Thursday, March 31, 2011

New Flowering Shrubs for 2011

Bella Anna Hydrangea
There are some new flowering shrubs to be on the look out for in 2011.  Hydrangea 'Bella Anna' is the first variety of Hydrangea arborescens to be introduced into the Endless Summer Collection.  Bella Anna prefers to be grown in a moist, well-drained soil  in full sun to partial shade.  It is hardy in zones 4-9, grows 3-5 feet in height and is a repeat bloomer. Its strong stalks support huge magenta-pink flower heads and it blooms on new and old wood.   Bella Anna can be used as a foundation planting, shrub border or perennial garden border and could be a nice addition to your garden!

Buddleia Lo and Behold 'Blue Chips'
Another newcomer is the first miniature Buddleia and first of the Lo and Behold variety, Buddleia 'Blue Chips'.  Lo and Behold 'Blue Chips' displays a low mounding compact habit, growing to approximately 24-26 inches high by 30-36 inches wide.  It is a summer bloomer, prefers full sun and a well-drained soil and is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.  Buddleia 'Blue Chips' is also deer resistant and can be grown in a planter due to its compact size.  If you always wanted a Butterfly Bush but just didn't have a place to put it this miniature variety could be just the one for you!  


'Incrediball' Hydrangea
Also out are two more new hydrangeas.  Hydrangea 'Incrediball' is an improved version of 'Annabelle' with stronger stems to support its large white blooms.  Like 'Annabelle' this hydrangea blooms on the new wood of the season.  It is hardy to zone 3 and is more heat tolerant than its predecessor.  

Invincibelle Spirit Hydrangea
Developed by Dr. Tom Ranney at North Carolina State University's Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station, Hydrangea 'Invincibelle Spirit' is the very first pink arborescens. It displays large 10 inch wide pink blooms that bloom on the new wood of the season. 


I for one am very excited to see new varieties of two favorite plants in the garden.  Stay posted for other
newcomers as they arrive! 
 
Happy Gardening!
 
Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2011. All rights reserved
 
 
 

8 comments:

  1. Hi Lee,
    I was wondering if there are any issues of invasiveness with the Buddleia you mentioned. A miniature variety is a great idea! However in our nursery state of Oregon, they are very worried about most of the Buddleia varieties for reseeding at will. Thanks-- OCG

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  2. Hi OCG-

    I think it depends on where you are located. We don't seem to have a problem here in the northeast with invasivness but there in Oregon you might. Here is a link to a thread I read on gardenweb about buddleia. The miniature variety is good because you can keep it in a planter and keep an eye on it. You just have to be sure it doesn't sprout any offspring.

    http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/shrubs/msg041737587056.html

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  3. I wonder if these news are also available with us. I would be interested in Hydrangea, because they really like and I have already 7 in your garden. Yours

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  4. New word on the dwarf butterfly bush Lo & Behold 'Blue Chip'. I just read in an article that it is non-invasive which is good for regions where Buddleia is a problem. This one should be a hit!

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  5. Bella Anna -- repeat blooming, blooms on new and old wood -- sounds like a real winner :)

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  6. Hello Lee and thank you for stopping by my blog: ) .. The start up season is beginning very slowly for my area .. winter doesn't seem to want to let go ? .. but once it starts it is incredibly busy : )
    I enjoy all of the information on your blog !
    I'll be back when I can for those quick tips and information : )
    Joy

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  7. I just found your blog, and I am pleased at all of the useful information I see here. Hydrangea happen to be a favorite of mine. I have the purple/blue type in my garden. Thank you for this very interesting post.
    www.skylarkmanor.com

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  8. Thank you all for visiting. I am very excited about these new varieties. The hydrangeas and butterfly bushes just keep getting better and better! I am picking up one of the dwarf butterfly bushes for myself from the nursery and am looking for a spot for the Bella Annas!

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Thank you for visiting. I love reading your comments and knowing you have been here, and will try to reciprocate on your blog. If you have any questions I will try my very best to answer them. As always...HAPPY GARDENING!