In addition to foliage changes seen in landscape trees and shrubs, a select number of perennials contribute to the autumnal leaf colors. Here is a select list of popular perennials endeared for their autumnal foliage hues. Arkansas bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) – stunning golden foliage beginning in late September. Bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum) – geranium ground […]
Archive for the ‘Spring flowering’ Category
Coral honeysuckle
Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), aka trumpet honeysuckle, is a vigorous twining flowering vine that is primarily native to the southeastern U.S. (USDA hardiness zones 4 -8). Cultivars are available in shades of red, orange. and yellow. The colorful flowers appear in spring and summer, and colorful berries decorate in late summer and autumn. Invite hummingbirds […]
Fall Planting – Hyacinths
For over 400 years hyacinths have been popular spring-flowering bulbs, beloved for their colorful blooms and delightful floral fragrance. Modern day varieties are hybrids of a single species (Hyacinthus orientalis) that grows wild in Turkey, Syria, and other regions in the eastern Mediterranean. Over 50 cultivars are listed by Dutch growers. Centuries of breeding have […]
Lots of Choice With European Hornbeams
European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), aka ironwood and musclewood, is an underused tree that is an excellent urban street and park tree. (USDA hardiness zones 4-7). The tree develops a full, dense canopy and little maintenance requirements. The species typically grows 40-60 feet (less frequently to 80 feet) tall with a pyramidal to oval-rounded crown. Its dense […]
12 Plants With Silver Foliage
Silver King Artemisia (Artemisia ludoviciana ‘Silver King’) is an aggressive form with bushy, upright patch of fragrant silvery foliage and loose sprays of grey flowers in midsummer. Prune back hard after flowering to rejuvenate foliage. Deer and drought resistant. (z 3-7). Silver Mound Artemisia (Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’) – soft feathery leaves grow into compact, […]
Black Snakeroot (Bugbanes) For Woodland Beauty
The bugbanes (Actae spp.) represent a varied botanical genus. In my opinion, the most attractive and easy to grow perennial form is black cohosh or snakeroot (Actaea racemosa), formerly (Cimicifuga racemosa). It is a tall growing U.S woodland native (USDA hardiness zones 4 – 8). Bugbanes are beloved for their tall architectural floral spikes. Small, […]
Little Leaf Linden
Littleleaf linden Littleleaf linden (Tilia cordata) is highly praised as an excellent urban shade tree. The species reaches 60 to 70 feet tall and spread of 30 to 40 feet. The foliage tolerates several urban pollutants. This durable tree is often utilized as a street and park tree because of its environmental adaptability. Two year […]
Ashe Magnolia
Ashe magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla subsp. Ashei) is a small 10-20 feet tree with enormous leaf and flower sizes (zone (5)6-9). Anindividual white flower measures 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 in Tennessee. Many of the white […]
Mountain Laurels – A Native Shrub Many Gardeners Forget To Plant
Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is a U.S. native broadleaf evergreen shrub (USDA hardiness zone 5 – 7(8)). Whether you are hiking through area woodlands or driving through Biltmore Estates in Asheville, NC, flowering mountain laurels dominate the May-June landscape in Northeast Tennessee or Western North Carolina. Mature shrub sizes range from 5 feet (dwarf cultivars) […]