Japanese cornel (Cornus officinalis) is a tall shrub or small tree dogwood which matures to 20-25 feet in height and 15 feet in width. ‘Sunsphere’ Japanese cornel was discovered by Mike Stansberry, owner of Beaver Creek Nursery in Knoxville, TN. Japanese cornel is the official start of spring in my garden, even though the calendar reads late […]
Archive for the ‘Flowering’ Category
‘Sunsphere’ Japanese Cornel
Posted by Hugh on February 24th, 2011
Posted in Disease resistant, Flowering, Southern Appalachian Region, Trees & Shrubs 
Tags: 'World's Fair cornelian cherry 
Comments Off on ‘Sunsphere’ Japanese CornelEdgeworthia Deserves A Try
Posted by Hugh on February 21st, 2011
Edgeworthia flowering in March garden First, I must thank South Carolina nurseryman, Mr. Ted Stephens, who gifted me a Chinese paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha) nearly 6 years ago. Most plant authorities rate its winter hardiness to USDA zones 7 and 8. It struggled through its first winter and spring in my zone 6-b garden, but has never disappointed. […]
Posted in compact shrub, Disease resistant, Edgeworthia, Flowering, Southern Appalachian Region, Trees & Shrubs, Winter Protection Tags: Edgeworthia Comments Off on Edgeworthia Deserves A TryOpening Show in February- The Witchhazels
Posted by Hugh on February 15th, 2011
First, not to confuse you, our North American native witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana) blooms in the fall. Our native vernal witchhazel (H. vernalis) has been flowering for the past few weeks. In February, the showiest witchhazels are opening now – species from China, Korea and Japan. Two of the very best are a Chinese species/cultivar called […]
Posted in acidic soil, Bees and other pollinators, Chinese witchhazel, Disease resistant, Fertilizing plants, Flowering, Garden Maintenance, Landscape ideas, mulching, Planting tips, Propagation (Cuttings), Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Southern Appalachian Region, Trees & Shrubs, Wildlife attractant, Winter flowering, winter hardiness Tags: Alberta spruce, Chinese witchhazel Comments Off on Opening Show in February- The WitchhazelsTwo Sensational New Oakleaf Hydrangeas
Posted by Hugh on January 24th, 2011
Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a popular native shrub in the Southeastern U.S. (USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8). Two new compact forms of oakleaf hydrangea were recently introduced by the U.S. National Arboretum. In early summer, ‘Ruby Slippers’ is covered with 9-inch-long floral clusters that are held upright above the foliage. ‘Ruby Slippers’ grows […]
Hardy Camellias — start with this one!
Posted by Hugh on January 4th, 2011
Occasionally, gardeners need abit of confidence before purchasing a plant considered not winter hardy where they live. Twenty years ago, growing a camellia was a folly inside the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7), until the Drs. Ackerman and Parks’ introductions appeared. These hardy cultivars have changed the playing field. Recently, I asked some local camellia “experts” what one favorite cultivar gardeners […]
Posted in Camellia, Flowering, Trees & Shrubs Comments Off on Hardy Camellias — start with this one!December Garden Classic – Prague Viburnum
Posted by Hugh on December 7th, 2010
Garden Classics: a monthly retrospective featuring a singular plant species either under-planted or relatively unknown to gardeners living in the Southern Appalachian Region. Prague viburnum (Viburnum x pragense) is a lovely evergreen shrub, which combines all the best traits of its parents (V. rhytidophyllum and V. utile). It is winter hardy throughout the Southern Appalachian region […]
Posted in Flowering, Flowers, Trees & Shrubs, Uncategorized Tags: Viburnum Comments Off on December Garden Classic – Prague ViburnumDoghobble for Shady Landscape Areas
Posted by Hugh on November 11th, 2010
Drooping doghobble or fetterbush (Leucothoe fontanesiana) is native to woodland areas in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7). Doghobble is a tall ground cover, averaging 3 – 4 feet in height. The long gently arching evergreen branches display a rambling nature, best reined in with hand pruning as needed. White fragrant flowers, […]
Hardy Camellias Re-Awaken the Autumn Season
Posted by Hugh on November 1st, 2010
‘Winter Star’ camellia (pale pink- photo on left) is the first camellia to bloom in the Conlon garden this fall season. My 8 year-old camellia has 50 or more flowers currently opened and promises to continue blooming through most of November. Other hardy fall blooming cultivars are heavily budded and will open thru mid- December, weather permitting. A few […]
Posted in Camellia, Flowering, plant nutrition, Pruning Comments Off on Hardy Camellias Re-Awaken the Autumn SeasonHardy Camellias for Southern Appalachian Region
Posted by Hugh on September 10th, 2010
Several camellias bloom reliably either in the fall and or early spring in most areas of Tennessee within USDA hardiness zone 6. In the colder higher elevations above 2000 feet, hardy camellias require some additional shelter to successfully bloom over 6 – 8 weeks. Flower colors range from white, many shades of pink, and red. […]
Posted in acidic soil, Camellia, Evergreens, Featured, Fertilizing plants, Flowering, Regional, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, watering tips, Winter flowering Tags: Camellia Comments Off on Hardy Camellias for Southern Appalachian RegionWinterizing Your Garden
Posted by Hugh on September 8th, 2010
Winterizing Your Garden Garden Tools and Equipment Maintenance Clean tools and coat with oil to prevent rust. Scrape off all dirt with a wire brush or steel wool. Store all tools off the ground in a dry spot. Sharpen and lubricate all pruning tools. Drain water from hoses and irrigation equipment. Disconnect all hoses and […]
Posted in Camellia, Flowering, Garden Maintenance, Trees & Shrubs Comments Off on Winterizing Your Garden
