FASCIATION ON KNIPHOPHIA

 

Fasciation on Kniphofia

Fasciatum on plants is not as uncommon as you might expect as it is generally overlooked or perhaps unseen within the overall density of a garden. One might say you can't see the wood for the trees! (Apologies).

Botanically speaking, fasciation is the  malformation of plant stems commonly manifested as enlargement and flattening as if several stems were fused. Any occurrence of fasciation may be due to several possible causes, including hormonal, genetic, bacterial, fungal, viral and environmental causes.

Fasciation is not contagious, but in those instances where bacteria have caused fasciation it can be spread from infected plants to others from contact with wounds on infected plants and from water that carries the bacteria to other plants.

This example of fasciation in the flower stem of a Kniphofia species is I believe the first I had seen and warranted an image being recorded for these who are interested in such things. I included a second stem from the same plant for comparison.You will notice that it is not just a fused stem on display but a huge increase in bloom density, a reduction in the overall size of each individual bloom and a higher production of the red pigment.

Image credit - Simon Eade 

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HOW TO GROW MALUS 'RED SENTINEL'

How to grow Malus 'Red Sentinel'

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Malus robusta 'Red Sentinel' is a hardy deciduous ornamental tree, valued for its attractive flowers and fruits. Growing to approximately 3-5 metres high and with a spread of 2.5-4 metres it has slightly arching branches with ovate, mid-green leaves. The single, white 2.5 cm wide blooms are produced in mid-May. Although attractive in its own right as a garden plant, Malus 'Red Sentinel' is also used as a pollinizer in commercial apple orchards. It is an excellent choice for exposed sites and being pollution tolerant makes it particularly suitable for urban areas.

The most notable feature of Malus 'Red Sentinel' are its large crops of glossy, bright scarlet apple-like fruits which can persist on the tree until March. They being as yellow fruits blushed with red however this deepens as the year goes on turning to a dark glossy scarlet by the winter.These fruits are edible but also extremely sour.

Although tolerant of exposed conditions they will perform far better in a sheltered, sunny position. They can be planted in any fertile, well drained soil, but prior to planting, dig in plenty of well-rotted farm manure or garden compost into the soil. They will require the support of a sturdy the stake for the first few year but avoid damaging the root ball.

 'Red Sentinel' gained The Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Merit in 1959 and the Award of Garden Merit in 1993.

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HOW TO GROW AMELANCHIER OVALIS 'Edelweiss'

Amelanchier ovalis 'Edelweiss'

Amelanchier ovalis is one of the slower growing species within the genus but is notable as an ornamental garden plant for its gorgeous blooms, in particular the 'Edelweiss' cultivar. Native to Central and Southern Europe, North Africa and Western Asia Amelanchier ovalis was introduced to European gardens in 1596 and has since become one of the most popular of all available Amelanchier forms.

Amelanchier autumn colour

Under favourable conditions you can expect Amelanchier ovalis 'Edelweiss' to grow between 3-4 metres height. It has an upright habit with ovate leaves. The leaves emerge dark green in colour but are white and woolly underneath which gives them an overall silvery effect. As the leaves mature the woolly growth disappears. Come the autumn the leaves will often provide a good show of colour turning to shades of orange, red and yellow before leaf drop.

The large white flowers appear in April in clusters of 6 inch long panicles. Once pollinated small, red edible fruits will form from mid to late summer turning black as they ripen.

Amelanchier ovalis 'Edelweiss' can be grown in either full sun or light, dappled shade. It will perform well in any well drained, fertile soil and will even tolerate chalky soils. However, it will perform best in a moist, acidic or neutral soil.

In exposed areas support newly planted trees with a  stake to prevent wind rock. Amelanchier do not like to be in soils which are prone to drying out, so for the first year or two water during periods of drought. 

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