What Grows There :: Hugh Conlon, Horticulturalist, Garden Advisor, and Photographer

Creating A Tropical Look

Posted by Hugh on December 8th, 2022

Here are some ideas for designing a tropical landscape in your yard. Start with large leafy trees that are hardy in zones 6-7 include catalpa (Catalpa spp.), hickories (Carya spp.), some oaks (Quercus spp.), large leaf maple (Acer macrophylla), American sycamore (Platanus americana), American linden (Tilia americana), and Empress tree (Paulownia tomentosa). In zones 7-9 add Chinese parasol tree (Firmiana simplex), and in zones 8 -10 add Mexican sycamore (P. mexicana).

Enormous leaves of Paulownia (Empress tree) cutback

Big leaf magnolias are also tropical looking. These five underplanted magnolias are highly dependable trees in large landscapes — Bigleaf (Magnolia macrophylla), Ashe magnolia (M. ashei), (M. tripetala), and cucumber magnolia (M. accuminata). Four of five species are U.S. natives.

Large 20+ inch long leaves of *Magnolia macrophylla*

Have a small landscape? Cutback these young trees in late fall and new spring growth will sprout with much larger leaves and will not flower.

Hardy bananas (Musa basjoo) and angel trumpets (Brugmansia) thrive zone 7 hardy and in protected areas of zone 6b. Protect the roots and crowns with a winter blanket of mulch or pine needles. Both species dieback to the ground surface in fall.

GROW TROPICALS AS ANNUALS – Leafy tropical favorites such as papyrus (Cyperus papyrus), caricature plant (Graptophyllum pictum), elephant ears (Colocasia ‘Thailand Giant’), and variegated tapioca plant (Manihot esculenta ‘Variegata’) grow rapidly. Buy young vegetative plants to pre-started in a warm greenhouse @ minimum 60°F temps prior to safely planting outdoors when the frost threat has passed. Some of these tropical plants finish the growing season @ 4-8 feet high and wide and die off with the arrival of a wintry chill (USDA hardiness zones 9-11).

What’s New At Your Local Florist Shop

Posted by Hugh on December 1st, 2022

What’s New At Your Local Florist

Your local florist shop…that is often the first place you think of when gifting something green and flowery to an ailing friend. Besides the standard florist shops, most supermarkets contain a florist department. Check out the recently published USDA Floriculture Crops Report. It lists most of the potted plants and cutflowers available for purchase at florist shops.

Let’s start with the winter holiday gift giving market. Poinsettias are still the the most popular item, available in lots more colors and size categories, followed by kalanchoes, Christmas (Zygocactus) and Thanksgiving (Schlumbergia) cacti, cyclamen, and assorted tropical foliage, all wrapped in decorative ribbon and foil are popular. Shoppes are stocked during the Easter season and Mother’s Day with traditional items–lilies, florist azaleas, begonias, florist potted roses, and hydrangeas, plus spring flowering bulbs (tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, crocus and others).

In the orchid world moth orchids (Phalaenopsis), lady slipper (Paphiopedilum), Dendrobium, Cattleya, Oncidium, and others are available year-round. Next up are seasonal potted items such as spring flowering bulbs (tulips, hyacinths, lilies, daffodils, crocus and others), Easter lilies, combination planters, florist hydrangeas (non-hardy), tropical hibiscus, potted mums, begonias, and florist potted roses.

Other notables flowering plants, more seasonal in nature, are florist azaleas, gardenias, kalanchoe, Gerbera daisy, anthurium and cyclamen. Several potted crops are niches in the florist industry like African violets, cacti, sedums, and mini begonias. Summer sales are taking off with potted sunflower, regal pelargonium, primula and alstroemeria. Notable inventory items include some perennials — dianthus, lavender, salvia, and sedum.

Depending in what region of the country you live in, winter items may include cineraria, exacum, gloxinia, and streptocarpus (cape primrose), calceolaria, Christmas cherry and Christmas pepper, and Fuchsia have moved to the bedding/garden plant segment. Bromeliad, cacti, and succulents, and snake plants (Sansieveria) are now a part of the foliage plant segment.

The cut flower list has recently expanded. It already includes pompon mums, dahlias, gerbera daisies, gladioli, irises, orchids, peonies, roses, snapdragons, sunflowers and tulips, but lisianthus (Eustoma), aster, delphinium/larkspur, protea and wax flowers have been added.

Finally, miscellaneous florist items now include campanula, celosia, and ranunculus. Popular bedding plants also make decorative potted plants: calendula, crossandra, dianthus, gomphrena, ornamental oregano, osteospermum, torenia, and zinnias– complete with foil and bows for gift giving.

