Evergreens-A through B

When we enter the world of evergreens we find there is almost no part of this vast country of ours where they cannot be grown. From the tender Gardenia that blossoms in the genial warmth of a Louisiana garden, to the sturdy Spruces of Alaska, and the Junipers, Pines, and other stalwart conifers that grow into Maine and Canada, these woody ornamentals abound. From the climatic extremes of the Deep South to the far northern gardens of the United States and Canada, there are countless evergreens that are well adapted to the varying degrees of cold and warmth in the different parts of the country.

In city yards, in suburban areas, and in the modest gardens along the country lanes, there is hardly a place to be found without its evergreen. This may be a cherished bush of Holly, a fine specimen of Yew, a noble Pine tree, or a luxuriant planting of Periwinkle, rambling at will along a bank and clothing it with its glossy verdure.
In the pages that follow you will find a guide to this fascinating realm of evergreens. The most important of these are discussed individually to help you select those best suited to your climatic conditions and landscape needs.

ABELIA. Fragrance in the garden has a lure of its own, and Abelia can be counted on to contribute this lovely quality in full measure. Planted each side of a doorway, or close to a window, the sweet scent of its many blossoms will be wafted indoors with the warm summer breezes. The flowers commence to appear in late June or July, and literally cover the branches with their delicate, pale pink blooms. The flowering period is an extended one, and usually continues into October—or even November— if the weather is not too forbidding.

Abelia grandiflora, Zone 5, Glossy Abelia, is a semi-evergreen shrub, and reaches a height of about 5 feet. Its graceful, compact habit of growth qualifies it for wide use in home garden plantings. It lends itself admirably for use along the foundation of the house, for accent purposes, or as a specimen on restricted lawns; it is also adapted for informal hedge work.

Abelia will grow in sun or partial shade, but it requires a well-drained location. Leaf mold or peat moss incorporated in the soil will provide especially congenial conditions for its growth. One of the assets of this plant is its relative immunity to insect pests. Pruning should be done before growth starts in spring, otherwise the flowering effect will be sacri­ficed, since this bush blooms on wood of the current season's growth. Abelia grandiflora is a hybrid; therefore it will not come true to type unless it is propagated asexually; however, it is easily increased from cuttings taken during the summer or fall.

Photo: Paul E. Genereux
An enjoyable recreation area developed for complete privacy.
In the mixed border its dainty foliage gives sharp contrast when used in combination with larger leaved evergreens.

A. grandiflora, "Edward Goucher," is a hybrid; it is more compact and lower-growing than the type, and bears large lavender-pink flowers. Another desirable form is Sherwoodi which only grows to about 3 feet in height; its blooms and leaves are smaller than those of A. grandiflora.

A.floribunda, Zone 8, Mexican Abelia, is an ornamental evergreen for southern gardens. It reaches a height of 6 feet, and produces large pendulous bright rose flowers.

ABIES, Fir. There are various species and varieties of this coniferous evergreen that are available for the planting scheme. Firs are very distinc­tive, handsome trees in their youth, but with advancing years their lower limbs are apt to be lost, unless growing conditions are unusually favorable; because of this habit their chief landscape value is for background plant­ings rather than as lawn specimens. Firs thrive in moist but well-drained soil, and in climates that are cool and humid. In the warmer regions insect pests and red spider mites are apt to give trouble. The cones of this tree are of real interest in their color, which ranges from blue to purple, violet, reddish-brown or green; unfortunately the cones are not produced every year. Unlike those of the Spruce, which are pendant, the cones of the Firs are borne in an upright position. The species can be propagated by seed, whereas the varieties are best increased by grafting.

A. cephalonica, Zone 5, Greek Fir, is another desirable kind because of its dense, low-branching habit; it thrives especially well in a location where it is shielded from the winter sun. The ultimate height is 90 feet.

A. concolor, Zone 4, White Fir. This Fir attains a height of 120 feet, and is one of the best species for garden use. It is drought and heat resistant, and stands low temperatures with fortitude. The bluish color of the needles gives a pleasing contrast in the planting scheme; the young needles of some of the varieties are tinted yellow or golden; the variety conica is a dwarf grower. If given a fertile soil and an adequate mulch, the White Fir should retain its lower branches, therefore under suitable growing conditions this species should make a good specimen.

