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spectacular autumn color

Zenobia pulverulenta ‘Woodlanders Blue’ –  ​'Woodlanders Blue' is another surprising example of a great shrub that seems to be stuck just below the radar of most gardeners. Should be considered and utilized with greater frequency. Though it hales from the southeastern part of North America it is perfectly hardy in USDA zone 5. The arching stems grow from 2’ to 3’ tall in my garden but according to Michael Dirr may actually stretch to 6’. Dusty Zenobia does slowly sucker once it settles happily into a planting. The spring flowers are like large, ghostly green-tinged opaque bells reminiscent of giant versions of the urn-shaped blueberry flowers but with licorice scent. The simple, alternate oval leaves can grow from 1” to 3” in length. The glaucous bluish surface of ‘Woodlanders Blue’ is just beautiful all through the growing season with brilliant silver-white leaf undersides flashing in summer breezes. In the autumn Zenobia develops red, gold and orange tones that steadfastly hold deep into December (even planted in much shade); for us it is the last shrub to hang on to its incredibly colored foliage in resplendent fashion. The constant of those alluring silvery-white leaf undersides serve to further accentuate the riotous mix and complexity of hues so very late season. It is easy to please set in full sun to three-quarters open shade planted in any decent acid soil. Established pot grown shrub from cutting.