Fall Foliage Tree Varieties Available at Meadows Farms

Remember, the trees listed below are just a selection of the varieties that Meadows Farms carries. Please call your local Meadows Farms for other varieties or special requests.

The post 13 Fall Foliage Tree Varieties That Offer Stunning Color appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Kaleidoscope Abelia

Abelia ‘Kaleidoscope’ is a versatile, low-growing shrub that delivers vibrant colors from spring to fall. With greenish-yellow foliage in the spring, gold in summer, and burnt reds in fall, this evergreen beauty also produces small, white blooms in summer. It’s perfect for low hedges or groundcover, growing to 2-3 feet wide.

Edward Goucher Abelia

This compact hybrid of Abelia Grandiflora grows 3 to 5 feet tall and wide, with glossy bronze-tinged leaves and lilac-pink blooms that last from mid-summer through fall. It thrives in light shade to full sun, offering year-round appeal and minimal maintenance.

Abelia Grandiflora (Glossy Abelia)

With its attractive dark green, glossy foliage and fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers, Abelia Grandiflora (Glossy Abelia) thrives in full sun or part shade. This semi-evergreen shrub grows to 3-6 feet tall and wide and is great for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Abelia Rose Creek

Abelia ‘Rose Creek’ features glossy green foliage that turns shades of bronze and burgundy in fall and winter. Its white flowers mixed with rose-colored sepals create a striking effect, perfect for small gardens. It grows to around 4 feet tall and wide, or smaller if trimmed.

Abelia Sunshine Daydream

A moderate grower, ‘Sunshine Daydream’ displays a stunning mix of pink, white, and green foliage that turns golden yellow with hints of pink throughout the season. It also produces fragrant white flowers in summer and is heat and drought-tolerant, making it an easy-care addition to any garden.

Abelia Varieties Available at Meadows Farms

Remember, the Astilbe listed above are just a selection of the varieties that Meadows Farms carries. Please call your local Meadows Farms for other varieties or special requests.

The post 5 Abelia Varieties for Your Virginia Garden appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

The Benefits of Native Plants

Native Virginia plants offer a multitude of advantages for both your garden and the environment. Here are just a few reasons to consider incorporating them into your landscape:

• Support wildlife: Native plants provide food and shelter for a variety of birds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.
• Protect water quality: Their deep root systems help to prevent erosion and improve water filtration.
• Enhance biodiversity: By planting native species, you contribute to the overall health and diversity of your local ecosystem.

Explore Our Selection of Native Virginia Plants

Native plants are nature’s ideal source of food and protection for wildlife. The plants listed below are species and cultivars that have occurred naturally in the wild in our region. Because they are native to our area and have evolved in this climate and our soil they will generally require minimal fertilizer, no pest control, and very little supplemental watering once established. Look for our Native Logo on our signs in the nursery!

Native Virginia Perennials

• Aquilegia ‘Little Lanterns’
• Asclepias tuberosa ‘Butterfly Weed’
• Baptisia australis ‘Blue Wild Indigo’
• Chelone lyonii ‘Hot Lips’
• Coreopsis ‘Early Sunrise’
• Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’
• Coreopsis ‘Zagreb’
• Echinacea ‘Kim’s Knee High’
• Echinacea ‘Pow Wow White’
• Echinacea ‘Pow Wow Wild Berry’
• Echinacea ‘Ruby Star’
• Eupatorium ‘Chocolate’
• Eupatorium ‘Little Joe’
• Fern Athyrium Lady In Red
• Gaillardia ‘Goblin’
• Heuchera ‘Autumn Bride’
• Heuchera ‘Green Spice’
• Liatris ‘Floristan Violet’
• Lonicera ‘Major Wheeler’
• Monarda ‘Dark Ponticum’
• Monarda ‘Rasberry Wine’
• Phlox paniculata ‘David’
• Phlox paniculata ‘Franz Schubert’
• Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’
• Phlox paniculata ‘Laura’
• Phlox paniculata ‘Nicky’
• Phlox subulata ‘Candy Stripe’
• Phlox subulata ‘Cotton Candy’
• Phlox subulata ‘Emerald Blue’
• Phlox subulata ‘Fort Hill’
• Phlox subulata ‘Scarlet Flame’
• Phlox subulata ‘Snowflake’
• Polemonium ‘Stairway to Heaven’
• Rudbeckia ‘Autumn Colors’
• Rudbeckia ‘Cherry Brandy’
• Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’
• Rudbeckia ‘Indian Summer’
• Rudbeckia ‘Prairie Sun’
• Sisyrinchium ‘Lucerne’
• Solidago ‘Fireworks’
• Spigelia marilandica ‘Indian Pink’
• Tradescantia ‘Purple Profusion’
• Tradescantia ‘Sweet Kate’

