Tree Indiana Native Oxydendrum arboreum [Sourwood] This plant gets it common and scientific name from its sour-tasting leaves. The genus name is derived from the Greek word "oxys", meaning sour, and "dendron", meaning tree. Honey produced from the pollen of Sourwood flowers is considered valuable. The attractive, slightly fragrant flowers are often prolifically produced, especially in full sun, and are effective for up to four weeks. Like all Ericaceous plants, Oxydendrum arboreum requires rich, organic, moist, well-drained, and acidic soil. This…
Herbaceous Panicum virgatum 'Thundercloud' [Thundercloud Switch Grass] This tall hedge grass can grow up to 8 feet tall, making it a great option to buffer views or frame spaces. Open panicles frame the crown creating a soft fluffy top that contrast the dark green switchgrass blades.
Tree Parkinsonia × [Hybrid Palo Verde] Semi-evergreen leaves, and smooth line green trunks and branches year round. Palo Verde means "green stick" in Spanish, and the green bark carries on photosynthesis. Survives in the desert on natural rainfall once established. Few problems. Needs some minor clean up maintenance of flowers and leaves. Prune when young to develop multi-stems and show off the beautiful bark. 'Desert Museum' is a V-shaped thornless hybrid having genetic characteristics indicating complex hybridization between three species, Parkinsonia…
Tree Parrotia persica [Persian Parrotia] One of the best trees for foliage and bark effect. Very adaptable, tolerating drought, various soils, heat, cold, etc. Prefers full sun but tolerates light shade. Sites with strong winter winds will surely cause tip dieback in Northern Indiana.
Shrub Philadelphus coronarius [Sweet Mockorange] Well adapted to different light (even shade) and soil conditions, especially to dry situations. Relatively trouble-free, and one of the most fragrant of the mockoranges. None of the mockoranges have much landscape interest after the season of bloom. Becomes leggy if not pruned. Pruning should be done after flowering (flower buds form on previous years wood), and to maintain fullness of form.
Shrub Physocarpus opulifolius 'Monlo' [sold as Diabolo®] [Diablo Eastern Ninebark] Renew by cutting to the ground in late winter. Very course in texture in the winter with its multi-layered exfoliating bark (which gives it the common name of "ninebark"). 'Monlo', generally sold under the name Diablo, has reddish-purple leaves that sometimes fade to green in hotter climates.
Shrub Physocarpus opulifolius 'Seward' [sold as Summer Wine™] [Summer Wine Eastern Ninebark] Renew by cutting to the ground in late winter. Very course in texture in the winter with its multi-layered exfoliating bark (which gives it the common name of "ninebark"). 'Seward', generally sold under the name Summer Wine, has bronzy wine-red, more deeply cut leaves that may fade to green in hotter climates.
Shrub Physocarpus opulifolius 'SMNPOTW' [sold as Tiny Wine®] [Tiny Wine Ninebark] Tiny Wine Ninebark is noted for its features as it is interesting season round. The exfoliating bark on mature wood reveals red-brown inner bark, this is how the common name Ninebark was chosen as the color is ever changing.
Tree Picea abies [Norway Spruce] Slight mite susceptibility in hot, dry sites. Some susceptibility to borers. May become thin, open, and have a less attractive habit at maturity.
