Vertical Accents Using Boxwoods And Japanese Hollies

'Sky Pencil' Japanese Holly

Boxwoods and hollies are popular landscape evergreen shrubs (USDA hardiness zones 5-8). Both are utilized for low hedging and privacy fencing and some varieties are planted for their architectural accent.  Both shrub groups grow best in moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soil and in full sun to partial shade.

These shrubs are regularly pruned and shearing. Spring pruning should be avoided as it tend to stimulate tender new growth that may be injured or killed by late frosts.

In general, boxwoods tend to be more shade tolerant than hollies. Boxwood is best sited where it is sheltered from strong winds, and protected from full day sun in the winter months. Foliage may also bronze in winter. Carefully remove heavy snow accumulations as quickly as practicable to minimize stem/branch damage ("splaying").

'Dee Runk' boxwood

There are few shrubs that fit into narrow spaces better than 'Dee Runk' boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Dee Runk'. It is a better choice than currently popular cultivar 'Graham Blandy', which is seriously troubled by soil root rot diseases, particularly Phytophthora.

'Sky Pencil' Japanese holly (Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil') exhibits a similar upright (fastigiate) form. Japanese holly demands a well-drained soil, and is very susceptible to several soil root rot diseases including Phytophthora and Pythium.

Both 'Dee Runk' boxwood and 'Sky Pencil' holly grow well in large landscape containers on patios and along downtown streets. Expect mature heights between 8-10 feet.

Holiday Plant Care After Purchase

Potted Cyclamen in decorative pot

Poinsettias, cyclamens, kalanchoes, holiday cacti are flowering tropical plants that bloom in the early days of winter. With a proper mix of light, water, room temperature and humidity, your plant(s) should bloom through New Year's day and a good portion of the winter. 

Start by purchasing healthy plants at a local garden shop. Most new varieties tend to bloom longer in a home environment.

Poinsettia flowers are found in the center of the colorful modified leaves (called “bracts”). Place plants near a window that receives plenty of bright daylight daily. A south, west or east facing window is ideal. Don't set your plants near a cold or drafty window or a forced air heater which may dry out the leaves and bracts.

Poinsettia

Ideal day and night time room temperatures fall between 60 to 75 °F. Within 7-10 days a newly purchased plant may drop a few lower leaves. This is natural. The plant is simply adjusting to its new growing environment.

Schedule watering for every 5-7 days according to the amount of light the plant receives. If lots of cloudy weather, water less often. The soil (potting media) should feel damp to the touch. The wait until the soil surface feels and looks dry within 5-7 days. Move the plant(s) to the kitchen sink to spritz the foliage and media with tepid (not too hot – not too cold) water. Do not leave the plant sitting in water for more than two hours.

Kalanchoe

During the holidays you may leave the decorative wrap around the pot, but puncture holes at the bottom to permit excess water to drain into a saucer or tray.

In general, your holiday plants will not need to be fertilized for 6-8 weeks from date of purchase. Any soluble garden fertilizer such as Miracle-Gro™, Jacks™, Espoma™ and Daniels™ can be used. Feed plants twice monthly @ one-half rate of the package directions.

New Popularity Of Yellow Twig Dogwood

Red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) is a medium-sized, deciduous shrub native to much of the Northern and Western United States (USDA hardiness zones 2-7). These shrubs standout in the winter landscape by their colorful stems. Cut branches are an added plus for indoor arrangements.

In recent years the yellow-twig form (C. sericea 'Flaviramea') has gained in popularity. Osier dogwoods grow well in very large containers, but can rapidly outgrow their pot space in 2-3 years.

Leaves are oblong-lanceolate (up to 5 inches long), oppositely arranged with 5-7 pairs of lateral veins, and entire margins. Species may grow up to 10 feet tall and spread voraciously by underground stolons to form large clumps. One landscape idea is to mix red and yellow–twig dogwoods together for an added color blast.

