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Purple Heart Plant: Tradescantia pallida Purple Queen Plant Mystery!

By Sarwat Rehman

Purple heart plant (Tradescantia pallida) is the queen of all plants!

Yes, this purple heart plant is an evergreen plant with lance-shaped long purple leaves and delicate pinkish-purple flowers that make it queen of the garden.

This is a perfect houseplant that has much to explore!

purple heart plant
Purple Heart plant (Tradescantia pallida)

Its multiple common names, significance, planting instructions, indoor and outdoor care routine, uses, and benefits, most importantly, medicinal uses, all of these are worth knowing that are discussed here.

Last but not least, all of your questions related to ‘Purple heart plant’ are also answered at the end.

So, keep exploring this exceptional plant.

Purple Heart Plant Information

Purple heart plant (Tradescantia pallida) is an excellent groundcover with pointed long purple leaves that dignify the plant as ‘Purple Queen.’

Yes!

Purple heart plant is also well recognized as ‘Purple Queen Plant’ or ‘Wandering Jew.’

If you are looking for a striking flowering plant in your landscape, this purple plant is the best because its long velvety purple leaves give magnificent contrast with delicately small purplish-pink flowers.

Flowers bloom in the spring and autumn. Long purple leaves with three-petaled bright flowers at the ends of the stem give the plant a whole purple world in the garden.

Even if you see it, you will be amazed by its attraction as its purple stem is masked with large pointed leaves giving a perfectly crafted cover.

In addition to groundcover, the purple heart is an outstanding houseplant that grows well in a patio container or a hanging basket.

So, now there is no excuse for not having this purple anymore!

Just dedicate a corner of your indoor living or give it a space in the yard, it will wipe all your depressions with its beauty.

Purple Heart Plant Annual or Perennial? Explore Purple Plant

This is the mystery of the purple heart plant that whether it is an annual or perennial plant? If you are confused between annual and perennial plants, then let’s make it clear first.

Annual plants are the ones that are only for one year as the name indicates ‘Annual.’ They just grow, bloom, and produce seeds and die. You will not get them next year until replanted. 

But if we talk about perennial plants, these are the plants that bloom, die, and recover over the course. They bloom over the spring and summer season, die every autumn and winter, and then regain their stature every spring.

And their life cycle goes on…

These are generally small flowering plants.

Just like any other specialty in the purple queen plant, it is perennial.

In a frost-free climate, it is an excellent groundcover and generally likes full sun for full bloom.

So, you don’t need to take the tension of losing it because it is not going anywhere once you plant it.

The thing you need to do is just stick to simply easy to care tips that are discussed below and if you will strictly follow the last tip, it is guaranteed that your purple queen will never ever face any problem.

General Summary: (Purple Heart Plant)

 ?      Scientific NameTradescantia pallida
 ✅     Common NameWandering Jew/ Purple Queen Plant
?       TypeEvergreen Perennial
 ⬆⬆       Height8-12 In.
↔         Spread10-15 In.
?      FoliagePurple
?       FlowerPink
⚡       Blooming SeasonSpring to Autumn
⛪     Suitable PlaceFull Sun
 ☀      LightPrefers Full Light
?         WaterVariable
?      TemperatureWarm
?     Zone9 – 11
?     ToxicitySkin Irritation
?       Special CharacteristicCold Tolerant/ Drought resistant
?     UsesOrnamental/ Controls Air Quality
Purple Heart Plant Information

Tradescantia pallida Purple Heart Planting Guide 

If you don’t have a purple heart plant in your yard, it’s the best time to grow and enjoy its mesmerizing beauty.

Without any further delay, let’s begin the purple queen planting guide.

You need

  • Hoe, spade or power tiller
  • Organic matter (peat or compost)
  • Starter Fertilizer e.g. (12-12-12)
  • Purple heart plant (baby plant)

When you are sure that you have all the things needed, start this step-by-step procedure of planting a purple heart plant.

  1.     Manage the Best Space

First thing you need to consider before growing purple heart plant is its place.

As purple plant can grow in partial shade, but it keeps the best color in the sun. So, select its place wisely for its full brilliance.

Even if you want to grow indoors, give it a place facing the sun.

