Published: November 03, 2009 09:48 pm      

Shrubs for winter interest

One last comment on transplanting trees and shrubs—Water them. While soil amendments like peat and compost or high-nitrogen fertilizer aren’t recommended during the first two years after transplant, water is essential. Homeowners typically irrigate woody plants just after transplant and during the first spring, then stop. Help trees and shrubs during dry spells in their first and second summer and autumn seasons at a new location. Irrigate deeply around the plant’s base after any seven-day period with less than one inch of natural rainfall.

A short, subjective list of shrubs which supply winter interest and are suited to Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland Region follows. Some are proven winners in my own landscape. Others have been recommended by respected horticulture and landscape plant experts.

Nandina (Nandina domestica) also called heavenly bamboo, are broad-leaved evergreens. I have both taller (3-4’ high) Nandina which produce white flowers in summer followed by clusters of red berries and a shorter (2-2.5’) slow-growing dwarf variety known as ‘Firepower’ that does not have berries. Firepower’s multicolored chartreuse and red leaves are attractive throughout the winter months. Both are located in part sun foundation plantings. Two newer Nandina cultivars hardy in USDA zones 6-9 are ‘Gulf Stream’ and ‘Moonbay’. Moonbay grows to about two feet (height x width) with leaves which open copper-colored, become blue-green by summer, then turn red in autumn.

Aucuba ‘Rozannie’ is another broad-leaved evergreen shrub hardy in zones 6 to10. This compact beauty gets about 3 feet high and just as wide. Clusters of red berries look fabulous against the glossy dark green leaves. This selection likes dry shade or part shade.

Hollies come in both evergreen and deciduous forms. Ilex verticillata varieties ‘Winter Red’ and ‘Maryland Beauty’ drop their leaves in autumn but have dense clusters of red berries in wintertime. Stems may be cut for winter decoration. Winter Red forms an upright rounded shrub about 10 feet tall. Maryland Beauty is more compact at 5 feet high. Male pollinators and a sunny location are necessary for good berry production. Prune in winter. Flowers on new wood in springtime. Ilex x attenuate ‘Sunny Foster’ is evergreen with unusual variegated buttery-yellow and dark green leaves. The bright red berries show off well against the yellow leaves. Best foliage color and berries in full sun. Hardy only in warmer zone 6 sites.

Hinoki False Cypress’ (Chamaecyparis obtusa species) great foliage texture and color complexities puts it high on my evergreen conifer wish list. A pyramidal shape is most popular. As full-sized Hinoki Cypress can grow to 30 feet or more, dwarf varieties are preferred for a home landscape. Most Hinoki Cypress like morning sun with shade after noon but check light requirements for the specific cultivar before making a purchase. Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Crippsii’ is a slow grower that reaches 4-6’in height and 3-4’ in width. Crippsii has an upright form with bright gold-green, lacy foliage. Confusius leaves have golden tips while interior foliage is a darker green. The effect is a more sculptured look making gaps in the foliage appear deeply swirled because leaves in the middle of the plant are a darker color. Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Jean Iseli’ and Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘nana’ are petite (about 12 inches high) and globe-shaped with dark green foliage at the interior and lighter green leaf tips.

Plateau Gardening is written by Master Gardeners for those tending home landscapes and gardens in Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland Region. Contact UT Extension Cumberland County, P.O. Box 483, Crossville, TN 38557, (phone 931-484-6743) for quick answers to specific questions, free publications, or to learn about becoming a Master Gardener. Email comments or yard and garden inquiries to Master Gardener Rae, mgardenerrae@frontiernet.net.