Jo Ann Dewar is the founder and owner of Fairview Greenhouses and Garden Center. She began growing plants as a hobby in her backyard greenhouse over 41 years ago. Her knowledge and experience in growing the best and most unique plants speaks for itself when you enter the over 14,000 square feet of retail greenhouse space at Fairview. When Jo Ann speaks, people listen. These plants have been carefully curated and propagated by her seasoned hands. Here are her favorite colorful picks for this year:
10. Shrimp Plant:Shrimp Plant (Justicia) is a showy tropical plant with flowers that look …well, like a live, spiny shrimp. These plants like full sun but can take a part sun/part shade location with ample afternoon sun. We grow 2 varieties of Shrimp Plant at Fairview, a red variety and a yellow variety. The Yellow Shrimp plant can grow quite large, up to three or four feet given proper conditions. The Red Shrimp plant tends to stay slightly smaller as the blooms gently weep and it grows more prostrate than upright. With regular watering and fertilizing, a Shrimp Plant will be big and beautiful, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds alike. A Shrimp Plant is a wonderful addition to any annual bed or decorative pot.
9. Princess Flower:
Princess Flower (Tibouchina) is a tropical plant with vibrant purple flowers and “fuzzy” leaves that will bloom all season. In the landscape, Princess Flower can grow into a tall, upright shrub. Princess Flower or Tibouchina, wants full sun for its beautiful large purple flowers and splendid green leaves. It will tolerate some shade but will not thrive in full shade. Princess Flower planted in a landscape bed can get five feet tall or more. It has many uses looking spectacular around pools, as a specimen plant or in a container. Princess Flower blooms throughout the season, from spring through summer. Water weekly when planted in the landscape (more often in pots) however, you’ll need to water more as the summer and high heat increases.
8. Plumbago:
Plumbago or Leadwort, is a bright blooming shrub in a tropical environment. If you are looking for a plant with beautiful blue or white flowers, loves heat and humidity and can tolerate drought, then Plumbago is the plant for you. Plumbago is an upright plant but because of its graceful arching stems can spill over into a trailer. This plant is gorgeous in a planter or as part of an annual border flowering all season into first frost. Plumbago loves full hot sun and needs regular watering but can be quite forgiving once established (well rooted).
7. Snowbush:
This one always makes the list…because it’s awesome. Snowbush is my fantasy plant with fantastic showy leaves of pale pink, white and green and a delicate feel. Snowbush can be a fairly large in the landscape. As it matures, the leaves can get a bit of a burgundy color but retain a mottled mix of pale pink, grayish green and white. Snowbush will keep its color best in full sun. It’s lovely as a stand alone but a show stopper planted in mass. Do yourself a favor and add Snowbush to your annual planting bed ASAP! It’s a staple at Fairview and hard to find anywhere else.
6. Bougainvillea:
Bougainvillea is an immensely showy, floriferous and hardy plant. Considered pest resistant and disease free, Bougainvillea rewards the gardener with a an abundance of color and vitality. Bougainville is very versatile and can be coaxed into a hanging basket, decorative pot or trail up a trellis. Bougainvillea has to have at least 5 hours of sun to keep its profuse blooms. The more sun, the better. Bloom color range from pink and purple to red and orange. Bougainvillea also needs well drained soil as persistent dampness will cause root rot. If you have a garden spot with lots of hot sun and you are looking for a profuse trailing bloomer, Bougainvillea is an absolute must have.
5. Caladiums:
A bright pop of color for a slightly shady spot, Caladiums can provide intense color, interesting height and unique texture to the landscape. Heart shaped leaves in varying colors of green, white, pink and red are what make Caladiums special. Most varieties thrive in shade but a few selections do well in full sun. Be sure you pick the right variety for the right spot in your garden. Caladium leaf sizes and plant heights vary and can range from 6″ to 24″. These tuberous plants require warm, moist soil for optimal growth.
