Trees, Shrubs, & Groundcovers

One-Year Health, Mortality, and Growth in Southeast Virginia of Shortleaf Pine From Three Sources

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 08:54:00 -0400

Restoration of shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) in Virginia has become a priority of various state and federal agencies. For shortleaf pine restoration to be successful in Virginia, private lands must be considered because 89 percent of forestland in Virginia is privately owned, and most private landowners are likely to use commercially available seedling sources. Shortleaf seedlings from commercially available sources in Virginia, Arkansas, and Missouri were planted in two sites in Southeast Virginia to test growth and yield. After one year, height and ground-line diameter were measured and observations were made on health and mortality of the plants. The Virginia seed source was significantly taller than the Arkansas source. At the first site, mortality and disease were low, but at the second site, mortality and poor health were very high, possibly due to soils combined with weather conditions. No significant seed source effects on disease and mortality were found at either site.

TREE Cookies Etc. Winter 2011/12

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:51:00 -0400

TREE Cookies Etc. Spring 2010

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:51:00 -0400

TREE Cookies Etc. Fall 2008

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:51:00 -0400

TREE Cookies Etc. Fall 2007

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:51:00 -0400

TREE Cookies Etc. May 2007

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:51:00 -0400

TREE Cookies Etc. July 2006

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:51:00 -0400

TREE Cookies Etc. February 2006

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:51:00 -0400

TREE Cookies Etc. November 2005

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:51:00 -0400

Integrated Pest Management for Plant Diseases in the Home Garden and Landscape, Learning Module II: The Plant Disease Triangle

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 15:47:00 -0500

Integrated Pest Management for Plant Diseases in the Home Garden and Landscape, Learning Module I: Integrated Pest Management

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 15:47:00 -0500

TREE Cookies Etc. Winter 2012/13

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:51:00 -0500

Rose Rosette Disease

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 01:00:00 -0400

Rose rosette disease (RRD), a disease believed to be caused by the recently identified Rose rosette virus, has been spreading through much of the wild rose population of the Midwestern, Southern, and Eastern United States for years.

Woody Florals for Income and Conservation

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 08:54:00 -0400

Native Fruit and Nut Trees and Shrubs of the Virginia Mountains and Piedmont

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 08:54:00 -0400

Trees and Water

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 08:54:00 -0400

Washington Hawthorn, Crataegus phaenopyrum

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

Umbrella-Pine (Japanese Umbrella-Pine), Sciadopitys verticillata

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

Star Magnolia, Magnolia stellata

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

Sourwood, Oxydendrum arboreum

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

Scotch Pine, Pinus sylvestris

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

Sawara Falsecypress (Japanese Falsecypress), Chamaecyparis pisifera

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

Saucer Magnolia, Magnolia ×soulangeana

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

River Birch, Betula nigra

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

Red Buckeye, Aesculus pavia

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

Paperbark Maple, Acer griseum

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

Norway Spruce, Picea abies

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

Mimosa (Silk-tree or Albizia), Albizia julibrissin

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

Leyland Cypress, ×Cupressocyparis leylandii

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

Lacebark Pine, Pinus bungeana

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

Kousa Dogwood, Cornus kousa

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

Katsuratree, Cercidiphyllum japonicum

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

Japanese Zelkova, Zelkova serrata

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

Japanese Stewartia, Stewartia pseudocamellia

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

Japanese Cryptomeria, Cryptomeria japonica

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

Hinoki Falsecypress, Chamaecyparis obtusa

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

Goldenchain tree, Laburnum × watereri

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

Douglasfir, Pseudotsuga menziesii

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

Chinese Pistache, Pistacia chinensis

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

Chinese Elm (Lacebark Elm), Ulmus parvifolia

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

American (Fagus grandifolia) and European (Fagus sylvatica) Beeches

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

American Hornbeam, Carpinus caroliniana

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:36:03 -0500

Pine Tortoise Scale, Hemiptera: Coccidae, Toumeyella numismaticum

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:42:28 -0500

Yuccas, Yucca spp.

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Yews, Taxus spp.

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

White Fringetree, Old-man’s-beard, Chionanthus virginicus

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Shore Juniper, Juniperus conferta

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Red Twig Dogwoods, Tatarian Dogwood (Cornus alba) and Redosier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Oriental Arborvitae, Thuja orientalis (also known as Platycladus orientalis)

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Mugo Pine, Pinus mugo

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Mountain-Laurel, Kalmia latifolia

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Lilacs, Syringa spp.

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Japanese Pieris, Pieris japonica

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Japanese Pachysandra, Japanese Spurge, Pachysandra terminalis

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Japanese Garden Juniper, Juniperus procumbens ‘Nana’

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Heaths (several species of Erica) and Heathers (Calluna vulgaris)

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Glossy Abelia, Abelia ×grandiflora

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Giant Arborviatae, Western Arborvitae, Thuja plicata

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Garden Sumacs, Rhus spp.

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Franklinia, Franklinia alatamaha

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Flowering Dogwood, Cornus florida

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Flowering Crabapple, Malus spp.

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Evergreen Hollies, (Ilex spp.)

