Variety Notebook

Coreopsis ‘Summer Punch’
Featuring large, bi-colored flowers of deep-crimson and lemon-gold, the Coreopsis ‘Summer Punch’ by Terra Nova Nurseries is a vibrant mounding plant, good for containers and mixed beds. As the summer passes, its colors change to deep ox-blood and burnished bronze. With a low spreading habit, ‘Summer Punch’ grows well in Zones eight to 10, and prefers full sun. Growers who are interested in this plant may visit Terra Nova’s website to find plant profile pages and “grower recipes” of this variety to learn about growing habits, characteristics, water requirements and more.
For more: www.terranovanurseries.com

Burgundy Fireworks Coneflower
With vivid beet-red ray flowers, the Burgundy Fireworks Coneflower’s petals are upturned like its E. tennesseensis ancestor and are individually fused into quills. A long-blooming perennial, it is best grown in full sun and a well-drained, medium-moist soil. With few disease and insect problems, it is hardy to USDA Zones 5 to 7 and starts blooming in northern Illinois (Zone 5) mid-June to early July. A heavy flush is present throughout all of August, and continues with at least a few flower heads into October. The coneflower is great for containers, perennial borders and small urban gardens.
For more: www.chicagolandgrows.com

Clematis integrifolia ‘Blue Ribbons’
An improved, low-growing seed strain, ‘Blue Ribbons’ from Jelitto has flowers that are up to three times bigger than typical forms. With nodding, indigo blue flowers, ‘Blue Ribbons’ blossoms from May through August, and remains upright to 40 cm. As winter approaches, the flowers will have silvery seed heads. Although it doesn’t sprawl like others, light staking or support of other perennials is helpful when heavy summer rains or high winds are present. For more: www.jelitto.com