Lindera benzoin

I've got a Lindera benzoin coming from Greer Gardens and I'm trying to figure out where I should place it so it has a fighting chance of surviving our rigorous climate. Anyone out there in z4 had success with this plant? Secondly, any suggestions for siting it. I've read that it grows both in sun and heavy shade. From what I gather it will be much denser when grown in sun, kind of like what happens to Pagoda Dogwood under these condions. I can either put it in a more open area near a Crabapple and Blue Beech, or plant it in a more wooded setting some distance from the house. The latter would (not surprisinly) be more protected. Any preferance for growing it in shade vs. sun?

Bob

I always encounter it as an understory plant - most common along creekbanks and riverbottom woods. Can't say I've seen 'em in full sun, but suspect it probably could adapt.
Can't comment on its performance in z4.
Females are fairly handsome when in fruit. I have a yellow-orange fruited specimen growing wild on the farm here - quite a contrast to the typical red fruits.

They're "edge" plants to me. Like dogwoods, they seem to like to peek out at the sun from the edge of woodlands.

I know that in my zone 7 garden, I planted them at the back of a mixed shrub/perennial border thinking that they would be nice wildlife-friendly fill back there and appreciate a bit more shade. Well, the doggone things persisently sucker up through the aronia at the front of the border looking, I assume, for more sun.

I think the lighting is much less critical than having cool, moist roots. Ours are reproducing and thriving best on a cool north-facing wooded slope.

Guy S.

I have them growing all over in pretty much shade...I think they would look better with more sun...I don't like them so I cut them to the ground and they come back fuller. They are not very good looking after the bloom (which is now).

Well, this sounds like another questionable shrub selection on my part. Wouldn't it be sweet to have a cool stream running through one's property? Does anybody have that? The best I can do is a north facing slope as Guy suggests. This is the only area on my property where Bigtooth Aspen grow, so that should indicate cooler soil conditions. Thanks for the help.

Bob

Worth trying though. I found one in a hedgerow last year that was as full of glossy, cherry red berries as any holly. Flat out gorgeous. You need, I believe, male and females for lindera. It is also a (or the) host for spicebush swallowtails, a very attractive butterfly with a comically oafish, leaf-rolling caterpillar. Since you might be outside the native range of Lindera, you might also be outside the range of the butterfly, however.

For more certain success with Lindera, you might consider moving further south. Or, you could join up with the mass migration that is brewing to go move in with Growin'.

Scott

We're going to be spending a week in western North Carolina at the end of May; maybe I'll just layer myself there. I actually don't mind losing a few plants now and again to an especially harsh winter. What's more frustrating is dealing with the sandy, dry, low fertility soil. On the other hand, we can grow Pine like nobody's business.

macckida....i also have some on there way. however, they are for zones 5-7...since i'm a micro sub zone i'm going to shelter them between other bushes to protect..which is what i advise you to do. since they are a woodland plant they will, i hope feel right at home. it's really difficult getting that beautiful winter garden in our zone since most lindera, corylopsis and hamanelis are all higher zones. i do want to tell you that you can find some corylopsis and hamanelis hardy to zone 4.......ie: rarefind nursery. i found the most beautiful ever witch hazel that blooms purple! zone 4!! about time, i say!

good luck and i'll be with you as i plant mine! :)