GARDENING BY THE MOON
By: Dr. Robert E. Moon Harvest Horticulturist
Let me tell you about a new plant introduction that performs really well in your area and is worth a look for its color, size and shape. This plant would be an excellent alternative for boxwoods and Indian hawthorne that have been decimated by insects and diseases in Texas.
The newest introduction into the Distylium Family is Cinnamon Girl. This plant was the Best Plant Introduction in 2016. It was developed by a joint effort of Plant Introductions, Inc. and the University of Georgia Research Foundation.
As you can see from these photos, this plant has small leaves with purple new growth that turns a blue-green as the leaves mature and back to purple in the fall. The small leaves and compact growth give this plant a chance for multiple uses for foundation planting, border planting, hedge, mass planting, containers, urban garden, woodland garden and cutting garden.
The features of this very hard plant are that it is fast growing, drought tolerant, small evergreen leaves, heat tolerant, spreading and cascading habit, resistant to most insects and diseases, likes full sun and provides interesting foliage throughout the year. This compact plant grows 2 to 3 feet in height and spreads 3 to 4 feet. It will grow in most of Texas since it is in the hardiness zone of 7 to 9. Cinnamon Girl is cold hardy and does not mind heat or humidity.
If you are looking for something different to add to your landscape, consider this plant. It might be difficult to locate since it is the “best plant that people have never heard of” and it takes a while for new introductions to become available in the market chain but I am beginning to see it at the local nurseries. Stay safe, locate on the phone and use curbside pickup!