Your yard should have a sequence of color starting in spring and taking you on a journey of color and joy throughout the year. I’m going to start by showing you a few things that will really wake up your yard in early spring.
Lynnwood Gold Forsythia.
A lot of people don’t like Forsythia, but they are one of the first plants in the spring to flower and they are tough as nails.
Some people keep them trimmed tight, others plant them out in the yard where they have enough room to just open up and spray.
PJM Dwarf Rhododendron
PJM Dwarf Rhododendron bloom about a week or 10 days after Forsythia so they too are very early spring and they bloom prolifically.
They are hardy, easy to grow and care for and do well in colder zones, zone 5 for sure. A lot of people confuse this plant with Azalea because it looks more like an Azalea than a Rhododendron.
But it’s in the Rhododendron family and is considered a dwarf Rhododendron. Right now I have a few of these at Mike’s Plant Farm, but my neighbor Richard has a lot of them and his are bigger.
Orange Dream Japanese Maple
Wow! That’s all I can say about this Orange Dream Japanese Maple. The spring color is spectacular.
We had this big pile of dirt at the nursery that we decided to turn into a landscape planting and I ended putting four Japanese maples in the planting because I couldn’t decide. But Orange Dream was one of the first to make the cut!
Lavender Twist Weeping Redbud Tree
It would be completely negligent of me to leave out the Lavender Twist Weeping Redbud tree. The one in the photo is in my front yard and I am completely taken back by this beautiful tree every time it blooms.
Waterfall Japanese Maple
I thought I was done with this post and I looked out the dining room window and thought; “How can I leave out the Waterfall Japanese Maple?” Right now the lime green foliage is spectacular.
In this photo the lacy leaves are just starting to open and they look so delicate. So . . . with that in mind, how cold hardy is this tree? It’s this cold hardy . . .
Freezing ice, deep snow, hot sun. Nothing seems to bother this trooper. Waterfall Laceleaf Weeping Japanese Maple is one tough cookie and beautiful at that!
All of the plants that I’ve shown you here will do fine in zones 5 through 8. Zones 3 and 4? You’ll have to research each plant to be sure.
I’ll have more really interesting plants to show you soon! Questions or comments? Post them below.
Mike, You deal a lot with Japanese red maples. I have a beautiful tree with red leaves that look like blood orange when the sun hits them, Really beautiful. It is about 3-4 years old now.
This year about half the tree did not bud or make leaves. Is this normal or should I be looking for some sort of problem? Bores? Maybe just winter damage though I do not see any to my knowledge.
I am asking because I seem to remember one of your videos dealing with the same or a similar problem.
Would appreciate some insight if you can.
Joe, See this article https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2020/01/why-is-one-side-of-my-japanese-maple-or-just-one-large-branch-completely-dead/
I would like to know your thouhhts on plants that do well when in the shade most of the time.
Dale,
Brunner, hostas, coral bells, astibles are what we carry for shade.
Perhaps you already know this as a ‘dirt farmer in bibs’, and I don’t recall who gave me this nugget, but when Forsythias bloom, that is Nature’s signal to put crabgrass preventer on your lawn since it is a pre-emergent. Also, a GREAT & beautiful early bloomer, usually before even daffodils, is English primrose which comes in at LEAST 10 or more different colors. If you have ever seen them blooming, you’ll know why I posted this. If not, do yourself a favor and get some, NOW.
BTW, thank you for doing what you do do so well. I’ve learned a lot from you.
Tom,
Makes perfect sense. I wish the guy that treats my lawn knew that. He’s always late.
Thanks Tom for that bit of info and a new cool season flower for me.
Good morning Mike
I wanted to know do you have cuttings or plants from the Japanese “Orange Dream “ maple.
That is a very beautiful tree.
Thanks
Joel
Joel,
I do not but several times a year all kinds of rare Japanese maples are offered in our members area. http://backyardgrowers.com/join
Hi Mike – how can I propagate rhodos
During the summer possibly, https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/01/easy-summertime-plant-propagation-techniques-can-home/ or in the winter over bottom heat.
