Cornelian Cherry Tree

The next six flowering trees that attract birds, bees or butterflies, are listed according to their bloom time.  You will find many features that will excite you.

Cornelian cherry  (Cornus mas)

The Cornelian cherry is one of the earliest blooming woody plants.  It makes a deciduous shrub or small tree, with a graceful rounded form, 15 to 20 feet tall.  In early spring, the naked branches are dotted with clusters of fluffy yellow flowers , which are followed in late summer by bright red edible fruits.  The “cherries” are relished by songbirds and other wildlife. While too tart to eat raw by humans, the cherries make

Cornelian Cherry Berry

delicious preserves.  In the fall, the dark green foliage turns a rich burgundy purple, and the beautifully mottled exfoliating bark of mature specimens contributes o its four seasons of garden interest.  Cornelian cherry grows in sun or shade, is tolerant of most conditions, and is untroubled by pests or disease.  It is easy care in full sun to moist shade.  It is particularly effective when trained as a multitrunked small tree and underplanted with hellebores, primroses, early bulb and other early spring border beauties, such as daffodils.  C. mas  “Variegata” has white-margined foliage; “Aurea” is strongly yellow; and with gold-margined leaves, the cultivar “Elegantissima” is a stunning addition to the garden.  Hardy to Zone 4 to 7.

Cornelian Cherry In Bloom

Time to tell you about my favorite tree.

I want a tree that is not too big, not too small, can grow in sun or shade, tolerates wet and drought, not too fussy about soil type, its evergreen or nearly so, it has gorgeous blooms that are fragrant, it blooms when many others have finished and keeps blooming most of the summer, and has two or more season interests.   Just one last wish, I want it to be cherished by the birds as much as I cherish it.  That is a big order to fill!

And the winner is——-

Sweetbay Magnolia  (Magnolia virginiana and M. virgniana var. australis)

Gardeners love and appreciate the sweetbay magnolia’s small, cream-colored goblet-shaped flowers in early summer. When the tight seedpods mature in late summer, the bright red seeds are eagerly consumed by birds. This tree is surprisingly hardy.  The southern form (M. virginiana var. australis), is usually evergreen and can grow up to 20 feet.  The northern from (M. virginiana) often has several trunks; it is deciduous or semi-evergreen.  Sweetbay magnolia grows in sun or part shade and tolerates moist soils and drought, prefers an acid soil.  The glossy leaves have silvery undersides, and the whole tree shimmers in a breeze.  Plant them by a path where you can appreciate the sweet fragrance of the flowers as you come and go.  Height range is from 10 to 20 feet.  Hardy in Zones 5 to 9.

I purchased mine three years ago at a local farmers market. Not much growth the first year and I thought I had a failure on my hands.  I gave it more fertilizer and it is doing much better the past two years.  It is supposed to bloom in the 8 to 10 year.  Oh, how can I wait that long!

Sweetbay Magnolia

Not all flowering trees are created equal!  Some are amazingly beautiful.  Others have four season appeal.  Personally, I seek out trees that add variety to my yard in as many seasons, forms , color and fragrance variations  as possible.  When I can find a tree that also attracts birds, bees or butterflies, it becomes irresistible!  Watch for my postings over the next several days as I finish my research and writing and publish my favorite flowering and birding trees!

Keeping it economical:

A great way to get free trees is watch for self-sowing seedlings.  Most can be relied upon to transplant and take hold successfully.   Hosting a plant exchange day with your friends or in your neighborhood  are two ideas to get free plants.   Joining local gardening clubs, getting on mailing lists of local nurseries, checking out classes and sales at display gardens and generally developing an awareness of flower and gardening associations will give you great resources at very reasonable prices.  End of summer sales is a great time to get plants at local nurseries.    These local methods of attaining plants have the extra bonus of letting you know that the plants will do well in your growing area and conditions.

End of summer sales is a great time to get plants at local nurseries. Shop early and plant them quickly so they have more growing time to adjust to their new home before winter.

A disaster that became a success:

A dear friend of mine had given me a seedling start from her Japanese Maple tree. I had it in a small ceramic pot where

Red Japanese Maple

I could easily attend to its needs.  It was doing nicely until I accidentally cut of the top with the weed wacker!  I must have had some intuition about the seedling as I did not throw it out, just left it in the yard over the winter.  The next spring, it had two side shoots and is still growing well!

Know what you want:

When choosing plants, it is important to be selective and specific about what you want.  Yet, still remain flexible and willing to try new plants and take others suggestions. When you have a failure, and all gardeners do, just toss it into your compost pile and do something different next time!

To every gardening rule, there will be a plant that is an exception to the rule.  The directions on the label  will trump any general gardening rule.

Planting tips:

When planting trees, starting with small specimens is best.  The exception is when a tree is very slow growing and you don’t want to wait several years.  All trees need extra water the first 3 to 5 years.

Planting three or more different sizes of trees as a group bring a cohesive and established look.

Using native trees will be the easiest and most reliable choices.  And, they will attract the native pollinators and birds for nesting, feeding and shelter.  Just be aware of your neighborhood and dare to have trees that are not copy cats.

Be sensitive:

Birds and helpful insects will avoid the trees treated with pesticides.  They want to work the trees that show some damaged leaves and eat the insects found there. Reducing pesticide usage as much as possible keeps you healthier, promotes a better natural ecosystem, reduces chemical pollutions, and it is less costly on your pocket book.  I would much rather buy a couple of new plants instead of a bag or can of toxic chemicals.

Next I will post about my favorite tree.