Monday, March 21, 2011

BEECHWOOD LANDSCAPE PATIO OF THE DAY

 
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Wednesday, March 16, 2011

BEECHWOOD LANDSCAPE POOL OF THE DAY


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Summer Swee Clethra, Deciduous Shrub Of The Day


Clethra alnifolia 'Rosea' 
Summer Sweet, Sweet Pepperbus


Type Shrub, woody plant
Hardy range 3B to 8B
Height 36" to 8' / 90cm to 2.40m
Spread 36" to 6' / 90cm to 1.80m
Growth rate Fast
Form Oval and upright or erect
Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence Deciduous 
Bloom Color Pink

Bloom Time Spring
Leaf Color Green
Fall Color Yellow

This plant has attractive fall colors.

Environment This plant tolerates some drought, flooding and some salt. This plant will grow in dry to wet or submerged soil. Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay. The pH preference is an acidic to neutral (less than 6.8 to 7.2) soil.

The flowers are fragrant and showy.

Culture Notes
A great plant for wet, shaded or sunny locati
ons. Its native habitat is in moist to wet spots in the woods shaded by trees. Flowers attract many bees. The strong aroma may bother some people. It is fast growing and is not exceptionally drought tolerant and enjoys a drink in summer drought. Plants serve as butterfly nectar sources.
 Planting and establishing shrubs The most common cause of young plant failure is planting too deep. Plant the root ball no deeper than it was in the nursery. In most instances, the root flare zone (point where the top-most root in the root ball originates from the trunk) should be located just above the landscape soil surface. Sometimes plants come from the nursery with soil over the root flare. If there is soil over this area, scrape it off. The planting hole should be at least twice the width of the root ball, preferably wider. In all but exceptional circumstances where the soil is very poor, there is no need to incorporate anything into the backfill soil except the loosened soil that came out of the planting hole. Never place ANY soil over the root ball. If a row or grouping of plants is to be installed, excavating or loosening the soil in the entire bed and incorporating organic matter enhances root growth and establishment rate.

Weed suppression during establishment is essential. Apply a 3-inch thick layer of mulch around the plant to help control weed growth. Keep it at least 10 inches from the trunk. If you apply it over the root ball, apply only a one or two inch layer. This allows rainwater and air to easily enter the root ball and keeps the trunk dry. Placing mulch against the trunk or applying too thick a layer above the root ball can kill the plant by oxygen starvation, death of bark, stem and root diseases, prevention of hardening off for winter, vole and other rodent damage to the trunk, keeping soil too wet, or repelling water. Regular irrigation through the first growing season after planting encourages rapid root growth, which is essential for quick plant establishment.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Cranesbill, Perennial Of The Day


Geranium 'Johnson's Blue'
Hardy Geranium, Cranesbill
Type Perennial
Hardy range 4A to 8A
Height 12" to 24" / 30cm to 60cm
Spread 20" to 24" / 50cm to 60cm
Growth rate Average
Form Rounded
Exposure Full sun
Bloom Color Blue
Bloom Time Spring and Summer
The flowers are suitable for cut flowers.
Environment This plant tolerates drought. This plant will grow in moist soil. Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy. The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Green

Culture Notes Geranium is long blooming and will rebloom if the spent flowers are removed. Prefers a well-drained, fertile soil. Often develops a sprawling habit. Plant goes well with: Campanula, Gaura, and Rudbeckia hirta.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Aztec Lily, Perennial Of The Day

Sprekelia formosissima 'Superba'
Jacobean Lily, Aztec Lily, St. James Lily

Type Perennial
Hardy range 9A to 11
Height 12" to 18" / 30cm to 45cm
Spread 5" to 6" / 13cm to 15cm
Growth rate Average
Form Upright or erect
Exposure Full sun
Bloom Color Red
Bloom Time Spring and Summer
The flowers are suitable for cut flowers.

This plant will grow in dry soil.

Environment
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Green

Culture Notes
This long flowering bulb makes a wonderful greenhouse plant and needs to be treated as a tropical bulb. Plant bulb with the top at soil level, in full sun and a well-drained soil. Needs to stay on the dry side during winter. Propagate by lifting and dividing the bulbs after the foliage has died. If growing in a container, re-pot every 2-3 years.