I had always used air layering for Rhodos
Mike, I also love the Forsythia can you trim the Forsythia’s back after they have bloomed to the shape you want it to be? Just planted mine so I do have a while before that happens.
Denise,
You can trim them anytime you want, as much as you want.
How do I propagate Forsythias? We just sold my parents’ house and I want to get a cutting of their bush and transplant it into my yard.
Beki
Beki,
See this; https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2015/01/easy-summertime-plant-propagation-techniques-can-home/
I always trim my back right after they bloom. That way they come back more full and you will have more blooms on the new growth next year.
Mike, which Japanese Maple stays red most of the year?
Bill,
Bloodgood, Emporer 1, Pixie, Oshi Beni, Crimson Queen, Super Red, Ever Red.
Mike how do I get to the page where I can order plants from other members? I would like to get some of the hydrangias you featured earlier this week. Thanks Sally
Sally,
If you are a member, http://backyardgrowers.com/join, just go to the members forum and click on the Buy/Sell Area.
,
Do I need to be a member in order to buy??
Donna,
You have to be a member in order to access our Buy/Sell area. http://backyardgrowers.com/join
I couldn’t resist commenting. Very well written!
Mike,When do you open this year 2014 to sell plants to the public.I live near you and would like to purchase some plants directly to get started in my own yard. Thank you. Joyce
Joyce,
We probably won’t be ready to sell any plants until about the third weekend in April. Thanks for asking. The address of Mike’s Plant Farm is 4850 North Ridge Road, Perry, Ohio 44081
Hi Mike,
loved to see the pic of the Forsythia ‘Lynnwood Gold” I bought one after seeing it in previous posts and the flowers were just delightful. now as we are in Winter here in Australia, I’ll be looking at it to see how many cuttings I can get!
Hi Mike,
I just planted a dwarf lavender twist weeping redbud about a month ago. I live in zone 6b and the tree gets morning sun and most of afternoon sun. The tree is about 4 foot tall and had beautiful blossoms on when it was planted. The leaves bloomed and looked good. Now for about ten days the tree looks like the leaves are drooping and more recently the leaves are getting orange spots on them, holes where orange spots form, and drying up. We just started getting some very hot weather this week, but the drooping of the leaves was starting a little before the 90 degree weather. I am new to planting trees and was searching on line for help and I came across your web site/blog and enjoyed it. I would appreciate any help or suggestions from you.
Thanks you.
Mike,
Make sure your tree is not planted too deep. It should not be planted any deeper than it was in the nursery. It’s needs water but not too much. It’s easy to over water plants in the ground. The soil should be moist and cool, not soggy. No fertilizer. Do not fertilize your tree.
Thanks! I needed that!
Lovely plants!! Thanks so much. Coincidently, I am
‘redecorating’ my yard!
Hi mike, this sounds like a stupid question I’m sure but plants that grow in the west, zone 5, can they be grown in the east, zone 5? Is there any difference?
the last few weeks you had had some info on the web but when I tried to look at them, it said that it could now be found and it was it was powered by InfusionSoft.
todays is the first I’ve been able to retrieve. Any way we can get that info. I miss it. I save all your info plus copy it. You should see my notebooks.
Thanks Mike, keep up the good work.
Dear Mike,
All plants and flower are beutiful and Im wish to have it all in my backyard. regards have a nice day.
Plants looking good. Love the gold Forsythia
I love these plants, where can I buy them? Do you have mail order?
Nina,
No, I don’t do mail order or Internet orders. I don’t ship plants, only sell them here locally.
Mike
I am also considering 2 dwarf weeping cherry blossom trees for the front, what do you think?
Hi Mike 🙂
I have just planted a magnolia hybrid tree (tulip tree) in my front yard (40×20) and my neighbor just told me that my house has a septic tank and it’s located in my front yard….I love how this tree looks where placed and purchased it for the front yard. my question is, will it interfere with the septic tank? if so, if I move it several feet away from the tank, will this still be a problem? and, if this tree is not just won’t work for the front, what trees would be septic tank friendly and be just as gorgeous?
