Fleur de Jour- Rohan Obelisk Beech {Fagus sylvatica 'Rohan Obelisk'}

I have a thing for beech trees.  They are functional and unique and I love incorporating them into my landscape design work.  The tree featured today is one that I’m currently adding to a design, the Rohan Obelisk Beech {Fagus sylvatica  ‘Rohan Obelisk’}.   I’m drawing them in  on either side of the entryway.  The tall columnar growth habit hints at formality while the bold, dark purple foliage adds a bit of visual interest.  Beech trees are fairly slow growing, so reaching that 30’ height could take a while.  If you’re hoping for a more established look, consider having your local garden center special order a large 25 gallon or 2’’ caliper tree.   

 

USDA Zones: 4-7

Height: 25-30’
Width: a slim 15’ {perfect for urban landscapes
Light Requirement:   Full Sun {at least 4 hours direct}
Soil Requirements: well-drained soil, doesn’t like to be soggy or wet
Water Requirements: regular watering

image from Oakland Nursery

The Best Urban Evergreens

My husband loves pine trees.  They remind him of Christmas.  He loves those huge 50' scotch pines that grow in city parks, near the library, and {tragically} in residential landscapes.  He'll applaud a 30' wide blue spruce completely engulfing a 1/4 acre property.  I am what you could call an anti-needled-evergreen person.  I have been against these huge monsters my whole life.  Although I definitely appreciate the beauty and majesty of these giants when in their natural and native habitats of the nearby mountains, I am completely opposed to their ultilization in the captivity of urban landscapes. 

Yet through my study of garden design I have come to appreciate the structure that evergreens {both needled and broad leafed} add to a landscape.  So now instead of being completely anti-needled-evergreen I am pro-residential-sized-evergreen.  This has inspired a compromise between my pine tree loving husband and my need for balanced, harmonious design.  Take a look at these urban garden friendly evegreens. 

Vanderwolf Pyramid Pine {Pinus flexilis 'Vanderwolf's Pyramid'

This long needled, densley branching pine is a perfect specimen or accent tree.  The pyramidal growth habit for which it is named adds year round structure at an appropriate scale.  In addition to its compact appearance, Vanderwolfs are both disease and insect resistant adding low maintenance to its list of desirable urban garden traits. 

 



USDA Zones: 2-7
Height: 20-25'
Width: 10-15'
Exposure: Full Sun
Water Requirements: ocassional watering after establishment  

Moerheim Blue Spruce {Picea pungens 'Moerheim'}

 

This spruce is the largest of my urban evergreen recommendations.  But for those who love the silvery-blue of the blue spruce, this is a great replacement.  Its 10-20' spread is more appropriate for residential gardens.  Moerheim will work as a great as a screen to reduce noise from traffic, block wind, and increase the privacy of your garden. 

 

 

USDA Zones: 2-8
Height: 25-30'
Width: 10-20'
Exposure: Full to partial sun
Water Requirements: weekly watering, more in extreme heat


 

Bosnian Pine {Pinus leucodermis}

 

Dense, ruffled branches of the Bosnian pine are fast growing, providing a more established appearance at a quicker rate.  It thrives in dry, alkaline soils and makes a statement when planted singly. 

 



USDA Zones: 4-8
Height: 20-25'
Width: 10'
Exposure: Full Sun
Water Requirements: regular watering until established

  

Weeping White Spruce {Picea glauca 'Pendula'}

 

This spruce is one of my favorites.  Slim and trim, its perfect for any location in your garden where you need a little height but cant go very wide.  Its narrow growth habit is perfect for planting right up against a house or fence.  Use it on either side of a walkway or porch to add formality and structure.  Plant in groupings of three for a manicured woodland garden. 

 

 

 

USDA Zones: 2-9
Height: 20-25'
Width: 8-10'
Exposure: Full to part Sun
Water Requirements: moderate 


 


Photos:
Vanderwolf
Moerheim
Bosnian
White

Crimson Spire Oak- Quercus robur x Q. alba 'Crimschmidt'

Drought tolerant? Check. Fast growing? Check. Amazing fall color? Check

The Crimson Spire Oak {Quercus robur x Q. alba 'Crimschmidt'}has it all.  Bred and produced by J. Frank Schmidt, this columnar tree is the perfect choice for the urban landscape. Crimson Spire combines the best of the English and White oaks to create columnar form, quick growth, and gorgeous reddish-orange fall color.

With a mature spread of just 15 feet, this oak is perfect for privacy screening or noise reduction.  In just 20 years Crimson Spire can reach up to 45 feet tall, providing all its benefits in a timely manner. 

