HOW TO GROW ABELIOPHYLLUM DISTICHUM


How to grow Abeliophyllum distichum

Abeliophyllum distichum is a small, slow-growing shrub native to Korea, and the only species within the genus (monotypic). It was first described by Japanese botanist Takenoshin Nakai (1882–1952), and subsequently published in the Botanical Magazine, Tokyo (Shokubutsu-gaku zasshi) in 1919.

How to grow Abeliophyllum distichum

Abeliophyllum distichum was introduced to western science in 1924, however it is now endangered in the wild, occurring at only seven, undisclosed, sites.

It is a deciduous species, which under favourable growing conditions can be expected to reach 1–2 metres in height. The mid-green leaves are formed in opposites on the stem and can turn purple in the autumn before leaf drop.

The fragrant, white, pink-tinged blooms are produced in February, as or before the new foliage emerges. This timing is dependent on seasonal conditions. Each flower is approximately 1 cm long and is followed by a dry, winged fruit.

It is closely related to the genus Forsytha, and has proven to be a particularly hardy species. Be that as it may it needs a position that receive full sun to truly thrive.

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How to grow Abeliophyllum distichum
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HOW TO GROW ABIES BRACTEATA

HOW TO GROW ABIES BRACTEATA

Commonly known as the 'Santa Lucia fir' or 'Bristlecone fir', Abies bracteata is a rare, evergreen tree, and arguably one of the most outstanding and beautiful of all species within the genus. Native to the central coast of California, USA, it was first described and named for western science as Pinus venusta in 1836 by Scottish botanist David Douglas (1799–1834). It was then reclassified and renamed several times before being given its current accepted name by David Don (1799 – 1841), also a Scottish botanist. The first plants were introduced to English gardens in 1852 by Cornish plant collector William Lobb (1809–1864).

Under favourable conditions Abies bracteata will reach an approximate height of 15 metres, with a spread of 3-4 metres.  On mature specimens, the wrinkled bark is reddish-brown with resin vesicles. It is considered tender when young and will require frost protection against late spring frosts until it has grown to about 1.5-2 metres.The crown is conical in shape with a narrow-spired top. The lower branches have a characteristic droop.

Abies bracteata is particularly noted for its pale-brown, spindle-shaped winter buds which can be up to 2.5 cm long. The dark-green, needle-like leaves are rigid, tipped with spines, and have bright silver bands underneath. Each leaf is 3.5-5 cm long and occur on the branchlets in two ranks.

The cones are remarkable for having 5 cm long spines protruding from the bracts giving them a remarkable whiskery appearance.

In its native habitat Abies bracteata is found, and generally confined, to the slopes and bases of rocky canyons in the Santa Lucia Mountains. When grown as a landscape plant, it will perform best in full sun on deep soil over chalk.

Sadly, Abies bracteata is now listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as it only exists in the wild as a small remnant community on the highest northern slopes of the Santa Susana Mountains.

Abies bracteata was awarded the First Class Certificate (FCC) from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1915.

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HOW TO GROW ABIES BALSAMEA


How to grow Abies balsamea

Commonly known as the 'Balsam Fir' or 'Balm of Gilead', Abies balsamea is a medium-sized, evergreen tree native to North America, and extending into the Arctic regions. In its native habitat, it will be usually found growing in forests, swamps and wetland margins.

Abies balsamea was introduced to western gardens in 1696, and first described by English botanist Philip Miller (1691–1718). It is now widely used as a Christmas tree and for seasonal wreaths.

The winter buds are particularly resinous which is why it is one of the species from which Canadian balsam is obtained, hence the common names. Abies balsamea is seldom cultivated in Great Britain as it doesn't adapt well to the strongly seasonal climate and late frosts. Be that as it may, this species has given rise to the hardy, dwarf form - Abies balsamea 'Hudsonia'.

Under favourable conditions Abies balsamea will reach a height of between 14–20 metres, occasionally taller, with a narrow conic crown. The glossy, mid-green, flat needle-like leaves are between, 1.5-3 cm long and strongly scented of balsam. There is a small batch of glaucous stomata at the tip, and with 2 narrow greyish bands beneath which spreading upwards on the upper sides of the branchlets, and parted beneath. The cones are 6-10 cm long, borne on the upper sides of the branches and violet-purple when young. They ripen to brown and release the winged seeds in September.

Be aware that when planting Abies balsamea, it will require a lime-free or neutral soil, and will not tolerate alkaline or chalky soils.

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HOW TO GROW ABIES BALSAMEA 
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