SPIRAEA JAPONICA 'GOLDFLAME'

Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame'

Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' is a popular ornamental foliage and flowering garden plant. The original species is a native to the wetland habitats of Japan, China, and Korea, while the 'Goldflame' cultivar is a selected form developed in America, entering general production in the early 1970s.

Botanical illustration of Spiraea japonica 

It is a small, compact deciduous shrub which under favourable conditions can be expected to reach an approximate height and spread of between 1-2 metres. Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' is usually a little wider than it is tall. It is particularly noted for its striking spring foliage which emerges a rich bronze-red, turning a light russet-orange as they mature. By the end of the growing season they lose some of their attractiveness ending up a rather dull greenish-yellow. Each serrated-edged leaf is formed alternately on wiry stems, ovate in shape and approximately 2.5 cm to 7.5 cm long. There can be some reversion of the leaves back to the original deep green and these stems should be removed immediately.

The deep, rosy-red blooms are small, appearing on widely spaced corymbs (flattened or convex flower cluster) 10-15 cm across from July to August. Periodic blooms will continue to appear until the end of the growing seasons.

To get the best effect out of the colourful foliage, position Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' in full sun, although the plant itself can tolerate partial shade. It is suitable for planting in a wide range of soil types, but a rich, moist loam is prefered. Water well during the first year and avoid conditions where the roots can become waterlogged.

For compact growth and larger flowers prune back the stems in late winter to within 10 cm of ground level as the flowers are formed on new wood.

Spiraea japonica 'Goldflame' received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1984.

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SPIRAEA JAPONICA 'GOLDFLAME'

JASMINUM BEESIANUM

Jasminum beesianum

Jasminum beesianum is a vigorous scandent (climbing) shrub which develops a dense tangle of slender stems. Native to Southwest China, it was discovered for western science in 1906 by renowned Scottish botanist and plant hunter George Forrest (1873 – 1932), one of the first explorers of the remote Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. It was subsequently named and described by Forrest along with German botanist Dr. Friedrich Ludwig Emil Diels (1874 – 1945).

Jasminum beesianum blooms

Under favourable conditions you can expect Jasminum beesianum to reach and approximate height of between 2.5 to 3.5 metres. It is an evergreen species (although deciduous in cooler temperate climates) with long, dark green ovate leaves formed opposite each other on the stalk and taper to a long point.

The heavily fragrant blooms appear in May and June and are comparatively small next to the other species within the genus at just 1-2 cm long. However they are an unusual but attractive deep velvety-red colour. Once pollinated shiny, black berries appear and will often last on the stems well into the oncoming winter.

Grow Jasminum beesianum in any ordinary well-drained, fertile garden soil in a warm sheltered position. In the more northerly European climates winter protection may need to be applied, Cover with a couple of layers of horticultural fleece or protect with wattle hurdles or wire netting back-filled with bracken or straw.

No regular pruning is required except to cut back flowering shoots once the blooms.

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EUCRYPHIA CORDIFOLIA

Eucryphia cordifolia in bloom

Commonly known as the 'Ulmo', Eucryphia cordifolia is an extremely attractive evergreen shrub, although under favourable conditions form a broad columnar tree. Native to both Argentina and Chile, its native habitat stretches along the Andean Mountains, the longest continental mountain range in the world. It was introduced to western science in 1851, and first named and described by leading Spanish taxonomic botanist Antonio José Cavanilles (1745 – 1804).

Eucryphia cordifolia botanical illustration

You can expect Eucryphia cordifolia to achieve a maximum height of between 9-12 metres. The leathery, dull-green leaves are oblong, wavy-edged, and often heart-shaped at the base (hence the species name). This species is particularly noted for its white 'Rose of Sharon' blooms which appear in February and March from the leaf axils. The four-petaled flowers are approximately 5 cm wide and have conspicuous rust-coloured stamens. Once pollinated this is followed by a capsule-shaped fruit approximately 1.5 cm in length.

Plant Eucryphia cordifolia in a sunny, sheltered position in a moist, slightly acidic loam. however this species has proven itself to be somewhat lime tolerant. The roots will benefit from being shaded from strong sunlight. Over the winter juvenile specimens will need cold protection such as bracken or horticultural fleece.

