In eastern USA, the native eastern dogwood and its varieties are considered some of the best ornamental trees and, seeing them flowering in gardens and woods there in May, no one could disagree. C. florida is characterised by clusters of tiny flowers. In Cornus florida 'Cherokee Chief, the bracts are a bright ruby red. This lovely dogwood develops a pleasing conical shape, and is about 20ft with a 25ft spread when mature. In autumn it has impact, as the twisted, oval leaves become a glorious array of reds and purples. Dogwoods do not fare well on shallow chalk soils and should be grown in fertile, humus rich, well drained, neutral or acid soil in sun or part shade.
Propagation: Root greenwood cuttings in summer. |
There is an enormous elderly laburnum in our garden and for about a week in late May it is like a vast golden waterfall that makes visitors gasp with delight. Laburnums are members of the pea family and Laburnum x watereri Vossii' is an excellent variety that grows into a small spreading tree, seldom reaching more than 25ft by 25ft, and so is a good specimen tree or pergola subject for smaller gardens. It flowers freely with spectacular racemes of golden yellow, pea-like flowers. Its leaves are dark green with a glossy sheen. Laburnums are easy to grow in most kinds of soil but ideally they should be planted in moderately fertile, well drained soil in full sun. If pruning is necessary, it should be in late summer.
Propagation: Graft in winter. Bud in summer. |
Strictly speaking, Robinia hispida is a shrub and not a tree. But, if this pretty American suckering plant is grafted on to Robinia pseudoacada it grows into an enchanting small deciduous tree. With pretty light rose pink flower racemes appearing in late spring and early summer and bristly brown seed pods, it is interesting over a long period. It is worthy of a place in a small garden, although it is brittle and easily damaged by wind. A sheltered position, such as in front of a sunny wall, suits it perfectly. R. hispida will tolerate poor dry soils, but prefers moderately fertile, moist but well drained soil in full sun.
Propagation: Sow in containers in a cold frame in autumn. Insert root cuttings in winter. Graft in winter. |