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

European Larch, Larix decidua

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

European Hornbeam, Carpinus betulus

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

European Cranberrybush Viburnum (Guelder Rose), Viburnum opulus

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

English Ivy, Hedera helix

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Eastern Redcedar, Juniperus virginiana

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Eastern Arborvitae, American Arborvitae, White Cedar, Thuja occidentalis

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Picea glauca ‘Conica’

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Dawn Redwood, Metasequoia glyptostroboides

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Creeping Juniper, Juniperus horizontalis

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Cornelian Cherry Dogwood, Cornus mas

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Common Periwinkle, Lesser Periwinkle, Vinca minor

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Colorado Spruce, Picea pungens var. glauca

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Chinese Juniper, Juniperus chinensis

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Chastetree, Monk’s Pepper Tree, Vitex agnus-castus

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Cedars, Cedrus spp.

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Carolina Silverbell, Halesia carolina (formerly H. tetraptera)

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Canadian Hemlock, Tsuga canadensis

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Bradford Callery Pear (and other cultivars) Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Bigleaf Hydrangea, Hydrangea macrophylla

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Austrian Pine, Pinus nigra

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:59:21 -0400

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:05:58 -0400

Bacterial Leaf Scorch of Landscape Trees

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:04:51 -0500

Characteristics of Common Western Virginia Trees

Tue, 19 May 2009 15:54:24 -0400

The tables contained in this publication describe some important silvical characteristics of trees common in Virginia’s mountains.

Emerald Ash Borer

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Coleoptera: Buprestidae, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire

Plants Attacked: Emerald ash borer (EAB) attacks all species of ash trees that grow in Virginia. Only Asian species of ash trees have shown any resistance to this pest.

Pales Weevil

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Hylobius pales (Herbst)

Plants Attacked: Pales weevil feeds on all pines within its range. It will also feed, although to a lesser extent, on Douglas-fir, fir, hemlock, juniper, larch, northern white-cedar, and spruce.

Yaupon Holly Cultivars

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf

Height: 5 to 20 feet (depending on cultivar)

Spread: 3 to 10 feet (depending on cultivar)

Shape: Compact mound

This and several other similar cultivars are used in landscapes as border plants or in mass. This species is very tolerant of most adverse landscape conditions. Some female cultivars have stems laden with very showy persistent red fruit. This species is suited to warmer areas of Virginia (zone 7 and higher).

Wintercreeper Euonymus

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf

Height: 4 inches as a ground cover 20 feet as a vine

Shape: Spreading Wintercreeper euonymus is a low-growing evergreen ground cover that will climb when it encounters a vertical surface. There are several cultivars which vary in foliage color and height.

Winterberry

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf Height: 10 feet

Spread: 10 feet Shape: Upright oval

Winterberry is a large shrub and somewhat informal in character. There are cultivars that are shorter and have a more formal appearance. This native wetland species has very showy bright red fruit (on female plants) in early autumn that persist till February.

White Oak

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf Height: 100 feet

Spread: 80 feet Shape: Broad-rounded

White oak is a magnificent large spreading tree. This species is somewhat slow growing but is well worth the wait. Do not plant this tree in an area that is apt to be subjected to soil compaction.

Vanhoutte Spirea

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

(Spiraea x vanhouttei)

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf Height: 10 feet

Spread: 12 feet Shape: Vase-shaped with arching branches

Vanhoutte spirea is a large shrub with graceful arching branches. Its main claim to fame is it abundant and showy display of white flowers in spring. This species is best used in a shrub border or in mass.

Tuliptree

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf

Height: 90 feet

Spread: 50 feet

Shape: Upright oval

Tuliptree is a very tall, large tree with a straight trunk. It bears beautiful tulip-shaped flowers in May but generally go unnoticed since they high in the tree.

Thornless Common Honeylocust

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

(Liquidambar styraciflua)

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf Height: 50 feet

Spread: 30 feet Shape: Pyramidal in youth, round to oval at maturity

Sweetgum is a medium/large tree with very showy fall foliage colors. It tolerates moist to dry soils. A notable disadvantage is the mess created by the fallen spiny fruit (gum balls).

Sweetgum

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf Height: 50 feet

Spread: 30 feet Shape: Pyramidal in youth, round to oval at maturity

Sweetgum is a medium/large tree with very showy fall foliage colors. It tolerates moist to dry

soils. A notable disadvantage is the mess created by the fallen spiny fruit (gum balls).

Sugar Maple

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf Height: 100 feet

Spread: 80 feet Shape: Oval to round

Sugar maple is a medium/large shade tree with a no less than spectacular fall foliage display.

There are many cultivars; cultivar characteristics include growth rate, form, and fall foliage color.

Southern Waxmyrtle

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf Height: 15 feet

Spread: 15 feet Shape: Upright, multi-stem

Southern waxmyrtle is a large evergreen shrub or small tree depending on how one prunes it.

This species tolerates wet and dry soils and females have a somewhat showy display of gray berries in the fall/winter.

Southern Magnolia

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf

Height: 80 feet

Spread: 50 feet

Shape: Upright, pyramidal to narrow pyramidal

This is a magnificent large evergreen tree with very large, wonderfully fragrant white flowers in late spring and early summer. There are many cultivars with variations in tree shape and size, flower, and foliage characteristics.

Smokebush, Smoketree

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf

Height: 15 feet

Spread: 15

Shape: Upright, spreading

Smokebush is a small tree or large shrub depending on how one prunes the plant. Leaves of the species are green. Depending on cultivar; leaves can be purple or yellow during the growing season. After flowering (with small relatively inconspicuous flowers) in spring, clusters of fine filaments associated with flowering give the appearance of “smoke”. Fall foliage color is quite showy.

