Helianthus angustifolius 'Low Down'

We are about a month away from the 2009 Scott Associates’ Plant Sale and we are excited about all the great plants that will be available the sale. This year’s theme is ‘New Twists on Old Favorites’, featuring new cultivars of old garden favorites. For example, Hydrangea paniculata, the panicle hydrangea, has been a garden favorite in many local gardens for the past hundred years. We will be offering new introductions like Hydrangea paniculata Pinky Winky ^TM.

Another great twist on an old favorite is Helianthus angustifolius ‘Low Down’, a selection of swamp sunflower. The straight species will reach 6′ tall in the garden and for some gardeners is too wild and untamed. ‘Low Down’ only reaches 2 to 3′ tall with an equal spread. In late summer to early fall it is covered with bright yellow sunflower-like flowers. The foliage is narrow and a nearly black-green. While commonly called the swamp sunflower it grows equally well in dry and wet conditions. As the flowers mature they will be followed by seed heads which are attractive to birds.

To learn about all the ‘twists’ we will offering at the 2009 Plant Sale, join me for a lecture tonight at 7:30 pm in Schurer Room, Kohlberg Hall. To see a complete list of all the plants available at the sale download the 2009 Plant Sale Handbook.