Shrub Dasiphora fruticosa 'Abbotswood' [White Bush Cinquefoil] 'Abbotswood' has beautiful, large, white flowers and an especially long blooming period. Extreme hardiness and long season of bloom make Potentilla fruticosa 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 Dasiphora fruticosa 'Yellow Bird' [Yellow Bird Bush Cinquefoil] 'Yellow Bird' has large, single to semi-double yellow flowers. Extreme hardiness and long season of bloom make Potentilla fruitcosa 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 Exochorda racemosa [Common Pearlbush] The Common Pearlbush is lovely in the spring time with its abundance of beautiful, white flowers, but is unfortunately a rather non-descript shrub during the rest of the year. It is a tough plant, able to withstand both heat and drought. The common name refers to the round, pearl-like white flower buds.
Herbaceous Filipendula rubra 'Venusta Magnifica' [sold as Venusta Queen-of-the-Prairie] [Venusta Queen-of-the-Prairie]
Tree Indiana Native Gymnocladus dioicus [Kentucky Coffeetree] Gymnocladus dioicus is a large deciduous tree with strong winter character from the branches and bark. Drops pods (female trees) and twigs, frequently causing litter problem, thus eliminating the straight species as a good street tree. Seeds were once used by US settlers as a coffee substitute, however pulp and seeds are toxic when not properly and completely roasted.
Tree Gymnocladus dioicus 'Espresso' [Espresso Kentucky Coffeetree] Gymnocladus dioicus 'Espresso' is a large, male, fruitless deciduous tree with strong winter character with its vase-like habit and rough bark.
Shrub Kerria japonica [Japanese Kerria] Fairly adaptable to soils and microclimates, including considerable shade; best out of extremely sunny exposures. Occasionally winter-injured in the north, but otherwise relatively trouble-free. Suckers and spreads slowly. Needs occasional pruning to remove dead branches and renewal pruning to maintain form.
