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 […]
Archive for the ‘Aggressive grower’ Category
Leyland Cypress For Fast Growing Evergreen Privacy
Posted by Hugh on September 9th, 2012
Posted in acidic soil, Aggressive grower, Disease prone, Evergreen, Evergreens, Green Privacy Screen, Heat Tolerance, Leyland cypress, Planting tips, Pruning, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer heat tolerant, watering tips 
Comments Off on Leyland Cypress For Fast Growing Evergreen PrivacyCommon Ditch Lilies
Posted by Hugh on August 14th, 2012
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 […]
Posted in acidic soil, Aggressive grower, alkaline soil, Bee Favorite, Butterflies, Daylilies, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Heat Tolerance, Hummingbird, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, watering tips Comments Off on Common Ditch LiliesOstrich Fern Likes It Moist And Cool
Posted by Hugh on August 6th, 2012
For sheer toughness ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) handles most landscape situations (USDA hardiness zones 2-7a). Ostrich fern is commonly seen growing naturally in cool moist river bottom soils, 3-5 feet in height and spreading aggressively. Roots have a clumping rhizomatous nature. The fronds grow upright with a slightly arching form, typically to 2-3 feet in […]
Posted in acidic soil, Aggressive grower, alkaline soil, Disease resistant, Foliage plant, Native Plant, Ostrich fern (Matteuccia), Perennials, Shade Gardening, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Uncategorized, watering tips, winter hardiness Comments Off on Ostrich Fern Likes It Moist And CoolSelecting The Right Ivy For Your Garden
Posted by Hugh on July 5th, 2012
Have you taken the “No Ivy Pledge”? I have not. In an effort to slow defections from growing ivy, the American Ivy Society has developed a list of non-invasive cultivars. It includes several dwarf English ivy cultivars (Hedera spp.). Add a little water and fertilizer and these mini-ivies do not miss a beat. Mini- ivies […]
Posted in Aggressive grower, Evergreens, Ivy (Hedera), Planting tips, Southern Appalachian Region, Vine, watering tips Comments Off on Selecting The Right Ivy For Your GardenFirethorns Make Good Utility Shrubs
Posted by Hugh on May 6th, 2012
Firethorn (Pyracantha spp.) is an old- fashion shrub that is making a comeback. Its white flowers makes a lovely presence in spring, followed by dark green leaves in summer, and bright orange or red fruits (berry clusters) in fall and winter. Firethorn tolerates close clipping and is often utilized as a short 6-8 foot tall privacy screen. White clusters […]
Posted in Aggressive grower, Evergreen, Firethorn (Pyracantha), Ornamental fruit, Planting tips, Pruning, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Staking, Trees & Shrubs, Uncategorized, Winter Garden Interest Comments Off on Firethorns Make Good Utility ShrubsExceptional Describes ‘Major Wheeler’ Climbing Honeysuckle
Posted by Hugh on April 25th, 2012
Climbing or coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is a native vine. It can be spotted growing on fence rows along roadsides and in woodlands from Connecticut to Nebraska, and south to Texas and Florida. ‘Major Wheeler’ is one of the better climbing honeysuckles noted for its non-stop production of bright red trumpet flowers and green mildew resistant foliage. Red […]
Posted in Aggressive grower, Butterflies, Climbing honeysuckle (Lonicera), Disease resistant, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Fertilizing plants, Heat Tolerance, Hummingbird, Native Plant, Pruning, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Staking, Summer flowering, Uncategorized, Vine Comments Off on Exceptional Describes ‘Major Wheeler’ Climbing HoneysuckleLeyland Cypress Too Big For Many Sites
Posted by Hugh on January 30th, 2012
Leyland cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii) grows into a 50 foot tall evergreen behemoth. What happens when the plants (in photo) get too close to the small deck(s)? Access to the deck from the stairs will become impossible as the evergreens swallow up the entire back yard. Looking out from the deck and windows from the home won’t be likely […]
Posted in Aggressive grower, Arborvitae (Thuja spp.), Disease prone, Evergreen, Green Privacy Screen, Insect (Pest) Problems, Landscape ideas, Planting tips, Southern Appalachian Region Comments Off on Leyland Cypress Too Big For Many SitesGrowing Elderberries in the Garden
Posted by Hugh on December 2nd, 2011
Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is native to eastern North America, commonly found growing in open fields, thickets, fence rows, and along roadsides. Elderberry has pinnate leaves with toothed leaflets. Large flat clusters of small white flowers are evident by early summer, followed by large clusters of round purple-black fruit in late summer and fall. The fruits are […]
Posted in acidic soil, Aggressive grower, Bee Favorite, Butterflies, compost, Disease prone, Elderberry (Sambucus), Fruits & Vegetables, Native Plant, Ornamental fruit, Pruning, Root suckering, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, watering tips Comments Off on Growing Elderberries in the GardenVirginia Creeper – A Question of Place
Posted by Hugh on October 10th, 2011
Autumn foliage color is upon us in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7). On a weekend drive through the Smoky Mountains, vivid red Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) foliage draped highway fences and tree branches. Virginia creeper foliage peaks 2 to 3 weeks ahead of most woodland trees and shrubs. Lots of gardeners […]
Posted in Aggressive grower, Native Plant, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Virginia creeper, winter hardiness Comments Off on Virginia Creeper – A Question of Place‘Diabolo’ Ninebark Has More Than 9 Lives
Posted by Hugh on October 7th, 2011
The cultivar Diabolo ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diabolo’) is an aggressive grower. A knowledgeable gardener with a sharp pair of pruners may quickly and easily train Diabolo ninebark into a small tree. Plant a ninebark tree in a large container for multi-seasonal color around your deck or patio. Its common plant name “ninebark” says a lot. […]
