Planting Deodar Cedars

'Snow Sprite' deodar cedar

Himalayan cedar (Cedrus deodara), aka Deodar Cedar, is indigenous from northern India, east to Nepal, and northward through Pakistan and Afghanistan (USDA hardiness zones (6b)7-10). In the U.S., this evergreen conifer grows 60-70 feet high and 40 feet wide in 50 years. It offers year-round interest by way of its lovely pyramidal form and pendulous branching habit.


Deodar cedar is an excellent specimen tree. You may opt to mass several for privacy screening or a windbreak around your property. Create a unique focal point by clustering 3-5 trees together. Plant these long--lived evergreens for multi-generations to enjoy.


Site selection is most important. Deodars prefer mostly sunny sites and set in moist, well-drained soils. Two-year established trees are drought tolerant. Relatively free from pest and disease troubles, once planted, deodars will provide maintenance-free beauty.


Elegant weeping branches dip downward to the ground and then sweep upward. The older 2- and 3- year old needles drop in spring, just as new buds emerge to provide a soft green look. Male trees produce catkins that disperse copious amounts of pollen in early spring. Female trees develop 3-5 inch egg-shaped cones.


Weatherwise, deodars earn a reputation as finicky trees in the mid-South (Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia). Young trees are more susceptible to cold than older stock. In a good soil young trees and shrubs grow off quickly, often achieving two feet of growth a year. If the tops of trees die back, winter freeze injury may be the problem.

'Glacier Blue' at Univ. of Tennessee Gardens

Winter hardy tree forms include ‘Shalimar’, a selection made in the Kashmiri region of India and Pakistan. Many shrub forms are also available such as:
'Feelin' Blue' - low spreading, mounding, space saving form; long, thick bluish tinted needles that retain their color into late summer; grows 1 to 2 feet tall in 10 years. 'Glacier Blue' -moderate growing shrub form with long blue-green foliage that grows 8-10 feet tall within 20 years.

Highly Rated Camellias Growing In Zone 6 Gardens

'April Tryst' camellia

You can now grow camellias in warm winter areas of the middle Atlantic States (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia) as well as the mid-South (Zones 6 and 7).  Depending on variety, camellias bloom in shades of white, pink, red, and some speckled and striped kinds. 

In northern locales where winters go down to 0 - 10 degrees F,  planting time starts from spring to early September to allow the root systems to grow deeply before cold weather arrives in December.

Sheltered the new camellias from direct sunlight and high wind. A site should have good soil drainage and has been generously amended with organic matter. Fertilize with a water soluble acidic fertilizer like Miracle-Gro or Hollytone according to package directions. Camellias grow best in partial shade — they do not like late afternoon summer sun.

'Snow Flurry'

Do not overwater camellias. A planting site under tall trees or on the north or west side of a building is ideal. Plants grown in full sun often develop leaf scorch.

Camellias are relatively deer-resistant. Deer and other garden nuisances are not known to bother camellias.
Some favorites in my East Tennessee Garden (zone 6-b) are:

‘April Dawn’ grows to about 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide with pale pink petals with dark pink streaks!

‘Artic Rose’ is double red floral beauty. This compact variety only grows to 6 feet tall and wide.

‘Snow Flurry’ (C. oleifera)  6 – 8 feet tall with 3-1/2 inch white blooms at an early age.

‘Autumn Pink Icicle’ (C. oleifera) - 5-6 feet upright shrub; large, double, rose-pink blooms.

‘Winter’s Snowman’ - 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide shrub; semi-double white flowers in fall.

‘Pink Icicle’ – 8 - 10 feet tall shrub; large 4-1/2 inch shell pink semi-double blooms in March/April

'April Remembered' - large cream to pink shaded semi-double flowers on a fast growing plant.

'April Rose' - Rose red formal double flowers on a compact.

'April Tryst' - Red, anemone form flowers on a well formed plant with medium growth.

‘Korean Fire’ (C. japonica) - vigorous 12-15 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide, blooming in March - early May; 3-5 inch wide deep red, single blooms /contrasting golden stamens in center.

Coneflowers

'Showoff' Echinacea at Kingwood Center, Mansfield, OH

Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.) have undergone great improvements over the past quarter century. Varieties are now available in many color shades and plants flower for longer periods. Recently introduced cultivars also grow alot shorter. On the negative side, some hybrid forms have been disappointing, barely surviving 1-2 years in the garden.

For overall dependability, Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is my #1 favorite for dependability (USDA hardiness zones 3-8). The species is native to most of the Eastern and Midwestern U.S. They bloom in July, August, and into September, their nectar-filled flowers attract  butterflies and bees, and their winter seed heads provide food for birds and other critters.

Yellow Coneflower (Echinacea paradoxa) is native to the Ozark region in Missouri and Arkansas. The yellow blooming E. paradoxa have been bred with E. purpurea. Flowering starts in June, and puts on a long show even as the petals fade. This species has a small geographic range due to habitat loss.

Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida) are native from the central U.S. Petals tend to be long, narrow, and droopy along with washed out lavender color. Leaves and stems are particularly fuzzy. They bloom from June to July and grow in most U.S. gardens under proper care.

Tennessee Coneflower (Echinacea tennesseensis) are native the state, but their habitat has been in decline over the past half century. Only recently has it been removed from the endangered species list. This mid-summer bloomer grows 2 to 2 ½ feet tall.

