Locally Grown Azaleas

To keep azaleas looking healthy, it is essential that you choose an appropriate planting location and practice proper azalea care. Azaleas actually look the most attractive when they are planted alone, however, mass plantings work well in larger areas, such as wooded sites.

Since the flower coverage on azaleas encompasses the entire shrub, placing them against a background of conifers, such as pines, or other acid-loving plants will help set off their colors while minimizing their heavy effect. These shrubs should be planted in the spring, preferably within cool, lightly shaded sites. Full sun, especially in southernmost climates, can actually burn the leaves while heavy shade can deprive them of necessary oxygen, resulting in poor blooming and weaker growth. Best Soil for Azalea Plants Azaleas have shallow roots and require well-drained, acidic soil. In poorly drained areas, azaleas should be placed in raised beds. Azaleas can also make exceptional candidates for containers. It also helps to amend the soil with compost beforehand. To help conserve water, maintain soil temperature and discourage weeds, mulch these shrubs with pine straw or composted pine barks, and replenish annually. Organic matter added to the soil and an adequate layering of mulch will generally provide azaleas with sufficient nutrients, therefore, frequent fertilizing is often not required. However, if there are low amounts of nitrogen in the soil, applying fertilizer may be necessary in order to prevent a nutrient deficiency. Symptoms of deficiency in azaleas include stunted growth, smaller greenish yellow leaves, or early leaf drop. Fertilizing of these shrubs should take place in late spring to early fall. Common Azalea Diseases & Pests Although azaleas are generally free of pests and diseases with proper azalea care, common azalea diseases and problems do exist. Insects that can affect azaleas include lace bugs and spider mites. Lace bugs are more likely to target shrubs that are grown in areas of full sun. Petal blight, leaf spots, and root rot are common diseases associated with these deciduous shrubs. Placing azaleas in areas with good drainage and conserving water by applying mulch usually helps reduce the chances of plant damage due to these problems.

Callicarpa americana 

Common Name(s): American BeautyberryAmerican MulberryBeautyberryFrench MulberrySour-bush

Previously known as: Callicarpa americana var. albaCallicarpa americana var. lacteaCallicarpa americana var. purpureaCallicarpa serrataCallicarpa vibrunifolia

Phonetic Spelling

kal-ee-KAR-puh a-mer-ih-KAY-nah

Description

The American beautyberry is a woody, deciduous, perennial shrub that produces showy purple fruits in the fall. It is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family and is native to the central and southeastern United States, Bermuda, and Cuba. 

The shrub prefers full sun and is intolerant of deep shade. It will grow in all types of soil provided there is good drainage. Allow 3 to 6 feet of space for planting unless regular pruning is done. Pruning is best done in late winter. It is recommended that old canes be removed for rejuvenation of the shrub because the flowers and fruits appear on new shoots. It can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings.

Beautyberry’s native habitat is open meadows, thickets, or woodlands. In the spring, green leaves emerge on upright arching stems. Clusters of small flowers bloom on the stems during the late spring and early summer. Clusters of purplish to bluish berries develop August through October and encircle the stem. A pink-fruited and several white-fruited forms have been found. The fruits may last through early winter. They are a good food source for songbirds and small mammals. The leaves, when crushed, produce a chemical that can repel mosquitos. 

This shrub is suited for mass plantings, large landscapes, naturalized areas, and container gardening. They seem to produce more fruit if several more of the same type shrubs are planted nearby. American beautyberry is also at home in a butterfly garden, children’s garden, native garden, pollinator garden, and winter garden. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems.  

The plumbago plant (Plumbago auriculata), also known as the Cape plumbago or sky flower, is actually a shrub and in its natural surroundings can grow 6 to 10 feet (2-3 m.) tall with a spread of 8 to 10 feet (2.5-3 m.). It is native to South Africa and knowing this provides the first clue to how to grow plumbago, along with where to grow one. Plumbago thrives in the South African heat and in the United States it is found growing year-round in the southernmost parts of Texas and Florida. Plumbago plants are sprawling shrubs with branches that resemble vines. It is prized for the profusion of blue phlox-like flowers it produces for extended periods of time. It has few pests and diseases are rare. Two additional bonuses are its deer resistance and, once established, these easy-growing shrubs also tolerate drought.

