This tree is a garden scene stealer
Marjorie Harris, Globe and Mail
Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011
Plant of the week
Fagus Purpurea ‘Roseomarginata’
Why you should plant it
This is my last plant suggestion of the year and I’m mentioning this tree because it is such a wonderful plant.
There is some confusion between this beech and the F. Purpurea ‘Tricolor,’ which looks similar. In any case, this purple-leaf form of beech has a pinky border on the foliage. A glorious addition to a small garden, it’s a scene stealer if there ever was one.
Where to plant it
It might get burned if it’s in too much sun, so put it in a place where it will be protected from the midday blaze. It can grow to 10 metres, but, in heavy clay, not quite that large. In the 15 years I’ve had one, I’ve experienced no problems with this plant except that it needs deep watering during a drought. A hit of compost is a good idea and so is mulching.
The branching is more horizontal than the usual beech, so place it carefully – i.e., not too close to other trees.
What it offers
This spectacular small tree can be used as a focal point or even as a way to perk up a dull hedge in the background. It grows slowly, with the most amazing leafing in spring. The bark is smooth and grey and the shape is attractive in winter. Backlit by morning or evening sun, this is a jaw-dropping plant and, in case you haven’t detected, one of my favourites.
Source and cost
I hope and trust that this specimen will be in all good Zone 5 and 6 nurseries next year. See you then.
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How and when should I prune my evergreens?
Marjorie Harris
The question
I have a variety of evergreens. How do I look after them and when should I prune them?
The answer
Prune evergreens in the late winter or early spring, when you can observe how winter has damaged them. Brush off any browning of the needles with leather gloves just to make them look nice. Make sure they go into this winter with at least five buckets of water so they suffer as little damage as possible from severe March sunlight. They keep on transpiring all winter, so water right up to the last minute.
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On vacation? This planter will water itself
Suzanne Gardner
“We’re excited about a new line of PREMIUM SELF-WATERING PLANTERS by the German company Lechuza (from $24.95 through www.lechuza.ca). They have a sub-irrigation system built in, so you can leave your house for a month and come back to healthy plants and flowers. You can use them indoors or out. And they’re super-light, so they work well on balconies for condo-dwellers, too.”
Suzanne Gardner is the owner of Toronto’s Suzanne Gardner Flowers