Native Virginia Grasses

• Chasmanthium latifolium ‘Northern Sea Oats’
• Muhlenbergia capillaries ‘Hairawn’
• Panicum ‘Heavy Metal’
• Panicum ‘Northwind’
• Panicum Shenandoah
• Panicum virgatum ‘Dallas Blues’ 
• Schizachyrium ‘The Blues’
• Sporobolus heterolepis ‘Prarie Dropseed’

Native Virginia Shrubs

• Myrica pensylvanica ‘Northern Bayberry’
• Myrica cerifera ‘Southern Bayberry’
• Ilex opaca ‘American Holly’
• Ilex glabra ‘Shamrock’
• Ilex ‘Sparkleberry’
• Ilex verticillata ‘Winter Red’
• Kalmia latifolia ‘Bullseye’
• Kalmia latifolia ‘Olympic Fire’
• Kalmia latifolia ‘Raspberry Glow’
• Aronia arbutifolia ‘Brilliantissima Red Chokeberry’
• Aronia melanocarpa ‘Black Chokeberry’
• Callicarpa dichotoma ‘Issai’
• Clethra alnifolia ‘Hummingbird’
• Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’
• Cornus ‘Red-Twig Dogwood’
• Fothergilla ‘Mount Airy’
• Hydrangea ‘Annabelle’
• Hydrangea ‘Alice’
• Itea ‘Henry’s Garnet’
• Itea ‘Little Henry’
• Physocarpus ‘Coppertina’
• Physocarpus ‘Diablo’
• Physocarpus ‘Summer Wine’
• Viburnum ‘Dentatum’
• Viburnum ‘Winterthur’
• Hamamelis ‘Common Witchhazel’

Native Virginia Trees

• River Birch
• Black Gum
• Pink Dogwood
• Sweetbay Magnolia
• Pin Oak
• Red Oak
• Scarlet Oak
• White Oak
• Willow Oak
• Tulip Poplar
• Redbud
• American Sycamore

Native Virginia Vining Plants

• Dropmore Scarlet Trumpet Honeysuckle
• Amethyst Falls Wisteria

Know something is native but can’t find it on our list? There are so many species out there, that it would be nearly impossible for us to list them all! Don’t doubt the ‘nativeness’ of your plant just because it doesn’t appear here!

Meadows Farms, Your Local Source for Native Plants

Discover the perfect native plants for your garden and landscaping needs at Meadows Farms. We offer a wide selection of species from Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia. Not sure what to get? No worries! Our knowledgeable staff can help you identify and source the perfect plants for your garden. Visit us today!

The post Native Virginia Plants for Your Yard & Garden appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Trees

• Arborvitae
• Birch
• Cryptomeria
• Red Maple
• Autumn Blaze Maple
• Sweet Bay Magnolia
• Pin Oak
• Willow Oak
• White Oak
• Sweet Gum
• Black Gum
• Weeping Willow

Shrubs

• Aronia
• Blueberry
• Clethra
• Inkberry Holly
• Winterberry Holly
• Virginia Sweetspire
• Leucothoe
• Hydrangea
• Red Twig Dogwood
• Viburnum

Perennials

• Astilbe
• Asters
• Bee Balm
• Lobelia
• Ferns
• Forget-Me-Nots
• Iris
• Pennyroyal
• Sweet Flag

Purchase Wet-Area Plants at Your Local Meadows Farms

If any of the above plants sound like they’d be a good fit in your yard or garden, we likely have them in stock. Visit or contact your local Meadows Farms store today to get started!

