Northwind switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’) is a 4 to 5 feet tall native prairie grass (USDA hardiness zones 4–9). There are many fine switchgrass varieties, but its Northwind’s vertical form and steel blue foliage that makes it a standout. Northwind switchgrass has been selected the 2014 Perennial Plant of the Year. By mid-summer its lacy soft pinkish […]
Archive for December, 2013
Leyland Cypress – Alternative Christmas Tree For The South
If you grew up with a spruce or a fir Christmas tree, Leyland Cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii) could be a big change. This conifer species thrives in the southern U.S. (USDA hardiness zones 7-b to 9). Leyland is a good choice for a live cut or transplanted holiday tree as firs (Abies spp.) and spruces […]
‘Grey Owl’ Juniper Is Tough Carefree Evergreen
Some people rate junipers as over-planted or bygone landscape plants. Juniperus virginiana ‘Grey Owl’ is a cultivar of our native Eastern Red Cedar (USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9). Eastern red cedar is actually a juniper. This flat spreading evergreen develops into a reliable ground cover not plagued with disease and pest problems observed on […]
Norfolk Island Pine Makes Decorative Holiday Tree
Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is native to tiny Norfolk Island located in the South Pacific. This tropical evergreen tree is now planted around the world and appears to be hardy in Northern Florida (USDA hardiness zone 9). In the wild this fast-growing tree grows to 80 feet in height. Norfolk Island Pine makes a […]
Japanese Umbrella Pine Is Unique Among Evergreens
Umbrella pine (Sciadopitys verticillata) is an outstanding evergreen large shrub or medium-sized pyramidal tree. Initially, umbrella pine grows slowly, only 6 to 8 inches annually, but growth rate picks up after 4-5 years. A young 3-foot tall plant may reach 20 to 30 feet tall in 25 years and double that at maturity. Its leaves […]
Landscape Shrubs Rarely Damaged By Deer
Deer will eat or nibble on any landscape plant, particularly when they’re starving. Abnormally high deer populations, starved by a shortage of their favorite foods (mast), will feed or browse on almost any plant. This is a survival reaction. To truly protect plants when deer numbers are unusually high, a tall fence or reinforced netting […]