Small or confined residential gardens can benefit from its slender shape, while still enjoying vibrant hues in fall, and deep greens all summer long. 

USDA Zones: 4

Height: 30-45'

Width: 10-15'

Water Requirements: Moderate moisture just until established

Photo by: J. Frank Schmidt

Plant of the Week- Coppertina Ninebark {Physocarpus opulifolius}

I’ve been obsessing over maroons and reds lately.  It could be because it’s officially September and I’m craving all those warm fall colors, it might be because my husband and I are moving and I’m trying to reconfigure my home’s color scheme or it could be because we are taking family pictures this weekend and I’ve been debating between olive greens, deep blues, and dark reds.  Whatever the reason, I’d love to share one of my favorite “woodland” themed shrubs in my currently color choice.

Coppertina ninebark {Physocarpus opulifolius} is the perfect shrub for a natural or woodsy feel.  The maple-shaped leaves emerge in an orangey-copper color in spring, and mature to a lovely red just in time for autumn.  In summer, this ninebark sports soft pink blossoms on its arching branches that contrast beautifully with the rusty colored foliage.  In fall, it’s known for its bright red seed pods.  Another attractive feature is the bark, which peels similar to a paper birch or paperbark maple.

USDA Zones: 3-8

Height: 8-10’

Width: 5-6’

Light Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Moderate moisture until established

photo: Monrovia

Fleur de Jour: Black Lace Elderberry {Sambucus nigra 'Eva'}

Let’s talk texture. Landscape texture is not solely limited to the feeling of the foliage.  It encompasses so much more.  Landscape texture can vary with light, shadow and viewing distance.  A combination of textures is best. An abundance of either fine or bold textures will become overwhelming.

I love the texture of lace-leaf Japanese maples. The foliage is unique, light, and airy.  In addition to the finely cut leaves, Japanese maples are available in bright greens, reds, and dark purples.  These slow-growing trees aren’t for every garden though.  They can be fairly tender here in my zone, making them susceptible to winterkill and they’re leaves can burn in the scalding summer sun. Also, Japanese maples are acid lovers, and require soil amendments.

So, I’d love to share with you a more maintenance friendly version of lace-leaf texture: the Black Lace Elderberry.  Unlike a Japanese maple, the elderberry will thrive in full sun. It prefers a moist soil, but will tolerate drier conditions as well.  In addition to the delicate, dark purple leaves, this elderberry will flower with creamy pink blossoms each spring.  Yet another bonus, if the blossoms are left they will produce fruit in the fall, perfect for harvest and a batch of elderberry jam. 

Although this elderberry can reach up to 8 feet, it can be heavily pruned for a more formal garden setting.  This shrub can be treated like a perennial and be cut clear the ground every fall, however heavy pruning could compromise the number of blossoms. For more texture, check out last week's Japanese forest grass post.  

USDA Zones: 4-7
Height: 6-8’
Width: 6-8’
Exposure: Full Sun
Water Requirements: prefers moist, well-drained soil

photo: Monrovia

Plant of the Week- Golden Japanese Forest Grass {Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'}

Have you ever noticed that sun-loving plants usually get the spotlight?  But for those of us with maturing landscapes full of large shrubs and trees, 5+ hours of direct sunlight may be hard to come by.  I’d like to take a minute and introduce you to one of my favorites for not-so-sunny spots.  Let’s take a minute and focus on the shady side of things…

Golden Japanese forest grass {Hakonechloa marca 'Aureola'} is the perfect border plant for shade gardens.  Growing to just 18’’ tall, it’s a perfect companion for heuchera, hostas, and astilbe.  The airy texture is a must, and the bright golden foliage brightens up dark corners. 

This grass is a slow grower, so you don’t have to worry about constant division or overgrowth.  Also, Japanese forest grass is insect and disease resistant and not generally favored by deer.  Maintenance for this shade lover is at a minimum.  Simply cut it to the ground in late fall or wait until early spring {dry grasses add interest to winter landscapes}. 

USDA Zones: 5-9
Height: 12-18''
Width: 12-18’’
Exposure: Part Sun/Shade
Water Requirements: prefers moist, well-drained soil

Photo: Dancing Oaks Nursery

www.dancingoaks.com

Plant of the Week- Espalier Fruit Trees

Are you jealous of all your friends' delicious fruit harvests?  Would you love a peach, apple, pear, apricot, or plum in your yard, but don't think you have the space?  Why not try one of my favorites, espalier fruit trees.