Coneflowers perform best in full sun and within a low to moderate range of soil fertility. While good soil drainage and watering during prolonged dry spells are good practice. Keep in mind that most coneflowers establish deep taproots and resent constant irrigation and over-feeding. To insure winter survival, coneflowers should be planted before July 1st.

Silberlocke Korean Fir

Dwarf cultivars of Korean firs (Abies koreana) are favorites among many conifer collectors (USDA hardiness zones 5-8). Four ultra-dwarf varieties grow inches per year. Horstmann’s Silberlocke’ is the leading Korean fir variety among conifer collectors. To encourage a deep extensive root system, extra care (TLC) is needed the first 2-3 years after planting in the garden.


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Abies koreana  'Horstmann’s Silberlocke’

'Horstmann’s Silberlocke’ The German word silberlocke means "silver locks of hair". The needles on the branches curl on the tops exposing the white underside of the needles, resulting in a frosted look. Annual growth rate is 6 - 8 inches (15 – 20 cm). Over the years, 'Horstmann's Silberlocke' will develop into a small 12 feet high x 8 feet wide landscape tree. The curling needle trait is often lost as the plant age. ‘Silberlocke’ also produces purple/tan cones on young plants.

Plant in a humus-rich, acidic, well-drained soil and in a sun to partial shade garden bed. Mulch with acidic organic compost such as pine needles, shredded pine bark, or chips. Irrigate once or twice monthly during periods of drought, heat or high winds.


Korean fir appears to be more heat tolerant than other firs, but it prefers cooler regions of the U.S. As with most firs in the South, Korean fir will often fail if too hot and will fail in wet soppy soils. In the warm humid southeastern U.S. environment, Korean fir should be grafted on Momi fir (Abies firma) rootstock. Dwarf forms make great additions to a small urban garden, a rockery, or a large container. Korean fir is rated as deer resistant.


Because of their rates of growth, super dwarfs are investments in the future. A plant with some size will likely command a premium price.

Uniquely Different Franklinia Tree

Franklinia at NC Arboretum in Asheville, NC

Franklinia (Franklinia altamaha) is a U.S. native large shrub or small tree to 10-25 feet tall. Rated hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5-8, the tree seems best suited in zones 6 to 7.

Success with growing franklinia depends on purchasing a quality nursery plant, proper siting, and care, particularly during the first 2-3 years. Franklinia is only available from e-commerce nurseries and is best planted from late winter to early summer.

The species was first discovered growing in 1765 growing along the banks of the Altamaha River in southeastern Georgia by botanists John and William Bartram. The tree has been extinct in the wild since 1803. All franklinia trees are descendants from seedling propagated by the Bartrams in their Philadelphia, PA garden. Franklinia belongs to the tea family (Theaceae) and is closely related to Camellia, Stewartia and Gordonia (loblolly bay). The tree was named to honor Benjamin Franklin.

The tree’s most striking feature is its showy 2 – 3 inch pure white flowers with clusters of golden yellow stamens in the centers. Franklinia’s camellia-like flowers appear from late summer until frost. The blooms are sweetly-fragrant upclose.  Narrow, oblong-obovate, glossy dark green 3-5 inch long leaves turn several shades of orange, red and purple thru the autumn season. Branching is upright and spreading to create an open airy appearance. Ridged grey bark with prominent vertical white striations adds slight winter interest.

Franklinia grows best grown in humus rich, medium moisture, moderately acidic (pH 5.0 - 6.2) and well-drained soils and in full sun (in North) to partial shade (in Southeast). Franklinia prefers sites similar to azaleas and rhododendrons.

Fertilize in early spring with an acidic based soluble fertilizer such as Miracle Gro®, Miracid®, or Hollytone®. Franklinia also favors an annual feeding of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) @ 1 Tablespoon per gallon of water per tree.

Franklinia is valued as a specimen or a collector’s tree. Wilt and soil root rot (Phythoptera) are the serious problems. Proper siting of this unique tree is absolutely crucial. It is notoriously finicky to transplant because of its sparse fibrous root system.

Dwarf Forms Of Elkhorn Cedar (Thujopsis)

Elkhorn cedar (Thujopsis dolobrata) is a slow to moderate growing evergreen shrub or tree. It is also called Hiba or false arborvitae and deerhorn cedar, referring to the shape of its scale-like leaves. It is rarely grown in U.S. gardens (USDA hardiness zones 5-7).

Thujopsis 'Aurea'

This native of Japan and China has a pyramidal growth habit and beautiful dense foliage similar to arbovitae (Thuja spp.). Mature trees may reach 50 -100 feet in height in the Japanese woodlands.  

The scale-like bright or dark green leaves are arranged in flattened sprays with white markings beneath.  Its reddish-brown peeling bark adds to the plant's appeal.  Small 3/4 inch cones provide little ornamental value. 

False arborvitae grows best on a moist well-drained site in full sun or bright shade . Occasional watering is recommended in severe summer/fall dry periods. False arborvitae needs to be sheltered from dry winter winds.

Winter foliage color may vary by location and cultivar planted. Here in the Southern Appalachian Region (USDA zones 6 and 7), winter foliage takes on a muted olive-green tone.

Two dwarf clones are:

• 'Aurea' - a dense shrub with golden yellow foliage; grow in light shade.
• ‘Nana’ - a slow growing, dwarf mounding form with good plant symmetry. Its wintry foliage takes on a silvery tint.

A 10-year old 'Aurea' or 'Nana' thujopsis grows 3 to 4 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide. 

False arborvitae is hard to find in the nursery trade, but are available thru e-commerce specialty nurseries.

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.

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.