Kaleidoscope Abelia

Abelia ‘Kaleidoscope’ is a versatile, low-growing shrub that delivers vibrant colors from spring to fall. With greenish-yellow foliage in the spring, gold in summer, and burnt reds in fall, this evergreen beauty also produces small, white blooms in summer. It’s perfect for low hedges or groundcover, growing to 2-3 feet wide.

Edward Goucher Abelia

This compact hybrid of Abelia Grandiflora grows 3 to 5 feet tall and wide, with glossy bronze-tinged leaves and lilac-pink blooms that last from mid-summer through fall. It thrives in light shade to full sun, offering year-round appeal and minimal maintenance.

Abelia Grandiflora (Glossy Abelia)

With its attractive dark green, glossy foliage and fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers, Abelia Grandiflora (Glossy Abelia) thrives in full sun or part shade. This semi-evergreen shrub grows to 3-6 feet tall and wide and is great for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Abelia Rose Creek

Abelia ‘Rose Creek’ features glossy green foliage that turns shades of bronze and burgundy in fall and winter. Its white flowers mixed with rose-colored sepals create a striking effect, perfect for small gardens. It grows to around 4 feet tall and wide, or smaller if trimmed.

Abelia Sunshine Daydream

A moderate grower, ‘Sunshine Daydream’ displays a stunning mix of pink, white, and green foliage that turns golden yellow with hints of pink throughout the season. It also produces fragrant white flowers in summer and is heat and drought-tolerant, making it an easy-care addition to any garden.

Abelia Varieties Available at Meadows Farms

Remember, the Astilbe listed above are just a selection of the varieties that Meadows Farms carries. Please call your local Meadows Farms for other varieties or special requests.

The post 5 Abelia Varieties for Your Virginia Garden appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

As one of the most adaptable perennials, daylilies thrive in Virginia gardens. Once established, they’re highly drought-tolerant and can handle our intense summer sun while also enduring the Mid-Atlantic’s colder winters.

To keep your daylilies flourishing, remove dead flowers and trim back flower stalks throughout the season to encourage fresh growth and more blooms.

Daylily Varieties Available at Meadows Farms

Remember, the daylilies listed below are just a selection of the varieties that Meadows Farms carries. Please call your local Meadows Farms for other varieties or special requests.

The post 10 Daylily Varieties to Grow in Virginia appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

When to Plant Bulbs in Virginia?

The best time to plant bulbs is after the first frost but prior to the ground freezing. The first frost in Northern VA usually occurs anywhere from late September to early November. It is wise to purchase bulbs early to get the best selection. Most spring-blooming bulbs arrive at local garden centers around Labor Day weekend, so waiting several months to purchase your favorite bulbs is not recommended if you want your favorites.

Never fear though, bulbs are very easy to store while you wait for the conditions to be right for planting. Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent early sprouting or rot. A cool garage or basement area should be sufficient in our area.

Where Should I Plant Bulbs

A field of daffodil bulbs can be planted in almost any lighting exposure except for extreme shade. Filtered sunlight is fine for most varieties. Bulbs like well-drained soils, so avoid wet spots in your planting beds which if left unchecked could waterlog and rot your bulbs.

For an interesting and colorful bed, inter-plant your bulbs with pansies to add good fall color while accentuating your spring color. Pansies are biennials, meaning they have two seasons: fall and spring, before they go to seed. Using them now will provide good fall and winter colors and will add to the color explosion in the spring when the tulips and daffodils bloom.

When planting your bulbs, loosen the soil in your beds to a depth of 6-8″ while removing any weeds, rocks, and debris that might accumulate there. The rocky, clay soil in the D.C. area is not the best planting medium for any bulb, so add some organic compost such as Meadows Farms Planting Mix and a fertilizer like Espoma Bulb-Tone or Bone Meal to help encourage growth. Be sure to plant your bulbs with the pointed side up towards the sky.

The Care of Bulbs

In the spring the stalks of old flowers should be cut back. Leave the foliage of the bulb until it dies back naturally to encourage the plant to store energy for the next season. You can fertilize with Espoma Bulb-Tone or Bone Meal again while the bulbs are stored. Fall bulbs do not need to be removed during the summer, though you should be ever-vigilant towards critters like squirrels, chipmunks, and deer who won’t hesitate to dig up your bulbs for food. Use Messina Environmental’s wide range of animal repellents such as Deer Stopper or Squirrel Stopper to help deter them.