With horizontal branches, these trees can be planted up against walls or fences {providing they still get some good direct sunlight} and provide maximum delight with minimal space.  Although you can prune and train your own young fruit tree, many espalier fruit trees are available at your local nursery, all shaped and ready to go.  Many of these espaliered trees have multiple varieties grafted on to one tree.  Six espalier branches = six different varieties!

Keep your tree growing in the right direction with the assistance of some stakes and heavy 

gauge wire.  Be sure to prune off any rogue shoots in early spring, the perfect job 

for a pair of Felco pruners.

Echinacea- 'Big Sky' Series

For bright, bold, late-summer color you cant beat the 'Big Sky' coneflower series! Available in a wide variety of colors, you'll be sure to find the perfect shade for your perennial bed.  In addition to their striking hues, coneflowers are deer resistant and drought tolerant once established.  The dedicated removal of spent blossoms will keep them blooming until the frost.  Try snipping a few blossoms before they have faded and arrange them in a vase indoors, coneflowers make a great addition to a cutting garden.  

Design Tip: Pair coneflowers with Carradonna salvia or Catmint for a striking contrast, or plant with delphiniums and foxgloves for a cottage garden feel.  Try mass plantings for bold blocks of color. 


USDA Zones: 4-8
Height: 24-30''
Width: 18-24''
Bloom Time: July- September
Exposure: Full Sun
Water Requirements: regular watering until established





Photos:
Sunrise- soonerplantfarm.com
Harvest Moon- gardening.about.com
Solar Flare- tgreenhouses.com
Twilight- itsaulplants.com
Sundown- skinnergardenstore.com
Sunset- georgeweigel.net
After Midnight- parkseed.com
Summer Sky- botanicalshots.com

Plant of the Week- Hemerocallis

As excited as I was to leave the country this past April, and as great as its been to live in Spain for the summer, there have definitely been downsides. For example I had to forego planting my own containers, I've missed out on this years biennial foxglove blossoms, and I didn't get to drool over the first vine-ripened tomato of summer. I've also been absent for the beginning of one of my favorite summer flower shows: daylilies.

From their vibrant blossoms to their grassy foliage, daylilies offer immense garden interest. Their basal, lanceolate leaves provide texture and movement for garden beds while large trumpet shaped blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Daylilies can be incorporated into any landscape due to their extreme size and color variances. From whites, pinks, and purples to vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges {like 'Alabama Jubilee' pictured below} you're sure to find the perfect addition to your landscape. Try a dwarf lily such as Stella de Oro, Bonanza, or Little Grapette along walkways or at the very front of planting beds.

Once planted, keep the daylily on a regular watering schedule, which encourages deep rooting. Once established daylilies are surprisingly drought tolerant, which might seem a contradiction to their tropical flowers. For beautiful, healthy plants make sure to remove all old growth and leaves before new growth emerges in the spring, and divide plants every 2-3 years.

USDA Zones : 4-11
Height: 30" {dwarfs 12"}
Width: 18-24" {dwarfs 10-12"}
Bloom Time: Summer
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Soil Media: well drained soil
Water Requirements: regular watering until established

Photo: dayliliesbythepond.com

Posted with Blogsy

Plant of the Week- Golden Spirit Smokebush

With colorful annuals and perennials in the height of their blooming period, shrubs can easily be lost in the landscape of summer. If you're looking for a shrub that will add as much interest to your garden as a cluster of black-eyed-susan then I got just the plant for you!

The almost neon green foliage of the Golden Spirit smokebush {Cotinus cogsygra 'Golden Spirit'} will add texture, color, and structure to your garden. The large, round chartreuse leaves contribute sharp contrast to an otherwise monotonously medium green landscape. Golden Spirit is perfect for hot, sunny locations and {once established} is both drought and heat tolerant. A vigorous grower, heavy pruning will be required in early spring/late winter. Trimming back branches to within three buds of the base of the plant will keep the size in check, as well as reduce thick hardwood from forming, keeping growth springy and fresh.

 

 

USDA Zones: 4-6
Height: 8-10'
With: 6-8'
Bloom Time: early summer
Exposure: full sun
Water Requirements: regular watering until established

 

Photo: everchanginggarden.ca

 

Posted with Blogsy

Plant of the Week- Lady Banks Rose

There's a certain amount of romance to a climbing rose. Blossom-ridden branches wound around and over inviting arbors, their sweet perfumes heavy in the summer sun, remind me of days gone by. I picture Gone With the Wind, or The Music Man. Call me old fashioned, but I love climbing roses and I've got the perfect addition for your garden, of which Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler would approve.

