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Dogwood - Grey Twig
The Gray Dogwood, 'Cornus racemosa', is a deciduous shrub which typically occurs in moist or rocky ground along streams, ponds, wet meadows, glade and prairie margins, thickets and rocky bluffs. It grows 10-15' tall and features white flowers borne in terminal racemes (hence the species name of racemosa) in late spring and grayish-green, elliptic to lance-shaped leaves (2-4" long). Foliage turns an interesting dusky purplish red in fall. Terminal stems holding the flowers are distinctively red and provide interesting contrast to the clusters of small white berries which form after the flowers have dropped. Red stem color is more easily seen after the fruits are gone, and red color often persists into early winter. Excellent when planted in groups and left alone to spread in naturalized areas or native plant gardens. Also effective in shrub borders, along streams or ponds or near buildings or when planted as a screen. Can be particularly useful because of its ability to grow in poor soils. Easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of city air pollution. ... more information
Heavenly Bamboo The Heavenly Bamboo, Nadina domestica, is not a true bamboo but a upright 6-8’ high, semi-evergreen shrub that tends to slowly sucker at the base, forming colonies. New leaves are coppery to purplish-red, becoming blue green with age. When this plant is in full sun it usually assumes a reddish tint in winter (depending on environmental conditions). Perfect and pinkish in bud, finally white 8-15” long panicles appear in May-June, and will flower in heavy shade. Spectacular, round clusters of bright red berries ripen in the fall and persist into winter. Heavenly Bamboo is more showy that most hollies because fruit is not hidden by foliage. Careful pruning, as canes do not branch out and best to thin out old stems every year or head back old canes at varying lengths to produce a dense plant. Once established, they are very tough plants, thriving in sun, shade, moist or dry conditions. |
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