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Summer's Splendor:
exceptional trees
for the season
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As the warmth of summer envelopes us, our thoughts turn to vibrant summer flowers and soothing shade. This week we'll explore three enchanting trees that flower during the summer.
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We'll also look at three fast growing shade trees to create a cool summer oasis.
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Three Trees
for Charming Color
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While the most famous flowering trees bloom in spring, summer has its share of beautiful bloomers, too!
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Japanese Lilac is a compact shade tree with frothy white blooms that appear in June. The tiny white flowers come in big, sweetly-scented clusters, and the leaves are glossy green.
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Hydrangea trees bloom as generously as their shrub-form fellows, with big, showy panicles. Most varieties grow no larger than 8' tall. They like a sunny spot with regular water.
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Sweetbay Magnolia keeps blooming after other types have quit for the year. The lemon-scented flowers appear sporadically through summer after the late spring flush.
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Called "sweetbay" because the handsome, glossy leaves have been used as a bay leaf substitute. The leaves provide food for swallowtail butterfly caterpillars. Adapts to swampy areas and heavy clay.
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Three fast-growing
shade trees
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Whether it's lounging in a hammock, having a picnic or enjoying a summer book, shade trees transform any outdoor space into an oasis of comfort and relaxation.
Here are three lesser-known shade trees that do well in our area, and will size up faster than many other options.
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London Planetree has a stately, pyramidal form with handsomely patterned bark. Widely adaptable, and capable of living 100 + years!
The big, substantial leaves create dense shade, so plant accordingly.
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Tulip Tree is an outstanding native with enormous wildlife value, providing food for both pollinators and songbirds. The autumn leaves turn an excellent shade of gold.
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Baldcypress is a one-of-a-kind tree with slender, feathery leaves that turn coppery in autumn before falling. They make a carpet similar to pine-needles, but softer. Forms "knees" when given heavy watering.
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If you'd like to explore further, browse more fast-growing shade trees in our online plant database. You'll find instructions to plant and care for new trees at hoerrnursery.com/trees, and of course, our expert staff is always happy to help you find the perfect tree.
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From beautiful blooms to spreading shade, trees enrich our lives and create a haven of cool tranquility amidst the warmth of summer. Plant a tree today, and enjoy it for decades to come!
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We have over a dozen different varieties of lavender available right now. With so many choices, how do you know which one to plant? Let's take a closer look at the most common options:
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Perennial, with narrow, silvery leaves. Varieties include Hidcote, Munstead, Imperial Gem and Super Blue. For culinary use, this is the type you want.
The flowers are enjoyed in desserts and teas, while the leaves make a good perennial stand-in for rosemary.
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French & Spanish Lavenders
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These annual lavenders feature thick flower spikes with a cluster of paler petals on top. Used commercially in essential oil production.
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A cross between English lavender and spike lavender. Usually perennial, but more tender than the English lavenders. Strongly fragrant. Good in sachets, potpouriis, soapmaking, and dried flower arrangements. Varieties include 'Phenomenal,' 'Sensational,' and 'Fat Spike.'
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• Lavenders thrive in extremely well-drained soil. Poor drainage can lead to their demise, especially during winter. If you have clay soil, consider removing it and replacing it with finer soil in the designated spot for your lavender plants.
• Lavender acts as a remarkable pollinator plant, attracting a multitude of visitors, including butterflies and hummingbirds. Incorporating lavender into your garden not only adds beauty but also supports a vibrant ecosystem.
• Like many herbs, lavender is resistant to both deer and rabbits, making it an excellent choice for areas where wildlife poses a challenge.
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Whether you use lavender for its culinary versatility, its aromatic allure, or its wildlife benefits, we hope you get a chance to appreciate this remarkable plant in your garden.
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