What Grows There :: Hugh Conlon, Horticulturalist, Garden Advisor, and Photographer

America’sHappy 250th Tree- Franklinia

Posted by Hugh on July 2nd, 2026

Franklinia (Franklinia altamaha) is a uniquely different large shrub or small tree. Although rated hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5-8, I’ve never seen a landscape quality specimen in zone 5 and find that the tree performs best in zones 7. Success with growing franklinia hinges on purchasing a quality nursery plant, proper siting, and annual care, particularly in the first 2-3 years. Franklinia is primarily available from e-commerce nurseries and is best planted in late winter and early spring to get its rootsystem established before winter.

The species was first discovered growing in 1765 growing along the banks of the Altamaha River in southeastern Georgia by botanists John and William Bartram. The tree has been extinct in the wild since 1803. All franklinia trees are descendants from that original seedling propagated by the botanists in their Philadelphia, PA landscape, now designated Bartram’s Garden. Franklinia belongs to the tea (Theaceae) family and is closely related to Camellia, Stewartia and Gordonia (loblolly bay). The tree was named to honor Benjamin Franklin.

The tree’s most striking feature is the showy 2 – 3 inch pure white flowers with clusters of golden yellow stamens in the centers. The camellia-like flowers appear in late summer until frost. The blooms are sweetly-fragrant upclose. Narrow, oblong-obovate, glossy dark green 3-5 inch long leaves turn multi-shades of orange, red and purple thru the autumn season. Branching is upright and spreading to create an open airy. Ridged grey bark with prominent vertical white striations adds some winter interest.

It prefers moist, acidic, woodland-type soil with full sun exposure. It has been extinct in the wild for over 200 years after being observed growing along the Altamaha River valley in Georgia.

Franklinia grows best grown in organically rich, medium moist, well-drained soils in full sun (in North) to partial shade (in Southeast). Franklinia has a fibrous root system, preferring soil environs similar to azaleas and rhododendrons. To repeat, soil should be humus-rich, excellently drained, and moderately acidic (pH 5.0 – 6.2).

Fertilize in early spring with an acid-based soluble fertilizer such as Miracle Gro®, Miracid®, or Hollytone® according to package directions. Franklinia also favors an annual feeding of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) @ 1 Tablespoon per gallon of water per tree. Do not fertilize the tree after mid-July.

In general, Franklinia has a reputation for being difficult to grow. Proper tree site selection is most essential for tree survival. Do not plant where cotton has been grown as there is a soil pathogen that damages cotton may also affects Franklinia. Wilt and root rot are devastating problems. Sawflies also eat this tree. Also, soil moisture drainage may be a key factor. Planting in raised beds in areas with heavy clay. Soil root rot or wilt (Phytophthora) may also be serious problems. Franklin tree is deer resistant.

Availability: small 1–2-year-old trees are often sold in limited quantities from online nurseries in late winter and early spring. Seeds may take two years to germinate.

Foliage and flowers (*Franklinia* *alatamaha*) at NC Arboretum in Asheville, NC

Discovering Native Swamp Titi Tree

Posted by Hugh on June 29th, 2026

Swamp Titi (*Cyrilla racemiflora*) -tree in bloom (photo by Dr. Dennis Werner)

Black Titi (Cyrilla racemiflora), aka Swamp cyrilla is an evergreen, semi-evergreen or tardily deciduous tree that is native to Southeastern U.S. and indigenous in coastal areas from Virginia south into Texas. (USDA hardiness zones 5-11). Young plants are shrubby but eventually develop into a small tree with contorted stems, smooth, cinnamon-colored young bark and flaky mature bark.

Generally, Cyrilla grows 10-15 feet tall with sprawling, spreading branches. Foliage is lustrous dark green, 1.5 – 4 inches long, evergreen or deciduous. It is best grown in a moist to wet well-drained sandy loam that is high in organic matter and in full sun to partial shade. The tree tolerates drier sites provided adequate moisture is available. Several cyrilla trees form thickets that provide cover for wildlife.

Showy white clusters of summer flowers and orange-red fall color make this a nice ornamental tree for the home landscape. Plus, the pollinators and birds will love you for planting it. Grow this native tree as a specimen in a native garden, along ponds, streams, bogs, or other wet sites. Fruits are yellow-brown ovoid, dry capsule, 1/12 inch long; capsules contain 1-5 seeds, although only 1-2 seeds may ripen. Capsules appear from September and October and persists into winter.