These stoloniferous dogwoods bloom in mid-spring (in Tennessee and Virginia). The terminal creamy white (cyme) flowers measure 1.5 to 2.0 inches across and white berries follow in late summer.

In northern areas, plant osier dogwoods in full sun (Zones 2-6) and in partial shade (Zone 7). Shrubs handle average soils. Fertilize in early spring before buds break and irrigate during long dry summer spells. Shrubs establish quickly and become drought tolerant after one year.

Stoloniferous dogwoods are disease and insect resistant and deer generally overlook them. Utilize them in perennial or shrub borders, masses and groupings, container gardens and winter gardens.

Pruning tip: cut 2-3 year old shoots back to the ground immediately after spring flowering to promote colorful juvenile shoots.

Turn Yard Wastes into Black Gold

Compost tumbler

Leaf raking is a major chore in October and November. You may rake by hand or attach a mulching blade to your lawn. Most folks opt to using leaf blowers and push leaves to curbside. Protect your ears with plugs or headphones.

Compost is often called "black gold". It is a smart move to gather up leaf litter and twigs. Much of the debris from the vegetable and flower garden can be thrown into the compost pile. Leaves, grass clippings and green table scraps can be processed into rich humus. Never add diseased plant materials or meat scraps.

Compost heaps appear in many shapes and sizes. The simplest and most common is a back corner of the yard out of sight, a collection of several years of garden refuse. Homemade reinforced wire bins are common, a large receptacle of garden waste. Home and garden centers sell composters of various sizes including tumblers that will speed decomposition. You can also purchase special packets of microorganisms that hasten the decaying process.

At Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee are displays of several methods of composting garden refuse. It is not true that rodents such as rats, voles and moles may make their homes in compost piles unless proper sanitation measures are followed.

Gardeners can turn garden debris into black compost in as little as 6 weeks with adequate moisture, aeration and nutrition; or simply pile up your garden waste and wait 2-3 years for compost.

Inkberry Holly A Worthy Substitute For Boxwood

Ilex glabra 'Densa'

Inkberry holly (Ilex glabra), also called gallberry, is a slow-growing broadleaf evergreen shrub (USDA hardiness zones 4-9). Inkberry grows to 5-8 feet tall and, if not pruned, may spread by root suckers to form colonies. 

Inkberry is native  from eastern Canada to Florida, west to Louisiana.  The dark green glossy leaves (to 1.5” long) have smooth margins and are spineless. Foliage stays attractive in winter unless temperatures dip below 0 °F. Greenish white flowers appear in spring, but are mostly inconspicuous.

Inkberry grows in average, medium to wet, acidic soils and in full sun to partial shade. It is one of few holly species that tolerates wet soils. Inkberries are dioecious (separate male and female plants). Female plants need a male pollinator to produce black,  3/8 inch diameter, berry-like (drupe) fruits that mature in early fall and persist throughout late winter into early spring unless consumed by birds and other wildlife.

Inkberry holly is a popular hedging shrub that tends to grow faster than a boxwood. Prune in early spring before new growth begins. Plants generally need minimal pruning unless used as a hedge. Remove root suckers as they form. Many landscape cultivars do not root sucker as badly as species. 
Leading cultivars are 'Densa', 'Shamrock', and 'Nordic'

No serious insect or disease problems trouble inkberry hollies. Leaf spotting occurs in wet summers. Spider mites may appear, especially during dry spells. In high pH (alkaline) soils, foliar chlorosis (yellowing) may happen.

Mass or group several inkberry hollies as a shrub border, a low foundation planting. Species inkberries will naturalize in moist woodland gardens or near streams or ponds.

Honey derived from inkberry flowers is a highly-rated. It is locally marketed in certain parts of the southeastern U.S. Dried and roasted inkberry leaves were first used by Native Americans to brew "Appalachian tea" a black tea-like drink.

