Cascading Woody Plants for the Midwest

Fill voids and enhance surfaces with these ornamental trailers that provide multiple seasons of interest

Softening magniloquent or hilly surfaces are state of affairs that seldom come up in my design practice , as I work in surroundings that are typically rather matted . There are meter , however , when level alteration materialize to take place on the land or are created during a expression process . I get excited when there is the chance to use plant that naturally cascade . This is an entirely unlike aesthetic from plants thatclimband is more interesting than plug in someivy . The next time you regain yourself need a works to spill over awall , rock , or some other meridian variety , consider one of these great cascading plants .

‘Autumn Amber’ three-leaf sumac is a tough, low-growing spreader for larger landscapes

Sumacs ( Rhusspp . and cvs . , Zones 2–10 ) are a diverse group of plant range in size from small tree diagram forms to low shrub . ‘ Autumn Amber ’ three - leafage sumac ( Rhus trilobata‘Autumn Amber ’ , Zones 4–6 ) is an extremely short and wide spreading shrub with an orange to amber downfall vividness . The matlike growth creates a drapery of leafage spilling over and cover any surface they are implant on . Exceptionally rugged , it is a choice works to cascade down over a Harlan Stone outcrop , group of boulders , or even a formal brick paries . Growing in rugged topographic point , this works does well in well - drained filth and full sun . Give it plenty of room ; despite specifications of growing 1 to 2 feet tall and 5 to 7 foot wide , my experience is that its energy is put into grow wider and not as tall . If you want to control the sizing , cut plant back in the spring prior to novel growth appearing . ‘ Autumn Amber ’ does not generally have any disease or worm problems and does not suffer from graze by rabbits or deer .

Rockspray cotoneaster has a great prostrate form with three seasons of interest

For a fine and lacy texture against a solid surface , lease ’s not forget about cotoneaster ( Cotoneasterspp . and cvs , Zones 4–9 ) . Another shrub group of various forms , rockspray cotoneaster ( Cotoneasterhorizontalis and cvs . , Zones 5–7 ) has a prostrate growing habit with starchy branches and little , shiny , benighted green leaves . Its red red yield is attractive tobirds , even if it is not heavily present . Growing 2 to 3 feet tall with branch cascade to a width of 6 to 8 feet extensive , this shrub will reward you with fragrant pinkish spring flowers and reddish - purple surrender color . For the best performance , plant cotoneaster in full sunshine to partial shade and in grunge that is well drained , moist , and loamy . This plant will tolerate less than perfect condition ; if you have dry or poor soil , it will still work for you . take away deadwood as necessary , pruning to shape , and renovate before new increment appears in the leap . For a very blue and prostrate option , view the varietyCotoneaster horizontalisvar.perpusillus , which grow to only 1 foot tall and 5 to 8 feet wide .

‘Scentsation’ honeysuckle provides a long season of fragrant blooms

Technically a vine , ‘ Scentsation ’ Australian honeysuckle ( Lonicerapericlymenum‘Scentsation ’ , Zones 4–9 ) can also be grown as a cascading works or else of a social climber . Exceptionally fragrant , this yellow - flower variety has an extensive time of year of generous efflorescence , from midspring to other tumble , accompany by bright red berries . It is not invasive , is loved by hummingbirds and butterfly stroke , and is not favored by deer . This honeysuckle does best in full sun and areas with copious airflow to decoct the chance for powdery mildew ( a disease triggered by high humidness and poor air circulation ) . Additional charge can be taken to prevent powdery mould by selectively pruning to keep the plant from becoming too dense and by get rid of diseased farewell . Expect ‘ Scentsation ’ to quickly cascade down with a 5- to 6 - metrical foot bedcover with vines up to 12 feet long over any perpendicular aerofoil .

While each of these cascading plants has the power to cover an aim of hearty height , one does not have to have any of them strive their full potential . Each of these clearly dissimilar woody plant can be melt off or shortened to meet the needs of your space or the particular design intent you have in mind . remove a branch here or a tendril there can make a webby issue to permit the surface behind to peek through , resulting in an enchanting contrast of organic and man - made materials . Trimming the bottom bakshis in a odd stock , as though they are blast , creates the look of an upside - down hedge . The options are endless . Let your imagination roam as you consider the options when playing with cascading flora .

— Marti Neely , FAPLD , owns and operates Marti Neely Design and Associates in Omaha , Nebraska .

photo : Marti Neely , FAPLD

ok Gardening commend Products

Pruning simplify : A Step - by - gradation Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs

Fine horticulture receives a commission for items purchased through inter-group communication on this situation , include Amazon Associates and other affiliate publicizing course of study .

ARS Telescoping Long Reach Pruner

Corona E - Grip Trowel

Get our late tips , how - to articles , and instructional video ship to your inbox .

Signing you up …

Shopping-List Plants for the Midwest

Pollinator Plants for the Midwest

Winter Protection for the Midwest Garden

Big Bluestems for Big Fall Color in the Midwest

Join Fine Gardening for a free engaging live webinar feature Dr. Janna Beckerman , a renowned plant pathologist as well as professor emerita at Purdue University and the ornamentals technological manager …

When I spotted a special moxie dollar cactus ( Astrophytum asterias ) at the Philadelphia Flower Show a few months ago , I do it I was in worry . With a delightful color pattern …

When we only prioritise plant we want over plant life our landscape painting motive , each time of year is fill with a never - end inclination of chores : pruning , pinching , watering , treating , repair , and fertilizing , with …

Video

Touring an Eco-friendly, Shady Backyard Retreat

You must be careful when you enter the backyard of garden designer Jeff Epping — not because you ’re likely to trip on something , but because you might be dive - bombed by a dyad …