The post Plants for Wet Areas in VA, WV, MD, and DC appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Recognizing Drought Stress in Trees

Not all dry conditions indicate drought stress in trees. Many trees have deep roots that help them withstand short dry spells. However, prolonged lack of moisture can cause visible signs of stress. Deciduous trees may display wilting and curling leaves, browning edges, and premature leaf drop. Evergreens show browning at needle tips, which can spread to entire needles if drought persists.

Which Trees Need the Most Attention?

Newly planted or transplanted trees are most vulnerable due to underdeveloped or damaged root systems. Trees in confined spaces, such as containers, narrow grass strips between streets and sidewalks, or near buildings and driveways, also require extra care due to limited root expansion and additional heat stress. Drought-sensitive species like birches, beeches, dogwoods, Japanese maples, and magnolias should be prioritized.

Effective Watering Practices During Drought

Prevent drought stress by establishing proper watering routines early. Trees need about one inch of water weekly, provided naturally or through supplemental watering.

For optimal results, water deeply and slowly in one session. Use irrigation bags for young or newly planted trees. Trees in confined spaces benefit from a slow-dripping hose at the base, repositioned periodically for even coverage. For larger trees, a soaker hose arranged in a spiral from the trunk to the drip line is effective.

Always adhere to local watering restrictions during drought periods to avoid fines while keeping your trees healthy.

Additional Tips for Drought-Stressed Trees

• Water soil directly, not the leaves or needles.
• Apply 2-4 inches of mulch under the tree, from the trunk to beyond the drip line, to retain soil moisture. Keep mulch away from the trunk.
• Water early in the morning, late afternoon, or on overcast days to reduce evaporation.
• Avoid fertilizing during drought; opt for compost or gentle soil amendments instead.

Bonus Tip: Hire a Professional to Protect Your Landscape

Drought conditions can quickly damage your trees, shrubs, and plants without proper care. Hiring a professional ensures your landscape receives expert attention, from customized tree and shrub care to efficient drought management solutions. Get a free estimate today for top-notch landscaping services that keep your outdoor spaces healthy and thriving all year long!

The post How to Identify and Prevent Drought Stress in Trees Across Virginia appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

How to Care For Your Arborvitae

Most arborvitaes are easy to grow and require very little maintenance throughout the season. The only drawback is that arborvitae need well-draining soil to thrive, so keep them away from low-lying areas where water tends to collect.

Arborvitae Varieties Available at Meadows Farms

Remember, the Arborvitae listed below are just a selection of the varieties that Meadows Farms carries. Please call your local Meadows Farms for other varieties or special requests.

The post Arborvitae Varieties for Privacy and Landscaping appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Spirea is also a low-maintenance planting that is perfect for the less-is-more gardener. Seasonal pruning is not required on most varieties, though you can certainly prune denser varieties for shape or to keep the shrub from growing into unwanted areas. Just be sure to cut back after the flowering period.

Spirea Varieties Available at Meadows Farms

Spirea comes in many colors, shapes, and sizes. Meadows Farms carries a great selection of spireas throughout the growing season. Take a look below at a selection of varieties carried by most Meadows Farms locations. Please note that selection varies, so be sure to call your local Meadows Farms for pricing and availability information.

The post 8 of our Favorite Spirea Varieties to Grow in Virginia appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

How to Plant Rhododendrons

Follow these simple steps to successfully plant your new rhododendron.

• Where to plant: Rhododendrons thrive in moist, rich, well-drained soil that gets full sun to full shade.
• Prepare the site: dig a hole twice as wide and half as deep as the root ball. Mix the removed soil with a 50/50 blend of planting mix and your existing soil.
• Position the plant: place the root ball in the hole. If wrapped in burlap, loosen it; if in a container, remove it completely. Ensure the top of the root ball sits slightly above ground level.
• Backfill and mulch: fill the hole with the soil mix, lightly mounding it around the root ball without covering the stem. Add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and protect the roots.
• Water and feed: water thoroughly to settle the soil. Apply a plant starter to reduce transplant shock and encourage healthy root growth.

