Patriotic Plants for the Landscape

Celebrate Independence Day by adding a few patriots to your landscape this year.

Those looking for a large shade tree should consider the Patriot Elm. This American elm hybrid has excellent resistance to Dutch Elm Disease, elm beetles and elm yellows. Its upright vase shape growth habit is narrower than most elm varieties.

For an edible treat, grow Patriot highbush blueberry. Like other blueberries it prefers moist well-drained acidic soil. You’ll enjoy the attractive white flowers in spring, tasty fruit and reddish-purple fall color.

For shady spots in the landscape consider Patriot hosta. Its deep green leaves have white edges and grow to form a 12-20” mound.

Include some Patriot rainbow lantana for those sunny hot spots in the garden or container. This compact variety is topped with multi-colored flowers throughout the growing season.

A bit more information: Looking for more options? Add one of the patriot series annual geraniums. These early flowering geraniums come in 12 colors and with a dense mounded growth habit. They keep looking good despite hot, wet summertime weather.