Thursday, September 21, 2006

Shrubs again



Xylosma congestum

Most commonly a hedge (12-15ft) ; can be trained to a tree (20ft). Usually evergreen, may drop leaves in cold but will revive in spring. Simple, shiny bright green, serrate margin, oval, pointed at tip leaves. New growth is bronze or reddish. Flowers are not ornamental, in leaf axils, off white, bloom in early spring, while fruits are pellet-sized black berries in mid fall. Stems are gray and gnarled, attractive form when trained as tree. Origin came from Japan.

Pittosporum tobira
Common names: Japanese Pittosporum, Mock Orange

Evergreen shrub or small tree to 15 feet high, depending on variety; thick, dark green leaves, up to 4 inches long (10 cm); glossy leathery leaves, 1 to 5 inches long (2.5-12.5 cm), up to 1 inch wide (2.5 cm) with recurving edges and lighter dull undersides. Drought resistant, does better with regular water, salt tolerant.
Frost hardy evergreen and heat resistant, tolerates full sun to half shade. The Pittosporum is a moderate to fast grower if given adequate nutrients and water. Feed in spring with complete fertilizer. Check for aphids. Blooms in March with cluster of fragrant creamy green flowers, 0.5 inch in diameter (12 mm). The flowers are not very noticeable, but they have a delightful orange-blossom fragrance.

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