I am back to gardening, it is amazingly therapeutic, I didn;t think I would enjoy my garden after Mom passed away, but the green colors make me peaceful inside. So, I want more green.
For now, it is mostly browns and yellow, though. Because I was not paying attention to anything except Mom for 2 months, several things in the garden have died off. The ferns and the Aztec grass died completely. Both wax myrtles looked dead. After repeated watering, one have seems to recover, while another has only two branches that are still showing new growth. I want to give it a full chance to recover, so I will leave it for this summer, to see whether it can come back.
This week I decided to go ahead and plant some herbs, so that they would have enough time to establish before I had to go to Russia. I replanted my rosemary plant into a larger container (where the basil used to be), and planted some oregano underneath. I also took some seeds of anise and cumin from my pantry and sprinkled them on top to see whether any of them can be used to grow herbs. I cleaned up my sage plant (which survived the winter amazingly well) and I planted some marjoram and, I think, melissa (lemon balm) around it. I also dedicated a full container to thyme (which I have never had much luck with), and a half of a different container to cilantro.
Today I went to Lowes and checked what they got. I was amazed at how few aromatic plants they carry. Most of their shrubs and perennials and annuals are in bloom and the nursery looks wonderful, but it smells like wet soil and greens, not like flowers. So many flowers looked magnificent on the shrubs, but they either smelled like dust or did not smell at all. Even gardenias that they had there did not had much of a smell.
I considered some blueberry and raspberry shrubs, but decided against them, since they are not a part of my original plan. I ventured to find some lilacs, and found 3 varieties. The best smelling one was Mount Biker (?) white lilac, it smelled exactly, exactly as I remember it from childhood. One smaller-flowers blue one was Persian Lilac, and it had a pleasant but faint smell. The third variety, Kim (?) was not in bloom yet, but showed many buds for the blooms. I decided to get both the white one and the Kim one to see when and how long they both bloom. Kim will be a smaller-size shrub, which is good. Mount Biker one will grow 10-14" it says on the note, and I don't know where I would put it in my yard, but I love the smell so much I want to keep it, I just need to figure out how to keep it from growing too tall.
Next to lilacs were citrus fruits, and I was amazed how fragrant was their foliage. I picked one small citrus shrub, a mandarin orange, that was covered in while fragrant blooms. The smell was magnificent, so sweet and fresh, I could smell it whole day long! Lilacs were $17 each and Citrus plant was $27.
I was also tempted to get some fresh lilies and other plants for the pond, but decided to wait and visit that pond store that I wanted to visit last year.
Showing posts with label shrubs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shrubs. Show all posts
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Native texas shrubs
I decided that I need to consider the weather conditions in N. Texas for a more hassle-free gardening for years to come. Plus, given the fact that this will be a rental property some day, I need to make sure I don't plant anything that requires dedicated attention. So, the first thing to look at, I think, is the native plans.
Turk's Cap or Wax Mallow: Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii
Notes: It tolerates shade, but requires moist soil...
Desert Honeysuckle or Flame Acanthus, Anisacanthus quadrifidus vr. wrigtii
The red tubular flowers of Flame Acanthus and Desert honeysuckle will add brilliant color to your yard from June - November. The hotter it gets the more they bloom. This is a great plant for Texas. The hummingbirds love this plant, so this is a must have, together with Autumn sage and Turk's cap. If you have these three plants in your yard you are sure to have hummingbirds.
Notes: I like that it is drought tolerant, and the hotter it gets the more it blooms, but it I don't know if it will hold up in almost full shade
Texas Lantana: Lantana horrida or camara
This plant is wonderful to have because it will take the heat with no problem and bloom for you all summer and into fall. The flowers are very cheerful and attract butterflies and hummingbrids like crazy. This plant is a must have for the native garden.
Artemisia:
This is an herb, but it grows so large it needs to be classified as a shrub. Since it grows large in just one season, it is a great plant to use for quick shrubs wherever you need one. Just break off a foot or so stem and plant part of it in the dirt where you want a new one to grow. Keep it moist for a week or two, and it will grow new roots. Before the end of the summer, you will have another large shrub and can repeat the process. Nothing bothers this plant, neither bug nor disease. You may need to cut it back so it does not take over the whole bed. Plant in full sun to part shade and water occasionally.
