Plant A Patch: Possum-haw holly (Ilex decidua)
A relation to last week’s selection, Possum-haw holly is a native, deciduous shrub especially known for its bright red berries throughout the fall and winter seasons. Like its evergreen relative, Possum haw holly prefers a full sun location, but will tolerate partial shade. It does well in moist but well drained locations so can …
Plant A Patch: American holly (Ilex opaca)
The perfect plant for adding dramatic color to the winter landscape, American holly is a classic choice! This slow growing, broadleaf evergreen with glossy green leaves and clusters of bright red berries throughout the winter is the epitome of the traditional Christmas decoration. More than just a decoration, American Holly can serve as …
Add A Grove: Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)
Providing a striking contrast to evergreens, the Washington hawthorn is a must for the winter landscape. Attractive in all seasons, this small, rounded native tree features white blooms in spring, glossy green leaves in summer, gorgeous fall foliage ranging from orange to reddish-purple and bright red fruit called haws that appear in fall and …
Plant A Grove: Eastern red-cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
A highly desirable native evergreen. Eastern red-cedar is a mainstay for the winter landscape. Tolerant to drought and hot, dry winds, Eastern red-cedar loves the full sun and thrives in a variety of soil types, including shallow, rocky soils. Since they stand up well to both salt spray and ground salt, they are …
Plant A Grove: Leatherwood (Dorca palustris)
One of a very few shrubs that not only tolerates but enjoys heavy shade and marsh-like conditions, leatherwood is an attractive garden addition spring through fall. It typically reaches 4- 6 feet in both height and spread so it works well as an understory plant. Bell-shaped yellow flowers appear in March and April …
Plant A Grove: Wahoo ( Euonymus atropurpureus )
Adaptable to sun or shade, rich or poor soil, this native shrub is a standout in the fall. Featuring beautiful red foliage and scarlet red berries hanging from green stems, wahoo is a favorite of winter birds. Wahoo is an excellent understory plant, having an interestingly shaped, irregular crown and spreading growth habit. It …
Plant A Grove -- Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina)
If you’ve taken a drive in the countryside lately, you’ve probably seen a striking shrub flaunting yellow, orange and red foliage all on the same bush. Staghorn sumac, named for the velvety appearance of its stunning young branchlets, has a strong, open, spreading growth habit, reaching 15 to 25 feet. It naturalizes …
Plant This Not That -- Part 2: Bare Root, Container or B & B?
As I hit publish last week, it occurred to me that I had missed an entire topic related to trees — an explanation of bare root trees, container grown trees and balled in burlap or b&b trees. Since fall is a popular tree planting season, this seems like a good time to look at the …
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