Scarlet Firethron, Pyracantha

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf Height: 15 +feet Spread: 15 feet

Shape: Spreading – can get wild (sprawling) if not pruned

Pyracantha is a large, fast-growing shrub has showy white blooms in spring and a spectacular display of orange/red fruit in the fall. This plant requires pruning since unpruned plants are very rangy looking. Stems have very sharp thorns, thus pruning this plant must be performed with caution. Plants should be not situated where children or pedestrians may encounter stems.

Rose of Sharon, Shrub Althea

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf Height: 10 feet

Spread: 6 feet Shape: Upright

Rose-of- Sharon is a large shrub with showy. Relatively large single or double flowers bloom in summer. Flower colors include white, red, purple, violet, and blue.

Evergreen Rhododendron

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen

Height: 6 to 15 feet (depending on species or cultivar)

Spread: 5 to 15 feet (depending on species or cultivar)

Shape: Upright, rounded to oval

There are many Rhododendron species and cultivars thereof, as well as hundreds of hybrids.

Rhododendron species come in many sizes and shapes with a wide variety of leaf and flower forms. Azaleas are in the Rhododendron genus and will discussed in another article.

Red Maple

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf

Height: 60 feet

Spread: 60 feet

Shape: Oval to round

Red maple is a fast-growing medium/large shade tree species with a spectacular fall foliage color. It has showy red flowers in the spring. There are many cultivars of this species that vary in form, tolerance of wet conditions, and fall color.

Privet

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf Height: 4 to 15 feet

Spread: 4 to 8 feet Shape: Bushy

Small, green, summer foliage. When unpruned, pyramidal clusters of small white flowers produce black berries.

Pin Oak

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf

Height: 70 feet

Spread: 40 feet

Shape: Upright pyramidal in youth, oval at maturity

This large oak has wine-red foliage in the fall.

Oregon Grape Holly (Manhonia)

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf

Height: 3 to 9 feet (depending on form)

Spread: 5 feet

Shape: Upright, cane growth (very little side branching)

Oregongrapeholly is a slow-growing, medium to large evergreen shrub with lustrous foliage and bright yellow flowers in spring which are followed by robin egg blue fruit in summer.

Old Fashioned Weigela

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf Height: 9 feet

Spread: 12 feet Shape: upright, spreading

Old fashioned weigela is a large shrub with a coarse texture and showy spring flowers. This plant is best suited for a shrub border. There are several new cultivars which are improved versions (dwarf, foliage and flower characteristics) compared to the species.

Norway Maple

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf Height: 50 feet

Spread: 50 feet Shape: Oval to round

Norway maple is a medium/large shade tree that is tolerant of adverse conditions. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Resources and the Virginia Native Plant Society have ranked Norway maple as a “moderately invasive species” in the mountain, piedmont, and coastal areas of Virginia.

Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen or semi-evergreen broadleaf

Height: 10 feet Spread: 5 feet

Shape: Upright, cane growth (very little side branching)

Heavenly bamboo is a medium-large upright shrub. In late spring it bears showy white flowers and in the late fall/winter it has attractive reddish foliage (sun) and large clusters of red berries. This species can tolerate full sun or full shade and is drought tolerant. There are several dwarf cultivars that are suitable for small spaces.

London Planetree

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf

Height: 100 feet

Spread: 80 feet

Shape: Pyramidal in youth, spreading with age

London planetree is a medium/large species that is very tolerant of adverse conditions. It has ornamental which bark flakes off, exposing tan, greenish and creamy white colors.

Live Oak

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf

Height: 40 feet

Spread: 60 feet

Shape: Spreading

A massive and majestic shade tree with evergreen foliage that is bright olive-green when new and changes to a glossy, dark green when mature.

Littleleaf Linden

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf

Height: 70 feet

Spread: 40 feet

Shape: Upright oval

This medium tree has wonderfully fragrant flowers in June and is tolerant of adverse conditions.

Leatherleaf Viburnum

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf

Height: 15 feet

Spread: 15 feet

Shape: Upright, multi-stem shrub

This large shrub has dark green leaves that are large, slender, and wrinkled. This species has showy white flowers in late spring. Clusters of red to black berries form (inconsistently) in late summer.

Japanese Pagodatree, Sophora

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf

Height: 75 feet

Spread: 75 feet

Shape: Oval to round, spreading

Japanese pagodatree is a medium/large shade tree with showy flowers in summer. Green seed pods, somewhat ornamental, hang on tree until late in the fall. Flower petals can be messy if tree is used near a house, road, or pathway.

Japanese Holly

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

(Ilex crenata)

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf

Height: 2 to 10 feet (depending on cultivar)

Spread: 2 to 10 feet (depending on cultivar)

Shape: Upright or low mound (depending on cultivar)

There are numerous cultivars of Japanese holly. Many are compact, mounded forms with small, spineless, dark-green leaves and black fruit. They are primarily used in mass for borders, backgrounds, and foundation plants.

Japanese Camillia

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

(Camellia japonica)

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf

Height: 15 feet

Spread: 10 feet

Shape: Upright, dense Japanese camellia is a dense and formal-appearing large shrub/small tree suitable for USDA plant hardiness zones 7 to 9. Foliage is a glossy, dark-green. Large flowers, ranging from white to pink to red, bloom from winter to spring.