Notes: In Russia, this plant is a weed that grows everywhere, and it is hard to get rid of. I think this one is a positive no.
Aralia:
This tropical looking shrub is really hardy here in Texas. It needs plenty of shade and moderate watering.
Notes: I think this might be a perfect plant for my yard. Although on the Internet, the info points to Aralia being more of an indoor plant that does not tolerate cold very well.
Chinese Photinia:
This large shrub can be trimmed up into a small decorative tree. These often grow wild in Texas; that shows how tough they are. They will bloom in the spring with large white blooms, followed by berries which Cedar Waxwings love to eat. If they don't discover them, the berries will be a pretty winter accent to the garden. Plant anywhere and lives on neglect.
Notes: Apparently, mature shrubs can reach up to 20 feet in height, so I don't think this one will work for my tiny yard.
Nandina:
Nandinas also will grow in the wild here. They are beautiful shrubs with red berries and pretty leaves. They come in several sizes; the larger ones are the best in appearance. It would be hard to kill this plant. Nandina likes some shade to be its best, but it will grow anywhere, with very little care or water. The picture shows snow on nandinas in January.
Notes: This one I already have, 2 of them, in fact. Obviously, they are a keeper. It is good that they are native plants and require little care. I made a lucky buy.
Abelia:
This is a graceful large shrub with arching branches and small white blooms throughout the year (whenever the shrub feels like it). It gets quite large and should not be trimmed into a hedge; that would ruin its form. Just trim to keep it from getting too large. Full sun, moderate water.
Notes: I already have 2 of these, as well. Great things is that it needs little water and it is a native plant. Bad thing is, it needs full sun, which I do not really have anywhere but by the chimney. I think that this is where they are going to put them.
Althaea:
This is a large shrub or small tree that takes full sun or part shade and has large tropical bloomss that look like hybiscus blooms. A truly beautiful shrub.
Recommended Temperature Zone:
sunset: 2-21, 26,28-41
USDA: 7-10a
Frost Tolerance: Mostly deciduous in Phoenix
Heat Tolerance: Afternoon shade in the hot areas
Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade
Origin: Pakistan
Growth Habits: Deciduous shrub to 10 feet tall (3 m), 6 feet in width (1.8 m), can be trained to have a single trunk; alternate, coarsely toothed, smooth leaves, often with 3 lobes, up to 3 inches long (7.5 cm), 1.6 inches wide (4 cm)
Watering Needs: Regular deep watering, some drought tolerance, needs good drainage, prefers soil with added organic matter
Propagation: Softwood cuttings in spring, semi-hardwood in summer, hardwood cutting in winter without leaves, seeds, layering of the lower flexible branches
Notes: 10 feet high is a bit too big, and it does not tolerate drought too well. Strange that the origin of the shrub is Pakistan, but it is listed as a native Texan shrub.
Crepe Mrytle:
What would Central Texas be without the Crepe mrytle? This fantastic large shrub or small tree does need some care though. Don't cut the tops off this shrub; that just mutilates it. Trim lightly in the early winter and then leave it alone. When you water, try very hard not to get water on its leaves. Use a soaker hose and water at ground level. This, along with full sun and adequate air flow will ensure that your shrubs don't get powdery mildew. This shrub is worth the extra trouble as it is covered with blooms for much of the summer.
Notes: comments say it is very invasive, can destroy water pipes, and drips sticky sap all over the ground... Hmm, maybe I will try it in a flower pot first....
Turk's Cap or Wax Mallow: Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii
| Bloom Period: | Spring - Fall |
| Soil: | Adaptable, moist, well draining |
| Exposure: | Full sun, partial shade, shade |
| Water: | Moist soil |
| Planting: | Fresh seeds, softwood cuttings |
Desert Honeysuckle or Flame Acanthus, Anisacanthus quadrifidus vr. wrigtii
| Bloom Period: | April- November |
| Soil: | Adaptable well dranning |
| Exposure: | Full sun -partial shade |
| Water: | Drought and heat tolerant. |
| Planting: | Fresh seeds and cuttings |
The red tubular flowers of Flame Acanthus and Desert honeysuckle will add brilliant color to your yard from June - November. The hotter it gets the more they bloom. This is a great plant for Texas. The hummingbirds love this plant, so this is a must have, together with Autumn sage and Turk's cap. If you have these three plants in your yard you are sure to have hummingbirds.
