DECIDUOUS TREES AND SHRUBS WITH EXCEPTIONAL BLOOMS

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DECIDUOUS TREES AND SHRUBS WITH EXCEPTIONAL BLOOMS
Topic Started: Mar 14 2012, 08:44 AM (2,470 Views)
Cash	Mar 14 2012, 08:44 AM Post #1
Head Moderator of TGTA TEAM Posts: 206 Group: Admin Member #264 Joined: December 17, 2007	DECIDUOUS TREES AND SHRUBS WITH EXCEPTIONAL BLOOMS Description: Deciduous trees and shrubs are plants that lose their leaves in the fall. Trees are generally single stemmed while shrubs tend to be multi-stemmed plants. In the fall, the leaves of some trees and shrubs change colour to vibrant hues of red, yellow or orange before losing them altogether. The intensity of the fall colour will often depend on the growing conditions of the season. Most trees and shrubs bloom in the spring before their leaves emerge. As always, there are exceptions. For example, Budleia davidii (Butterfly Bush) blooms in mid-summer while Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon), and Caryopteris clandonensis (Blue Mist Shrub) bloom in late summer. Both trees and shrubs provide visually pleasing colourful flowers, scent, contrast, vertical and horizontal height and form to the landscape. As an added bonus, many blooming trees and shrubs produce colourful fruit or berries in the fall, attracting wildlife and extending their interest into the winter. CHOOSING THE RIGHT BLOOMING TREE OR SHRUB Location in the Garden: A strategically placed flowering tree or shrub can be used as a focal point in the garden. Tiered plantings are also an option, with taller growing material planted toward the back of the garden and shorter material in front. This arrangement will allow all of the plants to be seen. Flowering ornamental fruit trees may be outstanding in the spring. However, bear in mind the possibility of messy fallen fruit that may come later in the summer or fall. Avoid planting them near walkways or driveways. When planting, the size at maturity (height x width) should also be taken into consideration. Is there plenty of growing space away from buildings and overhead wires? Hardiness Zone: Hardiness zones are another very important consideration when selecting flowering shrubs or trees. Make sure the tree or shrub you are considering will survive in your area. Check the tag when purchasing as it will tell you the minimum winter temperature the plant can tolerate. Lighting: Lighting is another important factor to consider when choosing a flowering tree or shrub. In order for your new plant to thrive, it must have the right amount of light. Six plus hours is deemed Full Sun, whether it’s direct late-morning or afternoon sun. Four to six hours is considered partial sun and less than four hours is considered full shade (no direct sun but in a bright location). The tag on your new plant will have an icon representing the plant’s light requirements. If it says full sun and your garden is shady, don’t buy it! Soil Type: Is the soil acidic or alkaline? It may be necessary to do a soil analysis to determine whether your soil is suited to the tree or shrub you have chosen. Amendments may be necessary in order to be sure your new plant will thrive in your garden. Also check to see whether your soil is clay, loam or sandy. This may also affect the ability for your plant to bloom and thrive. Ultimately, the best approach is to choose the right plant for the right location to ensure its health and vigor. MAINTENANCE Shrubs and trees will require little maintenance if they are sited and planted properly with the required nutrients. They must be watered regularly until established and also in times of drought. Make sure you use rich amended soil from the beginning and top dress every spring with good compost, well-rotted manure or quality organic fertilizer. Pruning: Pruning is a method of controlling growth, shape and enhancing the quality or quantity of flowers and fruit on trees and shrubs. Always use sharp tools and sterilize the tools with a mixture of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water after each cut to prevent the spread or disease. Remove branches that are dead, diseased, or damaged. You may also want to consider removing branches that do not go with the character of the tree or shrub. Thinning out branches by pruning should also be considered as it improves air circulation which helps to prevent mould. Thinning also increases light penetration to the center of the tree or shrub, thus improving photosynthesis. This means less spraying is required. It is important to know when to prune your flowering trees and shrubs. Some trees and shrubs flower on the current year’s wood and others bloom on last year’s wood. If you prune them at the wrong time, you may eliminate flower buds and end up with a poor show. Some examples of shrubs that flower on the current year’s wood are: Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea), Berberis thunbergii (Barberry) and Weigela florida (Weigelas). Generally, shrubs in this category are pruned in the spring. Shrubs that flower on last years wood are : Syringa vulgaris (Lilac), Forsythia, Deutzia gracilis (Deutzia), and Philadelphus viginalis (Mock orange). Generally, shrubs in this category are pruned directly after the blooms have faded and before next year’s buds have formed. SUGGESTED BLOOMING TREES AND SHRUBS Trees: Malus x robusta - Cherry Crabapple Cornus florida – Dogwood Laburnum anagyroides – Golden Chain tree Magnolia macrophylla – Magnolia Hibiscus syriacus – Rose of Sharon Liriodendron – Tulip Tree Shrubs: Azalea – Azalea Kolkwitzia – Beauty Bush Callicarpa – Beauty Berry Hydrangea macrophylla – Bigleaf Hydrangea Caryopteris clandonensis – Blue Mist Shrub Spirea prunifolia – Bridal Wreath Spirea Daphne x burkwoodii – Burkwood Daphne Buddleia – Butterfly Bush Viburnum trilobum – Cranberry Bush Potentilla – Cinquefoil Syringa vulgaris – Common Lilac Fothergilla gardenii – Dwarf Fothergilla Sambucus canadensis - Elderberry Forsythia – Forsythia Hamamelis x intermedia – Hybrid Witch Hazel Philadelphus – Mock Orange Physocarpus – Ninebark Hydrangea quercifolia – Oak-Leaf Hydrangea Salix – Pussy Willow Rhododendron – Rhododendron Hibiscus syriacus – Rose-of Sharon Clethra alnifolia – Summer- Sweet Weigela florida – Weigela Edited by Cash, Mar 17 2012, 08:18 AM.
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