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

Rethink Before Planting These Five Groundcovers

Posted by Hugh on April 26th, 2024

Initially, these 5 groundcovers were alluringly beautiful. But, over time, each grow very aggressively and become a major chore to restrained in the garden. Several states have declared one or more species as invasive and ban them for sale and interstate transportation.

English Ivy under tree growing up trunk and on ground

Purple Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei ‘Coloratus’, also known as Euonymus fortunei var. radicans, Euonymus radicans, Euonymus japonicus var. coloratus) and others. Purple Wintercreeper, is a very well-known ground cover. This trailing vine grows 12-18 inches tall and 24-36 inches in spread. The two-inch long leaves are glossy, ovate to elliptic, dark green (above) and purplish-red beneath). Leaves turn purplish red in fall and winter. Euonymus prefers moist, well-drained soil conditions in partial shade. (Zones 5 to 9).
Bishop’s Weed, Goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria variegatum) is an aggressive plant that forms dense patches via long, white, and spreading rhizomes. Goutweed grows in many areas of the U.S. and becomes a high maintenance weed. Growth-wise, the cultivar ‘Variegatum’ has basal light green foliage with creamy white margins. While rated as less aggressive than the species, plants may revert back to the green leaves with greater vigor. Foliage of variegated goutweed will burn in full sun. (Zones 3-10).
Evening primrose (Oenothera speciosa), aka Mexican primrose or Showy Ladies, blooms in the evening hours. Most garden shops do not sell it and have become a pass-a long between other green hobbiests. Flowers usually remain open thru late morning. The 1.5 – 2-inch-long seed capsules follow. By late summer the plant(s) have disappeared from their garden spots. Some seeds and underground runners return the next spring. (Zones 4-9). NOTE- As a North American native species, does not qualify as an invasive plant.
English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a high-climbing, evergreen vine available in many varieties at garden centers. English ivy is a common house plant. It has become an invasive garden plant in many areas of the U.S. Most varieties are aggressive groundcovers that grow in a wide range of sun or shade conditions. Some are meek and don’t attempt to take over. Ivy vines invade and spread into native forests and smothers tall trees and low growing native plants on the forest floor. Similarly, they rapidly cover trellises, walls, fences, trees, or any structure that they encounter. (Zones 4-13)
Creeping myrtle (Vinca minor), aka common periwinkle, is an aggressive low maintenance ground cover that excels in shady landscape areas. This low-spreading plant. grows vigorously in woodsy areas and into shady lawns. (Zones 4-9). Equally invasive is its large leaf cousin, Vinca major, but not as winter hardy in zones 7-9.

The most effective way to eliminate these aggressive groundcovers is to cut plants to the ground after they have fully leaved out in the spring, and next blanket the ground with black plastic or heavy cardboard. This will prevent photosynthesizing, essentially depleting their carbohydrate reserves. An alternative method is to overspray young foliage or cut stems/vines containing the ingredient glyphosate (Roundup™ and other labels) or Triclopyr (Garlon™).

Sweetbay Magnolia Cultivars

Posted by Hugh on April 19th, 2024

Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) is a U.S. native tree that is finally catching on with landscape designers. Sweetbay often grows 20-30 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide as a large shrub or multi-stemmed small tree. Discovering a 50-60 feet sweetbay near by a lake or pond is not unusual to find (USDA hardiness zones 5-9).

Sweetbay blooms from mid-May through June with occasional flowers from May into July. The flower petals of magnolias are called “tepals” and sweet bay flowers consist of 8-10 tepals. The creamy-white blooms are 3-4 inches across and last 3-4 days. Numbers of open flowers are rarely abundant at any one time. On occasion their sweet lemony fragrance becomes quite evident in the late spring garden.

The glossy light-green leathery leaves are 4-5 inches long. A slight fluttering breeze exposes the silvery underside of the leaves. Foliage is reliably evergreen in USDA hardiness 7-9 and semi-evergreen in zone 6. ‘Green Shadow’ and ‘Moonglow’ are leading cultivars that exhibit slightly larger flowers, darker green leaves, and better winter hardiness.

