American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), also called French mulberry, is a fast-growing deciduous shrub native to the southeastern U.S. It grows 4-6 feet tall and has an open branching form with arching branches. The genus name Callicarpa comes from Greek words meaning “beautiful fruit”. Starting in July, the plant bears clusters of small, pale pink flowers […]
Archive for the ‘Ornamental fruit’ Category
Why Newly Planted Trees Die
The loss or decline of a newly planted tree or shrub is usually a result of multiple factors. One of the worst mistakes is planting trees or shrubs too deeply – whether they are planted by a home gardener or a landscape professional. I’ve witnessed both. Surface roots are deprived of oxygen the deeper trees […]
Bigleaf Magnolia
Bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla) is a deciduous, native tree that reaches 30-40 feet tall. This unusual pyramidal tree magnolia is rarely found in the wild, inhabiting a few rich wooded areas in river valleys in the southeastern U.S. (USDA hardiness zones 5-8). With age, the tree develops a spreading rounded crown. Bigleaf magnolia is a […]
Japanese Cornel – Notable Cultivars
Starting in late February, Japanese cornel (C. officinalis) burst into bloom with clusters of yellow flowers (zones 5–8). Native to Japan, China, and Korea, this lovely small tree (or large shrub) is one of a few plants that is an early harbinger of spring. Here are notable cultivars: ‘Sunsphere’ grows 20-25 feet high and is an exceptional heavy bloomer with […]
Plants That Attract Birds To Your Property
Birds visit trees, shrubs, vines and perennials for five things: fruits (berries), sweet nectar (flowers), insects (particularly caterpillars), nuts and seeds, and shelter. This list is a compilation from the North Carolina and Tennessee chapters of the Audubon Society of ornamental plants common in the Southern Appalachian region. Trees and Shrubs Maples (Acer spp.) Downy […]
Growing Japanese Maples In Containers
Many slow-growing and compact cultivars of Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) and full moon forms (A. japonicum) grow for 3-5 years in containers. Japanese maples develop a decorative canopy, and their lacey foliage turns yellow, orange and/or red in autumn. Most Japanese maples perform well in partial to full day sunlight, but not in full shade. […]
Deciduous Holly For The Fall/Winter Landscape
While deciduous hollies (Ilex spp.) are well known among home gardeners, surprisingly few plant them (USDA hardiness zones 3-9 variable by species). In the fall, their branches and twigs are covered in bright red berries. Orange and yellow berried varieties are additional choices. Birds love them, too. Deciduous hollies do not have prickly leaves like […]