April 24, 2023

Kayla’s Plant Picks of the Week – Apr 24 2023

Every week we’re publishing a NEW Plant Picks of the Week story, showcasing our Plant Specialists’ top plant picks. Get ready to be inspired!

We recently asked Kayla VerWoert to share her top plant picks. Here’s what she had to say:


Lavender Twist® Redbud

Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’

A stunning accent shrub with gracefully arching and weeping branches, a twisted trunk and very showy pink to purple flowers held tightly on bare branches in early spring, curious heart-shaped leaves; an incredible garden accent, especially when in bloom


Karen Azalea

Rhododendron ‘Karen’

An extraordinary and stunning variety presenting multiple clusters of bright lavender-pink blooms on a hardy and dense compact shrub; a beautiful presentation as a garden focal point


Cherokee Chief Flowering Dogwood

Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Chief’

A highly desirable ornamental tree which is absolutely blanketed in rosy red flowers that fade to white in the centers in spring, attractive tiered habit as well; a picturesque tree that requires rich, well-drained acidic soil and adequate moisture


Picola Umbrella Pine

Sciadopitys verticillata ‘Picola’

A dwarf, slow growing evergreen with a distinctive conical shape and short, thin, dark green needles that are glossy; short branches help it maintain an attractive, dense appearance; a fine choice as an accent in the garden


Rhode Island Red Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum ‘Rhode Island Red’

A stunning landscape choice, this fine accent tree features dense compact branching and bright red spring foliage that darkens to deep red through summer; outstanding orange-red in fall; a highly desirable specimen for the garden or landscape

You might also be interested in:

Aquapot Benefits

Everyone is familiar with the popular phrase “April showers bring May flowers.” This is a wonderful thing in Michigan as the trees start to bud and everything comes alive in April. But what happens after those April showers when the sun is out longer, the weather warms, and the showers cease?...

2025 Proven Winners National Plants of the Year

Grow what works! Here are the 2025 Proven Winners National Plants of the Year:  2025 Perennial of the Year 'Jack of Diamonds' Heartleaf Brunnera Brunnera macrophylla Huge 9-10" leaves overlap dramatically at the base and look circular from a distance. Heavy silver overlay and vivid, wide, dark...

What to Plant in March in Michigan

Throughout the year, we'll be bringing you monthly guides outlining the best planting practices and recommendations for various plant categories. If you haven't already, be sure to check out our overview article for What to Plant in Michigan by Month for a complete introduction to our monthly...

“Amazing selection and knowledgeable staff to answer questions. A must go to for any landscaping needs.”

—Janelle Coyne