Plants

Stokesia laevis 'Purple Parasols'

[Purple Parasols Stokes' aster]

Native to wetlands of the southeast United States, Stoke's aster is an evergreen perennial with fluffy blue violet flowers. There are no serious issues to watchout for with this plant, although they need to be monitored for caterpillars.

Styrax japonicus

[Japanese Snowbell]

Relatively trouble-free. Can be susceptible to Ambrosia beetle and canker. Partial shade best in Zones 7 and 8 due to heat intolerance.

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus

[Coralberry]

Syringa × chinensis

[Chinese Lilac]

Can become ratty in appearance, and so should be pruned properly on 3 year cycle. Problems with aphids, powdery mildew, scales, and caterpillars, although powdery mildew is worst problem.

Syringa meyeri

[Meyer Lilac]

Flowers by the time it reaches one foot tall, very floriferous. Flowers in spring before leaves are fully out. Powdery mildew resistant. Very low maintenance. Flowers can be damaged by a late spring freeze. Best to prune immediately after flowering to promote flower buds for the next year.

Syringa meyeri 'Palibin'

[Dwarf Meyer Lilac]

Flowers by the time it reaches one foot tall, very floriferous. Flowers in spring before leaves are fully out. Powdery mildew resistant. Very low maintenance. Flowers can be damaged by a late spring freeze. Best to prune immediately after flowering to promote flower buds for the next year.

Syringa pekinensis 'Morton' [sold as Sold as China Snow™]

[China Snow Lilac]

Popular tree to be used on streets because it fits under utility lines, is tolerant to salt spray, and has no serious insect or disease problems. However, It does require proper drainage. It also has very attractive exfoliating bark with a amber tone.

Syringa pubescens ssp. patula

[Manchurian Lilac]

Flowers in spring before leaves are fully out. Powdery mildew resistant. Very low maintenance.

Syringa pubescens ssp. patula 'Miss Kim'

[Miss Kim Manchurian Lilac]

'Miss Kim' is known for its prolific fragrant ice-blue flower panicles and more dense, compact habit. Powdery mildew resistant. Very low maintenance. Heat tolerant, so grows better in warmer climates than other lilacs. Also known as Syringa patula 'Miss Kim'.

Syringa reticulata

[Japanese Tree Lilac]

A very hardy and showy tree. Attractive, cherry-like mahogany-colored bark, distinctly different from all other lilacs. Widely adapted to soils and environments. Cut to ground to rejuvenate completely. Mildew resistant. Subject to infestations of borers and scale insects, but these are not usually serious enough to discourage its use where some maintenance is available. Alternate year flowering on different parts of the tree can sometimes occur, a problem that can be assuaged by deadheading (use…