Can someone tell me what this is?

I'd like to use something like this (the green & white one) to brighten up the front of my home, but want to research it first so I know how large it gets. Thanks!

Someone just posted something that looks a lot like the non-variegated version of this over in the ID forum, I'd keep an eye on that thread if I were you since it'll probably get solved quicker over there.

I do not know what it is but it sure is pretty !!

I have a varigated hydrangea that looks just like that. The bloom on mine is different from the mop head hydrangeas. I chose it though for the variagation.

Someone suggested Hydrangea in the plant id forum, too. I still don't think that's what it is. Can you get a close-up of the leaves?

EmmyC, your plant is Caryopteris divaricata 'Snow Fairy' http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/68422/ A wonderful perennial that holds its variegation all through the summer and has tiny blue flowers in late summer/fall. It grows equally well in either full sun or full shade without any change in the variegation. It will grow to about 3' tall. Pruning will promote a fuller plant with more flowers. It also performs well in containers (photo below of 'Snow Fairy' - from 2005 and still growing in the same container) I have several growing in our gardens and they are absolutely gorgeous right now - I'll try to get a picture to post.

Debbie

I just ran across this post.

Maybe what you have is a BRUG? Check this out:
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/p.php?pid=4040180

I hope this helps, but folks in the Brugmansia Forum could help with the variety, etc.

Sasha

Wow, RCN, that is a gorgeous container. I love the colors you chose.

Thanks, I've posted it before but was hoping to give EmmyC a different look for her plant.

I'm positive the plant is 'Snow Fairy' - I'd recognize those square stems anywhere! think it's deceiving because of the close-up of the foliage - if you compare the variegated foliage to the surrounding foliage - sedum in particular, you get a better idea of the size. The size of the leaves actually vary from plant to plant - larger if it hasn't been cut back and smaller if it has. A sure fire way to confirm the ID is the foliage has a unique scent to it - some people say it smells like cat urine, I actually think the scent is pleasant - almost like a fresh green pepper!

I guess you can say fragrance is in the nose of the smeller, from peppers to cat urine. Bad joke. They do look very similar except for the leaf size which you just explained. BTW, is that a coleus in there or a cousin of it? LOVE the color.

This message was edited Oct 3, 2007 3:39 PM

This message was edited Oct 3, 2007 3:40 PM

Not sure which plant you're asking about but the combo is: Hosta 'Stained Glass', Heuchera 'Silver Scrolls' around the edges, 'Snow Fairy', dark plant is Cimicifuga 'Pink Spike', and at the top is Sambucus 'Sutherland Gold' (which turned more green than gold in the shade by the end of the summer).

It is the Cimicifuga 'Pink Spike'. Very similiar in color to black velvet. I also love the Heuchera 'Silver Scrolls'. I am new at learning plants but studying diligently before next season. Both of those caught my eye.

EmmyC, took a few photos yesterday - not the best but trying to figure out my new camera and the bright morning light kind of washed out the foliage. Here's what one plant of 'Snow Fairy' looks like - pruned 50% in July to promote bushy form.

Here's the close up of the foliage

Wow, when you posted the first one, I thought no way. But with the close up, they look identical. Very lovely plant foliage.

If you think the foliage is nice, just wait 'til you see it bloom! http://ugatrial.hort.uga.edu/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=2809

Ahhh, very nice!!

Thank you, everyone. Sorry I'm so late in acknowledging the messages. I'm including a picture of the plant this year. Definitely not as attractive now. I never pruned. RCN, since you said you pruned in July, I'll give it a try.

The fact that it can be potted and is good in shade and sun means I can "dress up" a very boring front yard. I'm not good enough at gardening to have the shrubs removed and depend on my skills. I'll post a pic of the front of the house next.

The front of the house. It's being painted now and I did choose a light color for the shutters hoping to brighten it up a bit.

Darn it, a zone 5 plant. Seems whenever I see one I really like it isn't hardy in my zone.

EmmyC, get the scissors out quick! You've still got time to prune it back and have flowers by fall. Prune it back at least to where the red lines are in the picture - although you can take it down more if you want an even fuller plant. You won't be sorry :)

Wow! Thanks so much, RCN48. I'm on way out there now. :)