There are many reasons. The soil is still warm enough to encourage roots to grow whereas in spring the soil is still warming up from the winter. Due to the fact that the plant no longer produces many flowers or foliage, the plant is able to spend a lot of its energy building roots. There is less shock and stress to the plant as it is about to go into dormancy. Planting in fall gives your plant a 6 month head start against spring plantings. Your plants will have less insects to deal with. Then there are the benefits of less weeds and less watering.
Fall is also a time to divide some perennials. Some perennials that benefit from dividing in fall are asters, native coneflowers, monardas (bee balms), day lilies, liatris, peonies, black eyed susans, garden phlox and creeping phox, siberian iris, bearded iris and veronica. This is not an all inclusive list but tries to list the most common perennials. If you are unsure if your plant should be divided in fall, google the plant or talk to a knowledgeable person.
Fall planting is not just for perennials, but shrubs and trees also benefit from fall planting.
Our nursery still has lots of perennials in stock available for immediate planting. Stop in before fall turns into winter.
This is the first year we are carrying the Jane Magnolia tree. It is quite similar to the popular Ann Magnolia tree, but there are some differences. The Jane Magnolia tree has larger flowers with more purple-pinkish-white petals whereas the Anne Magnolia flowers have fewer petals and are deep pink. Jane Magnolia blooms in late spring which is a bonus as earlier blooming varieties may have their buds nipped by late frost. Magnolias bloom before foliage appears so you will see a tree in blossom with no leaves to hide the flowers. The leaves are large and deep green in summer, turning to yellow in fall. The growth rate is about a foot a year but I have seen magnolia trees grow much more then a foot per year. Usually this tree produces sporadic blossoms throughout the summer. The tree does best in morning sun and filtered afternoon shade and will grow in just about any type of soil. In spring, when you see the Jane Magnolia tree in bloom and smell the perfume of the flowers, you will be extremely happy you purchased this tree. Please “Google” Jane Magnolia tree and you will see how beautiful this tree is in bloom.
Happy October, we have a magnolia blooming at the garden center! This Royal Star in the last magnolia tree for the season and its blooming RIGHT NOW! Here is your chance to grab this terrific spring specimen and get it planted before the season runs out. When spring rolls around you will be the talk of the neighborhood with these beautiful blossoms while the rest of us wait for these trees to arrive at the garden center.
Finally, a Japanese Maple that is a zone 4. This is a dwarf maple that was discovered growing in a yard in Minneapolis by a landscaper. The maple was about 4 ft tall and 8 ft wide. Obviously this tree survived some very harsh winters, even the polar vortex. The Velvet Viking was named for its rich velvety color and after the Minnesota’s Viking football team. Monrovia Nursery received some cuttings and began the long process of bringing this plant to market. (-MPLS Star-Tribune 6/13/20) Presently there is only a limited supply of these trees available to the public. Be the first in your neighborhood to plant this tree. Since they are a dwarf variety, they also make beautiful patio plantings in a pot.
Hello October! It has been a long year with ups and downs. Fall is officially upon us and one thing is certain, we cannot wait to see nature transition into its fall attire! Fall is a friendly reminder that change is possible, necessary, and can be refreshing for the soul.
Being a season of change, now is the perfect time to refresh your landscape with some hidden gems that will add beauty to your landscape for seasons to come. Fall is the perfect time to put the spotlight on some of these varieties that may not get the attention they deserve earlier in the season.
Rounding out at five feet in height and four feet in width, the Autumn Magic chokeberry is a show stopper of a plant! White spring flowers invite a delicious tart berry excellent as a jam or they can be paired with a handful of pretzels or string cheese for a savory snack. Aronia is also an exceptional fruit to be utilized in the fermentation process for those that like to create their own beverages. Once the berries are gone for the season, fall is around the corner and one can look forward to the rich tones of red and orange that provide the final act of the season.
Exceptionally low maintenance, viburnums are a delightful addition to the landscape as a specimen plant or can be incorporated into a hedge. Emerald Triumph has a broad, glossy leaf which provides great texture and coverage along with the contrast against the white flowers appearing in spring. Berries transitioning from red to black extend the value this plant brings to the landscape.
Ranking high in popularity, the serviceberry is one of a kind. Delicate white flowers are trailed by an edible purplish-black fruit excellent for fresh eating. Fall foliage is outstanding with shades of red and orange throughout fall until the showy grey bark and intriguing branching are in full display during winter. Not only will the tree provide the landscape with many seasons of interest, it also benefits wildlife who also feed on the fruit.
Ideal for any rock garden or dry location, the Tom Thumb cotoneaster will not disappoint! Is there a hillside that is too steep to manage? Are you in search of low lying fall color? Tom Thumb is the plant you need! This small sprawling plant is covered in delicate glossy leaves that come ablaze in fall. Reaching a height of about one foot and spreading to about six feet, this plant will prove its durability and low maintenance in no time.
If you are looking for hardy, durable plants for your landscape look no further than these hidden gems. These are both small and large plants that can bring a world of impact to the landscape. Hidden gems can be found just about anywhere you look. Stop in and find one today!
Hurry In if you are looking for a crabapple tree. A new shipment just arrived and most of the trees are in or about to be in full bloom. We have the old favorite Prairifire, along with Red Splendor, Spring Snow and several others. Again, hurry in because once these trees are gone we may not be able to get any more plus when they are blooming you get to see the bloom color.
Just arrived! Blooming Tina crabapple trees. This dwarf crabapple has one of the prettiest blossoms of all crabapple trees. The blossoms had pink to red buds that open to white flowers followed by tiny red crabapples. It is also disease resistant. This cultivar is grafted on a 48″ standard. The height will be around 6-8 ft tall and 8-10 ft wide. Would like full sun. Zone hardy 4-7.
Tina Sargeant Crabapple Photo courtesy of Monrovia
Tina crabapple tree (photo courtesy Bailey Nurseries)
Tina Crabapple Tree (photo courtesy Bailey Nurseries)
