I seem to go through phases of favorite plants.  I think it’s because I’ve found a particular perfect location for them and they look fantastic there.  Then, I move on to the next location and find a new favorite for that one.  Makes sense, right?  So, here’s a list of some of my latest favorite plant choices and what it is that I like about them, or why they were a great choice for a particular purpose and place.  You may want to look them up.  What are your favorites?

Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Red Dragon’  (a.k.a. “Red Dragon Japanese Maple”)

This gorgeous plant is shown in the photo.  It offers a beautiful burgundy color for 3 of the 4 seasons, and it’s shape is fantastic all 4 seasons.  It matures at approximately 6’-8’ round.  The leaves are “laceleaf” and are super – interesting.  It was perfect for a semi shaded location in zone 5.  

Rosa Knockout (a.k.a. “Knock Out Rose”)

This little 3’ tall plant is a power house.  It stays compact in size and offers a ton of bright color all season long in full sun.  This plant is truly a knockout!

Astilbe ‘Delft Lace’  (Delft Lace Astilbe)

Astilbe has long been on my favorites list.  This one is particularly awesome.  Astilbe loves a semi shaded location with enough moisture (such as an irrigation system).  They give so much color and energy to a shadier, darker location.  They stay nice looking even when they’re not in bloom too, which is great!  This variety gets up to 3’ tall, has ferny foliage, and the flowers are pink with red stems which makes them look like they’re glowing from within.  Beautiful plant.

Vaccinium angustifolium (a.k.a. “Lowbush Blueberry”)

This little wonder-shrub has to make the list!  I often use this plant in areas that need to be naturalized with native species and stay low in height.  This plant is perfect.  It actually produces wonderfully sweet little blueberries for your breakfast, and it gives you a pretty shape, makes a great ground cover, and has a beautiful fall color.  Native plants are often required if you need permitting for lakeshore properties.  This plant checks off everything on the favorites list.

Pinus sylvestris ‘Hillside Creeper’ (a.k.a. “Hillside Creeper” Scotch Pine)

I love this Pine.  It only get a foot or two tall and creeps to about 6’-8’ out.  It has long needles which are a shiny bluish green and has an orangish brown bark.  So cool in a garden area on a slope where it can creep around some rock outcroppings.  It’s a vigorous grower and is low maintenance.  

Betula nigra ‘Little King’ (a.k.a. “Little King” River Birch)

River Birch have such beautiful bark.  River Birch are awesome, but this one has a very unique shape! It has an unusually round form getting to be about 18’ high and wide.  Perfect for the smaller landscape.  It really catches your eye.  This is a dwarf River Birch which can be used in several ways.  It can be pruned up into a rounded smaller ornamental tree, it can be used as a large shrub or a shrub border.