That's fantastic! I bet it is quite the sight in early spring.
I tried growing one, unsuccessfully. The winter temperatures just get too low here. With such an early bloom period, I couldn't figure out an effective way to protect it with mulch.
The Plants Around Us
- Thread starter dr_bates
- Start date
I tried growing one, unsuccessfully. The winter temperatures just get too low here. With such an early bloom period, I couldn't figure out an effective way to protect it with mulch.
Eastern Redbud / Cercis canadensis
![1728163621988.jpeg]( "1728163621988.jpeg")
In early spring some trees look as if they are gracefully covered in pinkish-purple lace. These are redbuds. In nature it's often an understory tree and pretty common in forest edges. While quite shade tolerant, in cultivation they're often planted in full sun.
Once fully established redbuds are quite drought tolerant; nevertheless, they do better when well watered. Being a legume, fertilizing is generally unneeded.
After flowering, elegant heart-shaped leaves emerge. Some varieties are highly showy. Here are a few of my favorites:
![1728178445244.jpeg]( "1728178445244.jpeg")
Forest Pansy has dark burgundy foliage.
![1728178570114.jpeg]( "1728178570114.jpeg")
Black Pearl is similar but has even darker foliage.
![1728178771581.jpeg]( "1728178771581.jpeg")
Carolina Sweetheart has variegated foliage.
![1728178900918.jpeg]( "1728178900918.jpeg")
Flamethrower is multi colored. New leaves emerge bright red, fading to orange then yellow as it matures. Older leaves are green, creating quite a spectacle.
![1728179163311.jpeg]( "1728179163311.jpeg")
Heart of Gold have bright yellow new foliage.
![1728179325379.jpeg]( "1728179325379.jpeg")
Ruby Falls has dark cascading foliage.
There are several other species, including Chinese, Western, and European. Though rare here, some varieties have white flowers.
They'll all add yard appeal.
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." Chinese Proverb
In early spring some trees look as if they are gracefully covered in pinkish-purple lace. These are redbuds. In nature it's often an understory tree and pretty common in forest edges. While quite shade tolerant, in cultivation they're often planted in full sun.
Once fully established redbuds are quite drought tolerant; nevertheless, they do better when well watered. Being a legume, fertilizing is generally unneeded.
After flowering, elegant heart-shaped leaves emerge. Some varieties are highly showy. Here are a few of my favorites:
Forest Pansy has dark burgundy foliage.
Black Pearl is similar but has even darker foliage.
Carolina Sweetheart has variegated foliage.
Flamethrower is multi colored. New leaves emerge bright red, fading to orange then yellow as it matures. Older leaves are green, creating quite a spectacle.
Heart of Gold have bright yellow new foliage.
Ruby Falls has dark cascading foliage.
There are several other species, including Chinese, Western, and European. Though rare here, some varieties have white flowers.
They'll all add yard appeal.
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." Chinese Proverb
Maypop![1728259806920.jpeg]( "1728259806920.jpeg")
Who wouldn't like more passion in their life?
Maypop is one of the hardiest of the passion fruits. While most are tropical, this one can survive even quite harsh winters. The vines, however, freeze down to the roots.
New growth will quickly appear once hot weather returns. For many areas that's May, hence the name. Spring often hits the snooze button in my area, so they emerge especially late.
The vines grow very quickly. By midsummer, the exotic looking flowers start to bloom. In warmer areas, blooms are followed by edible fruit. With a late spring and early autumn, fruiting seldom happens here. The eye-catching flowers, however, is reason enough to grow it.
An established plant can send up multiple vines. My tries to invade the nearby flower garden, sending up new growth throughout the summer.
It's easy to grow. If growing in an area with cold winters, like mine, protect the roots with an ample amount of mulch. Once established, adding winter insulation wasn't necessary.
May you have all the passion you desire!
![1728262007796.jpeg]( "1728262007796.jpeg")
Who wouldn't like more passion in their life?
Maypop is one of the hardiest of the passion fruits. While most are tropical, this one can survive even quite harsh winters. The vines, however, freeze down to the roots.
