Shrub/Tree Hamamelis vernalis [Vernal Witchhazel] Earliest blooming shrub for the Midwest. Good as a neutral filler for the border with quiet seasonal interest. More pH tolerant than Hamamelis virginiana. Should not be pruned (tip pinching would be acceptable to direct growth). Not as showy in bloom as Hamamelis mollis, the Chinese Witchhazel, or its hybrids.
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Hamamelis virginiana [Common Witchhazel] Flowers are in evidence because of their spicy fragrance before they are visually obvious, but are fairly showy after leaf drop. Should not be pruned (tip pinching would be acceptable to direct growth).
Tree Heptacodium miconioides [Seven-son Flower] The common name, Seven-Son Flower, is derived from the cluster of 7 small flowers contained within each whorl. The flowers are followed by very showy, reddish fruit structures that have the appearance of flowers. The tan, shredding bark is attractive and exfoliates in long strips to reveal a dark brown inner bark. This plant can be hard to find, both in the wild and in commerce. Needs pruning to maintain aesthetics.
Shrub/Tree Hibiscus syriacus [Rose-of-Sharon] Flowers single or double, in wide range of colors (depending on cultivar), are born on new growth, so heavy pruning in the spring enhances blooming later that summer. Pruning to functional size of 4-5' produces excellent habit and flowering. Becomes leggy with age if not pruned. Prune hard when young to promote more branching. Occasionally, stems are killed back in winter; nevertheless, flowering on new growth is not reduced. Generally not the best for solid…
Shrub Hibiscus syriacus 'Diana' [Diana Rose-of-Sharon] The white flowers of 'Diana' are born on new growth, so heavy pruning in the spring enhances blooming later that summer. Pruning to functional size of 4-5' produces excellent habit and flowering. Becomes leggy with age if not pruned. Prune hard when young to promote more branching. Occasionally, stems are killed back in winter; nevertheless, flowering on new growth is not reduced. Generally not the best for solid screening. Late to leaf out in spring.…
Shrub Hibiscus syriacus 'Minerva' [Minerva Rose of Sharon] Minerva Rose of Sharon blooms in early summer featuring showy flowers that appear lavender with a pink hue and red eye.
Shrub Hibiscus syriacus 'Morning Star' [Morning Star Rose-of-Sharon] 'Morning Star' has showy white flowers with a red eye and anemone center. Flowers are born on new growth, so heavy pruning in the spring enhances blooming later that summer. Pruning to functional size of 4-5' produces excellent habit and flowering. Becomes leggy with age if not pruned. Prune hard when young to promote more branching. Occasionally, stems are killed back in winter; nevertheless, flowering on new growth is not reduced. Generally not the best…
Shrub Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' [Annabelle Smooth Hydrangea] The Annabelle Smooth Hydrangea is a very popular cultivar that produces large (much larger than the straight species), upright globular heads of sterile, white flowers in June. Tops usually die back in extreme Northern regions of its hardiness zone (including Zones 4 and 5). However, flowers are on new wood, and they still appear when tops are winter killed, or plants are pruned to ground. Winter killed branches need removal. Not drought tolerant. Poor, coarse…
Shrub Hydrangea arborescens 'NCHA1' [sold as Invincibelle® Spirit] [Invincibelle Spirit Smooth Hydrangea] The Invincibelle Spirit Smooth Hydrangea produces large (larger than the straight species), upright globular heads of sterile, pink flowers in June. Tops usually die back in extreme Northern regions of its hardiness zone (including Zones 4 and 5). However, flowers are on new wood, and they still appear when tops are winter killed, or plants are pruned to ground. Winter killed branches need removal. Not drought tolerant. Poor, coarse form in the winter landscape. Many…
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…
