Skip to main content

Featured

Winter Rose Care & Pruning

Although major rose pruning is not done until late February into early March, there are a few things I do to get roses settled in for the winter. First, I wait until the first frost has occurred before I do anything. That happened on December 1 this year, a little later than normal. If you do any pruning prior to that, new growth will be encouraged, and it will just be nipped later. I will then do minimal pruning, about 1/3 of the plant or to about waist-high. It does not matter how you make the cuts. More precise pruning will be done in late winter. Giving roses a slight pruning at this time will decrease the damage from strong winter winds. Roses are not deeply rooted, and any long canes can spell trouble. Pick off any remaining leaves, if possible. I know that can be a big job if there are still many leaves left on the plant but you don't want leaves, especially diseased leaves, left to fall and harbor spores for next season. Clean the area around the base of the rose. Rake out ...
Post a Comment
Read more
Labels

Alabama Snow Wreath


{{{This post was written for my website A Southern Garden}}}

This shrub is blooming beautifully in my garden today!

Alabama Snow Wreath
(Neviusia alabamensis)

Native to the southeastern U.S.
Mature Height: 3-6 ft.
Growth Rate: Moderate
Soil: Moist, well-drained, not picky
Light Requirements: Sun/partial shade
Foliage: 1" - 2" long medium green leaves, deciduous, alternate with sharp-toothed margins
Flower/Fruit: White protruding stamens in early spring
Hardy to Zone 4

Discovered in 1857 by Reverend Reuben Denton Nevius on a bluff above the Black Warrior River near Tuscaloosa, this is a rare shrub not often seen in nurseries or gardens. I obtained mine from a local nursery that specializes in native plants but it can also be purchased at Forest Farm (www.forestfarm.com).

The shrub forms arching branches that eventually form a rounded mound. The flowers (which are actually stamens) appear very early, as soon as other plants are leafing out. They resemble a spirea or maybe a loropetalum in appearance. I have mine growing underneath a yoshino cherry tree where it receives dappled shade. It has bloomed reliably but never densely (more profuse bloom would probably be achieved with more sun). I have been told that the shrub can sucker in rich, moist soils but so far, this has not been a problem.

After blooming, the shrub is fairly nondescript and there is no fall color. Alabama Snow Wreath would be right at home in a woodland garden or in a border mixed with other early spring-flowering shrubs.
Email Post
Labels:

Comments

  1. GailMarch 26, 2008 at 5:38 AM

    Phillip,
    It's a beautiful flowering shrub that I have admired in my gardening books...does it have any fragrance?

    Gail

    ReplyDelete
  2. CanadianGardenJoyMarch 26, 2008 at 8:39 AM

    This flower reminds me of my Virgin's Bower one .. nice !
    Joy

    ReplyDelete
  3. Phillip OliverMarch 26, 2008 at 5:09 PM

    Gail, sadly there is no fragrance.

    Thanks Joy!

    ReplyDelete
  4. WayneMarch 27, 2008 at 2:36 AM

    The folers remind me of a fothergilla that i have. The leaves look simular also.

    ReplyDelete
  5. WayneMarch 27, 2008 at 2:38 AM

    I meant flowers. I need to proof read before I hit the button.

    ReplyDelete
  6. RuralityMarch 27, 2008 at 7:34 PM

    Oh nice one! I have read about this plant but haven't ever seen one.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousApril 18, 2008 at 9:52 AM

    Thanks for the information. I purchased two of these at a plant sale yesterday because we love to add native plants to our garden, but no one I talked to could tell me anything about them. This is just what I needed. Your garden is beautiful!

    Emily

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousApril 12, 2012 at 7:29 PM

    Do you know an online site where I can purchase it? I garden in northern Delaware.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts