Anytime

The Oakleaf Hydrangea(Hydrangea Quercifolia) is truly a plant for all seasons. Native to portions of the southeastern United States it gets it's common name from the almost red oak like leaves that grace its branches.. It is a beautiful shrub at anytime of the year. I first noticed the Oakleaf Hydrangea growing up on my families nursery. I have always had a fondness for plants that shine in the fall and winter, and we need more of that to get us through some of those drab days. With the best burgundy fall color of arguably any shrub on its distinctive leaves it gives a boldness that lasts long into winter. Another winter interest of the plant which is special to me is the peeling bark of older plants that is reminds one of of River Birch. Not a slack for blooms either they are a glorious white and on some plants and cultivars nearly a foot long. And, for those who love to dry flowers this is one of the best. It is an easy plant to grow although in most locations it needs some shade especially in the south. It is cultivated well north of its native range these days and is a great ambassador of southern hospitality. While I love its fall and winter appeal the picture is of a specimen I planted this past year while in bloom. One interesting herbal curiosity of the plant is that it along with some of its cousins is that its roots contain compounds that help treat kidney stones!This I have not tried but must remember the next time I am rolling on the ground in agony from one of those things. It seems this part of North Carolina is famous for the pain and torture kidney stones can inflict. But whatever time of year the Oakleaf Hydrangea will grace your landscape with class and interest.

Purple Pizazz The American Beautyberry

Up until a couple years ago I completely neglected the American Beautyberry. I am an avid wildlife conservationist especially for our Bobwhite Quail. When thinking of native plants with berries my attention has always been turned to Hollies. But when you look at the perfect shrub for attracting birds of all kinds that is also beautiful and very hardy(winter hardy to at least zone 7 maybe farther north), very dought tolerant once established you should look no farther than Callicarpa Americana. It is a native deciduous shrub which has tiny lavender blooms in the summer with usual loads of pinkish-lavender-purple berries in autumn that last for beauty and food for wildlife through mid winter. It can reach heights of 8to 10 feet but generally in our area 6to 7 seems to be tops behaving much like forsythia but on a slightly smaller scale. Other imortant attributes of this plant are that researchers at the University of Mississippi have proven the old wives tales that chemicals in the beautyberries leaves when crushed and rubbed on the skin work as a mosquito repellent. The berries can also be used to make a tasty jam. I can think of no other native shrub to the south that has so much to offer, good fall leaf and berry color, beneficial to wildlife and man alike. To those who don't like purple there is a white berried form. Plant them in early spring so they will get a good foot hold and put on a show this fall.