning snow and anthos meaning a flower for the snow white flowers of C. virginicus. Specific epithet means rounded with a shallow notch at the apex, in reference to leaf shape.

Large shrub that can be grown as a small tree. Gray bark may be peeling or tightly ridged. Leaves leathery & lustrous. Just as beautiful as the Virginia Fringe Tree and with the advantage that it will take limey as well as acid soil. Looks like a dome of snow. MSU Karen Gentry Suggestion. AHS 75 Great American Garden Plants.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2019, 20, 21, 22:

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Peony 'Ozark Beauty' 23W24 Lactiflora F2- (Wild Bros., 1950) (4-DB-PK) Lactiflora Cultivar Peony, Mature plant size: 36in., PINK, Medium height, large double, shell pink petals, dark pink base, silver sheen, side-buds, Late bloomer, USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW23, In Garden Bed F2 for 9.7 YEARS (Wild). Planted in 2013.

Large rose-type flowers. Needs support. Weak stems. Bred by Gilbert H. Wild & Son (Allen) from Sarcoxie, Missouri. They started hybridizing peonies in 1925 and introduced ~40 new cultivars. They also introduced & marketed peonies from other breeders. In 1991, the nursery (and peonies) was sold to Greg Jones & John Huitsong who continue to market bare root peonies.

APS: Double - Pink - Late. Medium height. (Seedling No. 4 Pink Random). Large dark shell pink with a deeper pink under color and a distinct silvery sheen. Rose type, very free blooming on strong stems. The entire crop of flowers opens within a very few days producing a very showy plant.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2011, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23:

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Peony 'Elsie Pickett' 23W23 Lactiflora S4- (Tischler- Brand Peony Farms, 1967) (3-DB-PK) Lactiflora Cultivar Peony, Mature plant size: 30in., PINK, 30 inch height, deep pink petals, large flower, midseason bloomer, USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW23, In Garden Bed S4 for 5.7 YEARS (Wild). Planted in 2017.

American Peony Society: Double, midseason. A very bright deep pink.

Nice double with a rounded bloom. A very bright deep pink. Tischler has 32 registered peonies. In 1976 Tischler sold the Brand Nursery to Farmer Seed and Nursery Company and started Tischler Peony Garden, Faribault, Minnesota.

Looks red.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2017, 19, 20, 21, 23:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #Perennial, #Peony, #BWS , #midseason, #mildew, #ElsiePickett, #23W23

Geranium pratense 'Boom Chocolatta' 23W25 Geranium D4- (Proven Winners) Geranium, Mature plant size: 24x15in., Dark leaves, Blue purple flowers., USDA Hardiness Zone 4-8, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW22, In Garden Bed D4 for 23 MONTHS (Lowes). Planted in 2021.

Walters Gardens: This perennial certainly does have a chocolatey look! This Geranium pratense hybrid has rich, dark bronze leaves and an upright habit, with blue-purple flowers covering the top of the habit, starting in early summer. Compared to older genetics, 'Boom Chocolatta' is more vigorous, and has a very refined habit. Use it as a contrast with green-leaved plants in your sun garden!

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2021, 22, 23:

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Rosa 'LADY OF SHALOTT' WW32 DAR V2- (Austin, 2009) English Leander Hybrid Shrub Rose DAR, Mature plant size: 5x4ft., ORANGE, Orange Yellow, 60 petals, USDA Hardiness Zone 4-10, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW23, In Garden Bed V2 for 3.3 YEARS (David). Planted in 2019.

DAR: Rosa 'Ausnyson' [LADY OF SHALOTT]. One of the most reliable and hardy roses in our collection - an ideal rose for the inexperienced gardener. It is highly resistant to disease and will bloom with unusual continuity throughout the season. The young buds are a rich orange-red that open to form chalice-shaped blooms, filled with loosely arranged petals. Each petal has a salmon pink upper side, which contrasts beautifully with the attractive golden yellow reverse. The flowers have a pleasant, warm Tea fragrance, with hints of spiced apple and cloves. It quickly forms a large, bushy shrub with slightly arching stems. The mid-green leaves have attractive, slightly bronzed tones when young.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2019, 20, 21, 22:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #OwnRoot, #week5, #shrub, #DAR, #Rose, #EnglishLeanderHybrid, #Orange, #LADYOFSHALOTT, #WW32

Rosa 'LADY OF SHALOTT' WW32 DAR V2- (Austin, 2009) English Leander Hybrid Shrub Rose DAR, Mature plant size: 5x4ft., ORANGE, Orange Yellow, 60 petals, USDA Hardiness Zone 4-10, Michigan Bloom Week ISO WW23, In Garden Bed V2 for 3.3 YEARS (David). Planted in 2019.

DAR: Rosa 'Ausnyson' [LADY OF SHALOTT]. One of the most reliable and hardy roses in our collection - an ideal rose for the inexperienced gardener. It is highly resistant to disease and will bloom with unusual continuity throughout the season. The young buds are a rich orange-red that open to form chalice-shaped blooms, filled with loosely arranged petals. Each petal has a salmon pink upper side, which contrasts beautifully with the attractive golden yellow reverse. The flowers have a pleasant, warm Tea fragrance, with hints of spiced apple and cloves. It quickly forms a large, bushy shrub with slightly arching stems. The mid-green leaves have attractive, slightly bronzed tones when young.

Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan. Link to additional photos of this plant from 2019, 20, 21, 22:

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#Michigan, #49236, #usdaZone6, #OwnRoot, #week5, #shrub, #DAR, #Rose, #EnglishLeanderHybrid, #Orange, #LADYOFSHALOTT, #WW32