Planters' Choice Weekly Picks!
Archived E-mails
 Friday, October 15, 2010
In This Issue
Mark's Tip: Consider the Limber Pine
Growing Gaultheria
Our Last Staff Picks!
NOW
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Mark's Tip: Consider the Limber Pine
Vanderwolf Pine

Pinus flexis 'Vanderwolf'



It seems to me one tree that deserves a little more consideration and attention is Pinus flexilis also known as Limber Pine. The variety 'Vanderwolf' has distinct blue-green twisted needles and a coarser growth habit that is attractive and yet still works well for screening, particularly at a distance.  I have seen this tree perform better in areas of part shade in comparison to White Pine.  In addition, I have seen these uniquely flexible trees flex and bend under the weight of snow and ice and not break, where as White Pine will often have branches snap off under the weight of snow, permanently and severely deforming it.

 

Limber Pine does well in sun to part shade in well-drained moist soil. It will reach about 30-50' tall and is hardy in zones 4-7.   It will tolerate hot, dry conditions after establishing, and has very good salt tolerance.

 

So the next time you would like to generate a little more interest with your customer and plant something just a little different, consider a great tree that looks fantastic, performs very well and will in the end impress both you and your customer.

Growing Gaultheria procumbens - Winterberry
 
Gaultheria
Gaultheria procumbens - Wintergreen

Gaultheria procumbens is an underused, evergreen groundcover that most landscapers know little about. There are small pinkish-white flowers May through September, developing into red fruit, or capsules, that persist through the following spring. The glossy leaves turn a nice burgundy in cooler weather and hold the color through the winter. Plants will form a nice groundcover once established.
Best planted in a woodland or shade garden. You can also use them effectively in your fall and winter containers. They make a wonderful contrast to dwarf conifers and grasses. 

So what are the right conditions for growing Wintergreen?
  • Acid Soil with a pH of 5 to 6. If necessary test the soil and determine if you need to lower the pH further. You can use Espoma's Soil Acidifier.  Get them off to a good start at the time of planting by using PHC 3-4-4 for Azaleas and Rhododendrons, which is great for all acid loving plants. 
  • Well drained soil - high in organic matter as found on the forest floor - very important!
  • Part shade to shade is best.
  • Water well until completely established. They will tolerate drought.
  • Plant a nice group of them to get them started, about 1' apart.
  • If planted in fall use Wiltpruf as an anti-dessicant to keep them from transpiring too much resulting in winter-burn, or cover them with evergreen boughs through the coldest months.
So stop by and check them out - they're hard to resist!

Our Last Staff Picks!     Wilson likes Serbian Spruce
Serbian Spruce
Pices omorika - Serbian Spruce

Wilson has been working for Planters' Choice for about 14 years.  He's an important part of the sales staff in our Newtown Yard and a key person when it comes to loading delivery trucks, and off-loading our incoming loads.

He has chosen Picea omorika - Serbian Spruce as one of his favorite evergreens. The elegant branching habit and slightly blue-green needles are what he appreciates most.
A slow to medium grower, it will gradually reach about 50 x 20' in about 50-60 years! Plant in moist, well drained, rich soil. Zones 4-7.

Muchas Gracias, Wilson!
...and Kudos to everyone  at Planters' Choice for sharing your favorites!
NOW
Bulbs 2010!
Time to plant some Bulbs!  

 

Incoming this week:

Acer p. 15 ga 'Red Select' Spec. (Jap. Maple)

Betula nigra 'Heritage' (River Birch) 25 ga
Buxus sempervirens (Common Boxwood), 'Green Velvet', 'Wintergem'
Chamaecyparis ob. 'Crippsi' (Hinoki Cypress)
Ilex crenata 'Helleri' (Japanese Holly)
I. glabra 'Shamrock' (Inkberry)
I. x 'Dragon Lady' (Holly)
Kalmia latifolia hybrids (Mountain Laurel) A+!
Picea abies (Norway Spruce)
Thuja plicata 'Green Giant'

...and BULBS! Bags and boxes of Narcissus, Boxes of Tulips, Crocus, Hyacinths and more!
Sedum 'Brilliant'
Sedum 'Brilliant'


 
 
Perennial HOT List!
Looking Great and in Good Supply!
Centranthus (Red Valerian)
Ceratostigma plumb. (Leadwort)
Helianthus 'Low Down'
Phlox subulata 'White Delight'
Rudbeckia 'Herbstonne'
Salvia 'Snowhill'
Sedum 'Brilliant'
S. sieboldii (Stonecrop)


coffee

Have A Great Weekend!


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