Wild indigo or Baptisia (Baptisia spp.) are a wonderful group of U.S. native perennials (USDA hardiness zones 4-9). A few species have remained outside the gardening scene until recent years. Breeders are creating several hybrids that offer a grand color palette and superior plant form. Baptisia, belong to the Pea family, new growth emerges in […]
Archive for the ‘Drought tolerant’ Category
Double Take® Flowering Quince
D Flowering quince (Chaenomeles spp) is an early spring flowering shrub treasured for its brightly colored blooms (USDA hardiness zones 5-9). Old fashioned quince shrubs produced small amounts of fruits (quince) which were gathered and made into yummy jelly in the autumn kitchen. Old fashioned varieties often grew 10-12 feet tall shrubs and produced small sharp thorns which made […]
Redbuds With Awesome Summer Foliage
Native redbuds Cercis canadensis) is native to eastern and central North America (USDA hardiness zones 4-8). This small tree is a highly dependable small flowering tree. Redbud is typically a relatively short-lived tree, perhaps 20-30 years at best. Depending on variety, their lavender / pink/ white pea-like flowers emerge in early spring, usually a week […]
Smoketrees For Their Multi-Seasonal Appeal
Smoketree or smokebush (Cotinus coggygria) is a large shrub or small tree native from southern Europe to central China (USDA hardiness zones 5-8). Over time it typically matures to 10-15 feet high and wide. Depending on cultivar (see list below), smoketrees have oval leaves tinted in rich purple, gold, or green shades. Generally, they grow […]
‘Alleghany’ Viburnum – A Versatile Spring Flowering Shrub
Alleghany viburnum (Viburnum x rhytidophylloides ‘Alleghany’) is a hybrid cross between V. rhytidophyllum and V. lantana ‘Mohican’ (USDA hardiness zones 5-8). ‘Alleghany’ viburnum is rated a four season landscape shrub, with multiple year-round appeal including a durable semi-evergreen leathery foliage, dependable spring flowering, and showy fruits in fall and winter. This lovely spring flowering shrub grows 10-12 feet tall and […]
Some Conifers Don’t Like Summer Heat And Clay Soils
Most conifers are best grown in deep, moist, well-drained, acidic loamy soils and in full sun. In the deep South evergreen conifers are challenged by warm soils, poor soil drainage, and humidity. Humidity increases their susceptibility to diseases. Once established they are drought tolerant, but most fail in poorly drained wet soils. Many pine species […]
Care Of Rhododendrons
In the U.S., two species of rhododendrons, Catawa (Rhododendron catawbiensis) and Rosebay (R. maximum), are plentiful in the Appalachian Mountain region. Their roots feed in part on the rich humus material in the rocky mountain soils. Over time fallen leaves, twigs, and flower parts decay into additional humus. Humus improves soil aeration and drainage, yet […]
February Blooming Hybrid Witchhazels
Witchhazels (Hamamelis spp.) are somewhat coarse, loosely-branched, medium to large, deciduous shrubs that typically grow 12-20 feet tall. (USDA hardiness zones 5-8). They are particularly noted for their strapped shape, often fragrant, mid- to late winter flowers which appear before the spring leaves emerge. Five cultivars were selected by Mr. Tim Brotzman, an Ohio nurseryman […]