Featured Plants : full sun

The Trovita Orange Tree is a heavy producer and widely adaptable

barb-nhn — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:52:00 GMT

The Trovita Orange tree is a dwarf citrus tree that reaches a height of 7-10 feet. It produces a heavy crop of fruit in desert heat! This orange tree is widely adaptable with a fruit that is thin skinned and develops an excellent flavor.

Trovita is ideal for fresh-squeezed orange juice, and it is very sweet with few seeds. It ripens in spring, and also blooms in spring, so you may have blooms and fruit at the same time!

If you do not live in zones 9-11, you can still enjoy this orange tree, but it will have to be in a pot. Adequate light indoors is absolutley essential for good growth and fruiting. Having a dwarf orange tree in a pot makes it possible to enjoy the tree indoors until the threat of frost has passed, and outdoors thereafter!

This is the only orange tree that is suitable for indoor culture. It will develop a sweet flavor even without a lot of heat. The tree is vigorous and upright in growth. Trovita prefers full sun, fertile, but well drained soil, and moderate water.

Don't go through another growing season without one of your own! You can grow this Trovita in almost any type of container, but ceramic or clay is usually recommended; good drainage is essential. It should begin bearing fruit about three years after planting.

The Golden-yellow 'Gold Cot' Apricot

barb-nhn — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:28:00 GMT

Resembling a small, yellow peach, ‘Gold Cot’ Apricot is a large freestone fruit that will keep in the refrigerator for several weeks. It can be used for preserves, drying, desserts, and canning. Apricots contain carotenoids which are antioxidants that help prevent heart disease, reduce "bad cholesterol" levels, and protect against cancer.

This Apricot tree is a semi-dwarf that reaches a height of 15 to 18 feet. It does not require a pollinator, thrives in zones 4-8, and is one of the earliest ripening fruits; ready for harvest in June. It is best to thin fruit early in the season to maximize size and quality.

The ‘Gold Cot’ requires well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Apricot trees, once established, are somewhat drought-tolerant. The trees are gorgeous in spring with white or pink blossoms, and ornamental in summer with their furrowed bark and heart-shaped, glossy leaves. The leaves are red when new and dark green when mature.

Early Flowering Okame Cherry Tree

barb-nhn — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:14:00 GMT

The Okame Cherry tree is one of the earliest of the flowering cherries. Before the leaves appear, its carmine-pink petals, with rose-red calyx and reddish flower stalks, open fully and last 2 to 3 weeks. What a wonderful and consistent year-to-year blooming habit! The fruits of this tree are small, and not ornamentally important.

The Okame grows to a height of 20-30' with a similar spread. When young, the tree displays a broad-columnar habit, and as it ages, it develops a more rounded habit. It does best in moist, well-drained soil, but will adapt to a variety of soils, as long as they are not wet. It makes a fine specimen tree and should be sited where it can be easily seen in late winter/early spring. The Okame requires full sun or light shade and has an excellent heat and cold tolerance.

This deciduous ornamental tree has an attractive dark red-orange fall color, and the shiny reddish brown bark provides some winter interest. Flowering is its main feature, yet the Okame can be considered an all seasons plant with its attractive bark and fall color. Okame's growth is medium-fast, especially when young, so it will grow 1 to 2 feet or more per year; thrives in zones 6-9.

The Juicy Cresthaven Peach

barb-nhn — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:36:00 GMT

The Cresthaven Peach Tree produces a very firm, juicy, highly colored red fruit that is great for freezing and canning. The clear, firm flesh is resistant to browning, and the skin is smooth but tough. Cresthaven peach is yellow fleshed and shows considerable red around the pit.

This peach is a mid to late season variety, blooms late, and the fruit lasts well on the tree. This dwarf tree grows 8 to 14 feet in height; it is very productive and is also a freestone. Peach trees are best planted when dormant, in the winter or very early spring months. Each tree needs to be spaced far enough apart to allow a spread of 20 to 25 feet. At 3 or 4 years of age they begin to bear large crops and reach peak productivity at 8 to 12 years. No pollinator is needed and thrives in zones 5-9.

Peaches require lots of sun and a sandy, well drained soil, along with a regular fertilizing program. They also need heavier pruning than any other fruit trees to maintain size and encourage new growth. Peach trees add character to any landscape, and they're a hardy variety of fruit tree that can be grown successfully in many climates.

