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Quick Fire® hydrangea. Photo: ProvenWinners.com |
Or you have lost a tree lately and suddenly have a large sunny spot for planting. Got a fence that needs screening? A vine is a good option.
Some favorites
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Regent serviceberry |
The Regent serviceberry shrub (Amelanchier alnifolia 'Regent') has lovely white flowers, edible fruit and provides pollen and nectar for bees.
Multi-purpose Grasses
Grasses can create waves of texture and show off other plants. Some, like our native prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) and blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), also provide food for butterfly larvae.Sedges (Carex spp.) can be planted under taller plants to reduce weeds and serve as a growing mulch.
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Beatlemania sedge |
The flowers of one of my favorite plants, Quick Fire hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Bulk'), turn a deep mauve in late fall, and can be cut and added dried to floral or container arrangements in the winter.
Flowers good enough to eat!
Edible pot marigold flowers (Calendula spp.) provide pollinator food, bloom well into fall and the petals can be sprinkled on salads for a citrusy bite.Bee-friendly vines
Vines like the new self-fertile bittersweet Autumn Revolution (Celastrus scandens 'Bailumn' PP19811) serves as food![]() |
Calendula flowers |
In 2020, resolve to choose plants for more than just their good looks as they can serve multiple purposes in your yard and garden!
Author: Julie Weisenhorn, Horticulture Extension educator