What I ordered: Shrubs for my 2020 garden

Last fall I put a number of late season shrubby purchases in temporary spots with the intention of planting them permanently this spring. They will take the place of Hostas or other high maintenance plants that will then go off to new homes. All part of my plan to make it easier to maintain my garden.

Though most of the shrubs that I ordered this spring are fairly low growers, not all of them are. I also made an effort to add a few that are fragrant; something that is sadly lacking in my garden. I have number of native plants, especially trees, so that was not my first consideration with these. 

Whether these mail-order nurseries will even be able to mail my purchases to me is an unknown at this point, but I am hopeful.

Rhododendron arborescens is large and fragrant.

Rhododendron atlanticum tops out between two and three feet with a spread of up to five feet over the years. It has glaucous leaves and is described as "powerfully fragrant.'

Deutzia scabra Variegata is a large plant with fragrant flowers. I can't wait until mine gets this big and beautiful. 

Thuja occidentals 'Anna’s Magic Ball' is a little charmer, barely a foot tall — hardy to Zone 3!

Thuja occidentals 'Primo' will get four feet tall but only one foot wide in 20 years; also hardy to Zone 3. Not sure if I have 20 years left to spare, but I'll chance it!

First two photos from Rare Plants Nursery, then Far Reaches Farm, Bluestone Perennials and Plant Delights Nursery. 

Comments

[Barbara H.]

It looks like you made some good choices, Linda. I have a small size deutzia that hadn't bloomed after I think three years so I moved it to a sunnier location. I noticed recently that it has lots of buds forming - so relieved. Happy spring gardening - it IS spring up there by now, isn't it?

[Kris P]

All beautiful plants, Linda. Rhododendrons are also on my list of coveted plants I can't grow. (I tried one in my former garden.) I hope all your orders arrive as scheduled.

[Loree / danger garden]

Mail order may be what saves some of our favorite nurseries. Thank you for ordering and I hope you get your desired plants.

[Frank]

Those are some exciting choices! I love the fragrant azaleas and the deutzia really lights up the shade.
Your plan towards lower maintenance is so organized and thoughtful. I was aiming for the same thing but for every step forward....
Spring weather shall come soon and I think mailorder will be ok.
All the best!

[Lisa at Greenbow]

I hope these beauties all arrive timely. I bet they will. Have fun getting them into the ground.