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FROM THE BLOG
26
Oct
In need of a flower that is easy to plant, easy to care for and even easier to enjoy? Look no further than the lovely and elegant Iris!
The amount of variety that is held within an Iris flower is unstoppable! You’ll find an assortment of sizes ranging from short and petite to long and tall. These bulbs even have various bloom seasons.
And, a crazy amount of different color shades that carry an eye-catching vibrance. Maybe that’s how they got the name ‘Iris’ which stems from a Greek word used to describe a rainbow.
But with all that, comes a large collection of varieties to choose from and that can be overwhelming. In fact, there are an upward of 300 species!
The choices seem endless and-- the success in gardening is all about the choices we make! Since this infamous flower hosts so many possibilities, one is sure to find their match.
With that being said, Nature Hills is here to guide you with ease to finding an Iris of your garden dreams. Follow along as we highlight the top Iris flower types below:
Bearded Iris
Let’s start the show off strong with one of the most commonly known types-- the Bearded Iris. You may be able to guess where it gets its name from by simply spotting one in a flower bed.
It’s also commonly known as the German Iris or the Flag Iris.
Uniquely, downward-facing petals that have ruffles along the edges create a fuzzy beard-like scene. Or kids like to think the flower is sticking its tongue out at them, so don’t be alarmed if your child is doing the same back!
Normally, 3 of these drooping petals will be present and are often called falls while the upright petals are called standards.
These Iris plants are germanica cultivars and can be grown exclusively for any color scheme you may desire. Plant this variety in full sun or partial shade to achieve rich colors of blue, purple, yellow, pink, red, white and every shade in between.
Gardeners love to use these as cut flowers because of their colors! Imagine waking up to a colorful arrangement on your nightstand or used as a centerpiece in the dining room. There is no room that this Iris can’t liven up.
Be sure to remember that the Bearded Iris group also has subdivisions, which can get confusing! These include tall bearded and intermediate bearded. The only difference is the mature height at which the Iris grows. Nonetheless, you’ll still obtain those rare drooping petals.
You can either plant them in the fall or in the spring. For the best care, they love a sunny, well-drained soil. However, if you have clay, acidic, sandy or loamy soils-- they will tolerate that too. To encourage reblooming, we recommend removing the spent flowers.
Come mid-spring and lasting through late summer, your garden will be graced with Bearded Irises that make your neighbors ‘Ooo’ and ‘Ahh’ over!
Our Top Selling Bearded Irises:
Frosted Velvet Tall Bearded Iris
Decadence Tall Bearded Iris
Disco Music Tall Bearded Iris
Dwarf Bearded Iris
Just like the above group, but shorter! The Dwarf Bearded Irises include flowers that don’t grow as tall as their friends. In fact, this type even has a subdivision called miniature dwarfs that can grow to be less than 8 inches high.
Basically they are little petal powerhouses that illuminate a landscape border or rock garden! What’s not to love? The best part-- Dwarf Bearded planted Irises multiply with ease and swiftness. So you can populate many areas of your yard with an investment of a few plants.
You’ll appreciate all the variety of colors they come in so that any aesthetic of your wish is their command whether that being the main show or blended in with others.
A pair of door-greeting containers chalked full of these Iris bulbs is a friendly sight for guests to see when visiting. Fair warning-- the several compliments can be overwhelmingly positive and never ending.
Also a germanica cultivar, the Dwarf Bearded Iris is well known and a fan favorite!
Our Top Selling Dwarf Bearded Irises:
Forever Blue Dwarf Tall Bearded Iris
Louisiana Iris
The states of Florida, Arkansas, Mississippi and yes, you guessed it-- Louisiana are commonly seeing this Iris grow in the wild. Which is exactly how these flowers obtained their name.
Typically found growing near bogs, roadsides or in ditches, this bulb thrives in any low area of the garden that would retain moisture. So, if your aquatic garden or pond is missing a little splash of color, this water-loving Iris is the one for you.
They come in an array of colors thanks to their ability to inbreed among the five separate species that have now freely hybridized amongst one another to create the overall Louisiana variety. This results in colors that can’t even be found in other Iris groups!
Smooth blossoms will appear in early spring just when the soil and temperatures are beginning to warm up. And attractive, sword-like green foliage accompanies the Iris blooms too.
