#stemcolour

Plant of the Day

Wednesday 23 January 2019

The suckering, deciduous shrub Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' (red osier dogwood, red twig dogwood) forms thickets of yellow-orange stems with red tips, which produce the strongest colours in the winter. Here the stems contrast with the Miscanthus in the background and the Helleborus used as groundcover.

Plant of the Day

Tuesday 22 January 2019

The young purple stems of Salix irrorata (blue-stem willow) develop a striking white bloom in winter with grey catkins with red anthers in early spring. Just before bud burst these stems will be cut back to the main stem (leg) to allow new shoots to develop in the coming season to provide the best display for next winter, this pruning process is known as stooling.

Plant of the Day

Wednesday 27 December 2017

Winter warmth is supplied by the colour of the new growth of Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire' (dogwood) and in the foreground the strong form of the stems of Rhus typhina (stag's horn sumach) and a topiary Taxus baccata (yew). 

Plant of the Day

Tuesday 2 January 2018

At the RHS Hyde Hall Garden the winter stem display of Salix daphnoides ‘Aglaia’ (violet willow) have been used to create some abstract ephemeral art for the winter garden. In the spring, prior to bud burst, the stems can be pruned and composted. The new growth has the strongest colouring for the next winter display.

Plant of the Day

Friday 29 December 2017

The dramatic flared stems of Euonymus alatus 'Blade Runner' (winged spindle tree) is a recent cultivar that reliably develops distinct corky winged blades running the length of the branches. It is a vigorous deciduous shrub, at first upright then spreading, and in the autumn produces a bright red display of foliage. 

Plant of the Day

Saturday 6 January 2018

The shaping of this Salix alba var. vitellina 'Britzensis' (scarlet willow, coral bark willow) growth is temporary for the winter season. This cultivar of willow has been aptly described as “a wonderful firecracker in the winter garden”. The new shoots are the most colourful and are promoted by coppicing or pollarding - that is cutting back the entire crown each spring prior to bud burst. This also retains the crown size of this vigorous deciduous tree. 

Plant of the Day Thursday 4 January 2018

Here the young dark purple shoots of Salix daphnoides green form (violet willow) have been tied together for a winter show. In early spring silky, grey catkins up to 4cm long will appear. The tied growth will be pruned before bud burst to promote now shoots that will have the best stem colour for the next winter display.

Plant of the Day

Saturday 9 December 2017

The arching orange-red bristles on the stems of Rubus phoenicolasius (Japanese wineberry, Japanese climbing bramble) catch the winter sunshine. This deciduous rambler has pale green leaves with white undersides, turning yellow in autumn. The small, white flowers appear in the summer and are followed by dense clusters of shiny, orange-red berries. It grows in most locations but does best in a sunny position with a moist well drained, fertile soil. The old canes (stems) can be cut to the ground after fruiting.