Coneflowers (Echinacea spp) are immensely popular native flowering perennials prized for their summer floral beauty. Nine species of Echinacea are native in North America and are found primarily in the central and southeastern U.S. Additionally, some populations of Echinacea angustifolia extend from the U.S. northwards into southcentral Canada. Since the 1990s, a boom in Echinacea breeding has resulted in large numbers of new […]
Archive for the ‘Garden Maintenance’ Category
Eight Colorful Annuals Thrive In Shade
1. Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) are excellent shade plants, traditionally planted in hanging baskets and window boxes. Asparagus fern (Asparagus springeri) is also nice additions to shady areas. 2. Coleus (Solenostemon) are known for their colorful foliage is nice in a pot or around trees or shrubs. For moderately shady areas, select the Mosaic™ or Kong™ series. 3. Begonias […]
Snowdrops (Galanthus)
Snowdrops (Galanthus spp.) are one of the first of all spring flowers to bloom. Depending on the region, they appear in February and March, often while patches of snow is still blanketing the ground. Snowdrops belong in the small genus Galanthus, that contains approximately 20 species of bulbous perennial herbaceous plants in the family Amaryllidaceae. They are […]
Five Redbuds With Dynamite Seasonal Foliage
Here are five notable redbuds (Cercis canadensis) possessing colorful summer foliage. Of note, the first 3 of 5 varieties are the creation of noted plant breeder Dr. Dennis Werner of NC State University in Raleigh. Flame Thrower® has stunning eye-catching foliage color breakthrough in the world of redbuds. It is marketed as Eternal Flame® in Europe. […]
Bigleaf Magnolia
Bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) is a deciduous, native tree that reaches 30-40 feet tall. This unusual pyramidal tree magnolia is rarely found in the wild, inhabiting a few rich wooded areas in river valleys in the southeastern U.S. (USDA hardiness zones 5-8). With age, the tree develops a spreading rounded crown. Bigleaf magnolia is a […]
Hardy Zone 6 Camellias
In the Southern U.S., camellias are treasured for their showy flowers in the fall-winter landscape. Their glossy evergreen foliage looks great all year long. Hardy varieties are now available for zone 6 northern gardens (-10 to 0 °F). Essentially, gardeners can raise camellias in Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia and in most coastal cities along the East […]
Japanese Cornel – Notable Cultivars
Starting in late February, Japanese cornel (C. officinalis) burst into bloom with clusters of yellow flowers (zones 5–8). Native to Japan, China, and Korea, this lovely small tree (or large shrub) is one of a few plants that is an early harbinger of spring. Here are notable cultivars: ‘Sunsphere’ grows 20-25 feet high and is an exceptional heavy bloomer with […]
Eleven Popular Perennials In The U.S.
Today’s most popular perennials are ones asking for low maintenance and have few to no bug or disease problems. Cutflowers may be used in fresh cut and in dried arrangements. Coneflowers (Echinacea x) – native coneflowers are tough and pretty; flower colors: purple, white, orange, red, yellow. Compact coneflower series (16 to 30 inches tall): […]