The ultra-fine soft foliage of Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima) will grab your interest. Just a slight breeze will create wave movement in your garden (USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10). It grows 1½ feet high (2 feet tall in flower) and 1½ to 2 feet in width. Mexican Feather Grass is a cool season […]
Archive for the ‘Disease resistant’ Category
Mexican Feather Grass
Posted by Hugh on November 21st, 2013
Posted in acidic soil, Aggressive grower, alkaline soil, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Invasive plant, Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella), Ornamental Grasses, Perennials, Pruning, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, watering tips, winter hardiness 
Comments Off on Mexican Feather GrassPyramidal Forms Of Cryptomeria
Posted by Hugh on November 19th, 2013
Cryptomeria, aka Japanese cedar, (Cryptomeria japonica) is an evergreen conifer native to China and Japan. It rated to be very long-lived (USDA hardiness zones 6 to 10). Some cultivars may be hardy in 5-b as well. There are many forms of cryptomerias, ranging from dwarf globe-shaped shrubs to narrow pyramidal trees. Needle foliage may be […]
Posted in acidic soil, Bagworms, Cryptomeria (Japanese cedar), Deer resistant, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Evergreens, Privacy Screen, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, winter hardiness Comments Off on Pyramidal Forms Of CryptomeriaChina Fir Deserves A Look
Posted by Hugh on November 9th, 2013
To begin, China fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) is not a true fir (genus: Abies). Branches are broadly pyramidal when young, and open up to become slightly pendulous as the tree ages. China fir grows broad at the base and spire-like on top. The tree often grows multi-stemmed to 75 feet in height and 20 to 30 […]
Posted in acidic soil, acidify soil, China fir (Cunninghamia), Disease resistant, Disease resistant, Evergreen, Planting tips, Pruning, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, Winter bark, winter hardiness, Winter Protection Comments Off on China Fir Deserves A LookThree New Spreading Junipers Waking Up Landscapes
Posted by Hugh on November 9th, 2013
In times past Chinese junipers (Juniperus chinensis) were popular foundation shrubs and ground cover (USDA hardiness zones 4-9). They were popular choices in sunny locations for erosion control and around seashore areas. Three exciting cultivars have arrived on the landscape scene and should bring junipers back in vogue. Angelica Blue Chinese juniper (J. chinensis ‘Angelica […]
Posted in acidic soil, alkaline soil, Bagworms, Deer resistant, Disease resistant, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Evergreen, Ground cover, Insect (Pest) Problems, Juniper, Planting tips, Pruning, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, watering evergreens, watering tips, Winter Garden Interest, winter hardiness Comments Off on Three New Spreading Junipers Waking Up LandscapesBurning Bush Turns Fire Engine Red In The Fall
Posted by Hugh on November 1st, 2013
Be cautioned from the start that planting dwarf burning bush (Euonymus alata var. compactus) in some states in the U.S. is prohibited. This deciduous shrub is known for its awesome fire engine red fall foliage color (USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8). In shady areas fall leaf color tends to be more pinkish. Fall leaf […]
Posted in acidic soil, Aggressive grower, Bee Favorite, Burning bush (Euonymus), compact shrub, Disease resistant, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Planting tips, Privacy Screen, Pruning, Scale, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, winter hardiness Comments Off on Burning Bush Turns Fire Engine Red In The FallInvite These “Bells” To Next Spring’s Garden Ball
Posted by Hugh on October 30th, 2013
Fall planting of many kinds of bulbs is a worthwhile long term investment of your time. Many bulbs (and corms) like daffodils and crocuses will naturalize where you plant them. They also bloom for long periods from late winter into spring. Bulbs bloom nice their first spring; flower heavier the second year; and multiply each […]
Posted in acidic soil, compost, Disease resistant, Flowering Bulb, Flowers, Perennials, Propagation (dividing), Southern Appalachian Region, Spanish bluebells, Spring flowering bulbs, Summer snowflake (Leucojum), winter hardiness Comments Off on Invite These “Bells” To Next Spring’s Garden BallWillow Oak Very Reliable As Street Or Park Tree
Posted by Hugh on October 28th, 2013
Willow oak (Quercus phellos) is medium to large, deciduous tree, part of the red oak group. It is noted for willow-like oak foliage and growth rate after a 2 year establishment period is moderate (USDA hardiness zones 5-9). Willow oak grows 50-75 feet tall and 30-35 feet wide with a rounded top or canopy. Young […]
Posted in acidic soil, Attracting birds, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Large Shade trees, mulching, Native Plant, Planting tips, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, Wildlife attractant, Willow oak (Quercus), winter hardiness Comments Off on Willow Oak Very Reliable As Street Or Park TreeBetter Red Fall Leaf Color On American Hornbeam
Posted by Hugh on October 21st, 2013
American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), aka ironwood or muscle wood, grows primarily in moist, slightly acidic soils along woodland rivers and streams (USDA hardiness zones 3-9). This native hornbeam adapts to either wet or dry ground as long as soil moisture drains adequately. It copes with tough urban conditions including on non-irrigated parking lots and on […]
Posted in acidic soil, American hornbeam, Attracting birds, compact tree, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Native Plant, Privacy Screen, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, Wildlife attractant, Winter bark, winter hardiness Comments Off on Better Red Fall Leaf Color On American HornbeamTiming Fall Leaf Color Of Red Maple Cultivars
Posted by Hugh on October 7th, 2013
Red maple (Acer rubrum) is one of the most popular large street and shade tree in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA hardiness zones 6 and 7). Most cultivars average 40-60 feet tall in height. Tiny red flowers burst open early, often before the official first day of spring. Flowers give way to reddish double winged […]
Posted in acidic soil, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Flowers, Heat Tolerance, Insect (Pest) Problems, Large Shade trees, Maples (Acer), Native Plant, Pruning, Southern Appalachian Region, Trees & Shrubs, Winter flowering Comments Off on Timing Fall Leaf Color Of Red Maple CultivarsPaperbark Maple Offers 4- Seasons Landscape Interest
Posted by Hugh on October 4th, 2013
In the winter some gardeners get excited about tree bark, particularly if you own a paperbark maple (Acer griseum). This small 25-30 foot tall tree has an upright spreading branching habit. The cinnamon-colored bark flakes off naturally in thin strips or chips. Horticulturists call this “exfoliating”. The sturdy branches are not prone to breakage […]
Posted in Acer griseum, acidic soil, compact tree, Disease resistant, Maples (Acer), mulching, Paperbark maple, Planting tips, Pruning, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Trees & Shrubs, Winter bark, winter hardiness Comments Off on Paperbark Maple Offers 4- Seasons Landscape Interest