Brandyrenae,
The Magnolia could be a problem around a septic system, especially if it’s near the line that comes from the house to the tank. But any tree that grows near a leach line or septic system is going to be a problem. It’s really best to stay away from the septic system with any plant that roots down more than 12″ or so.
Great Pic’s, love the Redbud tree.
Mike, how do I start growing the Orange Dream Japanese Maple or get one of your’s. My son just bought 56 acres and is wanting to start a small tree farm and I will do the planting tending and such. I have been following your posts for about two years now, but now interested in pursuing a more active roll? What do you suggest?
Mike- Will you have the japanese maple “Fireglow” for sale? It has a beautiful upright form and is supposed to do really well in sun.
I love the pictures. I also saw someone posted that their rhododendron was not blooming. While that could be the result of many factors, often it is because the gardener trimmed the shrub in the late fall or winter and removed the buds that bloom in the spring. Rhododendron and lilacs set their flower buds for spring the following summer. If you want to trim either one of these plants, do it right after they are done blooming. This gives them all year to produce the buds for next year’s flowers.
Mike I love the Orange Dream japanese maple–beautiful foliage form and color. I’d like to mention another rhododendron–it is Rhododendron (dwarf) Purple Gem. It’s an early flowering rhododendron with bluish lavender blooms. Some sites say it has purple blooms. I have two and the bloom color is outstanding. It will probably do best in a sheltered location in colder zones.
I just ADORE Japanese Maples and when I found several little
self-seeded ones, I have started to Bonsai them – just to see what happens really 😀
Awesome!
Also, we should not forget the spruces (alberta spruces, blue spruces)although to grow them for selling may require bigger open areas.
May be an acre would be enough?
Pablo, Spruce trees, especially Dwarf Alberta can be grown in really small area and sold as small plants at a nice profit. I bought a thousand one time for a dollar each and planted them 10″ apart and was able to leave them for three years as I sold them off.
Mike,
I’m finding that most of the plants you recommend are not tolerant enough for zone 9 in the Arizona desert where I live. The nursery tells me not to even try them here. I’m worried that I will have a hard time finding plants I can propagate here. Any suggestions?
Hi Doug,
When I moved here to South Carolina from Northern Indiana I realized that the plants the grow in IN are not all the same, and after a few failed attempts to grow plants grown in fertile farming soil, in my heavy red clay, I realized I needed some help.
I found a small local nursery who taught me about native plants, the local soil and what’s necessary to amend it, and how to grow more exotic plants in this area. Don’t try to get this type of information from a larger box type nursery, as many are not trained in native plants or soil amending and such. Find a small local grower and they will be able to teach you what to plant for your climate.
What is the best, longest lasting Pink blossom tree that will bloom from spring into summer ?
I also want a tree that has BRIGHT RED leaves in the fall.
I saw some in Vermont one October, & think it was a maple.
Suggestions ?
Joan,
Bloom time is often controlled by weather conditions. Under ideal conditions many trees hold their blooms a long time. When it’s hot, rainy, windy, blooms don’t last so long. The Lavender Twist Redbud does hold it’s blooms well and I’ve seen them hold up to frost really well. Red leaves in the fall? Red maple trees have green leaves in the summer, bright red leaves in the fall. I’d have to say that there are some refined varieties that work even better but I don’t know what they are.
Hi Mike, I Like your Lavender Twist and Rhododendron.
I wonder if the Lavender Twist have a smell, like the
ordinary Lavenders.
Hi Mike I love your blog!!!
I have three dwarf purple gem rhododendrons. They have been in for two 1/2 years…they have six hours of afternoon sun and this is the second spring they have not bloomed. What do you think is wrong?
Anne
Thank you so much! They are just beautiful.
I enjoy your help with my garden. Your guidance
has made my gardening much easier.
Thanks again,
Patsy
Mike,
I have a hedge of PJM Rhododendron and have really struggled to get it to grow. Plants in fuller sun seem to die after a year or two. I live in SouthEast PA with heavy clay soil which may be the problem from your post. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Tim,
my guess would be the soil. They need soil that drains well. Amend the soil with something organic like rotted cow manure and keep the soil as loose as possible. Do not fertilize your plants.
