Mike's Garden Top 5 Plants

Elements of an Exotic Garden VIII

Posted on November 27, 2013 by soulofagardener

x Chitalpa tashkentensis ‘Pink Dawn’ – This small deciduous tree is an intergeneric cross of Chilopsis linearis (Desert Willow) and Southern Catalpa (C. bignonioides) and is rare in cultivation. It features showy pale pink blooms somewhat similar to Catalpa, with deep purple striping. Fast growing with linear green foliage. Drought tolerant. Grows 15-25′ high and wide. Zone 7.

Trachycarpus wagnerianus (syn. T. fortunei ‘Wagnerianus’) – A hardy palm that is not found in the wild, but was discovered in cultivation in Japan in the late 1800’s. It is often described as a refined T. fortunei with stiff, rounded leaves on shorter petioles. Reputed to also be more tolerant of cold, wind and high humidity. Grows 12 to 20′ high by 4 to 5′ wide. Hardy to zone 7.

Cordyline australis ‘Red Star’ – An interesting Dracaena Palm with symmetrical burgundy-red foliage that eventually archs towards the ground. It males an excellent container specimen and should be overwintered in a cool, frost-free greenhouse or sunroom in coastal BC. Mature plants produce panicles of small white fragrant flowers. Grows 8-10′ high by 5′ wide. Zone 8.

Colocasia esculenta ‘Blue Hawaii’ – Despite it’s name, this Taro features beautiful green foliage (somewhat translucent) with deep purple veining (some say bluish-purple) and edges. It is a part of the ROYAL HAWAIIAN Series bred by John Cho. Taro also makes an excellent container specimen and can be overwintered as a houseplant. Grows 30 to 48″ high . Hardy to zone 8.

Tricyrtis ‘Tojen’ – Even exotic gardens have some shade under those palms and bananas, and this Toad Lily is ideally suited for the understory. It bears 1″ wide pale lavender-pink starry blooms from late summer into autumn that are best viewed at close range. ‘Togen’ works well in combination with smaller ferns and hosta. Grows 18-24″ high by 24″ wide. Hardy to zone 5.

Posted in Gardening | Tagged container plant, exotic appeal, foliar plant, perennial, trees, tropical theme | Leave a comment

Plants of Coastal British Columbia

Posted on November 26, 2013 by soulofagardener

Rosa nutkana – Nooktka Rose is a common site in coastal BC meadows with its single 2″ wide silvery-pink blooms contrasted by pale yellow stamens. They are sweetly scented and borne from May to July – followed by deep red hips. It tolerates moist soils and temporary flooding, but is not appropriate for permanently boggy sites. Grows 3-6′ high by 4-6′ wide. Hardy to zone 5.

Achlys triphylla – Vanilla-Leaf is often found growing with western bleeding heart (Dicentra formosa) on the forest floor in coastal BC. It has three distinct leaflets with scalloped edges and gives off a vanilla scent when dried. Small white bottlebrush blooms appear above the foliage in mid spring. This herbaceous perennial spreads by rhizomes. Grows 12″ high by 36″+ wide. Hardy to zone 6.

Crataegus douglasii – Black Hawthorn is a large shrub or small tree (deciduous) which was discovered by botanist David Douglas. It bears clusters of white blooms in mid to late spring followed by edible black berries. The juvenile bark is reddish-brown and the branches are armed with 1/2 to 1″ long thorns. Attracts wild birds for nesting and food. Grows 10 to 18′ high. Hardy to zone 5.

Salix discolor – Our native Pussy Willow is commonly found along roadside ditches, where it can can find the evenly moist soil it prefers. The males (this species is dioecious) produce silvery catkins in early spring before the leaves emerge, and matures with yellow pollen. May develop as either a large multi-branched shrub or small tree. Grows 15-20′ high and wide. Zone 4.

Mimulus lewisii – This perennial Monkeyflower is named after the great explorer Meriwether Lewis. The pale pink to magenta blooms are borne terminally throughout the summer and often attract hummingbirds. This species is usually found near stream banks (often in high elevations) and has green, lance-shaped foliage. Grows 12-36″ high by 12-18″ wide. Hardy to zone 4.