The second thing you have to keep in mind is that maintain a reasonable distance between newly planting purple queen and other plants in the periphery.

There will be more competition between crowdedly grown plants that will lead to fewer blooms.

As it is groundcover and reaches up to 1 foot, so try to keep a distance of approximately 2 feet.

  1.    Prepare the soil

The second step you have to do is prepare the soil with a hoe, spade, or power tiller and enrich it with nutrients.

You can add peat moss, manure, or compost as they add nutrients and also help to improve the drainage of the plant.

You may also add starter fertilizer or all-purpose balanced feed. It will give an extra boost to plant growth.

  1.     Set the Plant in Soil

Now is the final stage of placing your purple plant in the soil. You have to dig a hole, larger than that of the root ball of the plant.

Just rake the roots with your hand so that dense roots will be more available.

Now, put the plant in soil and fill space around the root ball with fingers. Gently tap the soil hands or use the flat side of the trowel to firmly even the soil.

Make sure that the soil around the root ball is even.

Water the plant at the time so that the new plant can grow to its best.

Purple Heart Plant Care – Tradescantia pallida Best Care Routine 

Coming towards the care routine of purple queen plant, you need to follow some of the care tips that are discussed below, and you will enjoy a healthy purple plant ever.

All of the tips are worthy of following, but the last one will rock your plant.

  1. Water

Newly grown purple heart plant (Tradescantia pallida) needs more water than elderly grown. So, if your plant is newly planted, water it daily for some weeks.

Later on, give it less water and shift to a watering routine that depends on weather and soil conditions because a well-established purple queen is considered drought tolerant.

So, water it carefully.

You can adjust your routine to every 2-3 days.

If your plant is grown in sandy soil, water it more often because sandy soil retains less water than clay soil.

Pro Tip: You can also check moisture in the soil simply by your fingers or use a small trowel to dig in and check moisture.

If you observe 5 to 10 cm of the soil is dry, it means it is the right time to water the plant.

  1. Fertilization 

Fertilization of every plant is critical and needs sensible attention. So, fertilize purple heart with a proper routine so that plants may grow with full potential.

Fertilize your purple heart plant once a month when it is in the early growing phase. Decrease fertilization in winter and again apply in summer or spring.

There are different types of fertilizers like granulated, synthetic, or organic fertilizer, and slow release.

Check the label of the fertilizer that you are using and follow all the instructions mentioned for best results.

Pro Tip: Don’t fertilize too much as over-fertilization may also damage the plant.

  1. Pinching off 

The most effective care tip is to pinch off the tips of the stems so that plant can be more bush-like. Pinching back the plant boost dense growth and encourage more flowering.

After flowering, cut the stems about half of their height. This will give a robust growing effect on the Tradescantia Pallida. 

Pro Tip: Whenever you look plant is slenderly growing, pinch it off to get more blooms.

Purple Queen Plant Indoors Care 

If your purple queen plant is indoors, you still need to keep an eye on it and follow some care tips as

  • Grow purple queen in potting soil contained pot or container and make sure that it has a hole for maximum drainage.

Wet and soggy soil will lead to root rot. So, be careful in pot selection.

  • Most people inquire, ‘Will purple heart grow in the shade?’ The answer for them is ‘YES’ it can grow in the shade but for full purple blooms, place it in full sun even if indoors.
  • Use general-purpose liquid fertilizer for indoor plants as directed on the label. Apply it on the damp soil as there are chances of the burning of the roots if directly applied on dry soil.
  • Pinch the tips of the plants to maintain a manageable shape of the plant.
  • Maintain temperature about 60-70oF of the indoor place where Tradescantia Pallida is grown.

Purple Heart Plant Benefits

Purple heart plant has numerous benefits ranging from giving immense beauty and eye-catching view to a healthy environment to live.

Here are some of the exceptional benefits you must know and feel the pride of having this plant.

  •       Air purification 

Tradescantia Pallida is one of the best plants that serve air purification jobs and is authorized by NASA for this potential behavior.

They filter ‘Volatile organic compounds that are present in the air. These VOCs are major air pollutants and respiratory irritants that cause severe problems.

Purple queen plant efficiently removes these compounds and make indoor air livable.

  •       Bio indicator 

This purple plant is an excellent bioindicator of contaminants and air pollutants.

