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

Deck The Halls With These Ten Festive Plants

Posted by Hugh on December 24th, 2017

Display at Biltmore Estates in Asheville, NC

Celebrate the holiday with these live plants, some of which you receive as gifts. These houseplants can stand alone or complement the festive holiday decor:

Poinsettia. No other houseplant captures the Christmas spirit more than poinsettias.
Thanksgiving/Christmas Cacti (Schlumbergera bridesii or S. truncata) – these easy to care for dependable flowering cacti (they’re really succulents) come in red, pink or white colored blooms.

Amaryllis is a bulbous plant that blooms in winter season or program to flower in any season. Large flowers available in vibrant reds, orange tones, pinks, snowy white, or bicolors.
Amaryllis + daffodils

Norfolk Island Pine. Mini-Christmas trees have become a holiday staple at garden centers. Indoors, they may grow up to 12 feet in height. They can spend summers outdoors under the shade of a shade tree.

Kalanchoes are true succulents, so do not overwater and allow excellent soil drainage. They bear lovely foliage and long lasting flowers that come in red, orange, pink, purple, yellow, white and just recently bi-colored varieties.
Cyclamen- their lovely mottled, heart-shaped leaves and red, pink, or white flowers will beautify spaces in your home or in protected outdoor areas where nightly temperatures do not drop below 37 °F.
Bromeliads – one of the easiest house plants to grow. They don’t ask for much light. Mist the air around them several days per week. Flowers are very showy and young plants (pups) form that become the “grandchildren” of your plant.
Tillandsias – which are bromeliad relatives are frequently sold as “Air Plants” because plants don’t have roots and are not potbound. All plant(s) ask for is a daily misting or weekly one hour soaking in the sink or bucket of water.
Sedums – available in pots or planted in changeable frames suitable for wall hanging either for room interiors or outdoors (hardy types).
Paperwhites – miniature white daffodil blooms are highly fragrant. Simply give plenty them of water, and you’ will be rewarded with 4 weeks of beautiful winter white blooms

During the spring-summer seasons feed most plants (not tillandsias) monthly with a weak solution of Miracle -Gro or an equivalent product. Otherwise, water plants weekly.

Five Evergreens For Small Garden Spaces

Posted by Hugh on December 21st, 2017

Thuja occid ‘DeGroot Spire’

‘Green Arrow’ Alaskan cedar

The following five evergreen shrubs are smaller versions of the larger growing species. They make a better fit in smaller urban gardens.

Gyokuryu Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica ‘Gyokuryu’) is a fast-growing, broadly conical selection with coarse bluish-green evergreen foliage. The needles are highly ornamental and remain bluish-green through most of the winter in zone 6 and points south. Neither the flowers nor the fruit are of little significance. The peeling reddish bark is an added plus. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 12 feet (4 m) tall and 8 feet (2.5 m) wide, an annual growth rate of 12 to 15 inches

De Groot Spire arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘DeGroot Spire’) – is the smaller version of Emerald arborvitae™. It is a dwarf, slow-growing cultivar with an upright, pyramidal habit and twisted, scale-like, medium green foliage. De Groot Spire can reach 15-20 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide in 15-20 years.

Dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) -two selections:

‘Northlight’ (‘Schirrmann’s Nordlicht’) is a dwarf shrub form of dawn redwood. It forms a rounded crown of closely spaced stems. Foliage is variegated with irregular cream-white markings.
‘Little Giant’ | Little Giant Dwarf Dawn Redwood- small erect tree to 15 feet, a mini of its lovely parent, with light chocolate brown bark and feather-light deciduous needles, can grow up to 10 inches annually.

Alaskan cedar (Chamaecyparus nootkatensis) – two cultivars to choose:

‘Van den Akker´is a Northwest native that is an extremely narrow upright. It may reach over 20 feet tall while remaining only about 1 – 1/2 feet wide. It has strongly pendulous (weeping) branches are covered with scale-like blue green foliage.
‘Green Arrow’ exhibits an extremely narrow growth habit. Lateral branches hang close to the trunk. This vertical evergreen is perfect for small gardens or tight spaces.

