Plants

Itea virginica

[Virginia Sweetspire]

Quite drought and pH tolerant although best situated in moist areas with some acidity. Flowers best in full sun, but is shade tolerant. Pruning sometimes needed to maintain form, primarily for removal of wayward branches. Avoid pruning in late fall or winter as flowers form on previous season's wood. Can be subject to flea beetle and leaf spot.

Lonicera sempervirens 'Magnifica'

[Coral Honeysuckle]

Magnolia virginiana 'Northern Belle'

[Northern Belle Sweetbay Magnolia]

The most cold-hardy evergreen magnolia. Large white blossoms that open with the scent of vanilla. This is great around woodlands and near water, where it still grows in very wet soil. Can take full sun or partial shade. Pests and diseases are almost never a problem and has some resistance to drought.

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…

Oxydendrum arboreum

[Sourwood]

This plant gets it common and scientific name from its sour-tasting leaves. The genus name is derived from the Greek word "oxys", meaning sour, and "dendron", meaning tree. Honey produced from the pollen of Sourwood flowers is considered valuable. The attractive, slightly fragrant flowers are often prolifically produced, especially in full sun, and are effective for up to four weeks. Like all Ericaceous plants, Oxydendrum arboreum requires rich, organic, moist, well-drained, and acidic soil. This…

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

[Virginia Creeper]

One of the strongest-climbing vines, given solid support for attachment of the adhesive discs on tendrils (not root). Not a vine for trellises or fences. Tolerates any soil, and sun or shade. Limited value as groundcover.

Rhus copallinum

[Flameleaf Sumac]

The Flameleaf Sumac is a large shrub or small tree known for its extraordinary, "flaming" red fall color. Its form is initially compact, but then becomes quite open and irregular with age. Spreads by root suckers and forms large colonies, making it inappropriate for small areas.

Rhus typhina

[Staghorn Sumac]

Rhus typhina 'Bailtiger' [sold as Tiger Eyes®]

[Cutleaf Tiger Eyes Staghorn Sumac]

The Tiger Eyes cultivar makes a great landscape plant as it suckers less than the species, and for it's nice foliage.

Rosa × 'Radwhite' [sold as White Knock Out®]

[White Knock Out Rose]

The White Knock Out Rose is a compact shrub with matte green foliage, making the creamy white flowers stand out against the dark leaves.