Summer has undoubtedly arrived, but welcome rain showers in the past few days have kept drought conditions at bay- let's hope it stays that way! In spite of the temps we continue to receive weekly shipments of plants, so there's always fresh, healthy options for you to choose from if you need to replace something that's fizzled out or add to your garden. We have a good selection of heat tolerant annuals, perennials and herbs, as well as houseplants, succulents, groundcovers, vines, shrubs and trees to browse this time of the year!

Pictured here: Sun-tolerant hydrangeas in bloom! These showy flowers attract butterflies and are long-lasting cut flowers.

Holiday Hours:

We'll be closed Wednesday & Thursday (July 3rd & 4th)

but will be open Friday & Saturday (July 5th & 6th)!

Summer Hours:

Monday - Saturday 9 to 5

Closed Sunday

Lavender 101

Sporting aromatic grey-green foliage and airy purple blooms, this well-known herb certainly makes the list of most popular plants of all time. Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region, so some species, particularly English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), languish in our hot, humid summers. Varieties of hedge lavender (L. x intermedia) and Spanish lavender (L. stoechas) are the best choices for Southern gardens as they are more tolerant of heat and humidity. Stop by and peruse our great selection of lavender! We currently have 8 types in stock: Anouk, Fern Leaf, French, Goodwin Creek, Grosso, Hidcote, Provence and Super Blue.

Here are some tips for successfully growing lavender: Good drainage and air circulation are musts! Soggy soil and crowded conditions will wreak havoc on lavender plants. Consider mulching with gravel to reduce humidity. Lavender need plenty of sunshine (4 hours or more each day). Shear plants back by 1/3 to 1/2 after flowering at least once a year (this encourages them to re-bloom). Due to their fragrant foliage, lavender are deer resistant!

Beat the Heat with this Sturdy Mix

Once the dog days of summer set in, only the strongest plants survive! Here are 7 low-maintenance options to adorn your garden until fall, requiring minimal attention on your part.

Cuphea (Mexican Heather) 'Lilac'

Gomphrena 'Pinball Purple'

Pentas 'Graffiti Pink'

Plectranthus 'Variegated Green & Gold'

Salvia 'Sallyfun Pure White'

Sweet Potato Vine 'Bright Ideas Lime'

Vinca 'Cora Punch'

Plant-Tastic Summer Finds

Canna Lilies

Bold foliage and colorful summer blooms have made canna lilies a favorite in Southern gardens for generations. They are exceptionally sun and heat tolerant (native to the southeastern US and tropical regions of Central & South America). Cannas are perennials that grow from rhizomes and spread to form large colonies. They are moisture-loving and will even grow in standing water! We have 6 varieties in stock: Pretoria (striped leaves), Bronze Orange, Bronze Scarlet, Mango, Rose and Yellow.

Ice Plant

Ice plant (Delosperma) is a perennial succulent native to South Africa. The name comes from tiny hairs on the plant that, when reflecting light, appear like ice crystals. They are sun, heat and drought tolerant. With a ground-hugging habit, growing only 3 to 6 inches tall but 12 to 24 inches wide, ice plant can be used in rock gardens, perennial borders, on slopes or to spill out of containers. Make sure these are planted in well-drained soil. We have 10 varieties in stock currently, with flowers in white, yellow, orange, pink and purple.

Umbrella Grass

Umbrella grass (Cyperus) is a member of the sedge family, native to eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. They are grown as annuals in central Alabama (hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11). Umbrella grass grows best in organically rich, moist soil and can even be grown submerged in water. They tolerate full sun to bright, dappled shade. Their unusual stems add excellent texture and interest to cut-flower arrangements and container gardens. We have 3 varieties in stock: Baby Moses, Baby Tut and Cleopatra.

Plant Nanny to the Rescue!

When you need an extra hand with your plant babies, Plant Nanny is a lifesaver. Ideal for keeping plants watered when you're out of town, or keeping soil consistently moist for thirsty indoor and outdoor plants. Watering globes in two sizes are in-store now. These also make great gifts for gardeners!

July Lawn Care

Apply fertilome Lawn Food Plus Iron to Bermuda, Saint Augustine and Zoysia lawns.

COLLIER'S NURSERY

2904 Old Rocky Ridge Road 35243

Call or Text: 205-822-3133

info@colliersnursery.com

colliersnursery.com

SUMMER HOURS:

Monday - Saturday 9 to 5

Closed Sunday