Eucryphia cordifolia received the Award of Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1936.

Main image - Franz Xaver CC BY-SA 3.0

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HOW TO GROW MAGNOLIAS FROM SEED

Magnolia soulangeana in full bloom

Magnolias can be propagated in a number of ways but perhaps the easiest methods for the enthusiastic gardener is either by seed. In fact the majority of Magnolias under cultivation are propagated from seed.

Magnolias seeds are best sown fresh from the tree or bush which in northern Europe will be around October. Collect the seeds when the cones begin to split, then clean off the orange-red fleshy covering with water to reveal the shiny black seeds. Using a seed pan, or deep seed tray comprising of large modules, fill with a good quality, peaty seed compost. If an ericaceous seed compost is available to you then this would be preferable, or make your own mix containing a ratio of 60:40 moss peat to horticultural grit. Plant the seed 1 inch below the surface and gently water. Place the tray or pan in a cold frame over winter as magnolias seeds will need a cold period to break dormancy. If you do not have a cold frame then leave them outside either in a propagator or under a sheet of glass to prevent the seeds from being eaten by slugs, snails, or mice.

Magnolia grandiflora seeds

Germination rates will vary depending on the species but as a guideline you can be looking at germination occurring from 8-18 months.

When the seedlings are large enough to handle they they can planted directly into a nursery bed outside or potted on into 3 inch pots containing John Innes 'No.1' and kept in the cold frame or in a plunge bed. Seedlings grown in pans should left well alone until leaf-drop in the autumn. Only then should they be lifted from the pan and even then disturbing the root system as little as possible to reduce root shock.

Continue to grow them in container for a couple more year, potting on as necessary, before Planting them out into their final positions.

Magnolia prefer a acidic, well-drained loamy soil. If you soil is particularly alkaline then add plenty of either moss peat or ericaceous compost to the soil before planting. Choose a position that is sheltered from cold north or easterly winds and support your young plants with a stake for a year or two until the root system becomes established. During this period provide a top-dressing each April of leaf-mold, moss-peat or ericaceous compost.

In text image credit - By The original uploader was Paxsimius at English Wikipedia. - Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2801085

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HOW TO GROW MAGNOLIA x SOULANGIANA

HOW TO GROW MAGNOLIA x SOULANGIANA

How to grow Magnolia × soulangeana

Commonly known as the saucer magnolia, Magnolia × soulangeana is one of the glories of early spring. Noted for its magnificent blooms, it is a popular deciduous tree tolerant to both wind and alkaline soils. The original hybrid (a cross Magnolia denudata with Magnolia liliiflora) was bred in 1820 by French plantsman and retired Napoleonic cavalry officerÉtienne Soulange-Bodin (1774–1846).

How to grow Magnolia × soulangeana

Grown either as a large multi-stemmed large shrub or small tree,

The following forms have received the Award of merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Magnolia x soulangeana 'Brozzoni' 1993
Magnolia x soulangeana 'Étienne Soulange-Bodin' 1993
Magnolia x soulangeana 'Pickard's Schmetterling' 2012

Main image credit - Badgernet https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

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HYDRANGEA SARGENTIANA

Hydrangea sargentiana 

Commonly known as the 'Bigleaf Hydrangea' or 'Sargent's Hydrangea', Hydrangea sargentiana (correctly classified as Hydrangea aspera subsp. sargentiana) is a upright medium-sized deciduous shrub of open habit. Native to China. it was introduced to western science in 1908 by E. H. Wilson (1876-1930) from a plant collecting trip on behalf of the Arnold Arboretum, Boston, Massachusetts. . The species name is in honour of Charles Sprague Sargent (1841-1927), director of the Arnold Arboretum.

Botanical illustration of Hydrangea sargentiana

Under favourable conditions you can expect Hydrangea sargentiana to achieve a height and spread of between 1.5-3 metres. The dark green leathery leaves can be up to 45 cm long and the shoots are thickly clothed with an unusual moss-like covering of hair and bristles. As the stems age the bark will begin to peel.

