We're in the peak of Tulip Time here in West Michigan. Really, the only thought people are giving to trees right now is to complain about their allergies.
I say take some allergy medicine and carry on, because trees are great. (Seriously, I say this. Everyone in my house, including the dog, is on allergy medicine.)
Tulips are nice enough, but trees will delight us for far longer than a couple of weeks in the spring.
Golden Shadows® Cornus alternifolia, in particular, is a plant that brings me a great deal of joy.
It has a lovely horizontal branching structure that adds an elegant touch to any garden. The bright color of the foliage is appealing, too, brightening the murky corners of a property.
Golden Shadows® will be happiest in filtered shade - just where you need that cheery green and gold foliage.
It's hardy to USDA Zone 3, and will grow 10-12' tall and wide.
If you haven't grown this plant, please do. I can say rather smugly that I've had it in my yard for years. and it never fails to make me happy.
Golden Shadows® has been a favorite here at Spring Meadow Nursery for a long time. We've been hoping to make it fit into the Proven Winners® brand, but it wasn't quite right mixed in with the hydrangeas, etc. By teaming up with Maria Zampini, we've found a group of other fantastic ornamental trees and so have enough varieties to establish a Proven Winners® tree program.
As the former President of Lake County Nursery, Inc., Maria brings a wealth of tree experience to this partnership. We're confident that she will provide our customers with the same outstanding options for trees as they have come to expect from the shrubs coming from Spring Meadow Nursery's own breeding programs.
Finally, if you really want to talk trees you might want to use a special tree font to do it. Yes, such a thing exists. I know at least one graphic designer who will be going down a font rabbit hole after reading this.
Plant of the Week is written by Jane Beggs-Joles
