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Shrubs

Evergreen Shrubs for Pacific Northwest Gardens: A Comprehensive Guide

by Gregory September 11, 2024

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Evergreen Shrubs for Pacific Northwest Gardens

Introduction

The Pacific Northwest is known for its diverse climate, ranging from rainy coasts to high desert regions. This variety of climates means that gardeners in the Pacific Northwest have a wide range of options when it comes to choosing evergreen shrubs for their gardens.

Choosing Evergreen Shrubs for Your Garden

When selecting evergreen shrubs for your Pacific Northwest garden, it’s important to consider your growing zone, as well as the sun and soil conditions in your garden. Local nurseries and greenhouses can provide expert advice on which evergreen shrubs are best suited to your specific needs.

Popular Evergreen Shrubs for the Pacific Northwest

Here are some of the most popular evergreen shrubs for gardens in the Pacific Northwest:

Western laurel (Leucothoe davisiae): This shrub features glossy, deep green leaves and produces clusters of white flowers in the spring. It prefers shady or partially shady areas with moist, acidic soil.
Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium): Known for its clusters of yellow flowers and edible blue-black berries, Oregon grape prefers partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil.
Twinflower (Linnaea borealis): This low-growing shrub produces fragrant pink flowers in the spring. It prefers shady areas with moist, acidic soil.
Hoary manzanita (Arctostaphylos canescens): This drought-tolerant shrub has silvery-gray leaves and produces clusters of white or pink flowers in the spring. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa): This versatile shrub produces a variety of flower colors, including yellow, pink, and white. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Pacific or California wax myrtle (Morella californica): This evergreen shrub has fragrant, aromatic leaves and produces clusters of white flowers in the summer. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Oregon boxwood (Paxistima myrsinites): This low-growing shrub has small, glossy leaves and prefers shady areas with moist, acidic soil.
Blue Blossom ceanothus (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus): This drought-tolerant shrub produces clusters of blue flowers in the spring. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Planting and Care for Evergreen Shrubs

Once you have selected the evergreen shrubs for your garden, it’s important to plant them correctly and provide them with the proper care. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the shrub and just as deep. Place the shrub in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water the shrub deeply and regularly, especially during the first growing season. Mulch around the base of the shrub to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning Evergreen Shrubs

Most evergreen shrubs require minimal pruning. However, you may need to prune them occasionally to remove dead or diseased branches, control their size, or shape them to your desired form. The best time to prune evergreen shrubs is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

Fertilizing Evergreen Shrubs

Evergreen shrubs typically do not require heavy fertilization. However, you may fertilize them lightly in the spring using a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can damage the shrubs.

Common Problems and Solutions for Evergreen Shrubs

Like all plants, evergreen shrubs can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Here are some common problems and solutions:

Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can infest evergreen shrubs and cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.
Scale: These small, armored insects can attach themselves to the stems and leaves of evergreen shrubs and suck their sap. Use horticultural oil to control scale.
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves of evergreen shrubs. Use a fungicide to control powdery mildew.

Conclusion

Evergreen shrubs are a beautiful and versatile addition to any Pacific Northwest garden. By selecting the right shrubs for your growing conditions and providing them with proper care, you can enjoy their beauty and benefits for years to come.

Shrubs

Itea Shrubs: A Beginner’s Guide to Planting, Care, and Benefits

by Gregory September 3, 2024

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Itea Shrubs: A Guide for Beginners

Introduction

Itea shrubs are beautiful additions to landscapes in many parts of the United States. They are native to this area and produce attractive foliage and fragrant, drooping bottlebrush blooms in spring. Itea shrubs are relatively low-maintenance, making them a great choice for gardeners of all levels.

About Itea Shrubs

Itea shrubs typically grow between 3 and 6 feet tall and wide in the wild. However, cultivated varieties often remain smaller. For example, the dwarf form ‘Shirley’s Compact’ reaches only 18 inches tall, while ‘Merlot’ tops out at just 3 1/2 feet. Itea plants have medium green leaves that turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red, and mahogany in the fall.