Posted in Gardening | Tagged attracts birds, attracts hummingbirds, BC native plant, flowering shrub, perennial, trees | 1 Comment

Winter Feature Shrubs

Posted on November 25, 2013 by soulofagardener

Corylopsis himalayana ‘Winter Glow’ – This cultivar of Himalaya Winter Hazel is native to India and Bhutan and was introduced by Piroche Plants. It blooms from late winter into early spring with pale yellow racemes before the leaves emerge. May be trained as a large shrub or small tree with blue-green leaves that are about 4 inches long. Grows up to 12-15′ tall. Hardy to zone 7.

Loropetalum chinense var rubrum ‘Fire Dance’ – This relative of the Witch Hazel features semi-evergreen foliage that emerges with deep plum leaves. These contrast nicely against the fringed bright pink flowers that appear from February to April. It prefers some shelter from cold winter winds and can be pruned lightly after flowering. Grows 3-5′ high by 4-6′ wide. Hardy to zone 7.

Ilex aquifolium GOLD COAST (syn. ‘Monvila’) – A male form of English Holly that can be used as a pollinator for female cultivars. It forms a dense shrub with smaller deep green leaves edged in creamy-yellow. GOLD COAST can be trained as a hedge or used as a free-standing evergreen accent in the mixed border. Grows 4 to 6′ high and wide. Hardy to zone 6.

Camellia x ‘Winter’s Star’ – This cross of Camellia oleifera and C. hiemalis ‘Showa-no-sakae’ was bred for colder regions and introduced by the US National Arboretum. It features large single blooms of lavender-pink with contrasting yellow stamens from October to November. The glossy deep green foliage is evergreen. Grows 6-7′ high by 4-5′ wide. Hardy to zone 6.

Edgeworthia chrysantha ‘Gold Rush’ (syn. Edgeworthia papyrifera) – This cultivar of Chinese Paperbush features highly fragrant white and yellow flower clusters borne on the branch tips in late winter. The species is related to Daphne and has narrow, lime green foliage. Prefers partial shade. Overwinter in a cool greenhouse where not hardy. Grows 4-6′ high and wide. Z7.

Posted in Gardening | Tagged foliar shrub, fragrant, hedging plants, winter-flowering | 1 Comment

Summer-Flowering Bulbs

Posted on November 24, 2013 by soulofagardener

Gladiolus murielae (syn. Acidanthera bicolor var murieliae, Gladiolus callianthus) – Peacock Lily is a corm that produces fragrant star-like blooms (starting in late summer) with a contrasting deep purple blotch. It is an RHS Award of Garden Merit winner and a good cut flower. Lift corms where not hardy. Grows 2-3′ high by 12-18″ wide. Hardy to zone 7.

Agapanthus ‘Streamline’ (syn. ‘Streamline Dwarf’) – The thick tuberous roots of Blue Nile Lily are often sold with summer bulbs and this compact cultivar features pale blue flower clusters for up to three months (with deadheading) during summer. It makes an excellent container specimen and comes into bloom at a young age. Grows 18-24″ high by 18″ wide. Hardy to zone 7.

Crocosmia masoniorum – This corm is an RHS Award of Garden Merit winner that bears arching stems of starry orange flowers with flaming red edges (there is some variability within the species). It is a South African native with pleated mid-green foliage, generally blooming from August to September. Good cut flower. Grows 36″ high by 18″ wide. Hardy to zone 7.

Habranthus robustus (syn. Zephyranthes robusta) – This native of Brazil and Argentina bears large pale pink blossoms that somewhat resemble a small Amaryllis. They tend to bloom prolifically when rained upon after a dry spell. The basal foliage is about 12″ long and grey-green in colour. Overwinter in a frost-free site. Grows 6-12″ high by 6″ wide. Hardy to zone 8.

Anomatheca laxa ‘Joan Evans’ (syn. Freesia laxa, Lapeirousia cruenta) – This rare corm is a South African native and much resembles a miniature Gladiola with its white flowers marked in cherry pink (on the lower petals), borne from May to July. It will require perfect drainage and an insulating mulch to survive coastal BC winters. Grows 6-12″ high by 9″ wide. Zone 8.