New growth will quickly appear once hot weather returns. For many areas that's May, hence the name. Spring often hits the snooze button in my area, so they emerge especially late.
The vines grow very quickly. By midsummer, the exotic looking flowers start to bloom. In warmer areas, blooms are followed by edible fruit. With a late spring and early autumn, fruiting seldom happens here. The eye-catching flowers, however, is reason enough to grow it.
An established plant can send up multiple vines. My tries to invade the nearby flower garden, sending up new growth throughout the summer.
It's easy to grow. If growing in an area with cold winters, like mine, protect the roots with an ample amount of mulch. Once established, adding winter insulation wasn't necessary.
May you have all the passion you desire!
Honeysuckle Major Wheeler
![1728309560888.jpeg]( "1728309560888.jpeg")
There are many types of honeysuckle. While some are shrubs, The best flowering one are vines. Perhaps the most floriforous of all is Major Wheeler.
It's a non-stop bloomer with flowers from spring to fall. It's a magnet for pollinators, especially hummingbirds. Pruning won't effect flowering, as it blooms from both new and old wood.
It's rather undemanding. It's easy to grow! It just needs to be positioned in full sun. Of course, a well-draining rich soil is preferred. They will also do best if the soil isn't allowed to dry completely. No soggy feet though!
Though deciduous here, in warmer areas it can be evergreen.
I love to walk under the arbor filled with these red and orange blooms!
![1728312844873.jpeg]( "1728312844873.jpeg")
There are many types of honeysuckle. While some are shrubs, The best flowering one are vines. Perhaps the most floriforous of all is Major Wheeler.
It's a non-stop bloomer with flowers from spring to fall. It's a magnet for pollinators, especially hummingbirds. Pruning won't effect flowering, as it blooms from both new and old wood.
It's rather undemanding. It's easy to grow! It just needs to be positioned in full sun. Of course, a well-draining rich soil is preferred. They will also do best if the soil isn't allowed to dry completely. No soggy feet though!
Though deciduous here, in warmer areas it can be evergreen.
I love to walk under the arbor filled with these red and orange blooms!
Moonflower (vine)
![1728361394005.jpeg]( "1728361394005.jpeg")
Here's a flower for night owls.
This relative to morning glories opens its blooms in the evening, instead of the A.M. The stunning large white flowers offer a sweet fragrance through the night long.
It grows quickly, even from seed, rambling up arbors and trellises. (In tropical regions, it's perennial; here we have to replant each spring.) Unfortunately it often doesn't bloom until late summer.
Grow them in full sun with average soil. Rich soils can deter flowering. Fertilize only with "Bloom Booster" formulation that are low in nitrogen.
It's great for a nighttime extravaganza and to help satiate your nocturnal green thumb needs.
Here's a flower for night owls.
This relative to morning glories opens its blooms in the evening, instead of the A.M. The stunning large white flowers offer a sweet fragrance through the night long.
It grows quickly, even from seed, rambling up arbors and trellises. (In tropical regions, it's perennial; here we have to replant each spring.) Unfortunately it often doesn't bloom until late summer.
Grow them in full sun with average soil. Rich soils can deter flowering. Fertilize only with "Bloom Booster" formulation that are low in nitrogen.
It's great for a nighttime extravaganza and to help satiate your nocturnal green thumb needs.
Moonflower (Datura)
![1728399291056.jpeg]( "1728399291056.jpeg")
When called a moonflower, it's easily confused with proceding vine. Datura isn't a vine. The plant produces vertically held long trumpet shaped flowers, affectionately earning it the name "Devil's Trumpet".
Like the vine, the flowers open at night and are quite aromatic. Though most commonly white, the flowers can be purple or yellow.
Give them plenty of sun but keep the soil on the drier side. In cold regions, roots can be stored through the winter like dahlias; however, they commonly will reseed, especially in ideal conditions.
It's a bold, exotic looking plant that will attract a lot of attention.