The Lady Banks Rose or Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' is a smaller-blossomed cousin of typical climbers. Don't let their size fool you, what it may lack in size it makes up for in number, blanketing branches in pale yellow. Their blossoms are double which give the Lady Banks Rose a distinctly dainty and feminine appearance. Its natural disease resistance and {mostly} thornless nature make it more friendly for busy spaces. Look for one at your local garden center, or order online from Monrovia Nursery.

For another amazing climber, check out last weeks Bougainvillea post.  

 

Posted with Blogsy

USDA Zones : 6-11
Height: 8-10'
Width: 4-6'
Bloom Time: Summer
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Soil Media: well drained soil
Water Requirements: Regular Watering

 

Photo Attributions
Top: greensborodailyphoto.com
Bottom Left: purpleranch.com
Bottom Right: magnoliagardennursery.com

 

Posted with Blogsy

Plant of the Week- Rose Mallow

For continuous garden color it's important to stage blooming periods through perennial selection. While waiting for your delphiniums to rebloom enjoy the mid-summer tropical beauty of Rose Mallow! With exotic blossoms spanning up to 10" in diameter, they are well deserving of their other common name, dinner plate Hibiscus.  This is a plant that is sure to add whimsy to any garden!

USDA Zones: 5-10 Height: 36-48" Width: 24-36" Bloom time: mid to late summer

Photo by : victoriannursery.co.uk

Posted with Blogsy

Plant of the Week- Agapanthus

Alright, I know there has been a little gap in our plant of the week posts. I blame a months worth of European travels. But now that I'm settling into life in Valencia, Plant Of The Week will once again be weekly! Its easy to be inspired in this ancient city. I had to look no further than the plaza in front of our apartment, where I found this beauty...

Agapanthus, also known as Lily of the Nile, is one of my all time favorite bloomers! These, along with bougainvilla {check back next week!}, are reason enough pack up and head for a sunnier climate. Stunning firework-like blossoms emerge from the evergreen foliage in early summer. Depending on the variety, blooms can range from dark to light purple and white. Even though they are only hardy in USDA zones 8-11, they are definitely a worthwhile purchase for gardeners in less temperate climates. While obviously showy in planting beds, they also make wonderful focal points in containers. Try them as an alternative to a draceana spike. Dwarf varieties like 'Peter Pan' and 'Baby Pete' are the better for smaller containers, if you're planting with companion plants. Or you can let larger varieties like 'Midnight Blue' and 'Blue Storm' steal the show in solo plantings or bigger containers. As an added bonus Agapanthus is a great cutting flower that you can add to any bouquet.  Bring a little bit summer color to your garden and your kitchen counter!

USDA zones: 8-11

Exposure: full sun

Bloom time: early summer to fall



Photo attribution: my husband, Marcus Draper

Bloomerang

Bloomerang Lilac

Syringa x penda

One of the surest signs that summer is just around the corner is the appearance of lilac blooms.  The purple blossoms fill the air with their sweet fragrance near the end of April. Unlike other lilac varieties, the Bloomerang lilac will continue to produce blooms until the frost.  Its compact, dwarf form makes Bloomerang perfect for residential gardens.  Find this plant at Proven Winners! 

USDA Zones: 3-7

Exposure:  full sun

Height: 5’

Width: 5’

Bloom time: spring until frost

Soil media: prefers well drained soil

Water requirements: regular watering

Bartzella Itoh Peony: The Perfect Cutting Flower

Bartzella Itoh Peony

Paeonia x ‘Bartzella’

Bartzella is the perfect cutting peony!  The lemon yellow double blossoms will make a springy statement, whether it’s in your landscape or in a vase on your kitchen table. 

Unlike other peony varieties, (which require hoops or stakes so that the heavy blossoms don’t bend the stalks to the ground) staking is unnecessary for this strong-stalked variety, making it must have for peony lovers!  Plant this buttery bloomer in masses for blocks of color, or pair with pink toned spring bloomers like English daisies, bleeding hearts, or creeping phlox.     

USDA Zones: 4-9

Exposure: partial to full sun

Height: 2-3’

Width: 2-3’

Bloom time: late spring

Soil media: prefers well drained soil

Water requirements: regular watering

Photo Attributions:

Monrovia.com

Photographer: Doreen Wynja

Prunus x yedoensis ‘Snow Fountains’

Specimen trees like the ‘Snow Fountains’ weeping cherry

provide interest as focal points in a landscape.

although showy and unique year round

due to its small shape and arching, weeping

branches, spring is the most spectacular season to

View this miniature treasure.

A cousin to larger flowering cherries,

‘Snow Fountains’ boasts beautiful blossoms

in early spring.  The long, graceful branches appear

like living bouquet in your garden. 