Bald cypress ‘Peevee Minuret’ (Taxodium distichum) is an exceptional dwarf selection of our large native bald cypress. Branching of this pyramidal tree form is upright like its larger kin. Feathery, dark green, deciduous foliage (needles) turn a rust color in fall before falling. Papery, chestnut-red bark is an added winter feature. Peevee Minuret grows 5-6 feet tall in 10 years.

Poinsettias – Best Of Show**

Posted by Hugh on December 16th, 2017

Poinsettias In Greenhouse

‘Red Elf’ poinsettia (photo from NC State University, Raleigh)

This holiday season poinsettia breeders continue to give plant buyers lovely colors, patterns and shapes. Recently, at Mitchell’s Nursery & Greenhouse in King, North Carolina, Judy Mitchell got the word out about their annual Poinsettia Open House. Close to 400 people attended their openhouse and evaluated the 10,000 poinsettias, choosing which of the 79 varieties were their favorites.

Here are the results:

Top 5 Reds

Red Elf^#
Freedom Red
Jubilee Red
Christmas Feel Merlot
Majoris Red

Top 5 Whites:

White Poinsettia Tree at Biltmore Estates, Asheville, NC

1.Polar Bear

2.Premium Polar*

3.Whitestar*

4.Snowcap

5. Mars White

*Tied for 2nd

Top Pink:

Maren
Venus Hot Pink
Luv U Pink
Luv U Pink Hot
Freedom Pink

Top 5 Novelties

Ice Punch
Red Glitter
Tapestry
Ruby Frost
Orange Spice

^#Red Elf is designed for the small pot market. Plants flower early season with medium red bracts that are upright facing.

**Source: BUZZ e-newsletter, Ellen Wells editor, oublished by BallHort

Protect New Trees From Winter Sunscald

Posted by Hugh on December 13th, 2017

Newly planted tree + mulching

Tree wrapping (Photo from A.M. Leonard, Inc)

Across the northern U.S. and Canada, cold temperatures can damage many plants. Wide fluctuations in temperature can be particularly detrimental to newly planted landscape and fruit trees from late fall to early spring. Street trees are particularly susceptible.

Sun scald is described by elongated, sunken, dried, or cracked areas of dead bark, usually on the south or southwest side of the tree. On cold winter days, the sun can heat up bark to the point where cambial activity is stimulated. At dusk or when the sun is blocked by a cloud, hill, or building, bark temperature drops rapidly, killing the active tissue

Young trees, newly planted trees, and thin-barked trees (cherry, ornamental plum, crabapple, honey locust, linden, maple, and mountain ash (Sorbus) are most susceptible to sun scald. Winter pruned trees that have had their lower shade branches removed, or have been transplanted from a shady to a sunny location are also susceptible to sun scald. Older trees are rarely injured by sun scald because their outer bark is thicker.

Sun scald can be prevented by wrapping the trunk with a commercial tree wrap or any other light-colored material. The wrap should reflect the sun and insulate the bark so temps do not wildly fluctuate. Spiral white plastic bands, available at many full service garden centers, also protect against deer and rabbit browsing (nibbling) on the bark. Wrapping 3-4 sheets of newspaper around the trunk also works. Over the first two years best management practice is to remove all wrappings in the spring and reinstall in the fall. Do not leave the wrap on longer than necessary because it could trap moisture and become a haven for pests.

Newly planted thin-barked species should be wrapped for their first two winters, but some may need covering for up to five winters, sometimes more.

Care of African Violets

Posted by Hugh on December 8th, 2017

African violets at Garden Center

African violet gift plant

African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) or AVs are among the easiest flowering house plant to grow. They need indirect moderate to bright lighting and moist well-drained potting soil. Grow plants in plastic pots and not in clay (terra cotta). AVs should be repotted annually.

Here are some additional cultural tips:

Room temperatures: AVs thrive at room temperatures between 65 to 80 °F. Set plants away from cold drafty windows.

