Shrub Forsythia × intermedia [Border Forsythia] The most showy forsythia cultivars are found in this vigorous and adaptable hybrid species. Cut stems excised in mid-winter will flower indoors due to very short chilling requirement. Hardy to USDA Zone 4 for vegetative parts and USDA 5(6) for flowers. Flower buds are killed by severe winters in zone 5, and frequently in colder zones. Plants, however, are hardy in Zone 4. Too big for most foundations and small border plantings (Don't Shear!). Remove…
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.
Shrub Fouquieria splendens [Ocotillo] Habit of distinctive vertical lines providing a stark texture. Withstand long periods of drought. Leaves fall off when water is scarce, but can reappear within a few days after rain. This cycle of leaf drop and re-growth can reoccur several times a season. Foliage typically last about one month. Water twice a month to retain leaves in the summer. Otherwise, don't water. May not leaf out for a year after transplanting. Protected by Arizona native…
Shrub/Tree Frangula alnus [Glossy Buckthorn] Rhamnus frangula is very weedy (invasive in some areas) and adaptable, and generally has an unattractive, leggy habit. Birds love the fruits and spread the seeds. This species is not recommended for use in the landscape.
Shrub Frangula alnus 'Ron Williams' [sold as Fine Line®] [Fine Line Glossy Buckthorn] Though the name buckthorn is forever a synonym of invasiveness, this cultivar gives the species a round of redemption. Fine Line is a hybrid of the cultivars of R. frangula 'Aspleniifolia' and 'Columnaris', giving its distinct upright habit and the glossy dark green leaves. Though Fine Line will flower and fruit, the seed viability extremely low, removing the invasive threat.
Tree Franklinia alatamaha [Franklin Tree] Franklinia is a small tree or large shrub that was originally discovered in 1773 by John Bartman (Royal Botanist for North America appointed by King George III) and his son, William. Together, they found a small group of the species growing along the Altamaha River in Georgia, and since then no other wild populations have been discovered. This is a rare plant that now appears to be extinct in the wild. All specimens of Franklinia…
Tree Indiana Native Fraxinus americana [White Ash] Not as adaptable as Green Ash but has better esthetics. Heavy crops of seeds on female trees cause litter, and these germinate freely making the tree slightly weedy. 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 can be prevented…
