Garden Source

European Variegated Dogwood, Cornus alba ‘Argenteo-marginata’, is one of the larger ornamental shrubs with attractive cream and green variegated foliage. This plant has year-round appeal in the landscape, displaying variegated leaves in summer and vibrant red branches in winter. It needs sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-drained soil but tolerates a range of soil conditions. It is rapid growing and has showy, green and white variegated leaves that last till fall. Dramatic in mass plantings and works well in the small home garden. Prune hard in late winter because the new growth is the most brilliantly colored. The tree form elevates the bright red wood in winter.

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The White Fringetree, Chionanthus virginicus, is a deciduous shrub or small tree with a spreading, rounded habit. It is also known as Old Mans Beard. The common name refers to the slightly fragrant, spring-blooming flowers which feature airy, terminal, drooping clusters (4-6″ long) of fringe-like, creamy white petals. Flowers give way to clusters of olive-like fruits which ripen to a dark, bluish black in late summer and are a food source for birds and wildlife. Wide, spear-shaped leaves (to 8″ long) turn yellow in autumn. White Fringetrees are easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It prefers moist, fertile soils. These deciduous trees seldom need pruning. They are intolerant of air pollution and prolonged dry conditions and grow in groups, as specimens in lawns, in shrub, or in woodland borders. They may also may be used in native plant gardens or near streams or ponds. They are spectacular in full bloom.

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A slight breeze is enough to cause a fluttering sound and mirror-like reflections that will scare away even the bravest birds. Attach the streamers to tree limbs, trellises, sprinkler risers, etc. Use 2 ft. long streamers in orchards and 8-10 inch streamers in vegetable rows or grapes, placing them one/10-20 ft. in problem areas.

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