Shrub/Tree Cotinus × 'Grace' [Grace Smokebush] 'Grace' has become a popular cultivar with its purple emerging leaves and giant panicles of smokey, pink flowers. The "flowers" are actually misty fruiting panicles that give the species its name. The fine-textured hairs on the fruit pedicels and peduncles change colors, being best when tinted smoky pink. Can be pruned to low framework each year to promote plant coloration which occurs best on vigorous stems.
Shrub Cotoneaster apiculatus [Cranberry Cotoneaster] An excellent groundcover for full sun in almost any soil, except that weeds encroach easily for the first few years. Use effective mulch. Subject to damage from fireblight occasionally, and from mites, especially in dry situations. Not tolerant of wet sites. Collects litter and leaves (in the fall), which are difficult to rake out.
Shrub Cotoneaster divaricatus [Spreading Cotoneaster] One of the most ornamental and trouble-free of the cotoneasters, although subject to the troubles of Rosaceous plants on occasion. These include lacebugs, scale, mites, and fireblight, but they are not usually a serious problem.
Shrub Cotoneaster horizontalis [Rockspray Cotoneaster] C. horizontalis is a low, flat, dense shrub with horizontally spreading branches creating a tiered effect. A generally trouble-free cotoneaster, although can be subject to the troubles of Rosaceous plants on occasion. Fireblight is more problematic for this species in the South.
Shrub Cotoneaster multiflorus [Many-flowered Cotoneaster] Salt tolerant and pH adaptable, and has best appearance when grown as multi-stemmed and branching to the ground. Mites, aphids, canker, and fireblight can be problems in stressful sites.
Shrub Cycas revoluta [Sago Palm] Unlike what the common name suggests, the Sago Palm is not a true palm, but actually a cycad. Useful for fine planting near entranceway. Not salt tolerant. Scale, leaf spot, micronutrient deficiencies can be problems. The variety variegata has yellow-green leaf variegation patterns.
Shrub Daphne × burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie' [Variegated Burkwood Daphne] Requires excellent drainage, relatively low fertility, and consistent moisture. Best in a cool site, on soil with pH near neutral, in partial shade to full sun. Notably difficult to transplant. Sometimes dies suddenly with no warning signs. 'Carol Mackie' is more vigorous than the species type.
Shrub Indiana Native Dasiphora fruticosa [Bush Cinquefoil] Extreme hardiness and long season of bloom make this a favorite in severe climates. Low stature and tolerance of poor, dry soils give it added usefulness in other areas also. Can develop a ragged, unkept habit over time. Remove 1/3 of canes each year (3-year pruning cycle), and consider renewal pruning to a very low framework every 3-5 years if needed.
Shrub Dasiphora fruticosa 'Abbotswood' [White Bush Cinquefoil] 'Abbotswood' has beautiful, large, white flowers and an especially long blooming period. Extreme hardiness and long season of bloom make Potentilla fruticosa a favorite in severe climates. Low stature and tolerance of poor, dry soils give it added usefulness in other areas also. Can develop a ragged, unkept habit over time. Remove 1/3 of canes each year (3-year pruning cycle), and consider renewal pruning to a very low framework every 3-5 years if needed.
Shrub Dasiphora fruticosa 'Yellow Bird' [Yellow Bird Bush Cinquefoil] 'Yellow Bird' has large, single to semi-double yellow flowers. Extreme hardiness and long season of bloom make Potentilla fruitcosa a favorite in severe climates. Low stature and tolerance of poor, dry soils give it added usefulness in other areas also. Can develop a ragged, unkept habit over time. Remove 1/3 of canes each year (3-year pruning cycle), and consider renewal pruning to a very low framework every 3-5 years if needed.