Japanese Barberry

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

(Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea )

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf

Height: 3 to 8 feet (depending on cultivar)

Spread: 4 to 7 feet (depending on cultivar)

Shape: Upright mound

This medium to large shrub has purple foliage throughout the growing season. Japanese barberry has thorns which may be an advantage (deer proof, pedestrian traffic control) or a liability (injury to pedestrians).

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Resources and the Virginia Native Plant Society have ranked this as a “moderately invasive species” in the mountain, piedmont, and coastal areas of Virginia.

Japanese Maple

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

(Acer palmatum)

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf. Foliage color, depending on cultivar, varies from green to red to purple to a marble pattern composed of varying combinations of white, pink and shades of green. Foliage shape can vary from the “normal” looking leaf to dissected (leaves with very thin lobes often referred to a “cut leaf” forms). Dissected leaves impart a very lacy look and fine texture to plants. Spring and fall foliage colors are quite vibrant and can be bright red, yellow, chartreuse, or maroon. Red-leaved cultivars will have green leaves if grown in the shade.

Green Ash

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

(Fraxinus pennsylvanica)

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf Height: 60 feet

Spread: 50 feet Shape: Spreading

This large fast-growing tree is very tolerant of adverse conditions. Its fall foliage color is a yellow.

Goldenraintree

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

(Koelreuteria paniculata)

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf

Height: 40 feet

Spread: 30 feet

Shape: Upright rounded

Goldenraintree is a medium tree with showy yellow flowers in early summer. Flowers are followed by bladder-like fruits that start out light green, turn yellow, and then brown. Fall color can be fair to good depending on the individual tree. This species is quite tolerant of adverse conditions.

Ginkgo, Maidenhair Tree

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

(Ginkgo biloba)

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf Height: 80 feet

Spread: 40 feet Shape: Spreading, a lot of variation in the species

Ginkgo is a large shade tree that is tolerant of adverse growing conditions and has a bright yellow fall foliage color. One should only plant male trees since female trees bear fruit that smell like vomit.

Fraser Photinia, Red Tip

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

(Photinia x fraseri)

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf Height: 20 feet

Spread: 10 feet Shape: Upright

Red tip is a large evergreen shrub. Newly emerging foliage is red and quite showy for a few weeks after which it changes to glossy, dark green. Clusters of white flowers occur in late spring. This plant is widely used in the south as a hedge. Unfortunately, this plant is overused in the landscape and is also susceptible to a serious leaf spot disease.

Flowering Quince

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

(Chaenomeles speciosa)

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf Height: 10 feet

Spread: 12 feet Shape: Upright

Flowering quince is a large fast-growing shrub whose main merit is showy flowers (red, orange, white, pink depending on cultivar) in early spring. Uses of this species include hedge, shrub border, or mass plantings. Plants have thorns and therefore need careful placement.

European White Birch

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

(Betula pendula)

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf Height: 40 to 50 feet

Spread: 25 to 35 feet Shape: Upright

European white birch is a small/medium fast-growing tree with showy white bark and pendulous branch tips (especially when bearing seed). Small, glossy-green summer foliage turns yellow in fall exposing ornamental white bark. This species is considered to be short lived due its susceptibility to pests.

Drooping Leucothoe

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

(Leucothoe fontanesiana)

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf

Height: 6 feet

Spread: 6 feet

Shape: Mound with arching branches

Drooping leucothoe is a beautiful and graceful evergreen medium-sized shrub with lustrous, dark green foliage. White bell-shaped flowers bloom in the spring. Its arching branches give it a fountain-like effect. This plant is not suitable for sunny or dry locations.

Doublefile Viburnum

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

(Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum)

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf

Height: 10 feet

Spread: 12 feet

Shape: Upright with horizontal branching pattern

Doublefile viburnum is a large wide spreading shrub with a horizontal branching habit and a spectacular flower display in spring.

Crapemyrtle

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

(Lagerstroemia indica)

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf

Height: 4 to 25 feet (depending on cultivar)

Spread: 5 to 20 feet (depending on cultivar)

Shape: Upright or mound (depending on cultivar)

Glossy, dark green foliage turns yellow, orange, and red in fall. Flowers may be white, pink, red, or purple. Exfoliating bark is ornamental.

Cotoneaster

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

(Cotoneaster species)

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf (some species are evergreen)

Height: 12 inches to 6 feet

Spread: 2 to 8 feet

Shape: Spreading or upright

Leaves are small and glossy green. Showy small, white/pink, spring flowers are followed by red or black fruit which cover branches in the fall. The fruit display can be quite showy.

Cherrylaurel

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

(Prunus laurocerasus `Otto Luyken')

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf

Height: 4 feet

Spread: 8 feet

Shape: Spreading

The species (Prunus laurocerasus) is generally not sold in the U.S. Cultivars of cherrylaurel are low-growing with handsome glossy foliage and white flowers in spring. This species tolerates shade and is used as a border, hedge, and in mass.

Boxwood

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

(Buxus species)

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf

Height: 5 to 20 feet (depending on species and cultivar)

Spread: 5 to 20 feet (depending on species and cultivar)

Shape: Upright mound to round to upright narrow (depending on species and cultivar).