![1728399350786.jpeg]( "1728399350786.jpeg")
When called a moonflower, it's easily confused with proceding vine. Datura isn't a vine. The plant produces vertically held long trumpet shaped flowers, affectionately earning it the name "Devil's Trumpet".
Like the vine, the flowers open at night and are quite aromatic. Though most commonly white, the flowers can be purple or yellow.
Give them plenty of sun but keep the soil on the drier side. In cold regions, roots can be stored through the winter like dahlias; however, they commonly will reseed, especially in ideal conditions.
It's a bold, exotic looking plant that will attract a lot of attention.
Angel's Trumpet / Brugmansia
![1728401057286.jpeg]( "1728401057286.jpeg")
When using common names, things can get confusing. People often confuse angel's trumpets with devil's trumpets. Devils, living in hell, must point their instrument upwards; however, being heavenly, angels point in the opposite direction. Brugmansia, therefore, has flowers that all point downward.
In tropical areas, they can grow to become small trees. Here they are used as shrubby annuals, though they can be overwintered in dormancy.
Give them plenty of sun and offer fertilizer regularly to support the formation of masses of big bloom. We're talking really big with trumpets sometimes reaching a foot in length.
Here they're usually grown in containers, becoming a focal point of the patio.
![1728402220301.jpeg]( "1728402220301.jpeg")
![1728402278404.jpeg]( "1728402278404.jpeg")
![1728402397269.jpeg]( "1728402397269.jpeg")
When using common names, things can get confusing. People often confuse angel's trumpets with devil's trumpets. Devils, living in hell, must point their instrument upwards; however, being heavenly, angels point in the opposite direction. Brugmansia, therefore, has flowers that all point downward.
In tropical areas, they can grow to become small trees. Here they are used as shrubby annuals, though they can be overwintered in dormancy.
Give them plenty of sun and offer fertilizer regularly to support the formation of masses of big bloom. We're talking really big with trumpets sometimes reaching a foot in length.
Here they're usually grown in containers, becoming a focal point of the patio.
Seven Sons / Hepticodium
![1728504939563.jpeg]( "1728504939563.jpeg")
Trees that bloom at the end of summer are rare. Seven Sons is one such rarity. Mine starts flowering at the end of August. After the white blooms fade, the sepals swell and flush red. Though this flush aren't flowers, it looks like a second wave of blooms.
![1728505894758.jpeg]( "1728505894758.jpeg")
Besides the late flowering, the bark sheds paper like filaments, which adds interest to the garden. This is an especially useful element throughout the winter, when the garden tends to get rather bland.
![1728506649567.jpeg]( "1728506649567.jpeg")
Seven sons is native to China where is quite rare and it didn't enter cultivation until 1980. Often they are only available as small saplings. Fear not, this plant grows fast.
![1728508177372.jpeg]( "1728508177372.jpeg")
Why plant the usual when you can be distinct?
Trees that bloom at the end of summer are rare. Seven Sons is one such rarity. Mine starts flowering at the end of August. After the white blooms fade, the sepals swell and flush red. Though this flush aren't flowers, it looks like a second wave of blooms.
Besides the late flowering, the bark sheds paper like filaments, which adds interest to the garden. This is an especially useful element throughout the winter, when the garden tends to get rather bland.
Seven sons is native to China where is quite rare and it didn't enter cultivation until 1980. Often they are only available as small saplings. Fear not, this plant grows fast.
Why plant the usual when you can be distinct?
Japanese Painted Fern
![1728596717724.jpeg]( "1728596717724.jpeg")
Though they don't bloom, ferns are a great addition to shade gardens, giving beds a finished look. The texture adds a pleasing contrast, especially to large leafed plants. It also projects a woodsy feel.
While most ferns are green, painted ferns can also have striking burgundy, purple, and silver.
Many ferns require little care. This is particularly true for painted ferns. They are even tolerant of dry conditions, once fully established.
Painted ferns belong to the genera Athyrium, which is commonly referred to as lady ferns. It creates the impression they are female. They are not. Instead of producing gametes, these plants produce spores. Sometimes sexual labels can get confusing.