Coming from the south, the Louisiana Iris prefers to stay warm. Therefore, if you’re in a zone that expects freezing temperatures, apply mulch for an extra shield. They love a nice layer of mulch after planting to prevent weed growth and buffer the soil temperatures so they can make plenty of new roots after planting.
Not to mention, the mulch will help retain water that these bulbs desire more than anything else. Be sure to frequently water to ensure consistent moisture.
Our Top Selling Louisiana Irises:
Iris Black Gamecock
Japanese Iris
The Japanese Iris isn’t as well known as its fellow friends, but gardeners who are seeking out large blooms should definitely add them to the landscape blueprints.
They thrive in wet conditions, so don’t mess with that well-drained soil stuff. Instead, place your Japanese Irises in areas that remain damp and moist.
This ensata cultivar shows off a combination of blues, purples, whites and more from early to mid summer. Their medium green foliage really makes the colors pop no matter where they are planted too.
For best results come the spring season, start planting these flowers in the fall.
We know you’ll appreciate the more refined and less conspicuous petals that top the stems. In fact, this beardless Iris features huge orchid-like flowers that are a delight to see. They pair well with any flower bed garden or can stand alone in mass plantings!
Our Top Selling Japanese Irises:
Iris Variegata
Siberian Iris
We’ve highlighted previously that there are bearded Irises, but there are also beardLESS Irises too! And the Siberian variety just so happens to be a subgroup of them. What’s an Iris with no beard look like?
Well, they lack the fuzzy, downturned ‘beards.’ However, they do still have 3 petals that grow down, while the other grow up. Instead of the foliage turning into ratty waves when done blooming, this Iris maintains elegantly waving green foliage to keep the visual interest going past the petals! Many gardeners will even use them as ornamental grass substitutes.
To enjoy blooms come spring, plant this Iris in late summer or fall. However, if you miss out on the fall planting season, no need to fret! The Siberian Iris can be planted during the spring as well, just don’t expect blossoms that same year.
If you have a mailbox that is feeling..bare-- plant several Siberians around the base for everlasting life. The mailman will appreciate the show.
You’ll find these flowers to like the soil a little moist when they are first getting established as they are rarely bothered by rots or borers. Once established and healthy, water regularly when drought conditions occur.
As a sibirica cultivar, these will bloom from spring to early summer and you’ll wish that they never would stop! Imagine creating the most beautiful border along the edge of a pool or natural pond with a Siberian Iris!
Our Top Selling Siberian Irises:
Caesars Brother Iris
The Difference Between Rhizome vs. Bulbous
In contrast to the hundreds of species, countless colors, endless types and various heights-- there are only 2 major groupings of Irises. Those would be: Rhizome Iris or Bulbous Iris.
It is very easy to get confused on which is which and what the difference between them is.
Rhizome Irises grow from thick fleshy rhizomes that sprout right at the soil surface.. Seems straight forward right, but what are rhizomes? They are underground roots that grow horizontally through the soil. While doing so, they send up stalks along the way.
Most often they resemble irregular or flattened shapes with thick stems. Rhizomes continue to grow slowly while underground, which is how the extreme propagation of some plants, such as bambook, takes place.
Bulb Irises also go underground, but are modified buds with scale-like leaves surrounding it. They don’t grow horizontally, however. This is the key difference. You’ll notice the bulb Irises start out are globe-shaped at the root unlike the irregular shape of rhizomes.
With all the possibilities of Irises, there is really no going wrong. Your flower garden will be easier to plant and care for, while still being diverse.
Start finding the Iris of your dreams! Happy gardening!
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21
Oct
Need some definition in your life? Privacy can range from castle walls to wispy, see-through screens. You can always go with the standard chain link fence, maybe upgrade to a white picket or expensive privacy fence and rock walls are crazy expensive and heavy to build on your own.
For an amazing privacy evergreen that has it all - and provides all the benefits of a fence - the incredible Arborvitae will command attention!
Also known as Thuja, these pyramid-shaped, often narrow, or even columnar evergreens have soft scale-like needles and are faster growing than other evergreen varieties on the market! Arborvitae means ‘Tree of Life’ and it will breathe new life into your landscape!
Benefits
So are living plants that much better than a fence? No painting, little maintenance, respite for wildlife, and a friendly way to eliminate a neighbor’s camper or their messy yard... a living hedge is something that you can both enjoy! (and maybe even split the cost?)
