Shrub Itea virginica 'Henry’s Garnet' [Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire] 'Henry's Garnet' is an excellent cultivar that has larger flowers and more exceptional red and purple fall color when compared to the straight species. Resistant to flea beetle and leaf spot. Quite drought and pH tolerant although best situated in moist areas with some acidity. Flowers best in full sun, but is shade tolerant. Pruning sometimes needed to maintain form, primarily for removal of wayward branches. Avoid pruning in late fall or winter as flowers…
Shrub Juniperus chinensis 'Old Gold' [Chinese Juniper] 'Old Gold' is a compact Juniper compared to spreading varieties, with bronze-gold margins that persist through winter. The Bronze-gold tipped foliage may fade during summer months.
Shrub Kolkwitzia amabilis [Beautybush] The Beautybush is an arching, deciduous shrub known for its spectacular pink flower show in the spring. However, it can be too coarse for the landscape when not in bloom. Dead wood should be removed and the plant should be pruned (even hard pruning to the ground) every few years to prevent the plant from becoming overgrown. Plants bloom on old wood so hard prunings will result in loss of bloom, but will improve the…
Shrub Lonicera korolkowii [Blueleaf Honeysuckle] The Blueleaf Honeysuckle is an irregularly loose, open, and arching shrub. Attractive pink flowers appear in the leaf axils in late spring and are followed by bright red fruits that mature in mid to late summer. This plant is rare in the trade and quite difficult to establish. Transplant balled-and-burlapped or container-grown. Rejuvenate periodically by cutting back 6-12" from the ground. Like nearly all honeysuckles, this plant can be invasive in environments that it is…
Shrub Lonicera × purpusii 'Winter Beauty' [Purple-Stem Winter Honeysuckle] 'Winter Beauty' is a dense, rounded semi-evergreen shrub that has red-violet stems and produces an abundance of fragrant white flowers in late winter and early spring. Rejuvenate periodically by cutting back 6-12" from the ground.
Shrub Philadelphus inodorus [Scentless Mock Orange] This shrub only has interent when it is flowering; even then, this specific speciman is not as great as it is not fragrant, unlike its relative, P. coronarius.
Shrub Indiana Native Sambucus canadensis [American Elderberry] This plant is known most for its fruits, which have a high Vitamin C content and are attractive to both people and wildlife. The berry-like fruits are popular for making wine, juice, jellies, preserves, and pie. However, this plant is not generally advised for use in the landscape due to its excessive suckering and difficult to maintain form (can become quite unkempt). Very tolerant of various environmental conditions.
Shrub Sorbaria sorbifolia [Ural Falsespirea] Coarse texture and unusual spirea-like flowers give this plant unique summer interest. Best in large-scale situations. Spreads vigorously by suckering if not contained. Intensive root pruning can be used to control spread. Does not do the best in dry soils but does tolerate them. Does poorly in heavy wind. Flowers turn brown with senescence and esthetic is slightly improved by their removal. To some, a bit too coarse in winter habit.
Shrub Spiraea × vanhouttei [Vanhoutte Spirea] The Vanhoutte Spirea is a tough shrub with a beautiful, fountain-like habit. In late spring, the long, gracefully arching branches are covered in numerous white flowers. Moderately drought tolerant. May be affected by leaf spot.
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.