Shrub Abeliophyllum distichum [Korean Abelialeaf] Koran Abelialeaf is a multi-stemmed shrub with a rounded habit with often a vibrant flower show in mid-March to early April. Native to Korea, this shrub provides color to the early spring landscape while most plants are still dormant. Flower are white to faintly tinged-pink, 4-petaled, 3/8 to 5/8" in diameter, fragrant, borne on 1/2 to 1 1/2" inflorescences. Stems are 4-sided.
Tree Acer pseudoplatanus [Sycamore Maple] Tolerates salt spray. Produces a lot of dead wood that needs removal. Anthracnose and canker disease can be serious.
Tree Acer tataricum ssp. ginnala [Amur Maple] Extremely hardy small tree with interesting foliage (elongated center lobe) and colorful fruits (on some trees). Widely adapted and trouble-free. Prefers sun but tolerates some shade. Good for growth in large planters. Among first trees to leaf out. Withstands heavy pruning. Can be damaged by ice stroms. Verticillium susceptible, but rare.
Tree Aesculus × carnea [Red Horsechestnut] More drought resistant and more resistant to blotch and mildew than A. hippocastanum. Comes true to type from seed. Flowers at early age. Does not perform well in dry sites. Prickly fruits may be a problem underfoot. Fruits are poisonous (containing toxic saponins). Often develops branches having narrow crotch angles (branches that should be removed).
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.
Tree Aesculus × carnea 'Fort McNair' [Fort McNair Red Horsechestnut] Fort McNair Red Horsechestnut is less suscebtible to leaf scorch, leaf blotch and mildew than the straight species, although it can still contract the diseases. Does not perform well in dry sites; plant in moister soils for best growth and flowering. Flowers at an early age. Prickly fruits may be a problem underfoot. Fruits are poisonous (containing toxic saponins). Often develops branches having narrow crotch angles (branches that should be removed).
Tree Aesculus hippocastanum 'Baumannii' [Baumann Common Horsechestnut] 'Baumannii' is known for its large panicles of double flowers. The flowers are sterile, so none of the large, littering, poisonous fruit of the species type are produced, increasing this tree's usability. Widely adapted to soils and environments; however, very dry conditions must be avoided. Leaf blotch often disfigures foliage.
Shrub/Tree Aesculus pavia [Red Buckeye] The Red Buckeye can be a small tree or clump-forming, multi-stemmed shrub. The lustrous, deep green foliage is attractive, but tends to decline by August. Susceptible to leaf blotch, but less susceptible to mildew than Aesculus hippocastanum.
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).