Planting Peonies

Peonies are popular perennials because of their magnificent flowers in spring and early summer and their leaves that remain attractive throughout the season. These instructions apply to herbaceous peonies (USDA Zones 3–8), which die completely to the ground in winter. Tree peonies, shrublike plants with woody stems that remain visible all year (Zones 4–9), have slightly different requirements.
It’s best to plant herbaceous peonies in fall, when they are dormant. Spring-planted peonies may fail to flower for several years, and may even die if they put out new shoots before their roots become established. Mail-order and local nurseries offer bare-root divisions in the fall. A bare-root peony division is a section of rooted crown with several dark red growth buds called eyes. Each bud gives rise to a stem in the spring. The more eyes a division has, the fuller it will appear, so look for a division with at least 3 to 5 eyes.
To plant a bare-root herbaceous peony in the fall:
1. Choose a site with well-drained soil away from the competing roots of trees and shrubs. Give each plant an area about three feet in diameter. Avoid windy areas or provide a windbreak, since peony stems are vulnerable to breakage when heavy with buds and flowers. In most regions a site in full sun is best. If your spring tends to be hot and dry, choose a site with afternoon shade.
2. Prepare the soil. Peonies bloom most prolifically if left to grow undisturbed in the same location for many years, so planting in well-prepared and enriched soil is important. Dig a planting hole about 2 feet across and 18 inches deep. Mix several shovels of compost or well-rotted manure into the bottom of the hole. Fill the hole halfway with topsoil mixed with more compost and a cup of bonemeal. If your soil is acidic, also mix in about a cup of ground limestone. Peonies like a pH of between 6 and 7.
3. Plant the peony. Setting the division too deep prevents flowering; the eyes should be covered by no more than 1.5 to 2 inches of soil. If you garden in a mild-winter climate, position the eyes so they will be only .5 to 1 inch below the soil surface, thus exposing the roots to as much winter cold as possible. Once you’ve positioned the peony in the hole, fill the soil carefully but firmly around the roots. Make sure there are no air spaces that could allow the plant to settle too deeply.
4. Water the plant in with a gentle stream from a hose. Then surround it with a light mulch, such as chopped leaves or evergreen branches, to help reduce competition from weeds and regulate soil temperature and moisture. Remove the mulch in winter so that the plant gets properly chilled. The peony may not bloom its first year, but by the third year it should reach top form.

Fall Spectacular Golden Larch Tree

Golden larch (Pseudolarix amabilis) deserves to be planted more in U.S. landscapes. A native to eastern China, this deciduous conifer is not a true larch (Larix spp.).  Golden larch appears to prosper where summer weather is warm and humid (USDA hardiness zones 4-7).

Pseudolarix amabilis in mid-October

Golden larch should be planted in full sun to light shade. It thrives in organically rich, moist, well-drained soil. A mature tree eventually reaches 50 to 60 feet in height and 30 to 40 feet in spread. A new tree tends to start out slowly, and grows at a moderate pace after 2 years. Tree form is weakly pyramidal with layered horizontal branches.

Needles range from 1 ½ to 2 ½ inches in length and are slightly curved. Spring foliage starts out light green, turns medium green in summer, and finishes golden yellow in early fall before dropping in mid-October, the time when earns its name. 

Cones are 2 to 3 inches in length, 1 ½ to 2 ½ inches wide, green during the summer, and golden brown in fall. Young trees exhibit a reddish brown bark which age to grayish brown with some ridges and furrows.

Golden larch ages to a large beautiful tree. Utilize it as a specimen tree on large properties such as golf courses, public parks, and college campuses. Disease and pest problems are as rare as finding this tree in U.S. commerce. It is listed by a few specialty on-line nurseries.

Fall Blooming Toad Lilies

Toad lilies at Chanticleer Garden, Wayne, PA

Toad lilies (Tricyrtis spp.) are native to moist woodlands in India, China and Japan. They are in the lily (Lilaceae) plant family (USDA hardiness zones 4-9). Toad lilies are attractive fall-blooming shade perennials. In mid- to late September, as most perennials are finishing flowering, toad lilies are starting out. 

