A Glimpse of Spring
Man, is it nasty outside! But the sight of flowering plants really warms me up. Today I’m Frazier’s Nursery enjoying the colorful plants they have overwintering in their greenhouse. Red is one of my favorite flower colors. It’s warm and vibrant and calls out for attention. One of the very best garden performers is Lady in Red salvia. The displays of brilliant red flowers are contrasted by the dark purple sepals and stems. Lady in Red blooms all summer until frost. The plant structure is not densely packed, but has a loose, airy appearance. The floral display makes this one of the very best for hummingbirds. No wonder it’s called Hummingbird Sage. Red Star cordyline has a different look with its dagger-like rusty bronze-red foliage. These upright plants bring excitement where ever they are grown. While Red Star cordyline works well in combination planters. This one planted with bouquet rose dianthus is looking pretty good after several nights in the low 20s. Nutmeg scented geranium combines attractive flowers with heavenly scented foliage. The flower petals have purple splotches that look like an artist’s brush strokes. They are high held above the fragrant foliage resembling thin, wispy white clouds. Nutmeg scented geranium is an annual in north Mississippi, but will over-winter reliably on the coast. So when the winter weather is dreary, go to your local garden center for some cheering up. It will inspire you with the hope of the coming spring. I’m Gary Bachman for Southern Gardening.