Posted in Gardening | Tagged Award of Garden Merit, bulbs, cut flower, summer-flowering | 3 Comments

Late Summer Flowering Shrubs

Posted on November 23, 2013 by soulofagardener

Buddleia x weyeriana ‘Sungold’ – This sport of Buddleia ‘Golden Glow’ has the same lineage as this B. davidii x B. globosa cross. It is an RHS Award of Garden Merit winner with terminal clusters of spherical golden-orange fragrant blooms from summer into autumn (with deadheading). Prefers full sun with good drainage. Attracts butterflies. Grows 8-10′ high and wide. Zone 6.

Lavatera x clementii ‘Barnsley’ – This RHS Award of Garden Merit winner is a deciduous shrub, although it is often sold as a perennial. It bears single five-petaled white to pale pink blooms, contrasted by a red eye. Well drained soil is critical for this plant (especially for overwintering). Flowers continually from June to September. Grows 4-6′ high by 3-4′ wide. Hardy to zone 6.

Caryopteris x clandonensis ‘Dark Knight’ (syn. ‘Black Knight’) – This cultivar of Blue Spirea features abundant deep bluish-purple blooms from late summer into autumn. The flowers are fragrant, highly attractive to butterflies and are borne on new wood. These are contrasted by lance-shaped foliage with a silver reverse and a sage-like scent when brushed. Grows 24-30″ high and wide. Z5.

Hibiscus syriacus ‘Violet Claire’ (syn. ‘Violet Clair Double’) – A semi-double or double-flowered form of Hardy Hibiscus with purplish-pink blooms contrasted by a red center. There are borne from August to October on new wood. Prefers a full sun exposure and sharp soil drainage. Prune in early spring for height reduction. Grows 8-12′ high by 6-8′ wide. Hardy to zone 5.

Clerodendrum trichotomum ‘Purple Blaze’ – A large deciduous shrub with terminal clusters of fragrant white flowers from August through to October – these are followed by bright blue fruits with contrasting red calyces. The new growth is a glossy purple colour which eventually fades to green. Also known as Harlequin Glorybower. Grows 10′ high and wide. Zone 6.

Posted in Gardening | Tagged attracts butterflies, autumn colour, Award of Garden Merit, flowering shrub, summer-flowering | Leave a comment

Apples IV / Malus x domestica

Posted on October 29, 2013 by soulofagardener

Malus x domestica ‘Belle de Boskoop’ – This RHS Award of Garden Merit winner is a Dutch heirloom that was discovered back in 1856. It is a good cooking and eating apple, although it is rather sharp when fresh, making it an acquired taste. This cultivar is a triploid, so it is not suitable as a pollinator for another apple. Harvest early October. Stores 6-7 months. Hardy to zone 4.

Malus x domestica ‘Elstar’ – Another RHS Award of Garden Merit winner and introduction from the Netherlands, albeit much later in 1972. This cross of ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Ingrid Marie’ is a superb eating apple, with an intense sweet flavour. It is also good for adding to salads, as the fresh cut pieces are not prone to browning. Harvest early October. Stores for 3 months. Zone 4.

Malus x domestica ‘Creston’ – This product of the apple breeding program in Summerland BC was introduced in 1997. It is a cross of ‘Golden Delicious’ and an unreleased apple called ‘NJ 381049’. ‘Creston’ is a duo-purpose apple, being good for both fresh eating and cooking, although it is a triploid and cannot be used as a pollinator. Harvest late September. Stores 3 months. Zone 4.

Malus x domestica ‘Hokuto’ – A hard to find apple cultivar that is a cross between ‘Fuji’ and ‘Mutsu’ (syn. ‘Crispin’) and was introduced in 1983 from Japan. It is a dessert or eating apple with reddish stripes over greenish-yellow skin and sweet cream coloured flesh – which is also quite crisp, with moderate acidity. Harvest in late October. Stores well. Hardy to zone 4.

Malus x domestica ‘Red Rome’ (syn. ‘Rome Beauty’, ‘Rome’) – This sport from a rootstock graft was discovered in the 1820’s and produces intensely red fruit with a mild flavour. It is truly an all-purpose apple, being highly prized for baking, drying and making cider. Stored apples can become mealy and lose their flavour. Harvest mid to late Oct. Stores 4-5 months. Zone 5.

