We know that this is just an inconvenience, not the catastrophe faced by farmers in Iowa and Nebraska, but it's still frustrating. While many ornamental plants like regular watering this might be a bit much for some of them, not to mention the increased risk of fungal problems such weather can bring.
Luckily there are some plants that genuinely like wet conditions. Cephalanthus occidentalis, or buttonbush, is one of them.
Sugar Shack® is a dwarf form of this delightful native plant, growing to about half the size of the species.
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| Sugar Shack® buttonbush summer flower |
It has the same crazy summer flowers that bees and other pollinators love, yet will have showy red fruit in fall rather than the typical green. It's not just bees that like the blooms; the fragrance is appealing to humans, too.
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| Sugar Shack® buttonbush fall fruit |
Enjoy these long days.
We're nearing the longest days of the year, which means long, soft twilight hours here in the North Country. It's wonderful to sit outside (on nights it isn't raining, anyway) and enjoy the evening with family and friends.
Evening is when we really appreciate the light colored flowers like those of Cephalanthus - the sweet scent is nice, too.
People without at least a few white flowers in the landscape are missing out on one of the simple joys of a summer evening. Here are some suggestions for other white blooms to add to gardens.
Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles
