Angel trumpet (Brugmansia) is tropical plant native from Venezuela to Peru (USDA hardiness zones 7-b to 10). Plants are surprising hardy outdoors in zone 6-b in protected areas. This beautiful perennial/shrub, grown in tree form, reaches heights of 6-10 feet. It is a member of the Solanaceae family which includes tomato, potato, petunia, nicotiana and other great garden plants. They’re […]
Archive for the ‘Wind protection’ Category
Wet And Wonderful
Two outstanding summer flowering perennials are Rodgersia (two forms) and Ligularia. Both are grown for their broad foliage and showy flowers. They share one special need: consistent soil moisture through the spring and summer months. Don’t attempt to grow either one of these awesome plants unless their water needs will be satisfied. These plants prefer wet, boggy feet (roots). Rodgersias […]
Poinsettia Care
Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) have become a symbol of the Christmas and winter holiday season. Their colorful bracts (most people call them”flowers”) are actually modified leaves. The tiny “true” flowers are in the center of the bracts. Each year new poinsettia varieties hit the garden shops. In the mid-19th century, Joel R. Poinsett introduced the poinsettia […]
Best of The Oakleaf Hydrangeas (So Far)
More than 30 available oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) cultivars, you can select the perfect specimen to complement any size garden USDA hardiness zones 5 -9). Oakleaf hydrangea is a native plant that delights gardeners with four seasons of distinct features. In spring, oak-shaped leaves are followed by summer’s white-panicled flowers. When it sheds its colorful […]
Russian Arborvitae For Cool Areas Of The U.S.
Russian arborvitae and Siberian cypress (Microbiota decussata) is an underutilize ground cover (USDA hardiness zones 3-7). This tough juniper-like evergreen hails from Siberia and demonstrates exceptional cold hardiness to -40 ° F. In extreme northerly sites, the lacy evergreen foliage may turn complete brown in the dead of winter and re-sprout in spring. In the cool temps of […]
Spring Ephemerals
The cold dreary days of March have waned and many of our great Appalachian wildflowers have awakened. These plants are often referred to as “ephemerals” because they come up, bloom, and fade away in 6-9 weeks. They bloom in a shady woodland or garden environment before the deciduous tree canopy has completely leafed out. Their […]
Saucer Magnolias
Saucer magnolias (M. x soulangeana) are deciduous hybrid magnolias (M. denudata x M. liliiflora) as broad shrubs or small trees. They typically grow 20-30 feet in height and width. Saucer magnolias are often called tulip magnolias because of the shape of the colorful blooms. Flower colors range from white, pink, rose, purple, magenta, and burgundy. Flowers […]
Early Flowering Magnolias
If you live (and garden) in the northern climes of the U.S. and Canada, Magnolia ×loebneri Leonard Messel is an excellent choice of a flowering yard tree. It is a hybrid deciduous magnolia (M. kobus x M. stellata) (zones (4)5-9). Other similar crosses include ‘Ballerini’ and ‘Merrill’. Leonard Messel magnolia grows to 20-30 feet tall with a rounded crown. It is […]