Notes: I like that it is drought tolerant, and the hotter it gets the more it blooms, but it I don't know if it will hold up in almost full shade
Texas Lantana: Lantana horrida or camara
| Plant: | Perennial, Size: 2-6 feet |
| Flower: | L. horrida has yellow-orange clusters 1-2 inches across,L. camara has pink and cream color blosoms. |
| Bloom Period: | Spring -Fall |
| Soil: | Adaptable |
| Exposure: | Full sun, partial shade |
| Water: | Drought tolerant |
| Planting: | Fresh seeds and cuttings |
This plant is wonderful to have because it will take the heat with no problem and bloom for you all summer and into fall. The flowers are very cheerful and attract butterflies and hummingbrids like crazy. This plant is a must have for the native garden.
Artemisia:
This is an herb, but it grows so large it needs to be classified as a shrub. Since it grows large in just one season, it is a great plant to use for quick shrubs wherever you need one. Just break off a foot or so stem and plant part of it in the dirt where you want a new one to grow. Keep it moist for a week or two, and it will grow new roots. Before the end of the summer, you will have another large shrub and can repeat the process. Nothing bothers this plant, neither bug nor disease. You may need to cut it back so it does not take over the whole bed. Plant in full sun to part shade and water occasionally.
Notes: In Russia, this plant is a weed that grows everywhere, and it is hard to get rid of. I think this one is a positive no.
Aralia:
This tropical looking shrub is really hardy here in Texas. It needs plenty of shade and moderate watering.
Notes: I think this might be a perfect plant for my yard. Although on the Internet, the info points to Aralia being more of an indoor plant that does not tolerate cold very well.
Chinese Photinia:
This large shrub can be trimmed up into a small decorative tree. These often grow wild in Texas; that shows how tough they are. They will bloom in the spring with large white blooms, followed by berries which Cedar Waxwings love to eat. If they don't discover them, the berries will be a pretty winter accent to the garden. Plant anywhere and lives on neglect.
Notes: Apparently, mature shrubs can reach up to 20 feet in height, so I don't think this one will work for my tiny yard.
Nandina:
Nandinas also will grow in the wild here. They are beautiful shrubs with red berries and pretty leaves. They come in several sizes; the larger ones are the best in appearance. It would be hard to kill this plant. Nandina likes some shade to be its best, but it will grow anywhere, with very little care or water. The picture shows snow on nandinas in January.
Notes: This one I already have, 2 of them, in fact. Obviously, they are a keeper. It is good that they are native plants and require little care. I made a lucky buy.
Abelia:
This is a graceful large shrub with arching branches and small white blooms throughout the year (whenever the shrub feels like it). It gets quite large and should not be trimmed into a hedge; that would ruin its form. Just trim to keep it from getting too large. Full sun, moderate water.
Notes: I already have 2 of these, as well. Great things is that it needs little water and it is a native plant. Bad thing is, it needs full sun, which I do not really have anywhere but by the chimney. I think that this is where they are going to put them.
Althaea:
This is a large shrub or small tree that takes full sun or part shade and has large tropical bloomss that look like hybiscus blooms. A truly beautiful shrub.
Recommended Temperature Zone:
sunset: 2-21, 26,28-41
USDA: 7-10a
Frost Tolerance: Mostly deciduous in Phoenix
Heat Tolerance: Afternoon shade in the hot areas
Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade
Origin: Pakistan
Growth Habits: Deciduous shrub to 10 feet tall (3 m), 6 feet in width (1.8 m), can be trained to have a single trunk; alternate, coarsely toothed, smooth leaves, often with 3 lobes, up to 3 inches long (7.5 cm), 1.6 inches wide (4 cm)
Watering Needs: Regular deep watering, some drought tolerance, needs good drainage, prefers soil with added organic matter
Propagation: Softwood cuttings in spring, semi-hardwood in summer, hardwood cutting in winter without leaves, seeds, layering of the lower flexible branches
Notes: 10 feet high is a bit too big, and it does not tolerate drought too well. Strange that the origin of the shrub is Pakistan, but it is listed as a native Texan shrub.
