Thursday, September 05, 2013
Mark and Gaz
My favourite pansy isn't actually a pansy (Viola tricolor subsp. hortensis) but rather the tree Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy'.
The dark and rich purple foliage of this plant is beautiful isn't it?
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| Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' |
And the one we have is looking so good now, squeezed in between and growing through two bamboos - Fargesia angustissima to the left and Borinda macclureana to the right.
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| Fargesia angustissima (left), Borinda macclureana (right) |
And speaking of bamboos, these two that we planted out three years ago have gained considerable size since then and are now covering the fences behind them nicely. Technically these two bamboos are the clumping types (pachymorph rhizomes) and will not send out rhizomes well away from the original clump or pop up where you don't want them to be. However, as is the case of the B. macclureana, the 'necks' of the 'clumping' rhizomes of some of these bamboos are rather long and a small clump can potentially become a large one through the passage the time. In such cases, shoots will not appear well away from the main plant but the plant itself can potentially expand on to a footprint spanning several feet, even metres.
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| Fargesia angustissima (left) is a tightly clumping bamboo with fine leaves and stately habit |
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| Fargesia angustissima |
F. angustissima however is one of the nice and true clumpers. It has almost quadrupled in size and height since it was planted, with it now standing over 10 feet tall and yet the footprint of the base is just slightly over a foot. Amazing isn't it? So if space is a premium and you want a tall, clumping bamboo that has a small footprint then this is one to consider.
Now back to the forest pansy, this tree always seems to be quite late in the spring to leaf out but once it kicks into growth the leaves turn a purple tone especially if it's in full sun. The leaves get bigger too and its heart shape just adds to its beauty. A lovely tree than can be accommodated even in relatively small gardens.
I think this border is looking great at the moment it's almost a shame that most of it will be covered up eventually once the quarantine shed has been built. Oh well, all three will just have to get taller and tower over the shed so we can still continue to admire them.
Mark :-)
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
That is a beautiful tree. I love the colour of the leaves... but speaking of bamboo, some of ours have stayed in very tight clumps and other types have spread over a couple of meters. We are lucky though that we have the room. You have lots of new stems shooting upwards, so by next year they'll be taller still.
ReplyDeleteThere are so much more options for clumping bamboos in the climate where you are Missy, with some reaching gigantic heights whilst remaining tightly clumping. One can never have enough space :)
DeleteLove them...they are so sultry and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSentiment's the same here Scott!
DeleteThis is definitely one of those trees I would welcome into my garden if I had the space. Yours is beautiful! Luckily there is one just down the street so I kind of pretend that it's mine...
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you can always find space for one if you really wanted to :) At least you have one nearby, sort of like in a borrowed garden.
DeleteI have a Forest Pansy Redbud too, and I love it! Just planted about a year ago, and looking good.
ReplyDeleteGood decision Alison!
DeleteThat Redbud looks gorgeous. Wish I had room for one but have used up all available space. Great choice for your yard.
ReplyDeleteCher Sunray Gardens
Might find space for one in the future Cher :)
DeleteForest Pansy is such a beauty, but rumored to be temperamental. Since even the common redbud has proved difficult for us, I have so far resisted temptation. That may change with this post: yours seems to have avoided the diva syndrome and is looking fabulous.
ReplyDeleteInteresting to hear Ricki, didn't know before that it had that reputation. Hopefully it will continue to flourish :)
DeleteI wish that Fargesia would grow here...all we get for clumpers is F. rufa and even that is questionable in terms of hardiness... which reminds me, I need to add that to my list of plants to try next year BECAUSE I MUST HAVE BAMBOO.
ReplyDeleteHopefully there will be more Fargesias available in your area Tom, including the one I mentioned :)
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ReplyDeleteSorry above comment from me under another guise :) Just to say what a beauty the forest pansy is. Intrigued to know what the quarantine shed will be used for :)
ReplyDeleteForest pansy is a beautiful tree! The color of yours is spectacular. We have many native redbuds, but I have often considered planting this wonderful cultivar - if I can find a place for one more tree!
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to grow Cercis Forest Pansy after seeing them maybe 10 years ago in the Big Plant nursery. At the time we were stocking up on Hedychium and some large bamboo specimens and we said we'd pop back but much like all best intentions I never did get my Cercis. Might be something to pop on the Christmas list this year. Hope all well guys. Paul.
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