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YARD AND GARDEN

Interesting long-term ornamentals

A couple of months ago, I went out on a limb and suggested five plants that would be good for just about everyone's landscape, and then listed two — oakleaf hydrangea and blueberries. Since then, I have received a whopping ONE request for the other three, and that was from someone who received a copy from her parents and lives out of state, which makes this magazine more nationally known.

David Robson
David Robson

Well, I can only assume the rest of you are waiting anxiously with bated breaths, and are asking yourself just when is he going to talk about the other three? Your prayers have been answered. You can breathe now.

First, let me say that my selection is based on the plant providing more than a single season worth of interest. In fact, my main criterion is a plant that looks good for four months out of the year. That eliminates most vegetables and flowers. You're really left with woody ornamentals.

And these are totally my selections. The results are based on years of experience coupled with good eyesight.

First, or — third depending on your count — is Climbing or Vining Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala sub. petiolaris). It definitely is a four-season plant.

A large percentage of professional horticulturists will rank this as the top-growing vine. Those who don't probably haven't seen it.

Leaves emerge in the spring, a glossy green, lightly serrated along the edges, and about the size of a silver dollar. During the first part of summer, the plant produces white lacecap flowers with a hint of fragrance. The flowers fade to a light pink and some will remain on the plant until the next spring.

Plants seem to take some time to get it into their sap that they are supposed to grow. However, once they get the urge, they are like a teenager and never let up. Plants can zoom up the trunk of tall oaks, over the side of a brick house or a trellis. Plants prefer to be somewhat shaded during the hot part of the day.

Fall color can be an orange-red, or a dull brown. It seems that if the red maples (another great plant but not in the top five) and sugar maples will be brilliant, then the climbing hydrangea will be also.

For winter interest, the bark exfoliates. You're left with peeling brownish-red cinnamon-colored stems, similar to Paperbark maple (top 10). When the snow gets caught between the peels, you want to whistle. However, its usually too cold.

Second (fourth) is the European beech (Fagus sylvatica). Don't get me wrong, the American beech is good, too, but just not as good in most soils as the European beech is. And, of course, we don't want to promote any type of American isolationism.

I'd go one step further and say the best European beeches are the ones with the red leaves, sometimes called Copper Beeches, though there are a large group of different named beeches with the purplish-tinged foliage.

So, that gives you some interest. You're not looking at a green plant all spring and summer. Or even the purplish color in fall. Fall color mutates to a golden red or bronze. Because the leaves are covered with a waxy layer, the fall color appears luminous.

Winter interest centers on the buds and bark. Buds are long, narrow, pointed and a reddish brown. What's more, they stand out against the sleek smooth gray bark. In fact, the bark with just a few ridges gives you the impression of an elephant's foot, though in a much larger and taller perspective.

You can get beechnuts off the tree, but don't try to make your own gum. It won't work. (Gosh, does that date us?) The nuts are interesting, and squirrels love them.

European beech prefers full sun and a well-drained soil. And like all deciduous trees, if planted on the south or west side of your house, it will help reduce your cooling bill during the summer and your heat bill during the winter.

Finally, plant #3 (5) is... Well, there's not enough space, so that's another time. Maybe if you're interested, I'll even list 5 more.

David Robson is an Extension Educator, Horticulture, at the Springfield Extension Center, University of Illinois Extension. You can write to Robson in care of Illinois Country Living, P.O. Box 3787, Springfield, IL 62708. Telephone: (217) 782-6515. E-Mail: robsond@mail.aces.uiuc.edu

16 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING MAY 2001


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