Variegated Solomon’s Seal Designated 2013 Perennial Plant of the Year

Posted by Hugh on October 30th, 2012

Variegated Solomon's Seal in Virginia Tech's Hahn Gardens in Blacksburg

Variegated Solomon’s seal ( Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’) is one of the finest perennials for the shade or woodland garden. It is the Asian cousin of U.S. native Solomon seal (P. commutatum). Both species are long- lived garden inhabitants.

Variegated Solomon’s Seal handles 2-3 hours of direct morning sunlight in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA hardiness zones 6 and 7) if the soil is kept evenly moist. It grows 18 to 24 inches high and 3 to 4 feet wide in 10 years. As a groundcover it is not overly aggressive, so plan on 4-5 years for it to nicely colonize. It possesses good drought tolerance after a two year establishment interval.

Its creamy white bell-like flowers appear in spring  under each leaf axil. The pleasantly fragrant lily-like flowers lightly scent the early evening air in the late April and May garden.  

Its gently arching variegated foliage is its key landscape appeal. The 3-4 inch long olive green leaves are daintly edged in white. In the fall, the white margins turn pale yellow with the greenish hues persisting to mid- autumn. Foliage and stems die off naturally in late autumn requiring little cleanup.

Plant variegated Solomon’s Seal under the shade of large shrubs and trees in a moist, richly composted, well- drained woodland soil. Plant with other companion shade loving plants such as ferns, hostas, hardy ginger (Asarum), toadlily (Tricyrtis spp.), brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla), et al.

Disease and pest issues are rare. Slugs may be problematic if wet weather persists or plants are frequently irrigated overhead.

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‘Autumnalis’ Is Good Flowering Cherry, Perhaps Over-hyped

Posted by Hugh on October 27th, 2012

Fall Blooming 'Autumnalis' Cherry

Autumnalis cherry (Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’) is a long-lived, fast growing flowering cherry. This variety of higan cherry grows to medium size, 20-40 feet in height and 15-30 feet in spread.

Autumnalis produces a heavy bloom of semi-double pink flowers in spring and again, in sparse numbers in autumn (mid-October) in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA hardiness zones 6 and 7). Fall flowering trait is often over-hyped, equal to perhaps 5-8% of spring flower numbers. 

Fruits and fall foliage color add little ornamental landscape value. Pea sized black fruits ripen in early autumn and attract numerous birds who feed on the tiny morsels. Autumn foliage turns greenish yellow before abcising.

Higan cherry grows best  in full to partial (6 hours minimum) sunlight and in well-drained soils. It is exceptionally heat and cold hardy in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7). Compared to many cherries (Prunus spp.), Higan cherry is resistant to most serious disease problems. 

Be forewarned that Japanese beetles and tent caterpillars may devour summer foliage unless protected with the proper pesticides. Trunk and branch wood is typically reddish brown, covered with raised horizontal lines called “lenticels”. Gardeners often confuse lenticels for scale insects.

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Take Redtip Photinia Off Your Planting List

Posted by Hugh on October 24th, 2012

Mid-April Flowering of Photinia

Some 30-40 years ago redtip photinia (Photinia x fraseri) was commonly planted as a broadleaf evergreen hedge in the Southeast U.S. (USDA hardiness zones 6 -8).  This dense growing 15 foot tall and wide shrub sports firey red new leaves in spring and summer. The red leaf tint fades to green within a few weeks.

Many homeowners desire a  fast growing evergreen shrub when planting a hedge or screen between their neighbors and redtip photinia delivers. Its white flowers were not foul-smelling as other photinia species.

Photinias are great plants in many areas of the U.S., but not in the humid Northeast and Southeastern U.S. Redtip photinia is highly susceptible to Entomosporium leaf spot, a fungal disease. An almost weekly preventative spray program to protect the plant foliage all season long becomes costly and impractical.

Not all photinias are disease prone. Chinese photinia (P. serrulata) is leaf spot resistant. It grows taller at 20 feet in height and width, but lacks the red foliage color. Its flowers emit a foul odor in late March/early April.  Japanese photinia (P. glabra) is similar in shrub size and shape to redtip. Its  spring foliage color is bright red and blooms almost two weeks later in mid-April. However, Japanese photinia is susceptible to leaf spot.

Photinias handle average well-drained soils in full or partial sunlight. Planted in heavy shade, foliage density is less and more prone to disease. Overhead watering in dry summer periods results in higher disease outbreaks. Hedge or prune photinias in late winter or late summer when not actively growing.

Some alternative broadleaf evergreen shrubs include hollies (Ilex), cherry laurels (Prunus), gold dust shrubs (Aucuba), euonymus, mahonias, and nandinas.

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Pignut Hickory: What’s In A Name

Posted by Hugh on October 21st, 2012

Lovely Golden Yellow Fall Color of Pignut Hickory

Pignut hickory (Carya glabra) is a medium to large tree that you may fortunately inherit when purchasing property. Pignut deserves a better name like “smooth bark hickory”. The species is commonly found in upland forests.

Pignut hickory prefers fertile well-drained soil and in full sun to partial shade. A young seedling trees start off slowly from a large taproot. This also makes most hickory species difficult to transplant.  