Stock Up on Fall Blooming Bubs at Meadows Farms

With a little bit of effort and investment, you can create a spring garden that would make any Dutch noble weep with envy. Come in and stock up on your flowering bulbs today!

The post Fall Bulbs for a Vibrant Virginia Spring appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Creeping Phlox is a standout in the garden for its ability to provide stunning color and texture with minimal effort. It is best planted in spring, when it is at peak bloom, ensuring an effortless transition into your garden.

When to Plant Creeping Phlox

The ideal time to plant Creeping Phlox in Virginia is in early spring (March to April) when temperatures are cool, and the plant is actively blooming. Planting at this time gives the phlox plenty of time to establish its roots before the heat of summer.

How to Care for Creeping Phlox

The Mid-Atlantic’s hot summers and mild winters make Creeping Phlox an excellent choice for gardeners across the state. Follow these care tips to keep your plant thriving year-round:

• Watering needs: Once established, Creeping Phlox is a drought-tolerant plant that requires supplemental water only during warm, dry weather.
• How often to prune: A yearly pruning with a weed trimmer or garden clippers keeps Creeping Phlox looking neat and healthy year after year.
• When to prune: Prune creeping phlox after the blooms fade in late spring.

Creeping Phlox Varieties Available at Meadows Farms

Remember, the creeping phlox listed below is just a selection of the varieties that Meadows Farms carries. Please call your local Meadows Farms for other varieties or special requests.

The post A Virginia Gardener’s Guide to Creeping Phlox Varieties appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Storing Bulbs

Bare bulbs can be stored for several weeks prior to planting. Store them in a ventilated bag in your refrigerator. You also have the option to pot your bulbs if you have an old refrigerator, root cellar or cool basement to store them in. If you use the refrigerator to cool your bulbs, be sure to cover them with a plastic bag with a few breathing holes punched into it to allow air to the planting site. Bagged or potted bulbs need to be stored for 12 weeks at a temperature below 48 degrees and then brought to a warmer temperature.

Blooming

Make a note of when you planted your bulbs so you don’t forget to take them out when they’re ready. After the 12-week cooling period if you haven’t already you will want to pot your bagged bulbs, or move your potted bulbs into a warm sunny area with early temperatures of 50 to 60 degrees. After you have done this, you can expect approximately a three to four-week wait before you have blooming flowers.

The Best Bulbs for Forcing

If you’re eager to brighten up your home with indoor blooms, here are some of the best bulbs to force:

• Amaryllis (can be forced again and again!)
• Colchicum
• Crocus
• Daffodils
• Freesias
• Iris
• Lily of the Valley
• Grape Hyacinth
• Paperwhites (Narcissus)

Avoid varieties like tulips, as they require a longer cooling period and more consistent temperature fluctuations to thrive indoors.

Pick Up Bulbs Today

Visit any of our garden centers today and explore our wide selection of bulbs perfect for forcing. Our experts are happy to help you select the best varieties and offer guidance on getting your blooms to thrive. Let us help you bring color to your home this winter!

The post How to Force Bulbs to Bloom Indoors appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Allium – Flowering Onion

Beautiful flowering members of the onion family. Plant 3 times the depth of the bulb. Most are 6” to 20” tall, but A. ‘Giganteum’, ‘Globemaster’, ‘Mont Blanc’, and ‘Gladiator’, grow 3 to 5 feet tall. Good for cutting.

Alliums prefer mostly sun, with well-draining soil. A. triquetrum and A. ursinum will tolerate
part-shade. Amend soil with builder’s sand or fine grit to ensure good drainage. A. ursinum will tolerate slightly damp soil.

Anemone – Grecian Windflower

Daisy-like pastel-colored flowers of white, pink or blue on 4” stems. Soak tubers overnight in lukewarm water, plant sideways, 2” deep. Use a humus-rich, loamy soil with a higher than average pH. Plant in partial sun with protection from wind to help prolong blooming.

Chionodoxa – Glory-of-the-Snow

6” tall, star-like flowers in pretty blue with a white center, bloom in early spring. The grass-like foliage of a rich, dark green color. Naturalizes well if planted 3” to 4” deep; full sun. Use a well-drained soil for best results.

Crocus

Crocus bulbs are the harbingers of spring, as they are usually the first spring bulb to bloom in your yard. Their small size and ability to grow and thrive practically anywhere make them one of the easiest bulbs to plant. Blooms magnificent colors of purples, whites, yellows, or striped varieties on a single bloom that closes at night or on cloudy days.