The large, flattened, lacecap-type flower clusters can be up to 20 cm in diameter, appearing in July and August. The clusters are composed of small, blue to purple-violet, fertile flowers surrounded by white ray-flowers.

It is a winter hardy specimen and suitable for a sheltered shrub border or woodland. To keep the blooms in optimum condition Hydrangea sargentiana will requires both partial-shade and wind protection. Hydrangea sargentiana will perform best grown in a rich, moist, well-drained soil. It will tolerate a position of full sun but only if soil remains constantly moist throughout the summer. Be aware than in alkaline soils the flower colour will fade to a pink or purple-pink.

Hydrangea sargentiana received the Award of Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1912 and the Award of Garden Merit in 1984.

Main image credit: Андрей Корзун (Kor!An) licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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HYDRANGEA SERRATA 'Bluebird'

Hydrangea serrata 'Bluebird'

Previously classified as Hydrangea acuminata 'Bluebird', Hydrangea serrata 'Bluebird' is a small robust, ornamental garden plant with stout shoots and abruptly acuminate leaves (hence its precious species name). It is a hardy, deciduous shrub whose species is native to the mountainous regions of Korea and Japan. It has dark green, serrated, ovate leaves which can be up to 6 inches long. They also provide an element of autumn colour by turning red when leading up to leaf drop. When grown under favourable condition you can expect to achieve an approximately height and width of up to 120 cm.

The blue fertile blooms appear from June to September and are borne in slightly dome-shaped corymbs surrounded by large ray-florets. The flowers will appear reddish-purple on chalky soils, and a gorgeous, cobalt-blue on acid soils. It is reputably a selected form of Hydrangea serrata forma. acuminata, but there is little evidence to prove that there is any difference between the two.

Hydrangea serrata 'Bluebird' will perform well in a rich, moisture, yet well-drained soil. It will do best in partial shade but avoid full sun as this can bleach the flowers and scorch the leaves. If you have no choice other than a sunny position then make sure that soil is consistently moist. If not then water during extended periods of drought.

The flowers occur on old wood, and so little pruning is needed. Hydrangea serrata 'Bluebird'  can be pruned after flowering by cutting back flowering stems to a pair of healthy buds. Overwintered flowerheads, weak or winter-damaged stems can be pruned in early spring.

Hydrangea serrata 'Bluebird' received the Award of Merit (AM) in 1960 and Award of Garden Merit (AGM) in 1984 from the Royal Horticultural Society.

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HYDRANGEA MACROPHYLLA

Hydrangea macrophylla

The popular garden species Hydrangea macrophylla is name which covers a large and varied group of hydrangeas, many of which are possibly of hybrid origin. They can be divided into two groups, namely the Hortensias and the Lacecaps. The original species is native to both China and Japan, and in the United Kingdom will come into bloom from July to September.

They have an average height of between 1.2 and 1.8 metres in most garden environments. In sheltered gardens and woodlands it is possible for them to achieve a larger height of approximately 3.5 metres. They are particularly suitable for coastal planting.

Hydrangea macrophylla forms will perform best in  a good loamy soil that is moisture retentive and has been previously enriched with well-rotted farm manure and garden compost. They will prefer a sheltered position in either full sun or partial shade. Avoid areas where they will receive early morning sun as this can cause damage to new growth after night frosts.

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Endless Summer'

In very shallow chalk soils Hydrangea macrophylla and its forms can become chlorotic (a condition in which leaves produce insufficient chlorophyll producing leaves which are pale, yellow, or yellow-white), however this can be counteracted by generous feeding and mulching. In alkaline soils it is impossible to maintain the blue coloured blooms without additional treatment - usually the application of Aluminium sulphate (often called 'bluing powder'). It is easy to stabilize the blue pigmentations of container grown specimens and those in soils which are only slightly alkaline. Where its use is desirable bluing powder should be applied every seven to fourteen days during the growing season at a rate of 85 grams being dissolved in 13.5 litres of water.