In early fall green cone-like seed capsules burst open to expose bright orange to red seeds within. Seeds may be collected in late September and stratified (refrigerated) in moist sand over 3 months @ 32 to 41°F; or seeds may be sown directly in the garden. Seedlings emerge from the soil the following June.

Unlike most magnolia species, sweet bay flourishes in moist soils, including those that are flooded for short periods. This species tolerates wet, swampy, and boggy soils whereas most other magnolias abhor “wetfeet”. ‘Australis’ forma are more reliably evergreen than the species. It prefers a humus-rich, acidic soil; summer leaves may turn chlorotic (yellow) in iron deficient alkaline soils. Disease and pest problems are rare.

Pale green glossy foliage and fall fruiting

Sweetbay is well-suited for a small urban garden near a patio or deck. Cut foliage is often included in holiday wreaths and garlands, and in table and floral arrangements.

Choose from dozens of sweetbay magnolia cultivars, including these 8 popular forms. Some cultivars are listed under two names. Verify winter hardiness ratings before purchasing; some will defoliate following a harsh winter. Some are winter hardy to zone 7, while a few are winter hardy in zone 5 and retain their foliage through winter:

‘Emerald Tower’ grows to about 20 feet, with glossy green foliage along with exceptional zone 4 hardiness.
‘Green Shadow’ (M. virginiana. var. australis), also named ‘Greenbay’, was introduced by Tennessee Nurseryman Don Shadow from seedlings collected by Dr. Joe McDaniel.
‘Moonglow’ (‘Jim Wilson’) grows 15-35 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide.
‘Henry Hicks’ is an unusually large 35-40 feet tall cultivar exhibiting a more columnar growth habit and is rated evergreen in zone 5.
‘Keltyk’ has smaller leaves, a more compact habit, and is evergreen in zones 7-10; utilize as a 25 feet patio tree; creamy white flowers are highly fragrant on a summer evening.
‘Santa Rosa’ has the largest leaves of any cultivar and has a spreading habit that grows to 25 feet tall and 20 feet wide; best in zones 6 – 9.
‘Northern Belle’ grows 20-25 feet height and 15 feet width; large white blossoms that emit a vanilla fragrance from May to July.
M. (australis) ‘Mardigras’ (‘Mattie May Smith’) has unique variegated foliage (yellow margin/green center leaves); 15 feet shrub or tree; semi-evergreen foliage; Zones 5 -7 winter hardy.

Chinese Fringetree

Posted by Hugh on April 7th, 2024

Gardeners are waking up to the tough as nails Chinese fringetree (Chionanthus retusus). (USDA hardiness zones 5-9). It has gorgeous foliage, showy snow-white flowers in the spring, and exfoliating bark. Native to Korea, China, and Japan, this low maintenance multi-stemmed large shrub or small deciduous tree is becoming easier to purchase at U.S. garden centers and online nurseries.

Flowers often appear about 1-2 weeks before U.S. native species C. virginicus. This low maintenance beautiful tree likes an average, medium moist, fertile, acidic soils and in full sun to part shade. Best flowering occurs in full sun. It seldom needs pruning. Tolerant of air pollution and adapts well to urban settings, it abhors long summer dry periods.

Chinese fringetree ranges in height from 20 – 30 feet with lovely textured bark which is also exfoliating as the tree ages. If planted in the South, add another 10 feet in height. Set the tree in full sun or partial shade. The lustrous, leathery oval-shaped leaves and wispy fragrant white flowers are its key pluses. Some gardeners report it is a biennial bloomer, blooming heavier in alternate years, one year ON and next year OFF (far fewer flowers).

Both our native and Chinese fringetrees are underplanted. Propagation from seeds and cuttings is slow resulting in higher production costs. Mulch the tree with 2-3 inches of mulch and replenishing it every year to improve soil quality. Spread 9-10- month slow-release formulated fertilizer in the fall/early winter.

