GardenGateMagazine.com | GARDEN GATE 25
Weeping redbud
Cercis canadensis
Weeping trees lend a topiary look without the
need for constant pruning and maintenance.
Weeping redbud has that soft shape with loose
branching that will gently sway in a breeze—
perfect for your comfortable hideaway.
Redbud is a tree that looks great in any
season, but weeping varieties like ‘Traveller’
begin in early spring with bright rose-purple
fl owers dripping from the cascading branches,
followed by coppery new leaves emerging. The
foliage during the growing season is glossy
green. Winter reveals the contorted trunk with
weeping branches of dark bark that stands out
in the barren landscape.
Plant this tree alone in the midst of a grassy
lawn and the fl owers will leap out against the
background of dewy green grass. Even better,
grow it atop a raised bed where the dripping
branches can extend further down the wall. No
matter where you plant it, it’s an eye-catcher.Tr e e Blooms: Rose-purple flowers in early spring
before foliage emerges Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained Size: 15 to 25 ft. tall and wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 5 to 9 Source: Sooner Plant
Farm, soonerplantfarm.comGlobe artichoke
Cynara cardunculus
You might think of the artichoke as a deli-
cious side dish, but did you ever envision it
growing in your garden? Tall and statuesque,
the artichoke plant is an impressive specimen
alone or as a back-of-the border eye-catcher.
Coarse, thistlelike foliage with a silvery cast
commands attention. Multiple strong fl ower
stalks emerge from this textural tempest to
produce tasty edible buds. Wait too long to
harvest and they lose their tenderness, so if
any buds start showing purple color, let them
fi nish blooming—they are beyond eating and
you won’t regret allowing them to put on their
pollinator-friendly show.
Give artichokes plenty of space—they can
grow up to 6 feet wide. Plant one in a large
container for a dramatic focal point, with that
added edible bonus. Even if you don’t want to
eat them, you’ll want one for your garden!Tender perennial Blooms: Edible flower buds open
into fragrant purple globes in late summer Light: Full
sun Soil: Organic matter-rich, moist, well-draining
Size: 3 to 5 ft. tall, 2 to 3 ft. wide Cold hardy: USDA zones
7 to 10 Source: Local garden centersGOOD TO KNOW
In northern climes, grow artichoke
as an annual, but in zone 7 and
warmer, it can winter over with
added mulch protection.LOCATION: Atlanta Botanical Garden‘Traveller’GG14922_29_Top Picks.indd 25GG14922_29_Top Picks.indd 25 6/26/2019 9:36:52 AM6/26/2019 9:36:52 AMGardenGateMagazine.com | GARDENGATE 25
Weeping redbud
Cercis canadensis
Weeping trees lend a topiary look without the
need for constant pruning and maintenance.
Weeping redbud has that soft shape with loose
branching that will gently sway in a breeze—
perfect for your comfortable hideaway.
Redbud is a tree that looks great in any
season, but weeping varieties like ‘Traveller’
begin in early spring with bright rose-purple
fl owers dripping from the cascading branches,
followed by coppery new leaves emerging. The
foliage during the growing season is glossy
green. Winter reveals the contorted trunk with
weeping branches of dark bark that stands out
in the barren landscape.
Plant this tree alone in the midst of a grassy
lawn and the fl owers will leap out against the
background of dewy green grass. Even better,
grow it atop a raised bed where the dripping
branches can extend further down the wall. No
matter where you plant it, it’s an eye-catcher.Tr e e Blooms: Rose-purple flowers in early spring
before foliage emerges Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained Size: 15 to 25 ft. tall and wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 5 to 9 Source: Sooner Plant
Farm, soonerplantfarm.comGlobe artichoke
Cynara cardunculus
You might think of the artichoke as a deli-
cious side dish, but did you ever envision it
growing in your garden? Tall and statuesque,
the artichoke plant is an impressive specimen
alone or as a back-of-the border eye-catcher.
Coarse, thistlelike foliage with a silvery cast
commands attention. Multiple strong fl ower
stalks emerge from this textural tempest to
produce tasty edible buds. Wait too long to
harvest and they lose their tenderness, so if
any buds start showing purple color, let them
fi nish blooming—they are beyond eating and
you won’t regret allowing them to put on their
pollinator-friendly show.
Give artichokes plenty of space—they can
grow up to 6 feet wide. Plant one in a large
container for a dramatic focal point, with that
added edible bonus. Even if you don’t want to
eat them, you’ll want one for your garden!Tender perennial Blooms: Edible flower buds open
into fragrant purple globes in late summer Light: Full
sun Soil: Organic matter-rich, moist, well-draining
Size: 3 to 5 ft. tall, 2 to 3 ft. wide Cold hardy: USDA zones
7 to 10 Source: Local garden centersGOOD TO KNOW
In northern climes, grow artichoke
as an annual, but in zone 7 and
warmer, it can winter over with
added mulch protection.
LOCATION: Atlanta Botanical Garden‘Traveller’