Plant of the Day: Rhus typhina 'Lacinata'

This Second Plant of the Day's leaves currently have a fine fall color and interesting fruits that persist through winter.  The trunks and structure of this particular species can also create interest in the landscape.  I personally find that the seedlings and suckers can be a little time consuming to get rid of.  But, if you can handle a little extra maintenance and want something woody, unique and grows easily this can be a great plant option.

Latin Name: Rhus typhina 'Laciniata'

Family: Anacardiaceae

Common Name: Cut-Leaf Staghorn Sumac

10-Year Height: >10' (can get very wide if suckers allowed to grow)

Bloom Time: May/June

Bloom Color: Greens, Yellows

Best Exposure: Part Shade to Full Sun

Deciduous Shrub

1. Leaflets deeply divided so that they almost look like some fern fronds.

2. Branches have a velvety coat - look like antler of a deer.

Plant of the Day: Viburnum carlesii

I'm studying for a Certified Professional Horticulture test that is coming up in March. Part of the test is memorizing a list of plants commonly used in the landscape. I figured that a great way to study these plants would be to write about them right here! Hope you enjoy the plant picks and find the information useful. The first plant, chosen by my amazing assistant/partner, is Viburnum carlessii.

Latin Name: Viburnum carlesii
Family: Adoxaceae

Common Name: Koreanspice Viburnum

10-Year Height: <10' (Usually reaches a maximum height of 8' and width of 8')

Bloom Time: April/May

Bloom Color: Pink (Pink may fade into white as flowers get older)
Best Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade

Deciduous Shrub

1. The leaves are opposite, simple, ovate, and irregularly dentate. They will be dull green on the top part of the leaf while much paler on the bottom. Both sides are pubescent.

2. Hemispherical to spherical clusters of pink to white with pink tinged flowers. The flowers are fragrant at initial bloom.

Viburnum carlesii can handle a wide variety of soil and pH conditions but does best with partial sun, well-drained, slightly acidic soils. It's fragrant flowers make it an excellent candidate for borders of highly used areas of the garden. It has attractive silvery foliage and inconspicuous berry like drupes when flowering is done.