Beautybush

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

(Kolkwitzia amabilis)

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf

Height: 15 feet

Spread: 8 feet

Shape: Upright, arching

The primary and sole attractive aspect of beautybush is a stunning mass of pink, bellshaped flowers in spring.

Evergreen Azalea

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf

Height: 3 to 8 feet (depending on cultivar)

Spread: 4 to 8 feet (depending on cultivar)

Shape: Upright, spreading

There are hundreds of evergreen azalea cultivars which vary in hardiness, size, form, flower color, time of flowering, and foliage. The primary attractive feature of azaleas is the very attractive and showy flower display in spring.

American Yellowood

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(Cladrastis kentukea (prior name C. lutea))

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf

Height: 50 feet

Spread: 55 feet

Shape: Vase-shaped

This vase-shaped medium tree has smooth bark and showy white flowers in the spring. It is also quite drought and alkaline soil tolerant.

American Beautyberry

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(Callicarpa americana)

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf

Height: 10 feet

Spread: 6 feet

Shape: upright informal habit.

The primary and sole attribute of beautyberry, a large loosely branched shrub, is the showy display of magenta fruits in the fall.

Fusarium Wilt of Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin)

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Fusarium wilt is a common and lethal disease of mimosa (Albizia julibrissin)1, also commonly known as silktree. In the United States this disease occurs in the east from New York southward and also in Louisiana, Arkansas and California. Fusarium wilt is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum forma specialis perniciosum. This pathogen causes Fusarium wilt on Albizia species and also on tree-ofheaven (Ailanthus altissima). Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. perniciosum colonizes and clogs the tree's vascular (water-conducting) tissue, and interferes with the movement of plant sap. This results in relatively rapid tree death.

Fall Webworm

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Distribution and Hosts Native to North America, the fall webworm occurs throughout the United States and southern Canada. Its hosts include more than 100 species of deciduous forest, shade, and fruit trees, with preferences varying from region to region.

Scale Insects

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Scale insects are a peculiar group and look quite different from the typical insects we encounter day to day. Small, immobile, with no visible legs or antennae, they resemble individual fish scales pressed tightly against the plant on which they are feeding. There are over l50 different kinds of scales in Virginia. Many are common and serious pests of trees, shrubs, and indoor plants.

Cottony Maple Scale

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Cottony Maple Scale (Homoptera: Coccidae), Pulvinaria innumerabilis

PLANTS ATTACKED: Maples and dogwood primarily, but also many woody ornamentals.

Dogwood Borer

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Lepidoptera: Sesiidae, Synanthedon scitula

PLANTS ATTACKED: Dogwood, pecan, elm, hickory, and willow

Bagworm

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Lepidoptera: Psychidae, Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis

Plants Attacked: Juniper, arborvitae, other cedars, pine, hemlock, spruce, Chinese elm, honeylocust, primarily. Also on crabapple, maple, sycamore, box elder, willow, linden, poplar, and many others.

Tree and Shrub Planting Guidelines

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Select trees and shrubs well-adapted to conditions of individual planting sites. Poorly-sited plants are doomed from the start, no matter how carefully they’re planted.

Test soil drainage before planting. Dig a test hole as deep as your planting hole and fill with water. If water drains at a rate of less than one inch per hour, consider installing drainage to carry water away from the planting hole base, or moving or raising the planting site (berm construction).

24 Ways to Kill a Tree

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

There is a tremendous diversity of herbaceous perennial plant species being grown for both the retail and landscaping sectors of the industry. Because of the diversity in species grown, there is much more unknown about perennials production than is known. Growth regulation is of particular concern. In production settings, as well as in retail locations, herbaceous perennials grown in pots tend to stretch and become leggy or simply overgrow their pots before their scheduled market date. These plants are less marketable, and harder to maintain. Many growers resort to pruning, which is not only costly in terms of labor, but also delays plant production two to four weeks.

Trees and Shrubs that Tolerate Saline Soils and Salt Spray Drift

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Concentrated sodium (Na), a component of salt, can damage plant tissue whether it contacts above or below ground parts. High salinity can reduce plant growth and may even cause plant death. Care should be taken to avoid excessive salt accumulation from any source on tree and shrub roots, leaves or stems. Sites with saline (salty) soils, and those that are exposed to coastal salt spray or paving de-icing materials, present challenges to landscapers and homeowners.

Trees and Shrubs for Overhead Utility Easements

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Trees are valuable assets in commercial, private, and public landscapes. Trees add aesthetic beauty, modify and enhance the environment, serve architectural and engineering functions, and increase property and community economic values. These same trees that enhance landscapes, however, are a major challenge for utility companies. Most people have grown accustomed to reliable, uninterrupted electric, telephone and cable service in their homes and offices. Unfortunately, trees are one of the major causes of power outages in areas of overhead utility lines due to direct tree contact with lines, or to trees or tree limbs falling on the lines.

Trees for Parking Lots and Paved Areas

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Parking lots and paved areas are essential urban features that tend to be unsightly in their basic form. Municipal ordinances often mandate specific amounts of parking for different types of commercial or residential land use, as well as landscaping for these parking areas. Landscaping in and around parking lots and pavement improves appearance, prevents soil erosion, and reduces carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Planted areas also reduce storm water drainage problems, reduce the detrimental effects of wind and noise, and enhance human comfort by providing heat-reducing shade.

