Why Your Weeping Cherry Tree No Longer Weeps
13.02.2024 - 14:34 / gardenersworld.com
Sycamore tree (Acer pseudoplatanus) is an exceptionally large and fast-growing, broadleaf deciduous tree. Sycamore originates from Europe and was introduced to the UK several hundred years ago. Sycamore has long been the subject of controversy and is often considered a nuisance because it self-seeds readily and spreads rapidly – one mature tree can be the parent of many hundreds of sycamore seedlings each year. Undesirable sycamore characteristics are fast growth, large leaves and dense branches that cast deep shade, prolific production of sycamore seeds and masses of waxy autumn leaves that don’t break down quickly and can create a slimy mess that creates issues with drains, pavements and railway lines. Sycamores are also prone to aphid infestations and these insects secrete a sticky honeydew that falls onto any cars parked beneath them, attracting dirt which is hard to wash off.
On the plus side, sycamore is hardy, thriving in exposed sites and coastal locations where it makes an excellent windbreak and provides shelter for wildlife. Sycamore is also tolerant of pollution and grows well in towns and cities. The wood is useful for making furniture and carving – traditionally sycamore wood is used for making Welsh love spoons and other utensils.
While the sycamore tree species is not good for the garden, there are several cultivated varieties with decorative, colourful foliage, which make good garden trees.
Identifying sycamore treeSycamore tree leaves are large, up to 15cm across, and have five lobes. Sycamore leaves have dark red stems when young and are mid- to dark green in colour. Dangling clusters of greenish-yellow flowers are borne in spring. Sycamore tree seeds are abundantly produced in autumn and have
Why Your Weeping Cherry Tree No Longer Weeps
Your Fall Tree Planting Guide
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Our gardens really spark back into life this month. Bulbs are emerging, perennials are producing fresh growth and deciduous plants are sprouting new leaves. As the days get noticeably longer and the mercury rises, our gardens and their inhabitants are warming up for the season ahead.
As February unfolds, deciduous trees stand in a state of dormancy, making it an opportune time for pruning. With leaves shed and the tree's energy directed inward, removing dead or diseased branches promotes overall health. Pay attention to the tree's structure, thinning crowded areas to enhance air circulation. While major shaping is best left for late winter or early spring, minor adjustments now can contribute to a flourishing canopy come spring.
Commemorating John Tradescant (died 1637), gardener to Charles I (Commelinaceae). A genus of 60 species of hardy perennial and greenhouse plants from North America and tropical South America. The hardy varieties are commonly called spiderwort, flower of a day,
A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, some of which are useful border plants, the dwarf species are good rock garden plants. Several are natives of the British Isles but those valued for gardens are from Europe, South America, and the Near East.
Named after a sixteenth-century Spanish physician and botanist, Nicholas Monardes (Labiatae). A small genus of annual and perennial herbs from North America, with fragrant leaves and flowers, related to Salvia. The leaves are nettle-like, and the flowers have a spiky appearance and are clustered together in whorls: the color ranges from white through pink, mauve, and purple to red.
Mostly evergreen shrubs, chiefly from tropical America, belonging to the Pea family, Leguminosae. They grow from 6-50 ft. in height, have pinnate, dark green, glossy leaves, and bear golden-yellow flowers in terminal clusters in summer. Cassia is from the original Greek name Kasia.
A group of tender perennial plants, only one of which is commonly grown. This is Strelitzia Reginae, which has large ornamental leaves on long strong petioles (leafstalks), and bears brilliant orange and purple flowers, several together within a large bract, on stems 3 ft. or more high in spring. It is a native of South Africa and belongs to the Banana family, Musaceae. The name commemorates Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.
Origin doubtful, possibly named after St Veronica (Scrophulariaceae). Speedwell. A genus of some 300 species ‘ of hardy perennials, annuals and sub-shrubs, mainly from northern temperate regions. Those described are hardy perennials, their flowers often borne in spikes. Dwarf kinds are suitable for the rock garden.
From the Greek di, two, kentron, a spur, referring to the two spurs on the petals (Fumariaceae). Hardy herbaceous perennials formerly known as Dielytra. Fibrous and tuberous rooted, they generally transplant badly because the roots are as brittle as glass. The flowers are pendant from arching stems, like lanterns hung along a cord.