Shrub Viburnum trilobum 'Compactum' [Dwarf American Cranberrybush Viburnum] 'Compactum' is a dense, dwarf cultivar that attains a height of 5-6 feet, about half that of the straight species. Excellent bloomer and fruiter. Widely tolerant of soils and microclimates. May be troubled by aphids. Drought resistance is not good. Fruits are used in preserves.
Liana (Climbing Vine) Vinca major 'Variegata' [Variegated Greater Periwinkle] The Greater Periwinkle is very similar to the Common Periwinkle (Vinca minor), except it is overall larger and less cold hardy, only marginally hardy in USDA zones 5 and 6. 'Variegata' has irregular, creamy white markings along leaf margins. A great evergreen ground cover for shady locations. Spreads quickly after establishment in warmer climates. Does best with regular watering on well-drained soil. Prune back in the spring.
Shrub Weigela × 'Dark Horse' [Dark Horse Weigela] 'Dark Horse' is a compact, dwarf cultivar with deep purple leaves and abundant pink flowers. Spreading, dense, rounded shrub, with branches eventually arching to the ground. Extremely adaptable, but prefers good drainage and full sun. Some drought sensitivity. A 3-year pruning cycle improves form and prevents development of legginess. Flowers attract hummingbirds.
Shrub Weigela floribunda [Crimson Weigela] Less common, but very similar to Weigela florida (Old Fashioned Weigela), primarily differing in flowers (dark red-brown and not as showy) and less cold hardiness (USDA zone 6). Spreading, dense, rounded shrub, with branches eventually arching to the ground. Extremely adaptable, but prefers good drainage and full sun. Some drought sensitivity. A 3-year pruning cycle improves form and prevents development of legginess.
Shrub Weigela florida [Old Fashioned Weigela] Spreading, dense, rounded shrub, with branches eventually arching to the ground. Extremely adaptable, but prefers good drainage and full sun. Some drought sensitivity. A 3-year pruning cycle improves form and prevents development of legginess. Flowers attract hummingbirds.
Shrub Weigela florida 'Tango' [Tango Old Fashioned Weigela] 'Tango' is a compact, dense, dwarf shrub with deep greenish-purple foliage and intensely pink flowers. Spreading, dense, rounded shrub, with branches eventually arching to the ground. Extremely adaptable, but prefers good drainage and full sun. Some drought sensitivity. A 3-year pruning cycle improves form and prevents development of legginess. Flowers attract hummingbirds.
Shrub Weigela × 'Minuet' [Dwarf Weigela] 'Minuet' is a dense, compact, dwarf cultivar that has deep green, purple-tinged foliage and strongly pink flowers. Spreading, dense, rounded shrub, with branches eventually arching to the ground. Extremely adaptable, but prefers good drainage and full sun. Some drought sensitivity. A 3-year pruning cycle improves form and prevents development of legginess. Flowers attract hummingbirds.
Liana (Climbing Vine) Wisteria floribunda [Japanese Wisteria] Use plants propagated vegetatively from heavy-flowering clones, as much variation exists in flowering. Some find it difficult to induce flowering. Too much nitrogen may promote more vegetative than flower bud formation. Can damage light-weight supporting structures, as vine can develop several inches in diameter.
Liana (Climbing Vine) Wisteria frutescens 'Amethyst Falls' [Amethyst Falls Wisteria] Slower growth, more compact habit, and slightly smaller foliage than the species
Liana (Climbing Vine) Wisteria sinensis [Chinese Wisteria] Tolerant of widely different conditions once established, but this plant does not like being transplanted and establishment is sometimes slow. Once established, though, can even become invasive. Can be pruned as a standard, or pruned nearly to the ground to rejuvenate. Prune after flowering to 6" of main branch, and if pruned later, avoid removing the fatter flower buds that develop later. Needs a strong support structure. Use plants propagated vegetatively from heavy-flowering clones, as…
