Shrub Ilex glabra 'Green Magic' [Green Magic Inkberry] 'Green Magin' is a dense, compact hardy cutlivar that tends to hold on to its lower branches better than many other variants of Ilex glabra. This species, like other hollies, is dioecious, so plant females for fruit and an occasional male for pollination. Withstands severe pruning. Winter desiccation injury to leaves occurs in exposed sites, with severe yellowing when temperatures drop below -20 degrees F. Avoid high pH soils.
Shrub Indiana Native Itea virginica [Virginia Sweetspire] Quite drought and pH tolerant although best situated in moist areas with some acidity. Flowers best in full sun, but is shade tolerant. Pruning sometimes needed to maintain form, primarily for removal of wayward branches. Avoid pruning in late fall or winter as flowers form on previous season's wood. Can be subject to flea beetle and leaf spot.
Shrub Itea virginica 'Henry’s Garnet' [Henry's Garnet Virginia Sweetspire] 'Henry's Garnet' is an excellent cultivar that has larger flowers and more exceptional red and purple fall color when compared to the straight species. Resistant to flea beetle and leaf spot. Quite drought and pH tolerant although best situated in moist areas with some acidity. Flowers best in full sun, but is shade tolerant. Pruning sometimes needed to maintain form, primarily for removal of wayward branches. Avoid pruning in late fall or winter as flowers…
Shrub Itea virginica 'Sprich' [sold as Little Henry™] [Dwarf Virginia Sweetspire] The Little Henry Virginia Sweetspire is a compact, dwarf cultivar that has excellent flowers and fall color. Quite drought and pH tolerant although best situated in moist areas with some acidity. Flowers best in full sun, but is shade tolerant. Pruning sometimes needed to maintain form, primarily for removal of wayward branches. Avoid pruning in late fall or winter as flowers form on previous season's wood. Susceptible to flea beetle and leaf spot.
Shrub Kalmia latifolia [Mountain-laurel] Mountain-laurel is an Ericaceous broadleaf evergreen shrub with an abundance of interesting flower buds and stunning flowers in the spring. Site and exposure requirements similar to Rhododendron, that is, acidic, well drained soil and at least light protection from afternoon sun in winter for best results. Mulch to keep roots cool. Hardiness varies widely with geographic source of genetic material. Does not tolerate extremely dry conditions. Flowering is reduced by shade, but deadheading enhances flowering…
Shrub Kalmia latifolia 'Elf' [Elf Mountain-laurel] The Elf Mountain-laurel is a dwarf broadleaf evergreen shrub with an abundance of interesting flower buds and stunning flowers. Site and exposure requirements similar to Rhododendron, that is, acidic, well drained soil and at least light protection from afternoon sun in winter for best results. Mulch to keep roots cool. Hardiness varies widely with geographic source of genetic material. Does not tolerate extremely dry conditions. Flowering is reduced by shade, but deadheading enhances flowering for…
Shrub Kalmia latifolia 'Minuet' [Minuet Mountain-laurel] The Minuet Mountain-laurel is a dwarf broadleaf evergreen shrub with an abundance of interesting flower buds and stunning flowers. Site and exposure requirements similar to Rhododendron, that is, acidic, well drained soil and at least light protection from afternoon sun in winter for best results. Mulch to keep roots cool. Hardiness varies widely with geographic source of genetic material. Does not tolerate extremely dry conditions. Flowering is reduced by shade, but deadheading enhances flowering for…
Shrub Indiana Native Lindera benzoin [Spicebush] The Spicebush is an excellent native shrub for naturalizing or in borders. Tolerant of full shade, although it tends to become leggy in lower light situations. Difficult to transplant; use container-grown plants. Prefers moist soils; not especially drought tolerant. Dioecious.
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.
Tree Indiana Native Maclura pomifera [Osage-orange] Withstands wind and dry conditions well. Used by farmers as a hedgerow for livestock fencing because of its thorniness. Highly deer resistant. Fruits are said to be an insect and rodent repellent. Extremely decay resistant wood, containing 1% by weight 2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxystilbene (a fungitoxic compound). Large fruits create litter problem; select staminate trees to avoid fruit (unless you believe the fruits are of interest). Due to invasive root system, do not plant near sewer or drainage…