Trees and Shrubs for Acid Soils

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

The trees and shrubs on your new home site are growing poorly, so you take samples to the Extension office and the agent suggests a soil test. Test results show that your soil has a pH of 4.5, which is rated as strongly acid. The agent suggests you either take corrective action to raise the pH or grow different plants.

Invasive Exotic Plant Species: Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Several species of Asian honeysuckle have been introduced in the United States for their ornamental and wildlife values. Honeysuckle is perhaps the most widespread exotic invasive in the U.S., now found in at least 38 states.

Invasive Exotic Plant Species: Ailanthus (Ailanthus altissima)

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Invasive Exotic Plant Species: Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)

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Autumn olive was introduced to the U.S. from Japan and China in 1830. It was originally planted for wildlife habitat, shelterbelts, and mine reclamation, but has escaped cultivation. It is dispersed most frequently by birds and other wildlife, which eat the berries.

Shortleaf Pine: An Option for Virginia Landowners

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Verticillium Wilt of Shade Trees

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Verticillium wilt is a serious vascular wilt disease that affects a broad array of shade tree species.

Sooty Mold of Conifers and Hardwoods

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Sooty molds of trees and shrubs commonly occur throughout Virginia on conifers, hardwoods, and other plant species

Powdery Mildew-Resistant Woody Ornamentals

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease of many ornamental plant species. Although plants are not often killed by the disease, they may become unsightly when heavy fungal growth develops on leaves and flowers.

Phytophthora Root Rot of Rhododendron and Azalea

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Wilt and root rot of rhododendron and azalea are symptoms of a disease caused by the soil-inhabiting water mold fungus Phytophthora.

Major Diseases of Boxwood

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English boxwood, are susceptible to several diseases that can decrease their effectiveness in established plantings. The major diseases of boxwood are discussed

Foliar Diseases of Dogwood

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

This publication attempts to distinguish the symptoms of these four major diseases of dogwood.

Fire Blight of Ornamentals

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Fire blight, caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, is a serious disease of many ornamental species in the Rosaceae family. Certain varieties of apple, flowering crabapple, pear, pyracantha, and quince are highly susceptible.

Entomosporium Leaf Spot of Photinia

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Photinia, a shrub belonging to the rosaceous family, is widely grown in nurseries and landscapes in the eastern United States. All of these ornamentals are susceptible to leaf spotting caused by the fungus Entomosporium mespili.

Crown Gall of Woody Ornamentals

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Many ornamentals and other plants, including fruit trees and brambles, are affected by crown gall, a disease vectored by the bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The disease is especially common on rose and euonymus in the landscape; however, many other woody species, including cypress, hibiscus, lilac, flowering peach, privet, viburnum, and willow, are susceptible.

Black Root Rot of Japanese Holly

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Azalea Leaf and Flower Gall

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Anthracnose - A Fungal Disease of Shade Trees

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Powdery Mildew of Ornamental Plants

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Powdery mildew fungi attack a variety of ornamental plants grown in Virginia.

Botrytis Blight of Peony

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Juniper Tip Blights

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Problem-free Trees for Virginia Landscapes

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Many of the tree species commonly planted in Virginia landscapes suffer from disease problems. Although some diseases can be cured, most must be controlled on a preventative basis. The best option for new plantings is to choose species that have a low risk of developing disease. Listed below, in alphabetical order, are some choices of problem-free trees for Virginia landscapes.

Problem-free Shrubs for Virginia Landscapes

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All of the species or cultivars described have been chosen for their relative disease- and insect-free qualities and their desirable horticultural attributes.

A Guide to Successful Pruning, Shrub Pruning Calendar

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A Guide to Successful Pruning, Evergreen Tree Pruning Calendar

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Legend:
* = Best time to prune
x = Do not prune except to correct damage, hazards, or structural defects
- = Timing is not critical

Note

Seldom needs pruning - remove multiple leaders, dead and broken branches
Don't prune into old wood having no leaves or needles
Prune during growing season to make more compact or dense
To avoid reducing berry production, don't prune during bloom period
Prune to prevent oak wilt infection
Prune to remove cankers
Flower buds set on previous season (old) wood; winter pruning will reduce spring flowering

A Guide to Successful Pruning, Decidous Tree Pruning Calendar

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Deciduous Tree Pruning CalendarLegend:
* = Best time to prune
x = Do not prune except to correct damage, hazards, or structural defects
- = Timing is not critical

Note

Seldom needs pruning - remove multiple leaders, dead and broken branches
Avoid pruning in late winter/early spring due to sap flow (more cosmetic than detrimental)
Avoid pruning from spring through summer due to insect or disease problems
Avoid pruning from October - December due to reduced cold hardiness
Avoid pruning after July because flower buds have set

A Guide to Successful Pruning, Pruning Shrubs

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Understanding the natural "habit" or shape of shrubs will help you determine how to prune them. All shoots grow outward from their tips. Whenever tips are removed, lower buds are stimulated to grow. Buds are located at nodes, where leaves are attached to twigs and branches. Each node produces from one to three buds, depending on shrub species.

A Guide to Successful Pruning: Stop Topping Trees!

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Topping occurs when the vertical stem (leader) and upper primary limbs (scaffold branches) on mature trees are cut back to stubs at uniform height. Topping is also referred to as heading, stubbing, or dehorning.

