Plants on Fire Island? (house, where to buy, centers)

[amitygirl]

Would anyone know what the large beautiful purple flowering bushes are all over fire island? It looks to be in the butterfly family, but this must be a different species ... they are gorgeous! thanks~

[nancy thereader]

I'm not sure about those, but I do know that about one-third of the plants on Fire Island are poison ivy which is why you need to be careful when touching any of the plants there. They are all so inter-twined.

[MacTAC]

Are they fragrant like the Butterfly Bush? Can get to be 10' or more, depending on variety. They do tend to seed themselves all over. Another shrub blooming (lilac in color) now is Vitex, aka Chaste Tree, not nearly as widespread. There is also the invasive perennial Loosestrife that takes over wetlands. Purple red flower spikes 4-6' tall. People like it but very problematic as it will overtake most all other plants.

[MacTAC]

Just googled Fire Island (not that there's anything wrong with that ;-) and then Fire Island plant life. Both had a pic of both Butterfly Bush and Vitex.

http://pb.state.ny.us/plc/butterfly_...land_large.jpg

http://ixtayul.blogs.com/metroplus/i...2004-014aw.jpg

[amitygirl]

hmmm..my respond is not here??? ...one more time lol

omg! I can't believe you knew what it was! I am impressed. ..thank you, I appreciate it very much! .. I want to add some to our land scape, now I just have to find out where to buy it. They look just beautiful on fire island. They must favor sandy soil?? Thanks so much again!!

[MacTAC]

Originally Posted by amitygirl

thank you, I appreciate it very much! .. I want to add some to our land scape, now I just have to find out where to buy it. They look just beautiful on fire island. They must favor sandy soil?? Thanks so much again!!

You're very welcome. Was it the Vitex, rather than Butterfly Bush?

[amitygirl]

Originally Posted by MacTAC

You're very welcome. Was it the Vitex, rather than Butterfly Bush?

yes! It is the Vitex... how did you know that ? I am amazed you knew what it was I never heard of it...thanks again so much!

[MacTAC]

As a Landscape Designer in the field for a long time, I was taught about it, found it in nurseries and used it a few times. I think it may not be as well known as other plants because it flowers in the summer and many people's gardening excitement has slowed down at this time of year. As you mentioned above it likes sandy soils, growing on Fire Island, but one job I remember using it is on the north shore in a woodland garden with loamy soil. It does need good drainage. Likes sun but takes some shade and you've seen the size it can get to. Seems to be considered invasive in the southern U.S. There is also an invasive Vitex vine (V. rotundifolia) that grows at the shore. The shrub species is V. agnus-castus and you should be able to find it at better garden centers.

[amitygirl]

I admire you! I have the hardest times planning landscape. I can't tell you how many times I have planted and ripped out before I liked it. What I also love is the lime light hydranger. I would like to use the Vitex and Lime Light together some how, it's a beautiful mix.

There is one house in fire island that had the most beautiful lime lights I have ever seen. The blooms were huge! Took my breath away There is a wonderful nursery on the north fork called The Shade Tree... they have top quality everything. That is where I am getting the lime lights from, hopefully they will have the Vitex as well. Funny, The north fork has different plants/flowers/ trees than what I see around here. Question..should I now wait until spring? Or is it ok to do it now?

Thanks again!!

[MacTAC]

Originally Posted by amitygirl

There is a wonderful nursery on the north fork called The Shade Tree... they have top quality everything. That is where I am getting the lime lights from, hopefully they will have the Vitex as well.
...

Question..should I now wait until spring? Or is it ok to do it now?

I know that nursery, they're likely to have it. Fall is a very good time to plant most things but you'll be fine now, if you're diligent with watering until the ground freezes. Good deep watering of the root ball once or more per week depending on temperature and rainfall.

Good luck...