Tree Cornus × rutgersensis 'Rutban' [sold as Aurora®] (Stellar Group) [Aurora Dogwood] The Stellar Series is a collection of hybrids of the Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) and the Kousa Dogwood (C. kousa), developed by Dr. Elwin Orton, Jr. of Rutgers University. These vigorous, sterile hybrids are resistant to the Common Dogwood Borer (Synanthedon scitula) and Dogwood Anthracnose (Discula distructiva), which can severly affect the Flowering Dogwood. 'Rutban' is a strongly upright, abundant bloomer with white to creamy-white floral bracts.
Shrub Hydrangea macrophylla [Bigleaf Hydrangea] Beautiful flowers that are borne as either mopheads (hortensias), which are globular masses of mostly showy sterile flowers, or lacecaps, which are flat-topped clusters that have an outer ring of showy flowers surrounding small, less-showy fertile flowers in the center. In general, an acidic soil will produce a very blue colored flower in most cultilvar, and alkaline pink. High quality foliage. Lower flower production in cold climates, and performs poorly on hot dry sites. A…
Shrub Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mariesii Variegata' [Variegated Bigleaf Hydrangea] This cultivar has beautiful variegated foliage and lacecap flowers. An acidic soil will produce a very blue colored flower, and alkaline pink. High quality foliage. Lower flower production in cold climates, and performs poorly on hot dry sites. A few pest problems, including scale, mites, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.
Shrub Hypericum kouytchense [Large-flowered St. John's Wort] The Large-flowered St. John's Wort is a mounded, semi-evergreen shrub with arching branches. Blooming generally begins in June and can last through September. The large, up to 2.5" diameter, bright yellow flowers are crowned by a dome of many long stamens. Some sources state that this species is synonymous with Hypericum 'Sungold'.
Shrub Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil' [Sky Pencil Holly] 'Sky Pencil' is a nice extremely narrow, upright, fastigiate broadleaf evergreen that holds its color through winter. This species, like other hollies, is dioecious and 'Sky Pencil' is a female cultivar that will only be able to produce fruit if there is a male pollinator planted nearby. Withstands severe pruning. Winter desiccation injury to leaves in exposed sites. Spider mites can be serious. Avoid high pH soils as chlorosis may occur.
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.
Tree Liquidambar styraciflua 'Rotundiloba' [Rotundiloba American Sweetgum] 'Rotundiloba' has distinctly rounded leaf lobes and is fruitless. This cultivar is also narrower than the species and has variable yellow to burgundy fall color. It is difficult to establish good branching and canopy on young 'Rotundiloba' trees. Widely adapted to soils and climates. Rather difficult to transplant in large sizes. Select northern stock for use in North.
Tree Magnolia gradiflora 'Little Gem' [Little Gem Southern Magnolia] Though the straight species of Magnolia gradiflora is not hardy in Indiana, 'Little Gem' can be hardy up to zone 6(7). If planted, place in an area that is protected from winter winds and extreme temperature drops, such as an enclosed courtyard. 'Little Gem' is a dwarf cultivar of the Southern Magnolia, ranging from 15' to 20' in height and 10' in width. Typically seen as more of a shrub from, rather than the iconic…
Shrub Nandina domestica [Heavenly Bamboo] The beautiful red fruits are so prolific they can even bend down branches. Tolerates full sun or shade, even fruits well in shade. Prune by cutting canes back to ground. Develops iron chlorosis on Southwestern US due to high soil pH. 'Atropurpurea Nana' stays 2' high with reddish-green color throughout summer, turning dark red in winter.
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.