US: Four Star introduces new shrubs

“Shrubs traditionally have been seen as a background plant in the landscape, but today’s new Proven Winners options offer so much variety, color and appeal that homeowners realize shrubs can be the focal point in a garden,” says Mark Osgerby, public relations specialist at Spring Meadow Nursery, Grand Haven, MI. The company has been breeding and propagating shrubs and starter plants since 1981, and provides Proven Winners ColorChoice flowering shrubs for Four Star Greenhouse and the other Proven Winners members, as well as other nurseries.

Recently, he discussed some of the more recently developed shrubs that will be available in 2017 from Four Star:

Beyond Midnight Caryopteris – This plant grows quickly and produces rich, blue flowers from late summer into early fall. It’s hardy yet compact, standing 24 — 30” tall.

Happy Jack Purple Clematis – 3 — 5” deep purple flowers that debut early and bloom into fall. Bright yellow stamens highlight the velvety petals. This low-maintenance and easy-to-grow variety grows to 6 — 8’ in the garden.

Purple Pillar Hibiscus – Two distinct features make this a standout: Large, semi-doubled flowers with deep rose and pink coloring; plus a very narrow fastigiate shape that is ideal for limited landscape areas. The Purple Pillar Hibiscus will grow at least 8 — 12’ tall.

Let’s Dance Hydrangea macrophylla series – This reblooming series is enhanced by two popular varieties: Blue Jangles and Rave. Vivid blue flowers appear on Blue Jangles, while either rich pink or violet-purple flowers (depending on soil conditions) make Rave outstanding. Both Hydrangea macrophylla varieties grow in a compact, 2 — 3’ tall habit.

Tuff Stuff Hydrangea serrata series – The bud-hardy lace cap Hydrangea serrata in the Tuff Stuff series offer cold climate performance, reblooming, and profuse flowering. Tuff Stuff Red variety is the latest addition, producing dark red to pink flowers on old and new wood from early summer through autumn.

Double Play Spiraea series – Colorful foliage combine with vibrant flowers in two new Double Play varieties. The Candy Corn variety has foliage that emerges bright candy apple red in early spring, then changes to become bright orange in autumn. It is topped off with dark purple flowers in late spring/early summer.

“We develop the Proven Winners ColorChoice varieties so that they are easy to grow, for both growers and home gardeners,” notes Osgerby.

As a response to the popularity of landscape shrubs, Four Star Greenhouse is again expanding its growing facilities, and is in the process of adding an additional 4.8 acres of greenhouses for shrub, perennial and annual production.

See these and all the latest Proven Winners ColorChoice shrubs in Four Star's 2017 digital catalog.

For more information:
Spring Meadow Nursery
734-654-6420
[email protected]
www.springmeadownursery.com