Plant Name: Hydrangea paniculata
Cultivar: Angel’s Blush® Hydrangea
Plant type: Deciduous shrub
Height: 8 to 12 ft. tall, 6 to 10 ft. wide
Bloom Time: Summer into Fall
Flower Color: 10 inch-long white flower clusters begin in summer, then turn rosy-red as they age in late summer into fall.
Exposure: Part sun /dappled shade
Soil Requirements: No particular to soil or pH needed.
Highly tolerant of urban pollution.
Water Needs: Moist
Attributes: Long-lasting flowers, Showy colors
Uses: Urban Garden, Woodland Garden, Garden Accent, Container, Cut Garden, Hedge, Mass Planting,
USDA Zone: 4-8
Submitted by: Carlotta Lucas
et five years ago and immediately set about reworking the small garden spaces. Two years ago, they were among the first to take advantage of the City of Ashland’s lawn replacement program. Throughout the process of developing the wonderful garden that they have today, they have had assistance from Regenesis Ecological Design of Ashland.
Most recently theirs was designated an official Pollinator Garden by Bee City USA of Ashland, and they have a pretty, new sign to prove it. The Hunsakers commissioned Nick David of Jefferson Woodwright to make a very nice frame for the sign, to coordinate with the craftsman architecture of their home. They have colorful Monarch caterpillars in residence, happily munching on various kinds of milkweed that they introduced to a side yard. Carolyn and Don, together, spend about five hours a week maintaining this beautiful garden.
This is a modest-size garden, with a front of 800 square feet, side yards of about 250 square feet each, and natural areas off the alley adding about 200 square feet more, but they have capitalized on the efficient use of space, with plants on trellises for height that also provide privacy. On one side, the garden opens out to reveal an inviting patio, just off the kitchen, complete with a refreshing water feature. On the other side, outdoor rooms were created with arbors and a variety of vines, including star jasmine and honeysuckle. On this side, a garden shed has a living roof, comprised of sedum, small primroses, bitterroot, and other small plants. A tiny solar panel provides power for the light inside the shed.
Near the patio in back, there is a concrete raised bed that has primarily edible plants such as cucumber, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers, with mint, basil, rosemary, and marigolds to discourage unwelcome creatures. Larger, non-edible plants in this area include a Japanese maple, buddleja, anemone, Sochi Tea camellia, and euphorbia.
Plant Name: Kalmia microphylla