A Guide to Successful Pruning, Pruning Evergreen Trees

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Evergreen trees have leaves that persist year round, and include most conifers and some broad-leaved trees. Evergreen trees generally need less pruning than deciduous trees.

Conifers are distinguished from other plants by their needle or scale-like leaves, and their seed-bearing cones. Because conifers have dominant leaders, young trees rarely require training-type pruning. The leader is the vertical stem at the top of the trunk. If a young tree has two leaders, prune one out to prevent multiple leader development. Selective branch removal is generally unnecessary as evergreens tend to have wide angles of attachment to the trunk.

A Guide to Successful Pruning, Pruning Deciduous Trees

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Trees that shed their leaves annually are classified as deciduous. Before getting out your hand pruners, learn some basics about the anatomy, or supporting framework, of a deciduous tree.

The above-ground part of a tree consists of the trunk, scaffold branches, and lateral branches. The leader is the vertical stem at the top of the trunk. Scaffold branches are primary limbs that form a tree's canopy. Secondary branches that emerge from scaffold branches are laterals. Growth comes from buds at the tips of branches (terminal buds), or along branch sides (lateral buds).

A Guide to Successful Pruning: Pruning Basics and Tools

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Pruning is a regular part of plant maintenance involving the selective removal of specific plant parts. Although shoots and branches are the main targets for removal, roots, flower buds, fruits and seed pods may also be pruned.

Pruning wounds plants, but plants respond differently to wounding than do animals. In plants, damaged areas are covered by callus tissue to close wounds. Simply put: animal wounds heal, plant wounds seal.

Pruning Crapemyrtles

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

One of Virginia’s most popular yet mistreated landscape plants is the beautiful crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia indica, L. fauriei, and L. indica with L. fauriei or L. speciosa hybrids ). Selected and prized for their long summer bloom period (often called the "plant of the 100 day bloom"), cultivars have a range of flower colors, with an interesting seed head following the flower. In addition, crapemrytles have lustrous green leaves that change to bright fall colors, subtle to stunning multicolored bark, and unique winter architecture that makes this plant exceed most landscape choices for four-season interest and appeal.

Trees for Problem Landscape Sites -- Wet and Dry Sites

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

To grow, all trees require air, light, water and nutrients. Some trees can survive over a wide range of climatic and soil conditions, whereas others are very site specific. Both wet and dry sites present establishment and growth challenges, making selection of the right tree for the right site very important.

Know the site's soil

When selecting trees relative to soil moisture, begin by identifying the site's soil type. Soil maps are available for most areas in Virginia (contact your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office). Keep in mind, however, that construction activities (compaction, cut and fill, topsoil removal) may have altered the native soil.

Trees for Problem Landscape Sites -- Screening

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Using trees as living screens can easily enhance living and working spaces. Before selecting trees for screening, first determine the screen's purpose, whether functional or environmental. Screening can be used to define an area, modify or hide a view, create privacy, block wind, dust, salt and snow, control noise, filter light, and direct traffic flow.

Trees for Problem Landscape Sites -- Trees for Hot Sites

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Hot landscape sites require special consideration before trees are planted. Trees can survive, and even thrive, in hot sites if the site is prepared correctly, if heat-tolerant species are selected, and if the trees are properly maintained. A variety of different locations and situations qualify as hot landscape sites.

Trees for Problem Landscape Sites -- Trees for Landscape Containers and Planters

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Planting trees in aboveground containers and planters is becoming a common practice on sites that are not suited for inground planting. Containers differ from raised planters in that they are usually smaller in volume and moveable, whereas planters are generally larger, and often built as part of the permanent hardscape (paving, etc.). The greatest challenge in selecting trees for containers and planters is in choosing trees that can survive temperature extremes, and that can establish roots in a limited volume of substrate (potting soil). Consider several factors when selecting containers and trees including environmental influences, container and planter design, substrate type, and tree characteristics.

Trees for Problem Landscape Sites -- Air Pollution

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Conditions in urban environments place trees under numerous stresses including compacted soil, soil moisture extremes, and reduced soil fertility. Polluted air is another stress that contributes to the decline of urban trees. Air pollution may cause short-term (acute) damage, which is immediately visible, and long-term (chronic) damage, which can lead to gradual tree decline. Long-term damage may predispose trees to other disorders, making diagnosis difficult.

Trees for Problem Landscape Sites -- The Walnut Tree: Allelopathic Effects and Tolerant Plants

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Walnut is the common name given to twenty species of deciduous trees in the genus Juglans, of which six species are native to the United States. The black walnut, Juglans nigra, which is native to Virginia, grows from Maine west to southern Michigan and south to Texas and Georgia.

Selection and Use of Mulches and Landscape Fabrics

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

The term "mulch" refers to materials spread or left on the soil surface as protective layers, whether organic or inorganic, loose particles or sheets. Mulches are used primarily to

Suppress competing vegetation (weeds, grass).
Warm the soil to promote earlier spring growth.
Delay soil freezing and prevent frost heaving in winter.
Protect plants from damage by equipment.
Reduce soil erosion and loss.
Hold moisture.
Reduce evaporation and runoff.
Reduce rot and other soil-borne diseases.
Enhance garden and landscape appearance.
Make garden and landscape maintenance easier.

Fertilizing Landscape Trees and Shrubs

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Maintenance programs should be developed for trees and shrubs in both residential and commercial landscapes. A good maintenance program includes monitoring and controlling insect and disease problems, suppressing weed competition, and making timely applications of water, mulch, and fertilizer.

