Fall is for planting

Rose of Sharon.

I'm writing this article to let everyone know of some new and unusual plants that grow well here in Tehachapi. First of all, it's always better to plant spring-blooming plants in the fall. They establish better and you get a longer bloom time!

Some perennials to consider are: Echinacea, we have eight different varieties and we just received a beautiful load, and hardy geraniums, in six or seven varieties. Give them a try, you won't be disappointed. Another option is Saponaria, a beautiful pink flower. Also, Asiatic and Stargazer lilies ... those of you who tried them were pleasantly surprised. Gold Caryopteris is another good option. I have some planted at the nursery along with Echinacea, Gaura, Penstemon and three different ground covers out front. Jupiter's Beard (Centranthus ruber) is always a favorite that blooms almost all summer. Peonies, we have many varieties, with huge flowers and more coming! Many Agastache, also called hummingbird plant, are available, as well as, Japanese Anemone, which takes a lot of shade and blooms in the fall.

Now how about a few interesting shrubs you may not be aware of: Loropetalum, not a new plant but should be planted more up here in the shade. I have them at my house and they are blooming now. Nandina obsession, there are many varieties of Nandina, but I like this one. It is small and always has a little red in the leaves, and in the winter, it's pretty much all red. Nandina Gulf Stream is 3 1/2' tall. I have a bed at home with three different kinds of Nandina. I love it!

Cotinus "Golden Spirit" takes part shade but contrasts nicely with green shrubs or red in the landscape. Cotinus "Royal Purple" can grow to be a tree. I'm looking at one right now across the street and it is 9' tall and still purple. Forsythia "show off" blooms in late winter. Rose of Sharon is blooming now with several varieties. Bloomerang Lilacs bloom in the spring and again in summer (very popular now). Buddleia "Butterfly Bush" has six different colors available. It comes in Buzz which is dwarf, 4-5' and 8-10' tall varieties, and blooms most of the summer with fragrant flowers. Cornus "Red Osier" is a red bark dogwood, which looks good in snow and prefers part shade. Polygonatum odoratum is another mostly shade plant with variegated foliage. Viburnum burkwoodii, I mentioned this one last year and those of you who tried it were pleasantly surprised. It has spring bloom, fragrant flowers and is deciduous. Last but not least, Lavender, everyone loves lavender. I like the original English Lavender angustifolia, but three newer ones are Big Time Blue, Sensational and Phenomenal, which are all great. Goldmound Spirea is blooming now!

Now how about some trees? Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood), Canada Red Chokecherry, October Glory Maple (40 feet x 35 feet wide), Vine Maple (part sun, great fall color), Full Moon Maple (new to almost everyone. They are pricey, but those of you who have them, love them), Burr Oak, Green Giant Thuja (a good windbreaker or privacy plant, they grow fast and are bug resistant) and Jeffrey Pine (a high elevation tree that smells like vanilla, and a California Native). We just received some nice 5 gallon Aptos Blue Redwoods!

Other notable California Natives include: Coffeeberry Rhamnus 'San Bruno,' Toyon (hardy), Dr. Hurd manzanita (taller form of manzanita, known for red branches), Mountain Mahogany 'Cercocarpus montanus' (a nice upright plant), California Redbud (grows multi-trunked and lower than Eastern Redbud), Eastern Redbuds (not native), Tennessee Pink, Ruby Falls, Black Pearl, Golden Falls, The Rising Sun and Red Yucca (another popular native blooming over by Walmart, and very drought tolerant).

Fruit trees are still hard to obtain, but we do have many now! I buy most of my fruit trees from Oregon and a recent law won't allow them to enter Kern County, to potentially protect the fruit growers. I presume that they have to inspect them before they leave. These things affect small business more than you know.

We still have hardy fig trees including Brown Turkey Fig, Stella, Desert and Olympian (all produce), as well as Hood and Bartlett Pears and Goji Berries (Lycium Barbarum). These are superfoods! Nutritionally dense and high in antioxidants, they enhance the immune system and improve both eyesight and circulation.

Imidacloprid (systemic insecticide) is going off the market at the end of this year, so get it while you can. We have Ferti-lome, Bonide and Monterey Fruit Tree Sprays, so if you have issues with pine trees or deciduous trees, treat them now!

It's time to get that yard in shape - pansies and bulbs are arriving throughout September! Come in and explore our large variety of garden art, as well as gift items, tropical fish, gold fish and so much more. Come visit us at Mountain Gardens Nursery & Pet at 503 S. Curry St., Tehachapi, and keep life fresh and exciting!