A.firma, Zone 5, Momi Fir, is a stiff tree but dense in its growth.
A. homolepis, Zone 4, Nikko Fir, is a handsome species in locations where it stands alone and can develop freely. For landscape purposes its rich green color, inherent strength, and symmetrical habit of growth contribute to its popularity.

A. nordmanniana, Nordmann Fir, is an unusually fine tree with rich green foliage. It develops into a gorgeous lawn specimen in the Philadelphia area, but in the colder parts of the country it has a tendency to lose some of its needles; this detracts from the luxuriant, dense effect which is its chief asset. This condition can sometimes be helped by planting it in a location that is sheltered from the winds and the winter sun.

Other species of Fir which are of interest include A. koreana, Zone 5, Korean Fir, A. þinsapo, Zone 6, Spanish Fir, and A. veitchi, Zone 3, Veitch Fir.

ACACIA. This beautiful evergreen with its light, feathery foliage and myriads of blooms, is successfully cultivated outdoors in gardens where the temperature does not fall below 15 to 20° F.; the exact temperature varies with the species. Acacias are rapid growers, and excellent for new home owners who desire a quick screen; however, their disadvantage is that they are short-lived trees which reach maturity at the age of about 30 years, after which time they commence to fail. This need not be too disturbing, since Acacias are easy to raise from cuttings. This plant thrives in well-drained, moist, rich soil to which some leaf mold has been added. A sunny situation is another requisite in its culture. Acacias are heavy feeders and require ample fertilizing. They should be watered liberally, in fact, they should never be allowed to suffer from dryness. Each year after flowering it is advisable to cut the main branches back quite drastically in order to avoid a spindly growth.

Propagation is by cuttings of the half-ripened wood made with a heel (a cutting of the season's growth which is taken with a small piece of the older wood attached to it). Acacia can also be grown easily from seed. Ger­mination is hastened by soaking the seed in hot water and allowing it to cool; the seed should be allowed to soak in the water for a day or two prior to seeding.

A. decurrens dealbata, Zone 9, Silver Wattle. This Australian species of Acacia can be grown in regions where the temperature does not fall below 15° F. It is a very ornamental, choice tree which sometimes attains a height of 50 feet. This is the species generally found in florists' shops in the northern part of the United States and is known by the name of "mimosa." The lovely foliage and fragrant yellow flowers are always a joy.

ACHRAS ZAPOTA, Sapodilla, is indigenous to tropical America and is a popular tree in parts of Florida where it is valued for specimen plant­ings. This evergreen grows 50 feet high. Its glossy foliage, edible fruit, and ability to withstand high winds and sea air all contribute to its usefulness. Little pruning is required because of its naturally compact growth. It thrives in light, fertile soil, and is not difficult to increase from seed.

ARBUTUS MENZIESI, Zone 7, Pacific Madrone, is a very handsome tree that grows to 75 feet in height. The white flowers are followed by red or orange berries. It is much wiser to purchase this plant when it is young, since older specimens are difficult to transplant successfully. Because of its untidy habit of shedding bits of bark, leaves, and flowers, its use as a lawn specimen is questionable.

A. unedo, Zone 8, Strawberry-Tree, is of much decorative value for southern gardens. At maturity it outgrows its shrublike habit, and develops into a tree 20 to 30 feet in height.

Arbutus requires an acid, moist soil. The white or rosy flowers appear in the fall. An unusual combination at blooming time is the red, strawberry-like fruits which appear with the flowers for a period of weeks or even months. Propagation is by seeds and by cuttings taken in the fall when the wood is half-ripened; it can also be increased by layers.

ARCTOSTÄPHYLOS STANDFORDIANA, Zone 7, Stanford Manzan-ita, is a native plant of California, and is highly decorative for home gardens. It fits into the planting scheme wherever an evergreen shrub 6 feet in height is required. In March and April the bush is literally covered with showy panicles of pink flowers.

