Cooperative Extension Service
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

2000

Sun-Loving Coleus
(Coleusxhybridus)
  • Summer annual growing to 18-36 inches high with equal spread.
  • Most gardeners know the shade coleus, but full-sun plants are now availabe.
  • Leaf colors are brilliant, ranging from crimson to chartreuse to orange.
  • They do well as bedding plants, hanging baskets and containers.
  • Plant them at least 2 feet apart.
  • If leggy, pinch back long stems to encourage branchng.
  • Cuttings root easily; great to share with friends.
  • Use slow release fertilizer such as Osmocote.

Solar Sunrise

Amazon

David Phlox and Robert Poore Phlox
(Phlox paniculata)
  • Herbaceous perennials growing to 3-4 feet high in clumps 2-3 feet in diameter.
  • 'Robert Poore' -- deep purple flowers May-June; 'David' -- bright white flowers with long bloom.
  • Not totally powdery mildew resistant but less susceptible than common garden phlox.
  • Look great when grown together; also combine well with other annuals and perennials.
  • Prefer full sun to partial shade and moist well-drained soil (add organic matter).
  • Light application of 10-10-10 or 13-13-13 in March and following bloom.
  • Clumps can easily be divided in fall to transplant or to share.
  • Water plants early morning, as watering in the evening encourages mildew.
  • Repond well to drip irrigation or soaker hose; after first frost, cut plants back to 2 inches.

David Phlox

Robert Poore Phlox

Alice Oakleaf Hydrangea
(Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alice')
  • Deciduous shrub growing to 12 feet high and 12 feet wide.
  • White flower spikes averaging 10-14 inches in length; exceptionally long bloom period.
  • Flowers emerge in June, remaining four to six weeks; excellent as cut flowers.
  • Rich burgundy fall color; cinnamon-colored exfoliating bark adds landscape interest.
  • Works well as a single specimen in shady locations or in groups of three to five behind smaller plants.
  • Excellent for use in naturalized areas (wooded lots).
  • Prefers morning sun with afternoon shade and moist well-drained soil (add organic matter).
  • Apply granular fertilizer (16-4-8) in March and again in mid-summer if water available.
  • Prune after bloom to shape plant and encourage branching.

 

'Alice' hydrangea plant (left) and flower (above)

Little Gem Magnolia
(Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem')

  • Evergreen tree growing to 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide.
  • 'Little Gem' more suited to smaller landscapes than southern magnolia.
  • Can be used as specimen tree or as a background plant, or it can be planted as a hedge.
  • Smaller leaves are drak glossy green on top and fuzzy brown underneath.
  • Flowering begins in summer and continues through fall.
  • Likely to flower the first season.
  • Best planted in fall; available B&B or in container (7-15 gallon).
  • Fertilize in February and again in late June with 16-4-8.
  • Prune to encourage branching.

'Little Gem' magnolia flower

'Little Gem' tree