Garden Heights Features...
Chokeberry, Fothergilla, Virginia Sweet-Spire
& Witch Hazel
Spring 2004
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Chokeberry
The Red Chockecherry, Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima', cultivar is a deciduous shrub which typically grows slowly to 6-8' tall and is perhaps most noted for its attractive glossy red berries and red fall foliage color. Clusters of white to pinkish flowers appear in spring. Flowers are followed by abundant glossy red fruits (3/8" diameter) which appear in dense clusters along the branches. Fruits ripen in late summer and persist throughout fall and well into winter. Glossy, dark green turns bright red in autumn.
'Brilliantissima' primarily differs from the species by being more compact, producing more lustrous |
foliage with superior red fall color and producing larger, glossier and more abundant fruit. Common name is in reference to the tart and bitter berries. which are so astringent they cause choking in those who try to eat them. The ability to withstand wet conditions makes it suitable for growing on the margins of ponds or streams. Also effective in naturalized areas where its suckering, colonial growth habit does not need to be restrained. Easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Wide range of soil tolerance including boggy soils. Best fruit production usually occurs in full sun.
Group or mass in shrub borders or woodland areas. Ability to withstand wet conditions makes it suitable for growing on the margins of ponds or streams. Also effective in naturalized areas where its suckering, colonial growth habit does not need to be restrained.
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Fothergilla
This slow growing deciduous shrub has year round interest. It grows from five to six feet tall and wide and will take full sun to part shade.
In the spring this shrub has honey-scented, white bottle brush-like flowers that appear before its lush blue green summer foliage. In the fall, the foliage will turn to a striking yellow and orange.
The Fothergilla makes a beautiful addition to shrub borders or for background in semi-shaded borders. This deciduous shrub makes an elegant choice for foundation planting. It is a superior woodland plant for naturalizing.
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Virginia Sweet-Spire (Itea Virginica)
The Virginia Sweet-Spire is a long-lived and relatively trouble-free shrub. In the spring they have long, creamy-white long lasting blooms. In the fall the foliage turns to a brilliant red. They flower best in full sun, but do well in part shade.
One cultivar, ‘Henry’s Garnet,’ sports flowers up to 6 inches long and boasts excellent fall color. ‘Little Henry’ is a trademarked cultivar that creates a 3-4’ mound with smaller flowers.
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This shrub prefers a loose, organic soil and plenty of mulch.The Sweet-Spire is relatively drought resistant once it is established. Pruning should be done after bloom as the flowers are produced on old wood.
In full sun, the Virginia Sweet-Spire is spectacular when massed. Can be used as part of an informal hedge, mixed borders or a woodland screen.
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Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel is easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soils. They grow in full sun to part shade, but will flower best in full sun. They prefers moist, acidic, organically rich soils but will tolerate heavy clay soils. Very little pruning is required.
Common witch hazel is a fall-blooming, deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to woodlands, forest margins and stream banks in eastern North America. It typically grows 15-20’ tall.Stem-hugging clusters of fragrant bright yellow flowers, each with four crinkly, ribbon-shaped petals, appear along the branches from October to December, usually after leaf drop but sometimes at the time of fall color.
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Flowers may be tinged with orange and/or red. Fertilized flowers will form fruit over a long period extending through winter and into the following growing season. Fruits are greenish seed capsules that become woody with age and mature to light brown. This is usually the last flowering plant to bloom in Missouri each year.
Use for shrub borders, woodland gardens, screen or tall hedge.
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1605 South Big Bend Blvd
Richmond Heights, Missouri 63117
314-645-SEED • fax-314-645-0121
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