Sunday, March 6, 2011

'Misty Blue' White Baneberry is Doll's Eye

Discovered at MT. Cuba Center in Delaware is a striking mult-stemmed woodland perennial with soft bluish-green finely cut foliage. Plants flower white in April snd white doll's eye fruit form in the fall. The snow white berries are clustered on bright red pedicels. Each is marked with a distinctive black dot. Fruit persists for 4-6 weeks. This long-lived perennial thrives in moist, well-drained, rich woodland soil. Plants grow 2-3 feet tall and are best grouped en masse. Actaea is reliably hardy through USDA zones 3-8

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Pruning Hydrangeas

Photo: Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'

PeeGee or panicled hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) or the native Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) are pruned in early spring because they bloom on the current season’s wood. If you feel the need, these plants could be cut to about 4 inches from the ground in early spring and will produce new shoots and blooms during the season.