Protect Plants from Deer And Other Critters

Posted by Hugh on November 29th, 2022

In many suburban and urban areas, often to their detriment, deer are hungry to eat several of your landscape plants. No two gardens are alike, and deer may browse on different plants in your neighbor’s yard. You must employ your own plan (strategies) to protect landscape trees, shrubs, and perennials from deer foraging.

Fencing is the most effective barrier method to deter deer, but it can be costly. Steel and wooden fences should be at least 8 feet high. Alternative deer fences can be constructed of affordable rolls of plastic or wire mesh. Hungry deer may breach flexible barriers because they don’t like jumping into an area they can’t see.

Some municipalities have passed codes limiting fence heights to 5 feet which many deer will jump over. Choose fencing that is aesthetically pleasing, offers privacy, and can be customized to compliment your outdoor space and the architecture of your home.

There are several ready-made foliar repellents that deter deer and other critters because of their unpleasant odor or taste. However, repellents are only effective short-term and must be reapplied. The chemicals often wash off after heavy snow or rain. Purchase 2-3 different products as critters become accustomed to the same deterrent. Heed proper precautions when applying repellents. Follow the label directions and wear safety goggles and a mask when applying.

You should safeguard young trees and shrubs, particularly those planted over the past three years. Trees need to gain height, trunk caliber, and vigor. Small critters include rabbits, mice, voles, and other rodents. In winter, rodents may gnaw on the thin bark of young trees and shrubs; they love their sugary sap. Corrugated or plastic tree guards and wraps provide good winter relief but should be removed at the start of spring and reapplied in late fall. Otherwise, wood boring insects may nest year-round inside.

Individual tree guards made from biodegradable plastic mesh tubing or loose-fitting plastic sleeves, and chicken wire fencing are effective against rodent damage. In most situations, provide adequate protection to the lower 24 to 36 inches of the tree trunk. If necessary, remove snow buildup from the base of the tree to prevent critters from gnawing upper branches.

Bury the bottom 3 to 5 inches below the ground or pin the fencing with U-shaped anchor pins to prevent rabbits and rodents from burrowing under.

Large Bulbous Alliums

Posted by Hugh on November 21st, 2022

The huge ornamental ball-types flowering onions (Allium spp.) are standouts in the late spring/early summer garden (Zones 5-9). Bulbous alliums are both architectural and colorful wonders. Bulbs are planted in the fall.

Bulbous alliums require full sun for best growth. They make stunning garden borders, beds, and cottage gardens. They have a major visual impact when several are planted en masse. Alliums also tolerate a wide variety of soil and are drought tolerant.

They perform at their best in a soil that is humus-rich, well-drained, moist but not wet, and a porous sandy loam. Soil pH may be acidic, neutral, or alkaline. Ideally, alliums thrive organic rich sandy soil, but do well in clay soil with good drainage.

Let’s take a closer look at 8 popular bulbous allium (listed alphabetically):

Purple Sensation (A. aflatunense) is a crowd favorite (cost effective) for its deep blue, round ball shaped flowers that are small, star-shaped, and rich violet-lilac color. Flower stems grow to a height of 20 to 30 inches. Add to that their sturdy stalks arising the blue-green, strap-like, handsome leaves. The long-lasting blooms from late spring into early summer. As a cut flower, blooms can last for as long as 2 weeks!

Ambassador has large intense reddish purple softball size flowers on sturdy stems 3-4 feet tall.

Gladiator struts lilac-purple florets within softball-size flower heads on stems that stand 2-3 feet tall.

Globemaster (A. christophii and A. macleanii) grows 3- to 4-foot flower stalks that support large 8- to 10-inch diameter flower globes.

Mount Everest has baseball-size white flower-heads consisting of 50 or more flowers. Flower-heads are 5- 6 inches wide, and atop 3 feet tall sturdy stems. Its basal leaves are strap-shaped and grayish-green.

Star of Persia (A. cristophii) grows 24 inches in height, emerging from glaucous, strap-shaped basal leaves. Globular flower heads are rosy-violet in color and measure 8 inches across.

A. schubertii boasts huge globe-shaped 12-15 inch loose, spidery flowers, as many as 100 tiny star shaped flowers which are only 20 inches tall.

Drumstick Allium (A. sphaerocephalon) is a charming species which produces vibrant colored blooms; lime-green flowers gradually transition to crimson to reddish brown in color.

Allium blooms attract honeybees, butterflies and other pollinators depending on variety, select from white, pink, or purple ball-shaped flowers. Maybe best of all — they’re deer resistant.

