MY JUNE FAVORITES

‘Henry Garnet’ Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica) is one of those shrubs that keeps on giving. Besides the lovely white floral spires that bloom mid-June, it often sends out new shoots a few inches from the main stem. If you leave them, the plant just gets wider. If you remove the shoot by sharply jamming your shovel between the shoot and main stem, you can dig up the shoot with its roots and plant it in a new location. I like to make clusters of three or five among the other plants. They look especially beautiful in a shaded area, although they are fine in full sun. This is fun to do with other plants, too, like Winterberry, to increase your own plants or share with gardening buddies. Periodically check under the bush for stems sporting the same leaves as the main plant. It is best to do this in the fall, although if you are diligent about making sure it is not wilting, any season will work.

Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)

Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica) adds a bright pop of color to any garden and is one of the plants preferred by hummingbirds. The vibrant and unusual flowers of this perennial never fail to bring a smile to my face.
Linked to "Pink Saturday."