Tree and shrub fertilization is especially important in urban and suburban areas of Virginia where soils have been altered due to construction. These urban soils tend to be heavily compacted, poorly aerated, poorly drained, and low in organic matter. Even where soils have not been affected, fertilization may be needed as part of a maintenance program to increase plant vigor or to improve root or top growth.

Planting Trees

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Aesthetics. Trees are creatures of beauty and grandeur. They offer beauty in each season with their form, bark, foliage, flowers, fruit, and sometimes fragrance.

In addition to their seasonal variations, they change in size and character over time. Some trees will become quite large and are magnificent just for their size, irrespective of their species.

Shrubs: Functions, Planting, and Maintenance

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

What is a shrub? A shrub is generally considered a multi-stem woody plant that is less than 15 feet tall. Of course, this and other plant size categories are definitions contrived by humans to categorize nature. What is the difference between a large shrub and a small tree? In many cases, there is none. A shrub does not become a tree just because it grows higher than 15 feet. Classifying plants into ground cover, shrub, and tree designations are aids to allow us to conveniently classify and describe plants, albeit with a significant amount of ambiguity.

Selecting Landscape Plants: Flowering Trees

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

In the home landscape, flowering trees are secondary in importance to shade trees. The basic elements of framing, background, and shading are provided by shade trees, while flowering trees provide showy and unusual features with their floral beauty and seasonal interest. In addition, many flowering trees have colorful or interesting fruits which may be edible or attractive to birds.

Selecting Landscape Plants: Shade Trees

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Trees are the basic element for any landscape plan. They set the stage for the entire home grounds design. The type used and their location determine to a great extent what other plantings are appropriate. Providing shade usually requires tall, sturdy, long-living species. Density of foliage, which determines the amount of shading, is important. A tree such as a Norway maple will produce a very dense shade that prevents other plants from growing under it, while a honey locust will produce a light partial shade which is not a hindrance to other plants growing below it. Deciduous trees should be used to shade the south windows of a home in the summer, thus allowing the sun to penetrate in the winter.

Selecting Landscape Plants: Groundcovers

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Ground covers are low-growing plants that spread quickly to form a dense cover. They add beauty to the landscape and, at the same time, help prevent soil erosion. Grass is the best known ground cover, but grass is not suited to all locations. Other ground cover plants should be used where grass is difficult to grow or maintain.

Selecting Landscape Plants: Broad-Leaved Evergreens

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

There are a large number of highly ornamental broad-leaved evergreens. However, many of them require special attention if they are to develop into attractive, long-lived plants.

Wide fluctuations in temperature, prolonged dry periods, drying winds, and bright sunshine are not ideal conditions for most broad-leaved evergreens, yet these conditions frequently occur in Virginia. Good soil preparation and a carefully selected location will help ensure the success of these plants. However, the year-round beauty and special effect that they give to the landscape make them well worth the extra care needed to grow them.

Selecting Landscape Plants: Conifers

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Conifers, also known as narrow-leaved or needled evergreens, are planted primarily for the attractiveness of their evergreen foliage. The variety of sizes, shapes, and colors available contributes to their popularity.

Conifers range in size from prostrate plants growing only a few inches tall to large trees. Shapes include flat ground covers; horizontal spreaders; upright, pyramidal forms; and even weeping and contorted forms. Foliage color ranges from a gold and cream variegation to all shades of green, gray-green, and blue-green.

Selecting Landscape Plants: Rare and Unusual Trees

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

There are many tree species that can be successfully grown in Virginia, but are rarely seen in our landscapes. Although not ordinarily recommended or readily available, these trees may be useful to carry out a specific landscape theme, to substitute for an exotic type which is not locally adapted, or may be prized for unusual form, flowers, fruits, bark, or foliage.

Selecting Landscape Plants: Boxwoods

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Boxwood is used extensively in the landscape development of homes, gardens, and public grounds in Virginia. Since colonial times, it has been an integral part of the landscape, and many historical gardens in the state are noted for their boxwoods. Today, many people who have colonial architecture select this plant because they feel it fits this style best, but boxwood is also being used with modern or contemporary homes.

Growing Azaleas and Rhododendrons

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

The spectacular spring flowers of azaleas and rhododendrons make them among the most popular garden shrubs. However, azaleas and rhododendrons are shrubs for all seasons. Throughout the summer and fall the leaves add a pleasing, deep-green color to the garden. Some deciduous azaleas add bright fall color before the leaves drop. In winter, some varieties stand out with large, evergreen leaves.

The Art of Bonsai

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Bonsai is an art form that stems from ancient Asian culture, originating in China and developed by the Japanese. In the 13th century, the Japanese collected and potted wild trees that had been dwarfed by nature. These naturally formed miniatures were some of the first bonsai.

Managing Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

It is often necessary to provide extra attention to plants in the fall to help them over-winter and start spring in peak condition. Understanding certain principles and cultural practices will significantly reduce winter damage that can be divided into three categories: desiccation, freezing, and breakage.

Invasive Exotic Plant Species Identification and Management

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Invasive exotic species are plants that are not native to a given area and have the ability to out-compete indigenous plant species. Invasive exotics are often brought into their non-native surroundings by humans with good intentions.

Soil Test Note 20: Home Shrubs and Trees

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400