Tree Acer × freemanii 'Jeffersred' [sold as Autumn Blaze®] [Autumn Blaze Maple] This cultivar is among the best for fall foliage of both Red and hybrid Red Maples. It is an extremely fast grower and appears to be more drought tolerant than most Acer rubrum cultivars. 'Jeffersred', is often sold under the tradmark name, Autumn Blaze.
Tree Acer × freemanii 'Marmo' [Marmo Freeman Maple] The Marmo Maple has similar characteristics to its Silver Maple parent, more so than to its Red Maple parent. This cultivar produces staminate flowers, and therefore is seedless. 'Marmo' fall color ranges from reds to greens. Once established, it becomes tolerant to most pests and disease.
Tree Acer × freemanii 'Scarsen' [sold as Scarlet Sentinel®] [Scarlet Sentinel Freeman Maple] This cultivar is a cross between the Red Maple and the Silver Maple, though it's leaves and bark more closely resemble the Silver Maple. It is one of the most adapted maples for southern regions of the country. 'Scarsen' is known for its colorful yellow-orange to orange-red fall foliage and columnar growth form.
Tree Aesculus × carnea 'Briotii' [Ruby Red Horsechestnut] Has decent tolerance to drought and urban environments. Buds are not as sticky as its parent plant, Aesculus hippocastanum. Flower panicles are larger than both parent species with a rich red coloration, making it a popular tree choice in England.
Shrub Agave americana [Century Plant] Can take as few as 10 years to flower in warm climates, to 60 years in colder climates. Once it flowers, it dies and offsets around the base of the original plant eventually form a group of new plants. Suckers produced from the main plant may take only 10-15 years to flower. Beware of thick point tips on its leaves, prune off to protect children. Some susceptibility to Agape weevil, especially when weakened.
Liana (Climbing Vine) Akebia quinata [Fiveleaf Akebia] Fiveleaf Akebia is a vigorous vine that establishes quickly under many different conditions, even to the point of invading an area. Prune to keep this plant within its boundaries. Best used to climb up structures, but can also be used as a sprawling groundcover. Although generally deciduous, Akebia quinata can be evergreen in the south.
Tree Albizia julibrissin [Albizia] Albizia julibrissin is known for its attractive, "pom-pom" like flowers that begin in late spring and last through the summer. The interesting effect of the flowers is due to the the over 1" long pink stamens. This plant is not an ideal landscape choice due to its susceptibility to many pests and diseases, including vascular wilt disease (Fusarium).
Tree Amelanchier × grandiflora 'Cole’s Select' [Cole's Select Apple Serviceberry] Cole's Select Apple Serviceberry is an attractive plant with multi-seasonal interest, thick, glossy foliage, and especially outstanding red to orange fall coloration. 'Cole's Select' tends to have slightly larger flowers and stronger spreading, more horizontal branching than the species type. The beautiful white clusters of flowers give rise to sweet purple-black berries that are edible by humans and especially relished by birds. The fruits can be used in pies, jams, and jellies.
Shrub Indiana Native Amorpha fruticosa [Indigobush Amorpha] The Indigobush Amorpha is a Indiana native shrub that can be found along river banks and shallow marshes. This shrub can be planted in areas of poor soil where few other plants will survive, as well as used for erosion control. To avoid weediness, seeds can be collected shortly after flowering as it can spread readily by seeds. Common problems of Amorpha fruticosa includes rust, leaf spots, powdery mildew and twig canker. Some gall problems…
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Aralia spinosa [Devil's Walkingstick] Slow growth rate, but fast on roots (forms a very coarse thicket). Sucker shoots can be a maintenance problem if tree form is desired. Sharp prickles also make maintenance difficult, and are a minor hazard to children. Otherwise, no serious problems with this plant. Very adaptable and easy to grow, tolerating most conditions except wet soil. Drought tolerant, and best in full sun. Excellent selection in a mass planting near buildings having poor soils.