The Eureka Lemon, a Large Producer

barb-nhn — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:10:00 GMT

The Eureka Lemon produces large crops of lemons annually. Bearing fruit all year, this lemon fruit tree produces somewhat knobby, thick-skinned lemons, and each lemon has a short neck at the stem end.

Watering this fruit tree systematically, like once a week is very important, but containerized citrus trees should be allowed to dry between waterings. Fertilizing it 3 times a year with a well balanced citrus fertilizer will benefit the health of Eureka as well. It is easy to espalier, grows vigorously with a spreading and open form, and has fewer thorns than other traditional lemon trees; needs full sun, well-drained soil, and no pollinator is required. This dwarf citrus will average 8-10' tall, and it will get taller unless pruned.

Eureka lemon trees bear multiple crops per year, but the main season is late winter, spring, and early summer. This tree can grow in zones 9-11, but for northern gardeners it needs to be in a pot and brought indoors for the winter. It should be pruned every year or two to keep the tree within bounds and the fruit easily reachable. Can be shaped as a small tree.

The fruits are borne on the outside of the canopy and are frequently held in clusters. The Eureka lemon contains a moderate amount of juice, and is grown primarily for this acidic juice, which can be used to flavor both sweet and savory dishes.

Lemons are very rich in vitamin C and also provide potassium and folic acid. The Eureka Lemon can be kept in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Lemons stored at room temperature will keep for about 1 week. The juice and zest of lemons can be frozen.

The Popular Kwanzan Flowering Cherry Tree

barb-nhn — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:28:00 GMT

Of all the flowering cherry trees, Kwanzan Flowering Cherry tree is one of the most popular and is a beautiful vase-shaped ornamental tree. This hardy deciduous tree is a moderate grower with an upright and spreading form; grows to a height of 20 to 30 feet. The bundles of large double pink blossoms last for three weeks. The flowers are a not only a clear pink, but “double pink", meaning you get twice as many blooms as found on other trees. Multiple petals are similar to a carnation flower. Kwanzan Flowering Cherry has light green foliage with a red tinge.

The Kwanzan Flowering Cherry tree is also known as a Japanese Flowering Cherry tree. The leaves turn to a reddish-copper fall color. It is one of the easiest flowering trees to grow and thrives in almost any soil and climate. Easily grown in zones 5-8 and is considered a tree for many seasons!

This flowering cherry prefers a site with full sun, loose, well drained soil with plenty of moisture. It is somewhat tolerant of alkaline soil and drought but is sensitive to pollution and stresses in general.

The Handsome Japanese Tree Lilac

barb-nhn — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:08:00 GMT

The Japanese Tree Lilac is a small, specimen tree or large shrub that has stiff spreading branches with a somewhat oval-rounded to vase shaped crown. This handsome landscape tree grows upright, to about 30 feet, and has a wide trunk. It produces very showy, cream-white flowers in large panicles in June and July. Clumps will have three or more stems.

This ornamental tree displays reddish-brown, cherry-like bark that is sometimes smooth and lustruous. The leaves are clean and dark green and enhance seasonal interest. Lawn fertilizer contains nitrogen, so avoid using it around the base of this Lilac tree. When pruning, it is important not to remove too much since this will reduce the flower output the following year. Prune immediately after flowering to avoid removing flower buds.

Regular watering will maintain a healthy and beautiful plant. This Tree Lilac prefers full sun and moist, well drained, slightly acid soil. Tree lilacs are dependable urban trees. They can be used for parking lot or boulevard plantings, which tolerate a wide range of conditions. Use as farm windbreaks or highway beautification too.

For the Small Yard : Forest Pansy Redbud Tree

barb-nhn — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:30:00 GMT

The Forest Pansy Redbud Tree is a true harbinger of spring, and everyone enjoys the clusters of tiny, rose-purple, pea-like flowers that bloom profusely. The flowers are on the branches and mature trunks for 2-3 weeks in early spring (March-April), before the foliage emerges. Forest Pansy is an excellent ornamental small tree for lawns, woodland gardens, or naturalized areas. It is very effective if planted as a specimen or in groups.

The heart-shaped leaves open bright reddish-purple and gradually mature to a more muted purple. Seed pods, resembling snow peas, appear in late spring after this flowering Redbud has finished blooming. Fall color is often includes attractive shades of reddish-purple and orange. This Redbud is easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade.

