What's New for July 2008

In keeping with the red theme mentioned in the last few months in this column, it's necessary to really look about. A few rhododendrons, Tally Ho, Arthur Osborn, and griersonianum, are still hanging on as well as a few azaleas—mostly Robin Hill hybrids.

Red barked shrubs and trees are available and look well now, but they will be even more showy in winter. Drimys winteri (winter's bark) has red bark, resembles manzanita and is easier to grow. There are several red twigged dogwoods. Look for Cornus alba and sibirica. For those trying to grow more native plants, we suggest Cornus stolonifera. It's easy to grow because it can handle summer watering.

Another native plant, Acer circinatum (vine maple) has a red barked form called Pacific Sunset. Of course the classic Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) has a red (coral) bark form, Sango Kaku. Red foliaged forms of Acer palmatum are common and beautiful. Bloodgood is a very vigorous variety and its seedlings usually have red leaves also. Pick the ones you like best in spring or fall when the color in the leaves is best. The cutleaf forms are so lacy and irresistible.

A couple of red flowered vines are available and are rather rare. For the adventurous gardener, do try clematis texensis and lapageria rosea in its reddest forms.

Sometimes Embothrium (Chilean fire bush) may still be in bloom this month and it too is for the adventurous and daring gardener.

There are wonderful red lilies in July for the bulb lover. Just consult a good lily catalog to try a few. SHN does have lily plants available in containers.

Other perennials and annuals can provide red for July. We suggest fuchsias, impatiens, and tuberous begonias, climate permitting, as they all do well in shady gardens.