Evergreens - L through O

LAURUS NOBILIS, Zone 6, Sweet Bay, Laurel, is native to the Mediter­ranean region. This is the Laurel of the ancient Romans and Greeks, who used the leaves to crown the conquering heroes. Sweet Bay is a beautiful plant with decorative, aromatic leaves which can be dried and used for seasoning purposes. In habit of growth it is either shrubby, or a small tree 40 feet or so in height. On small grounds it makes a handsome speci­men, and its dense growth provides welcome shade.

Sweet Bay can be grown in large tubs and can be sheared into various shapes, such as globes or pyramids, making it appropriate for formal effects. It can be kept to the desired height through the years with regular clipping. This lovely evergreen is also adapted to hedge and topiary work. Laurel prefers an open, sunny location, and moist soil that contains peat moss. It is an accommodating plant because it tolerates considerable neglect. Propagation is by cuttings of the ripened wood and it is sometimes increased by seeds.

Photo: Paul E. Genereux
Mountain-laurel is always lovely whether in a naturalistic setting or in more formal surroundings. Close to the water's edge, in partly shady woodland areas, and in foundation plantings it gives pleasure every month of the year.

LEDUM GROENLANDICUM, Zone 2, Labrador Tea, is a low-growing shrub 3 feet tall; its natural haunts are in sphagnum bogs and moist ground in the colder parts of North America, where it abounds. Because of its hardiness and its ability to thrive in swampy land, it is useful for plant­ings where such soil conditions exist. Ledurn prefers a shady situation; light, woodsy, acid soil is a requisite. Propagation is by division and layers, and it can also be increased by seeds.

L. glandulosum is a very attractive, graceful shrub with dainty white flowers. This evergreen fits into informal plantings, in locations that are partly shady. It reaches a height of 6 feet.

LEIOPHYLLUM BUXIFOLIUM, Zone 5, Box Sandmyrtle, grows about 2 feet high, and it is a compact, twiggy plant that is native to New Jersey. Planted in groups along the front part of evergreen borders or in the rockery it proves its worth. An acid, sandy soil that contains organic matter is a requisite. Box Sandmyrtle thrives in sun or in partial shade. Propagation is by layers and seeds.

LEUCOTHOE CATESBAEI, Zone 4, Drooping Leucothoe, can grow to a height of 6 feet, but it does not usually attain its full stature. The glossy green leaves turn purplish or bronzy during the winter. It is an invaluable broad-leaved evergreen for the shady garden and brings to life many a neglected spot where planting space is quite limited. Leucothoe is attractive in foundation plantings, and as a facer to the taller growers in the border. This plant will stand dense shade, ailthough it prefers the partial shade. In common with other members of the Heath Family, it requires an acid soil that is light and peaty, and it likes ground that is well drained. If the plants become straggly they can be started anew by cutting back the shoots close to the ground, this pruning will stimulate growth which will restore the shapeliness of the plant. Propagation is by layers, division, seed, and underground runners. The blooming period is in April or May, the white flowers are borne in racemes along gracefully arching stems that are rather open in habit.

L. keiskei, Zone 5, Keisk's Leucothoe. A native of Japan, this graceful shrub grows 3½ feet high. It combines well with other acid-loving plants. The drooping racemes of white flowers bloom in May.

LIBOCEDRUS DECURRENS, Zone 5, California Incense-cedar, is an evergreen tree 100 feet or more in height. In the planting scheme its fine evergreen foliage and symmetrical, columnar habit of growth are a real acquisition. This species of Libocedrus can be grown in the New York area, and even further north in protected positions. It thrives best in fertile, moist soil.

LIGUSTRUM, Privet. The evergreen Privets are of exceptional value for home garden plantings. Although they are not reliably hardy as far north as Philadelphia, they are grown quite extensively in that area; if given a sheltered location they seem to survive low temperatures surprisingly well. If the top-growth winter-kills, the loss is soon replaced by rapid growth, provided, of course, the roots come through the winter unharmed.