Cyrilla is not for the small yard. It starts out as very aggressive grower and can be tamed (or managed) to fit into a 25–30-feet space over time with corrective pruning. It shrubby when young but can be trained into a small tree with contorted stems, smooth, cinnamon-colored young bark and flaky mature bark.

Black Titi has no serious insect or disease problems.

Alternative Choices For Bradford Pears

Posted by Hugh on June 24th, 2026

Prairifire Crabapple (Malus x ‘Prairifire’)

A number of U.S. states have designated the Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana) as an invasive tree species. This once popular small to medium-sized tree blooms in mid- to late-March. Introduced by the USDA in the 1960’s, following extensive 40+ year breeding trials, it became extremely popular across the country. Note that Callery pear is actually the cultivar ‘Bradford’ and several other varieties listed below.

Callery pears are native to East Asia, including China and Vietnam, and are a part of the Rose (Rosaceae) family. They were introduced into the nursery/garden center trade beginning in the 1960’s and highly promoted. On the plus side, callery pears are reliable spring bloomers, have few disease or insect problems, and are adaptable to a wide range of soil and environmental conditions.

As the tree’s popularly began to soar, numerous wild seedling trees escaped into the highways and byways across the country. Seeds from the fruits are spread by wildlife into woodlands. pastures, and neighborhoods. The chief concern is that non-native plants are self-sowing in the larger ecosystem. Eventually, callery pears are successfully competing and displacing the native flora and fauna. Another negative is the tree’s floral fragrance is highly unpleasant.

Carolina silverbell (*Halesia diptera*) in April Garden

Tree branching proved to be highly brittle. Limb breakage in ice and windstorms is bad and often requires removal of the tree. Specific cultivars with upright branching such as ‘Bradford’, ‘Capital’, ‘Whitespire’, and ‘Redspire’ are not a long-lived tree, rarely lasting more than 20-25 years. Wide-branching clones like ‘Aristocrat’ and ‘Chanticleer’ (‘Cleveland Select’ is the same) have a longer tree life expectancy.

Although Bradford pear flowers had been rated to be sterile, this wasn’t exactly accurate. Bradford pears are self-incompatible, meaning ‘Bradford’ pears are unable to pollinate other ‘Bradford’ pears flowers, but do pollinate other callery pear varieties. Birds or other animals eat these fruits and spread the seeds many miles. The chief concern is that non-native plants are successfully self-sowing in the larger ecosystem, competing and displacing the native flora and fauna.

Roadside planting in March in Bristol, TN

Alternatives To Callery Pear— Cornel cherry (Cornus mas), Japanese cornel (Cornus officinalis), Redbuds (Cercus spp.), Crabapples (Malus spp.), Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.), Flowering Cherries (Prunus spp.), Carolina Silverbells (Halesia diptera), Snowbell (Styrax japonica), several magnolias (Magnolia spp.), and Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata).

I strongly urge the swift removal of wildling callery pear seedlings. Cut down and remove invasive trees and apply a stump herbicide such as glyphosate (formerly Roundup™) or triclopyr to prevent resprouting. Be cautious when using herbicides. Read the label.

Warning: if you intend to bush hog or cut down the trees; some of seedling trees may develop large thorns that can puncture tractor tires or cause injury.

Star Magnolia (*M. stellata*) blooming in mid-March in NE Tennessee

These Flowering Annuals Beat The Summer Heat

Posted by Hugh on June 15th, 2026

Many garden annuals shrivel up in the summer heat. Below is a listing of many floral beauties that Beat the Heat of Summer. They keep your garden alive with color all through the summer’s dog days and into fall. They’re tolerant of the high day and night temperatures as well as being moderately drought tolerant.

Regarding drought tolerance, plants need frequent watering when first planted. Depending on rainfall amounts where you garden, the first 6-8 weeks of watering (rainfall + irrigation) is highly important to build a sturdy summer drought tolerant plant. Genetics also plays an important part here. Select annuals that cope with summer drought. Secondarily having a backup irrigation system may be necessary if rainfall amounts fall significantly short of needed plant survival.

Lantana (Lantana camara) produces small tubular flowers in an array of colors, including yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, and even white that attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. perennial in zones 7b-11. Love the Luscious™ and Bandana™ series; ‘New Gold’.

Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) grows 1-6 feet tall in full sun and dry conditions. Choice of flower colors include orange, pink, red, purple, or white blooms; attract birds and butterflies.

