Plant Care and Garden Guide: From Taxodium to Tsuga
TAXODIUM - Bald Cypress
PLANTING: Set plants in full sun to light shade in an average to moist, acidic soil. Plant will tolerate dry conditions once established, but it is best to water young trees regularly during very dry periods.
MAINTENANCE: Water young plants during dry periods. Little or no pruning is needed. The weeping form “Cascade Falls” should be staked and tied as it grows to achieve the desired height. Zones 4-10.
TAXUS - See Conifers
THALICTRUM rochebrunianum - Meadow Rue
PLANTING: Set plants of taller species 18 to 24 inches apart in partial shade in a site sheltered from heavy winds. A moist soil, high in organic matter but with good drainage, is best.
MAINTENANCE: Water liberally throughout the summer; a mulch will help conserve moisture. Zones 5-8.
THUJA ‘Green Giant’, ‘Steeplechase’ - Western Red Cedar Hybrid
PLANTING: For hedges, set thuja plants 6 to 8 feet apart. For specimen plants, space 10 to 15 feet apart. Adaptable to most average soils, both acid and alkaline, that are reasonably well-drained. It will tolerate moderately moist soil conditions but not continually wet or boggy conditions or salt spray. The most vigorous growth will occur in full sun, however plants will tolerate light shade. The foliage of western red cedars is dark green during the summer but bronze during the winter. Pest and disease resistant and not bothered by deer as much as other Thujas. Hang strongly scented bars of soap or wrap with bird netting to help deter deer while plants are young.
MAINTENANCE: Prune thuja Green Giant as needed in early spring and midsummer to maintain the desired height. Zones 5-9.
THUJA occidentalis - See Conifers
THUJA PLICATA - Giant (Western) Arborvitae
PLANTING: For arborvitae hedges, set plants 6 to 8 feet apart. For specimen plants, space 10 to 15 feet apart. Thuja Plicata performs best in a moist and fertile but well-drained soil, either acid and alkaline in nature. The most vigorous growth will occur in full sun, however plants will tolerate light shade.
MAINTENANCE: Water thujas regularly during hot, dry periods and add a summer mulch to maintain soil moisture. Prune as needed in early spring and midsummer to maintain the desired height. Zones 5-7.
Prune in early winter after the tree has gone dormant to encourage more fruit production next season.
THYMUS species and cultivars - Thyme
PLANTING: Set thyme plants about 8 to 12 inches apart in full sun, preferably in a well-drained soil of low fertility.
MAINTENANCE: Keep soil moist but not soggy as thymus plants establish themselves. A winter mulch is recommended. Some species often require cutting back in spring to keep them compact and bushy. Zones 3-9.
TIARELLA wherryi - Foam Flower
PLANTING: Set plants 10 to 12 inches apart. Choose a shady or partly shady location, and a soil that is slightly acid, moisture-retentive and that has been enriched with organic matter.
MAINTENANCE: Make certain that plants are kept well-watered during any dry spell. Foliage is evergreen in the south and old leaves should be trimmed back in early spring. A year round mulch is recommended. Zones 3-8.
TRACHELOSPERMUM jasminoides - Confederate or Star Jasmine
PLANTING: Easy to grow, but best in partial to full shade in a moisture-retentive, well drained soil. Plant T. asiaticum 2 feet apart.
MAINTENANCE: Prune annually to keep within bounds. Zones 7-10.
TRASDESCANTIA - Spiderwort
PLANTING: Set plants 12 to 15 inches apart in moist, but well drained soil in partial shade to full sun.
MAINTENANCE: Keep soil moist during periods of drought. Cut back dried foliage after flowering to encourage new shoots and flowers. Divide every 3 to 4 years in spring. Zones 5-9.
TRICYRTIS species and cultivars - Japanese Toad Lily
PLANTING: Set toad lily plants 1 to 21/2 feet apart, depending on type. Choose a location in partial or high shade, where the soil remains moist. Adding organic matter to light soils will help hold moisture.
MAINTENANCE: Make sure tricyrtis plants are kept watered during dry spells. To establish new colonies, transplant in fall after flowering, or in spring (the latter is preferable farther north). Slugs may become a problem to tricyrtis; if so, apply a slug bait in the spring. A winter mulch, applied after the ground freezes and removed the following spring, is recommended in northern zones. Zones various.
TRILLIUM species
PLANTING: Set new plants in rich, humusy, moist but well drained soil. Add generous amounts of organic matter (leaf mold, peat, compost) to soil mixture. Plant in full shade or with morning sun only.
MAINTENANCE: Keep soil moist, but not soggy. A mulch of organic material will provide a cool root sun. Do not cut foliage as the three leaves are the plant’s only source of storing nourishment for next season’s growth. Zones 3-8.
TROPAEOLUM - Nasturtium
PLANTING: Plant nasturtiums 6 to 9 inches apart in full sun to light shade in light sandy, porous soil with good drainage.
MAINTENANCE: Keep cultivated and watered . Nasturtiums perform best where summer temperatures are cool. Zones 7-10.
TSUGA canadensis - Hemlock
PLANTING: Plant hemlocks in a moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Sites in full sun will produce tighter, more compact plants while areas in partial shade will produce a more open appearance. In areas with very hot summers, a sunny location is NOT recommended because it makes the tree more susceptible to spider mites.
MAINTENANCE: Mulch after planting and for at least two springs thereafter. Tsuga also benefits from a spring application of 5-10-10; make certain to “water-in” the fertilizer well. Provide supplemental water during periods of hot, dry weather. Prune only as necessary to create and maintain desired shape. Provide an ample winter mulch to prevent heaving the first year. Zones 4-8.
