Eye-Catching, Low-Growing Perennials
In every well-balanced garden, there is a secret layer that brings harmony, function and unexpected beauty. Groundcovers and other low-growing perennials are unsung garden heroes that often go unnoticed, yet they are the connective tissue beneath shrubs, trees and taller perennials. These hardy plants are resilient. Many thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9.…
The Ever-Regal Rose
With its intoxicating fragrance, graceful buds and blooms and rich symbolism, the rose is perhaps the most beloved and culturally significant flower in human history. Rose plants are woven into folklore and, of course, love and romance. (“Will you accept this rose?”). Classified under the genus Rosa, these regal woody perennials have captured hearts for…
Peonies: Queens of the Garden
With inspiring flowers, rich colors and captivating fragrances, peonies have long been a springtime staple in perennial gardens and landscape designs. But these ‘Queens of the Garden’ aren’t just pretty faces. Once established, peonies are hardy, long-lived and surprisingly low maintenance. Peonies belong to the plant genus Paeonia and are members of the Paeoniaceae family.…
Hardy Varieties Lend Color & Style
Whether flowering perennials or shrubs, hardy varieties lend color, fragrance and style to landscapes and gardens – especially following a long, cold winter. We’re kicking off the growing season by highlighting a few of our favorite repeat bloomers at Loma Vista Nursery. National Beauty Azalea (Rhododendron x ‘National Beauty’) National Beauty Azalea Attracts: Butterflies, hummingbirds…
Foliage Favorites Illuminate Shade
Shady spots need not be ho-hum when there’s heuchera to brighten the space. With tall spikes of tiny coral bells and distinctive mounded foliage, heuchera illuminates low-light areas with splashes of vibrant color and unique texture. With an average height of 6 inches to 1½ feet and spread of 1- to 2½ feet, heuchera produce…
Look What We Have Growing On
A fresh growing season always begs the question, “so what’s new?” Every year, breeders launch hundreds of new plants, including in the perennial and shrub categories that we grow. While some, but not all, of the following plants may have seen a season or two already, all of these are new for the growing season…
Hardy Plants Make Their Seasonal Comeback
Hardy plants are “tough” choices for landscape designs because they stand up to a variety of environmental stresses and bounce back year after year with reliable color and form. From extreme temperatures and poor soils to drought, flooding, high winds and tricky light conditions, hardy plants are garden workhorses. Their ability to withstand environmental anxieties…
Loma Vista Nursery Tree Farm
Ever wonder what really happens on a plant nursery? In this installment of our continuing Site Tour Series, we will take you on a blog tour of various aspects of the Loma Vista Nursery growing sites. We produce in-ground trees for business-to-business sales at our tree production nursery in Willow Springs, Kan. Loma Vista Nursery…
Ornamental Grasses - the Stars of Fall
Long may they wave! Big on textures, colors, varieties and styles, ornamental grasses bring bold personality to landscapes large and small. And just when other plants begin to lose their summer appeal, grasses get going, unfurling their foliage and sending up creamy plumes, adding mystique to late-year seasons. Flame Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Purpurascens’) – At…
All About Hostas
They run along the edges of sidewalks and lounge in perennial beds. Although some don’t mind sun, they relax when trees lend their shade. And sometimes, they offer shade, too – to a heat-weary frog or wayward toad, even to a few sleepy insects. They almost always play a supporting role, and won’t have dramatic…