Archive for the ‘mulching’ Category

Vincas/Annual Periwinkle Thrive In Hot Summer Gardens

Annual vinca or periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), aka Madagascar vincas, is a summer flowering annual popular in Southern and Midwest gardens (USDA hardiness zones 9-11). Before setting out spring transplants, wait until soils have warmed up and all threats of frost have passed. The arrival of summer heat and humidity is when vincas bloom heaviest. Vincas […]

Wild Indigo (Hybrid Baptisias)

Wild indigo, false indigo, or Baptisia (Baptisia spp.) is a long-lived U.S. native perennial (USDA hardiness zones 4-9). Plants are deeply tap-rooted and will reward you for many years of multi-seasonal beauty. They’re sometimes mistaken for Carolina lupine (Thermopsis caroliniana). Modern day cultivars are hybrids of 8 Baptisia species. Top four species are purple (B. australis), lavender […]

Hardy Begonias

Hardy begonia (Begonia grandis) is an herbaceous perennial flowering plant native to Southern China, Japan, and Malaysia. It is a member of the Begonia (Begoniaceae) family (USDA hardiness zones 6-9). From summer into early fall, hardy begonia displays loose arching clusters of bright pink fragrant blooms. It is monoecious, e.g. both male and female flowers are […]

Princess Flower (Tibouchina)

Princess Flower, aka glory bush (Tibouchina urvilleana) and the lesser-known T. grandifolia are evergreen tropical shrubs and small trees native to Brazil (zones 9-11). In zone 8 plants often dieback to the ground in winter and come back if winter temps remain above freezing.  In the U.S. tibouchinas are primarily treated as garden annuals in […]

Chinese Pistache – Great Yard / Street Tree

Chinese pistache tree (Pistachia chinensis) is a small to medium size 25–40-foot landscape tree, an ideal size for a yard or street tree. Chinese pistache is native to China, Taiwan and the Philippines (USDA hardiness zones 6-9). It is related to the edible pistache nut tree (Pistachia vera). (Botanical family: Anacardiaceae). Foliage consists of pinnate compound, […]

Mayapples

Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) is a native herbaceous perennial wildflower that forms dense mats. It is an early spring riser in the shade garden (USDA hardiness zones 3-8). Mayapples are exceptionally hardy woodland plants found in most of eastern North America and as far south as the State of Texas. They’re typically found in colonies in open woodlands, […]

Plant Empress Tree Along Roadsides

Empress tree (Paulownia tomentosa) is a fast-growing shade tree, in some years adding 4-5 feet of new growth annually. In general, this tree is not recommended for planting in landscapes. This is a weedy and messy tree and is listed as an invasive species in many states. Paulownia eventually to reach heights of 40-50 feet […]

Oakleaf Hydrangeas

Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is an upright, broad-rounded, suckering, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub. In the wild oakleafs may grow 20 feet tall, but popular landscape cultivars typically grow 4-8 feet) tall. It is a wonderful shrub with multi-season interest. This Southeastern U.S. native shrub tolerates hot, humid weather and is not as winter hardy as some […]

Patio Peach

For small garden spaces, including large containers, patio peach (Prunus persica) is a gem. This miniature tree bears long narrow lush green (or reddish) foliage. Site selection is crucial to ward off potential disease and insect problems. In the mood for tasty peach cobbler? Patio peach is a genetic dwarf and may be grown in a large container on […]

Clematis Care Notes

Clematis are popular flowering vines that come in various species and varieties, some of which are U.S. natives. They can be woody, deciduous vines or shrubs, and bloom in different seasons. Clematis vines produce spectacular flowers in shades of purple, pink, red, and white. Many clematis are vigorous growers and can reach 18 -20 feet tall. […]