Shrub 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.
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native 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.
Shrub 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.
Shrub Indiana Native 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.
Shrub Indiana Native Hydrangea arborescens [Smooth Hydrangea] The Smooth Hydrangea is an Indiana native found along woodlands and waterways with rocky soils. The flowers of Hydrangea arborescens can be large and heavy, bending stems to the ground. Best used in a shady area or along foundations of buildings for some support. This plant often gets cut back hard to the ground in late winter to maintain a neat look and to promote vigorous flowering the following summer. Hydrangea arborescens is a fast…
Shrub Hydrangea macrophylla 'Robert' [sold as Let's Dance Moonlight™] [Let's Dance Moonlight Bigleaf Hydrangea] Let's Dance Moonlight Bigleaf Hydrangea is a mophead cultivar that reblooms throughout the late summer months (July-September). Slightly more compact than the straight species, Let's Dance Moonlight cultivar typically grows 2 to 3' in height and in width. Like most of hydrangeas, flower color depends on the acidity of the soil (blue for more acidic and pink for more basic soils). Best use of this shrub would be in mass plantings.
Tree Indiana Native Juniperus virginiana 'Taylor' [Eastern Redcedar] Fantastic upright conical-columnar form; may have originated or been tested through Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. Widely adapted to soils and climates, as evidenced by the species' wide geographic range. Does well in alkaline soils, but not wet soils. Alternate host for cedar-apple rust disease. Plant other juniper species in areas having many apples, hawthorns, etc. Susceptible to bagworms.
Tree Indiana Native Nyssa sylvatica 'Wildfire' [Wildfire Blackgum] Especially useful in wet soils. One of the most beautiful trees, with habit comparable to Quercus palustris, but usually more irregular, and with a greater number of more slender main limbs. Silvery-grey, picturesque branching; strong horizontal accent. Difficult to transplant due to taproot; use container-grown plants when possible, or at least plants dug with a soil ball. Shelter from wind. In the North, select native northern stock as the species has a wide geographic range.…
Tree Ulmus × 'Frontier' [Frontier Elm] Small tree that grows well under city conditions. Good Dutch elm disease resistance and moderate elm leaf beetle resistance.