Pignut hickory grows 50 to 60 feet high by 25 to 35 feet wide, consisting of a long straight trunk, ascending vase-shaped branching, and rounded canopy. The furrowed bark on the trunk is gray to grayish-brown which becomes moderately rough with age.

The alternate pinnately compound leaves are 8 to 12 inches long , commonly 5 leaflets, sometimes 7. The medium green summer foliage turns deep golden yellow color in the fall. Short drooping male catkins flowers appear in mid to late April in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7). Trees produce large 1½ to 2 inch long nuts which are bitter tasting. Many small mammals rely on the pignut hickory for food and shelter.

The wood is valued in furniture-making and in barbequing to capture the hickory flavor. While disease and pest problems are rarely serious, a number of butterfly larvae feed on its dense compound foliage in late summer.

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Minor Bulbs Get A Jump On Spring

Posted by Hugh on October 18th, 2012

Snowdrop (Galanthus) in early March

Companion bulbs, often called “minor bulbs”, are early signs that spring is coming. Three of the most reliable are snowdrops, winter aconites and Glory of the snow. They bloom before crocus.

Winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) returns with floral beauty less than three months after planting. Plants poke through the ground, grow and flower 3 to 6 inches high and wide. Bright yellow cup-shaped flowers appear in mid- to late winter. Green leaves emerge as the flowers begin to fade. All evidence of their presence disappears by late spring, when the bulbs go dormant.

Pure white, nodding, bell-like snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) often peak through the winter snow in February. Leafless 3-4 inch stems support individual flowers. Plants grow only 4-6 inches high with 2-3 strap-like leaves.

Glory-of-the-Snow (Chionodoxa forbesii) is so-named because, in northerly areas, their bright blue six-petalled flowers poke up through the snow in the winter. Bulbs and seeds often spread very aggressively.

Bulbs are planted 3-4 inches apart and 2-4 inches deep in the fall. Sow in large numbers for maximum flowering impact under trees and shrub and in perennial beds. They should receive full day winter sunlight. All three companion bulbs are critter proof, not bothered by deer and voles. All are hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3–7. They often naturalize and the planting can last a lifetime.

All companion bulbs prefer compost-rich soil that is well-drained and moderately moist. Before planting pre-soak the bulbs overnight to hasten germination.

Snowdrops, winter aconites, and Glory of the snow are native to southern and eastern Europe.

Winter aconite (Eranthis)

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Emerald Ash Borer And Others Are Spreading – Don’t Transport Firewood

Posted by Hugh on October 15th, 2012

 

Stack of Firewood

Moving firewood across county or state lines may also distribute serious insect pests hundreds of miles. For whatever reasons that the tree(s) were cut down in your yard, insects (including termites) may be hiding inside the logs. They may remain alive for a long time.

Over the past decade three serious exotic insect pests have been identified – emerald ash borer, Asian longhorn beetle, and walnut twig beetle. These insects continue to destroy stands of native trees in our forests and street/park trees in our urban areas. The firewood you cut down (or purchase) should not be transported miles away. Properly dispose of the wood where you live.

These three exotic pests and others are killing commercial timber acreage. Since their discovery quarantines forbidding the movement of specific wood products, such as firewood, have been established. However, the quarantine areas continue to expand every year. Legal shipping of logs via interstate highways is being checked. Camping sites, including those around major recreational or gathering areas are being inspected. This includes tailgate parties at NASCAR and football events.

Monitoring and control efforts for emerald ash borer, walnut twig beetle and other invasive pests continue. Please do your part in controlling the spread of these tree-killing pests by purchasing firewood at local campsites rather than transporting your own.

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Full Moon Japanese Maple Is Very Popular

Posted by Hugh on October 13th, 2012

 

Fall Color on Acer japonicum 'Acontifolium'

The term “full moon Japanese maple” may be confusing. There are actually three species and cultivars of Asian maples that are referred to as “full moon”. The most popular full moon cultivar planted in the Northeast and Southern Appalachian regions (USDA zones 5 thru 7) is Acer japonicum ‘Acontifolium’.

A. j. ‘Acontifolium’ is hardy as far north as Chicago, where it requires winter protection from nearby Lake Michigan (USDA hardiness zone 5). Winter protection is crucial in zone 5, and summer heat protection is key to successfully growing it in zone 7.

A. j. ‘Acontifolium’ grows as a small 15-30 foot tree or multi-stemmed large shrub. It exhibits a spreading or mounding form. During its early years you should stake up the leader to add greater plant height. Branches tend to nod slightly.

Small clusters of reddish purple flowers appear in early to mid- spring, followed by double-winged samaras (seeds). Palmate, almost fern-like green leaves are deeply divided into 9-11 toothed and cut lobes. The circular leaves turn orange to crimson red in the fall.

The soil should be moist and compost rich, planted in full sun in the North (zones 5 -6), and in partial shade in the South (zone 7). Protect against strong winds. Japanese maples are best pruned in summer and early autumn to reduce sap bleeding.