Globe amaranth (Gomphrena) include pink, red, orange, purple and white flowering choices, along with narrow deep green leaves and a compact or upright growth habit. Attract butterflies and other insect pollinators. Love ‘Truffula’, ‘Fourth of July’, ‘Fireworks’, Gnome series.

Spider flower (Cleome spp.) grows 3-4 feet high with pink, purple, white, and lavender flowers that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and hummingbirds. For smaller gardens select dwarf sterile (seedless) ‘Senorita Rosalita’, ‘Senorita Blanca’, and Sparkler™ varieties.

Fan Flower (*Scaevola*) ‘Bombay Dark Blue’

Fanflower (Scaevola aemula) is an Australian native that is exceptionally heat and drought tolerant.; bears abundant blue, pink, white, or purple blooms with bright yellow-and-white centers that invite numerous pollinators into the summer and fall garden.

Mealycup sage (Salvia farinacea) grows 2-3 feet tall and is exceptionally heat tolerant annual, sometimes perennial. Cathedral™ or Sallyfun™ series offer deep blue, pale blue and white depending on the cultivar.

Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia) is sun-loving and perform well in average to dry soils and cope with poor soils; preferred varieties – “Fiesta d’Sol’, ‘Torch’, and ‘Yellow Torch’.

Portulaca (P. grandiflora) low-growing, succulent leaves; vibrant pink, red, yellow, orange, white, or purple blooms open fully in bright sunlight; perform at their best in sandy, dry soil; excellent for containers.

Blanket flower (Gaillardia) Daisy-like flowers in red, gold, and orange; blooms from summer to frost; tolerates poor soil and full sun.

Evolvulus (Evolvulus glomeratus) demonstrates exceptional heat and drought tolerance bees and butterflies like to visit its sweet blue blooms leading varieties ‘Blue Daze’ and ‘Blue My Mind’.

Mexican Heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia) features fine, glossy, bright green foliage and tiny trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of purple, lavender, pink, or white, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; compact growing plant suitable for small gardens, borders, rock gardens, and containers.

Tips for Growing Drought-Tolerant Sun Annuals

Water deeply at planting through the first 6-8 weeks to establish roots, then reduce frequency; shallow watering encourages shallow roots.
Soil: Well-drained soil is essential; organic (peat- or bark-based) gritty potting mixes work well for container planting.
Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming; some species self-seed for the next season.
Pot size is highly important. Drought-tolerant annuals in pots tend to dry out faster with limited soil (media) mass.
Mulch flower beds to reduce soil moisture loss from evaporation and excessive weed pressure.

‘Axminster Gold’ Comfrey

Posted by Hugh on June 7th, 2026

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is an aggressive grower and herbal member of the Borage family (Boraginaceae). For several centuries it has been grown for its medicinal herbal value with purported healing properties for treating joint pains and wounds. Leaves are poisonous if ingested and can cause skin irritation. Plant grows up to 5 feet tall and produces clusters of purple, blue, and white flowers, long slender leaves, and black-skinned roots.

Russian comfrey (Symphytum × uplandicum) is a coarse-textured, hairy-leaf perennial. This herbal species is grown for its attractive multi-seasonal foliage and bell-shaped spring flowers. Russian comfrey is a strikingly bold species that grows in waste areas and disturbed soils in the Caucasus Mountains. (USDA hardiness zones 4-9).

‘Axminster Gold’ comfrey is an exceptional vigorous form with stunning gold, green and variegated foliage. It spreads aggressively via creeping rhizomes. Each plant typically grows in a rosette habit to 18 inches high with a spread to 24-30 inches wide. Drooping clusters of mauve pink bells bloom in late spring to early summer atop stems rising from the foliage mound to 4-5 feet tall and 2-4 feet in width. Blooms attract hordes of bees.

Comfrey is easy to grow in average, medium moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. It performs at its best in moist, humus-rich soils. Best leaf variegation occurs with some partial afternoon shade, particularly where summers are intensely hot in Southern climes. Eventually, comfrey tends to become a garden thug and may be difficult to dig out. Simply leaving a small piece of root will generate a new plant.

Propagation is by root cuttings or division. Trim foliage as needed to shape plant. Cutting back stems promptly after flowering will encourage reblooming. If growing as a foliage plant, snip away flowering stems as they develop.

No serious insect or disease problems trouble this aggressive growing perennial. Slugs and snails may attack the foliage. Powdery mildew infestation may occur over an unusually rainy summer.

