Throwing positive shade onto summer gardens
May 2025
‘Wolf Eyes’ Chinese dogwood. Though slow growing, it achieves good structure with little pruning. Prefers morning sun and afternoon shade. (photo by Beth Burrell)
by Scott Burell, Contributing Columnist
I’m a pushover for great small trees. They create microclimates, providing cool shade where there was once only hot, blazing sun. They also serve as focal points, specimens and accents. Over 60 cultivars of our native redbud (Cercis canadensis) showcase traits often remarkably different from those observed in nature. These include cultivars with mango, purple, white-frosted or yellow heart-shaped leaves; others with a strong weeping habit; semi-dwarf varieties that reach only 12 feet instead of the typical 20 to 30 feet; and cultivars that outshine the species’ magenta flowers with electric pink, soft pink or clear white blooms.
Although redbuds, like other small trees, are commonly found growing in the understory, overshadowed by mixed hardwoods, they thrive best in full sun. Redbuds are tolerant of various soils, ranging from sandy to clay-based, but they do not perform well in poorly drained or wet soils. While fungal and insect issues — such as fungal canker and scale insects — are infrequent, loose, organically rich and well-drained soil can help maintain the health of your small tree. When planting, position the tree higher — 1 to 4 inches above ground level — to ensure proper drainage.
Now, let me suggest two wonderful goldfoliaged cultivars: ‘Hearts of Gold’ and ‘Rising Sun’ (with ‘Golden Falls’ as the weeping form). I’ve planted these many times, from college campuses to residential landscapes. ‘Silver Cloud’ redbud is one of the white and green variegated foliage cultivars I admire. It “pops,” as my wife would say, and captures the eye — it’s a natural focal point. Its “cousin,” ‘Floating Clouds,’ features a weeping habit — making it a great accent along a walkway or beside a bench or rock. Like the other “weepers,” expect this redbud to reach a maximum height of 8 to 10 feet, and be ready to invest some time in training it.
Most people are familiar with Virginia’s native dogwood, (Cornus florida). Additionally, we have four other species native to the Virginia-Maryland-Delaware area. Chinese dogwood (Cornus kousa), an Asian relative, produces edible fruit and is resistant to the dreaded dogwood anthracnose. With over 80 cultivars available, there’s bound to be one for your garden. C. kousa ‘Wolf Eyes,’ a semi-dwarf variety that grows slowly to 12 feet, is a visual standout in the garden. Only our Asian evergreen dogwood (C. angustata ‘Empress of China’) receives more accolades.
The Ashe magnolia is the rarest of North American magnolias. Native to the Florida panhandle, it thrives as far north as Zone 6. Ours, now 15 years old, began producing large, 8-inch fragrant white flowers in late spring at the young age of 3 years and 24 inches tall. Endangered by development and habitat loss in its native areas, its bold 25-by-25-foot presence deserves a spot in larger gardens. All of these are small trees of extraordinary merit that will provide a fresh direction for those taking the road less traveled.
Scott Burrell is a certified horticulturalist who served as the horticulture director for the Virginia Historical Society for nearly 30 years.
Virginia Fringetree (Zones 3-9) is a relative unknown in home landscapes. Native and easy to grow, it accommodates itself to many soil types. (photo by Joan Cacciatore Mazza)
‘Rising Sun’ redbud. The soft lavender flowers appearing on bare branches in April give way to bright gold foliage in May.
Ashe magnolia begins blooming at 3-4 years old. It features incredible plate-sized, soft green leaves that reveal beautiful silver undersides. (courtesy Scott Burrell)