Itea shrubs spread by underground runners, which can be blocked to control their spread. They are also known as Virginia sweetspire and Virginia willow. Itea shrubs attract butterflies and provide food for birds with their berries.

How to Care for Itea Shrubs

Itea shrubs are botanically named Itea virginica. They have a rounded form when planted in sunny areas. For the best blooms, plant Itea shrubs in moist to wet soils in a location that receives part shade to full sun. Itea shrubs produce fragrant racemes of 4-inch blooms in May.

Despite being one of the few shrubs that can tolerate wet soil, Itea shrubs are also drought tolerant. Their attractive reddish autumn foliage makes them a great addition to any fall display. As members of the Saxifragaceae family, Itea shrubs are native plants that can thrive in a variety of conditions with minimal care.

In their natural habitat, Itea shrubs are often found on shady riverbanks. To care for Itea shrubs, keep the soil moist and fertilize them yearly for the most prolific show of blooms. Itea shrubs are a great choice for wet and shady areas of the landscape where other plants may struggle to grow.

Specific Considerations

Dwarf Forms: Dwarf forms of Itea shrubs, such as ‘Shirley’s Compact’ and ‘Merlot,’ are ideal for smaller gardens or containers.
Soil Conditions: Itea shrubs can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including wet and dry soils. However, they prefer moist, well-drained soil.
Light Requirements: Itea shrubs can grow in full sun to part shade. However, they will produce the most blooms in full sun.
Fertilization: Fertilize Itea shrubs yearly with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Pruning: Itea shrubs do not require regular pruning. However, you can prune them to control their size or shape.

Benefits of Itea Shrubs

Attractive Foliage: Itea shrubs have beautiful foliage that changes color throughout the seasons.
Fragrant Blooms: Itea shrubs produce fragrant, drooping bottlebrush blooms in spring.
Low Maintenance: Itea shrubs are relatively low-maintenance, making them a great choice for busy gardeners.
Native Plants: Itea shrubs are native to many parts of the United States, which means they are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions.
Wildlife Benefits: Itea shrubs attract butterflies and provide food for birds.

Conclusion

Itea shrubs are a beautiful and versatile addition to any landscape. They are easy to care for and can tolerate a variety of conditions. With their attractive foliage, fragrant blooms, and wildlife benefits, Itea shrubs are a great choice for gardeners of all levels.

Gardening

Native Plants for Northeast Gardens: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing, Planting, and Caring for Native Shrubs, Trees, and Flowers

by Donna August 22, 2024

written by Donna 7 minutes read

Native Plants for Northeast Gardens

Native plants are those that are naturally found in a particular region. They are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, and they provide food and shelter for native wildlife. Including native plants in your garden can benefit the environment and create a beautiful, sustainable landscape.

Perennial Flowering and Foliage Plants

Perennial plants come back year after year, making them a low-maintenance choice for your garden. Here are some popular native perennials for Northeast gardens:

Alumroot (Heuchera americana) has attractive foliage and produces clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers in the spring.
Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolius) is a tall, showy plant with fragrant, lavender-blue flowers that bloom in the fall.
Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa) attracts pollinators with its bright red or pink flowers.
Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium) is a small, delicate plant with blue flowers that resemble eyes.
Blue Iris (Iris versicolor) is a striking plant with sword-shaped leaves and blue-violet flowers.
Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis) is a tall, drought-tolerant plant with blue-purple flowers that bloom in the spring.
Bugbane (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a shade-loving plant with tall, elegant spikes of white flowers.
Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a host plant for monarch butterflies and produces clusters of bright orange flowers.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a wetland plant with showy, scarlet-red flowers.
Common Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) is a tall, sturdy plant with clusters of small, white flowers that attract butterflies.
Common Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale) is a late-blooming plant with yellow, daisy-like flowers.
Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum virginicum) is a tall, stately plant with spikes of white or pink flowers.
Cutleaf Coneflower (Redbeckia laciniata) is a showy plant with deeply cut leaves and large, yellow flowers.
Dwarf Crested Iris (Iris cirstata) is a small, early-blooming plant with blue-violet flowers.
False Solomon’s Seal (Smilacina racemosa) is a shade-loving plant with arching stems and clusters of white flowers.
Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) is a tall, showy plant with spikes of white, pink, or purple flowers.
Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) is a popular garden plant with fragrant, pink, purple, or white flowers.
Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) is a spring-blooming plant with clusters of yellow flowers.
Golden Ragwort (Senecio aureus) is a tall, showy plant with yellow, daisy-like flowers.
Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) is a wetland plant with tall, showy spikes of blue flowers.
Green-and-Gold (Chrysogonum virginianum) is a low-growing plant with bright yellow flowers.
Heartleaf Foam Flower (Tiarella cordifolia) is a shade-loving plant with heart-shaped leaves and clusters of white flowers.
Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium reptans) is a shade-loving plant with clusters of blue or white flowers.
Marsh Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) is a tall, showy plant with spikes of purple or white flowers.
Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) is a wetland plant with bright yellow flowers that bloom in the spring.
Meadow Bottle (Gentiana clausa) is a small, delicate plant with blue flowers.
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is a tall, showy plant with purple or blue flowers that bloom in the fall.
New York American Aster (Symphyotrichum novi-beggii) is a tall, showy plant with white flowers that bloom in the fall.
New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis) is a tall, showy plant with purple flowers that bloom in the fall.
Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida) is a showy plant with orange or yellow flowers.
Ox-eye Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) is a tall, showy plant with yellow flowers that resemble sunflowers.
Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is a showy plant with red or yellow flowers that bloom in the spring.
Scarlet Bee Balm (Monardo didyma) is a tall, showy plant with bright red flowers that attract hummingbirds.
Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa) is a tall, showy plant with golden-yellow flowers that bloom in the fall.
Slender Mountain Mint (Pycanthemum tenuifolium) is a tall, showy plant with clusters of white or pink flowers.
Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum) is a shade-loving plant with arching stems and clusters of white flowers.
Spotted Cranebill (Geranium maculatam) is a showy plant with pink or purple flowers and spotted leaves.
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a wetland plant that is a host plant for monarch butterflies and produces clusters of pink or purple flowers.
Swamp Sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius) is a tall, showy plant with yellow flowers that resemble sunflowers.
Swamp Verbena (Verbena hastata) is a tall, showy plant with spikes of purple or white flowers.
Sweet Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum) is a tall, showy plant with clusters of purple flowers.
Tall Coreopsis (Coreopsis tripteris) is a tall, showy plant with yellow flowers.
Trumpetweed (Eutrochium fistulosum) is a tall, showy plant with spikes of white or purple flowers.
Turk’s Cap Lily (Lilium michiganense) is a showy plant with nodding, orange or red flowers.
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) is a shade-loving plant with clusters of blue flowers.
White Turtlehead (Chelone glabra) is a wetland plant with white flowers that resemble turtle heads.
White Woodland Aster (Eurybia divaricatus) is a shade-loving plant with white flowers that bloom in the fall.
Wild Bleeding Heart (Dicentra eximia) is a shade-loving plant with heart-shaped leaves and pink or white flowers.
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense) is a shade-loving plant with heart-shaped leaves and reddish-brown flowers.

Ferns

Ferns are non-flowering plants that add a touch of elegance to any garden. Here are some popular native ferns for Northeast gardens:

Cinnamon Fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum) is a tall, showy fern with cinnamon-colored fertile fronds.
Interrupted Fern (Osmunda claytoniana) is a medium-sized fern with interrupted fertile fronds.
Marginal Wood Fern (Dryopteris marginalis) is a medium-sized fern with deeply cut leaflets.
Northern Lady Fern (Athyrium angustum) is a graceful fern with delicate, arching fronds.
Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) is a large, showy fern with tall, plume-like fronds.
Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis) is a stately fern with large, glossy fronds.
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is a unique fern with fronds that are sensitive to touch.