Fringetrees are primarily dioecious (separate male and female flowers). Flowers are slightly more showy on male trees. Female trees flowers, if pollinated and fertilized, will produce clusters of olive-like fruits (each to ½ inches long) which ripen to a dark bluish black in late summer/fall and are a good food source for birds and wildlife. Fall leaf color is an average yellow. When a young tree, bark is light brown exfoliating and strikingly furrowed as it ages.

No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to mites, scale and borers. Watch for leaf spots, canker and powdery mildew. Plants sold in commerce are not labelled “male” or “female”. Fringetrees may be damage by fruit feeding deer.

Cultivars / Varieties:

China Snow – multi-stemmed, slightly smaller version @20-25 feet tall and wide and an excellent alternative in urban settings

Tokyo Tower – 12 to 15 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide with a narrow upright branching “stovepipe” appearance as well as a tan and gold exfoliating bark; good candidate as an urban street tree.

Lacebark Pine – A Year-round Treasure

Posted by Hugh on April 1st, 2024

Native to China, lacebark pine (Pinus bungeana) is an excellent, low-maintenance evergreen treasure. Winter-hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4-8, this specimen pine struggles in the summer heat and humidity of the Southern U.S. Best specmens are found growing in arboretums and botanical gardens north of zone 8. This 3-needle pine offers 4-seasons of ornamental interest. During a snowy winter, within 12-15 years, a specimen tree begins to show off an artistic patchwork of green, yellow, brown, purple, and red bark over the fall and winter months.

Don’t wait. Lacebark pine is one of the first trees to plant in your landscape. With maturity (age) comes beauty. Give this medium sized pine lots of room, planting in full sun and it will reward you in 20-25 years. A mature tree reaches 30 – 50 feet tall and 20 – 25 feet wide and has a long lifespan. This pine is moderately drought tolerant and, once established, requires little care.

Shrubby when young, this tree has picturesque, showy bark that exfoliates or peels in patches, revealing a patchwork of colors of white, olive, light purple, and silver. Its mottled bark (see photo below) stands out from other pine species. The patchwork bark will eventually mature to a milky white. Bark features gradually becomes more evident as the tree ages. Excessive pruning or fertilizing isn’t necessary; the tree does benefit from a single annual application of slow-release fertilizer in late winter to stimulate growth.

This tree is monoecious, and the pollen cones are ornamentally insignificant. The male pollen cones standout with yellow pollen sacs, cylinder-shaped, and clustered. Female pollen cone is yellowish green.

A young lacebark pine is best trained to single-trunked or multi-trunked. Annual pruning is unnecessary. However, you may desire to lop off lateral branches to reveal its ornate bark along the trunk(s) and lower branches. Remove dead, pest-riddled, and/or dying branches in any season.

Old Lacebark pine at Bronx Botanical Gardens in NYC

In general, lacebark pine is long-lived and not seriously troubled by most disease and insect pests like caterpillars. Be watchful for aphids, borers needle rusts and diplodia tip blight.

Leading Cultivars: P. bungeana ‘Silver Ghost’ (30 feet silvery-white needles, mottled bark), P. bungeana ‘Temple Gem’ (30 feet pyramidal form), P. bungeana ‘Rowe Arboretum’ (20 feet tall compact, densely branched)

Three Native Azaleas That Should Be Included In Mid- Atlantic and Southern Gardens

Posted by Hugh on March 25th, 2024

About Native Azaleas: Flowers appear from April to September depending on species. Flower clusters (called “trusses”) appear just before the leaves emerge. Each truss may bear 3 – 12 blooms, which open 1.5 – 2 inches wide. Flower colors vary among native species from white, pink, orange and red shades. In many spring blooming species, the open petals curve back to show off the long stamens and styles that protrude from the flowers. Among the 15 azaleas native to the Eastern and Southern U.S., flower fragrance is wonderfully aromatic in some; others emit no fragrance.

Three of my early spring blooming favorites are highlighted here.

