Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a U.S. native and it offers four seasons of landscape beauty. (USDA hardiness zones 5-9). Typically, oakleafs grow 10-12 feet tall deciduous shrubs that are broad-rounded, suckering, and multi-stemmed. In the wild, if left unpruned, shrubs reach over 20 feet in height and spread. I have selected five compact growers […]
Archive for the ‘Leaf/needle spots’ Category
Swamp Hibiscus
Swamp hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus), aka scarlet rose mallow, is a hardy perennial plant that grows in swamps, marches and roadside ditches in the Southeastern U.S. (USDA hardiness zones 5-9). It can grow 6 to 8 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. Its 5- to 6-inch-long leaves are palmately lobed into 3, 5, or 7 parts. […]
2023 Triple Crown Winner: ‘American Gold Rush’ Black-eyed Susan
For 2023, three leading organizations, All-America Selections, National Garden Bureau and Perennial Plant Association, have awarded a cultivar of black-eyed Susan their highest plant award in the U.S. For the U.S plant Industry this is the first time ever. Currently, garden interest in rudbeckias is at an all-time high. All-America Selections judges evaluated ‘American Gold […]
Coast Leucothoe a Better Choice
Compared to other doghobble species, coast leucothoe or doghobble (Leucothoe axillaris) is a best choice for Southern U.S. landscapes (USDA zones 6 -9). This species is native to open woodland areas of the Southeastern U.S. The species grows along woodland slopes usually nearby a water source. However, its roots do not tolerate perennially damp ground. Doghobbles are […]
Short Forms Of Cryptomerias
Japanese cedar, aka Sugi or Cryptomeria, (Cryptomeria japonica) is the national tree of Japan and also flourishes in China (USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8). It is one of the most variable conifers ranging from very dwarf rounded shrubs to large tree forms with golden or contorted leaves. It tolerates hot humid summers and prefers […]
Monkey Puzzle Tree
Monkey puzzle tree or Chilian pine (Araucaria araucana) is an evergreen conifer that is indigenous to forested volcanic slopes in the Andes Mountains in Chile and Argentina (USDA Zone 7b-11). It is the national tree of Chile. It typically grows 60-70 feet tall and 30-35 feet wide, but frequently reaches 100 feet or more in height […]
Fill Summer Flower Beds With Annual Rudbeckias
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a native wildflower. Annual or biennial forms are also called gloriosa daisy and brown-eyed Susan. In recent years public urban gardens are growing annual types. From summer into early autumn, brown-eyed Susans produce showy daisy-like blossoms up to 3-inches across with light or deep yellow rays and brownish-purple centers (“buttons”). Their cut flowers will decorate households. This coarse weedy […]
Don’t Totally Dislike All Box Elder Trees
Box elder (Acer negundo) is a native fast-growing and suckering medium-sized tree (USDA hardiness zones 4b-8). Branches are weak wooded and easily damaged in wind and ice storms. Box elder grows almost anywhere in any average soil, medium to wet, and in full sun. The species fails on a shady site. This weedy maple is […]