Our first plant of the month for 2022 has been this year's selection for the Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association.
Yews are a long time used staple in the ornamental landscape and at one point became overused and over-pruned. However, don't be so quick to disregard this versatile shrub for your yard.
The name says it all. This Sugar Maple cultivar boasts excellent fall colors ranging from yellow to red.
Characteristics
Height: 12-18” Spread: 12-18” Habit/Form: Low Spreading Zones: 3-7 Growth Rate: Medium
Cultural Requirements
A native to the Illinois prairie, Prairie Smoke does best in well-drained soils that are on the drier side. They do not tolerate poorly drained soils. This plant will spread slowly from its roots to form a naturalized groundcover. Prairie Smoke performs best in full to partial sun, preferring some afternoon shade to protect it from the hot summer conditions. This plant is virtually maintenance free, so it’s perfect for a low maintenance garden or beginner gardener wanting to experiment with natives.
Ornamental Features
Purplish pink globular flowers gracefully nod above the attractive, fern-like foliage in late spring. However, the developing seed heads are the showstopper on this plant. They’re soft and plume-like as the wind flows through, resembling hazy smoke floating across the ground, hence the common name.
Landscape Uses
Prairie Smoke makes a wonderful addition as a groundcover to the border of a perennial bed, native plant garden and is best appreciated en masse.
Our first plant of the month for 2022 has been this year's selection for the Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association.
Yews are a long time used staple in the ornamental landscape and at one point became overused and over-pruned. However, don't be so quick to disregard this versatile shrub for your yard.
The name says it all. This Sugar Maple cultivar boasts excellent fall colors ranging from yellow to red.