Arctostaphylos belongs to the Ericaceae, and in common with other mem­bers of this family requires an acid soil; a well-drained location in the full sun is also essential for its successful culture. Another shrubby species of Arctostaphylos is A. columbiana, which grows from 5 to 12 feet in height; it bears racemes of pink or white flowers in February or March. The taller growing types are increased by seeds, and by cuttings made in the fall from half-ripened wood.

A. uva-ursi, Zone 2, Bearberry, is a useful ground cover which grows only about 8 inches or so high. The small white flowers—tinged pink—are fol­lowed by bright red berries. This is a splendid evergreen for seashore planting, and for covering rocky, sandy banks. It thrives only in poor ground, but it demands acidity. In soil that is not naturally acid an addi­tion of peat moss or oak leaf mold will supply this requisite. Propagation is not difficult because prostrate branches take root, and rooted clumps can be lifted and reset in their new quarters. Plants found growing in their native haunts are difficult to transplant; it is wiser to purchase well-rooted stock from a nursery.

AUCUBA JAPONICA, Zone 7, Japanese Aucuba, is a handsome broad-leaved evergreen which attains a height of 10 to 15 feet. It fits into var­ious parts of the planting plan; as accents each side of steps it is very effective; as a background to a pool, or to add a dominant note of contrast to the mixed evergreen grouping, it is always attractive. Although it is not a hardy plant, Aucuba can be grown as far north as Philadelphia, provided it is given a sheltered location. Farther north it is sometimes grown as a tub plant for summer decoration on patio or terrace. It is wintered indoors in a cool room, such as an unheated sunparlor.

Aucuba is an excellent evergreen for planting in the partial shade; it does best in rich soil, and it requires a well-drained situation. One of its assets is its ability to withstand the impure air of city yards. Since this evergreen is dioecious, its showy red berries will not be produced unless a male plant is included in the planting.

Aucuba is easily grown from softwood cuttings; these are inserted in one of the recommended rooting mediums, and are covered with polyethylene plastic until rooting takes place.

Aucuba japonica variegata, commonly known as Goldust-tree is a less desir­able form because its foliage is mottled yellow.

AZALEA fills a most important role in every home-garden planting; in­deed, there is no part of the landscape composition that these beautiful plants do not make lovelier. Along the foundation of the house they are admirable, and they add immensely to the interest of the entrance plant­ing in spring with their profusion of flowers. Used in masses as facers to the taller-growing evergreens and deciduous material, Azaleas are strikingly ornamental. Along a woodland path, informal, irregular groupings of these plants create an unforgettable picture of spring color; since they prefer a partly shady location they are well adapted for such use, provided the trees are sufficiently high-headed to allow a moderate amount of sunlight to reach them.

Azaleas constitute a "Series" in the genus Rhododendron. This is a large genus comprising about 800 species and innumerable varieties. In the main essentials the growing requirements of Azaleas and Rhododendrons are similar. Good drainage and an acid soil are essential. The ground should be sufficiently light and friable to assure the proper aeration; heavy ground can be improved by the addition of sand and organic matter. In fact, all soils in which they are grown should contain a liberal supply of acid organic matter. This can be had by working into the ground peat moss, leaf mold, Pine needles, or leaves from shrubs grown in acid soil. In addi­tion to the humusy content in the soil, a 3-inch covering of one of the acid mulches should be retained all-year round, and added to as needed in order to maintain the specified depth. Of course this advice does not apply to certain states where mulching is not recommended.

Masses of Azaleas give a spectacular display of bloom along the gentle curve of the turf area.
PhMo: Roche

In common with Rhododendrons, Azaleas should never be cultivated; any weeds that appear through the mulch should be pulled out by hand, to avoid disturbing the shallow feeding roots. Pruning consists only in re­moving dead wood, and in clipping the shoots whenever necessary to improve the shapeliness of the plants and to maintain their density. Ever­green Azaleas can be increased from cuttings, from mound and air-layers, and from seeds; in some instances they are multiplied by division. Mound layering consists of cutting back the bush to within a few inches from the ground and hilling up the soil around it; this is done in spring.