Privet has the advantage of thriving in city yards and in seashore gardens. It can stand windswept situations when grown farther south than Philadelphia. These plants are drought resistant, and they succeed in any soil of average fertility. The evergreen kinds will grow in sunny or shady places; these make splendid hedges, they are lovely as specimens, along the foundation of the house and in the green garden; in fact, they are an addi­tion to practically every part of the landscape scheme. The plants are increased by seeds, cuttings, and air-layers. The white flowers are followed by blue-black or black fruits.

L. henryi, Zone 7, Henry Privet, is well adapted to growing in the Deep South. It attains a height of 12 feet.

L. japonicum, Zone 7, Japanese Privet, is a very handsome shrub usually about 10 feet high. However, it can grow much taller. The variety rotundi-folium (coriaceum) grows about 6 feet tall. Its rich dark green foliage pro­vides an effective setting for the blooms. Since it is a slow grower it is a good type for foundation plantings. The variety ciliatum is an attractive shrub with fleshy, soft green leaves. Suwanee River is a hardier form that is said to succeed as far north as New York City.

L. lucidum, Zone 7, Glossy Privet. In the North this evergreen form ordinarily remains shrubby, but in the South it becomes a handsome tree 30 feet or more in height.

LONICERA, Honeysuckle, is an easy plant to grow and requires no special care. Most of the species prefer a sunny situation, although a few of them will stand partial shade. Practically any soil that is well drained will meet their needs. They fit into the planting plan wherever a compara­tively low shrub is required. Most of the species are deciduous; the ever­green or semi-evergreen types are valuable additions to the layout. The supply is increased by seeds, layers, and cuttings taken from the ripe wood.

L. nitida, Zone 7, Box Honeysuckle, is a good shrub for seashore gardens; it is sometimes used for hedge work in the South. In genial, warm climates this species is evergreen, becoming semi-evergreen in the North. If growing conditions are favorable it will reach a height of 6 feet. Although it is not reliably hardy north of Delaware, it can be grown in the vicinity of Phila­delphia in a well-sheltered position. The fragrant, white flowers are fol­lowed by blue-purple berries.

L. pileata, Zone 5, Privet Honeysuckle, is indigenous to China. It grows 4 feet tall. This shrub is very attractive in the living area, the foundation planting, or the rockery. It is a hardier plant than L. nitida, but in colder climates it becomes semi-evergreen; in fact, it cannot be depended on to withstand temperatures below zero. The fragrant, white flowers appear in May, and the violet-purple berries contribute to the fall color.

MAGNOLIA GRANDIFLORA, Zone 7, Southern Magnolia. The spec­tacular beauty of this much-loved evergreen, which rises majestically to 90 feet or more in height, is seen at its best in southern gardens. It is very widely planted from North Carolina to Florida and Texas. This tree can be grown as far north as Philadelphia if it is given a sheltered position. In the North it is susceptible to winter burning and to breakage in winter storms; furthermore, the bloom cannot be counted on to be so prolific in the colder climates.

The luxuriant large, deep green, lustrous foliage, and the showy, fragrant, white flowers that appear the latter part of May or June, make Southern Magnolia outstanding as a specimen on spacious lawns.

Magnolia thrives best in deep, fertile soil, in ground that is moist and enriched with organic matter. It is important to plant Magnolias in spring just before or just after growth commences. The reason for this is that the large, fleshy roots soon decay when bruised or broken, and they are not likely to recover if transplanting is done too soon before growth becomes active; fall planting should be avoided. In transplanting, a large ball of earth is required to keep the root system intact. Propagation is by soft wood cuttings, layers, and seeds.

This species is a variable one, and the different forms produce flowers of different sizes. The variety gloriosa bears beautiful large blooms that measure a foot or more across. The variety gallissoniensis is a hardier type.

M. virginiana, Zone 5, Sweet Bay. This species of Magnolia is nearly evergreen. It can be grown from Massachusetts southward. In its native habitat Sweet Bay thrives in wet and swampy ground; however, it suc­ceeds in ordinary garden soil, in either sunny or partially shady locations. This Magnolia is well adapted to specimen or boundary planting. In the North it is shrubby in habit, and in mild climates it becomes treelike, some­times reaching 60 feet in height. The flowers appear in June and are ex­ceedingly fragrant, but they are not as showy as those of the Southern Magnolia.