Less expensive -vs- hardscape fence
Easy to grow & plant
Improves your home’s resale value more than a fence
Less, if not the same maintenance
More environmentally friendly & renewable -vs- Fencing
Wildlife-friendly - nesting, winter protection & cover
Both are great barriers to halt trespassers
Both provide beautiful property definition
Seclusion & peace that a wood or stone barrier can’t provide
Better noise & wind reduction than fencing
Rustling sounds, fragrant, cooling evergreen greenery & motion for a full sensory experience
Many Uses of Arborvitae
Arborvitae works hard to expand the amount of livable space outside your home. Create the walls of garden rooms. Push your fencing beyond the perimeter, and carve out smaller areas within your property!
Excellent backdrops to perennial or shrub borders
Windbreak and block dust - keep trash out of your yard & slows the wind
Noise abatement - block out a busy road or noisy neighbor or block sounds of a children’s play area
Provide shade for you and your garden beds
Privacy & screening - seclusion from prying eyes
Hide eyesores - block ugly sheds, neighbors, utilitarian areas, garbage cans, or compost piles
Create outdoor rooms - zen gardens, meditation rooms, a yoga spot, coffee nooks, and peaceful seating areas
Blur the line of sight of a neighbor's window
Private Backyard in a Hurry
Add a curved berm by mounding extra soil 2-3 feet high, or creating multiple tiers of high and low mounds. Plant your privacy trees in the berm, and you'll jump-start your privacy by several feet! This also works if you have compacted ground or poor drainage issues.
Buy the largest container sizes we have in stock for a big head start. Larger container sizes mean older trees with a larger root system.
Types of Arborvitae
The goal is to create a lush, solid screen without sacrificing healthy air circulation. Study the Plant Highlights on every product page to find the height and width your tree will reach at maturity.
North Pole® - Pointed & columnar, fast-growing, matures 10-15 feet tall & 4-5 feet wide. Doesn’t need pruning for a fluffy natural look.
Green Giant - Big fluffy, fast-growing to 40-50 foot tall & only 8-12 feet wide. Fast-growing once established. Shear/prune for a formal look.
Emerald Green - Bright green popular choice 10-15 feet tall & 3-4 feet wide. Can be spaced close for immediate screening that needs no trimming.
Degroot's Spire - Dark green pyramid maturing 18-20 feet tall & 4-5 feet wide. Fantastic living walls, can be planted in pots, slower grower, and always stays skinny.
American - Thick & elegant 25-40 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide. Robust and can be spaced a bit farther apart Overall a fairly fast-growing plant once established.
Techny - Dark green and compact, maturing 15-20 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide
Sugar and Spice - Creamy bright green & petite, maturing 7-10 feet tall & 1-4 feet wide
Considerations for the choice would include:
What will the mature height and spread be?
How thick or dense are they?
How long do they live?
How fast do they grow?
How much care will they need?
Are they drought tolerant?
Do they need full sun?
What Spacing is Best?
Plant your Arborvitae in the center at their mature spread apart (or a bit closer), measuring from the center of one to the center of the next. Going by the smallest number listed for the mature spread. These plants planted in a dense row will make a nice 2 sided green barrier that can be allowed to grow naturally without any pruning at all if you like.
You can also plant Arborvitae closer together than the estimated mature widths so the plants will quickly grow together making a solid screen. Finally, use an old farmer's trick. Stagger two rows in a zig-zagging planting pattern that fills in fast.
Conclusion
All of NatureHills.com Arborvitae available today can be found by clicking here! Filter the results you want by height, mature spread, and Growing Zone. Always use Nature Hills Root Booster with important landscape trees and shrubs. This symbiotic formula supports the tiny feeder roots over the whole life of your plant and never wears out.
Create a landscape that reflects your personal style! Water, minimal pruning, fertilizer, and mulch are all it takes to create a lasting fence for curb appeal and privacy! Get planting now and watch your fence grow better with each passing year!
Buy healthy, well-rooted, fast-growing privacy trees and shrubs from NatureHills.com! We make it so easy with expert shipping right to your doorstep.
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19
Oct
Gardening doesn't end with summer's warmth! Your landscape still needs your attention even when the temperatures drop. So while you're dreaming of spring, don't forget an important part of garden maintenance even when the temperatures drop and plants are sleeping.
