May 28th-June 1st Featured Plants and Products:
Plumeria (Plumeria obtuse or rubra):
Let the scent from the heavily aromatic flowers of the plumeria flower transport you to the
tropics. This beautiful, tropical shrub produces the flowers worn in leis by Hawaiians. You can
look for color varieties in red, pink, orange, white with yellow, yellow, and rainbow. Plant in full
sun and give them plenty of water during the summer. In winter, you will bring them indoors
where you can keep them dry, even to the point of knocking off the soil around the root ball and
storing them in the rafters of your garage until you are ready to pot them up again the following
spring/summer. In San Antonio, it's best to plant your plumeria in oversized, heavier, clay pots
since the shrub grows fast and tends to be top heavy. The aroma of the flowers are a true delight
and there is no wonder that we have many request this time of the year for the plumeria.
All Fruit Trees-20% off
This weekend (May 28th-June1st) we are offering a 20% discount on all of our scrumptious fruit
trees. We have a great assortment that will have you picking bushels of fresh fruit in no time.
Choose from amazing varieties of apples, peaches, plums, pears, figs, pomegranates and more.
Don't forget the delicious citrus and tropical fruit trees as well. Nothing beats the taste of homegrown fruit, fresh from your very own harvest. Come talk to us about how to get started, and be
sure to take advantage of this great offer.
All Birding Accessories-20% off
We sure love all of our fine feathered friends here at Rainbow Gardens, and we'd like to offer a
special discount on all the accessories you would need to show them that you love them too. This
weekend (May28th-June1st) enjoy a 20% discount on all birding accessories. You can find
unique feeders and birdhouses, stock up on seed and nectar, and pick out the perfect birdbath to
help cool off the birds in the upcoming summer days. You are sure to find something that you
and your birds just can't live without.
Still being featured in the upcoming ad.....
Echinacea "Prairie Splendor" (Echinacea purpurea):
What a delightful, xeriscape choice for your perennial gardens. Echinacea, or coneflowers are
drought-resistant, 12-24 inch tall, perennials that bear long-lasting, brightly-hued flowers during
summer and early fall. The variety "Prairie Splendor" gives you bright, rose-magenta petals
surrounding a dark-orange, spiny center. The flowers have the shape of a sunflower or
sometimes a badminton shuttlecock. Coneflowers do best in full sun, but will tolerate some light
shade. They need to have well-draining soil, and you will be amazed at how easily they return
year after year with little care. Did you know that echinacea comes from the Greek word
"echinos" which means hedgehog? These adorable plants got their name from their spiny centers
that look like a baby hedgehog all curled up. How cute is that? Enjoy these butterfly-attracting
flowers as a garden specimen and in fresh and dried arrangements.
Crape Myrtles (Lagerstroemia x var.):
You would almost expect to see a Yertle lounging on the top of your Crape Myrtle. These
colorful shrubs/trees definitely invoke the world of Dr. Seuss. Summer is a great time to pick out
your crape myrtle because you can make a true choice of which color you want by actually
seeing the blooms. What is red to the grower might look burgundy to you, what looks lilac to the
grower might look cotton-candy pink to you, so it is advisable to buy while the blooms are
evident. Crape myrtles come in all sizes, hence the shrub/tree category. You can find dwarf
varieties ranging from 3-6 feet, semi-dwarf ranging from 7-15 feet and also those that sky-rocket
up to 30 feet. A summer-flowering, deciduous specimen, crape myrtles are drought-tolerant once
established, disease-resistant, and grows in alkaline or acid soil. Fall color on the foliage is a
bonus. Who wouldn't want a show-stopping, eye-popping crape myrtle added to their landscape?
Once you choose your variety, make sure to read up on the proper pruning techniques in a
previous Happy Gardener blog, Thou Shall Not Commit Crape Murder. Come choose an
amazing color burst for your landscape at our special 20% discount this weekend-May 28thJune1st.
