The popularity of the euonymus in all areas of the Lothians is probably due largely to its undemanding nature. All varieties are fully hardy, most tolerate some shade and most are evergreen and so good value for money all year round. They are not normally troubled by pests or diseases, just occasionally by mildew.

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The Viburnum family contains a number of easily cultivated, evergreen and deciduous shrubs, including several of the choicest woody plants for a shrub border or a woodland garden.

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This month’s featured plant is Cotinus, a genus of two species. The other species is the Rhus plant, now a separate plant listed botanically.They are often commonly referred to by their other name of ‘Smoke Trees’ in recognition of their attractive dark smoky purple blue foliage in late summer. One of the most attractive of the larger flowering shrubs, many of the varieties have rich autumn tints on their leaves.

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In this issue, I’ve chosen to highlight the Leucothoe family of shrubs. They are natives of North America and Japan and have adapted easily to conditions in this part of the British Isles. Adaptable in both sun and shade, they make an impact in gardens in both summer and winter. Read the rest of this entry »