Sometimes we all want that one curiosity in the garden to get people talking. That unique plant that’s a little… weird. A little…out of this world. But who needs an intergalactic trip when
there are many unusual plants native to the United States, and often your own backyard? And while Earth’s oddest plants can demand special care, these surprisingly widespread natives are easy to grow and will still wow:
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis; Zones 4b–11) is a charming three-season shrub that will “make you believe.” A widespread East Coast to Midwest North American native with extant ranges dotted west toward California and south to Mexico, this shrub is found along wetland margins. Therefore it thrives in marshy, wet, clay conditions—but it tolerates more upland loam and moist garden soils, too. With its deep roots, buttonbush provides excellent erosion control for rain gardens, embankments, and low, pooling or washout-prone drainage spots and gullies. It grows in full sun or part shade.
This is a large shrub, reaching six to twelve feet tall and wide with a spreading, rounded habit. It can attain tree-like branching with age. Shiny, flame-shaped leaves emerge chartreuse in spring and age to medium to dark green and lengths of three to eight inches. The foliage makes buttonbush a beautiful screening plant, but its true space-age appeal comes midsummer, with the tiny, round, composite, pale-green buds forming at the end of branches. These soon explode into inch-round fuzzy, honey-scented white to shell-pink pompom flowers. Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, children and adults are all drawn as if by a tractor beam to the oddball sight!
Denne historien er fra November - December 2023-utgaven av Horticulture.
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Denne historien er fra November - December 2023-utgaven av Horticulture.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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WINTER READING
Pass the time with any of these inspiring books
TOP-PRIZE PERENNIALS
A foliage masterpiece for shade and a late bloomer for sun
MARK WESSEL
What's new for fruit and vegetable gardeners?
KINGS OF THE NORTHERN FORESTS
A look at the trees, shrubs and perennial plants that bolster life in Ecoregion 5
BLUEBERRIES & CO.
Members of the genus Vaccinium provide sweet flavor, health benefits and beauty in the garden
Take It Indoors
Cs the growing season dwindles, _ potted cittus became a summer souuenir
ROOTED IN PLACE
LAYERING IS A PROPAGATION TECHNIQUE THAT TAKES A WHILE TO COMPLETE, BUT IT DEMANDS LITTLE EFFORT FROM THE GARDENER
Weeding Out Worry - Two books give perspectives on gardening's importance to mental health
Two books give perspectives on gardening's importance to mental health. One is written by a psychiatrist and psychotherapist who draws on decades of experience as a clinician and a gardener to discuss how gardening and interaction with the natural world benefit us. The other is written by a woman with mental illness whose efforts at becoming well brought her to outdoor activities, including gardening.
A Big Role for SMALL GRASSES
The unexpected benefits of small native grasses
GOLDENSEAL
A woodland herb worth guarding