In this issue we are looking at two native shrubs that provide interest in late fall or winter.

Common Witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana) has good yellow fall color and also produces yellow flowers in late autumn after the leaves have fallen. (These plants were spotted blooming during Thanksgiving week this year).

This is a large shrub that usually grows from 12-20 feet tall. It does well both in sun and shade and prefers a moist, well-drained soil.

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a holly that loses its leaves in winter. You won't mind the leaves being gone, because the bright red or orange berries put on a spectacular display.

Winterberry grows 6-9 feet tall. It grows in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a well drained soil, but can tolerate wet sites. It also tolerates alkaline soil.

For more information on these plants or to see photos, go to http://urbanext.illinois.edu/ShrubSelector/

Natural evergreen wreaths and swags are very popular decorations during the holiday season. When selecting a wreath or swag check to see that it is fresh. Fresh evergreen decorations should have a good fragrance. The needles should be pliable. If the fragrance is missing or the needles seem dry and are falling off, the wreath is old and should not be purchased.

Expect your evergreen decorations to have a limited lifetime. If the decorations are fresh and are displayed outdoors, they may last up to four weeks. Fresh evergreen decorations displayed indoors in heat and dry air may last only a week. Watch these decorations, especially when used indoors, so they do not become a fire hazard.

December

• Seed catalogs are arriving already. Use them to start planning your garden now
• Cut small branches from your evergreens to use as holiday decorations.

January

• It's too early to start seeds indoors, but you can gather your supplies and make sure your seed trays are clean, so you're ready to go when the time is right

As we get into winter, the threat of damage from snow and ice is always near. When snow piles up on evergreens, try to gently brush it off. Don't shake the branches as this may cause them to break. If the snow is frozen on the branch and will not brush off easily, it is best to let it melt naturally, to avoid damage to the tree or shrub.

If tree limbs break due to the weight of ice or snow, it is advisable to have the broken limbs removed as soon as the weather permits. Hanging branches can be a danger to passing pedestrians. Also, the tree will be able to heal the wound better in spring, if the wound has clean edges, instead of ragged tears.

Select a bulb that is at least 2 ½ inches in diameter. Smaller bulbs will not bloom. Larger bulbs (4 inches) produce better, often developing two flowers stalks instead of one. Make sure the bulbs are firm and free of soft spots and discoloration.

The container for the bulb should be about 2 inches bigger in diameter than the bulb. The planting mix should drain well. Plant so that about one third of the bulb shows above the soil level. After planting, the planting mix should be thoroughly watered. Keep the mix consistently moist.

Keep the bulb in a warm room (70-75°F) during rooting and early stalk development. As the flower buds begin to form, reduce temperatures to about 65°F to prolong flowering. The bulb should be kept in a well lighted area. During flowering, the plant is best kept in bright, but indirect light.

During stalk development, fertilize with a complete fertilizer (one that contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). Follow the label directions that come with the fertilizer you buy. The directions will tell you how much to use.

With proper care, the plant should be flowering within 6-8 weeks after planting the bulb. Duration of the flowers will be dependent on the temperature and light level in the room where the plant is being kept. As each flower fades, cut it off. After all the flowers have faded, remove the entire flower stalk. Do not remove the leaves. They will produce food and strengthen the bulb so that it can flower again next year.

Selection

• Select a tree with a healthy green appearance and good fragrance.
• A fresh tree has few brown needles.
• The needles should be flexible.
• Run a branch through your hand. The needles should stay on.
• Very few green needles should be shed when tree is shaken lightly or the stump in gently bumped on the ground.

Care

• Mke a fresh, one inch thick cut on the base of the trunk.
• Pace the tree in a sturdy stand that holds at least a gallon of water.
• Use plain water in the stand; additives are not needed.
• Keep cut end of the trunk below the water line. If the water drops below the cut end, sap may seal the cut in 4-6 hours. If a seal forms, make another fresh cut.
• The tree may absorb as much as a gallon of water in the first 24 hours; and one or more quarts per day after that
• Keep tree away from drafts and heat sources
• A fresh tree, with proper care, may last as long as five weeks.

• Houseplants don't grow much in winter months, so they generally do not need fertilizer. As days start to lengthen watch for new growth (possibly as early as February) and fertilize at that time.
• If you cover your roses with rose cones in winter, be sure to vent the cones on winter days that may suddenly turn warm. Warm temps can cause the roses to sprout. Venting the cones keeps things cool and prevents sprouting.
• Keep blooming holiday plants flowering into the new year by keeping them in cool rooms. If the heat is too high, the flowers won't last as long.