Dwarf hybrid plants in landscaping is trend

As our lifestyles change, the plant material changes to reflect our lifestyle. A more recent trend has been to add more dwarf hybrid plants into our landscapes. Why? They are easy to grow and require less maintenance on average. Not every plant has these same requirements. Some require just as much work but are more compact in their habit. You will be able to find compact or dwarf plants in shrubs, trees, perennials and annuals. In perennials and annuals, they refer to these as petites.

Here are a few of the newest introductions in dwarf hybrid plants. In the category of shrubs this is a brief list:

— Hydrangea ‘Annabelle’ type, Hydrangea ‘Invincibelle Wee White’ by Proven Winners Color Choice. This hydrangea grows 2 to 3 feet tall by 2 to 3 feet wide. This plant needs full sun with some afternoon shade. It reblooms throughout the summer on both old wood and new wood. But to keep the stems strong, prune back only a third of the stems as the new growth is beginning to appear. This will also produce more flowers. Apply a slow release fertilizer in early spring. Plant this plant in well-drained soil with a layer of mulch around it.

— Lantana ‘Bloomify Mango’ by Ball FloraPlant is an upright, mounded annual that is heat and drought tolerant. It is great for attracting hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. It is also deer resistant and rabbit resistant. It takes moderate water and needs fertilizing once a month. It gets 12 to 14 inches tall and 10 to 12 inches wide. This comes in other colors such as red and rose.

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