Plant 3 inches deep and 4 inches apart during the fall in a well-drained soil. Full sun to partial shade.

Eranthis – Winter Aconite

4” tall golden-yellow flowers announce early spring. Soak pea-sized tubers overnight, plant sideways, 2” deep in full sun to partial shade. Plant in masses in a well-drained soil for best results.

Fritillaria

Fritillaria imperialis “Crown Imperial”–Crowns of yellow or red on 3’ stems. Bulbs have a musky odor said to repel rodents. Plant bulb tilted to one side, so water won’t collect in center crevices. Plant 5” to 6” deep; sun and well-draining soil, amended with sand or fine grit.

Fritillaria meleagris “Checker Lilies”–Dainty nodding flowers in white or checkered maroon on 12” stems.Plant 3” to 4” deep; part-shade. Best if planted soon after purchase.

Fritillaria michaelovsky “Michael’s Flower”–Nodding bells of purple/bronze edged with gold. Plant these like F. meleagris.

Fritillaria persica “Persian Fritillary”–3-foot spires of plum-purple flowers. Plant these like F. imperialis.

Galanthus – Common Snowdrop

4” tall dainty white flowers in very early spring. Plant these pest-proof bulbs 3” to 4” deep; part-sun to light shade. Pretty when naturalized in lawns.

Hyacinths

Incredibly fragrant flowers in a rainbow of colors. Blooms in mid- to late-March. Plant 6” deep; full to half-day sun.

Hyacinths ‘Festival’ –Multi-flowering in pink, blue, and white, similar to the old French Roman Hyacinths. Wonderfully fragrant. Plant these like regular hyacinths.

Hyacinthoides hispanica (Scilla campanulata) “Wood Hyacinths” “Spanish Bluebells”–Excellent
woodland flowers in white, pink, and blue, naturalize well. Plant 4” deep; bright shade.

Hyacinthoides non-scripta “English Bluebells”–This is the woodland hyacinth found naturalized so
beautifully in England. Lovely violet-blue flowers are sweetly fragrant. Plant 4” deep; bright shade; leave to naturalize.

Iris

German Bearded Iris–Large, soft flowers in a wide variety of colors. Blooms late spring. Plant the rhizome just beneath the soil surface; full sun. Dust the rhizome with Bulb Dust before planting, to deter iris borers.

Iris “Dutch Iris”–24” tall flowers in assorted colors bloom in late spring (May). Plant 4” deep; full to half day sun.

Iris reticulata or Iris danfordiae–6” tall, very early blooming. Flowers in shades of purple/blue (reticulata) or yellow (Danfordiae). Plant this like Dutch Iris.

Muscari

Muscari “Grape Hyacinths”–6” spikes of small round flowers in white or shades of blue. Naturalizes especially well if planted 3” to 4” deep; part sun

Narcissus (Daffodil)

Narcissus “Daffodils” “Jonquils”—One of the best-loved flowers, and for good reason. Naturalizes beautifully; not bothered by pests. Cup-like, trumpet flowers come in whites, pinks, yellows, oranges, and mixes of various colors. Plant twice the depth of the bulb in a well-drained soil enriched with organic matter; full to part-sun.

Tulips

When people think of spring bulbs, the tulip is probably one of the first varieties thought of. Tulip bulbs are plentiful and come in a variety of colors too extensive to name here. Plant 4 – 8” deep and 4 – 8″ apart for best results. Plant in full sun in a well-drained, sandy soil. Plant in mid-November when the ground temperatures have stabilized at below 50 degrees. Until then, store in paper or mesh bag in a cool, dark place.

Purchase Spring Bulbs from Meadows Farms

If you’re ready to plant spring bulbs, Meadows Farms has you covered! We likely have your favorite spring bulbs in stock at your local Meadows Farms location. Find our nearest location here.

The post Spring Bulbs Guide: Our Favorite Varieties to Grow in Virginia appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

What Are Bulbs?

True bulbs are miniature plants in a neat little package. These miniature plants contain fleshy, modified leaves that act as food reserves, all wrapped up in a neat, compact package. The bulb has a basal plate at the bottom, which connects it to the roots. It’s also usually covered by dry papery leaves known as a tunic. Inside this remarkable package lies the embryo of the flower, which eventually sprouts and grows into a beautiful bloom.

Common examples of bulbs include hyacinths, lilies, amaryllis, and even onions.

What Are Corms?