Hortensias

This group covers the familiar mop-head hydrangeas. The florets are sterile, forming large globular heads of white, pink, red or blue or even a combination of these colours. In some cultivars this can produce a gorgeous and almost metallic sheen.

Lacecaps

This is a smaller group to the Hortensias, but are similar in growth and and requirements. They produce large flattened corymbs of fertile flowers, around which are borne a ring of coloured ray-florets.

Pruning

This out and cut back immediately after flowering (except in colder, northern regions). Prune old flowering shoots to within a few centimetres of the old wood.

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WHY HAS MY BLUE HYDRANGEA TURNED PINK?

WHY HAS MY BLUE HYDRANGEA TURNED PINK?

Why has my blue hydrangea turned pink?

It is hard to resist the intense, cobalt-deep blue blooms of any of the container grown hydrangeas that appear for sale over the summer. However once the flowers have faded, and eight months of delicious anticipation and expectations have passed, the '...as if by magic...' replacement pink blooms can be something of a shock to the system!

Ok, so you purchased gorgeous blue but have ended up with dirty pink. What on earth has gone wrong? Well as it happens it really is down to the condition of the earth, or perhaps it would make more sense to say soil, which has caused the problem.

Why has my blue hydrangea turned pink?

Blue flowers turning pink is a problem most associated with the cultivars of Hydrangea macrocarpa, however it can also be seen to a lesser extent with cultivars of  Hydrangea involucrata and serrata. This colour change is due to the soil pH, which most gardeners will associate with ericaceous plants and the effect pH can have on their ability to take up iron and magnesium. In the case of hydrangeas it is aluminium which is the problem element.

For hydrangeas, aluminum becomes unavailable to them under alkaline conditions and aluminium is required so that the plant can produce (among other things) the blue pigmentation in the blooms. Put simply, hydrangeas will flower blue on acidic soils and pink on alkaline soils.

If you have already purchased blue flowering hydrangea then they can be kept blue by growing the plants in acidic soil of between pH 4.5-5. If the soil is not acidic to start with then consider acidifying your soil by digging in plenty of moss peat or ericaceous compost. You also have the option of purchasing 'hydrangea blueing compounds which works by adding aluminium sulphate to the soils. This increases the available aluminum in the soil as well as acidifying the soil further with the sulphur. Be aware though that if the soil is on chalk or is particularly alkaline this treatment will not work. However it can be very effective solution for improving the flower colour in container-grown plants.

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HYDRANGEA QUERCIFOLIA

'Oak-Leaved Hydrangea' - Hydrangea quercifolia

The 'Oak-Leaved Hydrangea' - Hydrangea quercifolia, is a spreading deciduous shrub with large, handsome, deeply-lobed leaves. Native to the Southeastern United States, it most notable feature is the magnificent fiery shades of its autumn colour. It was first described by American botanist John Bartram in 1803, and has received both the Award of Merit (1928) and the Award of Garden merit (1984) from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Hydrangea quercifolia has a loose habit with dark green foliage, and under favourable conditions can grow up to 6 ft with an approximate spread of between 4-6 ft.

 'Oak-Leaved Hydrangea' - Hydrangea quercifolia, autumn colour

Its conical blooms are white and are produced on erect terminal panicles 4-12 inches high in July. The sterile outer florets will often turn purple in colour as they fade.

Plant Hydrangea quercifolia into a moist, loamy soil, with some well-rotted farm or garden manure dug in beforehand. It can be grown either full sun to partial shade but specimens grown in shade will produce larger leaves. Hydrangea quercifolia is usually found as an understory shrub, often in the shade of large in mixed hardwood forests, along streams and on forested hillsides. It is usually found growing on calcareous soils, and often where limestone is close to or at the ground surface.

In England, Hydrangea quercifolia has a reputation for flowering less profusely than expected and even has a reputation for being tender. Be that as it may you should experience no such issues in the milder southern regions, however it is always best to grow it in a sheltered position against a wall or hedge or beneath a canopy of high trees.

Hydrangea quercifolia will require watering during prolonged periods of dry weather, and mulch young plants with a well-rotted manure or compost in spring. Once the threat of late frosts has passed remove any faded flowerheads still remaining, cutting back the flowered stems to a strong pair of buds.