Crepe Mrytle:
What would Central Texas be without the Crepe mrytle? This fantastic large shrub or small tree does need some care though. Don't cut the tops off this shrub; that just mutilates it. Trim lightly in the early winter and then leave it alone. When you water, try very hard not to get water on its leaves. Use a soaker hose and water at ground level. This, along with full sun and adequate air flow will ensure that your shrubs don't get powdery mildew. This shrub is worth the extra trouble as it is covered with blooms for much of the summer.
Notes: comments say it is very invasive, can destroy water pipes, and drips sticky sap all over the ground... Hmm, maybe I will try it in a flower pot first....
Monday, November 1, 2010
Shade-loving shrubs
I am trying to choose the best shrub to be the centerpiece of my flower bed #3.... the one that is almost entirely under the shade of the big oak tree....
http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/trees-shrubs/shade-loving-shrubs.htm
"Carolina allspice is another shade-loving shrub that not only adds interest with its reddish-purple flowers, but this shrub also emits a pleasant spicy aroma. Prefers partial to full sun.
Downsides: comments say it spreads like crazy, and it can grow up to 25' high, I can't have that in the yard of my size...
Also worthy in the shade garden is the fragrant honeysuckle shrub (Жимолость). While you may find numerous varieties to choose from, the climbing variety will add height when trained on a trellis or similar structure. Even if you opt for the more shrubby variety, this shade lover should be placed close by, where its fragrance can be better appreciated.
Notes: http://davesgarden.com/ says that it needs full sun.
If fragrance is what you’re after than gardenias are definitely for you, provided that you reside in a warmer climate that is. Gardenias thrive in light shade and moist soil. They are evergreen, which will provide year-round interest, but it’s their intensely fragrant, white flowers that really steal the show.
Notes: I surely love the look of this plant, and it is evergreen, but I don't think it will work for Texas, unless I plant it into a container and try to water it more frequently than the rest of the garden.
Viburnum shrubs not only provide attractive, fragrant blooms but are also tolerant of shade. These sweet-smelling, shade-loving shrubs can make excellent understory plantings as well.
Notes: Dave's Garden says is can grow in partial shade, while mine is almost a full shade... And it is a little bushier than I would like, my flower bed is not that large...
A rather large shrub but highly fragrant and exceptional for shade, is the Witch hazel. This shade lover produces lovely yellow flowers in spring.
Notes: it blooms after the first frost, and makes a nice presentation. I am thinking about having it for my flower bed #2. Dave's Garden said it likes sun to partial shade. That is closer to the conditions on my flower bed #2.
Goat’s beard is an easy-growing shrub and makes a wonderful choice for areas of the garden with partial shade. These shrubs are especially suited to woodland gardens, opening up dark areas with their white blooms."
Notes: I don't care much for the look of this shrub, and it is a bit too bushy for my flower bed, so I think this one I can scratch out.
Rhododendrons and azaleas are probably some of the most popular and best loved of the shade shrubs. They not only thrive in shade but also seem to harmonize with it. These shade-loving shrubs are loved for their colorful blooms and interesting, evergreen foliage. They can be used as hedges, foundation plantings, or alone as specimen plants.
Notes: Rhododendrons are apparently poisonous for pets and humans, so although I really like the look of this plant, I don't think it would be safe to have in the yard... Apparently, same for azaleas... too bad.
One of the finest choices for shady sites is the camellia. These evergreen shade lovers bloom in later winter or early spring in shades of red, pink, white, or bicolor."
Notes: Requires consistently moist soil - not possible in my yard. I wonder if I could plant it in a very large container, along with gardenias...
A unique variety of osmanthus that produces an abundance of fragrant, bright orange flowers in Fall. Forms a large evergreen shrub or small tree. In the fall, one shrub will fill the backyard with a powerful and exquisite scent of perfume. Can grow to 20' tall however is usually seen at 8 to 12' in landscapes. Plant near windows and outdoor living areas where the fragrance can be enjoyed. Easy to grow in most any well-drained soil, in sun to partial shade.
Notes: Evergreen; Average Water Needs; Acidic soil, Blooms several times a year; blooms in the winter;
I think I will have two of those planted on the flower bed #2 to form a hedge....
http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/trees-shrubs/shade-loving-shrubs.htm
"Carolina allspice is another shade-loving shrub that not only adds interest with its reddish-purple flowers, but this shrub also emits a pleasant spicy aroma. Prefers partial to full sun.
