Compact gardens gain popularity
Having a large sprawling yard like in the old days is no longer possible for a variety of reasons. Hence, more young gardeners are living in apartments, while retired, older ones are downsizing. But fear not, gardeners young and old, compact is in.
Garden retailers and wholesalers know the limitations of today’s gardeners and are making sure they can still offer plants that all can enjoy in small space situations. Here are a few new varieties of compact plants that you might find at your local nursery this spring. All are well suited for medium to large containers.
‘Little Angel’ Physocarpus: This delightful shrub, related to our native nine bark Physocarpus opulifolius, puts on a cloak of rich, warm red foliage. Cheerful white flowers appear spring and early summer. ‘Little Angel’ grows up to 20 inches tall and 12 inches wide. It tolerates sun and part shade. It is adorable.
Table Top Calibrachoa: The Table Top series produces extra compact plants, growing a mere 6 inches tall and about 10 inches wide. Diminutive plants come in bright, cheerful colors from late spring through fall. Red, white, pink, salmon, lavender and purple are just a few of the hues. Flowers smother foliage and are self-cleaning. That means little, if any, deadheading. Ideal for bright splashes of color on decks, patios and terraces. This series of millions bells would make wonderful tabletop arrangements for parties, reunions and weddings.
Color Guard Yucca: If you are looking to add a bit of drama to your container plantings, check out the spiky, sassy yucca ‘Color Guard.’ Coarse sword shaped leaves are bright yellow edged in celadon. During the winter, foliage gets tinges of rose red during chilly weather. ‘Color Guard’ yucca grows up to 24 inches tall and about as wide. It is slow growing, so it will not outgrow its container too soon.
‘Emerald Towers’ Basil: Basil lovers who have limited growing space take note of this new introduction. As its name suggests, ‘Emerald Towers’ basil produces a beautiful columnar shape, 2 to 3 feet tall and 12 inches wide. In full, warm sun this one will yield several cuttings of irresistible leaves. Grow in a deep pot with a tomato cage for support. This is a production from Burpee Seed. Co., so if your nursery does not carry plants you can order seeds from Burpee.
Bushel and Berry: This brand has bred berry plants so you can grow favorite blueberries, raspberries and blackberries in containers. This is the best way to grow fruit in a small space. Berried shrubs are compact and shapely, making an edible plant for the patio, terrace or deck. Available are seven varieties of blueberry and one each of raspberry and blackberry. All plants are self-pollinated. Plants are non GMO. Blueberries, blackberries and raspberries need at least six hours of sunlight, something to consider when growing any kind of fruit in containers.