The botanists that first called them ladies knew they weren't female. It was to refer to the graceful, often lace-like, appearance of the fronds. Ferns with more geometric fronds were dubbed male. (These also are not sexual.)
Don't worry, if you end up having sex in the garden, ferns won't tell.
Though they don't bloom, ferns are a great addition to shade gardens, giving beds a finished look. The texture adds a pleasing contrast, especially to large leafed plants. It also projects a woodsy feel.
While most ferns are green, painted ferns can also have striking burgundy, purple, and silver.
Many ferns require little care. This is particularly true for painted ferns. They are even tolerant of dry conditions, once fully established.
Painted ferns belong to the genera Athyrium, which is commonly referred to as lady ferns. It creates the impression they are female. They are not. Instead of producing gametes, these plants produce spores. Sometimes sexual labels can get confusing.
The botanists that first called them ladies knew they weren't female. It was to refer to the graceful, often lace-like, appearance of the fronds. Ferns with more geometric fronds were dubbed male. (These also are not sexual.)
Don't worry, if you end up having sex in the garden, ferns won't tell.
Autumn Fern
![1728653880358.jpeg]( "1728653880358.jpeg")
While the previous fern list was a "lady", autumn fern is a gentleman. The more rigid and geometric elements in its fronds designate it as a "male" fern. (These garden plants aren't sexual, as they produce spores.)
While painted ferns adorn the shade garden in hues of burgundy, purple, and silver, autumn fern make fronds in yellows, orange, and bronze. As the frond ages, it gets greener.
Both types add charm and interest to the shade garden.
![1728654418875.jpeg]( "1728654418875.jpeg")
![1728654449489.jpeg]( "1728654449489.jpeg")
While the previous fern list was a "lady", autumn fern is a gentleman. The more rigid and geometric elements in its fronds designate it as a "male" fern. (These garden plants aren't sexual, as they produce spores.)
While painted ferns adorn the shade garden in hues of burgundy, purple, and silver, autumn fern make fronds in yellows, orange, and bronze. As the frond ages, it gets greener.
Both types add charm and interest to the shade garden.
Victoria Lady Fern
![1728674627331.jpeg]( "1728674627331.jpeg")
While fronds of most fern add a soft texture to the shade garden, this one ups the game. It's zigzag / crisscross formation adds a dimension of magnificence.
Being a lady fern, it is closely related to painted ferns and is considered the queen of ferns.
It's easy to care, being happy in most shady locations.
It's not your typical fern.
![1728689350284.jpeg]( "1728689350284.jpeg")
While fronds of most fern add a soft texture to the shade garden, this one ups the game. It's zigzag / crisscross formation adds a dimension of magnificence.
Being a lady fern, it is closely related to painted ferns and is considered the queen of ferns.
It's easy to care, being happy in most shady locations.
It's not your typical fern.
Chameleon Plant / Houttuynia
![1728764050904.jpeg]( "1728764050904.jpeg")
There are a lot of great plants to consider adding to the garden. This isn't one of them.
With its variegated heart-shaped leaves and durability, this would seem like a fantastic addition to brighten the yard. It's even sold regularly at nursery centers.
The problem lies in its invasive nature. Not only does it spread but it can seem virtually impossible to kill. While herbicides can wilt the foliage, the extensive network of roots will remain. It's tenacious and doesn't give up.
Only plant in areas where roots can be confined/controlled. The better option, of course, is to avoid adding it.
There are a lot of great plants to consider adding to the garden. This isn't one of them.
With its variegated heart-shaped leaves and durability, this would seem like a fantastic addition to brighten the yard. It's even sold regularly at nursery centers.
The problem lies in its invasive nature. Not only does it spread but it can seem virtually impossible to kill. While herbicides can wilt the foliage, the extensive network of roots will remain. It's tenacious and doesn't give up.
Only plant in areas where roots can be confined/controlled. The better option, of course, is to avoid adding it.
Hogyoku Japanese Maple
![1728827009392.jpeg]( "1728827009392.jpeg")
This is an atypical Japanese maple. While the majority have bright autumn color in blazing reds, this one is flashy in pumpkin orange. It's perfect for Halloween.
