Shrub Euonymus fortunei 'Vegetus' [Vegetus Wintercreeper Euonymus] This cultivar has a more shrub-like habit than the species type, but can be moderately effective as a groundcover or wall climber. Also much heavier fruiting than the straight species; the fruiting display can be quite attractive, if fruits are borne in high enough numbers. Very susceptible to Euonymus Scale.
Liana (Climbing Vine) InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Hedera helix [English Ivy] Tolerant of heavy shade to full sun except at the northern limits of its useful range, where some protection from full winter sun is necessary. Useful as a groundcover only, not as a vine, in Zone 5b, except hardiest cultivars in sheltered sites. Vigorous and can be a weed problem in certain regions of the country (like the NW US) where it can smother woodlands. Poisonous fruits, but it generally takes many years for it…
Liana (Climbing Vine) InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Hedera helix 'Baltica' [Baltica English Ivy] 'Baltica' has smaller leaves with more prominent white veination. Foliage becomes tinged with purple in the winter. Tolerant of heavy shade to full sun except at the northern limits of its useful range, where some protection from full winter sun is necessary. Vigorous and can be a weed problem in certain regions of the country (like the NW US) where it can smother woodlands. Poisonous fruits, but it generally takes many years for it to…
Liana (Climbing Vine) InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Hedera helix 'Thorndale' [Thorndale English Ivy] 'Thorndale' is a very hardy cultivar that has large, glossy leaves with striking white veination. Tolerant of heavy shade to full sun except at the northern limits of its useful range, where some protection from full winter sun is necessary. Useful as a groundcover and vine. Vigorous and can be a weed problem in certain regions of the country (like the NW US) where it can smother woodlands. Poisonous fruits, but it generally takes many…
Shrub Hypericum calycinum [Creeping St. John's Wort] Relatively trouble-free. Tolerates dry conditions well (even drier shade). Generally, tops are killed back in severe winters near its limit of hardiness. Mowing to the ground each spring improves aesthetics of the following regrowth. Slow to leaf out in spring. Can be invasive via spreading stolons. Poisonous to animals.
Shrub Ilex crenata 'Hetzii' [Hetz Japanese Holly] This species, like other hollies, is dioecious and 'Hetzii' is a female cultivar that will only be able to produce fruit if there is a male pollinator planted nearby. Nice mounded broadleaf evergreen that holds its color through winter. Withstands severe pruning. Winter desiccation injury to leaves in exposed sites. Spider mites can be serious. Avoid high pH soils as chlorosis may occur.
Shrub Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil' [Sky Pencil Holly] 'Sky Pencil' is a nice extremely narrow, upright, fastigiate broadleaf evergreen that holds its color through winter. This species, like other hollies, is dioecious and 'Sky Pencil' is a female cultivar that will only be able to produce fruit if there is a male pollinator planted nearby. Withstands severe pruning. Winter desiccation injury to leaves in exposed sites. Spider mites can be serious. Avoid high pH soils as chlorosis may occur.
Shrub Indiana Native Ilex glabra [Inkberry] This species, like other hollies, is dioecious, so plant females for fruit and an occasional male for pollination. Withstands severe pruning. Winter desiccation injury to leaves occurs in exposed sites, with severe yellowing when temperatures drop below -20 degrees F. Avoid high pH soils.
Shrub Ilex glabra 'Chamzin' [sold as Nordic®] [Nordic Inkberry] The Nordic Inkberry is quite hardy (USDA zone 3), compact, and rounded with glossy dark green leaves that hold their color well through the winter. Tends to lose its lower leaves and branches with age. This species, like other hollies, is dioecious, and 'Chamzin' is a male cultivar, so no fruiting will occur. Withstands severe pruning. Winter desiccation injury to leaves occurs in exposed sites, with severe yellowing when temperatures drop below -20 degrees F.…
Shrub Ilex glabra 'Compacta' [Compact Inkberry] This hardy cultivar is compact and dense with an oval to rounded habit, but it tends to lose some of its lower branches with age. Ilex glabra, like other hollies, is dioecious, and 'Compacta' is a female cultivar, so plant a male pollinator for fruit set. Withstands severe pruning. Winter desiccation injury to leaves occurs in exposed sites, with severe yellowing when temperatures drop below -20 degrees F. Avoid high pH soils.