Among the evergreen Azaleas one could hardly find a lovelier choice to make than Rhododendron mucronatum, Zone 5, Snow Azalea. This plant is usually purchased from nurserymen by the familiar names of Azalea ledifolia alba or A. indica alba, and should not be confused with Snow, a Kurume variety. Its large showy white flowers bloom at tulip-time and set off the gay colors of the bulbs to best advantage. The Snow Azalea is hardy as far north as Long Island; in sheltered locations if given ample winter protection it can be grown farther north. Varieties are obtainable in a white double form, also in shades of blush-pink, lilac, and mauve; how­ever, these varieties are not to be compared in beauty with the Snow Azalea.
A. kaempferi (syn. Rhododendron obtusum var. kaempferi), Zone 5, Torch Azalea is an effective species of Japanese origin. The showy flowers appear in May, and their colors range from ravishing shades of salmon-pink to salmon-red. This Azalea is listed among the evergreen types; however, it is definitely deciduous as far north as Philadelphia. In time it develops into a sturdy, branching shrub 7 feet or more in height. It is a charming plant for informal plantings in wooded areas and along the margins of streams, where the various shades make an extremely fine color display.

Kurume Azaleas originated in Japan well over a century ago; they are outstandingly effective, and they can be had in a wide assortment of colors. These plants are semi-evergreen, and can be grown as far north as Long Island, provided they are given a protected situation. They rate high in ornamental value because of their compact, twiggy growth, and gorgeous flower display. Among the varieties available are Coral Bells, Flame, Snow, Hinodegiri, and Amoena.

A. þoukhanensis, Zone 4, comes from Korea; it develops into a compact shrub about 5 feet high, or slightly taller if planted in a shady place. The single lilac-purple or reddish-purple blooms are fragrant and appear in May. Because of its color it is difficult to combine with pink or red flower­ing varieties; however, it is a good subject for use against a green back­ground or along a wooded path.

Although this Azalea is listed as a semi-evergreen, it is deciduous in cold climates. There is a double-flowering form called Yodogawa (A. poukhanensis var.yedoensis). At the present time the species of this Azalea is Rhododendron yedoense, but the variety Yodogawa is generally considered to be a superior plant to the species.

The Southern Indian Hybrids with their beautiful flowers are known to all those who have strolled through the famous southern gardens and have marveled at the beauty of the Indicas—as they are familiarly referred to. Unfortunately, northern gardeners must be content to grow these Azaleas in their greenhouses. The R. indicurn {Azalea indica), Zone 6, is hardier than the Indian Azalea of the South; it blooms in June, and reaches a height of approximately 6 feet.

Sunshine filtering through the Dogwoods casts lights and shadows on the un-derplanting of Azaleas.

Other interesting Azaleas include the Gable Hybrids which come in a wide assortment of colors, and are counted among the hardiest hybrids.

The Glenn Dale Hybrids are a development of B. Y. Morrison, former chief of the Plant Introduction Section of the United States Department of Agri­culture, and former director of the United States National Arboretum. The greater number of these Azaleas were introduced from 1947 to 1949; how­ever, some were introduced at an earlier date, and a few more appeared in 1952.

These Azaleas represent a breeding undertaking of signal importance, the objective of the hybridization being to develop the large flowers that are characteristic of the southern indica, and to obtain plants sufficiently winter-hardy to withstand the cold climate of the Middle Atlantic States. The hybridizers have successfully given us large blooms which in some varieties measure up to 4½ inches across; they have also given us a variety of colors, heights, and blooming periods. By carefully selecting varieties that flower at different times the blooming period can be extended from April into June.

Photo: Paul E. Genermx
A setting of tall trees, and a view of the water beyond, has been utilized for a planting of masses of Azaleas; their profusion of bloom has turned it into an enchanting picture.

