Shrub Syringa × chinensis [Chinese Lilac] Can become ratty in appearance, and so should be pruned properly on 3 year cycle. Problems with aphids, powdery mildew, scales, and caterpillars, although powdery mildew is worst problem.
Tree Syringa reticulata [Japanese Tree Lilac] A very hardy and showy tree. Attractive, cherry-like mahogany-colored bark, distinctly different from all other lilacs. Widely adapted to soils and environments. Cut to ground to rejuvenate completely. Mildew resistant. Subject to infestations of borers and scale insects, but these are not usually serious enough to discourage its use where some maintenance is available. Alternate year flowering on different parts of the tree can sometimes occur, a problem that can be assuaged by deadheading (use…
Shrub Syringa vulgaris [Common Lilac] A difficult species to use in a functional way. Best for seasonal color and fragrance in the border or as an occasional specimen. Deadheading can promote flowering and prevent alternate bearing. Will get leggy without pruning (prune on a 3-year cycle). Powdery mildew is an increasingly serious problem the further south this is planted in its hardiness zone. Grows better in colder climates.
Shrub Syringa vulgaris 'Congo' [Congo Lilac] A difficult species to use in a functional way. Best for seasonal color and fragrance in the border or as an occasional specimen. Deadheading can promote flowering and prevent alternate bearing. Will get leggy without pruning (prune on a 3-year cycle). Powdery mildew is an increasingly serious problem the further south this is planted in its hardiness zone. Grows better in colder climates.
Shrub Syringa vulgaris 'Marie Legraye' [Marie Legraye Lilac] A difficult species to use in a functional way. Best for seasonal color and fragrance in the border or as an occasional specimen. Deadheading can promote flowering and prevent alternate bearing. Will get leggy without pruning (prune on a 3-year cycle). Powdery mildew is an increasingly serious problem the further south this is planted in its hardiness zone. Grows better in colder climates.
Shrub Syringa vulgaris 'May Day' [May Day Lilac] A difficult species to use in a functional way. Best for seasonal color and fragrance in the border or as an occasional specimen. Deadheading can promote flowering and prevent alternate bearing. Will get leggy without pruning (prune on a 3-year cycle). Powdery mildew is an increasingly serious problem the further south this is planted in its hardiness zone. Grows better in colder climates.
Tree Indiana Native Taxodium distichum [Common Baldcypress] Nice planted in groupings around water. Develops cypress knees (possibly for gas exchange), but generally only near water.
Tree Taxodium distichum 'Michelson' [sold as Shawnee Brave®] [Shawnee Brave Baldcypress] Nice planted in groupings around water. Develops cypress knees (possibly for gas exchange), but generally only near water. Mite resistant foliage.
Tree Indiana Native Thuja occidentalis [Eastern Arborvitae] One of the best plants for screening in moist, well-aerated soils. Bagworms can be a problem. Subject to several other insect pests, all of which usually can be controlled with timely spraying. Deer may feed on foliage. Winter color can be poor.
Tree Thuja plicata 'Elegantissima' [Elegant Giant Arborvitae] One of the best plants for screening when grown in wet, but not saturated soils. An important timber tree in the western US. Subject to several pests (especially bagworms), all of which usually can be controlled with timely spraying.
