Holly

Often times when we think of a holly plant, we think of the common evergreen English Holly, Ilex aquifolium which is sometimes considered an invasive weed.  However, there are many different types of holly plants that grow very well here and are not well known.  Thanks to my guest (December 29) Sean Hogan, we learn about some varieties that deserve to be better known.  One often surprising fact for many is that holly plants are not necessarily evergreen.  There are some deciduous types and these can provide some wonderful winter color with their bare branches covered with red berries.  Another surprising fact is that not all holly plants have red berries.  They can be various shades of red, orange, white and yellow.  Many varieties of holly need both a male and female plant to produce fruit so keep that in mind when buying one.  The holly shown in the photo is Ilex verticillata (Winterberry Holly) and it does need a male pollinator.

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Hellebore 'Jacob'

Hellebores have often been discussed on my program and one in particular called 'Jacob' has been mentioned multiple times.  The multiple mentions are probably because it is now in bloom in local garden centers.  This Hellebore is one of the earliest blooming types and the white flowers occur on strong stems.  As the flower ages, a pink blush appears.  Hellebores grow very well here in the Pacific Northwest and are ideal plants to use as a ground cover under trees.  In my garden, I have found they do best with some shade particularly from the hot afternoon summer sun.  Hellebore 'Jacob' would make an excellent container plant by the entry way to a house and after the bloom is over, it can be planted outside in a permanent location.  Hellebores are easy care plants and one of the few plants I know that actually are deer resistant.  Hellebore 'Jacob' would make an ideal host/hostess gift for the holidays and an great New Years Eve gift. 

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Crabapple 'Red Jewel'

If you are looking for a small tree with bright red fruits that sparkle almost half the year, 'Red Jewel' crabapple would be one to check.  This crabapple is one of the most profuse and persistent as to its ability to hold fruit.  During mild winters, the fruits last until spring when the trees then burst into bloom with masses of bright white flowers.  'Red Jewel' tends to grow in an upright pyramidal form and will grow to a height of about 15 feet with a spread of about 12 feet.  It is a disease resistant crabapple and performs very well in our area.  Perhaps this is a crabapple that birds do not particularly enjoy the fruits as most other varieties have lost their fruit long ago.  Plant 'Red Jewel' in a full sun location and place it so you can enjoy the winter fruits.

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Trumpet's Last Blast

Jim and Kathy Snodgrass sent me this photo of their Angel's Trumpet (Brugmansia) which they have had for five years.  It was a small rooted cutting when they purchased it and each year in the past, they moved it into their garage during the winter.  It has survived and thrived but due to them moving to a new house, they have no space to put it.  Also, it is so heavy that it is difficult to move.  This particular Brugmansia is called 'Dr. Seuss' and Jim and Kathy sent me this photo after our recent dusting of snow.  The plant is in all its' glory in full bloom as though it wanted to give one grand finale.  Especially being in a pot, it is doubtful that it will survive the winter but Jim and Kathy can look back with many nice memories of the bloom 'Dr. Seuss' provided.  Their title is appropriate, 'Trumpet's Last Blast'.

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