MAHONIA AQUIFOLIUM, Zone 5, Oregon Holly-grape, is a lovely decorative shrub with glossy leaves that bear a striking resemblance to those of Holly. In the average home garden it grows about 3 feet high, although it can attain more height if conditions are especially favorable. In April or May the bush is gay with showy spikes of bright yellow flowers; these are followed by conspicuous clusters of blue-black berries with a violet "bloom." If planted in a sheltered place and if given winter protection, Oregon Holly-grape can tolerate temperatures of 5 or 10° below zero, provided such low temperatures are not of long duration.

Mahonia does best in moist ground, but it adapts itself to a wide range of soils. In cold climates the foliage will be less apt to burn in winter if the plant is given a northeastern exposure. Oregon Holly-grape can be grown in the shade, but a partly shady situation is preferable. Its rather straggly habit of growth can be improved by pruning, and if necessary the plant can be rejuvenated by cutting it down close to the ground.

The Southern Magnolia makes a specimen of outstanding beauty. (Courtesy the U.S. Forest Service.) '

This shrub is well adapted for use as an underplanting; in combination with other evergreens its distinctive foliage gives a contrasting note. It does not make an attractive specimen, because the growth is not sufficiently symmetrical. Propagation is by suckers, layers, seeds, and cuttings of the half-ripe wood.

M. bealei, Zone 6, Leatherleaf Mahonia, can grow to 10 feet in height; it is not quite so hardy a species as M. aquifolium, but its large leaves are most decorative. It likes an acid soil and grows in partial shade. The clus­ters of fragrant, lemon-yellow flowers are followed by conspicuous black berries with a decided tinge of blue.

M. nervosa, Cascades Mahonia, is an excellent shrubby ground cover for shady spots; it grows 1 or 2 feet high. This species spreads by means of suckers. The dark blue fruit ripens in August.

M. reþens, Zone 5, Creeping Mahonia, is also good for ground cover pur­poses, where a lower-growing plant 10 to 12 inches high is required. It spreads by means of runners. The small berries are blue.
MICHELIA FUSCATA, Zone 7-8, Banana-shrub, is an excellent ever­green for warm climates. It develops into a broad shrub 10 or 15 feet in height. Its yellowish-brown flowers are bordered with maroon; these are not showy, but their strong banana scent is quite unusual. The blooming period is from early spring to June. This evergreen is a slow grower, but it makes a handsome, dense specimen and thrives with little care, and suc­ceeds in sun or light shade; it is not particular as to soil, but well-drained ground is essential. Propagation is by cuttings made from mature wood, also by seed.

MITCHELLA REPENS, Zone 3, Partridge Berry, is a low-growing, trail­ing evergreen ground cover which is attractive as an underplanting to trees, and thrives in the shade. The roots grow along the stems as it spreads. The white, fragrant blooms are followed by red berries. Propagation is easily accomplished by severing the rooted parts of the stems.

MYRICA CALIFORNICA, Zone 7, California Bayberry, is a slender, evergreen treelike shrub which reaches a height of about 30 feet. It is grown for its attractive glossy, aromatic leaves and for its purple berries. Since Myrica is dioecious, the fruits will not be produced without a male plant. It is a good mild climate evergreen to include in the mixed border or boun­dary planting. California Bayberry will succeed in sandy soil that does not contain lime. Peat moss or leaf mold worked into the ground is helpful for best results. Propagation is by layers, suckers, and seeds.

MYRTUS COMMUNIS, Zone 8-9, Myrtle. This is the true Myrtle of classic times and is valued for the fragrance of its evergreen foliage and white flowers. An example of a lovely Myrtle hedge is at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, where it is used to edge the pool which is the central fea­ture in the Court of the Myrtles (Patio de Arrayanes). This Myrtle was originally planted as a hedge by the Moors in the 13th century. It was through this courtyard that Columbus passed on his way to the Hall of Ambassadors, where he was received by Queen Isabella.

