Three more gardens from the Friday tour - Marina Wynton and Mike Pajunas Erin & Brian Ray Elizabeth Miller Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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.
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!
Phillip,
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful flowering shrub that I have admired in my gardening books...does it have any fragrance?
Gail
This flower reminds me of my Virgin's Bower one .. nice !
ReplyDeleteJoy
Gail, sadly there is no fragrance.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joy!
The folers remind me of a fothergilla that i have. The leaves look simular also.
ReplyDeleteI meant flowers. I need to proof read before I hit the button.
ReplyDeleteOh nice one! I have read about this plant but haven't ever seen one.
ReplyDeleteThanks 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!
ReplyDeleteEmily
Do you know an online site where I can purchase it? I garden in northern Delaware.
ReplyDelete