In several states rose of Sharon or altheas (Hibiscus syriacus) are classified as exotic (non-native) invasive shrubs (USDA hardiness zones 5-8). Their seedlings are invading U.S. woodlands. Plant breeders are now developing less invasive cultivars. The double-flowered altheas produce far fewer fertile seeds; stamens and pollen sacs are mostly embedded within the flower petals. Azurri Blue Satin® is […]
Archive for the ‘Trees & Shrubs’ Category
Less Invasive Rose Of Sharons (Altheas)
Posted by Hugh on April 12th, 2015
Posted in acidic soil, alkaline soil, Butterflies, compact tree, container shrub, Deer resistant, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Hibiscus syriacus, Hummingbird, Invasive species, Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, winter hardiness 
Comments Off on Less Invasive Rose Of Sharons (Altheas)Ground Nesting Bees Are Beneficial Pollinators
Posted by Hugh on April 10th, 2015
Spring signals the return of many species of birds and the bees to yards and gardens. In early spring increased activity by ground nesting bees cause alarm for many people; dirt pile nests start appearing in bare patches in the lawn. They are beneficial pollinators in the garden. Bees in the families Colletidae and Andrenidae represent the ground nesting […]
Posted in Bee Favorite, Flowering, Flowers, Ground nesting bees, Pollination needs, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Uncategorized, watering tips Comments Off on Ground Nesting Bees Are Beneficial PollinatorsMillion Bells (Calibrachoa)
Posted by Hugh on April 8th, 2015
Among gardeners “million bells” or “callies” are common names for calibrachoas (Calibrachoa x), spring-summer-fall flowering annuals; they’re closely relative of petunias (Petunia spp.). Low spreading plants are blanketed with small petunia-like flowers from spring until frost. Blooms hold up well to rain showers and do not need to be deadheaded. Plants are heat-tolerant and disease […]
Posted in acidic soil, Aphids, Autumn flowering, Bee Favorite, Butterflies, Calibrachoa (Million bells), Container growing, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Fertilizing plants, Flowers, Heat Tolerance, Hummingbird, mulching, Petunias, Planting tips, Pruning, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, watering tips Comments Off on Million Bells (Calibrachoa)‘Blizzard’ Pearlbush Is Superior Choice
Posted by Hugh on April 5th, 2015
Once upon a time pearlbush (Exochorda spp.) was a popular old-fashioned spring flowering shrub. Its flurry of white flowers followed forsythia in early spring bloom cycle (USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8, excel in 7 & 8). New on the garden scene is ‘Blizzard’ (E. x […]
Posted in acidic soil, Bee Favorite, compact shrub, Container growing, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Fertilizing plants, Heat Tolerance, Pearlbush (Exochorda), Planting tips, Propagation (Cuttings), Pruning, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, winter hardiness Comments Off on ‘Blizzard’ Pearlbush Is Superior Choice‘Cherokee Brave’– Outstanding “Red” Flowering Dogwood
Posted by Hugh on April 3rd, 2015
Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is the most beautiful of U.S. native flowering trees (USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9). It typically grows 15-30 feet tall, but larger forms are known. The tree is broadly-pyramidal at a young age, branching is low, and matures with a rounded canopy. Spring bloom time usually overlaps with redbud (Cercis […]
Posted in acidic soil, Attracting birds, Bee Favorite, Butterflies, compact tree, Disease resistant, Disease resistant, Dogwood (Cornus), Drought tolerant, mulching, Native Plant, Ornamental fruit, Planting tips, Powdery Mildew, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Trees & Shrubs, watering tips, Winter bark, winter hardiness Comments Off on ‘Cherokee Brave’– Outstanding “Red” Flowering DogwoodThe Forsythia Revolution
Posted by Hugh on March 29th, 2015
In most areas of the U.S., the golden yellow blossoms of forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia) signals that worst of winter weather is almost over (USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8). Over 2-3 weeks bright yellow flowers cover this easy to grow shrub. Priced at under $20, a good-sized forsythia […]
Posted in acidic soil, Aggressive grower, alkaline soil, Bee Favorite, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Forsythia, Green Privacy Screen, Planting tips, Privacy Screen, Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, Winter flowering, winter hardiness Comments Off on The Forsythia RevolutionFruit Gardening In Containers
Posted by Hugh on March 26th, 2015
Great packaging along with exciting breeding has ignited interest in growing small fruits in containers. In recent years the BrazelBerries™ fruits have become popular at garden centers. Brazelberries is the creation of the Brazelton family of Fall Creek Farm & Nursery, Inc. in Oregon, who have been propagating and growing berry plants since the 1970’s. Their […]
Posted in acidic soil, Aphids, Blueberries, Container growing, Disease resistant, Edible fruits, Fertilizing plants, Fruits & Vegetables, Planting tips, Propagation (Cuttings), Propagation (layering), Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Rabbit/deer Protection, Raspberries, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region Comments Off on Fruit Gardening In ContainersNew Redbuds With Striking Foliage Abound
Posted by Hugh on March 21st, 2015
Over the past decade Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) has undergone a real facelift. This native spring flowering tree can no longer be solely identified by its green heart-shaped leaves. New foliage color choices will decidedly catch your eye and win you over. With some reservations most redbud cultivars fall within USDA hardiness zones 5-9. […]
Posted in acidic soil, compact tree, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Heat Tolerance, Native Plant, Redbud, Southern Appalachian Region, Trees & Shrubs, winter hardiness Comments Off on New Redbuds With Striking Foliage AboundWhy Mophead Hydrangeas Do Not Bloom
Posted by Hugh on March 18th, 2015
The introduction of Endless Summer® hydrangeas in the 1990’s got gardeners excited about growing mophead hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) again. Mophead hydrangeas bloom both on old wood in the spring and again on new wood in mid-summer. Flowers have either a blue/pink color depending on the pH of the soil. Endless Summer hydrangeas bloomed […]
Posted in acidic soil, Failure to Bloom, Hydrangeas, Landscape ideas, plant nutrition, Planting tips, Pruning, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, watering hydrangeas, winter hardiness, Winter Protection Comments Off on Why Mophead Hydrangeas Do Not BloomOld-fashioned Star Magnolias Very Beautiful Start Of Spring
Posted by Hugh on March 15th, 2015
Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) is a multi-branched shrub or small tree which is native to Japan (USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8). This early flowering magnolia is noted for its compact form. A mature tree form grows 15 to 25 feet tall, 10 to 20 feet wide, and […]
Posted in acidic soil, compact tree, Disease resistant, Fragrant, Magnolia stellata, mulching, Planting tips, Pruning, Scale, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, Winter flowering, winter hardiness, winter injury Comments Off on Old-fashioned Star Magnolias Very Beautiful Start Of Spring
