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The X-mas tree dilemma
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Posted by Otti (My Page) on Sun, Nov 21, 04 at 0:10
I once read somewhere (where?) about having a potted evergreen tree that stays outside and is only brought in for the holidays. I thought that was a great idea, but never put it into action.
Today I walked by this fancy florist place on 3rd and 20s "Grammercy something", they had a potted Colorado spruce, and potted Holly, both very nice. They also had these other evergreens, that they sell potted in every deli around the holidays. But theirs were bigger. Everything very expensive of course, I don't think I would buy it there. Also not sure if a Colorado spruce would do well here.
Does anyone have an idea which "tree" would be suitable for that treatment? And where to get one? My backyard does not get a lot of light.
We are going away this year right after X-mas, so this would be a good year to start the tradition of the movable tree.
I look forward to your suggestions.
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Follow-Up Postings:
RE: The X-mas tree dilemma
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Well it is a nice thought ... can't tell you how many dead ones I see in the spring... if they are slowly going dormant outside with the cold of November and December .. and are brought inside to warm up and pretend it's a no light summer of 72* and then come Jan 2 nd are quick frozen being thrown right outside into whatever nature has for us on that day.. usually pretty cold.. it is difficult on them.. but the idea is good.. you might want to try and slowly acclimate them to the temperature and humidity.. [ spraying helps there inside ] during ther moves in and out though.. give yourseslf the best chance for year to year success..
wilt proof would probually help going both ways... Gordon |
RE: The X-mas tree dilemma
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| Gordon, thanks for replying. The article I read, actually did recommend that you bring the tree in slowly, leaving it on the porch first, etc. and bring it back out the same way. Do you have any recommendations for evergreens that would do well in a container in our climes and in a situation where they don't get a lot of light? Thanks. |
RE: The X-mas tree dilemma
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| Hi Otti I would recommend a holly, as they can do well with shade. If it is all day deep shade (ie building shade, as opposed to dappled tree shade), it may struggle a bit. But I've used hollies in pretty shady places in the city. Make sure its container is large enough - about 18" (min) to 24". You could also try a yew tree (Taxus)- they like shade, too, and have nice soft needles. You could get a pyramidal form. OR, boxwood. Could be quite a neat Christmas tree if you clip it tight...Things like pines and firs really like sun, unfortunately. What exactly is "not a lot of light", anyway? It makes a big difference in these mini New York climates... Try West 28th betw. 6th and 7th avenues (Flower District)or Chelsea garden Center (W 16th and good luck with their prices!) |
RE: The X-mas tree dilemma
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| Freshdesign, thanks. I am confused about the yew … is that the churchyard shrub? I am not partial to that one. But from looking at pictures on the net, it seemed like there is another variety that has straight needles (taxus buccata). I have to look into that some more. I planted some boxwood in planters in front of the house. I will see how they do this winter. If ok I'll try some cuttings. I have to say I am partial to something with needles though .... |
RE: The X-mas tree dilemma
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| well the other thoughtI had was the pine tree... an inside year round tree.. the Norfork Islannd pine.. it's like a tropical and grows inside all year long so there's no need acclimation.. If the fact Norfork Island wes a prison island down under.. but if there were a few lights and decorations it would be fine... Gordon |
RE: The X-mas tree dilemma
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| I'm not sure about the "churchyard shrub"...Possibly hemlock. Taxus cuspidata is also known as Japanese yew, and has straight, soft needles. Often used in formal hedges (think England), or as a subject for topiary. But if you buy one that has a conical shape, it looks very like a Christmas tree. Other needly things like pine really need sun. |
RE: The X-mas tree dilemma
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| Usually, I get a cut sheared balsam (6-7ft). I get christmas smell, the cats get a toy and when the new year comes, it gets undressed and the goat eats it. (I'm out on Long Island) This year health reasons had me scale back my display a bit. I got a lovely table top sized 2-3 ft rosemary sheared to a christmas tree shape. The cats didn't like the smell so they left it alone. I can clip it during the upcoming months to use in cooking and it will go outside on the deck when spring comes. |
RE: The X-mas tree dilemma
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| All I can report is that my Norfolk Island Pine which I was keeping in a pot outside died whem the temps went below 40 degrees. It wasn't even below freezing! Taught me a good lesson about keeping houseplants outside. Some really enjoy the summer sunshine, but when it gets around 40 at night,even once, I bring everything inside. |
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