New products at Crocus
by Sarah - November 3rd, 2010.Filed under: Crocus, New Products.
New products at Crocus
sweet gum £19.99
Position: sunSoil: moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soilRate of growth: fairly fast-growingFlowering period: MayHardiness: hardyA gorgeous tree, with large, star-like, shiny, bright green leaves which turn brilliant purple, then shades of orange and yellow in the autumn. It has a rounded, heavy crown, and although it grows slowly, it is not suitable for a small garden, as it is long-lived and will eventually grow to 25 metres. In Britain, it flowers intermittently and inconspicuously in spring, but it is for the foliage that this tree is prized. Grow it either as a specimen tree in grass, or as the centrepiece to a glade. Trees grown in a rich, damp soil in full sun will colour the best.Garden care: When planting, incorporate lots of well-rotted manure or garden compost into the planting hole and stake firmly. Requires minimal pruning. Remove any broken, diseased or crossing branches in late autumn or winter.
Chinese dogwood £19.99
Position: full sun to part shadeSoil: fertile, humus-rich, well-drained, neutral to acid soilRate of growth: slow-growing to averageFlowering period: May to JuneHardiness: fully hardyA real showstopper of a tree, with two seasons of interest. Broadly conical in shape, it produces tiny green flowers in June, surrounded by showy creamy white, flower bracts, that fade to lovely shades of pink. In autumn the dark green leaves turn crimson-purple and mature trees produce strawberry-like fruits. It’s an exc excellent specimen tree for a small garden or woodland edge, and the leaf colour is best in fertile, well-drained, neutral to acid soil.Garden care: Incorporate a good amount of well-rotted leafmould when planting. Requires minimal pruning.
snake bark maple £19.99
Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: fertile, moisture-retentive soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: April to MayFlower colour: pale yellowOther features: clusters of pink-brown autumn fruitHardiness: fully hardyGlossy, mid-green leaves turning orange and yellow in autumn and vertically striped green-and-white bark. This stunning snake-bark maple makes an excellent specimen tree for a medium-sized garden. Choose a site sheltered from cold winds close to a path or entrance, where the attractive decorative bark can be appreciated close-up.Garden care: Add a top dressing of a multi-purpose fertiliser around the base of the plant in late spring. No routine pruning is required, just remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches in late autumn or winter when they are fully dormant.