I find the best selection of bulbous alliums at Brent and Becky’s Bulbs in Gloucester, VA. Visit their website: www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com

Purple Beautyberry

Posted by Hugh on November 14th, 2022

Purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma) is a compact, deciduous, woody shrub with showy ornamental fruits that may last long after the shrub has dropped its leaves in fall. Beautyberry is among the finest ornamental fruiting shrubs and easy to care for.

Purple beautyberry is a native of China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam and is in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Several other species of Callicarpa are found worldwide. (Zones 5-8). In cold USDA Zone 5 winters, stems may die back to the ground with new growth emerging from the shrub base in spring. Plant several for adequate cross-pollination and more numerous fruits.

Purple beautyberry with heavy fruit load

This Asian form typically grows 2 to 4 feet high and 4-5 feet wide. Beautyberry prefers full day sun to guarantee lots of flowers and fruits. Under too much shade, branches become leggy and less fruitful. Plant in well-drained soil and irrigate during seasonal dry spells. Beautyberry becomes quite drought tolerant after its initial planting year.

Clusters of pink to lavender flowers emerge in late spring and summer on new wood, followed by clusters of lilac-violet berries that ripen in September through October. In late winter or early spring prune to the desired shape and size. An alternative pruning step is to cut all stems back to 6 inches in late winter, particularly if winter has been unusually harsh.

Leaves are smaller, aligned closer together on branches and fine-textured compared to large coarse-leaved American specie (C. americana) — that is also taller-growing. Compact growing Asian beautyberry makes a better fit for growing in large patio containers.

When properly sited and cared for, disease and insect problems are rarely observed. Otherwise, fungal leaf spot, mildew, stem cankers, and black mold may become troublesome.

Beautyberry flowers attract bees and butterflies, and birds and small mammals are attracted to the fruits. It is also deer resistant.

Four of the Finest Cultivars:

‘Early Amethyst’ grows to 3-4 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide. Light pink flowers are followed by large clusters of bright, glossy, 1/8 inch wide, amethyst-purple fruits earlier (late August -November). Fruits often persist into winter and can be a prolific seeder (weedy?).

Pearl Glam™ (C. dichotoma x C. kwangtungensis) is an upright growing form with dark purple foliage and an early fruiting display. This compact plant grows to a mature height of 4 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide.

‘Issai’ grows to 2-3 feet high and bear lilac-violet fruits earlier.

‘Duet’ (f. albafructus) – 6 feet tall and wide deciduous shrub bearing medium green foliage with creamy yellow margins and an eye-catching display of pure white berries.

Caution: American beautyberry is a better choice in States that list C. dichotoma as invasive.

Poison Ivy

Posted by Hugh on November 4th, 2022

“Leaves of three, let it be”. Parents teach their young children about this green plant menace — Eastern poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). The plant is familiar to hikers and gardeners alike.

Poison ivy is native throughout the United States and much of southern Canada and can be found in a wide variety of places from woodlands, fence rows, roadsides, and home landscapes. Contact with any part of the plant- leaves, stems and roots can produce an insanely itchy rash or skin swellings that can be linger over 3-4 weeks.

In sunny areas poison ivy can appear as a bushy, erect or trailing landscape shrub or as a climbing vine in the woods. As a woodland vine, it can attach tree trunks and climb via aerial rootlets. Poison ivy contains a toxic oil called “urushiol” that causes a skin allergy (dermatitis) to most humans and some pets. Infection can occur from direct contact with the plant, indirect contact (e.g., dog, rake, or shoes) or from breathing smoke from a fire of plant material. Some humans seem to be immune.

As a woody shrub, it can reach 6 feet high and upwards of 60 to 100+ feet tall attached firmly by rootlets to trees, walls, or fences or trail along the ground. Birds, reptiles, deer, and amphibians can eat the plant and its berries and use the plant as shelter. A variety of insects feed on the flowers of poison ivy too – from beetles to flies, bees, wasps, ants, and butterflies.

Each compound leaf is arranged in groups of three. The middle leaflet is longer than the outer two. Their shape and size may vary from smooth, rounded edges to serrated edges to shallowly lobed edges. Poison ivy leaves are shiny and bright green in spring, green and less glossy by late summer, and turn red or reddish yellow in fall. Plant may be mistaken for Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia).

Virginia Creeper Mistaken for Poison Ivy

Poison ivy can be removed by either mechanical means– such as by repeated mowing or pulled with gloved hands. An alternative is to apply specific herbicides to freshly cut stumps (within 36 hours). Herbicides are most effective in late summer and multiple applications may be needed. Read and carefully follow the label as these chemicals are harmful to many nearby landscape and garden plants. Here is a short listing:

Roundup (Glyphosate) – kills poison ivy and many other herbaceous and woody weeds; shield nearby desired plants.
Weed-B-Gon (2, 4-D) – kills many broadleaf weeds including poison ivy but does not injure grass.
Spectracide Weed Stop (2, 4-D, MCPP, & Dicamba) – apply against broadleaf weeds; will not injure grasses.
Weedazol (Amitrole) – available in either liquid form or a wettable powder.

