Archive for the ‘garden’ tag
Bay leaf tree ( Sweet bay, Laurelia sempervirens )
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- Bay leaf tree May 2010
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- Bay leaf tree May 2010
This was a gift, and I’m told it will grow any where under any conditions in Houston. I’m testing that – it’s planted in a shady, dry area.
Originally from Chile where it normally grows in moist coastal forests. Heavily exploited for its timber it is now a protected plant in Chile. It is also native to India, South and Central America, Russia and Asia.
Evergreen shrub to tree growing as tall as 50′ in proper conditions. It can also be pruned and maintained as a small shrub.
Leaves are used in cooking. Let dry several weeks before using, these are one of the few herbs that get stronger and more distinct after drying.
Propagation:
Difficult from seed, easier to propagate from stem cuttings or suckers that appear on roots.
Hens and chicks (Sempervivum)
Hens and Chicks Sempervivum May 2010
Sempervivum originated in Europe and western Asia. In Rome they were planted on the roofs of homes. It was believed they would prevent witches from landing on your roof. Today they are gaining popularity in water wise gardens.
Leaves are small to conserve water, flowers can be quite showy to attract pollinators.
Plant in full sun.
Plant in well drained sandy soil.
In time these will have pink, yellow or white star shaped flowers. After flowering the rosette will die but babies will come up from the ground where the rosette was located.
There are over 40 different varieties.
Stonecrop ( Sedum stonecrop )
Stonecrop May 2010
There are over 400 species of sedum. These are succulent perennials and annuals and I purchased them as filler in the water wise bee and butterfly garden. They work best as borders or between stones. They do not do so well as a ground cover for a large area.
Rapid growers 3″-8″ tall, prune after flowering to keep them from getting leggy.
Full sun to light shade.
Good soil, well drained, they will rot if left sitting in water.
Propagate from seed or cuttings.
Problems:
Stem and root root – leaves and stems darken and shrivel, leaves drop, lower stems may be covered in white strands which develop brown pellets. Cause is wet soil, improve drainage.
