Mountain Laurel
The Mountain Laurel, Kalmia latifolia, is a native American plant. Its natural beauty in a woodland setting is a spring delight. It is the state flower of Connecticut and Pennsylvania. As a result of years of hybridizing and research there are over 80 known varieties. Mountain Laurel is an evergreen flowering shrub. It grows upright and has beautiful tough glossy foliage. The plants will set buds as early as fall. The buds progress into dainty candy like flowers in the spring (May though July). The plants are striking in the contrast between the buds and flowers. This plant can withstand below zero temperatures and it is sun loving. However, the root systems are fine and shallow. Therefore, there is a need to protect the roots from too much heat and fertilizer. To ensure that the Mountain Laurel you choose flourishes in your garden here are some tips: Plant high and mulch well. Provide shade for the roots with companion plants or with mulch. Water often during growth periods, do not let the plant dry out. Maintain well drained, acidic soil with ample humus. ... additional info
Nine Bark - Summer Wine The Physocarpus Summer Wine, 'Physocarpus opulifolious 'Summer Wine, is a new Ninebark that is very neat with compact branching and deeply cut, dark crimson leaves. This plant requires little pruning and looks great in a pot. The pinkish white flowers appear in mid summer. Summer Wine is showy and extremely hardy and is prized as a landscape shrub and as a cut flower.