Camellias have much to offer a shade landscape area; these shrubs feature year-round glossy, dark green foliage and display stunning single or double blooms in the winter. There are thousands of camellia hybrids, offering a large palette of colors from white and bi-colors to the deepest red.

There are large varieties, which can be formed into small trees or lower growing shrub types. Two main species of camellia are used here in Arkansas; sasanqua camellias bloom in the late fall to early winter and have smaller leaves and flowers.  Japonica camellias bloom in the late winter or early spring and typically have larger leaves. There are also hybrids of cultivars on the market with desirable characteristic like cold hardiness. The later bloom season of japonicas make them more susceptible to a late frost. However, the large, multi-petaled flowers make the risk worth it! Camellias have a variety of uses in the landscape, including specimen plants, hedges and screens as well as container plantings.

Caring For Camellias

Camellia care is pretty simple; plant in a shade to part sun area (morning sun, afternoon shade) with rich soil. As the plants mature and the canopy provides shade to roots, they can take more sun. Camellias like ample moisture and well-drained soil. Water during dry conditions to encourage new growth. Camellias do not grow well when planted too deep. Plant 1-2 inches above surrounding grade, gently sloping soil up to the sides of the exposed root ball. Do not cover the root ball with soil; mulch around the plant, with a thin layer over the root ball; water well after planting.

Pruning Camellias

Prune to shape camellias as needed; prune selectively instead of shearing to maintain natural shape of the plants. Remove no more than one third of the plant at any one time. Thin dense branching when the foliage could be reducing room for flowers to properly open. Shortening lower branches will encourage a more upright growth pattern. Cut back leggy top growth to encourage a fuller plant form. Pruning should be done after the chance of frost has past in the spring and flowers have faded. Camellias set flower buds in late summer so pruning at the wrong time of year will significantly reduce blooming.

Fertilizing Camellias

Camellias like acidic soil conditions, which we tend to have in central Arkansas. Using a fertilizer for acid loving plants such as camellia/ azalea food after blooming will both provide necessary nutrients and help the soil retain the proper pH. Plant in soils with pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. If soil pH is incorrect, this may affect the ability of the camellia to absorb fertilizer.

We carry Evergreen/Azalea Food with Systemic Insecticide, which can also help with scale. Here in the southeastern United States, it is recommended that camellias be fertilized in March, May and early July. Rake the mulch back to the drip line of the plant, and apply the fertilizer directly to the soil. Water thoroughly after application. A pH test is always suggested when plants have specific needs; we have simple test kits available. With any fertilizer, read and follow instructions carefully.

Watch For These Symptoms On Camellias

These popular blooming evergreens are susceptible to scale. Treating with dormant oil and yearly with systemic insecticide soil drench can take care of this issue. The fertilizer suggested above also contains a systemic insecticide works well to control scale. Yellowing leaves might indicate a lack of iron. Test pH and adjust if it’s over 6.5. Treating with an iron supplement may be necessary.

CRAPE MYRTLE BASICS

Lagerstroemia Indica, Crape Myrtle, Flowering Tree

Alamy Stock Photo

Brooklyn, NY

Photo by: BA LaRue / Alamy Stock Photo.

Zones:

Varieties for zones 6-10. Some may only be root hardy in zone 6, meaning the roots will survive the winter temperatures, but it's possible that the above-ground branches will die back completely to the ground. If this occurs, new spring growth will emerge from below ground.

Height/Spread:

Standard single and multi-trunk trees can grow to 20 to 30 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide, quickly growing up to 3 feet per year. There are also smaller varieties at 6 to 12 feet tall, semi-dwarf varieties ranging from 3 to 6 feet tall, and dwarf shrubs 2 to 5 feet tall. Make sure you're choosing the appropriate crape myrtle bush or tree for your location and design.

Exposure:

Full sun, minimum 6 hours per day.

Bloom Time:

July to September, with some varieties blooming until first frost.

