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/Tree Myrica pensylvanica [Northern Bayberry] Waxy gray berries were used by early settlers for making aromatic candles, and occasionally still are used for this purpose. Especially good plant for full sun and sandy soils, but grows well on many soils. Tolerates half shade. Relatively salt-tolerant. Forms colonies via suckers. Fixes nitrogen in the soil. Dioecious. Use female plants (when known) for fruiting, and occasional male for pollination. Difficult to transplant from field.
Shrub Nandina domestica [Heavenly Bamboo] The beautiful red fruits are so prolific they can even bend down branches. Tolerates full sun or shade, even fruits well in shade. Prune by cutting canes back to ground. Develops iron chlorosis on Southwestern US due to high soil pH. 'Atropurpurea Nana' stays 2' high with reddish-green color throughout summer, turning dark red in winter.
Shrub Nerium oleander [Oleander] Has high salt and wind tolerance, and is somewhat drought tolerant. Excellent visual barrier. All parts of this plant are poisonous to humans, even smoke is a serious irritant. Oleander caterpillar can be a problem. Many cultivars, including 'Hardy Red,' which has red flowers and is hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tree Indiana Native Nyssa sylvatica [Black Gum] Especially useful in wet soils. One of the most beautiful of trees, with habit comparable to Quercus palustris, but usually more irregular, and with a greater number of more slender main limbs. Silvery-gray, picturesque branching; strong horizontal accent. Difficult to transplant due to taproot; use container-grown plants when possible, or at least plants dug with a soil ball. Shelter from wind. In the North, select native northern stock as the species has a wide geographic…
Herbaceous Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata' [Variegated Japanese Spurge] Japanese spurge is a shrubby ground cover that grows best in the shade. The plant has whorled leaves and small white flowers in early spring. This cultivar has irregular white varigation along the edges of the leaves.
Herbaceous Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' [Northwind Switchgrass] Switch Grass is native to Missouri prairies. 'Northwind' is more compact han the straight species and more vertical in comparison.
Herbaceous Panicum virgatum 'Rotstrahlbusch' [Rotstrahlbusch Switchgrass] 'Rotstrahlbusch' is used for the burgundy-red color it has in the fall. Similar vertical clump to 'Northwind'.
Shrub Physocarpus opulifolius 'Monlo' [sold as Diabolo®] [Diablo Eastern Ninebark] Renew by cutting to the ground in late winter. Very course in texture in the winter with its multi-layered exfoliating bark (which gives it the common name of "ninebark"). 'Monlo', generally sold under the name Diablo, has reddish-purple leaves that sometimes fade to green in hotter climates.
Shrub Physocarpus opulifolius 'Seward' [sold as Summer Wine™] [Summer Wine Eastern Ninebark] Renew by cutting to the ground in late winter. Very course in texture in the winter with its multi-layered exfoliating bark (which gives it the common name of "ninebark"). 'Seward', generally sold under the name Summer Wine, has bronzy wine-red, more deeply cut leaves that may fade to green in hotter climates.
