Sciadopitys verticillata (Japanese Umbrella Pine)

Here's another profile of one of our favorite trees:

Sciadopitys verticillata (Japanese Umbrella Pine)

Why we love it: Long glossy needles and slow to grow, this tree is like no other evergreen.





Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8
Height: 20 ft to 30 ft Spread: 15 ft to 20 ft
Form: pyramidal
Type: evergreen tree
Annual Growth Rate: 6 inches
Flowers: None

Prefers full sun to partial shade. Likes moist, acidic, well-drained soil. Slow growing tree, but worth the wait.
Long glossy needles give this tree a distinct look, different than any other evergreen.

The Japanese Umbrella Pines are slow-growing enough that they don't need pruning. But this exchange on Gardenweb should reassure anyone whose tree got clipped.

Styrax japonicus fargesii (Japanese Snowbell)

Styrax japonicus fargesii (Japanese Snowbell)

Why we love it: "A delicate beauty...dark leaves perched like butterflies above the white, bell-shaped flowers." - Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs




Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8
Height: 20 ft to 30 ft Spread: 20 ft to 30 ft
Form: arching
Type: deciduous tree
Annual Growth Rate: 12 to 18 inches
Flowers: White Blooms June, seeds ripen in October

This tree grows in sun or light shade, and will not tolerate hot dry soil. Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil. Smooth gray bark is very attractive, and Dirr says plant this tree on a hillside so its downward facing flowers can be viewed from below.The fruits are used as beads in rosaries etc.

Plant Profile: Dictamus (Gas Plant)

DICTAMUS A. ALBIFLORUS (WHITE)

DEER RESISTANT FULL SUN PLANT - CAN CAUSE CONTACT DERMATITIS!
zone 3
24 - 30" tall and wide
blooms: June - July



DICTAMUS ALBUS (PINK FORM)

DEER RESISTANT FULL SUN PLANT - CAN CAUSE CONTACT DERMATITIS!
zone 3
24 - 36" tall and wide
blooms: June - July

Our grower says: "Once established, Dictamnus makes a nice addition to the garden, whether planted alone or in a group. The common name of gas plant refers to the light, volatile gas the plant produces that can be ignited."

Chionanthus virginicus (White Fringe Tree)

Chionanthus virginicus (White Fringe Tree)

Why we love it: Feathery white panicles in May and June make this small tree a rare beauty.







Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
Height: 12 ft to 20 ft Spread: 12 ft to 20 ft
Form: upright oval to round
Type: deciduous tree
Annual Growth Rate: 6 to 12 inches
Flowers: White star-shaped flowers, then feather panicles Blooms in May and June

Prefers full sun to partial shade. Soil should be moist, well-drained and ideally acidic. The primary attraction of this small deciduous tree is the drooping clusters of fragrant, white blossoms and dramatic feathery panicles. Dark-blue, grape-like clusters of fruits are produced from female blossoms. It is one of the last trees in the spring to bear leaves.

Purple Threadleaf Japanese Maple - Acer Palm. Filifera Purpurea

This stunning purple threadleaf gets slightly larger than your average threadleaf maple. Grows to about 12'. Amazing color variation in the leaves is highlighted by pairing it with these peachy roses.

And for $79, you can find a home for this beautiful little tree.

Memorial Day Parade

Mon. May 30th - Join Victoria Gardens today at the Memorial Day Parade!

Plant Profile: Scabiosa - Superbloomer! Bloomerific! Flowertastic!

A real superhero of the garden. We had pots of Scabiosa blooming in April, and they just never quit. To ensure a long blooming season, keep the scabiosa well watered (but not in standing water) and deadhead flowers when they are past their peak.



SCABIOSA COL. 'BLUE BUTTERFLY'

FULL SUN PLANT
zone 3
10 - 24" tall and wide
blooms: spring to September

Play off the blue blooms by pairing it with Russian sage 'Little Spires.'





SCABIOSA COL. 'PINK MIST'


FULL SUN PLANT
zone 3
10 - 24" tall and wide
blooms: spring to September