Tree Parrotia persica 'Vanessa' [Vanessa Persian Parrotia] Vanessa is a cultivar that has a distinctly upright or columnar habit. 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.
Liana (Climbing Vine) Indiana Native Parthenocissus quinquefolia [Virginia Creeper] One of the strongest-climbing vines, given solid support for attachment of the adhesive discs on tendrils (not root). Not a vine for trellises or fences. Tolerates any soil, and sun or shade. Limited value as groundcover.
Liana (Climbing Vine) Parthenocissus tricuspidata [Boston Ivy] One of the strongest-climbing vines, give solid support for attachment of the adhesive discs on tendrils. Not a vine for trellises or fences. Very tolerant of urban soils. Not a good groundcover.
Liana (Climbing Vine) Passiflora caerulea [Blue Passionflower] This is one of the hardiest passion flowers, dying back in colder climates, but hardy to 10 degrees F. (It is suspected that the specimen at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN (USDA zone 5a), is kept alive in the winter by the heat radiated from the greenhouses and building it is planted near.) Plant is evergreen in tropical environments. Extraordinary flowers and tasty, edible fruits (passion fruit). Prefers loose sandy or gravelly soil that…
Tree InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive Phellodendron amurense [Amur Corktree] A striking tree for its interesting bark and massive framework. Widely adaptable to soil, trouble-free, and drought and pollution resistance. Easily transplanted. May be less hardy when young and rapidly growing. Fruits smell like turpentine when crushed (or stepped on). This tree is demonstrating invasive characteristics in suburban and urban fringe forests. It escapes intended plantings to invade and displace native hardwood forests. Note: only female plants have the potential to become invasive. Phellodendron amurense…
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 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 Philadelphus lewisii 'Blizzard' [Blizzard Mock Orange] 'Blizzard' is a cultivar that is more cold hardy than the straight species. It is known for its white flowers that are very fragrant.