Myrtle is native to the Mediterranean region, and it is a warm climate plant. It is excellent for specimen and boundary plantings as well as for hedges. It can reach a height of 10 feet, but is easily controlled by shear­ing. In the North it is attractive when grown in urns or pots for terrace decoration in summer; in cold areas it is wintered indoors. Myrtle does best in fertile garden soil that contains leaf mold or peat moss. It is not easy to move, therefore it is better to purchase container-grown plants. This evergreen grows in hot, dry, sunny spots; care must be taken to keep it stocky by regular pruning. Propagation is by layers, seeds, and cuttings taken from the ripened wood. The variety comþacta grows about 3 feet high, and is splendid for restricted planting areas. It also lends itself to shearing.

NANDINA DOMESTICA, Zone 7, Nandina. This choice evergreen shrub can grow 8 feet in height. The Chinese call it Heavenly Bamboo—a name that suits it admirably, since it is a plant of great appeal. The lovely soft effect of its ornamental foliage and its showy red berries make this an excellent bush to include in the green garden. It contrasts effectively with the different textures and richer shades of some of the other evergreens. Nandina is a mild climate plant. However, it can be grown in Philadelphia in a protected position. When cultivated in the North it has two disadvan­tages—it is definitely deciduous, and it is a little late in leafing out in the spring. The white flowers appear in July.

Nandina can be grown in the full sun or in the partial shade. A fertile, moist soil that contains organic matter will provide the best growing me­dium. A year-round mulch of peat moss, oak leaf mold, or compost is advisable. Fertilizing in early spring and again in late spring will help to promote growth. Dry weather during the blooming season often prevents the setting of the fruit, therefore watering at that time will help to assure a full crop of berries. Propagation is by seed; sometimes a rooted shoot will appear by the side of the bush, which can be severed with its roots intact.

NERIUM OLEANDER, Zone 7-8, Oleander, is of outstanding beauty; its decorative flowers come in single and double forms, and in shades of rose pink, red, white, and apricot. These continue to appear for a long season, commencing in early spring. Oleanders can reach a height of 20 feet and are splendid for background plantings for garden features; they are lovely planted close to the living area, where their blooms can be en­joyed at close range. In the North they can be grown in tubs and used in summer for accent purposes. When given this treatment they should be wintered indoors. After the blooming period the plants are cut back and repotted in compost or fertile garden soil. In the South, Oleanders are no trouble, since they require little care other than pruning to promote a denser growth. They demand the full sun and will do well in hot, dry situations in poor soil, and in ground that is sandy. John V. Watkins, author of "Landscape Plants for Florida Homes," published by the Florida Depart­ment of Agriculture, warns in his book that the smoke from burning Oleander wood is so poisonous that people breathing the fumes have been known to die. This warning obviously necessitates careful disposal of the wood. Propagation is by cuttings; sometimes these can be rooted in water.

OSMANTHUS is a charming shrub with leaves that resemble those of Holly, but its leaves are opposite, whereas those of Holly are alternate. It is a very ornamental evergreen and is suitable for espalier work, foundation, and border plantings. Osmanthus succeeds in sunny or partially shady loca­tions, and in soils of average fertility; acid organic matter worked into the ground will supply the needed acidity. Propagation is by cuttings of the half-ripened wood taken the latter part of the summer. This shrub can be grown as far north as Philadelphia in a sheltered spot.

O.fortunei, Zone 7-8, Fortune's Osmanthus, attains a height of about 6 feet. The fragrant, white flowers appear in June.

0. ilicifolius, 'Lone 6, Holly Osmanthus, is a handsome evergreen with attractive glossy foliage. It reaches a height close to 20 feet. If kept well pruned to increase its compactness, it is splendid for specimens, hedges, background plantings, and softening the corners of the house. The bloom­ing period is in July. The fragrant, white flowers are followed by blue-black berries. The variety rotundifolius is a dwarf kind with rounder leaves, and myrtifolius is a smaller-leaved type; the variety variegatus has variegated foliage.

Are You Ready To Move Onto The Next Lesson? Click Here...