Get use to it… big leaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla), also called hortensia hydrangeas, are temperamental (USDA hardiness zones 6-9). After a long winter of sub-freezing temperatures, these blue (or pink) flowering shrubs should be stunningly beautiful in spring. However, if the late winter- early spring temps flucuate wildly, grab your pruning shears. Too most gardeners, myself included, […]
Archive for March, 2019
Temperamental Big Leaf Hydrangeas
Posted by Hugh on March 25th, 2019
Posted in acidic soil, acidify soil, Bigleaf hydrangea (H. macrophylla), Cold tolerance, compact shrub, compost, Container garden, container shrub, Disease resistant, Environmental issues, Fertilizing plants, Hydrangea, Landscape ideas, mulching, Planting tips, Propagation (Cuttings), Propagation (layering), Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Re-Bloomers, Soil drainage, Soil pH, Spring flowering, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, watering tips, winter hardiness, Winter Protection 
Comments Off on Temperamental Big Leaf HydrangeasSpike Winterhazels
Posted by Hugh on March 20th, 2019
I Winterhazels (Corylopsis spp.), native to China and Japan, is a wonderful genus comprised of winter flowering shrubs of varying heights and widths (USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8). Few U.S. gardeners know of them. Their bright yellow flowers are a lot bigger and showier than the witchhazels (Hamamelis spp.) which are close botanical relatives. […]
Posted in acidic soil, Attracting birds, Bees and other pollinators, compact shrub, Deciduous, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Fertilizing plants, Heat Tolerance, Landscape ideas, mulching, Planting tips, Propagation (Cuttings), Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, Uncategorized, watering tips, Winter flowering, winter hardiness, Winterhazels (Corylopsis) Comments Off on Spike WinterhazelsThe Fragrant Viburnums
Posted by Hugh on March 15th, 2019
Fragrance is a wonderful trait to include in your landscape. Although most viburnum species are not odorous, these 7 stand out for their spring floral fragrance. Bloom dates mentioned here are for zones 6-7 (TN, VA, NC and KY). Burkwood Viburnum (V. x burkwoodii) is semi-evergreen, 7 to 8 feet tall and wide, with glossy dark green leaves that turn […]
Posted in acidic soil, Attracting birds, Attracting Butterflies, Bee Favorite, Bees and other pollinators, Disease resistant, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Environmental Conservation, Evergreen, Fertilizing plants, Fragrant, Landscape ideas, mulching, Ornamental fruit, Privacy Screen, Propagation (Cuttings), Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Rabbit/deer Protection, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, Viburnum beetles, Viburnum x bodnantense, Viburnums, Wildlife attractant, winter hardiness Comments Off on The Fragrant ViburnumsBleeding Hearts Delight In The Spring Garden
Posted by Hugh on March 10th, 2019
Bleeding hearts (Dicentra spp.) are truly one of nature’s glorious delights in the spring garden (USDA hardiness zones 3-9). Old fashion bleeding hearts (D. spectabilis), indigenous to Asia, grow taller and wider compared to their North American counterparts – wild bleeding heart (D. exima) and Dutchman’s breeches (D. cucullaria). Old fashioned bleeding bear larger (and showier) flowers […]
Posted in acidic soil, alkaline soil, Aphids, Attracting Butterflies, Bees and other pollinators, Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra), Butterflies, compost, Deer resistant, Fertilizing plants, Hummingbird, Landscape ideas, mulching, Native Plant, Perennials, plant nutrition, Planting tips, Propagation (dividing), Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Re-Bloomers, Slugs, Slugs, Snails, Soil pH, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Syneilesis aconitifolia, watering tips, winter hardiness Comments Off on Bleeding Hearts Delight In The Spring GardenEasy To Care Siberian Iris
Posted by Hugh on March 6th, 2019
Siberian iris (called beadless iris) are favorites of gardeners and landscapers. Why? – ease of maintenance, plant longevity, and trouble free. Their flowers are smaller than the bearded iris blooms, but their grass-like foliage stays attractive all season long. They are more cold hardier. Siberian irises are mostly hybrids of two southwest Asian species, I. sibirica […]
Posted in acidic soil, Bee Favorite, Bees and other pollinators, Borers, Container garden, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Fertilizing plants, Flower arrangments, Flowers, Heat Tolerance, Iris, Iris sibirica, Landscape ideas, mulching, Perennials, Planting tips, Propagation (dividing), Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Soil drainage, Soil pH, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer heat tolerant, watering iris, watering tips, Weed control, winter hardiness Comments Off on Easy To Care Siberian IrisGrowing Nasturtiums
Posted by Hugh on March 1st, 2019
Old-fashioned nasturtiums never lose their appeal, whether in the garden or as a garnish on a salad, or added to stir-fries, or favorite pasta dishes. Depending on the variety, some may be grown as climbers on fences and trellises or as bushy plants in a window boxes and containers. Around the world there are several […]
Posted in acidic soil, Bees and other pollinators, compost, Container garden, Culinary, Disease resistant, Disease resistant, Edible fruits, Fertilizing plants, Flowers, Heat Tolerance, Landscape ideas, mulching, Nasturtium, plant nutrition, Planting tips, Propagation (Seed), Purchasing Plants, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, watering tips, winter hardiness Comments Off on Growing Nasturtiums