Grasses, Rushes, and Sedges

Grasses, rushes, and sedges are all grass-like plants that can add texture and interest to your garden. Here are some popular native grasses, rushes, and sedges for Northeast gardens:

Common Rush (Juncus effusus) is a tall, slender rush that is found in wet areas.
Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea) is a medium-sized sedge with narrow leaves and brown flower spikes.
Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans) is a tall, showy grass with blue-green leaves and reddish-brown flower spikes.
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a medium-sized grass with blue-green leaves and purplish flower spikes.
Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica) is a medium-sized sedge with narrow leaves and brown flower spikes.
Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) is a medium-sized grass with blue-green leaves and airy flower spikes.
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a tall, showy grass with blue-green leaves and purplish flower spikes.
Tussock Sedge (Carex stricta) is a medium-sized sedge with narrow leaves and brown flower spikes.

Bushes

Bushes are woody plants that can

Gardening

Shade Gardening in Zone 7: A Comprehensive Guide to Plants that Thrive in the Shadows

by Gregory August 10, 2024

written by Gregory 5 minutes read

Shade Gardening in Zone 7: A Guide to Plants that Thrive in the Shadows

Zone 7 is known for its hot, humid summers and mild winters, making it a great place to grow a variety of shade-loving plants. Whether you’re looking for plants with interesting foliage, beautiful flowers, or both, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Foliage Interest

If you’re looking for plants that will add a touch of color and texture to your shady garden, there are many great options to choose from.

American alumroot (Heuchera americana) is a popular choice for its attractive foliage, which comes in a variety of colors, including purple, red, and silver. It’s also a relatively low-maintenance plant, making it a good choice for beginners.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) is another low-maintenance plant that’s known for its tough, leathery leaves. It’s a great choice for shady areas that receive little sunlight.
Hosta (Hosta spp.) is a classic shade-loving plant that comes in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Hostas are known for their large, heart-shaped leaves, which come in a variety of colors, including green, blue, and variegated.
Royal fern (Osmunda regalis) is a stately fern that adds a touch of elegance to any shady garden. It has large, showy fronds that can grow up to 6 feet tall.
Gray’s sedge (Carex grayi) is a low-growing sedge that forms dense clumps of narrow, gray-green leaves. It’s a good choice for groundcover or edging.
Galax (Galax urceolata) is a small, evergreen plant with attractive, heart-shaped leaves. It’s a good choice for shady areas that receive little sunlight.

Flowering Plants

If you’re looking for plants that will add a splash of color to your shady garden, there are many great flowering plants to choose from.

Pineapple lily (Eucomis autumnalis) is a unique and eye-catching flower that produces long stalks topped with striking flower clusters that look like miniature pineapples. The flowers come in shades of pink, purple, white, or green.
Japanese Anemone (Anemone x hybrida) is a popular shade-loving plant that produces masses of daisy-like flowers in late summer and fall. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and purple.
Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica) is a deciduous shrub that produces fragrant, white flowers in early summer. The flowers are followed by attractive seedpods that persist into winter.
Columbine (Aquilegia spp.) is a delicate and graceful plant that produces nodding flowers in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, pink, and white.
Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema dracontium) is a unique and fascinating plant that produces a single, hooded flower in early spring. The flower is followed by a cluster of bright red berries.
Solomon’s Plume (Smilacina racemosa) is a graceful fern-like plant that produces clusters of white flowers in early summer. The flowers are followed by attractive red berries.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a classic shade-loving plant that produces fragrant, bell-shaped flowers in early spring. The flowers are followed by attractive red berries.
Lenten Rose (Helleborus spp.) is a winter-blooming plant that produces showy flowers in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and purple.