USDA Zones: 5-8

Exposure: partial shade/full sun

Height: 10-12’

Width: 6-9’

Bloom time: spring

Soil media: prefers well drained soil

Water requirements: regular watering until established

Photo Attribution:

Boyert’s Greenhouse & Farm

www.boyerts.com

Jack Frost Siberian Bugloss

Brunnera macrophylla

Jack Frost?  Hearing that name can send shivers

down the spine of anyone who has just turned the

bend from winter to spring.  But with one look at this beautiful

brunnera, laced with icy silver will assure you

that the warmer weather is here to stay. 

The bright blue blossoms of this shade-lover will brighten

up any border, bed, or walkway. 

Large leaves provide beautiful texture for shady woodland

garden.  It thrives in moist conditions, which makes it

a perfect plant for boggy areas. 

USDA Zones: 3-9

Exposure: full to partial shade

Height: 12-18’’

Width: 12-15’’

Bloom time: spring

Soil media: prefers constantly moist soil

Water requirements: regular watering

Photo Attributions:

Northern Shade Gardening

www.northernshade.ca

'Purple Cascade' Aubretia

Are you looking for a waterfall of spring color?

Look no further! ‘Purple Cascade’ is the perfect spiller for spring.

The profuse mini-blossoms for a carpet in the early months of the year

While the green foliage works as textured ground cover for the

remaining months of the season.

Go find ‘Purple Cascade’ aubretia at your local garden center!

USDA Zones: 5a-10b

Exposure: full sun

Height: 6-12’’

Width: 10-24’’

Bloom time: mid-spring

Soil media: prefers well drained soil

Water requirements: regular watering

Photo Attributions:

http://www.thompson-morgan.com 

Absolutely Amethyst

Who doesn't love candytuft?

The cheery, clustered blossoms definitely shout spring.  The wonderful plant provider Proven Winners has released a brand new variety that is a must have for perennial gardens. 

New ‘Absolutely Amethyst’ puts a spin on the typically snowy white blossoms.  This new variety sports with lavender centers that fade to pale purple edges.  This candytuft is absolutely perfect for a sunny bed or rock garden. 

Well now that we’ve discussed one of the new must have spring blooming perennials, lets talk about the company that makes ‘Absolutely Amethyst’ and countless other new

varieties possible:  Proven Winners! 

Proven Winners maintains a focus on the sustainable production of plants that

are disease resistant and unsurpassed in flower production.  We’re excited to feature Proven Winners on our website!

To find a Proven Winners retailer near you, visit

www.provenwinners.com

USDA Zones: 4a-9b

Exposure: full sun

Height: 10-12’’

Width: 8-10’’

Bloom time: late spring

Soil media: prefers well drained soil

Water requirements: average

Photo Attribution:

Proven Winners, www.provenwinners.com

Helleborus- The Lenten Rose

For those whose French is limited to munching on baguettes and the occasional donning of a beret,

 fleur de jour is French for “flower of the day”.  Alas, this post will not be a daily but weekly update onnew and otherwise must-have annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees for the garden.

But fleur de jour sounds much more beautiful than flower of the week (fleur de semaine).  So without further adieu…..

In the midst of the commonly cold and blustery weather associated with the month of March, we find ourselves blissfully enjoying sporadic afternoons of friendly sunshine, if only for a few hours at a time.  Sunny rays and patches of blue sky remind us that spring will come, and that the lackluster palate of grays and browns will eventually give way into a watercolor spring.  Are you ready to flourish your paint brush? 

For splendid spring color that stands out against drab snow and tired evergreens, Lenten Rose are the perfect perennial plants for a kick start of color.  Breaking through the snow in late winter/early spring they add a variety of color to beds and borders.  Their glossy, evergreen leaves also work to add year round structure to your landscape. 

Flower colors range from deep purples to cream and light green.  Blossoms can be double or single based on the variety.  New on the market his year are:

‘Merlin’ features single blossoms that emerge pink and then age to a deep burgundy

‘Onxy Odessy’ with dark purple double blossoms with red undertones

USDA Zones: 4a-9b

Exposure: morning sun/afternoon shade

Height: 12-18’’

Width: 15-18’’

Bloom time: late winter/early spring

Soil media: like most shade lovers, Hellebores prefer acidic to slightly acidic soil, but due to their easy-going nature, will survive in most soil conditions as long as the soil is well drained, and rich in organic matter

Water requirements: Hellebores are praised for their tolerance of neglect, but they perform best in evenly moist conditions

Photo attributions:

GAPphotos.com, Photographer Friedrich Strauss

National Garden Beauro Inc.  ngb.org

Terra nova Nurseries, terranovanurseries.com