Three species of toad lilies, T. hirta, T. formosana, and T. macropoda are currently very popular, along with several hybrid cultivars.  Depending on species, plants grow 1 ½ to 3 feet tall. Funnel shaped orchid-like flowers come in an array of spotted colors and may be star or bell shaped.

Its plant name - “toad lily” - refers to the speckled flower colors. Planted in an ideal site, toadlilies are long-lived and require little attention. Flowers arise in the axils of the leaves and held on arching stems. 

Toad lilies prefer partial to full shade and in moist humus-rich garden soil. Under ideal conditions plants need little or no fertilizing. Feed plants lightly 1-2 times during the summer with water soluble fertilizers such as Miracle-Gro™ or Jack’s™.  Plants should be protected from the wind particularly in the southern parts of the U.S. Mulching keeps the soil moist and suppresses weeds. 

Divide roots of the toad lilies in early spring, and space new plants 2-3 feet apart.

Toad lilies are mostly untroubled by disease or pest problems. Anthracnose leaf spotting may pop up in wet summers. If so, rake up all fallen leaves and discard in late winter. In shady garden areas deer prefer hostas first, but may later turn to toad lilies. 

Top cultivars:
T. formosana - abundant purple-and-white blooms attached to 36 – 40 inch stalks. 
T. hirta ‘Miyazaki’ hybrids - superior flowering and vigorous growth.
T. macropoda  cultivars - ‘Sinonome’
Hybrids: ‘Tojen’ - unspotted lavender flowers; 'Lightning Strike' with green /gold-streaked foliage.

The Best Lacebark Elms For Your Area

'Athena' Lacebark Elm

Lacebark elm (Ulmus parvifolia), also called little leaf elm, is a beautiful medium-sized shade tree. In recent years lacebark elm has become a popular urban street tree in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 . The four leading cultivars of lacebark elm are Allee®, Athena®, and Bosque™, and Dynasty®.

The tree earns its name from the delightful orange or brown color mosaic or puzzle-like pattern over the main trunk (s) and branches. The autumn leaf color is rarely memorable and the small 1-2 inch leaves fall without much fanfare and leaf litter mess. This elm tree blooms in late summer and flowers are mostly inconspicuous.

Get lacebark elm off to a long and prosperous life by irrigating bi-monthly the tree over long dry spells and fertilize the tree in late winter the first two years after planting. An established lacebark elm exhibits exceptional drought tolerance. Disease and insect problems are rare.

In Tennessee and elsewhere, damaging summer storms have caused arborists to evaluate varieties regionally. For example, Tennessee urban foresters report that limb breakage and clean up around Allee elms is greater than on other cultivars. The cultivar Bosque appears to fare much better.

Consult a local certified arborist which lacebark elms grow best for your area.

Basics On Herbicide Use

Wild Garlic - spring weed

Dandelion

Herbicides are vegetation killers. They kill weeds and occasionally, if applied incorrectly, damage the good plants. A weed is any plant that you don’t want in the garden.

Avoid spraying on windy days or on hot days over 85 °F as chemical herbicides can drift or volatilize, injuring nearby garden plants. Warm summer temperatures increase the possibility of lawn injury from certain herbicides. It should not rain within 24 hours after application. Don't mow a few days before and 2-3 days following an application. Wait 3-4 mowings before treating a newly seeded lawn with any herbicide.

There may be 3 different kinds of weeds you’re trying to control: grasses, broadleaf types and sedges. Broadleaf weeds include dandelions, spotted spurges, buckthorns, purslanes and thistles. Fall and late winter (before new leaves emerge) are safe times to spray broadleaf herbicides. Most deciduous shrubs and trees are shedding their leaves and are less susceptible to the spray drift.

Spring and early summer herbicide applications will not control perennial and woody vegetation such as brambles or poison ivy. Wait until mid-summer to tackle these tough weeds.

For a contact broadleaf  herbicide to work, outdoor temperatures need to be 60 °F and higher over a 6 hour interval for the spray to be absorbed into the plant. Regardless the time of the year, weeds need to be actively growing for herbicides to work.