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Trees with Yellow to Gold Autumn Foliage

Posted on October 28, 2013 by soulofagardener

Acer campestre QUEEN ELIZABETH (syn. ‘Evelyn’) – This cultivar of Hedge Maple has a more vase-shaped growth habit, with 45 degree branch crotch angles. The dark green leaves have 3 to 5 lobes and form a dense canopy, with the fall colour being a beautiful deep yellow. It is a common street tree with a slightly more narrow growth habit. Grows 25-35′ high. Zone 5.

Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis SKYLINE (syn ‘Skycole’) – A thornless (and nearly seedless) cultivar of Honey Locust with a pyramidal, upright growth habit. It features fine compound foliage with dark green leaflets that shift to bright yellow in the fall. This deciduous tree does allow some filtered light through the crown. Grows 50’+ high by 35’+ wide. Hardy to zone 4.

Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck’ (syn. ‘Dawyck Green’, ‘Dawyckii’, ‘Fastigiata’) – This RHS Award of Garden Merit winner is a broadly columnar tree with ascending branches, useful in tight landscapes where a narrow profile is necessary. The simple green foliage often turns a rich golden-yellow in autumn and can persist into winter. Grows 70′ high by 15-20′ wide. Hardy to zone 5.

Acer platanoides ‘Emerald Queen’ – A green-leaved cultivar of Norway Maple which tolerates tougher urban conditions. The 7″ wide leaves have a typical maple form with 5 lobes and shift to a golden-yellow in fall before dropping. It has a dense, rounded crown and bears greenish-yellow spring flowers before the leaves emerge. Grows 60-70′ high by 35-40′ wide. Hardy to zone 3.

Liriodendron tulipifera – The Tulip Tree gets its name from its cup-shaped green with orange base flowers which emerge in early summer. Although this species is capable of reaching a height of 100′ at maturity, it is often smaller in urban settings. The lobed green leaves consistently shift to a clear yellow in autumn. Grows 60-90′ high by 30-50′ wide. Hardy to zone 5.

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Dessert or Eating Apples

Posted on October 27, 2013 by soulofagardener

Malus x domestica ‘Karmijn de Sonnaville’ – This Dutch hybrid was introduced in 1971 and is a cross of ‘Cox’s Orange Pippin’ and ‘Jonathan’ – so it’s no surprise that it has superb flavour (once stored for a month). The fruit is also quite sweet and used to make cider. It is a triploid and cannot be used for pollination. Harvest early October. Stores for 5 months. Hardy to zone 4.

Malus x domestica ‘Kidd’s Orange Red’ (syn. ‘Doctor Kidd’s Orange Red’) – This heritage apple from New Zealand was introduced in 1924 and is a cross of ‘Cox’s Orange Pippin’ and ‘Delicious’. It is an RHS Award of Garden Merit winner and one of the parents of ‘Gala’. Some consider it more tasty than ‘Cox’s Orange Pippin’. Harvest early Oct. Stores 4 months. Zone 5.

Malus x domestica ‘Fuji Red Sport’ (syn. ‘Fuji Red Sport Type 2’) – This mutation or sport of ‘Fuji’ has more pronounced red skin than the parent. The original ‘Fuji’ is a 1962 introduction that was a cross of ‘Ralls Janet’ and ‘Delicious’. It has a crisp texture with sweet, juicy flesh that is light cream in colour. Less cold hardy. Harvest in late October. Stores for 6 months. Hardy to zone 6.

Malus x domestica ‘Grimes Golden’ – An heirloom apple that was discovered as a chance seedling in West Virginia before 1800. Many believe it to be a parent of ‘Golden Delicious’ and it has a similar sweet, tangy flavour. ‘Grimes Golden’ is also a popular apple to brew hard cider due to its high sugar content. Harvest in early October. Stores for 5 months. Hardy to zone 5.

Malus x domestica SONATA (syn. ‘Pinova’, ‘Pinata’, ‘Corail’) – A complex cross of ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Cox’s Orange Pippin’ and ‘Duchess of Oldenburg’ that has produced an apple with a nice balance of tartness and sugar. It has a long storage life and was originally bred in Germany. Resistant to both scab and mildew. Harvest mid October. Stores 6-7 months. Hardy to zone 5.

