Shrub Forsythia × intermedia 'Spectabilis' [Showy Border Forsythia] 'Spectabilis' is a well-known and high quality Forsythia variant that has been around for many years. It is a very vigorous grower and prolific bloomer with bright yellow flowers that smother the branches early in the spring. 'Spectabilis' flower buds have better cold hardiness than many cultivars, but flower buds can be killed by severe winters in zone 5, and frequently in colder zones. Plants, however, are hardy in Zone 4. Cut stems excised in…
Shrub Forsythia × 'Meadowlark' [Meadowlark Forsythia] This hybrid of Forsythia ovata and F. europaea is an excenllent variant for the Midwest and is noted for its abundance of cold hardy flower buds that open to create a bright yellow flower show in the spring. Cut stems excised in mid-winter will flower indoors due to very short chilling requirement. Too big for most foundations and small border plantings (Don't Shear!). Remove old wood for best appearance.
Shrub Fothergilla gardenii [Dwarf Fothergilla] A very useful and adaptable small shrub that has unique, fragrant, bottle-brush flowers and spectacular fall foliage. Chlorosis develops in high pH soil.
Shrub Fothergilla gardenii 'Jane Platt' [Jane Platt Dwarf Fothergilla] A very useful and adaptable small shrub that has unique, fragrant, bottle-brush flowers and spectacular fall foliage. Compared to the species type, 'Jane Platt' has slightly larger flower spikes and more cascading branches, but reportedly the fall color is not quite as brilliant. Chlorosis develops in high pH soil.
Shrub Fothergilla major [Large Fothergilla] Although much larger (up to 10' tall), Fothergilla major is quite similar to Fothergilla gardenii (Dwarf Fothergilla), and is a very useful and adaptable shrub. It has unique, fragrant, bottle-brush flowers and spectacular fall foliage. Chlorosis develops in high pH soil.
Shrub Fothergilla × 'Mt. Airy' [Mt. Airy Fothergilla] 'Mt. Airy' is an excellent, vigorous hybrid that makes for an extremely useful, adaptable, and high quality shrub. It produces a profuse number of unique, fragrant, large, bottle-brush flowers and has consistent, spectacular fall foliage. Chlorosis can develop in high pH soil.
Tree Fraxinus americana 'Junginger' [sold as Autumn Purple®] [Autumn Purple White Ash] The Autumn Purple White Ash is a popular variant due to its attractive glossy foliage and purple-red fall color. It is a male clone and does not produce any fruit litter. An unattractive ash flower gall (caused by mites) can develop on male flowers and persist into winter. Subject to storm damage, so plant in areas that shelter the tree from strong winds. Emerald Ash Borer is severely affecting all species of this genus. Damage…
Shrub/Tree Hibiscus syriacus [Rose-of-Sharon] Flowers single or double, in wide range of colors (depending on cultivar), are born on new growth, so heavy pruning in the spring enhances blooming later that summer. Pruning to functional size of 4-5' produces excellent habit and flowering. Becomes leggy with age if not pruned. Prune hard when young to promote more branching. Occasionally, stems are killed back in winter; nevertheless, flowering on new growth is not reduced. Generally not the best for solid…
Shrub Hibiscus syriacus 'Minerva' [Minerva Rose of Sharon] Minerva Rose of Sharon blooms in early summer featuring showy flowers that appear lavender with a pink hue and red eye.
Shrub Hibiscus syriacus 'Morning Star' [Morning Star Rose-of-Sharon] 'Morning Star' has showy white flowers with a red eye and anemone center. Flowers are born on new growth, so heavy pruning in the spring enhances blooming later that summer. Pruning to functional size of 4-5' produces excellent habit and flowering. Becomes leggy with age if not pruned. Prune hard when young to promote more branching. Occasionally, stems are killed back in winter; nevertheless, flowering on new growth is not reduced. Generally not the best…
