Media Contact: Barb DeGroot, 952-443-1459

Get Ready for the Arboretum Spring Plant Sale May 12&13

Chanhassen, Minn. (April 10, 2012) - Gardeners - take heart! The days are warming, soil is primed and now it's time! The 44th annual Spring Plant Sale at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is just around the corner. 

 Visit the Arboretum on Mother's Day weekend, Saturday, May 12 and Sunday, May 13, 9 a.m.  to 4 p.m. and browse among thousands of unique plants, hard-to-find varieties, and University of Minnesota introductions, including a brand-new pink shrub rose!

 The new rose - currently known by its research name of "Rosa 66" - will be officially named on National Public Garden Day May 11 - the result of a public naming contest that attracted thousands of entries. Rosa 66 has a scalloped, double-petal bloom, is northern hardy and resistant to black-spot disease. It blooms throughout summer, features pale pink hues and a light fragrance.  To see the rose, visit www.arboretum.umn.edu/nametherose.aspx or find it at the Arboretum's Cloister Garden. Rosa 66 was developed by Kathy Zuzek and introduced through the University of Minnesota Woody Landscape Plant Breeding Program. It will be sold for the first time exclusively at the Auxiliary Plant Sale.  

 Speaking of roses, the Herb Society of America has named the rose the "herb of the year" and to  mark the occasion, the Auxiliary sale will offer recipes that incorporate roses in desserts and teas. The auxiliary also is highlighting the the perennial Penstemon.  With distinctive tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies, penstemon is a great addition to rock gardens and borders.  Other sale "stars" are the hosta 'Liberty' - named the "hosta of the year" by the Hosta Growers Association, and the Perennial Plant Association's "perennial of the year" - the Brunnera 'Jack Frost, with variegated leaves and showy small blue flowers (similar to those of the 'Forget-me-not'). 

 Create your Plant Sale shopping list early by picking up a list of plants at the Arboretum lobby desk for $1 per copy, or visit the Arboretum's website (www.arboretum.umn.edu) to download a copy. It is also available by mail (for $2) at: Plant List, 1605 Fairway Lane, Minneapolis, MN 55426. Gate admission applies during the sale ($12 adults. Ages 12 & under free.  Members free).  Proceeds of the sale benefit the Arboretum.  For more information, visit www.arboretum.umn.edu or call 952-443-1400.

 Also on tap in May: the Hosta and Grass Sale - Purchase bare-root hosta and hard-to-find ornamental grass varieties from quality growers at this annual sale, Saturday and Sunday, May 5 & 6. It is presented by the Arboretum Gift Store, and will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.  For more information, call 952-443-1439.