Archive for the ‘Trees & Shrubs’ Category

Six Mini-Shrubs For Small Gardens

Many green thumbers and veteran senior gardeners have opted to grow in small garden beds. Here are six (6) small flowering shrubs that add lots of seasonal color from early spring to late summer. All six are easy to maintain; check the easy-care info at the end. Plants can also be grown in 12 inches […]

May Blooming Beauty Bush

Beauty Bush (Kolkwitzia amabilis) is closely related to two other flowering shrubs – Weigela and Diervilla – and belong in the honeysuckle family (USDA hardiness zones 4-8). It is primarily grown for its outstanding spring flowering in May. This deciduous shrub grows 6-10 feet tall with an arching, vase-shaped shrub habit. Beauty Bush is an old-fashioned shrub planted […]

False Spirea (Sorbaria)

Ural false spirea (Sorbaria sorbifolia) is a vigorous suckering deciduous shrub. It typically grows 5-10 feet tall and wide depending on variety and soil quality. (USDA hardiness zones 2 -7). False spirea has coarse leaf textured foliage that resembles mountain ash (Sorbus sp.), hence the scientific name. It is listed in the rose (Roseacea) family. Jungle-like […]

Chinese Fringe Flower

Chinese fringe flower, aka Loropetalum (Loropetalum chinense) is related to witchhazels (Hamamelis spp) and is native to China, Japan, and the Himalayas (USDA 7-10). In the southern U.S., fringe flower is usually evergreen or semi-evergreen, and is deciduous in 6b-7a. For those who garden in areas that occasionally are hit cold winter snaps, plant them […]

Red Buckeye – Delightful Small Flowering Tree

Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia), aka Firecracker Plant, is a southeastern U. S. native that is a large understory shrub or small tree.  A member of the Sapindaceae (maple) family, this lovely spring flowering beauty grows 15 to 25 feet tall in 30 years and is a perfect fit in small yards. It is native from […]

Stop The Chop

Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a species of small, beautiful tree native to Asia, and are popular in Southern U.S. gardens (USDA hardiness zones 6-9). Before planting a tree or shrub form, do your homework first. So many landscapes wind up with severe and senseless pruning. Crape myrtles wind up with weak shoots and poor […]

Growing Crapemyrtles In Containers

Gardeners who live in USDA zones 6 -10 can grow dwarf (shrubby) crapemyrtles either in the ground or in containers. In northern areas of the U.S., a few crape myrtle varieties are tender perennials and grown in containers. They’re overwintered in an unheated garage, shed or pots are dug into the ground. These dwarf varieties […]

‘Ogon’ Spirea Is A Standout

Spireas (Spiraea spp.) represent a large number of mostly non-native flowering landscape shrubs. Most are not U.S. natives, indigenous to China and Japan. Baby’s breath spirea (S. thunbergii) is also called Thunberg spirea and Breath of Spring spirea. It is a showy, graceful shrub that grows 3 to 5 feet high and wide with many […]

Blue Flowering Shrubs

Most associate the color BLUE with the sky, the sea, and an endless horizon. Blue colors evoke feelings of tranquility, calm, and a peaceful state of mind. “Blue Skies” brings out happiness and smiles in people, particularly after consecutive days of dreary weather. Contrarily, a blue mood may elicit feelings of sadness and depression. The […]

All About Flowering Quinces

Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa) is a deciduous shrub in the Rose (Rosaceae) family and related to apple and pear (Zones 5-9). It is native to China and is relatively easy to grow. Plant quince in moist, well-drained soil; it flowers best in full sun but is moderately shade tolerant. Feed quince shrubs annually in early […]