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HYDRANGEA PETIOLARIS

Hydrangea petiolaris

Perhaps more commonly known as the Japanese climbing hydrangea, Hydrangea petiolaris is a vigorous woody, deciduous plant native to the woodlands of Japan, the Korean peninsula, and Sakhalin island in the Russian Far East. It was originally named Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris by German botanists Philipp Franz Balthasar von Siebold and Joseph Gerhard Zuccarini. They subsequently renamed it to the simpler Hydrangea petiolaris which remains with us today. It was introduced to western gardens in 1865 and received its Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1984.

Hydrangea petiolaris

It is a strong growing, self-clinging climbing shrub which can reach and overall height of between 9 and 25 metres depending on conditions, and  approximately 2 to 3 m wide. In its native environment it grows up trees and rock faces by means of small aerial roots on the stems, and it tolerant of shady walls and north-facing positions.

The leaves are broadly ovate, abruptly pointed and finely toothed. The flowers are produced in flat corymbs 15–25 cm which appear in June. The blooms are a dull, greenish-white colour, with several large, conspicuous, white, sterile florets along the margin. Young plant will need to be tied in to a suitable support until the aerial roots take hold.

Hydrangea petiolaris will perform best when grown in a rich, fertile, moist, but well-drained soils in semi-shade. In lighter soils dig in plenty of organic matter before planting, and do not allow the soil to dry out while the plant is getting established.

Avoid exposed east-facing sites, where cold winds may damage the emerging spring growth, and also dry, sunny spots.

Hydrangea petiolaris flowers on the previous season’s wood, so when pruning, do so in the late autumn or early spring. However be aware that this will restrict flowering the following year.

Just one more thing, Hydrangea petiolaris is absolutely my go to plant when I need to cover ugly north facing walls. It is arguably the most ornamental of all shade tolerant climbers, rarely troubled by pests and diseases and will still give a strong flowering season. Ten out of ten from me.

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HOW TO GROW HYDRANGEA PETIOLARIS

How to grow Hydrangea petiolaris

Commonly known as the 'Climbing Hydrangea', Hydrangea petiolaris is a large self-clinging, deciduous climber, made popular as a garden plant due to its excellent shade tolerance. It is a woodland plant, native to Japan, the Korean peninsula, and Russia's Sakhalin island. It was introduced to western science in 1865.

How to grow Hydrangea petiolaris

The leaves are ovate, with a heart-shaped base, 4–11 cm long and 3–8 cm wide. The margins are coarsely serrated with an acute apex. The white blooms appear in June and are produced in flat corymbs 15–25 cm in diameter. In its native Asian habit, Hydrangea petiolaris uses it aerial roots to climb trees and rock faces, and is capable of attaining heights of 18-25 metres. Under cultivation in northern Europe, heights of 12 metres (sometimes more) and a width of 4-8 metres are more likely.

Avoid planting in full sun and shelter from cold, drying winds as the leaves are easily scorched. Hydrangea petiolaris will perform best where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade. It will grow well in any rich fertile, moist soil. Consider improve the soil prior to planting by digging in plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost. Although vigorous once established, young specimens may require some support until the aerial roots establish.

Hydrangea petiolaris received the Award of Garden Merit AGM) from the Royal Horticultural society in 1984.

Main image - By Sten, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=620466

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EUONYMUS FORTUNEI 'Emerald Gaiety'

Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety' 

 Commonly known as the Spindle 'Emerald Gaiety', Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety' is a small, compact bushy shrub noted for its ornamental foliage. The original species is an extremely hardy evergreen that was introduced to western science from China in 1907. The 'Emerald Gaiety' variety was raised in the USA by Corliss Brothers.

Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety' 

It is an excellent ground cover plant however it can assume a climbing habit if planted against a wall. Under favourable conditions can achieve a height of approximately 0.5-1 metres with a spread of 1-1.5 metres. The broadly rounded dark-green leaves are patterned with an irregular white margin, These are tinged pink in winter. The small flowers pale green and produced in loose cymes (flat-topped or convex flower cluster) during the summer although these are rarely produced.

