Green Thumb Corner

The Winter Honeysuckle, Lonicera fragrantissima, is sometimes called Sweet Breath of Spring. It is extremely fragrant (lemony), with creamy white flowers that appear in early spring before the leaves emerge. Flowers are followed by small, somewhat inconspicuous, red berries which mature in late spring to early summer. Oval, dark green foliage sometimes has bluish tinge. Flowers are a harbinger of spring. Budded branches may be cut for an early, fragrant, indoor arrangement. Easily grown in average, dry to medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Adapts to wide range of soils, including dry ones, but prefers moist, loamy soils. Prune to shape after flowering.

The French Pussy Willow, Salix caprea, grows well in almost any soil but it is a good idea to supplement it with peat moss, leaf mold or compost. They require full sun to thrive, but will survive in the shade as well. As with most willows, they do bes

The Pink Pussy Willow, Salix discolor rosea, this form of Pussy Willow has pale pink catkins. This fast growing shrub is suitable for wet areas grow well in almost any soil. They require full sun to thrive, but will survive in the shade as well. As with most willows, they do best when given lots of water. Although they can be allowed to grow unpruned, the plant will benefit from regular pruning after blooming. Flowers form on the previous season's growth, not on new growth so do not prune until the flowers have faded. For early bloom, cut branches of pussy willows may be brought in and set in a water filled vase in a sunny window anytime after the middle of January. The catkins will develop and make a nice display for a considerable time.

The Lucy Rose of Sharon, Hibiscus syriacus Lucy, is an upright, deciduous shrub that is a vigorous, erect, multi-stemmed shrub that typically grows 8-12' tall. This shrub may also be trained as a single trunk tree or espalier. Leaves are diamond-shaped, dark green, slightly palmate and toothed. 'Lucy' bears double red-pink flowers from late summer until mid-fall. This plant really requires no pruning, unless you need to remove a dead or damaged branch. It has a long, early summer to fall bloom period. This cultivar is a sterile triploid that produces very few if any seed pods. It is an excellent flowering shrub that may be massed, planted in groups, or used as a specimen. The plant is very tolerant of summer heat and humidity. Larger flowers may be obtained by pruning back hard to 2-3 buds in early spring. Otherwise, prune to shape.

The Red Rum Honeysuckle, Lonicera maackii, is a deciduous shrub that grows to 8' to 12'. It produces masses of white flowers that mature to yellow followed by profusion of 1/4" bright red fruit persisting into winter. It has an upright vase shape. Leaves acquire a yellow fall color. Excellent as winter wildlife food source, windbreaks and landscaping. Adaptable to poor soils and is shade tolerant.

The Dogwood 'Ivory Halo', Cornus alba 'Bailhalo',also known as tatarian dogwood, is a cultivar that is noted for its compact size, variegated (white-edged) leaves and bright red twigs in winter. It is a rapid-growing, multi-stemmed, suckering, deciduou

The White Butterfly bush, Buddleia davidii 'Alba', is easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun. This deciduous bush becomes weedy and sparse with diminished flowering performance if not grown in full sun. Does poorly in wet conditions. In USDA Zones 5 and 6, this plant will often die to the ground in winter and therefore is often grown in the manner of an herbaceous perennial. Even if plants do not die to the ground in winter, they usually grow more vigorously, produce superior flowers and maintain a better shape if cut to the ground in late winter each year. Removal of spent flower spikes during the growing season will encourage additional bloom, but consider leaving final blooms in place to facilitate reseeding.

The Doublefile Viburnum, Viburnum tomentosum, is a lovely shrub that provides a three-season interest. It has large white, lacy blooms in spring. Scarlet berries in late summer, and beautiful maroon-purple fall foliage. Birds love this shrub. This shrub has a strong horizontal growth habit. Prune to maintain desired size. (4-5'). Easy to grow in sun or shade.

The Pink Weigela, Weigela florida, is a deciduous shrub that is prized for its showy bell-shaped flowers and spreading, arching growth habit. Leaves are dark green, oval and tapered, to 2.5 inches long. Dark pink flowers with pale pink-white interiors, to 1 1/4 inches long are produced in corymbs on short lateral twigs on previous years growth in late spring to early summer. Flowers are attractive to hummingbirds. Native to China. Very nice in a mixed shrub border.

The Red Weigela, Weigela Vaniceki, is a deciduous shrub with dark red flowers. It is a full sized plant with good hardiness. It grows best in full sun to partial sun. Foliage is deep, purple-tinted green and forms a compact mound, reaching 6' when mature. Prefers well-drained soil. Prune older branches after they finish blooming.

The Purple Butterfly Bush, Buddleia davidii 'ile de France', is a butterfly magnet. This bush flowers summer and fall and is easy to grow. With a name like Butterfly Bush you might expect a plant to be attractive to butterflies. In fact, it's more than attractive; it's a magnet for all the butterflies that pass through your garden seeking nectar. This deciduous bush blooms mid-summer to early fall. Butterflies and bees will flock to the honey-scented blossoms, whose dilute nectar is sweetest in midday sun. Plant it near a path or patio and the shrub will provide a delightful fragrance for you, too. It's generally pest-free.

The Bursting Heart Burning bush, Euonymus americana 'Bursting Heart', is a unique shrub. In the spring and summer this shrub quietly takes the back seat to other seasonal color. However, in early fall, it draws curious looks with its unique display of fruit. Bumpy, raspberry-red pods hang on the ends of stems and split open to reveal small, smooth, red seeds. If you'll plant this shrub with some room to grow, it will delight you with its fullness and profusion of fall "hearts." The lower limbs can be removed up to 2' or so and ground covers (foam flower, green and gold, ginger, etc.) planted to carpet the ground beneath. Grows 4-6'. Native.