Shrub Hydrangea quercifolia 'Pee Wee' [Dwarf Oakleaf Hydrangea] A unique plant with attractive flower panicles and coarse, handsome foliage. 'Pee Wee' is an excellent compact cultivar (up to 3' high and wide) that has smaller leaves and flower panicles than the species type. Tops (including flower buds formed in fall) can die back when winter temperatures go much below – 20 degrees F (often in Zone 6b and colder). Flowers form on previous season's growth. Thus, no flowers will appear in the years…
Shrub Hydrangea quercifolia 'Sike’s Dwarf' [Dwarf Oakleaf Hydrangea] A unique plant with attractive flower panicles and coarse, handsome foliage. 'Sike's Dwarf'' is an excellent compact cultivar (up to 3' high and 4' wide) that has smaller leaves and flower panicles than the species type. Tops (including flower buds formed in fall) can die back when winter temperatures go much below – 20 degrees F (often in Zone 6b and colder). Flowers form on previous season's growth. Thus, no flowers will appear in the…
Shrub Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowflake' [Double Oakleaf Hydrangea] A unique plant with attractive flower panicles and large, coarse, handsome foliage. 'Snowflake' is a large cultivar (up to 8' high and 10' wide) that has large (up to 15" long) flower panicles of double sterile flowers. Tops (including flower buds formed in fall) can die back when winter temperatures go much below – 20 degrees F (often in Zone 6b and colder). Flowers form on previous season's growth. Thus, no flowers will appear in…
Shrub Itea virginica 'Henry’s Garnet' [Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire] 'Henry's Garnet' is an excellent cultivar that has larger flowers and more exceptional red and purple fall color when compared to the straight species. Resistant to flea beetle and leaf spot. Quite drought and pH tolerant although best situated in moist areas with some acidity. Flowers best in full sun, but is shade tolerant. Pruning sometimes needed to maintain form, primarily for removal of wayward branches. Avoid pruning in late fall or winter as flowers…
Shrub Itea virginica 'Sprich' [sold as Little Henry™] [Dwarf Virginia Sweetspire] The Little Henry Virginia Sweetspire is a compact, dwarf cultivar that has excellent flowers and fall color. Quite drought and pH tolerant although best situated in moist areas with some acidity. Flowers best in full sun, but is shade tolerant. Pruning sometimes needed to maintain form, primarily for removal of wayward branches. Avoid pruning in late fall or winter as flowers form on previous season's wood. Susceptible to flea beetle and leaf spot.
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 Indiana Native Larix laricina [Eastern Larch] The Eastern Larch, or more commonly referred to as Tamarack, is a cold hardy deciduous pine found in northern portions of Canada, Alaska, and as far south as Minnesota, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. The Tamarack grows in particularly moist soils and is salt tolerant. It grows open and pyramidal with a slender trunk, and has horizontal and drooping branchlets. During the fall, its soft, blueish-green needle-like leaves turn a rich, golden color. This tree does best…
Shrub Indiana Native Lindera benzoin [Spicebush] The Spicebush is an excellent native shrub for naturalizing or in borders. Tolerant of full shade, although it tends to become leggy in lower light situations. Difficult to transplant; use container-grown plants. Prefers moist soils; not especially drought tolerant. Dioecious.
Tree Indiana Native Liquidambar styraciflua [American Sweetgum] Handsome shade tree with few troubles and outstanding seasonal interest. Widely adapted to soils and climates, as evidenced by its wide range. Fall foliage coloration varies greatly in timing and intensity among individuals. Rather difficult to transplant in large sizes. Varies widely in hardiness. Select native northern stock for use in North. Horned fruits can be a serious litter problem, dulling mower blades and injuring bare feet. Also see Liquidambar styraciflua (Shuttle Gum Group).
Tree Liquidambar styraciflua 'Hapdell' [sold as Happidaze™] [Happidaze American Sweetgum] Handsome shade tree with few troubles and outstanding seasonal interest. Widely adapted to soils and climates. 'Hapdell', commonly sold under the name Happidaze, is a fruitless cultivar with a dense crown and deep maroon fall foliage. Rather difficult to transplant in large sizes.
