Horticulture Report: Calycanthus ‘Venus’

Plant Name: Calycanthus ‘Venus’Calycanthus Venus
Common Name: Sweetshrub
Plant type: Deciduous shrub
Height: 8-10 ft
Spread:   5-7 ft
Bloom Time:  May to July
Flower Color:  White,  with purple & yellow centers
Exposure: Full Sun or Part Shade (tolerates being almost in full shade)
Soil Requirements: Rich well-drained loam, but tolerates clay soil
Water Needs: Medium moist
Attributes:Showy Magnolia-like fragrant flowers, Glossy green leaves, Fall color
Note: Prune out root suckers to prevent spreading
Uses:  Hedge, Accent or Specimen Plant, Foundation Plantings, Cut Flowers, Naturalizing
Native to: Hybridized patented plant by Dr. Tom Ranney, North Carolina State University
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9

 

 

 

(Available at Forest Farms Nursery, Williams Oregon)

Horticulture Report: Arbutus unedo ‘compacta’

arbutus-unedo-compactaPlant Name: Arbutus unedo ‘compacta’
Common Name:  Dwarf Strawberry Tree
Plant type: Evergreen Shrub
Height: 6-8 ft

Spread/Width: 5-6 ft
Bloom Time: Repeating Fall to late winter

Flower Color: White, bell-shaped
Exposure:  Part to Full sun

Soil Requirements: Lean, well-drained soil
Water Needs: Low – Drought tolerant once established
Attributes: Masses of white flowers, Dark glossy green foliage, Cinnamon-colored bark, Edible strawberry-like fruit, , Dwarf plant, Bird friendly

Note: Low maintenance
Uses:
Firewise plantings, Waterwise plantings, Privacy Screen, Specimen focal point, Wildlife gardens, Year-round interest, Informal hedge,  Butterfly gardens, Attracts Hummingbirds, Winter interest
Native to: Southern Europe and Ireland
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-9