Great Trees for Georgia Landscapes

Volume 3, Issue 41
October 26, 2012
Great Trees for Georgia Landscapes
Acer palmatum, otherwise known as Japanese maple,
is an exceedingly popular species that can perform well in
our Southern climate if properly sited and cared for. This is a
deciduous tree that will thrive in dappled shade and
consistently moist soil. Although Japanese maple can
easily be adapted to our region, it will scorch if planted in
full sun or if not given adequate moisture during periods of
drought. There are perhaps hundreds of cultivars of this tree
available with a wide variety of foliage and growth habit
types to choose from.
Acer palmatum ‘Glowing Embers’
Acer palmatum ‘Glowing Embers’ is one of the most
heat tolerant Japanese maples. It is known for its stunning
autumn color display, which features leaves of bright red and
orange. It was selected by Dr.
Michael A. Dirr from the state
botanical garden in Athens, GA.
This is a beautiful selection that is
best planted in moist, well-drained,
acidic soil. Unlike other Japanese
maples, ‘Glowing Embers’ is heat
tolerant and can be planted in full
sun. It grows faster than the average
Japanese maple and is one of the
most vigorous cultivars available.
Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’
is a an upright, rounded selection
which typically grows to about 15 to
Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’
20 ft. tall. It features purple-red flowers in the spring, deep red-purple summer foliage, and
saturated scarlet red foliage in the fall. The stems of this tree in its first year are dark burgundy,
adding winter interest. This selection can also be grown as a multi-stemmed shrub. For best
results, plant in lightly dappled shade in moist soil. ‘Bloodgood’ is widely available in the trade,
and one of the best choices for the south. Table of Contents
Trees for Georgia
Landscapes
pg. 1
Completed
Walkway
pg. 2
Conifer Reference
Garden Sign
pg. 2
Lockerly Trustees
Monica Webb,
President
Joe Mangum,
Vice President
Robert Culberson, Ph.D.,
Treasurer
Sherrill Jones,
Secretary
Kathy Chandler
David Evans
Steven M. Fortier, Ph.D.
Jan Flynn, Ph.D.
George Hogan, Sr.
James Marshall
Jackie Nelson
Doug R. Oetter, Ph.D.
Joni Smith
Bruce Vaughn, CFP
Al Woods
Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Seiryu’ is an upright, cutleaf Japanese maple. It features lacy, bright green leaves with finely
textured edges. ‘Seiryu’ is a relatively slow grower, but will
eventually reach a height of about 18 ft. tall. In the fall, the bright
green foliage matures into an attractive red and purple color. Plant in
either full sun or full shade, as this cultivar is quite heat tolerant.
In the landscape, ‘Seiryu’ contrasts well with broad-leaved shrubs
and trees.
Japanese maple is a very popular choice among
Southern landscapes, and it is easy to see why. This is a gorgeous
tree with many cultivars available. The three listed above are some
of the best choices for our landscape and are sure to thrive in your
Georgia garden.
Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Seiryu’
Completed Walkway
Work has finally finished on the walkway extending from
Lockerly’s front lawn through the newly renovated fieldstone to
access our overflow parking area. Our next phase of the walkway
will create a garden pathway that will afford great views of our
Conifer Reference Garden and be flanked on both sides by a mixed
border that will feature a new collection of trees, shrubs, antique
roses, and perennials. This garden pathway will be constructed in
a manner similar to that of our existing pedestrian walkway and
be accessible by all visitors. When complete, the garden pathway
will connect our existing walkway to the picnic area and beyond.
We would like thank Ray Wells for the fine job he did in
Upcoming Events
constructing this new walkway section, and we are truly grateful to every one of you who
donated to make this project possible. We are seeking continued financial support for this
Thurs., 12/6:
worthwhile project, and we are asking you to please consider donating whatever amount
Lockerly Holiday Reception
you think appropriate for this important installation that will be an enduring asset for the
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
community for years to come. Please send your tax-deductible donation in any amount to
Lockerly Arboretum, P.O. Box 310, Milledgeville, GA 31059, and specify that the funds are
Friday, 12/8:
for the Arboretum Fund. Thank you for your continued support of our efforts to redevelop
Christmas Open House
1:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Lockerly Arboretum.
Conifer Reference Garden Sign
In 2010, Lockerly’s conifer collection was officially designated as a
Conifer Reference Garden by the American Conifer Society. ACS recently
provided us with a plaque to identify our collection as an official Conifer
Reference Garden, and thanks to a generous gift from the Town & Country
Garden Club, we had our ACS medallion mounted on a larger sign that is
similar in construction to other signage that is being installed at the Arboretum.
The sign is made of recycled plastic reinforced with fiberglass and is guaranteed
to last at least 50 years. This is a great addition to Lockerly, one of many informational and directional signs that we believe will improve visitors’ experience
at the Arboretum.