Re: [SG] Shrubs
- To: s*@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
- Subject: Re: [SG] Shrubs
- From: C* P* <E*@AOL.COM>
- Date: Thu, 26 Nov 1998 14:52:32 EST
In a message dated 11/26/98 8:48:17 AM Eastern Standard Time,
diehlr@INDIANA.EDU writes:
<< It never encounters any sun. A friend of mine says that all elderberries,
including the ornamental cultivars, are straggly and scraggly and not
worth planting, but I rather like the look of them. >>
The elderberries have brittle woodand can become leggy. If one is to have
lots of shrubs one must wield the pruning knife several times each year. I
remember "Hootowl Nursery" doing a long posting on sambucus quite a while
back. They had a superior assortment.
Bobbi, I cut these plants back with much enthusiasm and no loss of shape or
vigor.
A British custom is stooling vigorous or tender shrubs. The plant is treated
to very good planting conditions,more than adequate fertilizer and cut to the
ground in spring. Or, every other spring. The new foliage is soft and
attractive and will remain of a size to use in borders. Smoke bushes
(especially the purple cv's) are a subject as is sambucus. I also stool the
hydrangea paniculata. I cut back mercilessly, rosa glauca.
I like this year itea 'Little Henry', kerria variegata, kolkwitzia if you have
a large space for it,
spirea 'Neon Flash" (called speer-ee-a in the UK), and trying viburnums.
Exocordia is worth a try.
Another zone 4 friend is rhamnus 'Asplenifolia'. This plant mimics the form
and leaf of the forbidden Japanese maple. A catalog name is fern leaf
buckthorn. I first saw large specimens Asplenifolia at he New England Flower
Show. I have two in my garden growing and prospering while a couple of
Japanese maples grow at 1/2inch per year and look at though they will be
bonsaied by Mother Nature. This plant will take 1/2 dayshade.
Claire Peplowski
East Nassau, NY
12062