Shrubs

If you’re looking for shrubs that will add structure and interest to your shady garden, there are many great options to choose from.

Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a deciduous shrub that produces large clusters of white flowers in late spring or early summer. The flowers gradually turn pink in late summer, and the large leaves turn a wonderful reddish purple color in the fall.
Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) are a classic choice for shady gardens, and they come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. Azaleas prefer acidic soil, so it’s important to amend the soil before planting.
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is a deciduous shrub that produces fragrant, yellow flowers in early spring. The flowers are followed by attractive red berries.
Mapleleaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium) is a deciduous shrub that produces clusters of white flowers in late spring. The flowers are followed by attractive blue-black berries.
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is an evergreen shrub that produces clusters of pink or white flowers in late spring. Mountain laurels prefer acidic soil, so it’s important to amend the soil before planting.
Ogon spiraea (Spiraea thunbergii) is a deciduous shrub that produces clusters of white flowers in early summer. The leaves turn a brilliant yellow in the fall.

No matter what your needs are, there are plenty of shade-loving plants to choose from for your zone 7 garden. With a little planning, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden that will provide you with years of enjoyment.

Shrubs

Shrubs: The Backbone of Your Garden | Types, Care, and Uses

by Donna July 19, 2024

written by Donna 2 minutes read

Shrubs: The Backbone of Your Garden

Shrubs are like the bones of your garden, giving it structure and support. They provide a backdrop for colorful flowers, attract wildlife, and offer seasonal interest with their berries, seedheads, and vibrant autumn foliage.

Choosing Shrubs for Your Needs

Before you start planting, consider your soil type and the amount of sunlight your garden receives. Some shrubs prefer acidic soil, while others thrive in alkaline conditions. Similarly, some shrubs need full sun, while others can tolerate partial shade.

Types of Shrubs

There are countless varieties of shrubs to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are a few popular types:

Flowering shrubs: These shrubs burst into bloom in the spring or summer, adding a splash of color to your garden. Some popular flowering shrubs include roses, azaleas, and buddleias.
Fruiting shrubs: These shrubs produce edible fruits, such as berries and apples. They are a great way to attract birds and other wildlife to your garden.
Evergreen shrubs: These shrubs retain their leaves year-round, providing a lush backdrop for your garden even in the winter. Some popular evergreen shrubs include boxwood, holly, and rhododendron.

Caring for Shrubs

Once you’ve planted your shrubs, it’s important to care for them properly to ensure they thrive. Here are a few tips:

Watering: Shrubs need regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather.
Fertilizing: Fertilize your shrubs in the spring and fall to promote healthy growth.
Pruning: Prune your shrubs regularly to remove dead or diseased branches and encourage new growth.
Training: Train your shrubs to grow in a specific shape or form using stakes or trellises.

Shrubs for Every Occasion

Shrubs can be used in a variety of ways in your garden. Here are a few ideas:

Privacy hedges: Shrubs can be planted close together to create a privacy hedge around your property.
Foundation plantings: Shrubs can be planted around the foundation of your home to add visual interest and improve curb appeal.
Container gardening: Some shrubs, such as boxwood and azaleas, can be grown in containers on patios or balconies.
Wildlife gardens: Shrubs that produce berries or nuts are a great way to attract wildlife to your garden.

Gardening Techniques

How to Prune Sambucus: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

by Donna July 10, 2024

written by Donna 2 minutes read

Pruning Sambucus: A Guide for Beginners

Introduction

Pruning is an important part of gardening. It helps keep plants healthy and looking their best. Sambucus, also known as elder, is a type of shrub that can benefit from pruning. Pruning sambucus can help keep it compact and healthy, and it can also encourage flowering and fruiting.

When to Prune Sambucus

The best time to prune sambucus is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This will give the plant time to recover from pruning and put on new growth in the spring.

How to Prune Sambucus

To prune sambucus, follow these steps:

Examine the plant. Look for any diseased or damaged branches. These should be removed first.
Cut back long stems. Use sharp loppers or secateurs to cut back long stems to just above a node. A node is a bulge or leaf scar on the stem.
Remove old or weak shoots. Cut out any old or weak shoots that are not producing new growth.
Create a well-formed framework. Keep cutting back stems until you have created a well-formed framework for the plant. This framework should have no weak stems at the base.

Benefits of Pruning Sambucus

Pruning sambucus has a number of benefits, including:

Keeps the plant compact and healthy
Encourages flowering and fruiting
Improves air circulation
Reduces the risk of disease

Tips for Pruning Sambucus

Here are a few tips for pruning sambucus:

Always use sharp tools.
Cut at a slant to prevent water from collecting on the cut.
Remove all diseased or damaged branches.
Don’t be afraid to cut back hard. Sambucus can tolerate hard pruning.
After pruning, fertilize the plant to help it recover.

Conclusion

Pruning sambucus is a simple task that can have a big impact on the health and appearance of the plant. By following these tips, you can keep your sambucus looking its best for years to come.

Gardening

Best Shrubs for Shade: A Guide to Choosing and Growing Shade-Tolerant Shrubs

by Gregory July 3, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Best Shrubs for Shady Spots

Introduction

Do you have a shady spot in your yard that you’re not sure what to do with? Don’t worry, there are plenty of shrubs that can thrive in the shade. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the best shrubs for shade, so you can create a beautiful and inviting outdoor space.

Types of Shrubs for Shade

Evergreen Shrubs: These shrubs stay green all year round, providing color and interest even in the winter months. Some popular evergreen shrubs for shade include boxwood, holly, and rhododendron.
Deciduous Shrubs: These shrubs lose their leaves in the fall, but they come back to life in the spring with new leaves and flowers. Some popular deciduous shrubs for shade include hydrangeas, azaleas, and viburnums.
Ground Cover Shrubs: These shrubs are low-growing and can be used to cover the ground in shady areas. Some popular ground cover shrubs for shade include pachysandra, vinca, and ivy.

Choosing the Right Shrubs

When choosing shrubs for shade, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Soil Conditions: Make sure the shrubs you choose are suited to the soil conditions in your yard. Some shrubs prefer acidic soil, while others prefer alkaline soil.
Light Conditions: Not all shrubs can tolerate full shade. Some shrubs prefer partial shade, while others can tolerate full shade.
Size and Shape: Consider the size and shape of the shrubs you choose. Some shrubs are small and compact, while others can grow quite large.

Popular Shrubs for Shade

Here are a few of the most popular shrubs for shade:

Hydrangeas: Hydrangeas are known for their beautiful flowers, which come in a variety of colors. They prefer partial shade and moist soil.
Viburnums: Viburnums are a versatile group of shrubs that can tolerate a variety of conditions. They produce clusters of white or pink flowers in the spring.
Pachysandra: Pachysandra is a low-growing evergreen shrub that is perfect for ground cover. It prefers shady, moist areas.
Japanese Quince: Japanese quince is a deciduous shrub that produces beautiful flowers in the spring. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Pieris: Pieris is an evergreen shrub that is known for its bell-shaped flowers and colorful foliage. It prefers acidic soil and partial shade.

Conclusion

With so many great shrubs to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect ones to add beauty and interest to your shady yard. So get out there and start planting!

Gardening Tips

7 Common Pruning Mistakes to Avoid for Healthy Plants

by Donna July 1, 2024

written by Donna 2 minutes read

Pruning: A Beginner’s Guide to Avoiding Common Mistakes

Pruning is an important gardening task that can help your plants grow healthy and strong. But if you don’t do it correctly, you can actually harm your plants. Here are seven common pruning mistakes to avoid:

Pruning at the Wrong Time of Year

Most plants should be pruned in winter when they are dormant. But there are some exceptions. For example, cherry and plum trees should be pruned in summer to reduce the risk of silver leaf disease. Flowering shrubs should be pruned after they have finished blooming.

