Shrub Lavandula × intermedia 'Provence' [Provence Lavandin] Lavandula x intermedia is a hybrid of L. angustifolia and L. latifolia. 'Provence' has beautiful, fragrant light purple flowers and foliage. Great plant for fine texture in the front landscape borders. Pruning to the ground every 3 to 4 years keeps the foliage full to the ground and produces uniform, fresh new growth.
Tree Magnolia grandiflora [Southern Magnolia] A majestic, upright, heavily branched tree and a favorite in the south. Can get scale and bacterial leaf spot. Leaves fall but never seem to decompose. Fruits can be a little messy. Takes 15 to 20 years from seed to flower. Mostly seed propagated so morphological variability between seed grown plants is great.
Tree Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' [Little Gem Southern Magnolia] Though the straight species of Magnolia gradiflora is not hardy in Indiana, 'Little Gem' can be hardy up to zone 6(7). If planted, place in an area that is protected from winter winds and extreme temperature drops, such as an enclosed courtyard. 'Little Gem' is a dwarf cultivar of the Southern Magnolia, ranging from 15' to 20' in height and 10' in width. Typically seen as more of a shrub from, rather than the iconic…
Shrub Mahonia aquifolium [Oregon Grapeholly] Widely adapted to soil type and environment, except high pH soils that will cause chlorosis. Quite susceptible to winter-burn. Do not plant in sites exposed to strong winds or afternoon sun in winter. Can get leggy with age. Fruits are edible and can be used in jellies.
Liana (Climbing Vine) Mandevilla × amoena [Mandevilla Vine] The Mandevilla Vine is a vigorous plant that climbs by twining. Can be grown in containers and as a houseplant. 'Alice du Pont' is more common in commerce than the species type.
Shrub Microbiota decussata [Russian Arborvitae] The Russian Arborvitae is a low spreading, groundcover conifer that was discovered in Russia in 1921. It is generally easy to grow and can be a good substitute for Juniper in part shade situations, although it is best in full sun. This plant is not tolerant of extreme heat. Seeds of this plant can remain in a dormant state for up to 28 months.
Shrub Microbiota decussata 'Prides' [sold as Celtic Pride™] [Celtic Pride Russian Arborvitae] The Russian Arborvitae is a low spreading, groundcover conifer that was discovered in Russia in 1921. It is generally easy to grow and can be a good substitute for Juniper in part shade situations, although it is best in full sun. 'Prides', often sold under the name Celtic Pride is known for its excellent disease resistance and tolerance to difficult conditions. Seeds of this plant can remain in a dormant state for up to 28…
Shrub Nerium oleander [Oleander] Has high salt and wind tolerance, and is somewhat drought tolerant. Excellent visual barrier. All parts of this plant are poisonous to humans, even smoke is a serious irritant. Oleander caterpillar can be a problem. Many cultivars, including 'Hardy Red,' which has red flowers and is hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Shrub Indiana Native Opuntia humifusa [Pricklypear] The Pricklypear is a cactus native to the eastern United States, including Indiana, and is hardy to USDA zone 4. The cactus pads can break off and root into the ground, forming colonies. It is an evergreen plant, but becomes shriveled and wilted during cold winters. Fruits are edible and are often used to make jams and candies. The pads (fleshy green segments with thorns) are also edible as a roasted vegetable. This plant has…
Shrub Indiana Native Pachysandra procumbens [Allegheny Pachysandra] A shade loving plant, the pachysandra procumbens can be a good naturalizing groundcover with greyish green leaves. The Alleghany Pachysandra is considered to be more attractive than the overused Pachysandra terminalis. It is considered deciduous in USDA Zones 5 and 6 bue semi-evergreen to evergreen in Zones 7-9.