  •       Food color 

As Tradescantia pallida have an astonishing purple color, research shows that has majorly two such pigments that are used as a food colorant.

Tradescantia Purple Queen Uses

Tradescantia pallida is an economically significant plant that is grown indoors and outdoors as ground cover or in the basket as a hanging plant.

It is also used as window boxes or grown as beds that give a perfect contrast in the garden. Even Tradescantia pallida are also grown in porches and patios.

Tradescantia pallida Medicinal Uses

Purple heart plant (Tradescantia pallida) is a valuable plant that has specific medicinal properties in addition to its charming beauty.

Here are some

  • Taiwanese studies report it to improve blood circulation.
  • It is also reported that the purple heart plant has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.
  • In China, Tradescantia Pallida is called Shui Gui Cao (Water Turtle Grass) that is considered beneficial for treating kidney
  • Tea is also made in China with Wandering Jew that is helpful for stomach ailments.
  • This plant is also reported beneficial for hypertension and high blood pressure.

FAQs: Purple Heart Plant (Tradescantia pallida)

  1. What do you say Is Purple Heart Plant Poisonous?

No, purple plant is not deadly poisonous but may cause complications if ingested, especially sap. That is why wash your hands when you come in contact with the sap.

Its foliage may also cause skin irritation, so keep it away from the pets so that they may not get any problems.

  1. Is Purple Queen Plant Toxic to Dogs?

Purple queen may cause some allergic problems that may pertain for several months. So, it is not fatal for dogs or pets, but you have to be careful.

  1. Is Purple Heart Plant Toxic to Cats or Not?

Contact allergy is the same in cats as in dogs. Cats get allergies when they come in contact with purple heart plant. So, grow it at a place or in the pots that are inaccessible for pets.

  1. Why My Purple Heart Plant is Turning Green?

The bright purple color of purple heart plant (Tradescantia Pallida) is achieved in full sun. If your plant is turning green, check its location and water on time.

  1. What Do You Say About Tradescantia pallida’s Toxicity?

Tradescantia pallida is equally toxic for all as it may cause mild complications for pets, cats, and dogs, even for the grower.

  1. Is Purple Heart Plant Edible or Not?

As far as purple queen’s consumption is concerned, it is not reported as an eatable plant. Most widely, it is used as an ornamental plant that decorates lawns, porches, and even indoors.

I hope you have got all the questions about purple heart plant here in one place. Now you can easily grow your plant or take care of already grown by following all the tips described.

Make your plant happy and keep your lawn wealthy!

Otto Luyken Laurel – How to Care Otto Luyken Cherry Laurel?

By Sarwat Rehman

The Dwarf Cherry Laurel ‘Otto Luyken’ is an attractive evergreen shrub with lush bloom clusters. This plant is tough and hardy and extremely easy to grow.

This compact Cherry Laurel was granted the prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Otto Luyken Laurel, a perfect evergreen shrub is a dwarf form of English Cherry Laurel with creamy white flowers on bright glossy foliage.

It was first introduced in Germany by Hesse Nurseries in year around 1968. Originally, it is native to Southeast Europe and Southwestern Asia, generally recognized for the tall growth of plants in the wild reaching tree height.

This broad spreading Otto Luyken Laurel with fragrant spiked flower is a year-round interest that can grow up to 12 feet if unclipped.

You can also grow it quite easily as it is a neat and manageable shrub causing not much disturbance for growers as well as neighbouring plants.

This dense hedge gives compact growth for the privacy screens and is a perfect winter shelter for roaming birds.

Yes, Bird-friendly Laurel, it is!

Hardiness

This fast-growing cherry laurel is adapted to grow from west to south and East of America spreading all the way as it is hardy in zones 6 – 9 and can from partial shade to full sun.

Zone 6 hardiness signifies that it can grow in cold temperatures ranging from 0 – 100 C giving you the opportunity to enjoy its beauty year-round.

Otto Luyken Cherry Laurel – How to Care

Be sure to choose the right location and conditions for your Otto Luyken Cherry Laurel to thrive. Spring and fall are ideal times to plant. Although anytime temps are not extreme you can plant this dwarf shrub. This Cherry Laurel grows in planting zones 6-9.