Usually, Mother Nature provides everything your garden needs. Once winter's snows arrive, that white blanket provides moisture and insulation. For gardeners in areas where the ground freezes all winter and can enjoy snow cover all winter - watering may not be necessary. However, it shouldn't be far from your mind either.
Sometimes there's no white Christmas, and plants are left gasping, even when dormant. Unexpected warm spells add to the troublesome temperamental nature of Ma Nature in the winter months!
Winter Watering - Why it's Important
When to Water
How to Water
Combating Windburn
Combating Frost Crack
Precautions
Winter Watering - Why it's Important:
Dormant plants may not be growing above ground, but new root formation continues below throughout Autumn and even during mild winters. The fall is excellent for initiating new roots and getting your plants a jump start on spring.
Keeping up with watering in winter is important for:
Newly installed plant material their first year in the ground
Lighter, sandier soils
When growing in more arid climates
Experienced drought or dry conditions before winter
Higher elevations
For Evergreens, remember these plants transpire water when temperatures are above freezing, losing moisture through the foliage, with no soil moisture to replace it with. So it's important for you to provide it to keep your plants healthy year-round!
Timing is Everything
Fall and winter watering should be done if the ground is dry and not frozen. Without moisture at the root zone, plants suffer. If it's been dry and unseasonably warm and you know a freeze is on the way… water!
Water plants any time in the winter when:
There's no snow cover
Temperatures are above freezing for a time
There's been no rainfall or snowfall for a week
Been less than 2" of rain or snow for a week or two
New plants that were installed that fall
Evergreen trees that constantly receive the brunt of the cold, dry northern winter winds
Your plants eventually use less water when dormant, so depending upon your soil type and these other factors above, watering may only be needed once a month.
Best Watering Practices
Hook up your hose and water at the root zone only, soaking it thoroughly. Simply run the hose open about half speed soaking the entire root system, letting the water soak in deep.
Often it's recommended to turn off the water once it has pooled, let it soak in, and then water until it pools once more, and then repeat a couple more times until the entire area is fully saturated but not waterlogged. You can find out more about proper watering practices and Finger Test watering in our Garden Blog.
Winter Windburn - The Arch-Nemesis of Evergreens
Windburn (aka: sunburn/winter burn) occurs on Evergreens and on Broadleaved Evergreens when they dry out in winter or are planted where they are exposed to cold drying wind. The effects may not show up immediately; it may take until spring for the discoloration to show up with brown or damaged foliage on one side of the plant.
Any tree or shrub that's high on a hilltop, exposed to constant wind (windbreaks and shelterbelts), or located in exposed areas with no protection is susceptible.
Making sure the soil is moist before it freezes in fall, not letting them go into winter dry, is the first step in averting damage. If your plants or your location are particularly susceptible, you can use an anti-desiccant - a spray that coats the foliage and keeps them from drying out - preventing windburn.
Frost Crack - The Arch-Nemesis of Deciduous Plants
Often affecting Hardwood trees, Frost Crack occurs when the inner and outer tissues in the trunk expand and contract at different rates when subjected to drastic temperatures changes.
After a sunny, unseasonably warm day and the temperatures drop to freezing at night, cracks are caused by moisture rapidly expanding within the tree's xylem and phloem, causing a split to occur the length of the trunk.
Frost Crack Affects Trees that Are:
Situated in open, exposed, isolated & in full sun exposures.
Tree planted in heavy clay & soggy soils
Been severely pruned
Improper fertilizer timing when late growth hasn't "hardened off"
Recovering from summer drought followed by excessive water in the fall
Prevent frost crack in deciduous trees by not overwatering and leaving tree roots in soggy soil before a significant freeze. Stop fertilizer in July so new growth has had time to be ready for the cold and don't prune too severely whenever possible.
There are tree trunk wraps available that are white or light-colored, reflecting the bright sun and help prevent frost crack from occurring. Do not use black drain tile or black or dark-colored trunk protectors as they heat up until the sun drops and creates cracking.
While Frost Crack doesn't spell instant death, it does mar your tree and can lead to future issues if not healed or treated by an Arborist. Insects and diseases can enter the tree's insides easily through these cracks if left untreated.
Last But Not Least:
When you are done watering, you will need to drain your hose and turn off the faucet in your basement to prevent costly damage. Never use your underground sprinklers or drip irrigation in winter. You also should have mulched your plants for the winter.