Coastal azalea (Rhododendron atlanticum) is a compact, loosely branched, stoloniferous, suckering, deciduous shrub that typically matures to 2-3 feet tall and as wide, but infrequently grows to 6 feet. In April 1.0-1.5-inches long white flowers are flushed with pink, bloom in multiple clusters of at the time of or slightly before the appearance of new leaves. Stamens protrude well beyond the corolla mouth. Flowers have a wonderful musky fragrance. This azalea is native to coastal plain areas from New Jersey and Pennsylvania south to Georgia. It spreads by underground stolons. (Zones 5-8).

Florida Flame Azalea (R. austrinum), not to be confused with Flame azaleas (R. calendulaceum) blooms within days after Coastal Azalea in shades ranging from sunny yellow to deep gold, tangerine, or apricot. Blooms strut showy protruding stamens and are highly fragrant. It is native to woodland slopes and mountain balds in the Appalachian Mountains from Pennsylvania to Georgia. (Zones 6-9). Shrubs are upright branched and typically grow 4 to 8 feet tall (infrequently to 10 to 15 feet) and 8 to 10 feet wide.

Pinxterbloom azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides), formerly R. nudiflorum, is a hardy deciduous azalea native to a large geographic area of the eastern U.S. Pinxterbloom prefers a humus-rich, well-drained soil. Pinxterbloom grows to heights from 4-8 feet. The slightly fragrant flowers are generally pale pink but colors may range from white to deeper purple in natural populations. It spreads by underground stolons and shrub may become densely branched. (Zones 4-9).

General Care: A partly shaded or dappled sun site is preferred. Heavy woodland sites limit flower numbers. Deciduous azaleas prefer consistent moisture, and well-drained soil. Water after planting and every 5 days over dry periods lasting 10 or more days. Mulching with 3–4-inch layer of pine needles, wood bark, or compost helps conserves soil moisture and maintains cooler soil temperatures.

Deciduous azaleas are pruned within 4-6 weeks after seasonal flowering has finished. Prune to desired shrub size and remove broken or dead wood. Protect against strong winter winds and spring frosts to prevent leaf scorch and blossom injury. Disease and insect problems are infrequent when these 3 native azaleas are properly sited. Flowers will attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

Ten Favorite Viburnums

Posted by Hugh on March 18th, 2024

Viburnums are versatile landscape shrubs that flower, fruit, and fall color. Several species have fruit that attracts birds and may persist most of the winter. To have the best cross-pollination and fruit display plant in groups rather than as specimens. Viburnums tend to prefer slightly acid soil. They have few pest or disease problems and need little pruning if they are selected and properly sited.

Korean Spice (V. carlesii) small white flowers, opening from pink buds, are highly fragrant from several feet away. sweet, rich, and complex with a hint of cloves. It has an attractive wine-red fall foliage on a compact, spreading 4- to 5-foot-high shrub. (Zones 4-7).

Mohawk hybrid viburnum (V. x burkwoodii ‘Mohawk’) has showy fragrant flowers and will attract wildlife to your yard. (Zones 4-8). Mature plants have excellent heat and drought tolerance; foliage turns maroon in fall but remains evergreen in zones 7 and 8.

Cayuga viburnum (V. x carlecephalum ‘Cayuga’) has a 4-10 feet tall and wide compact growing habit along with 4-inch snowball-shaped fragrant blooms in spring. (Zones 4-8).

Doublefile viburnum (V. plicatum f. tomentosum), with stately horizontal branches on a 10-foot-tall shrub. ‘Shasta’ and ‘Mariesii’ are beloved for its layers of broad, flat, white flower clusters, though it bears little fruit. Its crinkled deep green leaves take on a burgundy tint in autumn. (Zones 5-8).

Judd viburnum (V. x juddii) grows only 6 – 8 feet tall and 6 -10 feet wide, with an upright rounded form. pink buds open to snowball clusters of fragrant white blooms in the spring, reds and purple fall color. In some years its dark green leathery foliage turns red in autumn. (Zones 4-8).