It is a small tree that is deciduous, and an understory with a spreading, flat-to-rounded crown. It can eventually grow to 20-30' tall and the trunk usually divides somewhat close to the ground. It thrives in zones 5-8.

The Ever-Popular Bartlett Pear Tree

barb-nhn — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:59:00 GMT

The Bartlett Pear tree produces a pear that is bright yellow and is the nation's leading pear variety. This pear tree tends to bear fruit for up to 50 to 75 years on a good site. It displays white flowers in April and May and is ready for harvest from mid August until mid September. The fruit is aromatic and is outstanding for fresh eating. Along with its very sweet and juicy flavor for eating, it is widely used for canning and cooking.

The Bartlett Pear trees are self-pollinating, however a pollinator will help the tree bare better fruit. They do require bees to help pollinate. Bartlett Pears do not ripen properly on the tree, so growers pick the fruit when it is mature but green. Bartletts turn from green to yellow, with a pink blush. Understand where the fruit grows on your tree. Bartlett pears usually flower and fruit on short twigs, known as spurs or old wood. So when pruning, it’s fine to prune back last year’s new growth as part of shaping the tree.

Fruit trees need a minimum of 6-8 hours of sunlight daily, and need water since they are not drought tolerant. The Bartlett Pear thrives in zones 4-9. Decide how much space you can devote to your pear trees, and select a rootstock accordingly. Dwarf trees should be planted at least 12 feet apart. Semi-dwarf and regular pear trees should be planted at least 20 to 25 feet apart. Your zone will also determine which varieties of pear will grow best in your area.

Profuse Flowering Eastern Whitebud

barb-nhn — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 10:51:00 GMT

The Eastern Whitebud tree adds a striking touch to any landscape. It is best known for its profuse white pea-like flowers. The heart-shaped leaves of this redbud tree are 3-5" across, and its fruit are brown flat pods about 2-3" long. The stout trunk of this small tree usually branches close to the ground resulting in a spreading flat-topped to rounded crown. Since this tree does not transplant easily, it should be planted when young.

Eastern Whitebud trees grow best in full sun to light shade with moist well-drained deep soil. This small deciduous tree is adaptable to other soil types but will not grow well in permanently wet or poorly drained soil. It is used as an ornamental or patio tree; leaves turn yellow in the fall. This rapid growing, low maintenance tree grows anywhere from 15-40 feet in height in zones 4-9.

Flowering ornamental trees add pizzazz in the spring and gorgeous foliage in the summer to any landscape or yard. They are an indispensable part of the landscape. Use as a beautiful specimen tree, hedge, or border.

Cot-N-Candy Aprium - it is like eating candy!

barb-nhn — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:29:00 GMT

Aprium trees produce fruit that is extremely sweet. The fruit has a strong apricot overtone with a hint of plum. The Cot-N-Candy Aprium is an apricot-plum hybrid that resembles an apricot. It looks like an apricot, but has a distinctive flavor and texture all its own; skin has a slight reddish pink blush.

Cot-N-Candy's white flesh is extra sweet and juicy with a plum-like aftertaste; one of the earliest ripening fruits. The fruit is usually about 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Blooming very early, it ripens in June; generally difficult to grow in late frost areas. It ripens one week later than Flavor Delight. Does best in zones 7-10.

It is a multi-stemmed, shrubby, small tree with a spreading crown. Cot-N-Candy is partially self fertile but you will get bigger crops if pollinated by an apricot. It is best to thin the fruit early to maximize size and quality. Cot-N-Candy needs well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun.

This is a semi-dwarf tree that will reach 3/4 of standard size (about 12—18'); but by pruning you can keep your tree at any height.