Clump rosette habit and lovely variegated foliage

‘Axminister Gold’ comfrey availability is primarily limited to specialty plant nurseries online.

Japanese Stewartia

Posted by Hugh on June 1st, 2026

Underplanted in U.S. gardens are stewartias (Stewartia spp.) and the most popular is the lovely Japanese stewartia (S. pseudocamellia). This small 20-30 foot small slow-growing tree or multi-trunked shrub is indigenous to Japan and Korea. Specimens in the wild can reach 50-60 feet in height. In U.S. gardens, it typically matures in landscapes to 20-40 feet tall. (USDA hardiness zones 5-8).

In Tennessee June-flowering Japanese stewartia

Visually, Japanese stewartia provides four seasons of ornamental beauty. Lovely 2-to-2.5-inch cup-shaped white flowers, with showy orange-yellow stamens, appear in early June for 2 – 3 weeks. The 3- 4 -inch blemish-free, dark green summer foliage turns crimson red in mid- autumn, depending on its location. Its patchwork mottled bark is an added plus. This cherished arboreal beauty tree becomes more beautiful as it ages. Trunk and lateral wood peels away in thin strips of gray, orange, and reddish-brown. Hard capsulated oval fruits, greenish to brownish in color, ripen in late fall.

Proper site selection is keenly important, which is very similar to our native flowering dogwood (Cornus florida). Japanese stewartia requires a humus-rich, acidic pH, and well-drained soil along with all-day filtered sunlight or six hours of morning /early afternoon sunlight. Spring feed with a slow-release fertilizer at moderate rate and apply 3-4 inches of an organic mulch.

Lovely exfoliating bark of Japanese stewartia

Prolonged periods of scorching summer heat and low rainfall may be damaging to the foliage of Japanese stewartia. Irrigate to cool and refresh the tree and keep properly mulched. Sheltered S. pseudocamellia from winter dry winds.

A popular alternative in the world of stewartias is Korean stewartia (S. pseudocamellia var. koreana). Flowers are white, about 3.0 inch wide, 5-6 petals, large yellow center (yellow stamens). Similar to S. pseudocamellia except flowers are flatter rather than cup-shaped. Both bloom around the same time.

Exceptional red fall color of *S. ko*reana

Stewartia, Camellia, and Franklinia are all members of the tea family (Theaceae) and produce similar flowers. Availability is limited in the U.S specialty nurseries.

Four Perennial Lantana Varieties

Posted by Hugh on May 25th, 2026

Lantanas (Lantana camara) are garden favorites for their small, lovely blooms in dense, 2-inch (5-cm) wide clusters, (USDA hardiness zones 7-11). Floral colors range from red, purple, pink, orange, yellow, and white, often flower clusters in multiple colors. This woody annual/perennial is in the verbena botanical family (Verbenaceae) family and is native to the West Indies, Mexico, and central America. Some 150 species are found worldwide.

Whether grown as an annual or a perennial in warmer climates, lantanas are tough plants that prosper in almost any garden spot that must be sunny most of the day. Plants thrive in poor soils, high summer heat and drought, and salty coastal soils. The perennial lantanas featured here grow 2-4 feet tall, almost shrub-like, and require only minimal annual maintenance. Hardy varieties dieback to the ground and re-emerge in the mid-spring warmup.

Four popular varieties in Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina are ‘New Gold’, ‘Miss Huff ‘, ‘Sonset’, and ‘Chapel Hill Yellow’. ‘New Gold’ is covered with bright golden yellow flower clusters all summer into the fall. ‘Miss Huff’ originated from cuttings of a plant in Athens, Georgia with showy orange blooms. ‘Chapel Hill Yellow’ is a North Carolina cold hardy (7b – 11) selection with bright yellow flowers and low ground-hugging habit (18-20 inches tall, 24-36 inches spread). ‘Sonset’ produces yellow and soft orange in the morning; by mid-afternoon blooms change to dark orange and red, and to magenta and purple in evening.

For hardy lantanas to perennialize, plant them by mid-spring in full sun and in moist, well-drained soils. These low-maintenance plants tolerate heat and drought once established, are resistant to deer and rabbits, and grow rapidly to fill their space. These four selected varieties should grow 2-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet spread in the mid-South. Their showy flowers appear in mid-spring thru most of autumn and are visited by native and bumble bees, several species of butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Lantanas are an excellent addition to cottage or pollinator gardens, foundation plantings, or shrub border. It may also be used for mass plantings along rock walls or hillsides and excel in containers and hanging baskets in sunny patio areas. Plants grow rapidly and aggressively.

