Comments on: Garden Designers Roundtable – Underused Plant(s)

By: Lynn Wilhelm

Lynn Wilhelm — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:55:17 +0000

oops, not bracts (or brachts!), calyces! That really amazed people as well, that the calyces were so gorgeous.

By: Lynn Wilhelm

Lynn Wilhelm — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:51:53 +0000

Love this plant. I got one at the JC Raulston Arboretum (before the Arb. gained that name). 15-20 years ago. I found it gangly, and apt to split when it grew larger. The key is careful training as you mention.

I used to cut stems for NC’s October state fair’s flower show. The pink brachts were perfect timing. People were amazed with the plant and had never seen it before. I usually won with this one. It took a long time for me to realize how special it was to get such unusual plants from the wonderful JCRA.

Sadly, the plant/garden I had then is gone, but several local growers have the plant now.

By: Germi

Germi — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 01:01:14 +0000

SOLD! That is a lovely tree! If only I had room – and if only clients in Los Angeles had patience with a little bit of awkwardness for a bit! They want their trees big, AND evergreen, AND litter-free. How sucky is THAT?
Thank you for introducing me to this tree – it is a stunner.
XOIvette!

That’s not just LA. You’ve described the two top ‘wants’ here too….evergreen, litter free and NO maintenance. Plastic? LOL!–s

By: Christina Salwitz

Christina Salwitz — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:07:40 +0000

Great choice though I have to admit my heart sank with guilt as soon as I saw your lovely pictures. I killed a very small 1 gallon size cutting that a friend gave me a couple of years ago. To think what it could be now!
Thank you for reminding me to try and track another one down.

It shouldn’t be too hard to track one down. One that’s more than a stick too. Let me know if you have trouble and I’ll help you source it.–s

By: Scott Hokunson

Scott Hokunson — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:53:07 +0000

I was very curiously waiting to read this post after seeing the specimen at our Tweetup this weekend. I am not familiar with Heptacodium, but have heard many mentions on ‘The Underground’, so after loving what I saw in John O’Brien’s garden, I knew you’d fill in the rest of the story on this beautiful tree. I, like Laura, (and I’m sure most designers do), view most plants and spaces with their potential in mind, so would not be turned away from a gangly, unremarkable juvenile. After all we were all gangly and unremarkable at some point right?

By: Michelle D.

Michelle D. — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 04:49:49 +0000

The specimen in the Arnold makes you want to go out and plant this tree immediately, but then most of the trees in the Arnold are awe inspiring.
I’ve never seen this tree outside of the Arnold , never mind in a California nursery.
I wonder how it does without cold dormancy ?

Most sources say Zone 9, but some put the limit at Zone 8 so I guess it’s a question. I have never been to the Arnold…it’s on my list!–s

By: how it grows

how it grows — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 02:21:26 +0000

I’ve never seen it before. I wonder if they have any at the area botanical gardens…

I will tell you that I have seen it at almost every botanical garden and arboretum I’ve been too so the possibility is pretty good…-s

By: rebecca Sweet

rebecca Sweet — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:04:32 +0000

I once had an instructor who drove his students by a particular home just to show them how unattractive the Azara tree was and why they should never plant them. I just about died. Like your Seven Sons, the Azara might look gangly when young, but give them what they need (and a little time) and they can grow up to be a beautiful, delicate small tree. You summed it up: right plant, right place = success!

I guess everyone has their plant preferences! Plants are often like people…small pretty ones can grow up to be monsters and the ugly ducklings can turn into swans.–s

By: gardenwalkgardentalk

gardenwalkgardentalk — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:01:56 +0000

I could not have pick a better contender for under use and infrequent installation. You are spot on. This tree is a winner in all seasons if properly trained when young. I too thought of Stewartia first with the lovely flowers, but that plant is probably used more frequently. I know that I am also one that specs it because my grower has them available.

Why thank you. I wanted to write about something unusual but still really, really useful from a garden design perspective. I’m lucky to be able to get it in a fairly large size also…–s

By: Robert Webber

Robert Webber — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:19:34 +0000

Perfect choice!
And I love those buds!
Best Wishes
Robert

I really tried to think about what plants I love but rarely see that could be really useful…so a big thank you for saying it was a perfect choice!–s