Photo: F.D. Richard/FlickrThe birth stone for July is ruby, but have you ever thought about suggesting ruby-hued plants to your clients for their gardens in July?
Coming from the Latin word for red, rubeus, rubies are associated with love, health and wisdom. It was also believed wearing ruby bestowed good luck on the wearer. So if your customers are looking for a splash of rich red in their landscape, check out these plants below.
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Photo: MonroviaFoxlight ‘Ruby Glow’ foxglove (Digitalis x ‘Takforugl’ Plant Patent #25,640)
This perennial is a staple for cottage garden style landscapes and blooms from late spring through summer. Its flowers point outward showing off its deep ruby color. It attracts both butterflies and hummingbirds and is suited for growing in containers or a focal point in the garden. Grows 18-20 inches wide and 22-24 inches tall.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
- Partial to full sun
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Magical ‘Ruby Red’ hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘KOLMARU’)
A hydrangea that offers clusters of gemstone-colored blooms from late spring to fall, its flowers are ideal for cutting. Not stopping at that, its dark green foliage turns a rich burgundy color in the fall. It prefers moist but well-drained soils. Grows 3 feet tall by 3-4 feet wide.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Part sun
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‘Ruby Ruby’ miniature rose (Rosa WEKsactrumi)
Playing on the good things come in small packages saying, Ruby Ruby may be miniature but it will make itself noticed with large clusters of candy red flowers from late spring until fall’s first frost. Its color holds until the end and has glossy foliage. It works well as a low border along a path or in containers. Grows 12-18 inches tall and 18-24 inches wide.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Full sun
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Photo: Monrovia‘Ruby Frost’ tickseed (Coreopsis ‘Ruby Frost’ Plant Patent #21,758)
Bright red petals tipped in a frosty white grace this perennial. It blooms from summer to fall, attracting butterflies. This perennial is ideal for containers, cottage gardens and edging walkways. It is a fast grower with a compact shape. Grows 16 inches tall and 32 inches wide.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9
- Full sun
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Photo: Ruth Hartnup/Flickr‘Ruby Port’ columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellate ‘Ruby Port’)
An heirloom columbine cultivar dating back to the 1600s, this perennial sports deep maroon double flowers that bloom in the spring. It also has fern-like foliage that emerges maroon and ages to green. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, while generally ignored by rabbits and deer. Grows up to 24-36 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
- Full sun to part shade
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Photo: LSU AgCenter‘Little Ruby’ alternanthera (Alternanthera dentata ‘Little Ruby’)
For those looking for ruby foliage rather than flowers, this cultivar of alternanthera has burgundy leaves with ruby undersides to serve as a focal point in the garden. It is heat and humidity tolerant and grows in a spreading habit. Grows up to 15-18 inches tall and 24-30 inches wide.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Partial to full sun
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Photo: Monrovia‘Ruby Spider’ daylily (Hemerocallis x ‘Ruby Spider’)
A large daylily that starts with yellow in the center that ends in dark ruby tips, Ruby Spider is a good variety for planting en masse for greater effect. This perennial blooms from early summer to midsummer. It is tolerant of both road salt and urban pollution. Grows up to 30 to 34 inches tall and 24 inches wide.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-10
- Partial to full sun
