Ashe Magnolia, Magnolia Ashei: Dramatic Focal Point for the Shade Garden
Magnolia Macrophylla, more commonly called Bigleaf Magnolia, is a very rare plant native to the Southeastern United States. It is one of the most beautiful plants I have ever seen. Huge leaves can be up to 18 inches long! The flower is large--up to 6 inches across--and very fragrant. If pollinated, a seedpod will develop that sports very juicy-looking red seeds that are very ornamental, providing food for the birds.
Magnolia ‘Ashei’ is a variety of Bigleaf Magnolia that blooms at an earlier age than others. Shown in the photo above is our own plant with a bloom while only slightly taller than knee high.
Smaller and more bushy than macrophylla, Ashe Magnolia reaches a height of about 15 feet with a spread of about 12 feet, growing in a more rounded form.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 6 - 9.
Site: Prefers moist woodland soil rich in organic matter.
Light: Partial shade. Tolerates morning sun. (Needs plenty of moisture with more sun.)
Water: Needs regular water.
While some botanists have put this magnolia as a subspecies of Magnolia macrophylla in the past, the new Flora of North America has decided Ashei is a species in itself. It is much smaller & often multi-trunked, blooming at an earlier age (3 to 4 years). Magnolia ashei is the rarest Magnolia in North America.
Magnolia Macrophylla will provide a tropical look to your garden and is at home in any southern style garden. Provide some shelter from wind and hot sun, since the huge leaves are somewhat sensitive.
Source for this plant: Shady Gardens Nursery.
Pomegranate: The Perfect Fruit for the Home Garden
You can grow your own Pomegranates!
With all the news lately regarding the health benefits of Pomegranate juice, we should consider growing our own! Pomegranates are probably the easiest fruit to grow in the home garden.
Punica granatum loves hot sunny summers and dry, well-drained soil. It’s perfect for Georgia gardens, as long as we amend the soil for drainage.
Although we often call it a Pomegranate Tree, the growth habit of Punica granatum is more like that of a shrub or bush. (Many old-timers around here actually call it a Plum Granny Bush.)
In order to set fruit, the pomegranate requires a cold winter followed by a hot summer. That’s us—hot summers and a cold winter! Winter temperatures down into the 40’s is cold enough to get plenty of fruit.
In addition to the health benefits of the fruit, there are many assets to growing pomegranate in your own backyard.
Beautiful bright red orange flowers resemble carnations.
Punica granatum is a drought tolerant plant that actually enjoys hot, dry sun.
Pomegranates also tolerate poor soil, which is handy for me since that's what our garden is made of.
Pomegranate provides a great Autumn display when the bright yellow fall foliage shows off the fruit.
Punica granatum is self-fruitful, so to enjoy the fruit, you need only one plant.
The pomegranate is somewhat thorny, making it a great barrier plant.
Punica granatum is a fast growing plant that when left to grow naturally, will ultimately reach up to 20 feet tall. But because the fruit will be very heavy, I recommend keeping the plant pruned to only 10 feet to prevent limb breakage.
If you like something different, the Pomegranate Tree also looks lovely espaliered.
Punica granatum is hardy in USDA Zones 7-12.
As you can see, pomegranate plants are very easy to grow. If you're still not convinced to grow pomegranate in your own garden, I challenge you to visit your local grocery store and swing by the produce department to check out the price of the pomegranate juice!
For more information or to order a Wonderful Pomegranate plant for your own garden, visit Shady Gardens Nursery.
Florida Anise: Small Tree for the Shade Garden
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| Florida Anise |
Shiny evergreen leaves, single trunk, and compact stature with a maximum height of 10 feet make Florida Anise a lovely small tree.
Leaves have a spicy scent when crushed, much like anise, which is why deer won't eat it.
Very unusual red flowers appear in spring and have star-like petals. Once flowers fade, interesting seed pods develop. The large star-shaped seed pods are not a substitute for the culinary anise and are poisonous if ingested, which is probably another reason deer will not eat it.
Drought tolerant once established, Florida Anise is a good choice for the southern garden. Native to Florida and Louisiana, Illicium Floridanum is too tender for northern gardens as it is hardy in USDA Zones 7-10 only.
Plant in partial shade. Enjoys wet soil, if you have some, and can take a little more sun if planted in a boggy area.
Enjoying the same growing conditions as azaleas, camellias, and gardenias, Florida Anise is a good companion for them. If you've been searching for something unusual for your shade garden, Florida Anise is perfect.
If you find one growing in the wild, do not dig it up to move it to your garden since Florida Anise is a threatened native species.
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| Spunky likes sniffing the variegated Florida Anise |
If red is not your color, Florida Anise is also available in a white-flowering form and a variegated form with soft pink blooms, as shown above.
Planting Instructions for Native Azaleas
Native Azaleas are definitely a spectacular show in spring, but don't wait till Spring to plant them! Shrubs planted in Fall and Winter have a much better chance to get established and become healthy plants by next summer.
The American Native Azaleas, species Rhododendrons, are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves for the winter. This defoliation begins quite early in fall, depending on the climate conditions and the variety. Usually the earlier the bloom time in spring, the earlier leaf loss occurs in Fall.
Fall is the best time to transplant shrubs because they are then dormant. Fall planted shrubs have all winter to become established before time to bloom and grow next year. This is especially important when your plants are received by mail, as is most often true with rare plants like native azaleas.
When planting native azaleas, soil preparation is key. All azaleas prefer well-drained soil. Amend the soil for drainage, especially if your soil is clay. Prior to planting your native azalea, work in some compost or composted manure and shredded bark to the planting hole. To help insure good drainage, mound up the soil so your azalea is planted high. Be sure that the root collar is slightly higher than soil level so water will drain away when those heavy downpours occur.
When planning your native azalea garden, consider the site. Native azaleas naturally occur in the filtered light beneath large trees near stream banks, but will grow in full sun when water is adequate. They perhaps will bloom more profusely in full sun, but need more water with more sun.
Make sure you can get water to the plant if drought occurs. Native azaleas are quite drought tolerant once established, however, water weekly the first year or two, as the plant grows in to its new environment. Also, the blooms buds are formed during late summer on the early blooming varieties, and if your area is prone to a late summer-early fall drought, pay attention to those weekly waterings, so you won’t miss out on your fragrant spring blooms!
Finally, obtain some good organic mulch. Azaleas have a shallow root system. Apply a thick layer of any organic mulch such as shredded bark, leaves, or straw to conserve moisture and keep the roots cool. Never cultivate around your native azaleas, since this can damage those shallow roots.
Once planted, your native azaleas will need water at least once weekly to insure good root development and beautiful blooms for years to come.
For more information on the beautiful and fragrant native azaleas, visit us at Shady Gardens Nursery.
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