Chinese Snowball viburnum (V. macrocephalum) grows up to 25 feet tall and 20 feet wide with a rounded vase-shaped form. Flowers are the largest of the snowball viburnums with profuse dome-shaped, rounded, infertile flowers in spring and some secondary bloom in the fall. The flowers emerge chartreuse and quickly turn white, sterile, and no fragrance. (Zones 6-9).

American cranberrybush viburnum (V. trilobum). Shiny red fruits (not true cranberries) follow the white flowers if they are pollinated from another plant, and broad leaves, almost maple-shaped, has distinctive trilobed leaves that turn bright red in autumn. Redwing (‘J. N. Select’) grows up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide. (Zones 2-7).

Arrowwood viburnum (V. dentatum) grows in full sun to part shade and range from 5-10 feet in height depending on cultivar. The broad white flower clusters that come in June are fragrance-challenged, but they mature into blue-black berries that birds love. ‘Blue Muffin® and Autumn Jazz® (‘Ralph Senior’) have reliable fall color. Chicago Lustre™ (‘Synnestvedt’) produce shiny blue berries in autumn. (Zones 2-8).

Blackhaw viburnum (V. prunifolium) is a 15-20-foot-tall tough utility shrub or small tree. It produces creamy flower clusters in May and pink fruits that eventually ripen to black; fruits are edible for humans as well as birds. (Zones 5-9)

Possumhaw, Witherod viburnum (V. nudum) is represented by two outstanding 5-6 feet tall cultivars– Brandywine™ (self-fruitful) and ‘Winterthur’ bear 2-5-inch-wide flat-topped flower clusters in May-June attractive glossy dark green leaves thru summer, and a stunning display of rosy pink and dark blue fruits in fall. Both varieties follow up with plentiful clusters of tart berries that start out light pink to deep pink and ripen to blue to purplish-black fruits; plant two or more for best fruit numbers. (Zones 5-9).

Woodland (Snow) Crocus

Posted by Hugh on March 13th, 2024

Snow crocus in early March at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA

Snow Crocus, aka early crocus (Crocus tommasinianum) is a late winter to early spring blooming bulb (corm) that is native to southeastern Europe into Asia. These tiny crocus are generally the first to pop its leaves above the ground and even bloom when there is snow on the ground, hence its common name. Snow crocus are the earliest crocus to flower, approximately the same time as snowdrops (Galanthus spp.) and dwarf / netted iris (Iris reticulata). They hold up to a surprise spring snowfall and recover rapidly.

In early fall, plant them 3 – 4 inches deep and 3 – 4 inches apart in average well-drained soils. They prefer sandy soils but grow well in clay soil. They perform best in full sun but tolerate partial shade. Blooms unfurl in mid-morning as day warms up and close around sunset. Blooms remain closed on cloudy days.

Mass plant corms along walkways, in front of trees or shrubs, in woodland or rock gardens, or let them naturalize in a lawn. If planted in a lawn wait until the leaves turn yellow before mowing. Snow crocus tolerate browsing from deer, are resistant to foraging by squirrels, and grow around black walnut trees.

Crocus are also good for forcing indoors over the winter. Pot them up in mid-October and precool them at a consistent, dark 38 to 45°F for 8-10 weeks with moderate weekly watering. Gradually bring pots into the house and crocus will bloom about four weeks later. Once they finish blooming, set them outdoors and plant in your garden.

Blooming about two weeks before their larger flowering kin. To help these tiny corms to grow and naturalize, hold off mowing the lawn until the crocus foliage has died back completely, usually in six weeks. Lots of sunlight helps to create new bulb divisions (bulblets) with increase blooms in subsequent years.

These lovely six-petaled, 4-inch-tall flowers open and close on sunny days, and grass-like foliage that often has narrow, median silver stripes. Crocus naturalize readily in well-draining soil and in full- to part-day sunlight. Woodland crocus are squirrels that may dig up newly planted bulbs for a snack, or to transplant elsewhere for surprise spring pop-up clusters.