Downsides: comments say it spreads like crazy, and it can grow up to 25' high, I can't have that in the yard of my size...
Also worthy in the shade garden is the fragrant honeysuckle shrub (Жимолость). While you may find numerous varieties to choose from, the climbing variety will add height when trained on a trellis or similar structure. Even if you opt for the more shrubby variety, this shade lover should be placed close by, where its fragrance can be better appreciated.
Notes: http://davesgarden.com/ says that it needs full sun.
If fragrance is what you’re after than gardenias are definitely for you, provided that you reside in a warmer climate that is. Gardenias thrive in light shade and moist soil. They are evergreen, which will provide year-round interest, but it’s their intensely fragrant, white flowers that really steal the show.
Notes: I surely love the look of this plant, and it is evergreen, but I don't think it will work for Texas, unless I plant it into a container and try to water it more frequently than the rest of the garden.
Viburnum shrubs not only provide attractive, fragrant blooms but are also tolerant of shade. These sweet-smelling, shade-loving shrubs can make excellent understory plantings as well.
Notes: Dave's Garden says is can grow in partial shade, while mine is almost a full shade... And it is a little bushier than I would like, my flower bed is not that large...
A rather large shrub but highly fragrant and exceptional for shade, is the Witch hazel. This shade lover produces lovely yellow flowers in spring.
Notes: it blooms after the first frost, and makes a nice presentation. I am thinking about having it for my flower bed #2. Dave's Garden said it likes sun to partial shade. That is closer to the conditions on my flower bed #2.
Goat’s beard is an easy-growing shrub and makes a wonderful choice for areas of the garden with partial shade. These shrubs are especially suited to woodland gardens, opening up dark areas with their white blooms."
Notes: I don't care much for the look of this shrub, and it is a bit too bushy for my flower bed, so I think this one I can scratch out.
Rhododendrons and azaleas are probably some of the most popular and best loved of the shade shrubs. They not only thrive in shade but also seem to harmonize with it. These shade-loving shrubs are loved for their colorful blooms and interesting, evergreen foliage. They can be used as hedges, foundation plantings, or alone as specimen plants.
Notes: Rhododendrons are apparently poisonous for pets and humans, so although I really like the look of this plant, I don't think it would be safe to have in the yard... Apparently, same for azaleas... too bad.
One of the finest choices for shady sites is the camellia. These evergreen shade lovers bloom in later winter or early spring in shades of red, pink, white, or bicolor."
Notes: Requires consistently moist soil - not possible in my yard. I wonder if I could plant it in a very large container, along with gardenias...
Fragrant Orange Tea Olive
A unique variety of osmanthus that produces an abundance of fragrant, bright orange flowers in Fall. Forms a large evergreen shrub or small tree. In the fall, one shrub will fill the backyard with a powerful and exquisite scent of perfume. Can grow to 20' tall however is usually seen at 8 to 12' in landscapes. Plant near windows and outdoor living areas where the fragrance can be enjoyed. Easy to grow in most any well-drained soil, in sun to partial shade.
Notes: Evergreen; Average Water Needs; Acidic soil, Blooms several times a year; blooms in the winter;
I think I will have two of those planted on the flower bed #2 to form a hedge....
Loropetalum 'Purple Diamond'
Purple Diamond' Loropetalum boasts some of the most intense purple foliage color of any plant on the market. Vibrant pink, witchhazel-like, fringy blooms are heavy in Spring, appear occasionally in Summer and again in Fall, providing a stunning contrast with the purple foliage. An easy to grow, low maintenance shrub useful as a hedge, accent, in small groups, or in mass in landscape beds and foundation plantings.
Nandina 'Firepower'
Nandina 'Firepower' features brilliant, fire-red foliage during Winter. A dwarf, compact selection with a globose form to 3' tall and 2 to 2.5' wide. This nandina must have well-drained soils and is best planted in raised beds. Useful in foundation plantings or landscape beds as a border, under low windows, in small groups or mass plantings, or as an accent. Low maintenance and easy to grow so long as the soil is very well-drained. Nandinas do not like wet feet! Best color in full to mostly sun, however tolerates a good deal of shade.
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