Posted in Gardening | Tagged Award of Garden Merit, edible fruit, fruit trees | Leave a comment

Groundcovers IV

Posted on October 25, 2013 by soulofagardener

Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’ – I’ll be the first to admit that this is probably one of the most invasive plants in cultivation, but for contained areas in part to full shade it definitely fills in fast. Snow-on-the-Mountain or Bishop’s Weed has attractive compound foliage edged in cream and airy white flower umbels. Tolerates dry shade. Grows 12-18″ high by 2-3′ wide. Z2.

Lysimachia congestiflora ‘Midnight Sun’ – This newer compact cultivar of Moneywort is one of the Proven Winner Selections. It features deep bronze-purple foliage (with green veining showing through) and larger bright yellow flowers borne from May to August. Prefers part to full sun and is also useful as a trailer in containers. Grows 4-6″ high by 12-14″ wide. Hardy to zone 6.

Cymbalaria muralis (syn. Linaria cymbalaria) – Commonly known as Kenilworth Ivy, this evergreen perennial (semi-evergreen in colder climates) does not like foot traffic, but is useful for filling the cracks of natural rock walls. It bears rounded, lobed green leaves and intricate violet-blue snapdragon-like flowers. Part to full shade. Grows 2″ tall by 18″ wide. Hardy to zone 5.

Soleirolia soleirolii ‘Aurea’ (syn. Helxine soleirolii ‘Aurea’) – This bright gold cultivar of Baby Tears is useful in evenly moist soils in shaded rockeries. It bears small insignificant white flowers from May to June and is evergreen where hardy, but may go herbaceous in colder temperatures. A good choice for Fairy Gardens, as it can be grown indoors. Grows 1-2″ high by 6″. Z8.

Ajuga reptans ‘Purple Torch’ – A versatile evergreen perennial which forms a dense mat of rounded glossy deep green leaves that shift to bronze in winter. It produces showy lavender-pink flower spikes (up to 12″ tall) from April to June. Tolerant of moist soils and prefers a part to full sun exposure. Dislikes competition from tree roots. Grows 3-5″ high by 8-20″ wide. Hardy to zone 3.

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Unexpected Autumn Colour

Posted on October 18, 2013 by soulofagardener

Rubus idaeus ‘Tulameen’ – This RHS Award of Garden Merit winner is probably the best tasting June-bearing raspberry. It crops for about 6 weeks (starting in July) with tapered red fruits and a true raspberry flavour. The autumn foliage is often a clear yellow with brilliant red edges or highlights. Plant canes about 18″ apart. Grows to 5′ high. Hardy to zone 4.

Lonicera nitida ‘Baggesen’s Gold’ – This evergreen shrub or Box Honeysuckle is an RHS Award of Garden Merit winner and was introduced back in 1967. It features airy branches of tiny bright gold leaves that can whiten a bit in full sun exposures and often take on a purplish tint during colder weather. Makes a good informal hedge. Grows 5′ tall (without pruning). Zone 6.

Hamamelis vernalis ‘Amethyst’ – A relatively new flower colour for Witch Hazel, this Hamamelis vernalis (seedling find) bears fragrant reddish-purple flowers starting mid winter. It is a species native to the southern United States with deep greyish-green foliage that shifts to red and orange tones in autumn. Grows 15′ high by 10 to 12′ wide. Hardy to zone 4.

Acer palmatum ‘Versicolor’ – Thus upright Japanese maple is primarily grown for its new growth of green leaves, generously splashed in cream and pink. The stems of this cultivar are also a vibrant reddish-pink, somewhat similar to the Coral Bark Maple. This is further complimented by the deep rose to dark red fall foliage. Grows 15-18′ high by 15′ wide. Hardy to zone 5.

Cotinus coggygria ‘Golden Spirit’ (syn. ‘Ancot’) – A beautiful deciduous shrub with bright chartreuse rounded foliage which may shift to lime green in part sun. Autumn colours on this Smokebush vary from coral to reddish-orange, and it also features airy pale pink blooms. A good companion plant for Berberis thunbergii ‘Rose Glow’. Grows 6-12′ high. Hardy to zone 5.

Posted in Gardening | Tagged autumn colour, Award of Garden Merit, berries, flowering shrub, trees | Leave a comment

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