Now Blooming Week of May 7th Andromeda 'Cavatine' Andromeda 'Dorothy Wyckoff' ' Andromeda 'Valley Rose' Rhododendron Coral Pink
Azalea Tradition Azalea Hino Crimson Azalea 'Hot Shot' Azalea 'Girard's Rose Azalea Johanna Dogwood 'Stellar Pink
Lilac Bloomerang Lilac Tradition Lilac Ludwig Spaeth Kerria, Plentiflora Magnolia Jane Crabapple, Coral Burst
Magnolia Butterflies Magnolia Galaxy Rhododendron Coral Pink Rhododendron Silver Snow Cherokee Brave Dogwood Amelanchier Serviceberry 'Autumn Brilliance
Cherry Autumnalis Deutzia, Yuki Cherry Blossom Redbud, Alley Cat Quince Scarlet Storm Pear, Cleveland Select New Arrivals: Lilacs Hydrangeas Creeping Hydrangea Clematis Roses Grey Owl Juniper Sea Green Juniper Dicentra Bleeding Heart Hangers for Mothers Day 4 Annuals
Blooming Soon: Lilac 'Miss Kim Lilac Palibin' Rhododendron 'Checkmate' Rhododendron 'Purple Gem' Rhododendron, Nova Zambia Deutzia, Yaki Snowflake
Japanese Umbrella Pine (Siadopitys verticillate) This week s plant with interest is the Japanese Umbrella Pine. Umbrella Pines are small, strikingly beautiful trees the never fail to draw attention. Called koya-maki in Japan, the tree is one of Japan s five sacred trees. These richly textured conifers grow slowly, and it takes a long time to grow a sapling large enough to install in a landscape. In the landscape, it can take 100 years for a sapling to reach mature size, 25 feet. Despite the extra expense and slow growth, these trees are worth the effort. The tree is unusual. It is often associated with Buddhism in the Kyoto Prefecture. Centuries ago Japanese Umbrella Pine trees were at the center of worship in Kyoto temples and became a part of Buddhist prayers. Legends associated with the trees in Japan include the believe that women who stroke the whorles of the wood will conceive healthy children. In Mt. Kiso, Japan, residents set koyamaki branches on the graves of their loved ones in order to lead the spirits back to the land of the living. Umbella Pines are not true pine trees. They are so unique that they are the only members of their family and genus. In person you will notice the unusual texture. The shiny, dark green needles are 2-5 inches long and grow in whorls around the branches, and almost feel plastic like. They are generally spire shaped with a few cultivars that take on a more rounded form. The branches on young trees grow straight out, giving a rigid appearance. As the tree ages, the branches became more pendulous and graceful. The ornamental reddish or orange bark shreds in long strips, adding to the exotic appeal. Once the tree matures, it sets cones that are 2 4 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. They start green and mature to brown. Japanese Umbrella Pines thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5-8A. It is exceptionally easy to grow and care for Japanese Umbrella Pines. They grow to 25 feet tall and 12 feet wide. Care of Umbrella trees begins with site selection and preparation. The tree tolerates almost any exposure and can thrive in sun, partial sun and partial shade. It does best in moderate or full sun. Provide a sheltered site with protection from strong winds. Umbrella pines need organically rich soil that manages moisture well. Work in a thick layer of compost into the soil before planting. The roots will spread to 20 ft. so composting will need to eventually be spread that far. Umbrella Pines do not thrive in heavy clay and alkaline soils. Keep the soil evenly moist through out the tree s life. Water weekly during droughts. Organic mulch will help the soil hold moisture and keep down the weeds that compete for moisture and nutrients. There are few pests or diseases that cause problems for this tree.