Shrubs and Perennials

Dwarf Blue Leaf Arctic Willow

The Salix purpurea 'Nana' pictured above is the last of the shrubs we will have available this Spring at the Saskatoon Farmer's Market.  This shrub makes an excellent accent plant with it's unusual blue, fine textured foliage.  The twigs turn purple in winter and is easily shaped by pruning.  According to Christopher Newsholme, in the book Willow: The Genus Salix, salix purpurea is bitter and unpalatable to livestock and rabbits.  (It will be tested on deer at our farm.  Hopefully they find it unpalatable also.)   It grows 5-7' tall, with maroon coloured new growth.  Requires full sun to partial shade and hardy to Zone 2.

We have ordered a lot of new perennials for Spring 2012.  I have showcased a couple of varieties available below, and will continue to list them all as the weeks go by.  I have also started quite a few alpine perennials from seed and will showcase those once they have grown into larger plants.

Perennials

Helenium autumnale 'Double Trouble' (PP18,206)

This new variety of Sneezeweed is a breakthrough with large yellow double flowers.  The centres are a prominent gold and are surrounded by frilly rows of bright yellow.  The flowers are produced throughout the summer and are an excellent cutflower.  Grows 30-36" tall, requires full sun and hardy to Zone 3.

Helenium autumnale "Ruby Tuesday" (PP18,234)

This variety features very dark red flowers that almost appear as black upon opening.  The petals are quilled  and bloom from July to August.  Grows to 30" tall and requires full to part sun.  Hardy to Zone 3.

Enjoy the snowy day we are having today.