Rosa rugosa 'Alba' Rosa rugosa is attractive, fragrant, carefree, edible and readily available. We have two varieties of this plant of the week, ‘Alba’ which is pure white and ‘Rubrum’ which is a dark luscious pink. These roses grow 4-6 feet high by 4-6 feet wide.

Sedum spectabile 'Autumn Joy' Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ was introduced in 1955. It is a reliable standby, (I’m not going to say old because it’s my age). This is a very respectable plant in the garden, keeping to its own space yet complimenting those around it, such as salvias, asters, agastache and penstemon.

Eucalyptus neglecta Are you looking for an unusual specimen tree or hedge material for your garden? This eucalyptus, commonly known as omeo gum, is very hardy and strongly aromatic with large leaves, white flowers, and sweet rosy purple new-leaf growth.

Parrotia persica Writing about autumn color in mid August is like a child seeing ads for school supplies: we are not quite ready to go there yet but when we get there it will be fine. To entice you into the wonderful season of fall, we have an exceptional tree for plant of the week. The parrotia tree is a native of the forested region around the North Persian (Iranian) Caspian Sea. As a member of the witch hazel family (Hammamelidaceae) Parrotia persica features early spring flowers that appear before the tree leafs out. The flowers are ruby red and are just the stamens as there are no petals. Jewel like colors are the main attraction of parrotia when Autumn unveils the yellow, orange and scarlet beauty of this treat. In winter the bark is distinctly attractive with its flakey patchwork colors of gray, buff pink and creamy yellow.