BERBERIS. The Barberries are important, easy-to-grow plants; indeed there are few places too small to accommodate at least one of the dwarfer varieties of these highly ornamental shrubs. Including the evergreen, semi-evergreen, and deciduous forms there are approximately 175 species; they come from Asia, North Africa, Europe, and elsewhere. Most of the ever­green kinds have a compact habit of growth, which together with their attractive foliage, numerous flowers, and fruits makes them of special interest.

Barberries take their place in the foundation planting, as specimens, accent plants, and for entrance plantings. The low-growing kinds are excel­lent for use in restricted beds on patios or to soften low walls, still others are good for hedges and living fences. Evergreen Barberries show a prefer­ence for a well-drained location, and soil that is rather moist and light. Propagation is accomplished by seeds, layers, and cuttings taken from the new growth in June.

Listed below are some of the important evergreen and semi-evergreen species.

B. atrocarþa, a native of West China, grows to 6 feet; in the fall it bears black fruit. Another species, bergmanniae, also produces black fruit and reaches the same height.

B. buxifolia nana, Zone 5, Dwarf Magellan Barberry, comes to us from Chile. It grows about 1 ½ feet in height and is a hardy type. It is useful wherever a low shrub is needed.

B. candidula, Zone 5, Paleleaf Barberry, grows about 2 feet high. In the fall it produces purplish berries.

B. chenaultii, Ghenault Barberry, is a good evergreen hybrid form which has resulted from crossing B. verruculosa and B. gagnepainii.

B. concinna, Zone 6, Dainty Barberry, a Himalayan species, is semi-evergreen in some parts of the country, and deciduous in the colder areas. It grows to a height of 3 feet, and in the fall its red berries and crimson foliage brighten the autumn landscape.

B. darwinii, Zone 7, Darwin Barberry, is an excellent plant for southern gardens; it attains a height of 10 feet. The leaves resemble those of the Holly, and the orange-yellow flowers are borne in pendulous racemes; these are followed by purple fruit. The varieties nana and depressa are both well adapted to plantings that require dwarf growers.

B. gagnepainii, Zone 5, Black Barberry, is a bushy shrub 6 feet high. It has gay yellow flowers that are followed by blue-black fruit.

B. julianae, Zone 5, Wintergreen Barberry, is a handsome shrub that grows to 5 feet in height. It makes a most attractive specimen for small lawns, provided it is kept dense from the base up with regular pruning. The thorny branches qualify it for use as a living fence. Its small yellow flowers are borne in profusion, and they are followed by blue fruits.

B. mentorensis, Zone 5, Mentor Barberry, is an excellent semi-evergreen that grows 7 feet high. It is a satisfactory hedge plant, and it has the ability to endure hot, dry summers. The difficult growing conditions of city yards do not hamper its development. It requires very little pruning to keep it shapely. In some parts of the country it is said to be evergreen. The yellow flowers are followed by dark-red berries.

B. parvifolia, Ground Barberry, is a useful semi-evergreen shrub which comes to us from West China. In the fall its red berries are effective.

B. sargentiana, Sargent Barberry, is a handsome introduction from China, and it grows approximately 6 feet tall. It is rather spreading in habit, and has the advantage of being fairly hardy.

B. stenophylla, Zone 5, Rosemary Barberry, turns into a broad shrub about 10 feet in height. South of Washington, D.C., this species is ever­green. The slender, graceful branches are covered with golden-yellow blooms that are followed by black fruit.

B. triacanthophora, Zone 5, Threespine Barberry, grows eventually to a height of 4 feet. It is an ornamental evergreen and can be kept trimmed for use in the foundation planting; when planted along low walls it softens the lines. Even though the Pacific Northwest is south of its climatic range, it can be grown fairly well in that area.

B. verruculosa, Zone 5, Warty Barberry, is an unusually attractive, dense shrub. If growing conditions are particularly congenial, it can reach 4 feet in height; however, it does not usually attain its full stature. This Barberry is excellent for foundation plantings, for the green garden, and as a back­ground plant for the rockery. It is also decorative as a low specimen each side of the entrance drive. Its small glossy leaves bear a resemblance to those of Holly in miniature. The golden-yellow blooms are followed by black berries tinged purple.