Another oddity lies in the leaf shape. A bulk of the varietirs have lace-like leaves. With some the leaf is virtually reduced to just filament veins. This one has broader, more standard leaves.
As far as Japanese maples go, it's tall, capable of reaching 20 feet. It can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.
![1728828329921.jpeg]( "1728828329921.jpeg")
Summer foliage is a pleasant green.
There are seemingly countless different varieties of Japanese maples. It can be difficult selecting just one.
This is an atypical Japanese maple. While the majority have bright autumn color in blazing reds, this one is flashy in pumpkin orange. It's perfect for Halloween.
Another oddity lies in the leaf shape. A bulk of the varietirs have lace-like leaves. With some the leaf is virtually reduced to just filament veins. This one has broader, more standard leaves.
As far as Japanese maples go, it's tall, capable of reaching 20 feet. It can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.
Summer foliage is a pleasant green.
There are seemingly countless different varieties of Japanese maples. It can be difficult selecting just one.
Hardy Begonia / Begonia grandis
![1728914321983.jpeg]( "1728914321983.jpeg")
When it comes to begonias, there are a many types to select. For those living in a cold climate (like me), there's one that is winter hardy. The rest are either fine annuals or houseplant candidates.
It's a fun addition to the shade garden.
Sure other begonias can be more elaborate and showy; however, this one can add charms for multiple seasons.
And it comes in white!
![1728915550900.jpeg]( "1728915550900.jpeg")
If speaking kindly to plants help them grow,
imagine what speaking kindly to humans can do!
When it comes to begonias, there are a many types to select. For those living in a cold climate (like me), there's one that is winter hardy. The rest are either fine annuals or houseplant candidates.
It's a fun addition to the shade garden.
Sure other begonias can be more elaborate and showy; however, this one can add charms for multiple seasons.
And it comes in white!
If speaking kindly to plants help them grow,
imagine what speaking kindly to humans can do!
Sourwood / Oxydendrum
![1728997755026.jpeg]( "1728997755026.jpeg")
This eastern United States native blooms in midsummer and is a prize for pollinators, especially bees. The flowers are reminiscent of lily-of-the-valley, which sometimes it is named after.
Being closely related to rhododendrons and blueberries, it does best if the soil is acidic, well-draining, and not dry. The roots are shallow and don't compete well; therefore, it's best not to plant flowers too close. Give it some space. Adding mulch will certainly be appreciated.
![1728999046465.jpeg]( "1728999046465.jpeg")
Though it provides appeal throughout the year, most are planted for autumn color. The glossy green leaves turn an amazing red.
![1728998674140.jpeg]( "1728998674140.jpeg")
This eastern United States native blooms in midsummer and is a prize for pollinators, especially bees. The flowers are reminiscent of lily-of-the-valley, which sometimes it is named after.
Being closely related to rhododendrons and blueberries, it does best if the soil is acidic, well-draining, and not dry. The roots are shallow and don't compete well; therefore, it's best not to plant flowers too close. Give it some space. Adding mulch will certainly be appreciated.
Though it provides appeal throughout the year, most are planted for autumn color. The glossy green leaves turn an amazing red.
Maidenhair / Ginkgo
![1729126435031.jpeg]( "1729126435031.jpeg")
Though sometimes overlooked, the maidenhair tree gets its name from the resemblance to a woman's pubic hair.
With fossil records dating back 270 million years, the species appears unchanged through the millennia. It coexisted with dinosaurs and watched birds and mammals form. It's essentially a living fossil.
(Yes, I know birds are technically dinosaurs.)
![1729127974012.jpeg]( "1729127974012.jpeg")
Though once thought extinct, today it can be found in most urban areas. These can be large specimens. For a garden, unless you have sufficient space, a myriad of dwarf varieties can be found. Some will max out at around 20 feet. Others might only attaun 12 feet. Some, like Troll, will only ever get a couple feet tall.
All have golden yellow fall color. They make raking easy, as all the leaves will basically drop on the same day. (My neighbor's maples drop leaves over a month long period, making the chore seemingly endless.)
