Archive for the ‘Heat Tolerance’ Category

Stunning Fall Color of Golden Larch

Golden larch (Pseudolarix amabilis) is a rare find in U.S. landscapes. This deciduous conifer is native to eastern China. It is not a true larch (Larix spp.) and is relatively under-planted in the U.S.  Golden larch appears to prosper in warm humid areas and should flourish in the southeast U.S. (USDA hardiness zone 6). Golden […]

Decorate With Fall Mums

Dendranthemums (mums) are favorite plants for outdoor decorating in the autumn season. Fall mums come in a variety of colors from white, yellow, pink, orange, red, bronze, and purple. Blooms attract numerous bees and butterflies. Plant heights vary, depending on the degree that the greenhouse grower has sheared or sprayed (with growth retardants) the mums. As perennials, mums are […]

Muhly Grass Pink Color Emblazens The Autumn Season

For most of the season Muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) grows pretty much unnoticed. Muhly exhibits a semi- erect growth habit, 3-4 feet in height and 3-4 feet in spread.  Walking past a pink billowy inflorescences of Muhly on a brisk sunny October morning is nothing short of “wow”. For 10- 12 weeks, from early September thru late November, a pink haze arises […]

Leyland Cypress For Fast Growing Evergreen Privacy

Leyland Cypress Leyland cypress (xCupressocyparis x leylandii) is winter hardy in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7). It is frequently regarded as “the” conifer for Southern states. Its growth rate, compared to other evergreen conifers, is horrendously fast, with young established plants growing 3 feet or more annually. A young 2-3 foot specimen may reach […]

This Korean Maple Deserves To Be Planted More

Ullung-do Island Korean maple (Acer pseudosieboldianum ‘Takeshimense’) is a small deciduous tree which will grow to be 20 -25 feet tall tree, with a spread of 15-18 feet. It tends to branch low to the ground. It originates from the Ullung-do Island in the sea of China. Korean maple is one of the best maples […]

‘Northwind’ Switchgrass Is Environmentally Tough and Beautiful

  Young Clump of ‘Northwind’ Switchgrass Northwind switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’) is a medium sized 5 to 6 feet tall ornamental grass. This tall native prairie grass grows best in full sunlight for most of the day. Its tight narrow posture seems to fall apart in shade. There are many good switchgrass varieties. Northwind makes […]

Winter Hardiness of Crape Myrtles

If you garden in USDA zone 6, certain crape myrtle cultivars are rated as reliably winter hardy perennials. Most dependable are the U.S. National Arboretum cultivars released starting in the 1980’s to date. Each one is named for an Indian tribe. Most of the National Arboretum cultivars are selected for cold hardiness as well as for disease and insect resistance.  Among the […]

Fall In Love With Sweetheart Tree

The late J.C. Raulston introduced euscaphus tree (Euscaphus japonica) to gardeners in the 1980’s. Tennessee nurseryman Don Shadow is credited with naming it “Korean sweetheart tree” which has become its more popular name. It is reliably winter hardy to USDA zone 6-b. Sweetheart tree is a small 15-20 foot tree or large shrub. The pinnately compound foliage is […]

Strong Vertical Presence of Serbian Spruce

  Serbian spruce (Picea omorika) rises as a tall spire in the urban landscape. A mature tree may reach 50 to 60 feet high and it creates a narrow footprint of 15 to 25 feet wide. Lateral branches uniquely bend downward while the growing tips sweep gracefully upward. Annual growth rate is slow at 12-15 inches. Two-thirds of the short dark green needles lay […]

Common Ditch Lilies

A native of eastern Asia, tawny daylilies (Hemerocallis fulva) are often called “ditch lilies”. You see them growing along roadsides, in back alleys, and in old gardens, often in very poor soil. Their tenacious root system helps to stabilize steep slopes. They seem to thrive in places too difficult for most plants. They’re grow so easily […]