May 15, 2023

Audrey’s Plant Picks of the Week – May 15 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 Audrey Mileski to share her top plant picks. Here’s what she had to say:


Olga Mezitt Rhododendron

Rhododendron ‘Olga Mezitt’

One of the hardier varieties, this broadleaf evergreen shrub has showy orange-pink flowers in spring on an upright habit, interesting fall coloration; absolutely must have well-drained, highly acidic and organic soil, use plenty of peat moss when planting


Quick Fire® Hydrangea

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Bulk’

As its name implies, this variety blooms a full month ahead of other panicle hydrangeas for about the longest season of bloom a shrub can have; features large conical flower heads that start white and fade through pink to a rich rose lasting into fall


Fine Line® Fern Leaf Buckthorn

Rhamnus frangula ‘Ron Williams’

A rather attractive columnar garden shrub with finely cut foliage for an overall fine, wispy appearance, excellent for textural effect in a garden composition; very hardy, tough and adaptable; non-invasive as the seeds of this cultivar are not viable


Jack Frost Bugloss

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’

A shade loving variety that features dark green, heart shaped leaves with a silver overlay that resembles lace; baby blue flowers emerge in the spring; fast growing mounded habit, great for use in containers, borders or as groundcover


Coralburst Flowering Crab

Malus ‘Coralburst’

One of the finest flowering crab selections, this is a dwarf variety featuring a froth of double coral-pink flowers in spring and reddish-orange fruit in fall; needs well-drained soil and full sun, the perfect focal point in a mixed garden composition

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—Janelle Coyne