Shrub Juniperus sabina 'Blaue Donau' [sold as Blue Danube™] [Blue Danube Savin Juniper] This cultivar has blue-green foliage on moderately-upright, arching branches. Widely adapted to soils and climates. Tolerant of slightly alkaline soils. Variable in form, resulting in several distinct varietal forms. Young plants can be injured by juniper blight in some areas. Plants of all ages are susceptible to mite infestation. Does not do well in high humidity and high night temperature environments. Can develop a dingy green color in winter; does not develop a purple-tinge in…
Shrub Juniperus sabina 'Von Ehren' [Von Ehren Savin Juniper] The vase-shaped 'Von Ehren' has widely spreading branches and branchlets with light to dark green foliage. Juniper blight resistant. Widely adapted to soils and climates. Tolerant of slightly alkaline, but not wet, soils. Plants of all ages are susceptible to mite infestation. Does not do well in high humidity and high night temperature environments. Can develop a dingy green color in winter; does not develop a purple-tinge in cold weather like J. horizontalis.
Shrub Juniperus squamata 'Blue Carpet' [Blue Carpet Singleseed Juniper] 'Blue Carpet' is a low-growing and spreading shrub with attractive bluish-gray foliage. This plant gained its common name from the single seed borne by each cone. Widely adapted to soils and climates. Does well in alkaline soils, but not wet soils. Susceptible to bagworms.
Shrub Juniperus squamata 'Variegata' [Variegated Singleseed Juniper] 'Variegata' is a low-growing and spreading shrub with creamy white new shoots. This plant gained its common name from the single seed borne by each cone. Widely adapted to soils and climates. Does well in alkaline soils, but not wet soils. Susceptible to bagworms.
Herbaceous Liriope spicata [Creeping Liriope] Liriope specata, or Creeping Liriope is a grass like perennial that has glossy dark green leaves. In late summer the plant produces spikes of pale lavender to white flowers. In the fall, the plant produces dark berries on the flower spikes.
Shrub Microbiota decussata [Russian Arborvitae] The Russian Arborvitae is a low spreading, groundcover conifer that was discovered in Russia in 1921. It is generally easy to grow and can be a good substitute for Juniper in part shade situations, although it is best in full sun. This plant is not tolerant of extreme heat. Seeds of this plant can remain in a dormant state for up to 28 months.
Shrub Microbiota decussata 'Prides' [sold as Celtic Pride™] [Celtic Pride Russian Arborvitae] The Russian Arborvitae is a low spreading, groundcover conifer that was discovered in Russia in 1921. It is generally easy to grow and can be a good substitute for Juniper in part shade situations, although it is best in full sun. 'Prides', often sold under the name Celtic Pride is known for its excellent disease resistance and tolerance to difficult conditions. Seeds of this plant can remain in a dormant state for up to 28…
Shrub Indiana Native Opuntia humifusa [Pricklypear] The Pricklypear is a cactus native to the eastern United States, including Indiana, and is hardy to USDA zone 4. The cactus pads can break off and root into the ground, forming colonies. It is an evergreen plant, but becomes shriveled and wilted during cold winters. Fruits are edible and are often used to make jams and candies. The pads (fleshy green segments with thorns) are also edible as a roasted vegetable. This plant has…
Shrub Indiana Native Pachysandra procumbens [Allegheny Pachysandra] A shade loving plant, the pachysandra procumbens can be a good naturalizing groundcover with greyish green leaves. The Alleghany Pachysandra is considered to be more attractive than the overused Pachysandra terminalis. It is considered deciduous in USDA Zones 5 and 6 bue semi-evergreen to evergreen in Zones 7-9.
Liana (Climbing Vine) Pachysandra terminalis [Japanese Spurge] Tolerates full shade, and requires at least partial shade. Does well under shallow-rooted trees with some irrigation. One of the most effective ground covers in resisting encroachment of weeds. Volutella leaf blight can be problem.