Flower Color:

Varieties available in white, and multiple shades of red, purple, and pink.

Invasive:Some may seed aggressively in parts of the country. Check with local experts to see if planting is appropriate where you live.

Common Name: silverthorn

Family: Elaeagnus pungens

Common Synonyms: none

USDA Hardiness Zone: 7a-9b

Growth Habit: Evergreen, thorny, quickly growing shrub

Origin: China and Japan

FISC Category: 2

FDACS Listed Noxious Weed: No

Introduction Date: 1800's

IFAS Assessment:

North: INVASIVE

Central: INVASIVE

South: INVASIVE

Close up of leaves showing silvery and rusty scales 

Brenda Herring

Vining habit shown

Brenda Herring

Description

Planted as a landscape plant for its ability to quickly grow into hedges. Evergreen, thorny shrub that grows 1 to 8 m high. Grows upright or can be viney or climbing in habit. Stems and bark red-brown in color. Leaves alternate, lance-shaped with entire-wavy margins and are 5 to 10 cm long and 0.5 to 5 cm wide. Scales are present on both leaf surfaces with upper waxy green and lower silver. Flowers are small (0.5-1.5 cm long), white-pale yellow, shaped like a bell, and have a sweet aroma. Flowering occurs in the fall with 1 to 3 flowers per axillary cluster. Fruits are round, red, drupes that are covered in silver scales.

Habitat

Can tolerate a wide range of habitats due to its tolerance of salt, shade, and drought including coastal grasslands, beach dunes, hammocks, and ruderal settings.

Comments

Introduced as an ornamental landscape plant. Can hybridize with native Elaeagnus commutata of N and W US, which can change ecosystem functions. Planted as a landscape plant for its ability to quickly grow into hedges.

Map of species distribution

Control Methods

Manual: Mechnical: repeated tilling or mowing

Chemical: Foliar treatments using solutions of glyphosate or imazapyr with a surfactant in water. Upper stems and young bark basal spray treatments using a 20% triclopyr ester in a petroleum base (mineral oil), large stems and freshly cut stumps can be treated with 10% imazapyr, 50% triclopyr amine, or 20% glyphosate in water with a non-ionic surfactant.
 Biological: No known biological control

Control Notes

Remove all plants prior to seed production

References

IFAS, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. 2017. Elaeagnus pungens. http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/elaeagnus-pungens/Accessed September 19, 2017.

IFAS, UF. 2017. Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas. Elaeagnus pungens. https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu/assessments/elaeagnus-pungens/Accessed September 19, 2017.

Langeland, K.A. and K. Craddock Burks. 1998. Identification and Biology of Non-Native Plants in Floridas Natural Areas. IFAS Publication SP 257. University of Florida, Gainesville. 

PLANTING GARDENIAS OUTDOORS

When to plant:

As with many spring-blooming shrubs, fall is the best time for planting because it gives the root system more time to get established.

Where to plant:

Plant gardenias in a site that receives full sun to partial shade, with protection from hot afternoon sun. Provide good air circulation; in cooler climates, protect from hard freezes and drying winter winds.

How to plant:

Loosen soil in the planting area and amend with compost or other rich organic matter. Provide good drainage. If plants are pot-bound, gently tease out the roots. Dig a hole twice as wide and slightly deeper than the root ball and place in the planting hole so the top of the root ball is at or slightly above ground level to allow for settling. Fill in the hole with soil, tamp down gently, and water thoroughly. Water plants regularly until established.

For containers:

Make sure pots have adequate drainage holes. Use a high quality all-purpose potting soil that drains well.

GARDENIA CARE

Flowering Gardenia, Gardenia Plant

Dreamstime

Gardenias bloom best when planted in well-drained, acidic soil.

Temperature and humidity:

The ideal temperature range for gardenias is 60-90 degrees F, though they can survive down to 15 degrees F. Plants may experience stress, damage or failure to develop flower buds in extreme temperatures. Gardenias prefer moderate to high humidity of at least 50%.

Soil:

Gardenia requirements for soil include good drainage, amendment with compost or other rich organic matter, and at least 50% Peat Moss, acidic pH of 4.5-6.0. Mulch plants to keep them moist (but be sure to keep it away from the crown of the plant). Gardenias have shallow root systems, so avoid cultivating around the root zone once they are established.

Watering:

Gardenias like consistently moist but not soggy soil, requiring about an inch of water per week. Containers dry out more quickly and will need more frequent watering, especially during hot, dry spells.

Amendments and fertilizer:

In spring, apply a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants (such as azaleas) according to instructions. Look for a formulation that includes iron and magnesium. Fertilize again in late June. Water plants well before and after fertilizing. Cease fertilizing by fall to avoid cold damage to new growth.

Pruning:

Prune gardenia shrubs in summer after they have finished flowering so you don’t remove any buds. Before pruning, make sure the variety you’re growing only blooms once and has completed its blooming cycle. If it does bloom more than once, prune off faded flowers just below the leaf node to encourage repeat blooming.

Pests and diseases:

Gardenias are susceptible to several pests, including whiteflies, mealybugs, scale, aphids and spider mites. Diseases include powdery mildew, anthracnose, sooty mold, or leaf spot. For guidance on controlling and troubleshooting these problems, see Gardenia Insects & Related Pests and Gardenia Diseases and Other Problems from the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service.

Goji berry makes a popular juice, thought to possess super nutrients with vast medical and health potential. The benefits of gogi berries are numerous and available to the home gardener. What are goji berries and how do you grow them? USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 9 provide the best climates for growing gogi berry plants.

  What are Gogi Berries? 

  Gogi berries are in the nightshade family of plants, which include tomatoes and peppers. The berries grow on shrubs of 3 to 5 feet (1-1.5 m.) in height, with long arching stems. These berries spring from bright purple, funnel-shaped flowers. Orange globular berries then form in late season. 

          Goji Berry Info

   It is important to weigh nutritional and medicinal goji berry info so you can make an informed decision for yourself and your family. The benefits of goji berries are purported to be numerous and they are part of ancient Eastern medicine practices. The berries may help immune function, alleviate menopausal symptoms, increase blood cell production, and even regulate blood pressure. Some think it can also diminish lung, liver, and kidney deficiencies. The plant is reported to have anti-oxidant properties, anti-aging capability, and even cure a wide range of diseases as well. Most of these claims are not medically proven, however. Even if the plant does not achieve all these claims, goji berry planting provides an attractive hedge or climbing plant. It is easy to train to a trellis and can be pruned to keep its rangy growth in check. Growing Goji Berry Plants Growing goji berry plants is easy. The plants need well-drained soil with pH levels between 6.8 and 8.1. Check the drainage and add sand or compost to improve the texture of the soil if necessary.

  From its beautiful blooms to its fresh fragrance, jasmine is one of the loveliest flowers to incorporate into your indoor jungle or outdoor garden. Of course, it can be a notoriously tricky plant to figure out, especially if you’re a flower novice. But once you’ve figured out its needs and how to best incorporate it into your garden, you’ll be rewarded with long periods of gorgeous, aromatic blooms. We’ve broken down what you need to know about jasmine and how to properly care for it. 

  What is jasmine?

  Jasmine is an incredibly versatile plant when it comes to landscaping. Depending on the variety, you can grow it as a groundcover, let it climb on a trellis, or even keep it as a potted plant indoors. It’s best known for its dainty blooms that can be yellow, white, or cream in color — and certain varieties can even produce pink flowers. Some jasmine plants are evergreen, so their leaves stay green and glossy all year long instead of dropping during the autumn and winter. There’s a wide range of jasmine, from common white jasmine that blooms in the late spring to winter jasmine, which puts out flowers during late winter.

  What’s most notable about jasmine is that the blooms smell like a sweet, light perfume, which attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. The strong smell can irritate those sensitive to fragrances so keep in mind anyone who may be in contact with jasmine before you plant it.

The Chinese fringe plant makes an excellent border or specimen. Plant them together as a screen or along the edges of the home as foundation plants. The larger cultivars also assume the form of small trees when the lower limbs are removed. Be careful not to over prune as the limbs lose their natural shape. The more adventurous gardener might want to try to espalier these beautiful shrubs or even bonsai the plant for a pot bound display. 