Just a small amount of forethought and effort ensures your tree and shrub's survivability during the toughest parts of the season. With some adequate moisture, you will be able to help your plants through the bleak winter months for a colorful spring!
Let NatureHills.com help you plan your garden, even in the bleak winter months, and help keep your landscape looking its best all year long!
Learn about the Top 5 Winter Interest Plants, so your winter garden is just as beautiful as the rest of the year!
Read more >
14
Oct
The Thuja family has long been a beloved landscaping staple when it comes to creating structures within the garden. Arborvitaes create a classic look while offering functional peace of mind through organization and presentation.
Here at NatureHills.com we LOVE our Arborvitae varieties and know that they can add great value and beauty to your landscape. We know you’re going to love them too!
Whether you’re growing the Emerald Green Arborvitae, the Green Giant Arborvitae, or any of the many varieties that we sell, there are a few things that you should know about caring for it. These tips will help keep your Thuja tree or shrub happy and healthy for years to come!
Getting Started
We offer a WIDE variety of Arborvitaes to choose from and picking which one is right for you is not always an easy choice! Here are some things you’ll want to consider when choosing the right one for your landscape.
What To Ask Before Purchasing:
Where do you want it to go?
How big do you want it to get?
What type of maintenance do you want to provide?
Do you want seasonal foliage?
What type of environment am I providing for the plant?
Is it environmentally friendly for where I want to plant it?
Asking these questions will help you quickly determine whether this plant variety is the right choice for you. Another benefit to answering these questions is it can help narrow down which variety of Arborvitae you may want in your landscape.
What To Know Before Planting:
Great for Zones 3-7
Evergreen Tree
Mature Growth is Expected at 10’-15’
Some Varieties Grow Quickly and Others Grow More Slowly
Full Sun Preference
Soil Preference: Acidic, Loamy, Moist, Rich, Sandy, Silty Loamy, Well Drained, Wet & Clay Soils
Choosing the Right One
It’s important to mention that the type of variety that you choose will influence how quickly the variety grows, both vertically and horizontally. Some varieties are bushier and other varieties are more narrow.
You may have noticed that we at NatureHills.com offer an extensive selection of Arborvitae trees and shrubs to choose from. When considering which variety is right for you there are a few things you’ll also need to consider before planting.
Some varieties have a fluffy look, while others have soft fanning, flattened branches, all are soft to the touch and wave in the breeze in an undulating pattern.
There are many varieties to choose from, but here are some quick facts about the most popular ones:
Green Giant Arborvitae: This fast-growing variety is great for a natural border, grows quickly, gets wide, and is deer resistant.
Emerald Green Arborvitae: This variety is a more formal variety that works great as a privacy screen, stays vertical, and grows more narrow. This variety is not deer resistant.
There are a lot more varieties to choose from here at NatureHills.com, but these two popular choices are an excellent way to start!
Continuous Care
Once you get your trees established and they’ve had the chance to grow into their new homes, it’s time to start making sure you’re continuing to give quality care to these evergreens.
These plants do enjoy their moisture, especially before the wintertime. Be sure to give them lots of moisture and water before heading into the cooler months so that you have a healthy spring tree to look forward to.
They also need protection from drying Northern winter winds. Use an anti-desiccant spray in late fall to further protect them if in an area prone to windburn.
Otherwise, these plants are fairly low maintenance. Their soil should be well-draining, and consistently moist until the roots have established themselves.
Use the “finger test” to stick your finger in the soil near the roots to the second knuckle. If it’s moist, skip watering that day. If it’s dry, give it plenty of water.
Pest & Disease Care From the Plant Sentry™ Experts
While these trees and shrubs stand tall hovering over your garden, they,
like many other plant varieties, are at just as great of a risk as other plants when it comes to warding off insects and disease. In order to keep your trees at their healthiest, our Plant Sentry experts are weighing in to offer you expert advice on their care to keep your garden as happy and healthy as possible!
There are a few diseases that afflict this plant variety that you should be aware of:
Kabatina Twig Blight (Kabatina thujae): This disease causes the tips of one-year-old branches to die and turn a brown or gray ash color. These tips will remain on the plant for many months. You should prune and destroy the infected areas if found. The use of a fungicide can help protect the plant from blight.