When to Prune Rhododendrons

Prune your rhododendrons lightly after flowering, typically between May and July. Avoid pruning after late July, as this can impact next year’s bloom.

Rhododendron Varieties Available at Meadows Farms

Here is just a sampling of the rhododendron varieties you can find at Meadows Farms. Please note that not all locations carry every item so please call your local Meadows Farms retail location for availability.

The post 8 Rhododendron Varieties to Grow in West Virginia appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

Landscape Uses

This versatile plant thrives in full or partial sun, where its foliage displays its most vibrant colors. However, it will also grow well in shady areas of the garden, though the leaf color may not be as intense, and flowering may be less frequent.

Nandina can be used in a variety of ways throughout the landscape. Plant it as a solo specimen for a bold statement, or group three to five plants together for a more impactful display. Combine Nandina with other evergreens, such as Viburnum davidii or low-growing heathers, junipers, or Cypress, to create a visually stunning contrast of textures and hues.

Stunning in All Seasons

One of Nandina’s most outstanding characteristics is its attractive, lacy foliage that resembles bamboo leaves. The new growth emerges in shades of bronze and rose, maturing to a rich green. In the fall and winter, the foliage transforms, showcasing a vibrant array of autumn colors: red, orange, bronze, and pink.

As the plant matures, it may produce large, 8- to 12-inch flower clusters in late summer and early fall, which can eventually give way to striking red berries. These flowers and berries make excellent additions to floral arrangements, providing color and interest year-round.

Will Heavenly Bamboo Spread?

Unlike most plants that we call bamboo, Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina) is not a nuisance plant. Actually, it’s not even a bamboo at all, but a member of the barberry family. The stalks are not like bamboo, but the foliage is. One advantage of Nandina is that it does not send underground sprouts all over the garden as bamboo does. The stems emerge right from the base of the plants.

How to Care for Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina)

• Pruning can be done at any time throughout the year. The cut stems are very popular to use in flower arranging and will last for several days.
• Fertilizing: Nandina will benefit from a yearly, light feeding of a Rhododendron or Evergreen type of fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer in late February or early June. Be sure to water in the fertilizer thoroughly after application, or it is apt to burn the roots and do more damage than good.
• Soil Requirments: Nandina is a relatively easy plant to grow, its only requirement is that it be planted in well-drained soil. Prepare the soil by mixing generous amounts of organic humus, like peat moss, compost, or processed manure with your existing soil.
• Planting or Transplanting: If there is a need to transplant an established plant, it is best done during the fall or winter months. When planting or transplanting be sure to set the root ball at the same level at which the plant was previously growing. A very light layer of bark mulch over the soil will help retain moisture and also help control weed growth.

Nandina Varieties Available at Meadows Farms

Remember, the Nandinas listed below are just a selection of the varieties that Meadows Farms carries. Please call your local Meadows Farms for other varieties or special requests.

The post 8 Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina) Varieties To Grow in Virginia appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.

When Does Japanese Pieris Bloom?

During the spring season, bell-shaped, lily-of-the-valley-like blooms provide a cascading color to signal the beginning of the new season. But this isn’t the only show that Japanese Pieris provides. New foliage that appears during the growing season emerges in fantastic shades of bronze to bright red, depending on the variety you’ve chosen, before settling into its natural rich green color. The mix of green foliage with red new growth and bright white flowers makes varieties like Japanese pieris ‘Mountain Fire’ a popular choice for many gardeners.

Care and Fertilizer for Pieris japonica

For those of you struggling to find a good color option for your shade gardens, Japanese Pieris may fit the bill, as they prefer partial shade to full sun. They thrive best in slightly acidic soil, so be sure to amend the planting soil with an acid fertilizer to give the roots a good start.

Pieris japonica Varieties Available at Meadows Farms

Meadows Farms carries a wide selection of Japanese Pieris. Below is just a handful that you’ll find. Please note that sizes and availability may be limited by location, so be sure to contact your local Meadows Farms nursery for pricing and availability information.

The post Growing Japanese Pieris in Your Virginia Landscape appeared first on Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping.