Japanese stewartia, Stewartia pseudocamellia

The Japanese Stewartia, known scientifically as Stewartia pseudocamellia, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that is native to Japan and Korea. It is valued for its multi-seasonal interest, featuring white, Camellia-like flowers with gold stamens in the center during the summer, and green to brownish fruit capsules. This tree is particularly noted for not having serious insect or disease problems, making it a relatively low-maintenance choice for gardens.

It can grow to a height of 12 to 40 feet and a width of 8 to 25 feet, and it thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. The Japanese Stewartia prefers evenly moist, organically rich, moderately acidic, well-drained sandy loams. It doesn't do well in heavy, clay, dry, thin, rocky soils, or soils with poor drainage. Consistent moisture is important for this tree, and it is intolerant of drought conditions. Partly shaded conditions are recommended in climates with hot, humid summers to avoid the stress of afternoon sun.

There are several cultivars of the Japanese Stewartia, each with unique characteristics. For example, 'Ballet' has a spreading habit and large flowers, 'Cascade' has a semi-weeping habit with red-purple fall foliage, and 'Milk and Honey' is known for its profuse flowering and bright bark color. Other cultivars include 'Harold Hillier' with excellent fall color, 'Julia' with large white flowers, 'Mint Frills' with pale greenish flowers, 'Pilar Bella' with a columnar habit and large flowers, and a rare 'Pink Form' with whitish-pink flowers and pink buds.

For more detailed information about the Japanese Stewartia, its cultivation, and its varieties, you can explore resources like the North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox and the Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder.

Jacaranda, Jacaranda mimosifolia

Jacaranda mimosifolia, commonly known as the blue jacaranda, is a sub-tropical tree originally from south-central South America, specifically southern Brazil, northwestern Argentina, and southern Bolivia. It's known for its stunning and long-lasting violet-colored flowers and has been widely planted around the world for its ornamental value. The tree is capable of reaching heights of 25-50 feet with a spreading crown that can extend 15-30 feet wide. Its leaves are fern-like, bi-pinnate, and can reach up to 20 inches in length, turning brown in the autumn. The blue jacaranda produces fruit in the form of woody seedpods that are mahogany-colored and round, opening to reveal several winged seeds. The bark of mature trees takes on a finely scaly appearance and texture​​​​.

In its native range, the jacaranda is threatened by uncontrolled logging and land clearing for agriculture, leading to its classification as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Despite its beauty, the jacaranda is considered an invasive species in some regions, such as parts of South Africa and Queensland, Australia, where it can out-compete native species​​.

Jacarandas are known for their preference for full sun and sandy soil with good drainage. Once established, they are quite drought-tolerant, although they are not salt-tolerant. They are suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 9B through 11. The trees are deciduous, shedding both leaves and flowers annually, which can create significant leaf litter. Proper pruning is essential for maintaining a strong structure, as poorly structured trees are prone to splitting. Despite their beauty, jacarandas are not ideal for pool-side plantings due to the mess from the dropped flowers and leaves​​.

The jacaranda has also been embraced in various cultures and locations worldwide, including parts of the United States like California and Florida, as well as in cities across Southern Africa and even in Europe along the Mediterranean coast. Its flowering in spring has made it a symbol of the season in many places, and it has even found its way into popular culture, being mentioned in songs and other media​​.

White Fringetree, Chionanthus virginicus

The White Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus), also known as Grancy Gray Beard or Old Man's Beard, is a small tree or large shrub that is native to the Eastern United States. It belongs to the Oleaceae (olive) family and is known for its distinctive and showy white flowers.

Here are some interesting facts about the White Fringetree:

Distinctive Flowers: The White Fringetree blooms in late spring to early summer with fragrant, white, fringe-like flowers that give the tree its name. The flowers hang in panicles that can be 4-8 inches long.

Dioecious Plant: The species is usually dioecious, meaning individual trees are either male or female, although some trees can have both types of flowers. Male trees tend to have slightly showier flowers.

Versatile Habitat: It can be found in a variety of habitats, including moist woodlands, along streams, and in well-drained upland sites. It is adaptable to different soil types but prefers a moist, fertile, well-drained soil.

Ornamental Use: Due to its attractive flowers and moderate size, the White Fringetree is often used in landscape design. It can serve as a specimen tree or be planted in small groups.

Foliage and Fruit: The tree has glossy, dark green leaves that turn yellow in the fall. Female trees produce dark blue fruits in late summer, which are attractive to birds and wildlife.

Native American Usage: Native Americans used parts of the White Fringetree for medicinal purposes, including treatments for skin inflammations and rheumatism.

Growth and Size: The White Fringetree typically grows to a height of 12-20 feet, but it can reach up to 30 feet under optimal conditions. It has a spread of about 10-15 feet at maturity.

Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators, making it a beneficial plant for supporting local ecosystems.

Low Maintenance: Once established, the White Fringetree requires minimal care, making it a great choice for gardeners looking for low-maintenance landscaping options.

Bark and Branches: The tree's bark is light gray and can become slightly ridged or blocky with age. The branches have a graceful, spreading form, adding to its ornamental value.

The White Fringetree's unique appearance and ecological benefits make it a valued addition to both natural and landscaped settings.

Eastern redbud, Cercis canadensis

The Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a popular ornamental tree known for its striking spring blooms and heart-shaped leaves.

Here are some key facts about Eastern redbud:

Native Range: The Eastern redbud is native to eastern North America, from southern Ontario, Canada down to northern Florida and west to Texas and Nebraska.

Size: It is a small to medium-sized tree, typically growing to 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) in height with a similar spread, making it suitable for smaller landscapes.

Flowers: One of the most distinctive features of the Eastern redbud is its profusion of small, pink or magenta flowers that bloom directly on the branches and trunk in early spring, before the leaves appear. This creates a striking visual effect.

Leaves: After flowering, heart-shaped leaves emerge, which are initially reddish in color, turning to a deep green as they mature, and then to yellow in the fall, providing seasonal interest.

Growth Conditions: Eastern redbud prefers well-drained soil but is adaptable to a range of soil types and pH levels. It can thrive in full sun to partial shade.

Wildlife Value: The tree provides food for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers. Its seed pods, which appear after the flowers, are also a food source for birds and small mammals.

Landscape Use: Due to its moderate size and attractive features, Eastern redbud is a popular choice for residential landscapes, parks, and along streets. It is often used as a specimen tree or planted in groups.

Varieties: There are several cultivars of Eastern redbud with variations in flower color (from white to deep purple), leaf color (including variegated forms), and growth habit (including weeping forms).

Maintenance: Eastern redbud is relatively low maintenance but can be susceptible to diseases such as canker and verticillium wilt, as well as pests like tree borers. Proper planting and care can help minimize these issues.

Symbolism: The tree is often associated with spring and renewal because of its early blooming and is used in many cultural and gardening contexts to symbolize new beginnings. It is also the state tree of Oklahoma.

Appearance: Eastern redbuds typically grow to 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) in height with a similar spread. They have a rounded, vase-shaped crown.

Fruit: Eastern redbud trees produce small, pea-like seed pods that mature in the fall and can persist through the winter.

Habitat: It is commonly found in woodlands, forest margins, and along streams and rivers. It prefers well-drained soils but can adapt to a variety of soil types.

Cultivation: Eastern redbud is a popular ornamental tree in landscapes and gardens due to its compact size, attractive flowers, and heart-shaped leaves. It is used in a variety of settings, including residential landscapes, parks, and along streets.

Care: The tree is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning. It is also drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.

Eastern redbud's early spring blossoms and attractive foliage make it a cherished addition to many landscapes, offering multiple seasons of interest. Its adaptability to different environments and conditions also contributes to its popularity among gardeners and landscapers.

Chinese wisteria, Wisteria sinensis

Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) is a popular climbing vine known for its beautiful and fragrant flowers.

Here are some key facts about it:

Origin: Chinese wisteria is native to China and was introduced to the Western world in the early 19th century.

Growth Habit: It is a vigorous and fast-growing vine that can reach up to 30 feet (9 meters) or more in length. It twines around structures and other plants, sometimes becoming invasive if not properly managed.

Flowers: The plant is best known for its stunning, cascading clusters of flowers that are typically a deep lavender or violet color, although there are varieties with white and pink flowers. These flower clusters can be up to a foot in length.

Fragrance: The flowers emit a sweet, pleasant fragrance that is often described as intoxicating, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Blooming Season: Chinese wisteria blooms in late spring to early summer, usually around May, depending on the climate.