 How To Care For Loropetalum Plants.

These plants are low maintenance and not terribly fussy. Their lighting requirements range from part sun to full sun; and although they prefer rich soil, they can also grow in clay. The plants may be pruned to keep them in a smaller size. Pruning is done in early spring and a light application of slow-release fertilizer right around the same time will enhance the plant’s health. Chinese fringe plants are tolerant of drought once established. A layer of mulch around their root zones will help reduce competitive weeds and conserve moisture.

This Mexico-native evergreen perennial is not a petunia, despite its name. However, it is known for its petunia-like purple flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its leaves are dark green and lance-shaped.

The Mexican petunia (Ruellia brittoniana) is a fast grower, quickly spreading through self-seeding and rhizomes. Because of their fast growth, these plants are considered invasive.1 

Common Name Mexican petunia, Mexican bluebell, Britton's petunia 

Botanical Name Ruellia brittoniana  or Ruellia simplex

Family Acanthaceae

Plant Type Perennial, rhizome

Mature Size 1-4 ft. tall, 1-3 ft. long, 1-3 ft. wide. Sun Exposure Full, partial

Soil Type Loamy, sandy, moist but well-drained.  Soil pH Acidic, neutral

Bloom Time, Summer, fall Flower Color Purple. Hardiness Zones 

 8-11, USDA

Native Area, North America, South America, Caribbean.

            Mexican Petunia Care

   This hardy plant can be grown almost anywhere, as long as temperatures are warm enough. They are tolerant of heat, humidity, flooding, and droughts, and they can be planted in dry as well as boggy areas. Once established, these plants don’t require much attention beyond the occasional watering andeadheading. Mexican petunias are also disease resistant, though these plants occasionally have problems with spider mites. Light

Mexican petunias love sunshine and will thrive in full sun. They also grow quite well in partially shaded areas, but shade reduces flower production. Plants grown in full sun will have purple stems while those grown in the shade will have green stems. 

Soil

These hardy plants can be grown in almost any soil type but do the best in well-draining, rich soil. They prefer neutral to acidic soil pH levels.1 

Water

Mexican petunias are resilient when it comes to water intake, as they can survive both droughts and floods.1 During the growing season, it is best to keep the soil evenly moist, watering only once soil begins to dry out. For the winter months, reduce watering until the soil is dry. 

Temperature and Humidity

These tough plants are heat and drought-tolerant. They thrive in areas with high humidity and high heat. Mexican petunias do not handle the cold well and are not frost-hardy.1 Be sure to protect these plants if any cold weather comes your way. 

Philippine Violet

Barleria cristata

philippine violet

Philippine violet is a root hardy perennial that forms an attractive upright shrub reaching about 3 feet tall. The dark green foliage is very attractive and virtually pest and disease free. But it’s in late summer to fall that the real show begins, as the upright plant stems load up with an abundance of blue flowers. A white blooming form is also available. Keep the soil moderately moist and mulch plants well to protect them over the winter. This plant is currently underutilized but sure to grow in popularity fast!

When planted right and in the right spot, Podocarpus yews are exceptionally easy to grow and care. Podocarpus, also known as shrubby yew pine or Buddhist pine, come in many forms ranging from low mounding shrubs to taller trees growing over 30 feet in height. 

Here's a breakdown of what you need to know to plant and grow Podocarpus like the pros...

Cultural Preferences

Soil Preferences

Podocarpus are a very tough plants that thrive in the most adverse conditions tolerating a wide range of soils, including well-drained clay. They prefer a moist but well-drained sandy soil, however are exceptionally drought tolerant when established. As with so many other ornamental plants they not like constantly soggy or wet soils, which can cause problems with the roots. Very alkaline or heavy soils may cause nutrient deficiencies.

How To Test Soil Drainage  

If you are uncertain about soil drainage in the area you intend to plant your Podocarpus, it's well worth taking the time to test the drainage before planting. 

