Late Summer Color
We are heading into September, and fall fever is starting to set in for many (despite the warmer weather). As autumn approaches, you may be winding down in the garden, but don’t pack up those garden tools just yet! Fall is a great time to plant shrubs, and who doesn’t want new plants to enjoy when spring rolls around again? Check out our “Fall Planting FAQ” for more information on planting shrubs in the fall.
If you’re looking for some late summer-fall interest, I’ve got just the shrub for you. As part of the Perfecto Mundo® series of reblooming azaleas, Perfecto Mundo® Red azalea (Rhododendron) has two equally amazing color shows.
Perfecto Mundo® Red blooms first in spring, boasting an abundance of vibrant red flowers for weeks, and then after a brief rest period, it comes back with another wave of blooms in late summer through fall. Even when this shrub isn’t blooming, its dense semi-evergreen foliage looks handsome in the garden or landscape. With its wide (3-4’) and low (2.5’) habit, it makes a great low hedge or edging plant.
This beauty is suited for USDA zones 6b-9 and thrives in full to part sun (flowers most prolifically in areas with part sun to all day dappled light or morning sun with afternoon shade).
Perfecto Mundo azaleas don’t require pruning, but if you’d like to increase the abundance of the late summer rebloom, you can trim your shrub just after its spring bloom. Trimming it will encourage new growth, which will bloom more prolifically.
Spotted Lanternfly
Spotted lanternflies have been in the United States for a while now, but recently, they have gained more attention. While beautiful, these insects are pests and invasive. So, how do you identify them, and what do you do if you spot one in your garden? Check out Kristina’s “FAQ About Spotted Lanternfly in the Garden” blog to learn all about spotted lanternflies and what to do if you find evidence of them in your garden.