For the best leaf colour, plant in a sheltered position in full sun, although it will happily grow in partial shade. Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety' will perform well in most, moist but well-drained soils.

Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety' require very little in the way of pruning, except for the removal of unhealthy, dead, diseased and damaged shoots.

Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety' received the Award of merit from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1984.

In text image - Emőke Dénes CC BY-SA 2.5

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HOW TO GROW PHYLLOSTACHYS AUREA - Golden bamboo

How to grow Phyllostachys aurea - Golden Bamboo

Commonly known as the 'Golden Bamboo or the 'Fishpole Bamboo', Phyllostachys aurea is a gracefully, arching evergreen Bamboo. Native to Korea, China and long cultivated in Japan, it was introduced to western science prior to 1870.

It is a clump forming species whose canes emerge bright green, then mature to a pale creamy-yellow to dull yellow when grown in full sun. Under favourable conditions Phyllostachys aurea will reach an approximate height of 2.5-3.5 metres, with mid-light green leaves 7.5-18 cm long and 1-2 cm wide.

It is a hardy species, characterised by a peculiar crowding of the nodes at the base of each cane and the curious swelling below each node.

How to grow Phyllostachys aurea - Golden Bamboo

Phyllostachys aurea will perform well in most in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils. Plant in a sheltered position as the leaves can become wind-scorched, especially in dry conditions. It is tolerant of both full sun and partial shade. Be aware that due to its suckering habit it can become invasive under suitable conditions.

Remove any weak, dead, damaged or spindly stems in the spring. To show the ornamental stems at their best, consider removing all side shoots to approximately 1-1.5 metres from the base. Remove any flowering shoots as soon as they appear.

Be aware that, under favourable conditions Phyllostachys aurea, the vigorous root system will send runners out from the mother plant, able to establish itself from one garden to the next in suburban environments. To avoid upsetting the neighbours or to prevent growth in areas where bamboo is not wanted, dig up and removed the extending roots and subsequent shoots befor they become too matted and established. Alternatively, provide a significant physical barrier such as concrete or heavy duty rubber liner to stop the runners passing through. Be aware that these runners may appear above ground to overcome an obstacle, but these are both easily seen and removed.


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JASMINUM NUDIFLORUM - The winter jasmine

Winter Jasmine, Jasminum nudiflorum

Commonly known as the Winter Jasmine, Jasminum nudiflorum is hardy, deciduous, ornamental flowering shrub native to western China. It is often grown as a wall shrub and although not a true climbing plant it is usually found tied to cane in the climbing plant section when purchasing from plant retailers.

Winter Jasmine botanical illustration

It was first introduced to western science in 1844 by famed plant hunter and botanist Robert Fortune (1812 – 1880). It was subsequently named and described in 1846 by English botanist John Lindley (1799 – 1865).

Under favourable conditions Jasminum nudiflorum can reach an approximately height of 3 metres. It has smooth, trifoliate, dark-green leaves on arching green shoots. It is noted for its bright-yellow blooms which appear on usually leafless stems from November until April. The species name 'nudiflorum' reflects this, being Latin for 'naked flower'. The flowers are approximately 1 cm across, appearing in small clusters from the axils of the previous year's leaves.

You can grow Jasminum nudiflorum in any ordinary, well-drained garden soil in either full sun or partial shade. However unlike many other ornamental jasmines, Jasminum nudiflorum will not support itself when grown against a wall of trellis etc, so it will need to be tied-in by hand.

When grown as a shrub in the borders the habit of Jasminum nudiflorum can be quite straggly so cut back the flowered shoots to below where the flowering started as soon as the flowers have finished. For wall trained specimens, shape the flowered growth with a pair of shears, again once the plant has finished flowering.

Jasminum nudiflorum received the Award of Garden Merit in 1984 from the Royal Horticultural Society, London.

Main image Jean-Jacques MILAN - CC BY-SA 3.0
Leaf image Pancrat - CC BY-SA 3.0

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