Finally, heavy weed invasion in lawns may be evidence of poor mowing practices, low soil fertility, or too much shade. Knotweed and spotted surge may indicate bad soil compaction. Tough weeds are not going to give up easily and multiple applications. may be necessary. 

Always read and understand the package directions before using.

Korean Sweetheart Tree

Bright Red Fruits of Sweetheart Tree

The late Dr. J. C. Raulston, N.C. State University horticulture professor emeritus, discovered Korean sweetheart tree in 1985 on the Korean Peninsula while participating in a U.S. National Arboretum collection expedition. 

Dr. Raulston brought seeds back to the N.C. State Arboretum for assessment and evaluation. The common name "sweetheart tree" was coined by Tennessee nurseryman Mr. Don Shadow.

The tree prefers a sandy or medium loamy soil and full sun to partial shade. Once established the tree tolerates brief dry periods lasting 4-5 weeks, and is at its best in soils with consistent and even moisture. Provide supplemental irrigation in regions where summers are exceptionally hot and dry.

Opposite pinnately compound leaves measure 6-10 inches long. The fruits are major asset for this small growing tree/large tree. In late summer showy clusters of heart-shaped fruits ripen from green to pink to red. In early to mid-October the fruit capsules split open to reveal a tiny, shiny, black seed.The grayish colored bark has white striations which adds some winter interest.

No serious disease and insect problems trouble this small 25-30 feet tall tree. Availability is primarily from on-line plant nurseries

Ligularias For Wet Garden Spots

L. stenocephala 'The Rocket' 

Ligularias (ligs) are big leafy perennials whose roots must be kept constantly moist so that leaves won’t wilt or  "faint". An established plant will tolerate several days in dry soil and the droopy foliage recovers from drought stress each night. Ligs are also called "leopard flower" and several confusing other names (USDA hardiness zones 4-9). Some are tropical plants.

Dig a hole large enough to accommodate a 3-5 gallon size container. Line the bottom of the hole with a plastic liner to retain moisture around the roots and reduce the need of irrigation over the hot summer. 

It may take upwards of 3 years to develop the full bold nature of ligs. deadheading of spent flowers will stimulate more new leaves to emerge. 

Pest control is controlling slugs and snails that may devour the leaves, creating a “shot-hole” appearance in the leaves.

Leading Temperate Varieties:

L. stenocephala ‘The Rocket’ -  tall 4-6 feet high narrow spikes of bright-yellow daisy flowers on purplish black stems and jagged-edged green leaves.

L. stenocephala 'Baby Rocket' -  compact 2 1/2 - 3 foot selection above with large, serrated, dark green leaves and a bouquet of mustard-yellow flowers on multiple chocolate stems.

L. dentata ‘Desdemona’ - rounded dark-green leaves with a purple backside. Taller stems appear in midsummer, bearing clusters of bright golden orange 3-3½ inches daisy flowers.

L. dentata 'Britt-Marie Crawford'

L. dentata ‘Orthello’ - large, rounded dark-green leaves with a purple underside; tall 3-4 feet tall floral stems bearing clusters of bright golden orange 3-3½ inches wide daisy flowers in June.

L. dentata 'Britt-Marie Crawford' -  large, glossy, purple-black leaves and bold daisy-like orange-yellow flowers.

Lovely Panicle Hydrangeas

Limelight hydrangea at NC Arboretum in Asheville

Beautiful panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) are among the best hydrangea choices for the summer garden (USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8). They are perfect for use in containers or in groupings or masses, shrub borders, hedges, and screens.

Limelight® hydrangea has become the standard-bearer of panicled hydrangeas with huge 6 - 8 (12) inches chartreuse (off white) flower heads in mid-summer. Limelight is a more compact selection 6 to 8 feet tall and wide over time.

Fall leaf color is usually blah in shades of yellow in fall. Flowers of some cultivars age gracefully with floral heads turning lightly pink. Panicled hydrangeas are suitable as fresh cut or dried flowers.  

