Geranium x 'Rozanne' is the 2008 Perennial Plant of the Year.

Hardy geranium, also known as cransbill, is well suited for zones 5-8. They should not to be confused with the florist geranium (Pelargonium) which is an annual. Hardy geraniums are a valuable addition in most garden situations from full sun to part shade, although in hotter climates half shade would be preferable. Due to a large increase in popularity over the past decade, hundreds of new varieties have been introduced in recent years. Out of this flurry of new varieties there is a wide range of climatic variability and many have turned out to be inferior selections.

'Rozanne' is one of these recently introduced varieties, but stands apart from the rest due to its vigorous habit, heat tolerance, and extended bloom period. 'Rozanne' was found in the garden of Donald and Rozanne Waterer in Somerset, England in 1989, and released by Blooms of Bressingham in 2000. 'Rozanne is a cross between Geranium himalayense and Geranium wallichianum 'Buxton's Variety'.

'Rozanne' develops a mounding habit 20" high and 24-30" in spread. Foliage is deeply lobed and dark green with light marbling. 2.5" iridescent violet-blue flowers are cup-shaped, with darker veining and a light center. 'Rozanne' is a sterile hybrid which extends the bloom time is from late spring to early fall. Should plants start to look ragged during the summer months, shear the plants back to 3" above the ground to rejuvenate growth for a fall full of color.

'Rozanne' works well for the front of the border and as a companion plant with many other perennials, including Phlox paniculata, Hemerocallis, Iris and ornamental grasses. It prefers moist well drained garden soils, but will tolerate a wide range of soil and climatic conditions.

E. 'Kim's Knee High'

Perennials are a great addition to every landscape. They can add beauty in any season with their flowers, form and foliage. Not only do they add color and texture, many perennials also attract hummingbirds and butterflies such as the Echinacea 'Kim's Knee High' PP#12242 and Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue' pictured to the left.

June is a great time to plant perennials which will add interest to the summer and fall landscape as well as a chance for the plants to become well established before the winter (this is particularly beneficial if you are stepping out of your zone and experimenting with perennials that may be tender in your area).

H. Key Lime Pie, Peach Melba

At Pender Nursery we have a large selection of perennials to fit most any landscape need, from sun to shade, dry to wet, and everything in between. We are continuing to add new and exciting perennials like the Proven Winners® Heuchera x 'Dolche™ Key Lime Pie' and Heuchera x 'Dolce™ Peach Melba' as well as tried and true favorites like Daylily 'Paper Butterfly', Sedum x 'Autumn Joy', and Moonbeam Coreopsis.

Hostas

For the woodland or shade garden we have a large selection of hostas and ferns as well as a great assortment of Astilbe, bleeding heart, foxglove and don't forget the linten rose (Helleborus x hybridus) the 2005 Perennial Plant of the Year.

And lets not forget the 2007 Perennial Plant of the Year Nepeta x faassenii 'Walker's Low' which is deer resistant, will grow 30-36" and is a great plant for attracting butterflys to the perennial or shrub border. Nepeta 'Walker's Low' has spikes of bluish purple flowers and aromatic foliage when crushed. As with most perennials, deheading spent flowers will encourage reblooming throughout the season. To view previous Perennial Plant of the Year selections you can visit the Perennial Plant Association website.

Raleigh has recently lightened water restrictions to Stage 1, which allows limited days for irrigation and hand watering.

In an effort to help comply with this current regulation, you may want to consider the use of more drought tolerant plants.
Trees for dry sites
Cercis canadensis – “Eastern Redbud” - native
Cupressus arizonica – “Arizona Cypress”
Ginkgo biloba – “Maidenhair Tree”
Ilex vomitoria – “Yaupon Holly” - native
Koelreuteria paniculata – “Golden Rain Tree”
Lagerstroemia – “Crape Myrtle”

Shrubs for dry sites
Abelia – “Glossy Abelia”
Aspidistra – “Cast Iron Plant”
Aucuba japonica – “Japanese Aucuba”
Berberis – “Barberry”
Callicarpa dichotoma – “Beautyberry”
Cephalotaxus – “Plum Yew”
Chaenomeles speciosa – “Flowering Quince”
Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ – “Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick”
Cotoneaster – “Bearberry”
Cytisus scoparius – “Scotch Broom”
Elaeagnus x ebbingei – “Elaeagnus”
Ilex crenata – “Japanese Holly”
Ilex vomitoria – “Yaupon Holly” - native
Juniperus – “Juniper”
Nandina domestica – “Heavenly Bamboo”
Opuntia – “Prickly Pear Cactus”
Physocarpus opulifolius – “Eastern Ninebark” - native
Pittosporum – “Pittosporum”
Prunus laurocerasus – “Laurel”
Pyracantha – “Firethorn”
Rhaphiolepis indica – “Indian Hawthorn”
Rosa – “Shrub Rose”

Perennials for dry sites
Achillea – “Yarrow”
Baptisia – “False Indigo” - native
Coreopsis verticillata – “Tickseed”
Echinacea purpurea – "Purple Coneflower” - native
Gaillardia - "Blanket Flower" - native
Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm' – “Black-eyed Susan” - native
Sedum – “Stone Crop”

Pender Nursery is proud to be a Licensed grower of the Encore Azalea® since 1999.