![1729127562804.jpeg]( "1729127562804.jpeg")
This tree is a symbol of resilience, longevity, peace, and stability. Perhaps more importantly, it is the tree of hope. When a horrible atomic bomb destroyed Hiroshima in 1945, six ginkgo trees somehow managed to survive; therefore, the tree is now know as the bearer of hope.
Unlike in most trees, ginkgos are either male or female. Virtual all varieties in cultivation are males, so you needn't worry about fruit or seeds.
![1729129368749.jpeg]( "1729129368749.jpeg")
(Mariken, one of the many dwarf types)
If adding history to your yard isn't reason enough, maybe a woman's pubic line will.
Though sometimes overlooked, the maidenhair tree gets its name from the resemblance to a woman's pubic hair.
With fossil records dating back 270 million years, the species appears unchanged through the millennia. It coexisted with dinosaurs and watched birds and mammals form. It's essentially a living fossil.
(Yes, I know birds are technically dinosaurs.)
Though once thought extinct, today it can be found in most urban areas. These can be large specimens. For a garden, unless you have sufficient space, a myriad of dwarf varieties can be found. Some will max out at around 20 feet. Others might only attaun 12 feet. Some, like Troll, will only ever get a couple feet tall.
All have golden yellow fall color. They make raking easy, as all the leaves will basically drop on the same day. (My neighbor's maples drop leaves over a month long period, making the chore seemingly endless.)
This tree is a symbol of resilience, longevity, peace, and stability. Perhaps more importantly, it is the tree of hope. When a horrible atomic bomb destroyed Hiroshima in 1945, six ginkgo trees somehow managed to survive; therefore, the tree is now know as the bearer of hope.
Unlike in most trees, ginkgos are either male or female. Virtual all varieties in cultivation are males, so you needn't worry about fruit or seeds.
(Mariken, one of the many dwarf types)
If adding history to your yard isn't reason enough, maybe a woman's pubic line will.
Cornelian Cherry / Cornus mas
![1729213309472.jpeg]( "1729213309472.jpeg")
Despite the name, this is not a cherry. Oh sure, it looks like one and fruits like one; however, this is actually a type of dogwood.
In early spring the branches are covered in yellow blooms. Though the mass of cheery flowers is attractive, most are planted for the fruit, which comes in late summer. The edible berries resemble oblong cherries and are appreciated by wildlife.
![1729213893670.jpeg]( "1729213893670.jpeg")
According to legend, this tree deceived Satan. With sinister plans to spoil mankind's food the evil being walked through the land. Seeing it was the first to bloom in spring, he assumed it would be the first to bear fruit. He waited under the branches for ripening, determined to fool mankind by then taking all the food. The tree, however, turned the table by not ripening first, but last.
This can be a charming landscape addition, regardless of any possible subterfuge.
Despite the name, this is not a cherry. Oh sure, it looks like one and fruits like one; however, this is actually a type of dogwood.
In early spring the branches are covered in yellow blooms. Though the mass of cheery flowers is attractive, most are planted for the fruit, which comes in late summer. The edible berries resemble oblong cherries and are appreciated by wildlife.
According to legend, this tree deceived Satan. With sinister plans to spoil mankind's food the evil being walked through the land. Seeing it was the first to bloom in spring, he assumed it would be the first to bear fruit. He waited under the branches for ripening, determined to fool mankind by then taking all the food. The tree, however, turned the table by not ripening first, but last.
This can be a charming landscape addition, regardless of any possible subterfuge.
Serviceberry Tree
![1729461129807.jpeg]( "1729461129807.jpeg")
People take notice of this North American native mostly in early spring when it's covered in white flowers. The name, serviceberry, has a rather grim origin. The early white flowers marked the thawing of the soil. Grave spots that have waited through the winter could be dug. Service could be held and the bodies buried. (Life was rough for early settlers.)
Serviceberry is a collective of closely related species and their hybrids that are also called juneberry, shadbush, sarvis, saskatoon, and Amelanchier.
