I first fell in love with pink twig dogwoods about 25 years in the past when a gardening pal took me to go to one other of her associates. The candy lady identified a big, multi-stemmed shrub rising in the midst of her garden. She instructed me it was a pink twig dogwood, and I assumed to myself, “What a strange-looking dogwood.” It was midsummer, and the shrub didn’t look all that interesting to me, however I used to be so plant hungry on the time that I gladly accepted two suckers she dug out for me. Was I stunned that winter when the stems turned a superb pink! I needed extra, so I requested about pink twig dogwoods at native nurseries however with no success. I ultimately discovered that they’re extremely inclined to stem canker and blight, particularly within the South. Nonetheless, pink twig dogwoods are laborious to beat for his or her colourful present in winter, so I continued to plant them, usually getting 5 or so years of enjoyment out of a plant earlier than it will succumb to illness. The way in which I figured, potato chips don’t final lengthy both, however I purchase them time and again.
Within the winter of 2011 whereas driving to Charlottesville, Virginia, Michael Dirr noticed a vivid red-twig silky dogwood (Cornus amomum) rising in a swamp on the aspect of the freeway. He waded out among the many beavers to snag some cuttings, and ‘Cayenne’ was born. Silky dogwood was not notably recognized for its stem colour till this roadside discovery. It’s native alongside streams, edges of swamps, and different low areas throughout a lot of the jap United States and isn’t affected by stem canker like many different Cornus species.
‘Cayenne’ has contemporary inexperienced foliage all summer season. Quite a few small white flowers that look much like Queen Anne’s lace are produced on the tip of the stems in late spring and provides method to clusters of pea-size porcelain blue fruit in late summer season. The fruits are loved by birds in addition to individuals. Because the temperatures cool, the actual present begins, with the leaves turning orange-red, then dropping to disclose vivid pink stems.
As with the opposite species of pink twig dogwoods, ‘Cayenne’ is a multistemmed shrub that spreads by suckers. The very best winter stem colour happens on younger new development. As soon as the stems are a few years previous, the bark matures to grey. To make sure contemporary, colourful stems annually, older stems ought to be in the reduction of near the bottom in late winter or early spring. Sturdy new stems will shortly spring forth. Due to Dirr, there may be lastly a pink twig dogwood that may be loved even in Southern gardens for a few years—and now I’ll have extra money to spend on potato chips.
‘Cayenne’ silky dogwood
(Cornus amomum ‘Cayenne’)
Zones: 4–9
Situations: Full solar to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil
—Jason Reeves is analysis horticulturist on the College of Tennessee Gardens–Jackson.
Illustration: Elara Tanguy
Sources:
High-quality Gardening Beneficial Merchandise
The New Natural Grower, third Version: A Grasp’s Guide of Instruments and Strategies for the Dwelling and Market Gardener, thirtieth Anniversary Version
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Since its authentic publication in 1989, The New Natural Grower has been one of the vital necessary farming books obtainable, with pioneer Eliot Coleman main the cost within the natural motion in america. Now absolutely illustrated and up to date, this thirtieth Anniversary Version is a must have for any agricultural library.
ARS Telescoping Lengthy Attain Pruner
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Telescopes from 4 to 7′. Minimize and Maintain (160) Blades. Drop solid blades for unsurpassed lengthy lasting sharpness. Light-weight, 2.3 lbs., for continued use. Completely balanced for straightforward pruning.