No serious insect or disease problems trouble lantanas. Lantana has shown high resistance to soil-borne phytophthora disease. Whiteflies and spider mites can affect plants kept overwinter in-home solariums. Leaves may cause minor skin irritation.

Warning: Lantana foliage and berries are toxic to livestock such as cattle, sheep, horses, chickens, pigs, goats and domestic dogs and cats. Keep away from children.

In northern latitudes (zones 5-6), lantanas make dependable summer flowering annuals. In a few southern states lantanas are listed as invasive. Currently, lantanas are invasive in Hawaii and the in coastal regions of North and South Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and Texas. Annual lantanas are sold at most garden centers and box stores., while sales of perennial varieties are often limited to independent garden centers in the Mid-South.

Surprise! Resurrection Lilies

Posted by Hugh on May 14th, 2026

The beautiful colorful large flowers of Surprise Lilies (Lycoris spp.) pop up out of nowhere in mid-summer garden. In the South surprise lilies are popular passalong plants. These members of the Amaryllis family are called spider lilies, resurrection lilies, and hurricane lilies. Their bloom time coincides with summer storm season, hence the name “hurricane lily”. Other colloquial names include “magic lilies” and “naked ladies”. (USDA hardiness zones 6-10).

Flowers emerge from the ground first, bloom for 5-7 days, and decline. In Southern climes, their strap-like foliage emerges in early fall; in northerly climes foliage pops up in early spring and lingers until early July and withers away. Surprise lily blooms make great cut flowers. While bloom time is relatively short, their unique flowers are beloved and are beautiful additions to the summer garden. Floral colors vary by species from red, pink, yellow, or white.

Spider lilies prefer rich, well-drained and slightly alkaline soils. Plant bulbs 12-inches apart with the pointed end up and their necks just above the soil surface in fall or early spring when bulbs are available. Bulbs are planted too deep may not flower. Smaller bulblets may not flower for a year or two. Flower clusters last about two weeks or longer if they are protected from wind and sun. Each bulb may produce 1-4 flower stems; bulbs do not typically bloom at one time.

Surprise lilies prefer a part sun/part shaded site. Nourish the bed with a slow-release fertilizer in early spring. They perform best with regular watering and do not tolerate dry conditions. Leaves and roots are toxic, so deer and rodents pass them by. Flowers attract butterflies, some bees, and an occasional hummingbird.

Red spider lily (Lycoris radiata) produces 4-6 orange-red flowers on long stamens that curl upward. Flowers have a narrow, strap-like petals with extremely long stamens that offer a spider-like look. It performs best in partial shade and does not tolerate direct sunlight. Avoid heavy shade where they do not perform well. Large clumps of bulbs should be divided every 3-5 years after foliage dieback.

Naked ladies (L. squamigera) produce strap-like leaves in spring that disappear in summer. In fall, trumpet-shaped, purple-pink flowers bloom on 18-inch-tall stalks that pop out of the ground.

White spider lily (L. albiflora) has white flowers in clusters of six to eight blooms on 12-to-18-inch-tall stalks with long, curved stamens, making it an excellent cut flower. Leaves emerge in fall and die down in spring. Species does not produce seeds.

Electric Blue Spider Lily (L. sprengeri) grows 12-18 inches tall with pink flowers and blue tips. Strap-shaped, green foliage comes up in the spring and disappears in July. In August, pink flower spikes bursts forth.

Electric Surprise lily (L. haywardii) bears clusters of bright pink, tipped blue purple, appear in the spring (Zones 6-9). It grows much like the more-familiar L. radiata, in that its foliage also emerges in late fall to winter.

Hurricane lilies are relatively resistant to diseases and pests. Plant parts are also toxic to deer and squirrels. In Japan, spider lilies are used as a planting around rice paddies and houses to keep pests and mice away. Keep this in mind if you have small children.

Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh, NC lists perhaps the largest collection of hurricane lilies in the world. Brent and Becky’s Bulbs in Gloucester list them in their spring catalog. Growers dig and ship bulbs in May and you should not hesitate to plant them upon delivered.

Tough Colorful Lantanas

Posted by Hugh on May 7th, 2026

Lantanas are popular flowering perennials in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11 and are heavily planted as annuals in zones 7 and 8. In areas where growing seasons are long, native lantanas are also dependable shrubs in Florida, South Texas, or Southern California. Lantana shrubs may reach up to 6 feet tall in tropical climates. In cool temperate regions potted lantanas may be overwintered in a hobby greenhouse or unheated sunroom.

