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Clerodendron is a genus of over 450 species of tropical trees of which only one is hardy in Niagara. Clerodendron trichotomum (Harlequin Glory Bower) is a large shrub or small tree, depending on how it is pruned. It will grow about 10 feet. It must have full sun to produces clusters of peanut-scented flowers which have also earned it the name “Peanut Butter Tree” The late-summer bloom is followed by metallic blue fruit. |
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Glumicalyx nutans is a cute little alpine which is hardy to zone 6 despite coming from South Africa. In a well drained rockery it will grow about a foot and produces many stems with nodding cream coloured flowers and brick red petals. |
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Jovellana violacea is a rare and stunning plant from colder regions of Chile. Countless orchid like cream flowers marked with yellow and purple appear throughout spring and early summer. Hardy to zone 6. |
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9
Habenaria radiata is also called White Egret Orchid, and from the photo it’s easy to see why. These collectors gems are only slightly frost hardy so here they will need to be grown in containers in a cool room or greenhouse. Keep plants well watered in season with tepid water. Avoid extreme heat. |
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8
Now I know everyone has heard of Hostas but we have two here you probably have never heard of. Hosta Hanky Panky has been described by nurserymen as “unlike any Hosta we have ever seen.” This vigorous clump is a natural sport of Hosta Striptease. The green centres change to yellow as the summer progresses, the white pattern turns green and the yellow margins turn white. This one just can’t make up its mind. |
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Hosta Stitch In Time is new to the market but already it has achieved “cult status” among serious collectors. This most unusual sport features thick, vivid yellow leaves with an uneven green interior. An extraordinary plant. |
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6
Moltkia petraea is a rare species from the Balkans. This dwarf sub-shrub has gorgeous tubular shaped, deep violet-blue flowers from spring well into summer. Quite easy to grow in any reasonable soil, it is particularly partial to sunny crevices in rockwork. Grows about a foot and is hardy to zone 5. |
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5
Chief Joseph Pine is an unusual Lodge Pole Pine that was discovered in the Wallowa Mountains in Oregon. The Wallowa Valley was the summer home of the famous Indian leader Chief Joseph. While green most of the year, this Pine takes on a striking gold colour in winter. It must have very well drained soil and is hardy to zone 5. |
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4
Pollia japonica is a hardy perennial with ginger-like glossy, lance-shaped leaves. In summer it produces whorls of white flowers followed by showy blue berries in fall. Grow in shade. |
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3
Sedum Akebono is a most unusual Sedum. The green foliage, like that of most Sedums, is semi-evergreen. New growth in spring and again in fall emerges a creamy-white before it turns green. A real gem. |
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Vigna caracalla is more commonly known as Snail Vine. It is a vigorous vine that can grow 20 feet in a season. Flowers are produced from summer through fall. This plant is not frost hardy. |
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Zaluzianskya ovata is perhaps easier to call Night Phlox. Flowers remain closed during the heat of the day but open at night to reveal a rich and heady perfume. This forms a tidy clump in moist but well-drained soil. Take cuttings of non-flowering shoots in fall as these are easy to root. Night Phlox is not winter hardy. |
