Graceful Grass® Pennisetum ‘Fireworks’
Graceful Grasses® ‘Fireworks’ is one of my go to Thrillers. I love the variegated purple, pink and burgundy with a splash of white for contrast. This plant likes full sun and can go without a lot of water. I like ColorBlaze® Alligator Tears to complement the rich dark colors of “Fireworks”. Alligator Tears has beautiful green foliage with a creamy-yellow tear drop center. This plant will do well in all sun exposures. Alligator Tears needs moderate moisture, but is drought tolerant. My third splash of color comes from Supertunia Vista Fuchsia. This Petunia is a vigorous grower and will add a striking display to your combination. Vista Fuchsia will adapt well with my other choices. Supertunia Vista Fuchsia is a trailing variety and will spill over the edge of your planter. You will love the abundant display of color throughout the summer months.

On days when I am working in the retail garden center at Garden Crossings, I will often get asked “What is your favorite perennial?”. To that my response is “Every week something different is flowering so it is hard to choose a favorite.’ But with that being said I do have one that reminds me of hope for each new season.
The dark evening sky, the mysterious happenings in the night, all of these things set you up for a touch of fear. Right? Well maybe not but it got your attention anyway. Today’s featured plant is ‘Midnight Marvel‘ Hibiscus. ‘Midnight Marvel’ is a new plant introduction for 2013. It is a cross between to other great Hardy hibiscus plants, those plants are ‘Summer Storm‘, known for its dark foliage and also ‘Cranberry Crush‘ known for its deep, rich, red flowers.