I thought they were closely related, but up here (Poconos on NY border)in our rocky, clay soil mountain laurel grow all over the woods, in shades of bright pink to almost white. I think they are just as pretty as the rhododendrons.
Mike I was curious as to when you trim your Japanese maple. I have a crimson Queen weeping and it does need a little trimming.
Debbie,
I trim all of my plants when I’m walking by them. Could be the dead of summer, early spring, dead of winter, doesn’t matter to me. If it see something that need pruning it gets pruned while I am standing there. The worst pruning mistake you can make is to not prune while you are thinking about it.
Mike,
Are any of these patent protected?
Thanx, Howard
Thanks for strinatg the ball rolling with this insight.
Can we order these shipped to our homes?
Zona,
No, I do not ship any plants. I just don’t have the time and for most of them they are too large.
Mike, I would love to buy an Orange Dream Japanese Maple from you. Let me know how much plus shipping and handling to Salina, Ks. I would not be able to find that around here. Thank you for you assistance.
I would love to have a Orange Dream Japanese Maple. That is a beautiful tree.
I love to see your photos. Keep them commin’ Hugs and prayers Marie
I have 7 forcythias in my yard 😛 lol. I live in northern Minnesora, and THEY do bloom first in the spring. It has been in the 40 s and SUPPOSED to get up to the 70 s this week. Thank you, Mike.
I bought a couple of these rhododendrons in red color in the srping a year ago. This past winter which is thier first at home, about half of the branches died. I wonder what’s went wrong?
Hiya Mike – is it possible to have stock from you shipped to Ireland or would there be any laws forbidding this?
Pat,
shipping across international borders is not against the law, but it does require special inspection of the plants. But it is done routinely by larger growers. I do not ship any plants at this time.
Hi Mike what about southern England . I enjoy your emails but so many bear no relation to what i can grow here. still, keep up the good work.
Thank you Mike !! as always you’re sharing is always inclusive and interesting.I love & will look forward to your mondays newsletters.
I have forsythia in my garden 🙂
Mike I live about 4 miles from the California border in Southern Oregon & would like to know what zone we are in & would the Japanese maple do well ? When is the best time to trim them ?
Terry, here’s the USDA zone map, Zone map for the United States:
http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html
Zone map for Canada:
http://nlwis-snite1.agr.gc.ca/plant00/index.phtml
But I have to tell you, some of the best Japanese maples in the world come out Oregon. Seriously, you folks have an excellent growing climate.
Where can I order this dwarf rhododendron?
Bob,
PJM Dwarf Rhododendron and pretty plentiful just about everywhere. All of your local garden stores should have them unless you are in a hot climate.
Isn’t that what the Mama skunk said to her babies when she thought they were being followed by a big dog – “Let us spray” ? (I’m sorry – the devil made me do it)
WOW! That Orange Dream really is a dream. Does it stay that color all season?
They are all beautiful plants. I worked at a nursery for 6 yrs and enjoyed it and know that I would work for nothing just to be around them. Someday soon I hope to have a small nursery so that I can be with them again.
What about zone 9, Mike? That is what zone we are in.
Sarah,
I am also zone 9 (Phoenix AZ) and just getting started. I am experimenting with Azalea and Boxwood and will be trying more soon. Perhaps we could share notes as time goes by? Also, Charline and Patricia who live in California?
Hi Mike!
The pictures look great! How much training did you do with the lavender twist weeping redbud? I’ve seen other pictures of it that you’ve published in the past and it’s a gorgeous specimen. I have a dwarf weeping cherry and I really pruned it hard last autumn. It’s exploding right now like crazy but think I will need to prune it some more to make it look “neat” but I have no training so scared to prune it again. Any advice? Also really would love to see those coral bells….
Forsythia likes a colder winter than we can give it in California. They grow here, but the bloom is spotty. Same with lilac and Oriental poppies. They just limp along, barely making it.