Watering: Keep soil moist, but permit soil to dry out 4-5 days between waterings. Water plants mostly from the bottom with room temperature water. Allow plant to absorb water from a saucer or tray for 20-30 minutes and drain off the extra. Cold water straight from the tap can cause leaf spotting and may contain harmful chlorides or fluorides. Do not allow plants to sit in water too long as AVs are susceptible to root rot diseases.

Plant nutrition: Feed with water soluble fertilizers such as Miracle-Gro® or Optimara® African Violet Food at one-half the package directions; feed the dilute solution twice as often from mid-February thru September. Cut back feeding to once monthly during the fall and winter months (October thru early February). If tap water contains fluoridated or chlorinated, store water in an open top container overnight to allow the chloride or fluoride gas to escape.

Lighting: Indirect sunlight or artificial lighting is best. Plants stop flowering and leaves become chlorotic (yellow) when they don’t receive enough light. Leaves and stems also stretch out and weaken. Too much sunlight can cause leaves to sunburn, and leaf stems (petioles) to droop downward; variegated leaf varieties may turn fully green. If light source is from a nearby window, rotate pots one-quarter turn weekly, perhaps after you’ve watered.

Many hobbiests grow their AV collection under special “grow lights” for 10-12 hours a day. Grow lights are generally mounted 18 to 20 inches above plants or 10 to 12 inches above small cuttings or miniature varieties. Connect lights to a timer, so they go on and off even when you are away.

Humidity/Air Circulation: Group plants close together but do not crowd them. Give violets enough room to grow and to maintain sufficient air circulation in order to prevent the growth of potentially harmful Botrytis and Powdery Mildew diseases. A room humidifier will also help over the winter and summer months when heat and air systems are drying out the room environment.

New: The Bushel and Berry Collection Of Patio Fruits

Posted by Hugh on December 4th, 2017

Bushel and Berry™ Collection Raspberry Shortcake

Back in late 2016 Star® Roses and Plants* purchased the company formerly known as BrazelBerries®. In 2017 they have rebranded the plant offerings into the new Bushel and Berry™ Collection. Beside the old favorites, a new collection of edible berry plants are available at participating garden centers nationwide.

I have successfully grown two varieties on the sunny portion of my deck here in northeast TN (USDA hardiness zone 6-b). The spring purchased plants bloomed and produce fruits which were delicious. The Bushel and Berry Collection are easy-to-grow and ask for very little maintenance other than watering and fertilizing. Disease and insects did not trouble me my first year. I can’t promise that this will continue in future years. My plants were covered with cheese cloth as fruits began ripening for bird-proofing.

According to Layci Gragnani, program manager for Bushel and Berry, “the collection has a new look reminiscent of the biodegradable berry baskets found at farmer’s markets.” Currently, The Bushel and Berry collection includes seven varieties:

Raspberry Shortcake® – thornless dwarf raspberry

Peach Sorbet® blueberry – delicious fruits plus red fall leaf color

Jelly Bean® blueberry –dwarf plant with attractive red fall leaf color

Blueberry Glaze® – small dark berries and red fall leaf color.

Pink Icing™ blueberry – yummy fruits in summer and fall foliage

Perpetua® blueberry – double cropping (2 harvest times)

Baby Cakes™ – thornless dwarf blackberry.

Three growing tips (from me):

Repot in late winter to a slightly larger decorative pot and remove (prune) off old canes and any dead shoots.
Fertilize with a water soluble products like Espoma™ or Miracle-Gro™ bi-monthly from March through August
Place fine mesh netting over pot(s) as fruits begin to ripen.

*Star® Roses and Plants also markets the Knock Out® Family of Roses as well as Drift® Roses.

Live Cut Foliage And Berries For Home Holiday Decorations

Posted by Hugh on December 1st, 2017

Wreath of Southern Magnolia et al.

