Tree Halesia carolina [Carolina Silverbell] This small tree is interesting in bloom and rather neutral otherwise, but relatively trouble free and useful in many situations as a neutral background plant, or for its flowers. Best grown as a single stem and allowed to branch low (20-30"). Does not transplant well (a particular problem with field-grown plants).
Shrub/Tree Hamamelis vernalis [Vernal Witchhazel] Earliest blooming shrub for the Midwest. Good as a neutral filler for the border with quiet seasonal interest. More pH tolerant than Hamamelis virginiana. Should not be pruned (tip pinching would be acceptable to direct growth). Not as showy in bloom as Hamamelis mollis, the Chinese Witchhazel, or its hybrids.
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Hamamelis virginiana [Common Witchhazel] Flowers are in evidence because of their spicy fragrance before they are visually obvious, but are fairly showy after leaf drop. Should not be pruned (tip pinching would be acceptable to direct growth).
Shrub Indiana Native Hydrangea arborescens [Smooth Hydrangea] The Smooth Hydrangea is an Indiana native found along woodlands and waterways with rocky soils. The flowers of Hydrangea arborescens can be large and heavy, bending stems to the ground. Best used in a shady area or along foundations of buildings for some support. This plant often gets cut back hard to the ground in late winter to maintain a neat look and to promote vigorous flowering the following summer. Hydrangea arborescens is a fast…
Shrub Hydrangea quercifolia [Oakleaf Hydrangea] A unique plant with attractive flower panicles and large, coarse, handsome foliage. Tops (including flower buds formed in fall) can die back when winter temperatures go much below – 20 degrees F (often in Zone 6b and colder). Flowers form on previous season's growth. Thus, no flowers will appear in the years when the tops are killed. May be best used for foliage effect in cold areas. Not very drought tolerant. Spreads by stolons forming…
Shrub Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alice' [Alice Oakleaf Hydrangea] Alice is an upright, stoloniferous shrub with a broad, rounded habit which grows 5-8' tall and similar in witdth. In optimum growing conditions, Alice can reach heights of 12' tall. The flowers of this shrub are the highlight of any landscape with creamy-white, feathery panicles that change to a rosy-pink color with age. Large, coarse green leaves change to a burgundy-red in the fall. Exfoliating stems add texture and color during the winter months. Tops…
Shrub Hydrangea quercifolia 'Flemygea' [sold as Snow Queen™] [Snow Queen Oakleaf Hydrangea] A unique plant with attractive flower panicles and large, coarse handsome foliage. 'Flemygea' is known for its larger and more numerous showy, sterile flowers in each panicle. This cultivar also has stronger flower stems that can withstand a heavy rain better than many Hydrangea quercifolia variants. Tops (including flower buds formed in fall) can die back when winter temperatures go much below – 20 degrees F (often in Zone 6b and colder). Flowers form on…
Shrub Hydrangea quercifolia 'Pee Wee' [Dwarf Oakleaf Hydrangea] A unique plant with attractive flower panicles and coarse, handsome foliage. 'Pee Wee' is an excellent compact cultivar (up to 3' high and wide) that has smaller leaves and flower panicles than the species type. Tops (including flower buds formed in fall) can die back when winter temperatures go much below – 20 degrees F (often in Zone 6b and colder). Flowers form on previous season's growth. Thus, no flowers will appear in the years…
Shrub Hydrangea quercifolia 'Sike’s Dwarf' [Dwarf Oakleaf Hydrangea] A unique plant with attractive flower panicles and coarse, handsome foliage. 'Sike's Dwarf'' is an excellent compact cultivar (up to 3' high and 4' wide) that has smaller leaves and flower panicles than the species type. Tops (including flower buds formed in fall) can die back when winter temperatures go much below – 20 degrees F (often in Zone 6b and colder). Flowers form on previous season's growth. Thus, no flowers will appear in the…