Plant in full sun to partial shade. In growing zones 8 and 9, some shade is recommended.

Laurels are adaptable but prefer moist, well-draining soil. Water deeply when planting and twice weekly for the first 3 months while your new plant is establishing. After establishing, Laurels are drought tolerant.

Three inches of mulch is a great option to prevent weeds, keep the soil cool and moist, and protect the roots during extreme temperatures.

Fertilize when planting and in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. We have our own custom blend made to give your new plants the best start! English Laurels can tolerate heavy pruning, but don’t require it. Prune any time of the year.

Otto Luyken Cherry Laurel are a pest, deer, and disease resistant. This Laurel is also pollution and salt tolerant.

 

 

New Dawn Rose – How to Care New Dawn Climbing Rose?

By Sarwat Rehman

New Dawn Rose, the most favorite rose especially in United States is soft pink flowering  plant with delicate rose clusters that gives repeating flower. Proper light, well-draining soil, watering, and fertilization keep the stunning blooms. Above all, timely pruning helps to grow healthy and disease-free plants.

This award winning climbing rose is the best rose one can ever grow in garden to make morning as refreshing as this rose is.

Here you will get brief history and characteristics of the dawn rose.  Next, I have summarized its light and watering requirements, plus healthy soil parameters and fertilization guidelines. You will also get about its pruning technique and ways to keep it safe from diseases.

History

‘New Dawn Rose’ is one of the most prominent climbing roses, discovered from rosa cultivar (Rose Dr. W. Van Fleet), resulting from a peculiar change named as sport.

Plant Sport is an accidental mutation in plant that results in a new, physically and genetically different plant from parent.

This mutation occurred in Van Fleet Rose Cultivar and brand new variety New Dawn Rose Came into existence.

In 1930, Henry Dreer was the first to discover and introduced this climbing rosa variety.

new dawn rose
New Dawn Rose

It is also first ever Patented rose in United States since then, this rose opened the doors for more plants and roses to be patented.

New dawn rose was also selected in World Rose Societies Federation in Rose Hall of Fame.

General Summary – Rosa New Dawn

Scientific NameRosa 'New Dawn'
Common NameNew Dawn Rose
TypeMutant Rose Variety
Height15-20 Feet
Spread6-10 Feet
FoliageGlossy green
FlowerSilvery pink double bloom
3.5 in. diameter
25-40 petals
Blooming SeasonGenerally Spring
Suitable PlaceOutdoors (Direct sunlight spot)
SoilHumus-rich, well-draining
LightBright sunlight
WaterModerate
FertilizationSlow-release fertilizer
Pruning Late winter
Zone4 through 9
ToxicityNon-toxic

New Dawn Rose Characteristics

Perfectly exhibiting beauty of fairy tail rose, ‘The New Dawn Rose’ is sweetly fragrant double bloom with silvery pink flower.

Due to their abundant easy to train canes, climbing new dawn is most admired in U.S.

Silvery Pink Blooms  

This unique climbing rose has super scented pale pink to whitish double blooms with almost 35 petals.

As it matures, white flower dominates and gracefully add beauty of rose.

Glossy bright green leaves on extended trained canes give charming look to new rose when you grow along trellis or pergola.

The leaves fall in autumn that are regained in spring.

Dawn rose is specifically recognized due to its double flowering that is at its peak throughout summer, June the prime time. Second blooming in the fall.

Growth Habit

Generally, roses are sun lovers and grow best in more sun, but more surprisingly new dawn is most shade tolerant.

If you have grown them in area with 4-5 hours of afternoon sunlight, north facing side, they will give pretty pale pink flower without much troubling you.

No trouble by new dawn rose?

Yes! Long canes do not overcome by most of the problems. It is most disease resistant rose you have ever grown.

Hardiness

This climbing rose is most suited for United States hardiness zone 5 through 9 and 10.

If you are living in zone 4 and want to grow climbing dawn, you can grow by planting buds beneath the soil.

Approximately three to four inches depth will give you growth.

New Dawn Rose Care

 Light

Just like any other rose in your garden, the new dawn rose strives for bright light. The ideal location for this climbing rose is a sunny spot receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight.

The adequate light helps roses bloom and give a spark to the garden. The inadequate light makes plants stressed out and susceptible to diseases.

