STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Kari · Dooney & Bourke

speaking of gardening - tree question

Elle · Hermes

What zone are you in? I just did a ton of research looking for the very same type of tree, but I think our options might be a bit different since I'm in a very mild zone 8

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Kari · Dooney & Bourke

Not sure what you mean by zone. I did a google for gardening zones and found a frost zone map. According to that, I am in Zone 7.

relrel · Marc Jacobs

I'm pretty sure Elle is talking about Plant Hardiness Zones. It's basically a a way to determine the coldest and hottest temps and can be matched up with plants that can survive those extremes.

Here's the big map: http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html

Sibeski · Dooney & Bourke

I'm loving the Tulip ree right now. It's also called a Saucer Magnolia or Japanese Magnolia. They have the prettiest blooms, and it's not big and messy like the traditional Magnolia. I believe the hardiness zone for the is 5 - 8 and they can be formed into a bush or tree. Saucer Magnolia | Japanese Magnolia | Tulip Tree

Saucer Magnolia | Japanese Magnolia | Tulip Tree

FashionPrincess · Hermes

Sibeski wrote:

I'm loving the Tulip ree right now. It's also called a Saucer Magnolia or Japanese Magnolia. They have the prettiest blooms, and it's not big and messy like the traditional Magnolia. I believe the hardiness zone for the is 5 - 8 and they can be formed into a bush or tree.

Oh, that is beautiful!

Elle · Hermes

Hah - that's actually the tree we ended up getting! Be warned though that even in our warmer zone 8 climate, early spring frosts frequently kill the first round of buds and brown any flowers that have already bloomed. Usually they put on a second later show as the leaves emerge that's safer from the frosts. Make sure to get a dwarf variety, otherwise some can be quite large.

I have to run to school so I'll be back later to add some more possibilities!

Elle · Hermes

I'd go to a few nurseries in your area (not Home Depot or Lowes, but actual nurseries) and look at the trees and shrubs they have there. Usually if you tell someone there what you're looking for they can make suggestions or point you in the right direction. I'd make sure that you don't get anything that tends to be very invasive with it's root system, since it's going to be quite close to the house (and your foundation).

Sun Camelia (camelia sasanqua) - Doesn't get as big as a regular camelia, so you wouldn't have to worry about pruning it a ton down the line. It's evergreen and blooms in the winter and spring - it's flowers don't seem to mind frost too much, especially if you get one with non-white flowers.

Japanese Maple:

Dwarf Sumac:

If there's a gutter on that part of the house, I'd also consider how high that is and if a mature version of the tree/shrub you want to put there is going to eventually drop leaves and clog them up.

Don't forget to get your utilities marked before you dig!

Grace · BCBG

What about a lilac? There are so many varities/sizes. Plus you would have the wonderful smell coming through the bedroom window.

Kari · Dooney & Bourke

relrel wrote:

I'm pretty sure Elle is talking about Plant Hardiness Zones. It's basically a a way to determine the coldest and hottest temps and can be matched up with plants that can survive those extremes.

Here's the big map: http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html

According to this, I am in Zone 7a

Kari · Dooney & Bourke

Sibeski wrote:

I'm loving the Tulip ree right now. It's also called a Saucer Magnolia or Japanese Magnolia. They have the prettiest blooms, and it's not big and messy like the traditional Magnolia. I believe the hardiness zone for the is 5 - 8 and they can be formed into a bush or tree.

I have wondered about these...but after Spring, is it just a tree with no leaves or does it get leaves?

Elle · Hermes

Kari - those trees do indeed get leaves after they flower. There are evergreen varieties as well, but those tend to get larger and drop some leaves all year round. There are different varieties and colors of magnolias that lose their leaves too - saucer, star, etc. Some have a shrubby tendendcy and some are more tree like. I'd head to a nice local nursery and see what they have and what they can tell you about them

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