Favorite Plants for a Garden Decorator

'Sunkist' Eastern arborvitae

strong>Eastern arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Sunkist')

The plant: This semi-dwarf selection grows naturally in a compact, broad- pyramidal shape. A slow grower (6 to 10 inches a year), 'Sunkist' will eventually reach six to eight feet at maturity. Hardy to USDA Zone 4, the evergreen shrub often takes on a bronzish cast in winter.
How to use it: Use as an accent plant or focal point, or as a screen. With its yellow-gold branch tips, 'Sunkist' is beautiful mixed with conifers that have either blue or green foliage.
Cultivation: Grow in full to partial sun in well-drained soil. A light shearing in mid-summer can add to the overall beauty of the plant. Best foliage color is achieved in full sun.
Source: Twombly Nursery

'Sky Pencil' Japanese holly

Columnar Japanese holly (Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil')

The plant: This upright selection of Japanese holly (sometimes called box holly) has a tight, columnar growth habit. The plant will ultimately achieve four to six feet in height by one to two feet wide. It has a fairly rapid growth rate. 'Sky Pencil' is hardy in USDA Zones 6 to 8.
How to use it: This is an excellent punctuation mark or vertical accent for the garden. It can also be used in a narrow space against the house or to flank the entrance to a section of the garden. It's a good container plant as well.
Cultivation: Plant in well-drained, rich moist soil for best results. Grow in full sun to partial shade; in colder zones, protect from winter winds.
Source: Joy Creek Nursery

'Pia' hydrangea

Mophead hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Pia')

The plant: This dwarf selection of bigleaf hydrangea grows to only 2-1/2 to three feet tall. The rose-pink flowers are slightly flattened hemispheres instead of the round globes of other mopheads. This deciduous shrub is hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 8.
How to use it: Grow in combination with other hydrangeas or in a mixed flower border. 'Pia' is an excellent container plant.
Cultivation: Hydrangeas need even moisture and don't tolerate drought. Grow in rich, moist, well-drained soil in partial shade.
Source: The Crownsville Nursery

Hollyhock

Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)

The plant: This old-fashioned biennial comes in a range of colors including red, rose, pink, yellow, apricot, white and dark maroon. Some selections have single flowers up and down the six- to nine-foot-tall flower stalk; others have semi-double or extremely double blooms. The leaves are coarse, large and heart-shaped. Native to China. Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9.
How to use it: This is a great plant for the cottage garden. Plant hollyhocks along the fence of a vegetable garden or at the back of a flower border.
Cultivation: Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. When plants are spent, they can be unattractive and can be cut down to the ground. Seeds sown in August and September should bloom the next summer. Plants may also bloom the same season when sown in early spring. Hollyhocks will also re-seed on their own.
Source: Renee's Garden Seeds