Many conifers make great cuts for indoor and outdoor Christmas decorations. Foliage choices: Eastern red cedar and many other junipers, white pine, Norway spruce, Colorado spruce, Balsam fir, Canadian hemlock, Arizona cypress (and cultivars ‘Carolina Sapphire’ and ‘Blue Ice’), and False cypresses (C. pisifera). Needle retention varies among species. For example, Norway spruce and balsam fir often start shedding their needles within three weeks after they are pruned from the tree.

Wreath of Evergreen Boughs, Dried Hydrangea Flower and Willow

Additional foliage choices: English ivy (Hedera helix), heath (Erica), heather (Calluna), Sweetbox (Sarcococca), Southern magnolia (M. grandifolia), sweetbay magnolia (M. virginiana), Schlip laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), Alexandrian Laurel (Danae), Rhododendron, Mountain laurel (Kalmia), daphne, bayberry (Myrica), Anise shrub (Illicium), Leatherleaf mahonia (Mahonia bealei), Boxwood (Buxus), Distylium, and numerous of evergreen hollies (Ilex) including American holly, ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ and ‘Foster’ hollies to create beautiful holiday outdoor displays and table arrangements.

Include on this list Unique deciduous cut stems such as Contorted willow, Contorted filbert (Harry Lauder’s Walking stick), Contorted mulberry (Morus bombycis ‘Unyru’) and M. alba ‘Nuclear Blast’).

Cut dried flowers from various hydrangea species (Hydrangea spp.) and plumes from several grass species.

Showy Fruits and Seeds: Cones from evergreen trees and brightly colored fruits from shrubbery such as Crabapple (Malus), Viburnums, Cotoneasters, Beautyberry (Callicarpa spp.), and Hollies, both evergreen and deciduous forms.

Don’t forget to purchase some tools and accessories: sharp cutting shears, spools of wire and cord, ribbons

Where to purchase greenery cuts:

local Christmas tree farms and city sales lots
on-line sources are plentiful; start shopping for greenery and accessories in early November rather than later.
many local greenhouses and garden centers offer a good choice of greenery and accessories
local holly and evergreen nurseries (note: often they are noted listed on line. Check with your local Extension office for a list)

Garland of Greenery at Biltmore Estates, Asheville, NC

Protect Young Trees and Shrubs From Voles, Rabbits And Other Critters

Posted by Hugh on November 27th, 2017

Young deciduous azalea protected by hardware cloth

Rabbits, chipmunks, and voles (field mice) need a home for the winter. They often choose to nestle up near newly planted trees and shrubs and gnaw on their sweet sapwood, girdling the trunk and essentially killing the tree. Fruit-bearing plants often damaged by critters over their first 1-2 winters include: apple, pear, peach, redbud, blueberry, and cane fruits. Young landscape plants such as crabapple, serviceberry, rose, and azalea may also be damaged. Critters may also nibble off the flower buds of spring blooming shrubs.

Deter rabbits by loosely wrapping chicken wire around desirable plants. Coil several strands so critters can’t nibble through the wire. Prior to the start of winter, clear away all weedy brush and debris where they may nest or hide. Pull away all mulch from young newly planted (1-2 year old planted) fruit trees.

The fencing or mechanical barrier should stand 24 to 36 inches high to deter rabbits from climbing over after a heavy snow. Bury the bottom 2-3 inches below the ground to firmly anchor fencing or other mechanical barrier to prevent rabbits from crawling under. Tree wraps made from kraft paper or spiral tree guards can protect tree trunks from critter feeding and also to insulate cold sensitive species against sunscald and freeze damage. Tree guards and wraps should be removed in the early days of spring.

Traps and repellents are other management tools. Repellents should be applied multiple times over the fall – winter period.

Euonymus ‘Moonshadow’ – A Ground Cover For All Seasons

Posted by Hugh on November 24th, 2017

‘Moonshadow’ euonymus

Many so-called shade perennials such as hostas, astilbes, brunneras, and coralbells (Heuchera spp.) actually excel in areas that are bathe mostly morning sunlight. In these areas ‘Moonshadow’ euonymus (Euonymus fortunei ‘Moonshadow’) makes a great companion shrub with these perennials (USDA hardiness zones 4-8). Moonshadow has become a favorite ground cover euonymus of mine.