Pestalotiopsis Tip Blight (Pestalotiopsis funerea): This disease causes the tips of the twigs to turn a light to dark brown color with black pimple-like fungus structures on the surface. To prevent this type of blight protect the shrubs and trees from winter damages, drought, and other stressful conditions. Like the Kabatina Blight, the use of a fungicide can help protect the plant from blight.
Phomopsis Twig Blight (Phomopsis juniperovora): This disease causes the tips of the branches to die, turn brown, or ash-gray. This discoloration will remain visible on the plant for many months after infection and can cause the larger branches to be girdled or infected. At the point of infiltration into the healthier wood, black, pimple-like fungal structures will grow. To remedy this infection you should prune and destroy the infected limbs. Like the other varieties of blight, applying a fungicide can offer protection against the blight.
Pests:
The Arborvitae family can face a number of challenges when it comes to potential threats of pests. Most commonly the pests to keep an eye out for are bagworms, scale, leafminers, and spider mites. Regular treatment of your plants can help limit or eliminate pest problems that may aris
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12
Oct
Fall is one of the most awaited seasons of the year and it’s easy to tell just when it has visited your town. No, not only do the plaid jackets and porch pumpkins give it away, but so do the natural yellows, oranges, reds and browns that grace shrubs and trees.
Families look forward to pulling out the dusty pumpkin pie recipe. Kids look forward to carving the scariest pumpkin on the block. And gardeners, well we look forward to our bushes transforming into an autumn dream.
Watching the fall shrub colors come alive each year keeps us wanting more and more shrubs in our yards! That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best shrubs for fall color. Now look forward to planting NEW shrubs this fall season!
Common Witch-Hazel
Autumn Magic Black Chokeberry
American Cranberrybush Viburnum
Little Henry® Virginia Sweetspire
Smooth Sumac
Which Fall Color Should You Grow & Why?
#ProPlantTips- Plant Your Shrubs In The Fall
Common Witch-Hazel
Make a real last minute statement with one of North America’s most unique native shrubs, the Common Witch-Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana). The bright yellow ribbons appear in late October and can last till early December.
As the fall color comes on, this plant does a weird thing --- this is when it starts to bloom! You’ll be one of the last houses on the block to greet Halloween trick or treaters with fall color!
All along the stems, unique shaped leaves are draped up and down. They are even slightly fragrant. In full sun, they will do fine, but for the best results place them in part shade.
Gardeners love to use the Common Witch-Hazel as a focal point in their fall garden as their golden yellow color illuminates a yard.
And, when you’re outside roasting marshmallows around a fire pit and sippin’ on apple cider, the Common Witch-Hazel can be a real conversation starter.
Autumn Magic Black Chokeberry
You’ll find four seasons of incredible interest with an Autumn Magic Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa 'Autumn Magic') in your front or back yard. But its fall color foliage takes the first place finish.
Sure, the white flowers each spring or the glossy green foliage of summer are mesmerizing too. However, when autumn arrives, the Magic Black Chokeberry takes things to a new level.
Those green leaves slowly transform into a fiery red and purple ambience that lasts while fall transitions into winter. Plant several as driveway borders to greet visitors on those chilly nights.
Not only will you be providing joy to your guests, but the birds will love the Autumn Magic Black Chokeberry too! Deep purplish-red berries pop up during autumn as well and the birds are quick to gobble them up.
Did you know that these berries are a superfruit? They ripen in August and can be picked and used like blueberries in baked goods, juices and smoothies.
This dramatic shrub deserves to be showcased each fall season as its peak color comes through. Never be bored with this chokeberry shrub in your landscape!
American Cranberrybush Viburnum
The American Cranberrybush Viburnum (Viburnum trilobum) is a must-have classic. It provides both ornamental interest AND an edible harvest. Now that is the best of both worlds.
The showy flowers from spring give way to bright red berries that elegantly dangle from the bush come the fall season. Use this red fruit for homemade jams and jellies put out as appetizers for an annual neighborhood Halloween party.
You may even find a few local songbirds pay you a visit for a taste of the sweet berries!
But, the berries are not the only feature. Admire this viburnum’s purplish-red fall foliage as it borders the corner of your home. It’s vibrant, unique and powerful-- all things that make a statement outdoors.
Little Henry® Virginia Sweetspire
Looking for a small, but mighty shrub? Really boost the visual appeal without taking up too much space with a Little Henry® Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica 'Sprich').