Corms are often confused with bulbs, but they are actually quite different. Rather than fleshy, modified leaves, corms are a mass of modified stem tissue. Like bulbs, they have a basal plate at the bottom and a dry papery tunic. However, unlike bulbs, corms do not store their energy in leaves but in the stem tissue itself. The old corm dies off during the growing season, but new corms form beside or on top of the old one.

Common examples of corms include crocus, gladioli, and freesias.

What Are Tubers?

Tubers are swollen masses of stem tissue. Unlike bulbs and corms, they lack a basal plate or a papery covering. Tubers have tough, thick skin, and their roots grow from the surface. New shoots will grow only from the knobby projections called “eyes.”

Potatoes, begonias, and anemones are all well-known tubers.

What Are Tuberous Roots?

Tuberous roots are a specific type of root system where the fat, fleshy roots act as nutrient storage chambers, rather than storing energy in the stem. Unlike tubers, tuberous roots only generate new growth at the base of the stem. These plants need to be handled carefully: never separate the tuberous roots unless each segment contains part of the growing stem.

Dahlias and ranunculus are great examples of plants with tuberous roots.

What Are Rhizomes?

Rhizomes are thickened stems that grow horizontally beneath the soil surface. Roots grow from the base of the stem, while leaves grow from the top and sides. Some rhizomes produce small detachable shoots called “pips,” which can be removed and stored for later planting.

German-bearded iris and Gloriosa lilies are common examples of rhizomes.

Why Does This Matter?

While the names and structures may differ, the one thing that all of these plants have in common is their ability to store energy to help them survive adverse conditions. Most of these plants enter a dormant state to rest and recharge, either naturally through cold winters or summer droughts or by the grower’s hand, as is the case with potted bulbs like amaryllis.

Whether you’re planting bulbs, corms, tubers, or rhizomes in your garden, understanding their storage systems will help you provide the care they need to flourish year after year.

Ready to Plant? Visit Us for All Your Gardening Needs

At Meadows Farms, we have everything you need to make your garden shine, from bulbs to perennials and everything in between. Visit our locations in Virginia and beyond, and let our knowledgeable staff help you select the perfect plants for your garden. Start planning today!

The post A Virginia Gardener’s Guide to Bulbs, Corms, Tubers, and Rhizomes appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Astilbe Varieties Available at Meadows Farms

Remember, the Astilbe listed below are just a selection of the varieties that Meadows Farms carries. Please call your local Meadows Farms for other varieties or special requests.

The post Colorful Astilbe Varieties to Bring Life to Your Shady Virginia Garden appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Growing to a couple of feet tall and wide, it creates a striking presence in perennial borders, herb gardens, or even alongside vegetable plots. Hardy varieties of lavender bloom for much of the summer, with flowers ranging from dark blue to soft lavender, which attract pollinators like honeybees and butterflies.

These flowers are not only beautiful in the garden but also make excellent cut flowers, retaining their color even when dried. Bringing a sprig indoors can fill your home with its calming scent, making it a popular choice for both gardens and home décor.

Lavender Plant Care Tips

• Sun Requirements: Lavender thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for our region’s climate.
• Water Requirements: Lavender is highly drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering once established.
• Soil pH: Lavender grows best in slightly alkaline soil, with a pH above 6.4.
• Pruning: Avoid pruning late in summer. Instead, trim back lavender to about 6 inches in early spring every 2-3 years to maintain a neat shape and prevent legginess.

Do Deer Eat Lavender?

For many of you, one of the best characteristics of lavender is that it is deer-resistant. Deer do not like the scent, making lavender an asset as a border planting, as the strong scent will help protect other plants from deer damage.

With its beauty, fragrance, and low-maintenance care, lavender truly earns its place as a garden favorite in our region.

Lavender Varieties Available at Meadows Farms

Remember, the lavender varieties listed below are just a selection of what Meadows Farms carries. Please call your local Meadows Farms for other varieties or special requests.

The post 6 Fragrant Lavender Varieties to Grow in Virginia appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

While traditional salvias are known for their rich purple blossoms, newer varieties now include elegant white and pink options. Perfect as a colorful accent, salvias complement bright yellow perennials like coreopsis, creating a lively and dynamic garden display.

Perennial Salvia Varieties Available at Meadows Farms

Remember, the Perennial Salvia listed below are just a selection of the varieties that Meadows Farms carries. Please call your local Meadows Farms for other varieties or special requests.

The post 7 Perennial Salvia Varieties to Grow in Virginia appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.