In early summer it produces berries that are on par with blueberries; however, they have a deeper tangier flavor and are even more nutritious. Wildlife relishes the banquet too.
With the arrival of autumn, the foliage becomes aflame in brilliant reds. It's a tree (or shrub) with a lot of potential.
![1729462929758.jpeg]( "1729462929758.jpeg")
People take notice of this North American native mostly in early spring when it's covered in white flowers. The name, serviceberry, has a rather grim origin. The early white flowers marked the thawing of the soil. Grave spots that have waited through the winter could be dug. Service could be held and the bodies buried. (Life was rough for early settlers.)
Serviceberry is a collective of closely related species and their hybrids that are also called juneberry, shadbush, sarvis, saskatoon, and Amelanchier.
In early summer it produces berries that are on par with blueberries; however, they have a deeper tangier flavor and are even more nutritious. Wildlife relishes the banquet too.
With the arrival of autumn, the foliage becomes aflame in brilliant reds. It's a tree (or shrub) with a lot of potential.
Pawpaw Tree / Asimina triloba
![1729555971531.jpeg]( "1729555971531.jpeg")
I reside on the northern border of the pawpaw's native range. While all closely related species are tropical, this is quite cold hardy.
It has large leaves reminiscent of magnolias and pleasant yellow autumn color. Despite the tropical flair, most are planted in hope of enjoying the fruit.
Pollination can be tricky. For fruiting, more than one flowering pawpaw is required. Two distinctly different trees are needs; they can't be clones. On top of that, the flowers are seemingly hard to pollinate.
The fruit is described as a blend between a banana and a mango with a hint of passion fruit. It certainly has a tropical flavor; however, if picked too early, it can be astringent.
![1729557414499.jpeg]( "1729557414499.jpeg")
I don't worry about the fruit. I planted pawpaws to help zebra swallowtails that require the tree as caterpillars.
![1729557880957.jpeg]( "1729557880957.jpeg")
I reside on the northern border of the pawpaw's native range. While all closely related species are tropical, this is quite cold hardy.
It has large leaves reminiscent of magnolias and pleasant yellow autumn color. Despite the tropical flair, most are planted in hope of enjoying the fruit.
Pollination can be tricky. For fruiting, more than one flowering pawpaw is required. Two distinctly different trees are needs; they can't be clones. On top of that, the flowers are seemingly hard to pollinate.
The fruit is described as a blend between a banana and a mango with a hint of passion fruit. It certainly has a tropical flavor; however, if picked too early, it can be astringent.
I don't worry about the fruit. I planted pawpaws to help zebra swallowtails that require the tree as caterpillars.
Hardy Banana / Musa bajoo
![1729638170767.png]( "1729638170767.png")
In preparation for winter, I prepared the bananas for the coming cold. Unlike tropical types, the hardy Banana can stay outside all year. In warmer areas they require less protection. Here, it gets mighty cold; therefore, every fall I cut them back, mulch them heavily, and cover the bed with a tarp (to help prevent them from being cold and soggy). In spring, they quickly rebound in warm weather.
Even in my northern garden, the summer can have a hint of the tropics with these fabulous plants.
They do need rich soil, as they are heavy feeders. In summer, especially in hot weather, they need a lot of water. It is quite easy to grow but will look best in areas protected from strong wind (which could fray the leaves).
Is that a banana in your garden or are you just excited to see me? No, it's a banana.
In preparation for winter, I prepared the bananas for the coming cold. Unlike tropical types, the hardy Banana can stay outside all year. In warmer areas they require less protection. Here, it gets mighty cold; therefore, every fall I cut them back, mulch them heavily, and cover the bed with a tarp (to help prevent them from being cold and soggy). In spring, they quickly rebound in warm weather.
Even in my northern garden, the summer can have a hint of the tropics with these fabulous plants.
They do need rich soil, as they are heavy feeders. In summer, especially in hot weather, they need a lot of water. It is quite easy to grow but will look best in areas protected from strong wind (which could fray the leaves).
Is that a banana in your garden or are you just excited to see me? No, it's a banana.
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