These are all great pictures and I’d love to have all of them in my garden.
However, I live in Southern California. What about ideas for our climate?
Thanks so much!
Patricia,
I won’t pretend that I know all there is to know about every plant there is. Most of what I share will work in any zone, anywhere in the world. But what does vary, mostly in the warmer and really northern climates is plant selection. I don’t honestly know a lot about plants for zones 9, 10 and 11.
Patricia,
I have started going to my local nursery here in the Phoenix area for advice. I just started experimenting with Azaleas and a boxwood shrub. Maybe we can share stories, I could use all the help I can get!
Forsythia grows everywhere. Have lived in 5 states from Washington to Connecticut and as far south as South Carolina, and see it everywhere… Naoma
Carol, they forsythia grows like weeds here in IL in zone 5. The only difference may be water levels. Are you fairly dry in Idaho?
Mike, would I be able to grow forsythia in Council, Idaho (zone 5) Do not see many growing here-abouts.
Sure would like to be your next door neighbor, really enjoy all the info you send out.
Where can I purchase a Waterfall Japanese? I live in Buffalo, New York.
Laura,
That’s the problem, most garden centers and big box stores only carry a few standard varieties of Japanese maples. This is where my Backyard Growers have a huge advantage, we have a wholesale source, a fellow member, that supplies us with all kinds of interesting and rare varieties of Japanese maples. See if we have a grower in your area. https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/category/backyard-nurseries/
Beautiful! Wish we could come to Ohio on May 17th! Are any of these available as small cuttings? We’re on your line.
Curt
Curt,
At this time I am not shipping any plants, try checking with some of our growers https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/category/backyard-nurseries/
Hello. I actually have a lot of those plants in my yard. I do not have forsythia, or the PJM, but I did have my neighbor plant the PJM in the front of her house,and they bloom at the slightest warm temperature every season here in St. Louis. It looks like you may prune your Waterfall, do you? I have not. and they are about the same size. Are you selling any of those plants individually? I’d be interested. Colleen
Colleen,
I prune all of my Japanese maples at least once if not twice a year. That’s what keeps them in shape and nice and full. I will have most of these plants for sale, but I do not ship plants.
HI
Absolutely love your site.It is just a pity I am in New Zealand or I would be at your place all the time.
I have 100 Japanese maple in the fridge in a sealed plastic bag.
Your lavender tree will be my next challenge
Cheers
Neil Smith
Neil,
I’m delighted to have you from New Zealand and I’m glad to hear that you are growing some Japanese maples!
Wow! Simply Beautiful!
Mike, your trees are gorgeous. I do azeleas and camellias and do my cuttins in July. I am to old to be out merchandising plants and my neighbors would be disappointed. I plant in my yard and give the rest away.
I really enjoy your material you post.
Hi Mike,
Really love your information. I know you say the Japanese Maple is good at zone 5. But I have alkaline soil, is there a Maple that will put up with that?
Thanks,
Marci
Marci,
I really can’t say for sure, I do know that I have a customer in Alabama that grows and sells lot of Japanese maples and they well for her in that heat, which surprised me. But I don’t know what her soil is. I’d try building a raised bed with amended soil.
Mike your a wonder. I love all that you do. I read everything you put out and many times several times.
thanks for what you are doing.
my best to you, John
I love forsythia and have two in my yard but they are pathetic. Been there for years and gets plenty of water and even have been fertilized but they dont bloom. One has zero blossoms on it and the other has a straggly 15 or so. What could be wrong with them Mike?
Sandra,
Usually forsythia bloom really well unless the flower buds freeze. Try cutting the plants back hard if they are really straggly. That will encourage new vibrant growth.
Do you have any of these plants that would thrive in Phoenix AZ? It seems that most plants you have are for the cooler/colder climates.
Reme,
You’re right, I’m in zone 6, used to be considered zone 5. Phoenix is a different climate and you have to use plants that will do well in your climate. One of the advantages of putting up with the cold and snow, we can grow a lot of beautiful plants that others can’t because our plants get a nice long rest period each winter.