The Hardy Dolgo Crabapple

barb-nhn — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:59:00 GMT

The beautiful hardy Dolgo Crabapple Tree creates a visual impact during all four seasons. This tree grows upright with an open habit around 20 feet in height. It is very ornamental fruit tree and makes an excellent choice for use around homes, schools, parks, public and commercial buildings. This dwarf Crabapple Dolgo presents a spectacular floral display with its pink buds that open to fragrant, white flowers. This white flowering tree then produces bright red to purple fruits that ripen in August and are about the size of small plums. The glossy, dark green foliage turns yellow in the fall. Dolgos are excellent for jelly making and spicy butters which is good eating for humans, as well as great browse for birds and wildlife. Typical crabapple fruits remain a good food source for wildlife through the fall. Regardless of soil type, the Dolgo needs good drainage and is a must for tree health. Crabapples grow best in a moist, slightly acidic soil and full sun. Excessively moist areas and low spots should be avoided. The Dolgo is a superb apple pollinator for other apple trees and thrives in zones 3-9. Crabapples require little pruning, but occasional pruning is necessary to open up the center of the plant to sunlight and air movement or to remove a wayward branch. When pruning is done, it should be completed before early June. By mid-June to early July, flower buds for the next season are beginning to form in most crabapples. Pruning after July will reduce floral display and fruiting for the following year. Crabapples are differentiated from apples based on fruit size. If fruit is two inches in diameter or less, it is termed a crabapple. If the fruit is larger than two inches, it is classified as an apple.

Polly White Peach Tree is Self-Fruitful

barb-nhn — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:30:00 GMT

If you want to produce a delicious peach, but live in a colder region, Polly White Peach is one of the most winter hardy peach varieties. The tree was developed in Iowa and is hardy to 20º F. It likes full sun and will produce its first crop in 3 to 5 years. It does not need a pollinator since it is self-fruitful and produces a reliable crop of tasty, sweet, medium-sized, white-fleshed fruit. It is best to pick these fruits when they are firm-ripe, not soft-ripe. Sugar content and flavor are best when fruit are allowed to come almost to maturity on the tree.

Peach trees need full sunlight. They love the heat and should be planted on the highest point in the garden so that the cold air at night will be below them, and they will be warmed by the warmer rising air. Peach trees prefer a sandy loam soil, but most varieties can adapt to different soil conditions, and it is important that the soil be well drained.

Each tree will need its own space, that is about 6 feet in diameter. Peach trees produce fruit on shoots of the past season’s growth. Unpruned trees will set tremendous crops of very small fruit the season after pruning is omitted. It is important to keep the tree pruned, usually in a vase shape. Peaches are easy to grow and many varieties are attractive, especially when in bloom.

Beach Plum Shrubs, You don't have to go to the beach to enjoy them!

patti-nhn — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:24:00 GMT

Beach Plum shrubs are often found on the East Coast, along the shoreline. If you live in a colder area, not on the beach, here is your best option. They can be grown from zones 3 to 6, the colder regions of the country. Full sun is required for proper fruiting and the soil should be well-drained. The shrub can handle some drought as long as the soil is loamy or sandy, slightly acidic and moderately fertile. It will not do well if your soil is heavy clay. This shrub matures from 5 to 6 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide which makes it easy to pick the plums. It does grow upright and has a medium growth rate.

Before the fruit sets, the shrub will begin flowering in early May with white blooms that can be single or double blooming. The flowers grow in clusters of two to three. This bush shrub is pollinated by bees and also can be carried by the wind. After pollination the flowers will become a whitish pink color. It will produce edible fruit that ripens in August. The fruits are round and 1/2 to 3/4 inches in diameter. This plum is delicious and decorative with its wonderful dullish purple coloring. They can be eaten right off the bush or used in fruit salads, made into jams or jellies and anything else you might like to try. How easy can it be to have ripe plums right in your back yard and you shouldn't have to climb tall ladders.

Green Mountain Boxwood Shrubs Beautiful And Easy Care

patti-nhn — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:33:00 GMT

For an evergreen shrub that begins growing quickly this Green Mountain Boxwood will be right up your alley! It will slow down to a medium growth rate as it ages. The unusual pyramidal growth of the tree adds lots of interest to your landscape. It is often used as a hedge, topiary, border or container plant. The foliage is very attractive with its small dark green leaves and is often the main reason this shrub is chosen, in addition to the fact that the green leaves will keep their beautiful color longer into the winter months. Most all Boxwood shrubs hold their color well but this is one of the best for long lasting color. It does flower in the spring but not enough to add interest, the flowers have very little color and the wonderful foliage is the most attractive attribute.

This Green Mountain will mature in height from 3 to 5 feet tall and spread from 2 to 3 feet wide making it a great size to fit in many areas of your landscaping. It needs soil that is cool, moist and well-drained. Full sun is best for the shrub to grow appropriately but it can tolerate partial shade. You will want to fertilize each spring. It is easy care and needs little pruning over the years. Green Mountain is cold hardy from zone 5 to zone 8. This shrub will give you years of beauty and color.