Empress tree (Paulownia tomentosa) is a fast-growing shade tree, in some years adding 4-5 feet of new growth annually. In general, this tree is not recommended for planting in landscapes. This is a weedy and messy tree and is listed as an invasive species in many states. Paulownia eventually to reach heights of 40-50 feet […]
Archive for the ‘Non-native’ Category
Plant Empress Tree Along Roadsides
Posted by Hugh on April 14th, 2025
Posted in acidic soil, Attracting birds, Attracting Butterflies, Bees and other pollinators, Deciduous, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Heat Tolerance, Invasive species, Landscape ideas, mulching, Non-native, Paulownia (Empress tree), Planting tips, Propagation (Seed), Purchasing Plants, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, Weak branching, Weak wooded, winter hardiness 
No Comments »Patio Peach
Posted by Hugh on April 7th, 2025
For small garden spaces, including large containers, patio peach (Prunus persica) is a gem. This miniature tree bears long narrow lush green (or reddish) foliage. Site selection is crucial to ward off potential disease and insect problems. In the mood for tasty peach cobbler? Patio peach is a genetic dwarf and may be grown in a large container on […]
Posted in acidic soil, Aphids, Attracting birds, Attracting Butterflies, Bees and other pollinators, Borers, Container garden, Deciduous, Dwarf peach, Fertilizing plants, Landscape ideas, mulching, Non-native, Ornamental fruit, Peach, Planting tips, Propagation(grafting), Pruning, rabbit damage, Scale, Soil pH, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, watering tips, Wildlife attractant, Wind protection, winter hardiness No Comments »Fountain Grass
Posted by Hugh on March 24th, 2025
Fountain grasses (P. alopecuroides) are perennial warm season grasses that are native to meadows and open woods of Eastern Asia (mainly China and Japan) and Western Australia. Cultivars hardiness ranges from zone 4 (5) – 10. These ornamental grasses have finely textured deep green foliage and elegant form. Leaves and flower spikes sway in the breeze, […]
Posted in acidic soil, alkaline soil, Attracting birds, Autumn flowering, Bees and other pollinators, Container garden, Deciduous, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Environmental Conservation, Fertilizing plants, Fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides)), Landscape ideas, Non-native, Perennials, Propagation (dividing), Purchasing Plants, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, winter hardiness No Comments »Clematis Care Notes
Posted by Hugh on March 17th, 2025
Clematis are popular flowering vines that come in various species and varieties, some of which are U.S. natives. They can be woody, deciduous vines or shrubs, and bloom in different seasons. Clematis vines produce spectacular flowers in shades of purple, pink, red, and white. Many clematis are vigorous growers and can reach 18 -20 feet tall. […]
Posted in acidic soil, Attracting birds, Bees and other pollinators, Butterflies, Clematis, Deciduous, Landscape ideas, mulching, Native Plant, Non-native, Perennials, plant nutrition, Planting tips, Propagation (Cuttings), Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Staking, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Vine, watering tips, winter hardiness Comments Off on Clematis Care NotesThree Fun Bulbs In The Late Winter Garden
Posted by Hugh on March 6th, 2025
Three charming bulbous late winter bloomers add much-needed color to the garden at a time when most other plants are dormant. Reticulated iris (Iris reticulata), called dwarf iris by many, is native to parts of Russia, Iran, and central Asia. This small vibrant Iris awakens in many gardens towards the end of winter. Its pre-spring […]
Posted in acidic soil, Bees and other pollinators, Container garden, Deciduous, Deer resistant, Disease resistant, Dwarf (reticulate) iris, Fertilizing plants, Flower Arranging, Fragrant, Iris, Landscape ideas, mulching, Non-native, Perennials, Planting tips, Propagation (Seed), Purchasing Plants, Snowdrops (Galanthus), Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Winter aconite (Eranthis), Winter flowering, winter hardiness Comments Off on Three Fun Bulbs In The Late Winter GardenEarth Stars (Cryptanthus)
