We grow several Scheffleras in the garden and feature them quite regularly but not always as a group. I was meaning to feature them collectively as they were all flushing away in the spring (which can be very eye catching) but never managed to do so (one did get extra attention though!), mainly because I didn't get the chance to photograph them all during that period. Quite a lot of them too have attained significant heights since they were planted which makes it extra tricky to take photos of their new flush without getting the ladders out.
Anyway, here are some of the Scheffleras growing in our garden and how they are looking at the moment:
The two Schefflera rhododendrifolia above, as the name says are supposed to be the same, with the former from a rooted cutting of a plant growing at Tregrehan while the latter grown from seed from the specimen at the Garden House. I know that juvenile and mature leaves can differ but what puzzles me is that, if they are indeed the same plants then why are the colour of the new flush of leaves different? Hmmm...
Remember the Schefflera delavayi above? It featured a few weeks ago due to the gradient of the new flush of leaves, which most of them have achieved their final size for the season. Still looks good though I think and the leaves are certainly not dainty nor delicate.
The one above is newly planted, as well as the one below:
The Schefflera above is a new one from Crug Farm which we brought back from the Grow London garden show last week. What I did forget to ask them though is if this is actually the same as the one just above this (which we acquired last year) as both species are supposed to be closely related. Same or not I don't mind as I like them both individually.
This is our tallest Schefflera and the hardest to photograph due to its size and aspect. The top part of this specimen goes well beyond the top part of the pergola.
Taking these photos I also remembered that there were two species that we used to have growing in our garden but are no longer with us: S. multinervia and S. brevipedicellata. I didn't lose them due to cold winter temperatures but rather both just seemed to have faded away for some unknown reasons. I'll reacquire them again at some point and plant again in the garden, to join these ones that seems very happy in their abode.
Mark :-)
Anyway, here are some of the Scheffleras growing in our garden and how they are looking at the moment:
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| Schefflera kornasii with Fatsia japonica and Schefflera rhododendrifolia in the foreground |
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| Schefflera aff. myriocarpa |
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| Schefflera aff. chapana |
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| Schefflera aff. chapana (same specimen as above) |
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| Schefflera rhododendrifolia (Tregrehan) in the first raised bed |
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| Schefflera rhododendrifolia (Garden House) |
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| Schefflera taiwaniana in the third raised bed |
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| Schefflera delavayi on third raised bed |
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| Schefflera rhododendrifolia on the middle patio |
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| Schefflera alpina (large leaf form) |
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| Schefflera pauciflora |
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| Schefflera taiwaniana |
Taking these photos I also remembered that there were two species that we used to have growing in our garden but are no longer with us: S. multinervia and S. brevipedicellata. I didn't lose them due to cold winter temperatures but rather both just seemed to have faded away for some unknown reasons. I'll reacquire them again at some point and plant again in the garden, to join these ones that seems very happy in their abode.
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.
Beautiful -- and so big! My only experience with Schefflera was as a giant houseplant that we inherited. It took up half of a spare room (and made the floor sticky with sap). Much nicer seeing it in your garden. :)
ReplyDeleteFunny you mentioned about the houseplant Schefflera Alan, that's how my fascination for this species began, and that there are versions of this houseplant that can grow outdoors here.
DeleteS. taiwaniana and rhododendrifolia might be worth a try in your location :)
Have you lost the macrophylla?
ReplyDeleteS.rhododendrifolia is quite variable over a large natural range that extends from China into Bhutan, India and Nepal. I think the colour of the new flush is a minor variable given that the leaves can look a different shape too! It is also one of the 'most introduced' so we have a wide genetic pool in circulation. The Crug introductions are often all from one site, or at least all form one collecting trip so from geographically similar site.
S.macrophylla in cultivation can have indumentum in either buff or silver depending on which collection is too.
Chad.
Ahh Chad, that's very helpful as usual! I remember Sue telling me that it is used as fodder in some areas where they've done collections. That explains a lot and the variation makes it extra interesting, and worth acquiring plants from different sources.
DeleteWe still have the S. macrophylla, two actually but both in pots and overwintered under cover. We've tried planting them out a couple of times and it perished here even before winter 2010. I don't think it can go below -6c for relatively long periods of time.
Between you two and Loree, I think I'm just about convinced that I've got to trying growing a Schefflera outside. I don't see them used often as outdoor plants here, possibly because they might fry without some protection from the sun. Maybe I'll put one in a big pot where I can give it all the extra water it'll need to get through our toasty summers...
ReplyDeleteKris, I wonder if some of the more tender ones here would be fine there in your location? Some nice ones like actinophylla, elegantissima, even arboricola are good candidates.
DeleteYou're killing me, softly of course. We still only see the big three here; S. taiwaniana, S. delavayi, and S. brevipedicellata...
ReplyDeleteGood selection already and I can imagine more are available there somewhere waiting to be unleashed...
DeleteIf only we can bring some with us Loree
Hello Mark and Gaz:
ReplyDeleteThese are absolutely splendid and you certainly appear to be growing them well. If you have never actually been to Crug Farm, then we should highly recommend a visit. An amazing nursery and full of the kinds of plants which interest you.
We have been 'off air' with Blogger problems but are now returned!
Hi Jane and Lance, a visit to Crug Farm is on the cards. We ought to soon really, long overdue, just a matter of getting the time...
DeleteSort of relieved to hear that you were having blogger problems too as we did as well, thought there was something wrong with our account but looks like it was a system wide thing.
Schefflera paradise!!!! They sure are stunning plants!!!! I like them a lot and yours are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lisa! You need to go on a plant shopping trip to UK soon and bring it back to your garden :)
DeleteI'm always amazed at what you are growing there in London! How tropical and how beautiful. My poor scheffies died in the last two freezes. You've inspired me to get some more. Do you keep them in a greenhouse during the winter months?
ReplyDeleteDavid/:0)
Well worth trying again David :) all the Scheffleras on this post are planted out and doesn't get extra protection in the winter.
DeleteWow, SO many! How do you keep up with all the names and tell them apart?! I would have to leave little labels everywhere.
ReplyDeleteI'm not always so good with labels Amy, fine with the Scheffleras but not so on the other plants. I put or leave labels on some of them :)
DeleteLove them all because of their tropical and architectural look. I got excited when saw your S. delavayi. Will my little plant look like yours one day? I hope so.
ReplyDeleteHopefully Tatyana :)
DeleteGorgeous Scheffies!
ReplyDelete