Pro Tip

If your dawn roses are not blooming or are fighting with multiple problems must reconsider their location and ensure proper light.

Water – Rosa New Dawn Climbing Rose Water Requirements

New Dawn Rose needs regular watering for a robust root system. The adequate amount of water enables soaking up nutrients and encourages blooms. But here, you must not confuse watering with flooding and make plants waterlogged. Never go for it!

From early spring to late autumn, the dawn rose needs 1 inch of water each week during the growing season. This is the ideal amount of water to make plants healthy and keep growing.

If there is heavy rainfall in your zone, don’t water unless the soil is completely dried out. On the contrary, water well on hot summer days. You can revise the watering schedule every other day or daily in scorching summer.

When watering Rosa New Dawn, or any plant, beware, water only goes in the soil, and leaves and flowers are fairly dry.

This helps to grow a disease-free plant. Water by rose watering can or sprinkler heads is an option but not preferred as both make plants wet thoroughly. Instead, drip irrigation systems and soaker hoses are the best for directional and controlled watering.

Pro Tip

Mulching is an excellent way to retain soil moisture as roses need dampness to establish roots. You can use dry grass clippings, pine straws, or spread wood chips to a depth of 2 inches around roses.

Soil

Roses bloom well in deep and humus-rich soil. Although they can go with a wide range of soils, moist and well-draining soil keeps dawn rose roots anchored.

Most importantly, it should be nutrient-rich. Plenty of nutrients help the new dawn rose to fulfill their growth needs without establishing competition.

So, keep soil pH in the range of 5.5 to 7.0, but 6.5 is the ideal pH.

You can easily use pH indicators or soil pH meter to check the soil pH and adjust accordingly. In fact, home remedies are the best solution to drop or increase pH without adding chemicals.

If there is a need to increase the pH, you can add coffee grounds or fruit and vegetable peels. Banana and alfalfa are super effective and prove beneficial for roses.

On the other hand, if your soil shows relatively high pH, use eggshells, ground seafood shells, hardwood ashes to bring it down. But don’t rush for it and do it slowly over the course of a few months.

This gradual decrease in pH will be stable and do not affect soil nature.

As said earlier, mulching gives additional benefits and keeps the dawn rose healthier, so use this approach to keep the soil healthy.

Pro Tip

You can also use dolomite lime to keep soil pH in the optimum range.

Fertilizer

Fertilization is an essential new dawn rose care factor, and plants’ growth mainly depends on it. Like soil pH test, testing soil sample for nutrient content is an excellent approach and gives clear cut repot of nutrient deficiencies.

You can use specific fertilizers as per test recommendations and go clear. According to the University of California, Nitrogen is the nutrient often lacking in the soil of roses. So, choosing a nitrogen-based fertilizer would be best.

But if you want to kip testing, fertilize new dawn rose in the spring as soon as you observe new growth.

Pro Tip

Feed climbing new dawn rose in late March-April and again in late July for best results. Beware, you have fertilized the soil before planting and do so twice a year. You can use slow-release fertilizer specially formulated for roses or take water-soluble general fertilizer.

Pruning Hybrid Tea Roses

New dawn hybrid tea rose is a climber and responds well to pruning. But cutting branches and stems randomly do not make use of pruning.

You must be aware of the rose pruning technique and time to get the blooms back. So here we see the details of when and how to prune new dawn rose.

When and How to Prune New Dawn Climbing Rose?

  • First of all, bear in mind that the new dawn rose should not be pruned for the first two years after planting. The roots need to be established, and flowers bloom.
  • When it starts blooming and produces creamy pink double flowers on long branches, you may get yourself ready for new dawn rose pruning.
  • So, wait for late winters to prune your plant as it is about to break dormancy and produce new buds. Therefore, it is high time to cut back weak, dying, damaged, or diseased stems.
  • Don’t forget to wear tough gloves or rose gardening gloves thorn resistant to prevent any damage.
  • Secondly, use sharp and sterilized pruning shears or other cutting tools to discourage any disease transfer.
  • Long branches can be cut 10 to 15 inches from the graft or 4 to 6 buds from the base.
  • Cut short branches harder and leave some buds or a few inches of shoot above ground. As plants grow and canes become tough, cut them back to encourage new shoots as it also improves air circulation to the center of the plant.
  • Next, prune the stem of dawn climbing rose, neither too thick nor too fragile. You can keep it to the thickness of a pencil to support blooms. If any stem arises from below the union, cut all the way back.
  • Pinch the dead leaves or blossoms off the plant to keep it attractive and healthy. Furthermore, tie the canes with the trellis, arbor, or pergola to keep it growing along with the support.