To test soil drainage, dig a hole 12" wide by 12" deep in the planting area. Fill the hole with water and let it drain. Then, after it drains, fill it with water again, but this time clock how long it takes to drain. In well-drained soil the water level will go down at a rate of about 1 inch an hour. A faster rate, such as in loose, sandy soil, may signal potentially dry site conditions and possibly a need to add organic matter to help retain moisture. A slower rate indicates poor draining soil and is a caution you need to improve drainage, plant in a raised mound or bed, or look for plants that are more tolerant of wet or boggy conditions.

Soil pH

Podocarpus grow well in a wide range of soil pH ranging between 4.5 to 7.5 on the pH scale. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. 

How To Test Soil pH

Soil pH is a measurement of the alkalinity or acidity of soil and is measured on a scale of 1-14, with 7 as the neutral mark. Any measurement below 7 indicates acid soil conditions, and anything above 7 indicates alkaline. 

It is a shrub that reaches 1–2 m and grows in hedges or forms thickets. The leaves are pinnate, have 3–5 leaflets, each 2.5–6 cm long and 1–3 cm broad. In the wild species (sometimes listed as Rosa chinensis var. spontanea), the flowers have five pink to red petals. The fruit is a red hip one to two cm in diameter. The strong branches have a smooth purplish-brown bark, and there may be many to no curved, stocky, flat spines.

Description: Tri-Color Willow is a deciduous shrub with long stems and delicate, narrow leaves. New growth in the spring is soft pink, and regular leaves are mottled and vary from pale green and yellow to white. In the fall, it sheds yellow leaves to reveal bright red twigs.

Planting and Growth: As with any deciduous shrub, the tri-color willow should be planted in the spring or fall. This shrub loves full sun, but prefers moist soil. Once installed, the shrubs should be watered deeply immediately. During the spring and summer, water once a week if rainfall is less than one inch. While the tri-color is fairly hardy and able to withstand mild droughts, it should be watered regularly to maintain optimal health. However, a well-established specimen will hold leaves through early freezes.

Once established, tri-color willows grow quickly, up to 7’-9’ feet tall and wide. Regular pruning should be performed to maintain a smaller shape, ideally after new growth in the spring. The fast growth habit means it does best with plenty of space to spread out. Tri-color willows are also ideal for hedges and barriers due to their height and wide growing habit. The pace of their growth means you can expect a full hedge or barrier in the first few growing seasons.

Special Features: Disease-resistant; fast growing; full sun; tall specimen; great for wet area plantings; great for hedges or barriers; late fall interest.

Complements:  Low-growing, moisture-loving perennials like irises, ferns and some grasses. Complement the pale green leaves with purple and pink flowering shrubs like hydrangea or lilac. Nursery Manager Meghan likes them as a tall specimen in foundation beds and gardens. It also makes a great addition on house corner beds and in rain gardens.

Related Plants: Willow trees.

Variegated leaves of bright gold and blue provide interest every month of the year. Growing to head high,  The super sweet flowers are utterly animal proof,  and deer don’t like the taste of this local shrub. 

A splendid combination of golden margins on bright green foliage provides fantastic year-round interest in the landscape. A superb hedge or screen requires little maintenance. Tiny, fragrant, silvery flowers in fall are followed by red ornamental berries. Thick evergreen.

Sweet viburnum care is delightfully simple, as long as you plant the tree in an appropriate site. This large shrub establishes quickly in either a full sun or a shady location. It needs irrigation for the first growing seasons. However, once it establishes a solid root system, it grows perfectly happily without much irrigation. Although the tree is relatively maintenance free, you’ll want to shape it and prune it to control the size. The canopy grows in just fine without pruning or training but snip out some of the interior sprouts and shoots to show off the trunk. If you plant the tree near a sidewalk, sweet viburnum care includes removing lower branches for pedestrian clearance. When you are growing sweet viburnum bushes, you probably won’t have many worries. Surface roots are usually not a problem, and the shrub’s long-term health is usually not threatened by pests.

Read more at Gardening Know How: Sweet Viburnum Care: Growing Sweet Viburnum Bushes https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/viburnum/growing-sweet-viburnum-bushes.htm