Northside plant walk: Early Spring Standouts 03/08/24

By Matt S., Pitt County Extension Director and Horticulture Agent Our Northside Plant Walk series kicked off for its second season on Friday, March 8th, with the theme of Early Spring Standouts.  Among the group of plants covered were three gorgeous Magnolias in full bloom, each with a unique characteristic despite many shared similarities. First was the hybrid vx ‘Butterflies’, one of our favorite plants in the entire arboretum. It’s prolific creamy yellow blooms early in spring outshine any other yellow magnolia that we can think of. Next was the Saucer magnolia, Magnolia x soulangeana, another hybrid species prized for its purple tulip-shaped blossoms. Many refer to this as a tulip tree or tulip magnolia, but so many other trees have similar common names it’s best to stick to calling it Saucer magnolia to avoid confusion. 'Butterflies' is a deciduous hybrid cultivar Magnoliaceae (magnolia) family. Saucer magnorlia, Magnolia x soulangeana Star magnolia, Magnolia stellata Finally, the white flowering magnolia that shines in March- Magnolia stellata, or star magnolia. Each flower features 7-20 individual petals, which radiate out from the center like points on a star. Each of these magnolias can be categorized as large shrub to small tree, with heights in the range of 10-25 feet. Magnolias like moist acidic soil with high organic matter and good drainage, and though they will tolerate partial shade they flower best in full sun. Because magnolias bloom early and their petals are cold sensitive, they can often be damaged by poorly timed frosts or cold spells. Plant them in areas where they have some protection from wind and cold, and avoid southern exposures that will push their blooms even earlier. The Helleborus genus is a group of shade-loving perennials prized for their late winter/early spring blooms and glossy evergreen foliage. These long-blooming plants sometimes start flowering in January and last into April, though peak bloom tends to be late February/early March. They have many common names, but one of the most frequently used, Lenten rose, is a reference to their bloom corresponding roughly with the season of Lent. We featured them on our first plant walk of the year because they truly represent the transition from winter into spring. Helleborus orientalis, or any of the many cultivars such as the Frostkiss and Ice and Roses series, will give you fantastic color in the shade as our weather turns from cold to warm. Colors range from white to pink to purple to red, and various combinations thereof. Helleborus foetidus has more of a subtle bloom but has especially delicate foliage which is quite attractive. Grow these plants in partial to full shade in moist, organic, well-drained soils. Their leaves are toxic to animals such as deer and rabbits (and humans too, so resist the urge to nibble on them), and this makes them a good alternative to hosta, which like similar conditions but are often grazed on by hungry deer. The bloom of Creeping phlox, Phlox subulata, arrives just a bit later in the calendar year than the Lenten rose and is more likely to dazzle in sun then shade.  This low growing perennial is ideal for planting in mass on slopes, edging pathways, or filling cracks in rock gardens. It tolerates drought well, and can be planted in poor sandy soils, through it would prefer moist, well-drained soils with some organic matter. A native to much of the Eastern United States and Canada, the blooms of this Phlox species don’t stay long, but they make a welcome addition to any spring landscape. “A garden without a viburnum is akin to life without music and art.” So says noted horticulture professor and author Michael Dirr. Viburnum tinus, commonly known as laurustinus viburnum is one of many members of the genus. I’ve always taken Dirr’s quote to mean that not only are viburnums stimulating to the senses in ways mirroring music and art, but that the sheer number of plants within the genus and the diversity of characteristics among them almost ensures that even if you don’t like every viburnum you see, there surely are at least a few that you appreciate. Creeping phlox, Phlox subulata. Viburnum tinus, commonly known as laurustinus viburnum Fragrant tea olive, Osmanthus fragrans This particular viburnum is one of the earliest to flower in our area. It’s a mid-sized evergreen shrub with floral cymes on the terminal end of each branch. The blooms are light pink when in bud, but open up with pure white petals. Although not native, it is a food source for bees and other insects as they forage for nectar in early blooms, and its later season fruit are enjoyed by songbirds. It can be used in the landscape as a specimen plant, hedge, or foundation plant. Perhaps not as fragrant or showy as other viburnums that will bloom later in spring, but it might be favored by the type of person in the mood for a soft jazz or classical record rather than a raucous punk one. Osmanthus fragrans, fragrant tea olive, is a fabulous and underrated large shrub. It has shiny evergreen foliage with a reddish tinge to its newest growth in spring and makes a fine hedge or border shrub. Its greatest attribute, and the one that gives it its name, is the deliciously sweet fragrance packed inside the tiny white flowers nestled among its branches. Flowers bloom in the spring and again in the fall, so gardeners normally get to experience the aroma twice per year. This shrub will grow to a height of 10-20’ tall, so be sure to plant it in a place where there is plenty of room to grow. Although it’s fragrance will carry quite a bit, placing it in a location where its scent can be most appreciated, such as near a patio or pathway, is a good idea. It prefers sun or light shade, and moist, well-drained soil, though it is fairly drought tolerant once established. This would have been a great plant to save for April’s Aromatic Additions for your Landscape plant walk, but the impact of its scent was to good to pass up on this beautiful March day.  Photo credits: NCSU Plant Toolbox: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu 'Butterflies' is a deciduous hybrid cultivar Magnoliaceae Flower in Monroe Co., NY – Spring Photo credit Amy StidhamCC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Magnolia x soulangeana, Saucer magnolia Photo credit: Zp CC BY-SA 4.0 Magnolia stellate Photo by Elle_Ann CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Phlox subulata Form under Sun Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Viburnum tinus, Habit Wendy Cutler CC BY 2.0 Osmanthus fragrans, Flowers Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0