Leaves: The plant has pinnately compound leaves, meaning each leaf is made up of multiple smaller leaflets arranged on both sides of a common axis.

Growth Conditions: It prefers full sun to partial shade and can grow in a variety of soil types, though it thrives best in moist, well-drained soil.

Uses: Chinese wisteria is often used in gardens and landscapes for pergolas, trellises, and arbors due to its climbing nature and attractive flowers. It can also be trained to grow into a tree-like form.

Maintenance: Pruning is important to control growth and encourage flowering. Without proper pruning, the vine can become a tangled mass and may not produce as many flowers.

Invasiveness: In some areas, particularly in parts of the United States, Chinese wisteria is considered invasive. It can choke out native plants and trees by girdling them, and its heavy vines can cause structural damage.

When planting Chinese wisteria, it's important to consider its potential size and invasiveness. Proper site selection and regular maintenance can help manage its growth and ensure that it adds beauty to the landscape without becoming a problem.

Chinese Witch Hazel, Hamamelis mollis

Chinese witch hazel (Hamamelis mollis) is a captivating species of flowering plant belonging to the Hamamelidaceae family, native to central and eastern China, including regions like Anhui, Guangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Sichuan, and Zhejiang. It can grow as a large shrub or a small tree, reaching up to 26 feet tall. The leaves are oval, ranging from 8 to 15 cm in length and 6 to 10 cm in width, featuring a wavy-toothed or shallowly lobed margin and turning yellow in the autumn. The plant is noted for its yellow, ribbon-shaped petals that are often 15 mm long, and its flowers bloom in clusters during late winter to early spring, emitting a strong fragrance​​.

Culturally, Chinese witch hazel is greatly valued for its ornamental appeal, particularly due to its vibrant and fragrant flowers that appear in the winter when not much else is in bloom. It has been the subject of various cultivations to produce different flower colors and sizes, as well as variations in the shrub's size and form. Additionally, it's one of the parent plants of the popular garden hybrid H. × intermedia, alongside H. japonica. Some cultivars like ‘Jermyns Gold’ and ‘Wisley Supreme’ have even been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, highlighting their exceptional qualities​​.

In terms of care, Chinese witch hazel thrives in average to medium moisture, well-drained soils, and can adapt to full sun or part shade environments. It prefers moist, acidic, organically rich soils but has some tolerance for clay soils as long as drainage is good. The plant requires minimal maintenance, with pruning recommended in spring after flowering to maintain its shape and size. It's generally winter hardy to USDA Zone 5, though it's advisable to plant it in protected locations within this zone to shield it from extreme cold​​.

For garden use, Chinese witch hazel serves well as a border shrub or as part of a woodland garden. It's valued for its fragrant, late winter flowers and appealing fall foliage, making it an excellent specimen plant. It also offers good resistance to deer and erosion, and can tolerate clay soil​​.

Double Blooming Gardenia, Gardenia jasminoides

The Double Blooming Gardenia Tree, known scientifically as Gardenia jasminoides, is a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance and fragrance to their outdoor spaces.

Here are some key facts about this beautiful plant:

Size and Growth:This evergreen tree reaches a manageable height of 5 to 7 feet, making it suitable for both small and larger gardens. Its attractive, symmetrical form allows it to serve as a stunning focal point, particularly when used to frame a front doorway or gate.

Flowers: The tree is celebrated for its heavily fragrant, long-lasting white flowers that bloom profusely throughout the summer. The flowers are double-bloomed, with each reaching around 3 inches in diameter, covering the tree in a blanket of white.

Care: Despite its sophisticated appearance, the Double Blooming Gardenia Tree is not difficult to grow. It requires at least four hours of direct sunlight daily, but can thrive in up to eight hours of sunlight. The soil should be well-draining and acidic. Weekly watering is recommended, or more frequently during hot weather, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilization: To support its growth, the tree benefits from fertilization throughout the growing season with a high-nitrogen fertilizer, for instance, a 30-10-10 formula. If yellow leaves appear, a solution of Epsom salt and water can help.

Pollination: Insects, particularly moths drawn by the tree's strong scent, are responsible for pollinating the gardenia trees.

The Double Blooming Gardenia Tree is ideal for container gardening, especially in northern regions, allowing it to be moved indoors during colder months. Its lush, glossy dark green leaves remain vibrant year-round, adding to its appeal.