February Plants of the Month: Acer griseum – Paperbark maple
Touring some landscapes I Have built after recent snowfalls confirmed what I always suspected: Acer griseum – paperbark maple – is a superb specimen for the winter landscape! The exfoliating reddish-cinnamon colored bark stands out prominently against a snowy backdrop. But its visual appeal is hardly limited to the winter season.
The green/blue foliage typically turns brilliant crimson red in autumn, and contrasts nicely against its revealing bark.
In the summer season – once established — this tree holds up well to hot, dry conditions. I suppose the season it lacks visual appeal – at least for the average gardener – is spring.
As is the case with most maples, the flowers – few and far between, greenish in color and pendulous in form – are hardly show-stoppers during the season of non-stop blooming. But don’t let that keep you from including this tree in your landscape.
There are plenty of ‘one-trick-pony’ trees that bloom profusely in springtime. But few that garner this accolade from plant guru Michael Dirr: “No finer tree could be
recommended.”
Typically maturing at a height of 20-30’, with a similar spread, but often with variable form (this is a good thing!), Acer griseum, a native of China, is an excellent choice as a specimen tree for small properties, within a lawn setting, or as an accent plant if planted against an evergreen backdrop.
This plant tolerates tough urban conditions and varied soil types. For best results, plant in loamy well drained soils in full sun. Hardy zones 4-8.
The oldest living specimen in the United States is reputed to be at Boston’s Arnold Arboretum (see picture).
Go see it and you’ll be hooked!
Yucca filamentosa – Adam’s Needle
As the old Don McLean lyric laments “But February made me shiver.” Winter interest in our landscape settings in the northeastern United States often is relegated to woody trees and shrubs. One winter interest perennial sure to grab the spotlight in a snowy landscape is Yucca filamentosa, sometimes called curly leaf yucca and Adam’s Needle. Curly leaf yucca is a perennial, broadleaf clumping evergreen in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). It is native to the Southeastern United States.
Yucca filamentosa grows 3’ in height (upwards to 8 feet tall when in bloom) and 3 to 5 feet wide. A tall panicle of showy, long-lasting, creamy white, bell-shaped flowers appears late spring to early summer. There are cultivars available with variegated leaves (such as ‘Color Guard.’) Hummingbirds, moths, small mammals, and songbirds are attracted to the plant, but it is pollinated by specialized moths called yucca moths which have a symbiotic relationship with the plant. The developing moth larvae feed on some of the seeds in a fruit, but other seeds are untouched and remain viable.
Grow this yucca in full sun or partial shade. It is not particular about soil type but does require the soil to have a neutral pH and good drainage. Curly leaf yucca is low maintenance and resistant to deer, rabbits, poor soil, salt spray, drought, and heat. It can be propagated by division, root cutting, or seed. Curly yucca naturalizes easily. It forms a small colony over time from basal offsets. Therefore, site this plant carefully or you may regret planting it.
Yucca filamentosa makes a nice accent or barrier plant and is a suitable plant for coastal, drought-tolerant, pollinator, rock, or winter gardens.