Posted by Hugh on February 18th, 2025
Cryptanthus bromeliads are more commonly known as “Earth Stars” and “Starfish plant”, a name they received because of the shape of their foliage. These mostly tropical plants are found in humid forested areas. Over 1,200 different varieties are cataloged worldwide and make great terrarium plants. Many flaunt beautiful foliage ranging from dark green, bright reds, […]
Posted in acidic soil, Bromeliads, Container garden, Cryptanthus, Fertilizing plants, Ground cover, Humidity, Interior (house) Plants, Landscape ideas, Non-native, Planting tips, Potting Mix, Propagation (dividing), Purchasing Plants, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer heat tolerant, watering tips, winter hardiness Comments Off on Earth Stars (Cryptanthus)Snake Plant – Ideal House Plant For Home & Office
Posted by Hugh on February 14th, 2025
Snake plants, aka mother-in-law plant, mother-in-law’s tongue, (Sansevieria trifasciata) are one of the most popular houseplants. (USDA hardiness zones 9-11). Native to Africa, the Asian subcontinent, and Madagascar, these hard to kill plants are beloved for their architectural shape, tolerate neglect, and filter stale room air (NASA study). Snake plants are remarkably drought- and low […]
Posted in acidic soil, Aphids, Drought tolerant, Evergreen, Fertilizing plants, Fragrant, Interior (house) Plants, Mites, Non-native, Propagation (Cuttings), Propagation (dividing), Purchasing Plants, Scale, Snake plant (Sanservieria), Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer heat tolerant, Tropical Plants (non-hardy) Comments Off on Snake Plant – Ideal House Plant For Home & OfficeChinese Paperbush (Edgeworthia)
Posted by Hugh on February 10th, 2025
If you garden in winter hardiness zones USDA zones 7 -10, Chinese paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha) should be a must-have winter flowering shrub. In my zone 6-b garden, my shrub struggled through its first winter and spring, but paperbush has never disappointed over its past 20 + years. A few gardeners living near me are also […]
Posted in acidic soil, Bees and other pollinators, compact tree, Deciduous, Disease resistant, Edgeworthia, Fragrant, Landscape ideas, mulching, Non-native, Planting tips, Propagation (Cuttings), Purchasing Plants, Small landscape tree, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, watering tips, Winter flowering, Winter Garden Interest, winter hardiness, Winter Protection Comments Off on Chinese Paperbush (Edgeworthia)Slipper Orchids (Paphiopedilum)
Posted by Hugh on January 28th, 2025
Slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum spp.) are a type of terrestrial orchid known for their pouch-shaped petals that resemble a dainty slipper. Paphs are low light tropicals. Unlike epiphytic orchids, which grow in trees in the humid tropics, these orchids grow on the floor of forests in their native Southeastern Asia. Paphs are relatively easy to grow […]
Posted in acidic soil, Bees and other pollinators, Disease resistant, Failure to Bloom, Fertilizing plants, Flowering house plant, Interior (house) Plants, Lady slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum), Landscape ideas, Mealy bugs, Non-native, Orchids, Planting tips, Potting Mix, Propagation (dividing), Pruning, Purchasing Plants, Repotting plants, Scale, Slugs, Soil drainage, Summer heat tolerant, Tropical Plants (non-hardy) Comments Off on Slipper Orchids (Paphiopedilum)2025 Hosta OF The Year: ‘Skywriter’
Posted by Hugh on January 26th, 2025
Hosta ‘Skywriter’ has been selected as the 2025 Hosta of the Year. by the American Hosta Growers Association. ‘Skywriter’ is a blue hosta with a semi-upright habit that shows off the white undersides of the leaves and the purple stems (scapes). (USDA Hardiness Zones 3 -8). It is a medium-sized hosta, that grows approximately 18 inches […]
Posted in acidic soil, Bees and other pollinators, compost, Container garden, Deciduous, Hosta, Landscape ideas, mulching, Non-native, Planting tips, Propagation (dividing), Purchasing Plants, rabbit damage, Rabbit/deer Protection, Shade Gardening, Slugs, Snails, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, watering tips, Wind protection, winter hardiness Comments Off on 2025 Hosta OF The Year: ‘Skywriter’
