Plant of the Month
Some trees and shrubs deserve to be highlighted for an entire month. Here you will see a few of our favorites. Please feel free to ask questions via the "contact us" page above.
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April 2022
Golden Rain Tree : Koelreuteria bipinnata
Golden rain tree is known for its sprays of yellow flowers in summer. The flowers are followed by fruit that are air-filled capsules resembling Japanese lanterns. These fruit change from green to yellow to a fleshy, almost pink color. This tree tolerates a wide range of conditions including drought and alkaline soils. Requires full sun and well-drained soil in order to survive.
Camellia ‘Shi-Shi Gashira':Camellia sansanqua
Gorgeous magenta or pink blossoms adorn the forest green glossy leaves of this garden shrub. These long-blooming flowers almost appear doubled in petal number, and brilliant yellow stamens lie in the center of the flower. The adaptable ‘Shi Shi Gashira’ Camellia is also resistant to drought, making it a popular garden ornamental in the drier climates of the south and west, where it grows best. Beautiful fall to winter bloomers which displays large, attractive flowers, which attract butterflies, honey-bees, and hummingbirds.
Sweet Kumquat
The Kumquat Trees available here produce an abundant amount of fruit ready to be picked and eaten. Kumquats originate in China but thrive well in zones 9 and 10. They will grow up to 15 feet in height and naturally form into a rounded canopy. They need full sun and well-drained soil in order to survive. Kumquats are self-fertile so only one is needed to produce fruit. Can be planted in containers but prefer not to be root bound, so a large pot is needed.
Juke Box Holly: Pyracomeles
This Juke Box Holly is a perfect alternative to Boxwood shrubs, it can be used for edging, hedging, mass planting or kept in a container. It can be trained and trimmed just like a boxwood but requires much less maintenance. Prune in springtime. It will thrive in zone 7 and above (warmer). It can also be used as a ground cover, survives well in containers, and be pruned to any shape and size. Its distinctive leaves remain glossy all year round.
Hibiscus: Malvoideae
These tropical plants have specific needs in terms of planting and care. Planting hibiscus in a bright area providing at least 6 hours of sun a day is ideal. Water daily until roots have been established then water when topsoil is dry to the touch. Fertilizing will help keep the hibiscus bright and colorful. In order to keep it protected from the hard winter months, it is best to bring your plant inside or protect it from the frost. This plant will die back during the winter down to the bottom stems but rest assured, it will come back during spring.
Drift Roses :Rosaceae
Drift roses come in all colors, from white, red, pink to coral! These low growing rose bushes only reaching a height of 1-2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Considered a groundcover rose, these plants are sun lovers. A sunny placement will keep these roses blooming repeatedly until the first frost. Deadheading will encourage new blooms and tidy up the bush. These can be pruned to a neat shape or left to grow a bit wild, if you desire a cottage garden look. After the winter, in the early days of spring these can be cut back to allow for new growth.
Agapanthus : Lily of the Nile
Lily of the Nile Agapanthus is an evergreen plant that blooms deep blue clusters of flowers mid-spring. This plant can be used in all types of landscaping areas- nestled in borders and beds or solo in containers. The blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies, as well as other pollinators. Agapanthus performs well in full to partial sun and prefers a well-draining soil. They can handle our southern summers, too! They are extremely drought and heat tolerant and require very little watering in their dormancy.
Vitex agnus-castus: Vitex Tree
Vitex is a deciduous tree/shrub that features a blueish-purple cone-shaped cluster bloom that attracts all types of butterflies and hummingbirds. These trees at maturity, reach 8-10 feet tall and 5-8 feet wide. They prefer dry soil and require very little watering. They're popular in thanks to their long blooming season - from summer through fall. Very easy to care for, the Vitex is definitely low maintenance.
Lagerstroemia indica: Black Diamond Crape Myrtle
The Black Diamond Crape Myrtle is a dwarf variety that at maturity reaches 10' - 12' tall and 6' - 8' wide. The pretty ruffled blooms come in a variety of colors and offer intense contrast to the deep burgundy/black foliage. This tree's continuous blooms last from springtime until the first frost. They are drought tolerant and disease resistant, making them very low maintenance. As a sun lover, the Black Diamond Crape Myrtle would fit perfectly in a small, southern/western exposure landscape.
Sunshine Ligustrum
The Sunshine Ligustrum is a sun loving shrub with bright golden foliage year-round! It is a perfect option if you need to brighten up the landscape in your yard. For allergy-sufferers it's a must-have since this shrub does not bloom! Growing from 3-6 feet high and 3-4 feet wide, this evergreen shrub is ideal for creating a border, hedge or foundation bed.