Texas Primrose (Calylophus drummondianus var. berlandieri)
A great sunshine-yellow blooming perennial that makes a wonderful ground cover as it grows
to heights of only 6 " with a possible width of 3 feet. The fine, needle-like leaves create a bushy
upright mound for the profuse, buttercup-shaped flowers to bloom on. Prefers well-drained soil,
and sun to part sun. Makes a great choice for rock gardens as it takes a fair amount of heat.
Damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana):
Technically a shrub reaching 1 foot tall by 2-3 feet wide, Damianita is so long-blooming that it is
thought of as a wildflower. The bright-yellow flowers create a virtual carpet of sunshine. As long
as you give it good drainage (does not like "wet feet"), Damianita can grow anywhere. The tiny
aromatic leaves are very efficient at preventing water evaporation. Plant in full sun, and enjoy
because the deer tend to leave this one alone.
May 22nd-25th Featured Plants and Products:
Echinacea "Prairie Splendor" (Echinacea purpurea):
What a delightful, xeriscape choice for your perennial gardens. Echinacea, or coneflowers are
drought-resistant, 12-24 inch tall, perennials that bear long-lasting, brightly-hued flowers during
summer and early fall. The variety "Prairie Splendor" gives you bright, rose-magenta petals
surrounding a dark-orange, spiny center. The flowers have the shape of a sunflower or
sometimes a badminton shuttlecock. Coneflowers do best in full sun, but will tolerate some light
shade. They need to have well-draining soil, and you will be amazed at how easily they return
year after year with little care. Did you know that echinacea comes from the Greek word
"echinos" which means hedgehog? These adorable plants got their name from their spiny centers
that look like a baby hedgehog all curled up. How cute is that? Enjoy these butterfly-attracting
flowers as a garden specimen and in fresh and dried arrangements.
Vinca or Periwinkle "Cora Mix" (Catharanthus roseus 'Cora'):
If you are looking for some terrific, annual color that will can stand up to the upcoming heat,
look no further. We've got you covered with our selection of Cora vincas. Cora vinca is a
disease-resistant variety of one of the most heat-tolerant bedding plants of all southern bedding
plants. Dark-green, glossy foliage makes an excellent contrast to vibrant flower blooms in hues
of apricot, burgundy, lavender, deep lavender, white, and violet. The flowers are large and very
showy. Plant these in full sun, and once established, you will find that they are drought and heat
tolerant. Take care not to over water your vincas for they hate wet feet; good drainage is
essential. Vincas will grow around 12 inches tall with a spread of about 2 feet. This is an
outstanding choice for color all summer long.
Crape Myrtles (Lagerstroemia x var.):
You would almost expect to see a Yertle lounging on the top of your Crape Myrtle. These
colorful shrubs/trees definitely invoke the world of Dr. Seuss. Summer is a great time to pick out
your crape myrtle because you can make a true choice of which color you want by actually
seeing the blooms. What is red to the grower might look burgundy to you, what looks lilac to the
grower might look cotton-candy pink to you, so it is advisable to buy while the blooms are
evident. Crape myrtles come in all sizes, hence the shrub/tree category. You can find dwarf
varieties ranging from 3-6 feet, semi-dwarf ranging from 7-15 feet and also those that sky-rocket
up to 30 feet. A summer-flowering, deciduous specimen, crape myrtles are drought-tolerant once
established, disease-resistant, and grows in alkaline or acid soil. Fall color on the foliage is a
bonus. Who wouldn't want a show-stopping, eye-popping crape myrtle added to their landscape?
Once you choose your variety, make sure to read up on the proper pruning techniques in a
previous Happy Gardener blog, Thou Shall Not Commit Crape Murder.
Still being featured in the upcoming ad.....
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis):
Now here is a striking perennial for those areas that are too shady for most other perennials. The
Cardinal Flower blooms rich, hot-red flowers on tubular spikes mid-spring to fall. The foliage
will either be a deep green or burgundy color. You'll want to plant this one in shade to am
sun/pm shade, and prepare your soil with peat moss because it prefers richer soils. A favorite of
hummingbirds, the Cardinal Flower will be visited often as they seek out the tubular flowers
from which they drink.
Damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana):
Technically a shrub reaching 1 foot tall by 2-3 feet wide, Damianita is so long-blooming that it is
thought of as a wildflower. The bright-yellow flowers create a virtual carpet of sunshine. As long
as you give it good drainage (does not like "wet feet"), Damianita can grow anywhere. The tiny
aromatic leaves are very efficient at preventing water evaporation. Plant in full sun, and enjoy
because the deer tend to leave this one alone.
Texas Primrose (Calylophus drummondianus var. berlandieri)
A great sunshine-yellow blooming perennial that makes a wonderful ground cover as it grows
to heights of only 6 " with a possible width of 3 feet. The fine, needle-like leaves create a bushy
upright mound for the profuse, buttercup-shaped flowers to bloom on. Prefers well-drained soil,
and sun to part sun. Makes a great choice for rock gardens as it takes a fair amount of heat.
May 15th-19th Featured Plants and Products:
Lantana (Lantana camara)
Lantana is one of our favorite "go to" drought tolerant perennials here in San Antonio. Not only
can you find a huge assortment of colors, but you can also find the perfect variety to fit in your
landscape. Lantana comes in forms of trailing (12-18 inches tall and 3-4 feet wide), mounding
(14-30 inches tall with the same width), and tall bush (30-60 inches tall with the same width).
Lantana gives you an excellent source of color throughout the summer months. It is happiest in
full sun, but will tolerate some filtered afternoon sun. Butterflies and hummingbirds drink often
from the dainty flower clusters.
Salvia (Salvia x var.):
We've got a great assortment of salvias to choose from this week. Pick from bright corals,
whites, hot pinks, reds, and blue and purple sages. Salvias and sages perform best in full sun to
part afternoon shade, and can grow in virtually any soil. These perennials are drought tolerant
once they are established, but certainly look better when watered regularly. Bright blossoms
appear on the end of spiky stems with heights fluctuating according to variety chosen. Blooming
can be expected spring through fall. Give yourself some easy, care-free color by choosing salvias
and sages for your landscape.
Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata):
It doesn't get much better than this one. Beautiful, bountiful, blue blooms that appear in sun or
shade all spring, summer and fall. You're sure to have seen plumbago all over the city due to its
beauty and ease of growing. Plumbago will grow to heights of 24-36 inches with about the same
spread width. This is a terrific perennial that usually will freeze down to the ground in winter,
and if it doesn't, you should cut it down to ground level before new growth emerges in spring.
Each year this will result in a thicker and fuller plant than the previous year. Prepare your soil
with peat moss and compost, and once established, your plumbago will need very little care. A
must-have xeriscape perennial that belongs in every yard.
May 8th-12th Featured Plants and Products:
Pride of Barbados aka Mexican Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima):
You want color? We got your color. The festive bright oranges and reds that shoot out of the
Pride of Barbados really let us know when summer has arrived. This Texas xeriscape perennial is
grown mostly as a shrub that freezes to the ground in winter, but pops back up quickly in spring.
Interesting fine-textured foliage hosts the multitude of flower spikes seen all summer long. Save
on the airfare and visit your very own "tropical getaway" in the front or backyard.
Blue Mealy Cup Sage 'Evolution' (Salvia farinacea):
'Evolution' is a great selection in your Texas xeriscape gardens as a low-maintenance perennial
with beautiful soft-blue to lilac flowers all season long. Growing to heights of about 20 inches
with the same width, this blue mealy cup sage provides a solid structure to any landscape
planting. Plant in sun, filtered sun, or am sun/pm shade. This is a great choice for any landscape
as they can be planted in any type of soil. Once they are established they are drought tolerant, but
they do look best if watered and fertilized occasionally.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis):
Now here is a striking perennial for those areas that are too shady for most other perennials. The
Cardinal Flower blooms rich, hot-red flowers on tubular spikes mid-spring to fall. The foliage
will either be a deep green or burgundy color. You'll want to plant this one in shade to am
sun/pm shade, and prepare your soil with peat moss because it prefers richer soils. A favorite of
hummingbirds, the Cardinal Flower will be visited often as they seek out the tubular flowers
from which they drink.
Damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana):
Technically a shrub reaching 1 foot tall by 2-3 feet wide, Damianita is so long-blooming that it is
thought of as a wildflower. The bright-yellow flowers create a virtual carpet of sunshine. As long
as you give it good drainage (does not like "wet feet"), Damianita can grow anywhere. The tiny
aromatic leaves are very efficient at preventing water evaporation. Plant in full sun, and enjoy
because the deer tend to leave this one alone.
Wooly Stemodia (Stemodia lanata):
Wooly Stemodia is a silvery-white or greyish, velvet-leafed perennial that is loved for its foliage;
and then when you look closer, you see the subtle white or lavender flower blooms that last April
through September. This native wildflower produces a low-growing, mat-forming
groundcover. Wooly Stemodia would look great trailing over the edge of a wall or a container.
Give it good drainage and plant in full sun. This is a hardy, drought-tolerant groundcover that is
not browsed by deer.
Texas Primrose (Calylophus drummondianus var. berlandieri)
A great sunshine-yellow blooming perennial that makes a wonderful ground cover as it grows
to heights of only 6 " with a possible width of 3 feet. The fine, needle-like leaves create a bushy
upright mound for the profuse, buttercup-shaped flowers to bloom on. Prefers well-drained soil,
and sun to part sun. Makes a great choice for rock gardens as it takes a fair amount of heat.
May 1st-5th Featured Plants and Products:
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia or Buddleja davidii)
The name says it all. This deciduous shrub is one of the best plants for attracting butterflies.
Dozens of our favorite winged creatures will be fluttering around the colorful flower spikes at
any time of the day. This perennial does well in almost any soil and makes lush growth with little
care. It can reach 10 feet tall in a single season, and may freeze back to roots during colder
winters but will return again the following season. Plant in morning sun/afternoon shade. Check
out our delightful selection of colors such as: Black Knight, Nanjo Blue, Nanjo Purple, Royal
Red, and White Bouquet.
Turks Cap (Malaviscus arboreus var. drummondii)
We love plants that give us pops of bright color in the shade, and Turk's cap fits the bill. Dark,
green, heart-shaped leaves are peppered with bright-red, or pink flowers that have the adorable
shape of a tiny fez hat. Hummingbirds will be lured by the pops of red, and birds seek out the
tiny fruits that appear after flowering for food. The bushy, Texas native, perennial reaches about
3 feet in height with a width of about 3-4 feet. Turk's cap will die back each winter but then
come back with a flourish. This attractive xeriscape choice is also deer resistant. Look for red
and pink varieties this week.
Dwarf Plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides)
Colbalt blue flowers cover the dark green leaves of this dwarf version of the plumbago. The
darker leaves, deeper blue flowers, and more compact size are not the only differences between
the plumbagos. Dwarf plumbago is also evergreen whereas Blue plumbago freezes down to the
ground each winter. This hardy plumbago also prefers full sun whereas Blue plumbago does best
with a bit of afternoon shade. It grows to a height of about 12-18 inches with an 18 inch spread.
Once established, it needs very little care. Plant tow feet apart in well prepared soil, adding peat
moss or pine bark mulch.
Zahara Zinnia (Zinnia elegans 'Zahara')
A favorite bedding plant with well established gardeners, and also a great choice for beginners
because of its ease of care. These bright colored annuals are prized for their nonstop blooms and
larger flower size. They also are resistant to mildew and leaf spot. Shades of color grow deeper
as the summer sun warms them all day. They grow to heights of about 12-18 inches with the
same width, making a stunning selection for hot, dry beds and water-starved containers. Plant
these deer-resistant beauties in full sun and enjoy color all summer long.
Impatiens (Impatien walleriana)
Try these once, and you will see why they are a top-rated annual. Impatiens are our #1 seller,
along with caladiums, for color in the shade. 12-15 inch mounding plants are peppered with
hundreds of bright, eye-catching colored flowers in hues of red, pink, salmon, lavender, fuchsia,
orchid, rose, whites and various bi-colors. Plant in shade, for afternoon sun will scorch them, and
give them a well-draining soil mix with plenty of organic matter. Plant impatiens in masses and
the effect is beyond stunning.