Shrub Abeliophyllum distichum [Korean Abelialeaf] Koran Abelialeaf is a multi-stemmed shrub with a rounded habit with often a vibrant flower show in mid-March to early April. Native to Korea, this shrub provides color to the early spring landscape while most plants are still dormant. Flower are white to faintly tinged-pink, 4-petaled, 3/8 to 5/8" in diameter, fragrant, borne on 1/2 to 1 1/2" inflorescences. Stems are 4-sided.
Tree Chionanthus retusus [Chinese Fringetree] The Chinese Fringetree can be a large, multi-stemmed shrub or a small single- or multi-trunked tree. In late spring to early summer, Chionanthus retusus produces a beautiful show of pure, white, fringe-like flowers that are borne in clusters on branch ends. For optimal flowering, place in a full sun location. This species is dioecious and female plants produce very ornamental blue fruits that are attractive to wildlife. Plants of known sex are not usually available…
Tree Chionanthus virginicus [White Fringetree] Dioecious with male plants showier in flower than females; plant a female if fruits are desired. Plants of known sex are not usually available unless selected in the flowering size. One of the last plants to leaf out in the spring.
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Forestiera acuminata [Swamp Privet] The Swamp Privet is a large shrub typically found near swamps, floodplains, wet woods and marshes. Purple-black fruits (drupes) ripen during late summer and is a food source for water fowl, such as ducks. Forestiera acumunata is dioecious, so one would need a male and female for the shrub to produce its fruit. Leaves are a dark green and looks evergreen from a glance, yet turns a golden yellow in fall.
Shrub Forsythia × intermedia [Border Forsythia] The most showy forsythia cultivars are found in this vigorous and adaptable hybrid species. Cut stems excised in mid-winter will flower indoors due to very short chilling requirement. Hardy to USDA Zone 4 for vegetative parts and USDA 5(6) for flowers. Flower buds are killed by severe winters in zone 5, and frequently in colder zones. Plants, however, are hardy in Zone 4. Too big for most foundations and small border plantings (Don't Shear!). Remove…
Shrub Forsythia × intermedia 'Courtasol' [sold as Gold Tide®] [Dwarf Border Forsythia] 'Courtasol' is a compact, dwarf cultivar that can function as a groundcover. It has arching branches that are covered with an abundance of bright yellow flowers early in the spring. Cut stems excised in mid-winter will flower indoors due to very short chilling requirement. Hardy to USDA Zone 4 for vegetative parts and USDA 5(6) for flowers. Flower buds are killed by severe winters in zone 5, and frequently in colder zones. Plants, however, are…
Shrub Forsythia × intermedia 'Golden Bells' [Golden Bells Forsythia] The Golden Bells Forsythia flowers in early spring, golden flowers cover the bare shrub as the emerge before foliage. Groups or clusters are produced along the stems although, Forsythias only bloom on old wood, leaves sprout shortly after bloom and are medium to dark green in the summer season.
Shrub Forsythia × intermedia 'Karl Sax' [Karl Sax Border Forsythia] The Karl Sax Border Forsythia is a dense shrub that bears its dark yellow flowers horizontally. Flower buds are more cold hardy than many Forsythia variants, but flower buds can be killed by severe winters in zone 5, and frequently in colder zones. Plants, however, are hardy in Zone 4. Cut stems excised in mid-winter will flower indoors due to very short chilling requirement. Too big for most foundations and small border plantings (Don't Shear!).…
Shrub Forsythia × intermedia 'Spectabilis' [Showy Border Forsythia] 'Spectabilis' is a well-known and high quality Forsythia variant that has been around for many years. It is a very vigorous grower and prolific bloomer with bright yellow flowers that smother the branches early in the spring. 'Spectabilis' flower buds have better cold hardiness than many cultivars, but flower buds can be killed by severe winters in zone 5, and frequently in colder zones. Plants, however, are hardy in Zone 4. Cut stems excised in…
