Shrub Indiana Native 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.
Shrub/Tree Cornus officinalis [Japanese Cornel Dogwood] The Japanese Cornel Dogwood is a large multi-stemmed shrub or small tree of oval rounded outline, usually branching to the ground. No serious disease problems, although it sometimes suckers abundantly. These suckers should be removed to control spread; this is especially important if maintaining this plant in tree form. Closely related to Cornus mas, but tends to have more attractive bark, is more open in habit, flowers one to two weeks earlier, and is slightly…
Shrub/Tree Cotinus × 'Grace' [Grace Smokebush] 'Grace' has become a popular cultivar with its purple emerging leaves and giant panicles of smokey, pink flowers. The "flowers" are actually misty fruiting panicles that give the species its name. The fine-textured hairs on the fruit pedicels and peduncles change colors, being best when tinted smoky pink. Can be pruned to low framework each year to promote plant coloration which occurs best on vigorous stems.
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.
Tree Indiana Native Diospyros virginiana [Common Persimmon] Most are usually dioecious and have a deep tap root which makes large plants difficult to transplant. Flowers attract bees while the fruit attracts birds and many mammals. The fruit is astringent when green, sweet and edible when ripe. Fruits, twigs, and leaves can be a littler problem.
Shrub Euonymus fortunei 'Vegetus' [Vegetus Wintercreeper Euonymus] This cultivar has a more shrub-like habit than the species type, but can be moderately effective as a groundcover or wall climber. Also much heavier fruiting than the straight species; the fruiting display can be quite attractive, if fruits are borne in high enough numbers. Very susceptible to Euonymus Scale.
Shrub Hypericum calycinum [Creeping St. John's Wort] Relatively trouble-free. Tolerates dry conditions well (even drier shade). Generally, tops are killed back in severe winters near its limit of hardiness. Mowing to the ground each spring improves aesthetics of the following regrowth. Slow to leaf out in spring. Can be invasive via spreading stolons. Poisonous to animals.
Tree Kalopanax septemlobus [Castor Aralia] No disease or insect problems. Stout prickles could cause injury. Slight weediness via the seeds. Not common in commerce.
Tree Koelreuteria paniculata [Goldenraintree] Colorful small tree in bloom and interesting for its form. Tolerates heat, drought, wind, alkaline soils, and air pollution. Newly emerging leaves can be damaged by late spring freezes. Rather weak-wooded. Can be damaged or killed by –25 degrees F. Invasive in some parts of the country.
Shrub/Tree Lagerstroemia indica [Common Crapemyrtle] Can be grown as a tree or shrub. This species prefers hot sunny sites. For Zones 5 and 6, apply winter mulch to protect roots. Flower color ranges from white, pink, purple, or deep red that terminates the current year's growth. Long flowering period from July to September. Can have problems with powdery mildew.