Lastly, don’t panic if you cut roses harder as they are resilient and grow back. So, go ahead and prune dawn rose at the right time!

Diseases and Insects – Rosa New Dawn

New dawn rose is exceptionally resistant to diseases and copes with unacceptable conditions. Still, some notorious insects and fungal attacks can put the plant at risk.

You may see black spots on this climbing rose or get powdery mildew.

Aphids or spider mites can also damage the plant. So, keep an eye and observe the signs of insect activity. Immediately treat the plant with horticultural oil spray or contact university extension services if the problem is uncontrolled.

FAQs – New Dawn Rose

Is New Dawn Rose A Climber Or Rambler?

The new dawn rose is mainly a climbing rose for its large, single, or clustered flowers. Generally, rambling roses produce small flowers held in large sprays having 20 blooms per stem and bloom once. But on the contrary, a new dawn has all characteristics of climbing rose; large, repeating blooms and grow solitary or in clusters.

Is New Dawn Climbing Rose A Repeat Bloomer?

A new dawn rose is a fantastic repeat bloomer and gives flowers from July to September. This apple fragrant rose grows well in sunshine and can tolerate partial shade. Repeating plus climbing rose characteristics make this plant suitable for covering a wall or front of the house.

Will New Dawn Climbing Rose Grow In Shade?

New dawn rose is an avid sun lover and gives striking blooms in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Plant dawn rose where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight. If there is no sunny corner left on your lawn, prefer planting in a pot to move in the sun during cold days.

Where To Buy New Dawn Climbing Rose?

Buying new dawn roses is relatively easy as they are available in containers around the year, especially in summer. Container roses make plantation easy compared to bare root roses as they are accustomed to the growth conditions and respond quickly. You can buy new dawn roses in containers here.

So, never let pink new dawn climbing rose fade and give it optimized, nutrient-rich, and well-draining soil with adequate watering. Furthermore, make it healthier with rose fertilizers and prune with sharp tools to avoid squashing of the stems. After following all-new dawn rose care guidelines, you will be amazed to see its blooms and captivity.

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How to Care Autumn Moon Japanese Maple – Acer shirasawanum | Quick Guide

By Sarwat Rehman

An outstanding ornamental tree, Autumn Moon Japanese Maple is a stunning shrub with exceptional foliage unfurling reddish-orange leaves.

Full-moon Japanese maple fascinates with blushing multi-shaded leaves transforming and blending colours beautifully.

If you have a small garden or want to grow in the container, it is the most ravishing maple you have ever seen in your life.

So, let’s begin with the history of the autumn moon Japanese maple, key attributes, its simple and easy care routine and pest problems so that you can grow it in your yard.

History – Autumn Moon Japanese Maple

Autumn Moon Japanese Maple (Acer shirasawanum) is the small native tree of Japan that as many other maples came from the parent species Acer palmatum.

It is the full moon maple that is not abundantly found in America but is highly Prized in Japan.

Autumn Moon Japanese Maple
Multi Colored Autumn Moon Japanese Maple

There are many other cultivars of Acer but A. shirasawanum cultivar ‘Aureum’ (Full Moon Maple) is mostly grown and to prime interest.

Its been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society ‘Award of Garden Merit’.

Autumn moon maple has a quite interesting history. J.D Vertrees was a professional gardener who devoted his life to research on Japanese Maple.

He established a small Maple-wood Nursery where he worked on several varieties of maple and published his book named ‘Japanese Maples’ based on his personal experiences.

J.D Vertrees grew many varieties but in no time some seedlings caught his attention. He focused on that particular plant that became the tree “Autumn Moon Japanese Maple”.

Autumn Moon Japanese Maple – Key Features

Full moon maple is an elegant Acer with bold burnt orange coloured leaves that is the best choice for your garden.