‘Moonshadow’ euonymus is a low growing evergreen shrub displaying shiny yellow leaves with dark green edges. Its attractive variegated evergreen foliage makes it a stand out for almost any landscape situation. Leaves take on a pink hue which adds to its 4-season landscape interest.

This low ground cover is almost mat-like @ 1 to 2 feet high and 4-5 feet wide. It stays low and compact. Similar euonymus varieties like ‘Emerald and Gold’ and ‘Emerald Gaiety’ tend to outgrow what the plant tag information describes about it. Other cultivars grow 24 -30 inches tall at maturity with a spread of 5 feet or more. Foliage is a muted yellow with an attractive – dark olive green blotch. On a rare occasion a branch may reverted to all-green and should be cut out. Mostly, it holds its variegation well. Very slow to grow from rooted divisions.

It tolerates most soils except wet soggy sites and grows in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments.

‘Moonshadow’ has a moderate growth rate. Mass as a low growing groundcover under shrubs or trees or in front of a border. Line along drives and walkways or a low hedge. Add a snap of color in containers by using this brightly colored trailer as a spiller to trail over the pot edges.

It’s a euonymus, so the potential for scale is there. It can be pruned at any time.

The Glorious Katsura Tree

Posted by Hugh on November 20th, 2017

Late summer foliage

Two Katsura trees at Chanticleer Gardens in Wayne, PA

Katsura Tree (Cercidophyllum japonicum) is a medium to large tree indigenous to China, Korea and Japan (USDA hardiness zones 4-8). Fossil imprints indicate that Katsura Tree has existed over 1.8 million years and flourished throughout Asia and North America. Katsura’s genus name Cercidophyllum translates to “leaf (phyllum) like a red bud (Cercis)”.

A mature tree can reach a height of 40-60 feet and spread of 35-60 feet. The tree may be single or multi-trunked. Summer heart-shaped leaves are light green and mimic that of redbuds in appearance. Redbud produces larger heart-shaped leaves with entire (toothless) leaf margins.

Katsura Tree is dioecious species, e.g. male and female flowers are on different trees. Male and female trees differ in form. Male trees tend to grow more upright and tall, female trees are wider in appearance. Flowers are small and most people don’t notice when the tree is blooming in late March. In autumn, the entire tree is aglow in yellow and there a whiff of cinnamon or caramelized sugar in the air.

Katsura Tree is best grown in rich, moist, well-drained soils and in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a moderately acidic to slightly alkaline soil pH. This beautiful ornamental tree may partially sheds some leaves seasonally, particularly a young tree, as a response to hot dry weather. Katsura Tree produce few viable seeds.

The branch and trunk wood of a mature tree is a major asset along with the tree’s architectural form in the winter landscape. As the tree ages, the trunk may take on a shaggy appearance. Katsura Tree roots are shallow; thus a lawn may be difficult to maintain. Roots of older trees may raise sidewalks.

Don’t expect to find Katsura Tree and cultivars thereof at local garden centers. However, it can be offered by online nurseries.

Significant Cultivars:

‘Rotfuchs’ (“RED FOX”) produces new leaves emerge deep burgundy-purple in spring, later turning blue green in summer.

‘Aureum’ produces that leaves that emerge purplish in spring and mature to bright yellow by summer.

‘Pendula’ are graceful weeping forms with pendulous branching. ‘Tidal Wave’ and ‘Amazing Grace’ are other weeping forms.

Subscribe to Hugh's RSS feed!

WhatGrowsThere on Twitter!

Pages
Favorite Internet Sites
Categories
Categories
Calendar
November 2024

M T W T F S S

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30

« Oct
Archives
Archives

November 2024
M	T	W	T	F	S	S
	1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25	26	27	28	29	30

Powered by WordPress | Shop new AT&T cell phones Online. | Thanks to Verizon Wireless Deals, VPS Hosting and Conveyancing

Pages

Favorite Internet Sites

Categories

Calendar

Archives