Reme,
I also live near Phoenix. Maybe we can share notes. I’m just getting started so I want to learn what will work here.
Right after forsythia bloom, when the green has gone through most of the plant after blooming is the best time to prune.
When you finish pruning them take the cuttings and follow Mikes instructions on softwood cuttings to make new plants. YES it is that simple! Have fun eventually you will make $93.00 on your square foot plot Jake
Mike,will you have the Lavender Twist in bare root this Fall for shipping?
Beautiful These are! Thank u for Sharing with us! I like the Orange dream, and the Lavendar Twist! 🙂
I love the Lavender twist Redbud tree but not enough to drive to your beautiful place. Thanks for the lovely pictures, though.
Martha and others, the Lavender Twist Redbud, as well as all of these other plants are available in different parts of the country. You just have to look around.
Mike I would love to buy some orange dream japanese maples. Will these be available to buy on an internet order? I live in southern missouri so ohio is little to far to drive . Thanks marc
Marc,
I will not be selling plants online. I have lots of customers who do and many of them sell these rare Japanese maples. https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/category/backyard-nurseries/
Thanks, Mike, for feeding us all your knowledge.
Frank and Barb
I need more info on rhododendron for planting in city
Jim,
Rhododendron are easy. They like good soil, they don’t like being planted in heavy wet soil, they hate wet feet. Do not fertilize them, it most likely will kill them. In good soil they need no fertilizer.
Mike love the rhododendrons tried growing them here in florida but they don,t like our humidity here. love the way everything looks. worked in a nursery for 27 years. then I had to retire. but I still like to have my garden and grow things. I know you will know what I meanwhen I say that there is nothing takes more pleasure than taking a twig off of something and watch it grow into a beautiful tree or flower, miss all my friends from work keep up the good and beautiful work
Freda,
You’re right, being able to do this kind of work is a gift to be appreciated.
How much will you sell the waterfall japanese maples and lavender twist weeping red bud trees
Brad,
I’m not sure if I have any Waterfall Japanese maples ready to go, but I have lot of others. Most are around $49.00 same for the Lavender Twist Redbud trees.
Mike What zone is Killington VT? will red japanese maple grow there?
Mery,
I’m sure they will. Here’s a zone map.
Zone map for the United States:
http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html
Zone map for Canada:
http://nlwis-snite1.agr.gc.ca/plant00/index.phtml
Where is Perry Ohio in relationship to Cincinnati? Love the yellow forsythia!
Maxine,
Perry, Ohio is about as far from Cincinnati as you can get and still be in the state. We are in the far north east corner of Ohio. About 5 hours from Cincy. My youngest graduated from the University of Cincinnati. Wonderful school!
pocket gophers HELP…?
Connie,
This will help you
https://mikesbackyardnursery.com/2010/07/how-to-get-rid-of-japanese-beetles-and-grubs-in-your-lawn/
Great looking plants, really like the Japanese plants… all of them
Dave you need acidic soil add spruce or pine needles to the soil I have mine planted in morning sunshine. hope this helps you decide Jake PS you will really enjoy them
Tell me more about the rhododendron. What kind of sun does it need?
There is an exceptional abundance of natural Rhodos in the southwestern Virginia mountains. They like a diffused light, such as within other trees and shrubs.
Edie you asked about Rhododendron I posted the reply on Dave’s reply by mistake they need acidic soil add spruce or pine needles to the soil and I planted mine in the morning sunshine. hope this helps. They come in different colors. Jake
Edie,
PJM will tolerate some shade, but most plants still like some sunlight. Here we grow PJM in the open field, full sun.
Mike that orange dream Japanese maple is great.
Mark
Great pictures!
Love the forsythia. I am so excited to see all these colors.
Kay,
You are the second person to mention the Forsythia and I was hesitant to include it because it was such a lame photo. My plants didn’t bloom well because I ravish them for cuttings then cut them back hard. Others around here were loaded with flowers. Mine of more like work horses around the nursery. They have a purpose. To supply me with an endless supply of cuttings.