This easy to grow maple is a shrub with brilliant orange sprouting leaves in spring that intensify as summer approaches.

The tones of new leaves intensify towards the ends of growing tips with golden green shades underlying orange margins.

Full-moon Japanese maple gives fully intensified reddish-orange leaves in bright sun or partial shade that turns into all shades of fire before falling in winter.

It can reach a height of 10 – 15 feet that may be up to 20 ft. at maturity and 5 – 7 feet wide.

This beautiful, heat tolerating plant’s leaves have 9 to 11 short lobes and a prominent rusty coloured midrib.

Stunning ivory pink flowers bloom in spring embellishing your garden with contrasting foliage colors.

If you want your garden to fiercely blush in sun, it is not late to give full moon maple place in your yard.

Full Moon Japanese Maple – Summary

Botanical Name Acer shirasawanum
Hardiness 5, 6, 7
Height 10 – 15 ft
Width 5 – 7  ft
Leaf Color Multi-color
Leaf Shape 9 – 11 lobed Fan Shape
Rate of Growth Slow to intermediate
Soil Well Drained Loamy Soil or Clay
Watering Average
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Use Ornamental City or Cottage Garden Tree

Autumn Moon Japanese Maple Care Routine

Growing and caring trees especially ornamental plants is such a fun-loving art that everyone loves.

Autumn moon Japanese is also a marvellous showy tree that you can maintain in your yard very easily by following a simple care routine.

So, cross-check your routine with the given guidelines and add what you are missing!

1. Soil

If you want to grow autumn moon maple in your garden, you have to use clay or loam for its best growth. Sandy soil will also work.

One important thing you have to keep in mind is that soil must be moist but not overwatered. Well-drained, acidic or neutral are ideal for growth.

If you add mulch, it will give good results by keeping roots cool and soil moist.

2. Water Demand

Japanese maple autumn moon doesn’t need too much water.

The weekly schedule is enough for soil to be moisturized but in extreme heat or in a dry environment, you can give water as per need.

Autumn Moon Japanese Maple
Autumn Moon Japanese Maple A. shirasawanum – Care Routine

3. Sun Exposure

These small to medium-sized cottage garden tree leaves depict wonderful bright fire colours in full sun.

It is bright sunshine to partial shade lover that’s why morning sun with afternoon shady place is the best location to grow Japanese maple.

4. Pruning

As far as pruning is concerned, you can prune in the dormant season but try not to prune in spring as it may damage the plant.

5. Care and Maintenance

Full-moon Japanese maple is easy to grow an ornamental tree with fewer care requirements and maintenance.

It can grow to a suitable height without demanding much attention.

Japanese Maple Autumn Moon Tree – Pests and Diseases

Full moon Japanese is generally not susceptible to a variety of plant diseases or pests but sometimes certain problems may dominate.

Full moon root rot, collar rot, verticillium-wilt, leaf spot and canker of stem are the diseases Acer autumn may experience.

Aphids, scales, mites and caterpillars may also disturb plant growth. 

So, after reading all key attributes and given guidelines, definitely, you have found that it is not a big deal to beautify your garden with full moon maple.

Now, select a small area in the yard and grow this gorgeous plant to enjoy its summer and fall foliage.

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Dwarf Pampas Grass: Best Ornamental Grass for Small Garden!

By Sarwat Rehman

Dwarf pampas grass is one of the showy perennial pampas grass with the stunning white flower-giving appearance of feathers fixed at the top of the blades.

This stunning ornamental grass is not a big task to grow, even if you have a small garden or want to grow in a pot or container.

You can easily grow and maintain this fine grass by following this guide and can take care of it more carefully. So, without further delay, start exploring ‘Dwarf Pampas Grass’.

Dwarf Pampas Grass – Brief Overview

Dwarf Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana Pumila) is one of the stunning ornamental grasses with soft and fluffy creamy white feathery flowers that bloom in summer.

dwarf pampas grass
Fluffy flower on green blades of dwarf pampas grass

The long fine arching leaves displaying big showy plumes reach a height of 3-6 ft high and 4-5 ft wide. In ideal conditions, it can also reach up to 8 feet giving an outstanding view.

