Tree of the month:
The ‘Rising Sun’ Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘The Rising Sun’ or ‘JN2’) is a popular cultivar of the Eastern Redbud tree. It is known for its vibrant foliage and striking spring blossoms, making it a visually appealing tree that provides interest throughout the seasons. This relatively easy-to-grow tree is low maintenance and deer-resistant, attracting birds and butterflies.
Key Features of the Rising Sun Redbud:
Foliage:
The heart-shaped leaves emerge in striking shades of apricot and orange, transitioning to gold, yellow, and finally a speckled lime green as they mature. New growth continues throughout the summer, creating a continuous display of multiple colors. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow and orange.
Flowers:
In early spring, before the leaves appear, it produces abundant clusters of rosy pink or fuchsia flowers. These flowers attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Growth Rate:
It has a moderate growth rate.
Size:
It’s a small to medium-sized deciduous tree or multi-stemmed shrub, typically reaching a height of 8 to 12 feet and a spread of 8 to 15 feet. It has a rounded form and a low canopy, making it suitable for planting under power lines.
Adaptability:
Heat and drought-tolerant once established. Adapts to a variety of well-drained soils, but prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It tolerates a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil pH. Avoid planting in areas with standing water or consistently wet soil.
Shrub of the month:
Twist of Lime Abelia, a popular cultivar of glossy abelia (Abelia x grandiflora ‘Hopley’s’), is renowned for its striking foliage. This beautiful and adaptable shrub is valued for its vibrant variegated foliage, delicate flowers, and ease of care. With glossy green leaves that subtly twist with a lime-gold variegation, Twist of Lime Abelia boasts a tidy, mounded habit and tubular white flowers. This compact shrub makes a delightful addition to smaller spaces. Versatile and adaptable, Twist of Lime Abelia can be used in various ways, including borders, hedges, mass plantings, or as a container plant. It’s a great choice for adding bright color and texture to the garden.
Key Features of the Twist of Lime Abelia:
Foliage:
The name “Twist of Lime” refers to its vibrant, variegated leaves. They emerge with a captivating mix of bright yellow and green, gradually maturing to a creamy ivory and green.
Flowers:
The shrub produces dainty clusters of lightly-scented, trumpet-shaped flowers. These blooms are typically white with shell-pink overtones and appear from late spring through fall. Pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, are attracted to the fragrant flowers.
Growth Habit:
It’s a compact, mounding shrub that typically grows to a moderate size, reaching about 3-5 feet tall and wide.
Care:
This shrub is considered relatively low-maintenance. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers average to moist, well-drained soil. It’s also deer-resistant and can tolerate urban pollution.
Perennial of the Month:
Blue Daze, also known as Evolvulus (or Brazilian Dwarf Morning-Glory), is a heat-loving plant renowned for its striking blue flowers and trailing growth habit. It’s a popular choice for gardens and landscaping, especially in warmer climates. Blue Daze provides a beautiful and relatively low-maintenance option to add vibrant blue color to your garden or landscape, particularly in sunny locations. It’s excellent for groundcover, borders, containers, and hanging baskets. Additionally, it attracts pollinators and can be incorporated into xeriscaping designs.
Key Features of the Blue Daze:
Appearance:
Features small, trumpet-shaped blue flowers that open during the day and close on cloudy days and at night. It has silvery-green, fuzzy foliage.
Growth Habit:
Low-growing and spreading, typically reaching 9-18 inches tall and spreading up to 3 feet wide. Ideal as a groundcover, in hanging baskets, or containers.
Care:
Low-maintenance plant that is self-cleaning, so deadheading is not required. Benefits from monthly fertilization during the growing season. Prefers moderate moisture levels, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Drought-tolerant once established. Tolerates a variety of well-drained soils, including sandy and poor soils. Good drainage is essential to prevent fungal diseases.