Plant 9 corms per square foot for a dense planting. Bulb size: 5 cm/up. Full to partial sunlight. Bloom time in horticultural zone 5: Late March/early April. Plant 4 inches deep and 3 – 4 inches apart. (USDA hardiness zones 3-8).

Tulip Poplar

Posted by Hugh on March 7th, 2024

Tulip-like flowers mostly hidden within foliage

Tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), aka yellow poplar and tulip tree, is a large stately deciduous tree of eastern North America (USDA hardiness zones 4-9). This fast growing native typically grows 60-90 feet tall and it is not unusual to see tulip trees over 100 feet. It is also an important timber tree.

A member of the magnolia family, flowers attract large numbers of bees. Ornate 2-inch-wide goblet-shaped flowers are yellow with an orange band at the base of each petal. Most flowers go unnoticed, hidden among the 8- inch-wide leaves that emerge a week or two prior to bloom. Dry, scaly, cone-shaped brown fruits follow, each bearing numerous winged seeds. In some years (not all), bright green tulip shaped foliage turns golden yellow in fall.

Double row allée at Biltmore Estates in Asheville, NC

Young tulip poplars grow with a pyramidal form and mature with a broad rounded canopy. Mature trees may reach 4-6 feet in trunk diameter, rising column-like and devoid of lower branches. Tulip poplars grow rapidly and become too big for an average residential property. In general, branches are not weak wooded in the early years, but weighty branches on older trees tend to snap off branches in wind and ice storms. Surface roots grow in lawns and tend to uplift sidewalks in urban areas.

Overall tree size becomes too menacing to many homeowners. Young tulip poplars grow with a pyramidal form and mature with a broad rounded canopy. Trunks of mature trees may reach 4-6 feet in diameter, usually rising column-like and devoid of lower branches. Tulip poplars grow rapidly and become too big for an average residential property. Branches are not weak wooded in the early years, but weighty branches on older trees tend to snap off branches in wind and ice storms. Its shallow root system competes in turf areas and likely will uplift sidewalks in urban areas.

Although not prone to serious disease and insect problems, leaves may be plagued by sap feeding aphids which exude sticky sap over decks, patios and cars beneath. Over a dry summer tulip tree may shed up to one-third of their leaves, perhaps abit messy for some homeowners. Shallow root systems compete with most kinds of plants planted within its drip line. During hot, dry weather the leaves tend to turn yellow and drop off.

Not prone to serious disease and insect problems, leaves may be plagued by sap feeding aphids which exude sticky sap over decks, patios and cars beneath. Over a dry summer tulip tree may shed up to one-third of their leaves, perhaps abit messy for some homeowners. Tuliptree provides food and shelter for insect pollinators. including hummingbirds and small critters.

Leading cultivars:

‘Arnold’ – columnar 50 feet tall and 20-25 feet wide

Majestic™ (‘Aureomarginatum’) – 75 feet tall tree with green leaves variegated edged with yellow margins

‘Little Volunteer’ – compact 30-35 feet tall and 20-25 feet wide

Emerald City™ (‘JFS-Oz’) upright oval shape to 55 feet high and 25 feet wide

Wonderful Carolina Silverbells

Posted by Hugh on March 1st, 2024

Carolina silverbell (*Halesia tetraptera*)

To start, the botanical literature is a little confusing regarding the two silverbell species. Mountain silverbell (Halesia tetraptera; formerly H. carolina) and two-winged silverbell (H. diptera) are native to the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia. (Zones 6-9).

Silverbells are either small- to medium-sized deciduous trees or large, multi-stemmed shrubs. It blooms in the spring (late-March to late-April) with white bell-shaped flowers that hang in clusters on year-old branches. Silverbells are in the Styrax plant family (Styracaceae) along with the snowbells (Styrax spp.).

Silverbell spring flowering is stunningly beautiful when set on or nearby a patio or planted at the edge of a woodlands. They’re naturally understory trees with a medium growth rate. Mountain silverbell may reach heights of 30 – 40 feet, whereas two-winged silverbell is smaller with a mature height between 20 – 30 feet. Both have a rounded tree canopy.

