Trees And Shrubs Gardening Information

Buxus Sempervirens European box, common box

The Buxus sempervirens takes its time and needs many years to grow into a handsome shrub. It is worth the wait, though, because the evergreen European box is one of the most versatile, well-loved garden plants around. One of its most popular features is its small, egg-shaped, leathery leaves and its adaptability, because it can easily be clipped into any artificial shape or size desired. Although its yellowish, sometimes greenish, clusters of small fragrant flowers are fairly inconspicuous, they still attract swarms of bugs. Thanks to its tolerance of clipping, it can be used multifariously in both formal and natural planting—either as a hedge or to edge a bed, as evergreen background planting for roses and shrubs or as a figurative artistic shape standing alone for striking effect. Also worth mentioning is its tremendous adaptability to different positions, provided the soil is rich in humus and well drained. Take care: all plant parts, particularly the bark and leaves, are extremely poisonous.

Callistemon Citrinus Crimson bottlebrush

This shrub takes its name from its profusion of spectacular, blazing, crimson-red flowers. Apart from its blossom—the second blossom in late summer is not quite as lavish—the tough, evergreen leaves add to its beauty. It is happy in full sun and moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It is only suitable for yards in frost-free regions and can be cultivated to some extent as a container plant.

Calamagrostis X Acutiflora "Karl Forster" Feather reed grass

This masterpiece of a grass with its richly- blooming, feathery-flowering panicles is a wonderful eye-catcher when planted in borders between low shrubs and perennials. It is also the ideal choice for planting in open spaces in wild gardens. "Karl Forster" is absolutely beautiful in the fall when its blossoms and stems take on a warm ruddy to tan glow. This striking grass makes an attractive guest in the yard until long into winter. Wait till spring to cut back the flowering stems, as they remain extremely decorative, otherwise further maintenance is unnecessary. This luxuriant grass prefers sun or light shade with moist, humus-rich soil. Propagate this generous all-rounder in spring by division. Grows in compact clumps so it is unlikely to spread. Tip: the flowers last well in dried arrangements.