In several states rose of Sharon or altheas (Hibiscus syriacus) are classified as exotic (non-native) invasive shrubs (USDA hardiness zones 5-8). Their seedlings are invading U.S. woodlands. Plant breeders are now developing less invasive cultivars. The double-flowered altheas produce far fewer fertile seeds; stamens and pollen sacs are mostly embedded within the flower petals. Azurri Blue Satin® is […]
Archive for the ‘Disease resistant’ Category
Less Invasive Rose Of Sharons (Altheas)
Posted by Hugh on April 12th, 2015
Posted in acidic soil, alkaline soil, Butterflies, compact tree, container shrub, Deer resistant, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Hibiscus syriacus, Hummingbird, Invasive species, Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, winter hardiness 
Comments Off on Less Invasive Rose Of Sharons (Altheas)Million Bells (Calibrachoa)
Posted by Hugh on April 8th, 2015
Among gardeners “million bells” or “callies” are common names for calibrachoas (Calibrachoa x), spring-summer-fall flowering annuals; they’re closely relative of petunias (Petunia spp.). Low spreading plants are blanketed with small petunia-like flowers from spring until frost. Blooms hold up well to rain showers and do not need to be deadheaded. Plants are heat-tolerant and disease […]
Posted in acidic soil, Aphids, Autumn flowering, Bee Favorite, Butterflies, Calibrachoa (Million bells), Container growing, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Fertilizing plants, Flowers, Heat Tolerance, Hummingbird, mulching, Petunias, Planting tips, Pruning, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, watering tips Comments Off on Million Bells (Calibrachoa)‘Blizzard’ Pearlbush Is Superior Choice
Posted by Hugh on April 5th, 2015
Once upon a time pearlbush (Exochorda spp.) was a popular old-fashioned spring flowering shrub. Its flurry of white flowers followed forsythia in early spring bloom cycle (USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8, excel in 7 & 8). New on the garden scene is ‘Blizzard’ (E. x […]
Posted in acidic soil, Bee Favorite, compact shrub, Container growing, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Fertilizing plants, Heat Tolerance, Pearlbush (Exochorda), Planting tips, Propagation (Cuttings), Pruning, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, winter hardiness Comments Off on ‘Blizzard’ Pearlbush Is Superior Choice‘Cherokee Brave’– Outstanding “Red” Flowering Dogwood
Posted by Hugh on April 3rd, 2015
Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is the most beautiful of U.S. native flowering trees (USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9). It typically grows 15-30 feet tall, but larger forms are known. The tree is broadly-pyramidal at a young age, branching is low, and matures with a rounded canopy. Spring bloom time usually overlaps with redbud (Cercis […]
Posted in acidic soil, Attracting birds, Bee Favorite, Butterflies, compact tree, Disease resistant, Disease resistant, Dogwood (Cornus), Drought tolerant, mulching, Native Plant, Ornamental fruit, Planting tips, Powdery Mildew, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Trees & Shrubs, watering tips, Winter bark, winter hardiness Comments Off on ‘Cherokee Brave’– Outstanding “Red” Flowering DogwoodThe Forsythia Revolution
Posted by Hugh on March 29th, 2015
In most areas of the U.S., the golden yellow blossoms of forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia) signals that worst of winter weather is almost over (USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8). Over 2-3 weeks bright yellow flowers cover this easy to grow shrub. Priced at under $20, a good-sized forsythia […]
Posted in acidic soil, Aggressive grower, alkaline soil, Bee Favorite, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Forsythia, Green Privacy Screen, Planting tips, Privacy Screen, Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, Winter flowering, winter hardiness Comments Off on The Forsythia RevolutionFruit Gardening In Containers
Posted by Hugh on March 26th, 2015
Great packaging along with exciting breeding has ignited interest in growing small fruits in containers. In recent years the BrazelBerries™ fruits have become popular at garden centers. Brazelberries is the creation of the Brazelton family of Fall Creek Farm & Nursery, Inc. in Oregon, who have been propagating and growing berry plants since the 1970’s. Their […]
Posted in acidic soil, Aphids, Blueberries, Container growing, Disease resistant, Edible fruits, Fertilizing plants, Fruits & Vegetables, Planting tips, Propagation (Cuttings), Propagation (layering), Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Rabbit/deer Protection, Raspberries, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region Comments Off on Fruit Gardening In ContainersBetter Disease Resistance With Mountain Tomato Series
Posted by Hugh on March 24th, 2015
Tomatoes are attacked by several diseases and insects. Most serious diseases are early blight, spotted wilt virus (TSWV), fusarium wilt (FW), Stemphylium Gray Leaf Spot (St), Alternaria leaf spot (A), and root knot nematodes (N). Major insect problems are aphids, thrips, stink bugs, blister beetles, fruit worms, horn worms, leaf miners, fruit flies, and […]
Posted in Disease prone, Disease resistant, Disease resistant, Edible fruits, Fruits & Vegetables, Insect (Pest) Problems, Propagation (Seed), Purchasing Plants, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Tomato, Virus diseases, watering tips Comments Off on Better Disease Resistance With Mountain Tomato SeriesNew Redbuds With Striking Foliage Abound
Posted by Hugh on March 21st, 2015
Over the past decade Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) has undergone a real facelift. This native spring flowering tree can no longer be solely identified by its green heart-shaped leaves. New foliage color choices will decidedly catch your eye and win you over. With some reservations most redbud cultivars fall within USDA hardiness zones 5-9. […]
Posted in acidic soil, compact tree, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Heat Tolerance, Native Plant, Redbud, Southern Appalachian Region, Trees & Shrubs, winter hardiness Comments Off on New Redbuds With Striking Foliage AboundOld-fashioned Star Magnolias Very Beautiful Start Of Spring
Posted by Hugh on March 15th, 2015
Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) is a multi-branched shrub or small tree which is native to Japan (USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8). This early flowering magnolia is noted for its compact form. A mature tree form grows 15 to 25 feet tall, 10 to 20 feet wide, and […]
Posted in acidic soil, compact tree, Disease resistant, Fragrant, Magnolia stellata, mulching, Planting tips, Pruning, Scale, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, Winter flowering, winter hardiness, winter injury Comments Off on Old-fashioned Star Magnolias Very Beautiful Start Of SpringLittle Bluestem – Beautiful And Environmentally Correct
Posted by Hugh on March 12th, 2015
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) grows in old fields, meadows and prairies, and along roadsides across the United States and Eastern Canada (USDA hardiness zones 3-8). It forms dense clumps 2- 3 feet tall and 12 -18 inches wide. This warm season grass prefers a well-drained soil and […]
Posted in acidic soil, alkaline soil, Butterflies, Caterpillars, Deer resistant, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Fertilizing plants, Landscape ideas, Little Bluestem, Native Plant, Ornamental Grasses, Perennials, Planting tips, Propagation (dividing), Propagation (Seed), Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, watering tips, winter hardiness Comments Off on Little Bluestem – Beautiful And Environmentally Correct
