Georgia Magazine - October 2016 - 42B

Gardens plant of the month Fall gardening is ideal Here are five shrubs and trees that make excellent cornerstones in your landscape and will benefit from being planted right now. 'Firepower' nandina How to plant shrubs and trees 1. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball. Freshly churned soil will make it easier for new roots to spread out. 2. Since Georgia's native red clay isn't ideal for new plants, always amend your soil with good planting compost, such as Pike Planting Mix. Mix one part natural soil and one part planting mix. Amending the soil breaks up the dense clay to allow for proper drainage and root development. 3. Next, place a small handful of E.B. Stone Sure Start fertilizer in the bottom of the hole and incorporate it into the soil. This all-organic starter fertilizer will prevent transplant shock and provide extra nutrients to boost growth. 4. Place the plant root ball in the hole and make sure the top of the root ball is 1 inch above ground level. Fill in with the soil mixture. Firmly tap soil to remove any air pockets. 5. Water the plant thoroughly. It's important that you keep your new shrub watered while it's establishing, even in cold weather. A long, deep watering builds a better root system and ensures a strong, healthy plant. 42B This is a compact shrub with dark-green, disease-resistant foliage that changes to dramatic burgundyred in cold weather. In the spring, clusters of pale-pink flowers fade to white, followed by small bluish-black fruit. Plant this evergreen in full to partial sun. 'Snowcap' Indian Hawthorne COURTESY PIKE NURSERIES ISTOCK.COM / CRISTIAN BAITG 'Snowcap' Indian Hawthorne 'August Beauty' gardenia Prolific large, fragrant white flowers bloom in spring, framed by lustrous, dark-green leaves. Plant near patios, walkways and entryways to fully enjoy these beauties. Gardenias also are a superb choice for cut flowers. Plant them in full to partial sun. 'Ruby' Loropetalum The young leaves on this evergreen shrub start ruby-red and transition to green for an eye-catching More online at www.georgiamagazine.org COURTESY PIKE NURSERIES This dwarf, evergreen, non-flowering shrub has purplish-green leaves that turn fiery red in fall and winter. It's an excellent accent in the winter landscape to offset other green foliage or deciduous plants. Plant nandinas in full sun to partial shade. 'Firepower' nandina 'August Beauty' gardenia COURTESY PIKE NURSERIES T he temperatures in autumn are less stressful for plants than in the summer, and the still-warm soil allows plant roots to continue growing. During winter, the tops of plants may stop growing, but because the ground rarely freezes in our region, the roots are still developing underground. By springtime, plants will have established deep, robust root systems and will be ready for prime foliage and flower production. Bonu conte s nt accent that contrasts well with other green shrubs. Fragrant, fringy pink flowers bloom in winter and spring. Plant Loropetalum in full sun. Fruit cocktail tree For gardeners who love a variety of fruits but may not have the space for a whole orchard, the fruit cocktail tree is a clever solution. Peaches, plums, nectarines and apricots all grow on one tree. The trees flower in the spring and fruit in the fall for enjoyment year after year. Plant fruit cocktail trees in full sun. Source: Pike Nurseries, pikenurseries.com GEORGIA MAGAZINE http://www.ISTOCK.COM http://www.pikenurseries.com http://www.georgiamagazine.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - October 2016