The most popular lantanas are the non-native L. camara. Varieties offer more color choices, are more floriferous, and grow more compact. L. camara are also grown in containers including hanging baskets. Annual lantana series include Luscious®, Shamrock™, Bandana™, and Lucky™. Plants bloom from late spring until the cool days of fall arrive. Flower heads are small globes of tiny florets. Cultivars come in a wide array of colors from rose pink, yellow, orange or a combination of many flowers.

Lantanas prefer full sun and can grow upright, mounded, spreading, and trailing– depending on cultivar. Feed newly set transplants with a slow-release fertilizer such as Osmocote™ or Nutrikote™. An alternative feeding program is to apply a water-soluble product such as Miracle-Gro™, Peters™, or Daniels™ every 6-8 weeks from spring planting time up to late August. Lantanas prosper in a slightly acidic pH soil.

‘Luscious Berry Blend’ lantana in container

Disease prevention of problems is always your best alternative. Set lantanas in well-drained soil with good air circulation around plants. Lantana may on occasion succumb to root rot or powdery mildew, particularly when summer weather is unusally wet.

Lantanas are deer resistant and the flowers are favorites of hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Berries can be toxic to pets and humans and leaves may cause a rash for some people. Some environmentalists classify native lantanas as invasive because birds feed on the abundant berries and distribute the seeds over many miles.

Sooty mold, caused by insect feeding by aphids, mites, and whiteflies, turns leaf surfaces and stems black. Problem pests can be sprayed with several kinds of pesticides or washed off. Occasionally, lantanas may be troubled by tiny sap-sucking lacebugs which may result in leaf drop.

Generally listed as flowering annuals, ‘New Gold’, ‘Chapel Hill Yellow’, ‘Ham & ’Eggs’, and ‘Miss Huff’ may perennialize in parts of the mid-South region (Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina – USDA hardiness zone 7a). Ideally, these varieties should be planted in spring thru mid-summer, so their roots become deeply rooted before winter arrives. Hopefully, their first winter is not severe and plants will perennialize.

‘Miss Huff’ lantana at Cheekwood Gardens in Nashville, TN

Ashe Magnolia – A Very Special Small Tree

Posted by Hugh on April 27th, 2026

Ashe magnolia (Magnolia ashei) is a small 10-20 feet deciduous tree with enormous size flowers and leaves (zone (5)6-9). Each white flowers may measure 6- 12 inches across with a purple blotch at the base of 3 inner petal-like tepals. Ashe magnolia blooms in late May – early June here in Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina. Many of the blooms may be hidden within the large almost tropical-like foliage.

Among the large leaf magnolias, Ashe magnolia grows the shortest, the so-called “runt of the litter”. Its deciduous leaves may be 2-3 feet long and up to a foot wide. Leaves are wider near the tip than at the stem, green on the upper surface and whitish beneath. When fully open, the citrus-scented white blossoms expose a purple blotch in center are up to 6 inches long and about half as wide. Ashe magnolia blooms at an early age, usually when only 4-6 feet tall. It may bloom as early as three years from seed.

Ashe magnolia is an understory tree, growing in day-long dappled sunlight or in morning only sun. Allow Ashe magnolia plenty of room to grow, good light, and humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. Lightly mulch around the tree to a depth of 2-3 inches annually. Over the active growing period, water the tree every 2-3 weeks over the 1-2 years until it’s established.

Ashe magnolia on the campus of East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN

Ashe Magnolia rarely needs to be fertilized unless grown in a container. Ashe magnolia does not do well in hot and dry conditions. The grand champion tree is 44 feet high in Montgomery County in Pennsylvania. Plant in a sheltered site away from strong winds that can shred the papery leaves and break brittle branches. Prune in late winter or late summer to avoid excessive bleeding of sap. Light annual pruning is usually the rule to maintain the tree’s desired framework.

Disease and pest problems are rare if Ashe magnolia is properly sited and maintained. Annually inspect for bacterial leaf spot, spot anthracnose, canker, dieback, butt rot, powdery mildew, anthracnose, fungal leaf spots, weevils, snails, scale insects, thrips, planthoppers. Leaf drop can become a leaf-raker’s nightmare in the fall.

Ashe magnolia is a plant collector’s treasure. It can be purchased from an e-mail specialty plant nursery. Request the seed provenance and purchase a mid-Atlantic or mid-South seed source.