For:
By: Daniel E. Mullins
Extension Horticulture Agent
Fall is a Great Time of Year for the Observant Gardener
Watch for some
interesting changes in residential landscapes and natural areas over the next
couple of months. Though the
There are several species of deciduous trees and shrubs that consistently provide fall leaf color. Blackgum leaves begin turning from green to maroon in late August and early September, followed closely by native sumac with its red and orange color.
October and November brings the most leaf color. Plants to watch include hickory, Florida red maple, tulip poplar, sweetgum, dogwood, crape myrtle, bald cypress, pond cypress and oak leaf hydrangea.
The amount of fall leaf color that we see is greatly dependant upon weather conditions. Even though the plant species mentioned earlier have the genetic ability, the color is made more intense by gradually dropping temperatures and clear days.
Fall color is also provided by a number of perennial plant species. Goldenrod is one of our most consistent and long lasting bloomers. The woody goldenrod is well adapted to the deep sands along the coast. Inland, there is a taller growing species.
Goldenrod has an unfair reputation for causing many allergic reactions. It happens to bloom at the same time as ragweed, so that is evidently the reason that it has received negative publicity. I fear that many gardeners have missed enjoying this excellent, but misunderstood landscape plant.
Gingers begin showing off early in the fall and if well maintained, many of the Salvias continue to flower until frost. Cassia, especially the species known locally as the candelabra plant and butterfly cassia provide brilliant yellow fall color.
The Camellia sasanqua is an evergreen shrub that is a dependable fall bloomer. It is the most cold hardy of all the Camellias. Several cultivars are available and flower color choices include red, white and pink.
Question of the Week: I have dogwood trees that have been planted for ten years. Some flower sparsely and some have never flowered. What is the problem?
Answer: There are several possible reasons. With a few exceptions, most dogwoods are grown from seed. Seedling produced trees show many variables, including how early that they begin to flower. In other words, they still might not have reached a mature enough age to bloom.
Dogwoods
grown in shaded locations tend to grow well but flower much less than those
that receive sunlight. Also, if you have
been fertilizing the trees or the lawn near them, you could be keeping them in
an excessively lush vegetative stage.