The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s 44th annual Spring Plant Sale will be on Mother’s Day weekend, Saturday, May 12 and Sunday, May 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those attending can 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.

Other sale “stars” are the hosta variety ‘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.

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.

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is located on Highway 5, just west of Highway 41, in Chanhassen.