Summer Olympias

‘Super Olympia Red’

Today the thermometer is at 84 degrees here in Cincinnati and it’s not even officially summer yet. Temps are only going to get hotter, and that’s one of the reasons begonias are so important in the landscaping industry. For accounts that require a continuous display of color we need a plant that can take the heat and keep putting out the blooms, with the least amount of tending-to on our part.

True blue color

Let’s take a fresh look at ‘Victoria Blue’ salvia. This is our go-to for a dark, true blue flower, when the lavender-blue of other salvias lacks the intensity we’re going for in a design. Notice how the gray-green foliage makes the dramatic spikes jump out at you.

One of our favorite ways to use this plant is en masse, creating a deep blue sea in the landscape. Fill a nice long border with them and put some shorter bright red Olympias down front. Tuck in some Silver Dust’ dusty miller for a patriotic theme (July 4th is right around the corner) or go in a different direction with some yellow ‘Goldsturm’ rudbeckia or SunPatiens ‘Compact Magenta’. Vivid colors pop against the deep blue, and chartreuse foliage makes an eye-catching accompaniment as well—try pairing ‘Victoria Blue’ with some ‘Electric Lime’ or ‘Wasabi’ coleus.

Now drama is one thing, but a plant has to be able to last the summer and this one goes the distance. These spiky blooms are tough, standing up to heat, humidity, and drought—they even handle poor soil. Yes, this classic low maintenance beauty has earned a perpetual spot in the design tool box.

Plant en masse

‘Victoria Blue’ and ‘Silver Dust’ come in the 6-inch and 8-inch pot sizes. ‘Goldsturm’ is available in the 1801 flat. ‘Compact Magenta’, Electric Lime’, and ‘Wasabi’ come in the 8-inch pot.

Wandering Jew ‘Bolivian’

If you need some vertical interest but simply don’t have the space for a tall, oversized tropical we recommend our ‘Bolivian’ wandering Jew in the 10-inch hanging basket. A big ball of lush foliage flowing out of an overhead basket works wonders at drawing the eye up in a design.

When the weather starts getting hot we appreciate a beautiful, low-maintenance hanging basket for a quick hit of color. Foliage baskets are especially handy because the color will last all season. Notice the pretty round leaves of ‘Bolivian’—the undersides and stems are purple. It kind of looks like a topiary suspended in midair.

This is a great accent for sun or shade—it can be used indoors as well. We have ‘Fuzzy Purple’ in the 10-inch basket too, for some dramatic, colorful trailing foliage.