By Judy Fender

Fall is a great time to think about adding some excitement to your landscape with a new tree. Consider planting drought tolerant and native trees that are better acclimated to our soil and weather condition!

American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) A 3' - 9' shrub, deciduous to evergreen that gets white clusters of flowers at the nodes May to July. The magenta berries put on quite a display in the winter in part and dappled shade areas.

Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) Small ornamental deciduous tree (10-15') with showy pink-magenta trumpet shaped flowers May through September. Full sun to part shade. Both insects and hummingbirds are attracted to the tubular flowers. Various birds like the winged seeds.

Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora) small evergreen tree (6'-30') with showy, lavender-purple flower clusters, fragrant, March and April. Full sun to part shade.

Rough-leaf dogwood (Cornus drummondii) small ornamental deciduous tree (10-20') with showy, creamy-white flower heads May through August. Part shade, dappled shade, shade. Good nectar plant for many insects. White fruit in winter is prized among about 40 different species of birds.

Wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) softly shaped low-growing evergreen shrub or small tree (6'-12') which is fast growing and has aromatic leaves with waxy pale bluish berries. Tolerates poor drainage. Provides nesting sites Over 40 species of birds eat the waxy berries including migratory cedar waxwings, robins, cardinals, mockingbirds, warblers, towhees, and sparrows. It is the larval host plant for Red-banded hairstreak butterflies.

Camellias are evergreen shade-loving plants that are often overlooked until their winter blooms attract attention, creating colorful displays. The Camellia originated in China and arrived in North America via European settlers during the early days of Southern colonies. At that time, the leaves of the Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis) were cultivated to make tea. The more beautiful AND ornamental relatives of this plant that we enjoy in our landscapes are the Camellia japonica (native to Korea, China, and Japan) and the Camellia sasanqua, a shrub of Japanese origin. The shiny dark green foliage is attractive year-round in the garden and can be used as an accent plant or a landscape shrub.

Camellias require very little pruning and require shade. From October to April, these evergreen shrubs can add a spark of color to an otherwise flower-less season. A single Camellia can brighten a troublesome shady corner, turning it into a wonderfully attractive niche. To add variety to a patio garden or in an area where the soil is difficult, consider planting them in large containers with drainage holes. They like well-drained slightly acid soil (pH 6.0 to 6.5 is ideal), but will tolerate a lower pH. Plant camellias in the fall and mulch them well to keep soil moisture in (but not soggy).

Of the Camellia japonica variety, we have 'Betty Sette' (double, medium pink blooms, ), 'Winter's Fire' (pink), and 'Spring's Promise' (rose-red blooms), among others. These shrubs will grow about 8' to 10' tall. There are also many Camellia sasanqua varieties to choose from such as 'Kanjiro' (rose pink petals edged with red), 'Chansonette' (pink double blooms), and 'Shishi Gashira' (profuse semi-double rose colored blooms). There are also the low-growing (4' to 5' tall) 'White Doves,' 'Bonanza' (red), and Yuletide (red, single blooms) for smaller areas of the garden. Different varieties will bloom at different times during the winter months. Taller japonica varieties that grow to heights of about 15' are 'Marcie Bracey' (coral-rose), 'Kramer's Supreme' (dark red), 'Scentsation' (fragrant, silvery pink peony-type bloom), and 'Chandleri Elegans' (rose pink, mottled with white). Other favorites are 'Mrs. Charles Cobb' (deep pink, 6-8'), 'Silver Waves' (white, 6-8'), and Nuccio Pearl (pinkish white with dark edges, 6-8,' see picture). Some varieties such as 'White Doves' and 'Bonanza' can take a bit more sun than other varieties.

When camellias are underplanted with an array of azaleas, hostas, and other woodland plants, the display is beautiful. As the camellias finish their bloom, the azaleas will begin their show, and the hosta will soon thereafter awaken to delight you with their attractive foliage and delicate blooms.

Come visit and see what we have to entice you. Select one of these jewels to make your winter garden sparkle this year!