Do not burn poison ivy as the fumes are as toxic as the oils that get on skin. Also, avoid weed wacking. Wear work clothes that protect legs and arms and safety goggles over eyes. Launder all work clothes separately from other garments.
MT Cuba Center in Greenville, DE lists the benefits of poison ivy…more than 60 species of birds eat its fruit, and many pollinators frequent its blooms.

Heuchera ‘Melting Fire’

Posted by Hugh on October 28th, 2022

‘Melting Fire’ is a seed produced variety of heuchera (coral bells) from Kieft Seed, Inc., a division of Ball Hort. Seed-produced heucheras are something new as most current varieties were propagated from tissue culture. (USDA hardiness zones 4-8).

In mid-spring Melting Fire forms a low mound (clump), 8-10 inches tall and 10-12 inches wide. New leaves emerge deeply red. By early summer airy small white flowers open atop wiry red stems rising 16-18 inches high above the red foliage mound. The floral show typically lasts 4-8 weeks. As autumn temps turn cool, the mature foliage takes on a purple-red tint that lasts through most of winter.

Heuchera ‘Melting Fire’ (photo provided by Kieft Seed)

No pruning is needed other than removing any weather-beaten leaves in spring and clipping off old spent summer flowers. In southern regions (zones 7-8), heucheras may need afternoon shade protection. If plants get leggy or woody at the base, just lift them in early autumn or spring and replant with the crowns set deeper in the ground bed or container.

Heucheras are generally free of insect and disease problems. Good soil drainage and backup irrigation during dry spells keep coral bells in good shape. Provide a proper landscape environment to avoid pest problems: aphids, mealybugs, slugs, spider mites, thrips and whiteflies, along with disease issues such as powdery mildew, rust, and bacterial leaf spot. Clumps are often ignored by deer, and blooms are frequented by butterflies. Divide clumps every 3-4 years.

Melting Fire is easy to grow, best in partial shade to full shade and in compost-rich well-drained garden soil. In northern latitudes (zones 4-5), grow this tough vigorous variety in partial or full sun. Plant in rock gardens, front of annual or perennial borders, and along garden paths.

Abyssinian Red Banana

Posted by Hugh on October 18th, 2022

Ensete ventricosum is not true banana (Musa spp ); it does not sucker like bananas, so does not form large clumps over time. In their native environment in tropical Asia and Africa, plants may grow to 30 or more feet in height, but grow considerably shorter in containers or in cultivation.

Abyssinian Red Banana (Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelli’) is a tropical plant from East Africa that should spark up your landscape. (USDA hardiness zones 10-11). The cultivar ‘Maurelii’ flaunts huge attractive colorful leaves. Each leaf emerges with maroon-reddish hues and reddish leaf axils. With a maximum height between 7-10 feet, it is smaller in height than many Musa banana varieties.

Amend the soil if needed with 3 to 4 inches of compost or humus. Water generously over dry periods. Feed annually with a slow-release fertilizer like Osmocote™ or Nitricote™. An alternative nutrition program is monthly feeding with a water-soluble fertilizer like Miracle-Gro™ or Espoma™ during the spring and summer months.

‘Maurelii’ Ensete Banana at Cincinnati Zoo

Grow in full day sunlight in zones 5b thru 7 and partially shade in the afternoon in the deep South (zones 8-11). Sunlight is important for gorgeous leaf and petiole coloration. Plant performs best in a sandy, organic-rich, well-drained soil. Keep the plant well-mulched to conserve soil moisture. Bananas like lots of moisture. Trim leaves as needed to keep the plant attractive.

Move your Red Abyssinian Banana Tree indoors in fall if you live in a zone colder than Zone 8. Repot into fresh compost-rich potting media, trim back roots, and cut back leaves and petioles. Store in a cool spot around 40°F until spring.

Most likely, your Ensete or Musa plant was purchased from the garden center and originated from tissue culture. The plant is not likely to flower outdoors in zones 6 and 7, and the fruits are not edible.

Their flowers are absolutely incredible. They are very large, yellow-orange and indeed have a waxy feel. Grow with other tropicals like elephant ears (Colocasia and Alocasia), hibiscus, mandevillas, and allamandas.

