Fern Dryopteris marginalis [Marginal wood fern] This fern is easily grown in average, well drained soils in partial to full shade. It prefers moist, rich, acidic soils with protection from the wind.
Shrub InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Euonymus alatus 'Compactus' [Dwarf Winged Euonymus] The dense and lower-growing 'Compactus' is one of the most common Winged Euonymus cultivars. Widely tolerant of most soil and microclimatic conditions, but develops good fall foliage color only when exposed to considerable direct sun. Tolerates heavy pruning. Can be troubled by scale insects, although not so frequently as the evergreen euonymus. Fruits are toxic. Avoid very dry or wet sites. Can be invasive, seeding into woodlots.
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 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.
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 '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…
Shrub Fothergilla gardenii 'Jane Platt' [Jane Platt Dwarf Fothergilla] A very useful and adaptable small shrub that has unique, fragrant, bottle-brush flowers and spectacular fall foliage. Compared to the species type, 'Jane Platt' has slightly larger flower spikes and more cascading branches, but reportedly the fall color is not quite as brilliant. Chlorosis develops in high pH soil.
Shrub Fothergilla major [Large Fothergilla] Although much larger (up to 10' tall), Fothergilla major is quite similar to Fothergilla gardenii (Dwarf Fothergilla), and is a very useful and adaptable shrub. It has unique, fragrant, bottle-brush flowers and spectacular fall foliage. Chlorosis develops in high pH soil.
