Can I grow Osmanthus Fragrant, olive tree in New England?
myermike_1micha
7 years ago
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myermike_1micha
7 years ago
Maggie (Vancouver, BC 8a)
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoRelated Discussions
Plants I can't grow; plants I can grow.
Comments (8)Hi Melissa -- did you ever get that email I sent you about digging a swale to capture rainwater on a hillside? I'm working on a similar project (slowly) and thought of you. Fundamentally I agree with you. It's best to grow plants that want to grow in the conditions you can offer them. I have a couple exceptions. You mentioned blueberries. I just adore blueberries. If you stick to the newer southern highbush varieties such as Misty, Oneal, and Sunshine Blue you may have better luck. Sunshine Blue in particular is said to be a little more tolerant of higher pH. Try a raised bed filled with compost, wood chip, and peat as a growing medium. I'm experimenting with the same mixture, some soil and sulfur added, dug as a trench in the ground. It is too soon to tell, but so far all but one of my blueberries are growing well and not chlorotic. I did lose one, but think that I lost it to hot dry weather when I was away. They do need water. I don't begrudge it to food plants. My other exception is that I planted a couple of avocado trees because Tom loves them so much. I'm not convinced that I'm going to be able to make them happy, but we're giving it a try. After killing about two dozen rhododendrons, I've given up on them. I have two left. One under the redwood trees actually looks reasonably happy. The other, alas, is on its way out. I do so love rhododendrons. At least I have roses! And apples. And plums, and figs, and citrus. Really, so much does well here that it is silly to sigh for the few plants that won't thrive for me. It means that when I go garden visiting and see favorite plants I cannot grow well, I have the special thrill that comes from seeing the less accustomed beauty. Rosefolly...See MoreNew England gardeners who grow camellias?
Comments (17)tmn, if you want spring blooming types, the "April" series are a good choice. Most are rated for zone 6. If you have a spot that is protected from winter wind, that's a plus. Also, they get burned by winter sun, so you need to keep them in a shaded spot, keeping in mind the changes in the angle of the sun throughout the seasons. A spot that is a bit warmer, such as near a stone wall or house, foundation, etc. that may hold a little heat is a help as well. I don't do anything special in winter, unless there is a heavy snow load that could break the branches. This past winter was especially brutal, and much of the tops of my plants (6-7 feet tall ones) were burned, and the buds in those parts were killed. The parts that were buried in snow for a few weeks are fine, and the flowers bloomed as always. The new growth in the "good" parts is moving along normally, healthy green shoots. But in the damaged parts of each plant, only now do I see some tiny green shoots. I am sure the plants will recover this year but it will be another few weeks before the damaged areas start to look good again. There are also many fall blooming types, which are generally a bit hardier than the spring blooming ones, and you don't have to worry about the buds being killed in a cold winter, since they form during summer and then bloom in fall. Good luck with yours! I'd like to know how they do for you....See MoreFragrant Tea Olive
Comments (3)Is there any way that you could take a picture or two and let us see these plants? Mine is planted in unamended red clay soil and has grown about 6 feet in three (maybe four) years. It was given to us as a small but healthy three gallon plant. We don't have an irrigation system, so all new plantings are hand watered for a period of time. We fertilize sparingly and infrequently. It has always bloomed prolifically off and on during the years. Please don't add phosphorus to your soil without having a soil test that determines a severe deficiency. In most cases, adding phosphorus to the soil is not just unnecessary, but harmful...to the plant, the soil ecosystem, and even the environment. It's a myth that won't die. One thing you can do to improve the root/soil system for your Osmanthus fragrans is to maintain a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch in a large area around the trunk BUT NEVER PILED UP ON THE TRUNK. If you improve the soil environment, the roots respond by increased growth and development. Once that happens....the top growth will respond the way you want it to. Avoid excess Nitrogen, too. I mentioned that we didn't not amend the soil when we planted. That's an important factor, even in clay soil. Also, plants should probably be placed a bit higher than the natural soil grade. You said you were sure that you've done something wrong. How about telling us just what you've been doing (and not doing) and we can be in a better position to help you. You can see from my own experience that you sure don't have to do much, even in red clay soil! If I can, you can....See MoreCoastal New England Low Maintenace Wind Tolerant Trees
Comments (9)Eastern White Pines are very intolerant to direct salt spray. There are other pines to plant that are more tolerant such as the Austrian Pine. Spruces are probably better at tolerating the conditions you describe. As you said, Eastern Red Cedar is an excellent choice. Just about any other Juniper will work, too. Crabapples and especially Hawthorns should work. These would give you blooms, and fruit for interest. The latter would also give you thorns unfortunately. Just about anything with thorns will grow well in the conditions you describe, though. Anything in the Elm family should work. The wood is cross-grained so it's very resistant to splitting. The related Zelkova is a tree that I've seen in the situations you describe and they are doing fine. They have nice fall color. Even though they aren't native, Ginkgos will survive just about anything you throw at them. Their unusual leaves create a lot of interest. They are the best for brilliant yellow fall color. I don't live right on the water but I do live within view of the ocean and oaks are everywhere particularly members of the red oak family. I would suggest a scarlet oak for your situation. They love terrible soil and have great fall color. You can buy your average run of the mill red oak at Home Depot or Lowe's for a very cheap price. Bur Oak is another good choice but they are harder to find. The other tree prevalent in my area is the tupelo or black gum tree. While normally associated with wet soil. They are very adaptable to dry, infertile, sandy soil. They have wood that is cross-grained like elms so they absolutely will not break in the wind. They have great fall color. Sweet gums would probably work for you if you can handle the spiky gumballs that they drop. Fall color is excellent. I've seen Larch trees near the ocean around here especially in Plymouth and they do just fine. Honeylocusts would probably do OK. The Kentucky coffeetree is not common here but I have seen some around and they do just fine. They would be very tolerant of the conditions you describe. Their long pods are interesting but messy....See More
Embothrium
7 years agomyermike_1micha
7 years ago
Maggie (Vancouver, BC 8a)
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoHoly moly! Haha, not sure what my husband would say to seeing that in our garden.
My dream if I ever win the lottery is one of these:
In reality, he's building me one of these: (not complaining though:) )
Jimi Chu
7 years agoermazi
7 years agoMaggie (Vancouver, BC 8a)
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoermazi
7 years agoMaggie (Vancouver, BC 8a)
7 years agomyermike_1micha
7 years agoMaggie (Vancouver, BC 8a)
7 years agoermazi
7 years agoJimi Chu
7 years ago
jasminegal
7 years agoermazi
7 years agoJimi Chu
7 years agoermazi
7 years agofierycloud2023
7 years agomyermike_1micha
7 years agoMaggie (Vancouver, BC 8a)
7 years agoermazi
7 years agoermazi
7 years agoscott_madison Zone 5a- Madison, WI
7 years agoMaggie (Vancouver, BC 8a)
7 years agoMaggie (Vancouver, BC 8a)
7 years agomyermike_1micha
7 years ago
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Maggie (Vancouver, BC 8a)