Flowers on two-winged silverbell average ¾-inch long. Mountain silverbell (H. tetraptera var. monticola) has larger white flowers than Carolina silverbell. It bears 4-winged green pods mature to brown. 2 inches long in fall. At the nursery, producers train them into a multi-stemmed small tree or a single trunk tree.

Silverbells thrive in rich, well-drained soil containing abundant organic matter. In their natural habitat silverbells grow moist acidic (pH 5.0 to 6.0), and the woodland floor is organically littered (mulched). Guard against the late summer foliage becoming chlorotic (yellow), a sign that the soil pH is not low (acidic) enough. A two-year old established tree is moderately drought tolerant.

Fertilize once in the spring with a slow-release acidic organic fertilizer. Silverbells tend to transplant well, preferring containerized rather than balled-and-burlapped (B&B) trees. Do not (never) attempt to dig a silverbell tree out from the wild.

Fall foliage often turns an attractive yellow before abscising and the bark adds winter interest with its contrasting striations. Silverbells generally have no pests of major concern. The species is susceptible to Phytophthora root rot that can be problematic in organically deficient and poorly drained soils.

Cultivars To Look For:

‘Arnold Pink’ forms large 3/4 in. rose pink pendulous flowers hang from the branches in spring.

‘Magniflora’ produces larger flowers (to 1 1/2″ wide) and reportedly flowers.

H. tetraptera var. rosea bears pink-blushed flowers.

‘Jersey Belle’ (H. tetraptera) bears extra-large white bell-shaped flowers.

‘Wedding Bells’ is a 20-foot smaller tree that is highly floriferous.

Easter Cactus

Posted by Hugh on February 26th, 2024

A native of southeastern Brazil, Easter cactus (Schlumbergeri gaertneri), formerly Hatiora gaertneri, is a tropical succulent cactus. It is often confused with Thanksgiving (Schlumbergera truncata) and Christmas Cacti (S. x buckeyi) both of which have very difference flattened stems with rounded or spiney-edged scalloped foliage. In the wild, this tropical grows almost shrub-like on trees or rocks.

Easter cactus may be identified for its single, squat stem. From this, elongated leaf segments grow. Unlike other holiday cacti, the Easter form has no scallops or teeth on a healthy leaf. Foliage color darkens as they age, beginning life as pale green and grow wider and flatter with age, with fully grown segments measuring 1.5 – 3 inches and up to 1 inch wide. When fully grown, segments will arch downward under their own weight.

Easter Cactus is an epiphytic house plant that asks for light shade and well-drained soil. The plant tolerates dry soils and overly wet potting media will cause root rot. Indoors, Easter cacti prefer a bright East-facing window, one not in direct sunlight. Plants prefer high humidity; mist every 2-3 days and set the pot in a tray of moist pebbles.

Flower buds start to set up in February-March as photoperiodic daylengths get longer. Flower buds form on the end of branches and open between late March and May. Bright starburst shaped flowers are available in scarlet red, light lavender and pink hues, depending on variety. These large blooms typically measure 3-inches across, with yellow stamen in center. Flowers that have been pollinated may produce oblong red fruit bearing seeds.

After flowering, Easter cactus enters a one-month resting period when water amounts are reduced. You may move the plant outdoors to a shady spot under a tree over most of spring and through the summer months. Treat the plant as you do most succulents in your house plant collection; water every 5-7 days and fertilize bi-monthly with a water-soluble product such as Miracle-Gro®, Jacks®, or Schultz® House Plant Food. In early January initiate flowering in early spring, set the plant, move the plant to cool room: 50-65°F during the day and night. Each night, set the plant in 14 hours of darkness daily by covering the plant with a box or moving it to a closet.

From late October through February, do not fertilize during its winter resting period. Never re-pot during bloom or immediately following resting period. Re-pot by removing only the loose soil around the roots. Transfer to a slightly larger pot and add potting mix. The best soil blend for Easter cacti contains about 50% peat/perlite potting, 25% garden soil, and 25% bark chips or gritty sand.