Fertilize in late winter before growth begins with granular 10-10-10  or equivalent. Irrigate shallow rooted Japanese maples during exceptionally long dry spells.

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Seven-Son Flower Is Flowering Again

Posted by Hugh on October 10th, 2012

Fall Flowering on Seven Son Flower

Back in bloom for a second time in two months! This is my way of describing seven-son flower (Heptacodium miconioides), a small 15-20 foot tree or large shrub from China.

Seven-son’s creamy white petals open in late August and finish up in early September. By late September, the petals have fallen, and the small green sepals (calyces) have expanded and turned pinkish red. Blooms are lightly fragrant if your nose is a few inches from the cluster. Numerous species of butterflies and bees are attracted to their scent.

Fall leaf color is non-existent over the drab greenish yellow heart shaped leaves in late October and November. The grayish or tan colored bark peels off in narrow strips to reveal an off-white inner wood.

Seven-son appears happiest in the north, growing in northern Ohio (USDA zone 5) as far south as Nashville, TN (zone 7).  The tree does not seem to handle the rollercoaster ups and downs in winter temperatures which we commonly experience in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7). By late winter, twigs and small diameter branches become heavily cankered, leading to serious dieback in the new spring growth.

Seven-son has a rambling growth habit from stem and root suckers which necessitates annual pruning. Otherwise, it makes a good patio tree so you may enjoy its twice flowering habit.

Plant in well drained soil and irrigate when summer drought period is severe.

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Don’t Forget The Sassafras

Posted by Hugh on October 7th, 2012

Sasafras Late Summer Foliage

A common woodland tree, sassafras (Sassafras albidum), aka mitten tree, is a small tree which grows 20 to 40 feet tall; some may top out at over 60 feet. Tree spread is two-thirds its height.  Sassafras’ mitten shaped leaves, are easy to identify with one, two or no lobes. All three leaf shapes may be found on the same tree, as seen in the above photo.

This member of the laurel family, sassafras also has aromatic foliage. Tear apart a leaf or crush the stem; you’ll smell the famous sassafras scent.  In colonial times sassafras roots and bark were important medicinal and cooking herbs. The leaves serve as larval food for swallowtail butterflies.

The tree prefers a sunny, moist, and well-drained site, and will tolerate light shade. Sassafras produces clusters of small yellow-green flowers in the spring before the leaves emerge. In late summer blue-black berries ripen, each on a red cup atop a crimson red stalk. Deer, birds and other wild fowl line up to quickly consume the fruits. Autumn leaf colors are quite variable, turning yellow, red, orange or purple.

Sassafras is vulnerable to wind or ice damage because the branches are brittle. Sassafras roots sucker prolifically and are pruned away as to not form plant colonies. When mature its reddish brown trunk is deeply furrowed.

Nurseries generally do not sell sassafras. Small container-grown plants may be purchased on-line. Sassafras has a deep fleshy taproot system and its transplant survival is low. You can also dig young plants from the wild (with owner’s permission).

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Peonies Require Very Little Care Ever

Posted by Hugh on October 4th, 2012
Lovely White Flowering Peony (P. lactiflora)

Grandma’s peonies (Paeonia lactiflora) are back in vogue. There are single- or double- flowered varieties. The single petalled types appear to Southern U.S. heat better (USDA hardiness zones 3-8). May blooming peonies come in red, pink, purple, yellow, or white colors. Depending on variety, plants grow 3 to 4 feet high and wide. Their large showy flowers attract numerous pollinating insects.

Many old–timey varieties are as popular today as they were nearly a century ago. ‘Festiva Maxima’ (double white with red splash), ‘Kansas’ (double red), ‘Raspberry Sundae’ (double light pink), ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ (double pink), and ‘Seashell’ (single pink) are some heirloom favorites.

 Peonies are commonly planted as foundation shrubs because of their bushy appearance. They are long-lived perennials which take a year, sometimes two, to become established (bloom well). Shoots die back in late October and can be cut away either fall or winter.

Grow peonies in full sun and compost-rich soil. Prepare the soil deeply in advance, adding lots of peat and/or compost. Afternoon shade is recommended in zones 7-b and 8.

 Fall is the best time to plant peonies. Do not crowd peonies, spacing them 3 to 4 feet apart, according to the variety planted. Set the fleshy dormant roots, being careful not to bury the eyes more than 2 inches deep. Container grown plants may be set in spring or fall. 

Lay a 2 to 3 inch organic mulch around peonies, using bark chips and not wood-based mulch. Irrigate peonies during extreme dry spells. Do not splash water on the foliage and flowers; overhead watering may initiate diseases such as leaf spots and botrytis. In late winter feed with granular 10-10-10 or equivalent fertilizer before peonies emerge from the soil.

 Large double flowered types tend to fall to the ground after a hard rain unless supported by a special wire “peony cage”. Place one or more wire supports above each plant soon after spring growth starts.

Peonies seldom need dividing, which is performed in the fall. Ants are not a pest on peonies and actually aid in pollinating the flowers.

If you’re shopping for either old or new P. lactiflora cultivars, check on-line at:  Klehm’s Song Sparrow Nursery.

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