Foliage Power

Last post we talked about the hellebore and the color provided by its blooms.  This time I wanted to remind you that color can come from the foliage as well.  Here is one of my favorites!

Heather

While heather is a well-celebrated plant throughout Europe, it's often forgotten in this country. It's time for that to change, though. This versatile flower boasts color year-round. With beautiful flowers in summer and autumn to gorgeous foliage in winter, this beauty is sure to make a strong impact in your garden.

• Common Names: Heather.
• Botanical Name: Calluna.
• Hardiness: Zones 5 to 7, although hardy in Zone 3 with adequate winter protection.
• Bloom Time: Midsummer to late autumn.
• Size: 4 to 24 inches high, up to 30 inches wide.
• Flowers: Bell-shaped flowers of red, purple, pink, or white shades.
• Light Needs: Full sun.
• Growing Advice: Overwinter where snowfall is light with mulch and pine branches.
• Prize Picks: Blazeaway's yellow foliage turns bright red in the winter to fire up barren landscapes.