Spring 2021 is working her magic, just like all the springs that came before her.
No matter how distracted we’ve become, she comes prepared with all the good things that we’ve come to expect: the distinctive lance-shaped daffodil leaves inching their way up through the soil, right on time; the buds on the pink magnolia tree swelling promisingly; and familiar bird song, sorely missed since late last fall, filling the air once more.
Even the most hardened find themselves daring to think “gone are the bad times, good times are here again.” All because of spring, and all the gifts that she’s never failed to bestow upon us, just as surely as the chewing gum that my Aunt Mary always had tucked away in her purse, knowing that I’d want some (even before I asked). As a kid, that ready willingness of hers to gift me without fail made me love her even more, much as I count on spring’s promise each year.
All of the gardening outlets are prepared and ready to please, too.
Each year, there are contests in which favorites are picked to showcase new plants in a large number of categories. The new varieties promise things like old favorites in new colors, plants with increased drought and winter tolerance, shrubs with exciting fall color, and miniature shrubs with the same features as the originals, but scaled down for small garden spaces.
Some of these releases are variations on an old theme, and some are so new that they’re desirable for their fresh take. Either way, it’s great to have new offerings to improve our landscapes each year.
Check out these new 2021 releases from nationalplantoftheyear.com:
Mini Vista Pink Star Petunia (annual)
Looking for an annual that performs as well in a border as in a patio pot? Consider this well-behaved petunia sporting a fresh hue, but with the same vigor of the Vista Supertunia lineup.
Heart to Heart ‘White Wonder’ (caladium)
This shade lover pops in shade and shrugs off more sunlight than most caladiums. Summer heat? Bring it on with this selection.
‘Cat’s Pajamas’ Nepeta (perennial)
Want spikes like the salvia plant offers, but is even lusher and more attractive to pollinators? Plant this one in a sunny flower bed and sit back and enjoy the show!
Shadowland ‘Wheee!’ (hosta)
Meant to put some fun back into your shade garden, the frilly leaves of this selection will stand out in containers, garden beds and children’s gardens.
‘Pugster Blue’ Budelia (flowering shrub)
Look for large blue blossoms on this dwarf butterfly bush dubbed as more “eco-friendly” than burning bush. Increased winter hardiness helped this selection beat out its competitors.
OSO Easy ‘Italian Ice’ (rose)
A soft yellow rose that matures into pinkish hues and is disease-resistant and self-cleaning. Ladies, prepare your vase.
Ah-Ha ‘Tuff Stuff’ (hydrangea)
This creamy white lace-cap variety hydrangea will see you enjoying its flower show through the summer, and is worry-free with its enhanced winter toughness.
Kodiak ‘Orange Diervilla’ (landscape shrub)
Grows in shade or sun, has great fall color, a manageable 3-by-4 inches in size, tolerates moist or dry soil, and deer tend to leave it alone. What are you waiting for? I mean, seriously, what more could you want?
Visit the website for detailed growing tips, companion plant suggestions, and container plant recipes!
Becky Pinto has been a Master Gardener since 2006 and was the Master Gardener newsletter editor from 2006-2019. She’s a Silver Level Master Gardener, based on cumulative volunteer hours served in the program. Her columns typically publish on the second Saturday of each month in The Republic. All opinions expressed are those of the writer. Send comments to [email protected].