This dwarf ornamental shrub carries features starting in the summer and lasting through the fall.
Oranges and reds grace this shrub’s leaves each year. Place it in a front and center position so that you can watch the green foliage fade into a flaming leaf color display.
Or use it in containers! What could be better than a Little Henry® Virginia Sweetspire placed in a pot that’s painted as a pumpkin? Now we can really embrace the spooky season.
Smooth Sumac
Obtain a pretty scarlet shade and few yellow hues with the Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra). This easy and hardy plant works hard in all garden backgrounds so that you don’t have to!
You’ll notice tiny red berries that are in large clusters, most often called drupes, that form upon this shrub. These acidic and tart tasting berries are most popularly used to form a berry tea called sumac-ade (almost like a lemonade).
Smooth Sumac is truly an autumn splendor, one of the first plants to show the red fall color.
They can be grown as a specimen or allowed to colonize in natural groupings. Wherever you choose to place it, this shrub will always put on a show!
Which Fall Color Should You Grow & Why?
Are you unsure of which autumn color is the right one for you and your landscape? Think about what that color symbolizes: it’s amazing the emotions a single color can bring! In fact, fall colors are nature’s way of stimulating our senses in every way.
Red: with its vast amount of shades stretching from burgundy to scarlet and purple to vermilion, red can be argued to be the main color of autumn. And the way it makes you feel only enhances its role as top fall color.
Make a statement in your garden as red is used as a symbol for power and magnificence. With it comes energy, life and strength. All emotions that we crave! So, if you’re looking for a warm, energized aura- red is your fall color.
Yellow: there is no denying the peacefulness that yellow brings. You may have spotted it in warm shades, such as amber or-- on the other hand, in bold hues, such as citrine and mustard. Nonetheless, yellow brings the joy of spring and summer to the fall season.
The color is associated with life and the sun. It represents knowledge and reason while creating a positive atmosphere. Use yellow shades to bring happiness to the outdoors!
Orange: since it is between the colors of red and yellow, orange inherits a lot of the main features from each. Therefore, for the perfect balance of energy and serenity-- grow orange.
In brighter shades, you’ll feel happiness, prosperity and energy. Then with the duller tones, a sense of calm and welcoming aspects take over.
Brown: last but certainly not least, brown builds its base on comfortability and reassurance. It makes us think of the earth, trunks of trees and the roots down below our feet. Brown connects us to security, vision and even willpower.
Mix it with the other fall colors to create the ideal ‘small corner of the woods’ sensation in your own backyard!
Now, when picking which of our top 5 shrubs to grow, you’ll have a better idea of what color you want to add! Read more about why leaves change color in the fall and our choices for the top 5 fall color trees in our blog here!
#ProPlantTips- Plant Your Shrubs In The Fall
It’s tempting to put off planting season until the warmer weather rolls around and we know that spring has been viewed as the best time to plant for quite some time. But, gardeners who capitalize on planting in the fall gain several benefits that spring can’t provide. Here’s just a few:
1. Establishes Strong Root Systems
With the balance between the still-warm soil and the lower, but not freezing air temperatures, shrubs can now form a strong root system. By the time spring and summer roll around, your new shrub will be ready for the stress of the heat and low amounts of water.
You’ve got a jump on the new season-- and now, so do your shrubs!
2. Fill In The Garden Gaps
Fall slows down the endless list of outdoor responsibilities and allows you to take a break. You can now consider the landscape at hand, take detailed notes and make educated decisions.
After a long growing season of showing gaps or weaknesses in garden layouts and schemes, use fall (and above shrubs) to fill in those empty spaces!
3. Pest Populations Are Low
It’s a well-known story. You buy a new plant in the spring, place it in the ground and pests/diseases kill it off. Newly established shrubs are highly vulnerable!
However, in the fall season, pest and disease populations are substantially lower. Not to mention, competition from the stubborn summer weeds is reduced. Take advantage of this and plant your shrubs before those pesky numbers rise again.
Don’t wait until spring to add a fall color shrub (or a few) to your garden! This fall activity always pairs nicely with the joys of apple picking and visits to the pumpkin patch.
With yellows, oranges, reds and browns in your own yard-- the fall season can finally be complete and you’ll know just when it arrives.
Happy planting!
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