Pruning Too Much

When you prune, you are removing stems and leaves, which are two important sources of food for the plant. Removing too much material at once can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to disease.

Not Pruning Above a Node

The node is where leaves, buds, and shoots emerge from the stem. You should always cut just above a node to prevent dieback and disease.

Not Cleaning Secateurs

Dirty and blunt pruning tools can spread disease between plants. Make sure to clean and disinfect your tools after each use.

Not Pruning at an Angle

When pruning branches, it’s important to cut at a downward angle so that water can run off the wound and prevent fungal infections.

Not Pruning Out Canker

Canker is a bacterial infection that can kill trees. If you see signs of canker, prune out the infected wood immediately.

Not Removing Die-Back

Die-back is the death of plant tissue, which can be caused by a variety of factors. If you see die-back, prune out the dead tissue to prevent disease from spreading.

By following these tips, you can avoid common pruning mistakes and keep your plants healthy and beautiful.

Gardening

10 Best Plants for Stunning Autumn Color in Your Garden

by Gregory June 27, 2024

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

Plants for Amazing Autumn Color

Introduction

When the days get shorter and the air gets cooler, many plants put on a spectacular show of color before winter arrives. Here are 10 of the best plants to add vibrant autumn hues to your garden.

Trees

Crab apple ‘Evereste’: Produces rosy fruit and yellow leaves in autumn.
Judas tree (Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’): Features purple heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow in fall.
Acers: Known for their stunning autumn foliage in shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Shrubs

Snowy mespilus: Coppery pink and pale yellow leaves turn scarlet and crimson in autumn.
Beauty berry (Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii ‘Profusion’): Produces clusters of purple berries and golden purple leaves in mid-autumn.
Cotoneaster: Displays red berries and tiny evergreen leaves in autumn.

Flowers

Aster (Symphyotrichum ‘Little Carlow’): Produces vibrant purple flowers in late summer and autumn.
Autumn crocus (Colchicum ‘Waterlily’): Features pink-purple double flowers that bloom in September and October.
Nerine (Nerine bowdenii): Rewards you with a late display of lipstick-pink flowers outdoors in warm climates.

Other Plants

Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus henryana): Features delicate coppery leaves that turn crimson in autumn.
Sternbergia lutea: Produces bright yellow flowers in autumn and is native to the eastern Mediterranean.

Tips for Growing Plants for Autumn Color

Choose plants that are well-suited to your climate and soil conditions.
Plant in a sunny spot with good drainage.
Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
Fertilize in spring and summer to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
Deadhead spent flowers to promote continued blooming.

Gardening

February Gardening: Our Top Picks for Shrubs, Houseplants, Bulbs, and More

by Gregory June 23, 2024

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

Our Favorite February Plants

Introduction

February is a great month for gardening, as there are many plants that are in bloom. Here are some of our favorites, chosen by the Gardeners’ World team and other gardening experts.

Shrubs

Loropetalum: This shrub has showy evergreen foliage and eye-catching pink and white blooms in winter.
Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’: This plant is perfect for a pot and has beautiful, highly scented pink flowers.
Rhododendron dauricum: This deciduous rhododendron has small, aromatic foliage and purple flowers in mid-winter.

Houseplants

Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (Tree Philodendron): This plant adds tropical drama to a room with its large, glossy foliage.

Bulbs

Crocus tommasinianus: These crocuses form huge mauve carpets and are great for naturalizing in lawns.

Other Plants

Forsythia: This shrub has vibrant yellow flowers that bloom in late winter.
Phlomis russeliana (Turkish Sage): This plant has weird seedheads in winter that resemble mushrooms on a kebab stick.
Snowdrops: These delicate flowers are a welcome sign of spring and are best viewed from the ground up.
Hazel: This plant has wonderful catkins that bloom in February.

Conclusion

These are just a few of our favorite February plants. With so many beautiful options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect ones to add to your garden or home.

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