Plants

Abelia × grandiflora

[Glossy Abelia]

Glossy Abelia can develop chlorosis on high pH soils. Yearly pruning is required to remove deadwood and this plant may become leggy with age if not killed back in winter.

Abelia × 'Edward Goucher'

[Edward Goucher Abelia]

Aralia spinosa

[Devil's Walkingstick]

Slow growth rate, but fast on roots (forms a very coarse thicket). Sucker shoots can be a maintenance problem if tree form is desired. Sharp prickles also make maintenance difficult, and are a minor hazard to children. Otherwise, no serious problems with this plant. Very adaptable and easy to grow, tolerating most conditions except wet soil. Drought tolerant, and best in full sun. Excellent selection in a mass planting near buildings having poor soils.

Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Dark Knight'

[Dark Knight Bluebeard]

Caryopteris × clandonensis 'Longwood Blue'

[Longwood Blue Bluebeard]

This deciduous shrub is known for it's showy purple-blue flowers that bloom in spikey clusters, terminal and axillary clusters. Sources say that these clusters resemble blue smoke or mist resulting in its nickname Blue Mist.

Clematis 'The President'

[The President Clematis]

Clethra alnifolia

[Summersweet Clethra]

Spreads by underground stems to make large clumps, but can be restrained when necessary. Can be badly infested with mites, especially on dry soils. Can suffer in full sun and/or dry soils, but can bloom well in shade.

Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice'

[Ruby Spice Clethra]

Clethra alnifolia 'Sixteen Candles'

[Sixteen Candles Summersweet Clethra]

Dasiphora fruticosa

[Bush Cinquefoil]

Extreme hardiness and long season of bloom make this a favorite in severe climates. Low stature and tolerance of poor, dry soils give it added usefulness in other areas also. Can develop a ragged, unkept habit over time. Remove 1/3 of canes each year (3-year pruning cycle), and consider renewal pruning to a very low framework every 3-5 years if needed.