The golden chinquapin Chrysolepis chrysophylla is a glamorous native that begs to be brought into the garden but usually pouts when planted. Among the cotoneasters are some pleasant small trees, perhaps the best and most common being Cotoneaster salicifolius, the willow cotoneaster. (Z: 8 – 11) Share Post. Hodges, SC 29695 Trees from those areas are well-suited to survive bitter winters and maximize their growth in warmer months, irrigated by frequent summer rains. The Japanese Ilex integra is another Ficus impostor. Tall, thick, and dense evergreen shrubs on the other hand, also provide that sense of solitude, but do so with a leafy-whisper. Although Portland is actually north of such icebox cities as Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit, and Toronto, Canada, we experience much warmer winters. They have well-anchored roots, allowing them to survive frequent hurricanes. Two cultivars, ‘Camelliifolia’, with oval, nearly spineless leaves, and the recently popular ‘Wilsonii’, with rounded, evenly spined leaves, are usually available. Tree inventories done by Urban Forestry show that in built up parts of the city, 90% to 98% or more of the street trees become leafless each fall. Dwarf Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) – Small Evergreen Trees for Landscaping (photo https://www.flickr.com/photos/john_d_rusk). The glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum) also has been available for some time, but only lately have we begun to use it as a tree. Related to rhododendrons, the trees boast big clusters of bell-shaped white flowers in spring, followed by orange fruits relished by local bird. The genus Eucryphia, of the southern hemisphere, supplies us with several species and hybrids of choice, mostly evergreen small trees. Plant in sun or shade. Introduced diseases have also taken a heavy toll of trees around the city. Few trees from Africa can survive in Portland but most of those that can hail from the mountains of Algeria and Morocco, where winter snow and freezing temperatures are not uncommon. You can count the percentage they represent on one hand. This is the most exciting of the lesser-known hol­lies and, judging from the fine specimens at the Washington Park Arboretum, it has great potential. When rains do return in autumn, deciduous trees are starting to shut down. The pioneers who founded Portland quite naturally planted their new parks and streets with deciduous trees familiar to them from their home states. Bay laurel is capable of reaching 30 feet or more with a spread of 20 feet. Pick a spot in full sun, with average, well-drained soil, for these evergreens. They range from 1 inch to 6 inches in length. Just when we need them most, deciduous trees lose the very leaves we require to help intercept moisture and slow flooding. What is an Evergreen Tree? Other nearly hardy eucalypts doing well in some Northwest gardens are the spinning gum (E. perriniana), with silver-dollar juvenile leaves, and the cabbage gum (E. parvifolia), a bushy, small-leaved tree. The reason is a heavy reliance on deciduous trees that lose their leaves each fall and don’t green up till spring warmth returns. Bark is dark brown to almost black, with many cracks and fissures forming a maze of small plates and ridges. In ancient Athens, retired Olympic champions were fed at public expense for life, giving rise to the phrase, “to rest on one’s laurels” rather than achieving anything new. Edith Bogue grows at a moderate pace 30’ to possibly 40’ tall and 15’ to 20’ wide. The official state flower of Mississippi, this evergreen tree with its large, white flowers (up to 8” across) scented of lemons started a craze for North American garden trees in Britain in the mid-1700s, and was a prize tree in the garden of the Duchess of Beaufort as early as 1730. Nearly everyone seems to like them and want to grow them here, but there is skepticism concerning their hardiness. Williams, OR 97544 While one of the handsomest of these, the madrone (Arbutus menziesii), is an abundant native, few others are commonly grown or even widely known among gardeners in this region. This has given rise to the nickname the “headache tree,” bestowed by people overcome by the pungent aroma. The leathery leaves are gray-green above and make the tree incredibly drought tolerant once established. They are both pyramidal unless trained otherwise. include some of the hardiest broadleaved evergreen trees. These sit deeply in their cup, taking up to two years to ripen. Beaver Creek Nursery Two silverleaf oaks planted near the Visitors’ Center at Hoyt Arboretum already show how equally well the tree withstands cold and heat if given the sun they crave. There are needled evergreens and broadleaf evergreens, as well as trees that produce spring-time flowers or stunning fall color. (800) 845-1124. Besides growing well in most soils and exposures, this classic Mediterranean evergreen adds historical and culinary interest to its landscape appeal. Urban Forestry Completes Pilot Year for Yard Tree Giveaway. Californians in Oregon: How do sequoias and redwoods do in Portland? But a few of the best tall ones could be planted as small trees in semi-shade. There is an evergreen tree for every growing zone, and 8 is no exception. The southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico share a common flora rich in evergreen oaks. Little known here but well proven in Europe, this hawthorn would seem a good prospect for the Northwest, where at least one plant I know is thriving handsomely. Zone: 7 – 9 One key drawback to the tree is that suckers sprout regularly from the lower trunk and require removal to avoid creating a multi-stemmed monster. In any city east of the Cascades as far as New England, winter can be depressing. Prominent, long-lived, and valuable, they set the look for the landscape helping to determine both the style and function of the outside space. Salem, OR 97304 (615) 693-7533, Camellia Forest Nursery Older trees seem to produce leaves that are less armed than those of young trees. 12 -  A long-lived African and European tree. Urban Forestry has added a second American magnolia to the list of evergreen choices, the northern sweetbay Magnolia virginiana ‘Jim Wilson.’ Trademarked as Moonglow, this cultivar was … Urban Forestry has added a second American magnolia to the list of evergreen choices, the northern sweetbay Magnolia virginiana ‘Jim Wilson.’ Trademarked as Moonglow, this cultivar was introduced commercially only in 2001. Perhaps none makes a more attractive street tree than Quercus myrsinifolia. First, dozens of broadleaved evergreen trees are hardy west of the Cascades in Oregon and Washington; they have proven themselves in the few places they have been tried. Broadleaf Evergreens for Zone 7. Ilex pedunculosa, the longstalk holly, displays its small red berries, each on a slender stalk up to one and one-half inches long, against lush masses of pointed, wavy-edged leaves that suggest Ficus benjamina. In addition to more madrone, you’ll see trees like canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis), and Oregon myrtle (Umbellularia californica). Finally, not all broadleaved evergreen trees shroud everything beneath them in perpetual shade; some are light and airy, and a few of the best thin out a bit for winter. Photographs by Pamela Harper except where noted. The hollies (Ilex spp.) An attractive tree with embossed, medium-green leaves, it grows well in sun or shade. 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