BUCIDA BUCERAS, Oxhorn Bucida, is a tropical tree that reaches 70 feet in height. In the southern part of Florida it is valued for its fortitude in enduring strong winds; in fact, it is used as a windbreak. It is also planted for specimen purposes. The Oxhorn Bucida is grown from seeds.

Photo: Roche
The wide spread of the evergreen Barberry (Berberis julianae) softens the corner of the house and the terrace enclosure.

BUXUS, Box. The ornamental value of this distinctive plant requires no introduction; it is known and loved by gardeners everywhere. Box thrives in various soils whether they be alkaline or acid; however, one that is fria­ble, fertile, moist, and well enriched with organic matter is ideal. Good drainage is an essential, and although partial shade is preferable, Box will grow in the full sun. In transplanting it is best to set the bush the same depth that it stood before—definitely no deeper.

When Box is used for hedge purposes, or as an edging to walks, terraces, or flower beds it lends itself well to shearing; however, pruning is largely a matter of individual taste, and in most instances merely consists of cut­ting back the shoots here and there to keep the bushes shapely and compact. In the states where mulching is practiced (see Report on Evergreens from the States), a covering of peat moss, leaf mold, or mushroom manure is decidedly helpful in promoting root growth, conserving moisture, and low ering the soil temperature. An annual fertilizing of either cottonseed meal, or a mixture of 1 part cottonseed meal, 1 part bone meal, to 2 parts of a 5-10-5 fertilizer, will be conducive in maintaining a vigorous growth. Apply the mixture in early spring around the plant as far as the outer spread of the top growth, being careful not to allow the fertilizer to touch the plant itself. The amount to give depends on the size of the bush; as a general guide one trowelful of the fertilizer will take care of a plant that measures about 18 inches in each direction. Another cultural tip that is important to observe is to brush out dead leaves, twigs, or trash of any kind that may have accumulated in the centers of the bushes through the winter; if this is overlooked it only provides a congenial medium for disease. Throughout the growing season water the plants often enough to keep them from dry­ing out, and when watering it is important also to sprinkle the foliage, pro­vided, of course, that the sun is not shining on the leaves.

Photo: H. Armstrong Roberts
Specimens of Box give character to the walk that is gay with many flowers.

Propagation is by cuttings taken either in spring before growth com­mences, or in the fall after the new growth has hardened. The supply of plants can also be increased by division and by layers.

B. microphylla, Zone 5, Littleleaf Box, grows to a height of about 4 feet; its variety compacta is a dwarf form only growing 11 inches high. The hardiest form of Box is B. microphylla var. koreana, Korean Littleleaf Box. This is an extremely desirable plant because of its hardiness and dwarf growth. Since it only attains a height of 2 feet it is especially well suited for planting under low windows, and in the rock garden. The variety japonica grows slightly taller than the species; it is a distinctive form with lighter green leaves and a rather more spreading habit of growth.

The familiar Box of old-time gardens, if allowed to grow unchecked, assumes irregular, billowy shapes that definitely add to the artistic effect of the planting.
Photo: yeanneüe Grossman; Landscape Architect: Arthur W. Erfeldt

B. sempewirens, Zone 5, Common Box, grows more rapidly and has a somewhat open habit of growth; its variety arborescens, Tree Box, grows to about 20 feet; its treelike, graceful shape makes it extremely valuable as a lawn specimen on small grounds. The variety rotundifolia develops into a rounded bush and is somewhat hardier; the variety handsworthii is a vig­orous, upright grower, and is well adapted for use as a hedge. Other varie­ties include myrtifolia which becomes about 4 feet high, and pendula which is an attractive evergreen with pendant shoots. Aureovariegata is a variegated kind. The variety suffruticosa, Dwarf Box, is the familiar Box of old-time gar­dens. When allowed to grow unpruned, the shrubs assume billowy, irregular shapes which add to their character. In the garden in the dampness of the evening, or after a shower, the fragrance of this variety of Box is particularly enjoyable. Those who are fortunate in having a garden with evening illumi­nation will find that this plant lights up with special brightness and freshness.

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