Banana plants are vulnerable to pests including aphids, mealy bugs, scale and white flies. Avoid root rot issues with good pot and bed drainage.

Success With Succulents

Posted by Hugh on October 6th, 2022

Jade Plant (Crasssula)
Easter cactus

Succulents are beautiful, low maintenance plants that are popular among plant addicts who grow them outdoors and as indoor house plants. Most are indigenous to desert or dryland conditions. They hold water in their fleshy leaves, stems and roots. Overwatering succulent plants is their nemesis. Adequate soil drainage and light are of key importance. These plants are susceptible to root rot when sitting in moist soil too long.

Succulent Plant Collection (most plants are not cold hardy in winter)

Succulents come in a range of colors and shapes. Succulents don’t require much container space they can easily be placed into a small container or plant several in a wide shallow container or a dish garden. Arrange several plants in their own individual pots.

A typical potting mix for house plants and garden containers contains a good mix of coarse sand, perlite and organic materials. A good potting mix for succulent plants contains two-parts coarse sand or perlite, one-part organic material, and one-part garden soil.

When buying succulents, look for plants that show active growth. Avoid plants that are affected by diseases or pests, growth is spindly, or leaves are pale. Succulents love light, and a bright southern window is best for many. Move plants outdoors in spring after threat of frost injury has passed. In the fall, move plants indoors when temps drop into the low 40’s. In the spring, when moving plants outdoors, allow them to adjust to higher light and moderate temperature changes over several days.

Succulents are slow growing plants…so be patient. Use water-soluble house plant fertilizers such as Miracle-Gro®, Espoma®, or Jacks®. Play on the safe side by feeding plants at half the label rate every 4-6 weeks. Fertilize just once in winter as plants are usually resting during the cooler indoor environ. As plants approach spring, transplant most plants into larger pots.

Many succulent house plants are easily propagated by stem and/or leaf cuttings during the spring and summer months.

Popular Succulents (check U.S. hardiness zone for your area)

Indoor: Jade Plants (Crassula spp.), Aloe Plant (Aloe vera), Snake Plant (Sansevieria), Holiday cacti (Schlumbergii spp.), Hen and Chicks (Sempervivum), Crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii), Stonecrop, Assorted Kalanchoes, Aeonium, Ball Cacti.

Outdoor: Hen and Chicks (Sempervivum), Whale’s Tongue (Agave ovatifolia), Stonecrop (Sedum spurium), Echeveria, Pig’s ear (Cotyledon orbiculata).s

Three Standout Pfitzer Junipers

Posted by Hugh on October 6th, 2022

Pfitzer junipers (Juniperus x pfitzeriana) are standouts in the winter landscape (USDA hardiness zones 3-9). Many varieties are utilized as groundcovers. Pfitzers are easy care, low maintenance plants when properly sited in full sun and well drained. Around coastal areas, pfitzers are moderately resistant to salt injury.

Give pfitzers lots of space. Their plume-like evergreen branches spread widely from a central growing point and some corrective pruning may be necessary. From one year to the next, snip back an “offending” or wildly aberrant branch back to preserve its graceful feathery habit and symmetry.

Pfitzer junipers serve as stunning backdrops for low deciduous shrubs and perennials. Small trees ladened with colorful berries such as ‘Winter King’ hawthorn, crabapples, or deciduous hollies to list three) or the colorful bark of ‘Little King’ birch, ‘Sango Kaku’ coral bark Japanese maple, or select cultivars of crape myrtles. They serve as a lush backdrop for low growing evergreen hollies ladened with red or gold berries.

Three cultivars are highly rated:

‘Angelica Blue’ – a horizontal branching form that reaches 6 or 7 feet in height, but their width may be up to 10 feet.

‘Daub’s Frosted’ – a compact, low-spreading, evergreen with its two-toned foliage (blue green foliage frosted with yellow new growth at tips). New growth emerges yellow but matures to blue-green; grows 1-2 feet tall (almost ground-hugging) and 3-6 feet wide.

‘Gold Lace’ – lacy golden plume foliage that reach the center of the plant and intensify in fall and winter; this compact reaches 3 to 4 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide.

Scout (inspect) plants for bagworms that may damage the foliage when population numbers are allowed to get out of hand. Bt (Bacillus thuringensis) is a safe organic pesticide when used early in the attack.

Plan ahead. Pfitzer junipers are robust growers, particularly in the mid-South (TN, VA, NC, GA) where shrubs generally grow 20-30% bigger than what is described in most garden books. Around coastal areas, pfitzers are moderately resistant to salt injury. Pfitzer junipers live quite a long time.

Add snipped juniper branches to holiday wreaths, swags or table centerpieces.