Learn the basics on caring for and pruning lilac spring flowering shrubs. This video includes tips on deadheading spent flowers, pruning to reduce height and care for lilac shrubs. Excerpted from Connecticut Public TV’s New England Gardening with Charlie Nardozzi
Category Archives: Shrubs
How to Grow: Gardening for the Birds
In this podcast, learn how to grow the right shrubs and trees for birds as well as provide good habitat Everyone loves the calls and sights of songbirds this time of year. They’re a cheery reminder of spring and a delight with all their activity. But due to habitat loss, climate change and other […]
How to Grow: Remove Invasive Shrubs
Learn how to identify and remove invasive shrubs in your landscape I always enjoy watching the birds feast on wild berries this time of year as they head South for winter. While there is an abundance of berry shrubs in the wild, not all of they are good characters. There are a number of invasive […]
How to Grow: Pruning Blueberries
Learn how to prune old and young blueberry bushes. I was on a roll in early March pruning my fruits. Then it snowed, got cold and I retreated to the cozy fire. But my blueberries still need pruning and once the snow melts, I’ll be back at it. Blueberries are one of the easiest fruits […]
How to Grow: Camellia
Sun Requirements Part shade or dappled shade Bloom Period and Seasonal Color Depending on the species they bloom either in winter/early spring or fall Mature Height x Spread 6 to 15 feet tall and 5 to 7 feet wide, but there are varieties as small as 2 feet tall and as large as 20 feet […]
How to Grow: Yucca
Sun Requirements Full sun, Low light causes less flowers and thinner growth Bloom Period and Seasonal Color Blooms mid to end of summer Mature Height x Spread 3 to 3 feet tall and wide, but with a flower stalk that can reach 6 feet tall. Some species grow into small trees. Yucca is a drought […]
How to Grow: Crape Myrtle
Sun Requirements Full sun Bloom Period and Seasonal Color Blooms summer until fall Mature Height x Spread 25 to 30 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia) is considered the lilac of the South. This large shrub or small tree is unusual for its long bloom period. Depending on the selection, […]
How to Grow: Bougainvillea
Sun Requirements Full sun Bloom Period and Seasonal Color Blooms on and off almost year round Mature Height x Spread Depending on the species can be 3 feet to 30 feet tall and wide. Bougainvillea are vine-like shrubs that produce an abundance of colorful blooms almost year round in USDA zones 9 to 11. They […]
How to Grow: Willow
Sun Requirements Full sun to part shade Bloom Period and Seasonal Color Blooms in spring, but flowers are generally insignificant except for pussy willow buds (catkins) Mature Height x Spread Depending on the species can be 4 feet to 100 feet tall. Willows (Salix) are a diverse group of temperate climate shrubs and trees. Plants […]
How to Grow: Gardenia
Sun Requirements Full sun in cooler climates where gardenias grow, but afternoon shade in warmer locations. A North or East facing location is best in warm areas. Bloom Period and Seasonal Color Blooms in summer Mature Height x Spread 4 to 8 feet tall and wide Gardenias are prized, dark green, glossy evergreen shrubs that […]