By Brian Minter
Late July brings many opportunities for fresh new colours in our summer gardens, most notably from Pee Gee and arborescens hydrangeas and outdoor hibiscus.
Paniculata grandiflora, or PeeGee, hydrangeas have become a staple in many local gardens, and for good reasons.
Once established, they are very heat and drought tolerant, which is a must-have in our new climate realities. They also put on a long floral display typically starting in July.
What excites me is the many new hydrangea varieties which now come in all sizes, making them suitable for any size of garden. Beginning with cream or lime green, conical flowers, depending upon the strain, they turn shades of pink as the blooms mature. They are also available in standard tree forms, making them ideal small trees to add a new dimension to our landscaping.
There’s still a huge love affair with white as a summer colour, and the arborescens hydrangeas offer this with lovely, airy, rounded blooms. They prefer shade, or at least some protection from the hot afternoon sun, but they last for weeks, producing beautiful late summer colour. Originally the older variety h. Annabelle was the dream variety. Proven Winner’s Incrediball series were the next generation of pure white and white shades. Now, finally, with the introduction of the h. FlowerFull series, there is a wide selection of these plants available to brighten your July gardens.
The most significant July colour pop comes from the giant-blooming perennial hibiscus. Today there are many varieties, some even started from seed, and they are all stunning. If you’re looking for a real WOW however, Proven Winners’ Summerific series are the showstoppers.
Giant blooms, up to eight to 10 inches (20–25cm) across, come in a wide range of colours from vibrant pinks and brilliant reds to bicolors and everything in between. Unfortunately, the blossoms only last a day or so, but as the plant matures over time, you’ll get a much longer blooming plant lasting about two months or more.
Speaking of hibiscus, the shrub or tree forms, or Rose of Sharon, are just now beginning to flower. They too come in a wide range of colours and bloom until October for a summer full of interest. Proven Winners have also introduced the Pillar series which grow upward in a narrow column. I’ve seen them used as a hedge for a spectacular backdrop. Even though these blossoms only last a day as well, the trees and shrubs have so many buds they will provide continuous colour for weeks. They also take intense summer heat well in stride.
If your summer garden looks a little tired and needs a refreshing lift, these three plant families will add some spectacular colour. As long as you keep them well watered to get them firmly established, they will settle in nicely and carry the colour in your garden well into fall.
Featured images by Brian Minter
Brian Minter is an award-winning horticulturist, author and syndicated columnist from Chilliwack, B.C. He and his wife, Faye, founded Minter Gardens, a 32-acre mixed-style show garden.
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