May 22, 2023

Grace’s Plant Picks of the Week – May 22 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 Grace Smies to share her top plant picks. Here’s what she had to say:


Bloomerang® Dark Purple Lilac

Syringa ‘SMSJBP7’

A dwarf hybrid lilac that’s just the right size for the garden, producing a plethora of sweetly fragrant lilac-purple flowers in spring; reblooms constantly throughout the summer showing color until fall


Double Play® Candy Corn® Spirea

Spiraea japonica ‘NCSX1’

An outstanding shrub for color effect in the garden, with glowing yellow foliage which emerges bright red, then orange; flat-topped clusters of contrasting purple flowers in early summer; forms a dense, compact mound that is neat and tidy


North Wind® Japanese Maple

Acer ‘IsINW’

An elegant ornamental tree with leaves that emerge a bright red, then turn green during summer, finishing off with a display of brilliant scarlet-orange fall color; a great accent tree for smaller home landscapes


Fire Light Tidbit® Hydrangea

Hydrangea paniculata ‘SMNHPK’

A compact, cold hardy variety producing clusters of enormous white and pink blooms in mid-summer through fall; adaptable, working well with most soils as long as they are well drained; a sensational ornamental shrub for the garden or border


Gold Heart Bleeding Heart

Dicentra spectabilis ‘Gold Heart’

Lovely mounds of chartreuse-yellow foliage create a stunning backdrop for arching stems of nodding pink, heart-shaped flowers; excellent performance in borders and containers; stunning when added to cut-flower arrangements; summer dormant

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

—Janelle Coyne