The dwarf pampas grass generally grows well in full sun and is deer and rabbit resistant.

This low-maintenance grass with blooming white flowers is an outstanding solitary specimen best suited for small gardens even along streams, ponds, and fountains that blooms in mid-summer.

The stunning white flower are sterile; not produce seeds, so it does not become weedy like other plants but it is best used in floral arrangements.

This wind and drought tolerant perennial dwarf pampas grass are best suitable for USDA zone 7b through 10.

General Summary – Dwarf Pampas Grass

Height 3-6”
Width 4-5”
Flower Big fluffy white or creamy
Foliage Arching green
Soil Well Drainage (Compost)
Watering Medium to high in dry condition
Light Full sun
Hardiness 7b, 8, 9, 10
Flowering Mid summer
Key Attribute: Deer and Rabbit resistant

Floral arrangements

Growth Conditions – Pampas Grass

Your desired place where you want to grow dwarf pampas grass depends on your interest and available space but you have to ensure ideal conditions for best growth.

Whether you are growing directly in the ground or in the pot, make sure seeds sow in mid-winter and get proper light because they require light for germination.

You have to use well drainage soil for best growth.

60-70oF temperature is suitable as seeds take almost 2-4 weeks for germination.

The warmer climate is more suitable for pampas grass so; spring would be ideal for a transplant more favorably after the last hard frost.

How to Grow Dwarf Pampas Grass – Pot or Container

Growing colorful ornamental grass into a yard or garden is all time fun.

Pampas grass with ivory feather plume is also widely used in floral arrangements and its feathery white flower when uncut in winter, gives an astounding snowy view.

Growing dwarf pampas grass in the container is as easy as any other plant. Due to its invasive nature and fast-growing habit, people prefer to grow in pots or containers.

If you have a small garden, it would be best showy grass that you can grow under your control.

So, let’s begin and grow this extraordinary grass by following step by step procedure.

  1. Pot Selection

First of all, before growing any plant in a container, the selection of an appropriate pot or container is a prime thing.

In order to grow dwarf pampas grass, you have to take a pot with proper drainage with almost 20 inches diameter.

  1. Spot Selection

After the selection of pot, you have to decide its suitable place.

As grass needs full sunlight for proper growth, the same is the case with dwarf pampas grass. So, select a spot in your garden receiving proper light and place your container.

  1. Soil

Compost gives good results in the growth of plants that is why for good organic growth of grass add compost in potting soil with equal proportion and fill up to one-third of the pot.

  1. Root Ball

Place the root ball in the container and cover it with the soil carefully in a way it would not protruding from the pot.

  1. Watering and fertilization

A good watering and timely fertilization add life to the plant. Weekly thorough watering is appropriate but in a warmer climate, if you see soil dried half an inch deep, you can water as per need.

As far as fertilization is concerned, all-purpose 10-10-10 fertilizer is best.

You can fertilize grass when you plant it.

dwarf pampas grass
Showy dwarf pampas grass outdoor

  1. Give a Stable Support

As grass can grow long enough, it needs support at the start when it is young.

Fix a rod or stake in the ground and loosely tie grass blades in a way that keeps them erect and stable.

How to Care for Dwarf Pampas Grass?

When light falls on silvery feathers on top of the grass blades, it gives a superb gleaming appearance in the garden.

If you also want to mesmerize you have to simply follow the given guidelines to get healthy ivory feathers.

  • First of all, take care of watering because good watering leads to good roots. You have to take an eye if the top is drying to three inches, water it thoroughly until you see water in runoff (if you have grown in pot).
  • Do pruning in winters or in early spring and cut down up to 5-7 inches.
  • Add slow-release fertilizer and water after fertilization.
  • When you see overgrowth of grass, take out the clump to divide. Cut 2-3 shoots containing healthy roots and plant at another place so that it can further grow a wider space.
  • Remove any dried or non-productive sections of the grass.
  • If you live in an area where wildfire is common, you have to be conscious while planting near home or in the garden as it is widely flammable.

Growing, maintaining, and caring for plants become easier by knowing right at right time.

Hopefully, it is not too late to plant this lovely grass in your garden so, give a superb look in the shortest time.

If you feel any confusion at any step of growth, feel free to ask in the comments as we want to give you the best of advice.

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