Plants grow from 3 - 10 feet high depending on the variety chosen. For best flowering grow shrubs in full sun to light shade and in moist, but well-drained soil. Shrubs bloom on new wood in summer, and are pruned to desired size and shape in early spring.

For smaller landscapes, there are several smaller panicle hydrangeas to choose.

Bobo® hydrangea - fluffy, creamy spikes that turn to deep pink with red highlights on bold, red stems. Earlier blooming Bobo opens 1-2 weeks before other H. paniculata varieties start blooming. Bobo grow 3–5 feet tall, and is an ideal choice for small gardens and growing in large containers.

Little Lime® hydrangea – a dwarf version of Limelight® grows 5-6 feet tall and wide, and boasts chartreuse florets that turn creamy and then mature to rosy pink. Often all three colors coincide. Little Quick Fire panicle hydrangea, 4 to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide, blooms early in the season with white panicles that mature to rosy red.

Little Quick Fire® - the smaller version of H. paniculata Quick Fire® @ 3-5 feet tall and to 2-4 feet wide. It blooms early (almost 4 weeks earlier than other panicle hydrangeas) in upright panicles. Each panicle (to 6” tall) contains abundant showy sterile florets which emerge white but change to pink and finally reddish-purple as the summer progresses.

Little Lamb® - downsized version of H. paniculata ‘Grandiflora’ @ 6-8 feet tall and wide. Dense, cone-shaped panicles of mostly sterile, small white flowers. Panicles stand on upright to outward-arching, stiff sturdy stems. The much smaller, fluffy, fertile flowers are partially visible beneath the showier, sterile ones.

Pinky Winky Hydrangea - unique, large bi-colored, white and pink flowers that look nice against the dark green foliage of the plant. Its unique red stems rigidly supports large 12-16 inch blooms upright on the plant. The older flowers mature to dark pink while new flowers continue to emerge white. Pinky Winky hydrangeas grow 5-6 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide.

A Grand Tree Aristocrat - Southern Magnolia

Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is native to the Southern U.S. (USDA hardiness zone 6-9). The species grows upward of 60 - 80 feet tall with a pyramidal habit when young and developing a rounded canopy at maturity. These evergreen magnolias are cherished for their attractive glossy dark green foliage and showy fragrant flowers. Large 5 to 6 inch pure white goblet shaped flowers appear sporadically from mid-spring thru late-summer. Ornate cone-like seed pods form after flowers have shed their creamy white tepals (petals). 

Young trees may not bloom for 3-5 years after planting. Its shallow roots may eventually lift sidewalk pavement as the tree ages. Southern magnolias grow 30 to 50 feet high, and some varieties need lots of room. This tree is happily suited to large commercial and residential properties, golf courses and public parks.

Four large cultivars are ideally suited for planting on wide boulevards, medians, parkways, urban parks, industrial sites and golf courses. Undersides of leaves are either green or rusty brown as noted.

• ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’ (50 feet x 25 feet) - rusty brown back leaf
• ‘Edith Bogue’ (40- 50 feet x 25 feet) – green back
• ‘Claudia Wannamaker’ (50 feet x 30 feet) – green back
• ‘DD Blanchard’ (50 feet x 30 feet) – brown back

Smaller growing cultivars are also available at garden centers:

• ‘Little Gem’ and ‘Hasse™  (35-40 feet in height)
• Teddy Bear® and ‘Kay Parris’ (25-30 feet in height)

Little Gem grows very shrub-like and may encompass 20 or more feet of ground area. Hasse exhibits a tree-like habit and branching is primarily upright. Teddy Bear and Kay Parris grow slowly and are better choices for small landscapes.

Leaves and flowers are proportionally smaller that the species. The glossy foliage is thick and leathery, and dark green over both the upper and lower surfaces. Kay Parris foliage is reddish brown on the underside.

Trees shed older leaves in spring as new ones emerge. Occasionally, its evergreen boughs are weighted down and snap off under heavy snow and ice loads.