Plants

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.

Fothergilla × intermedia 'Blue Shadow'

[Blue Shadow Fothergilla]

Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis 'Skycole' [sold as Skyline®]

[Skyline Thornless Honeylocust]

The Skyline Thornless Honeylocust is a nearly fruitless compact, pyramidal tree with a strongly upright habit and finely compound leaves that provide a pleasant, dappled shade in the summer. The thornless forma inermis is only sold in commerce, as the profuse thorns of the species type can be a liability. Mimosa webworm and locust mite are serious pests in the Midwest, and are becoming more serious (especially in areas tending toward monoculture). Can be controlled…

Halesia carolina 'Arnold Pink'

[Pink Carolina Silverbell]

This small tree is interesting when in bloom with pink bell-shaped flowers that are larger than the straight species, but this plant is rather neutral otherwise. However, it is 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).

Helleborus orientalis

[Lenten rose]

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.

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Robert' [sold as Let's Dance Moonlight™]

[Let's Dance Moonlight Bigleaf Hydrangea]

Let's Dance Moonlight Bigleaf Hydrangea is a mophead cultivar that reblooms throughout the late summer months (July-September). Slightly more compact than the straight species, Let's Dance Moonlight cultivar typically grows 2 to 3' in height and in width. Like most of hydrangeas, flower color depends on the acidity of the soil (blue for more acidic and pink for more basic soils). Best use of this shrub would be in mass plantings.

Hydrangea paniculata 'Bombshell '

[Bombshell Panicle Hydragea]

Hydrangea paniculata 'Jane' [sold as Little Lime®]

[Little Lime Hydrangea]

Hydrangea paniculata 'Little Quick Fire'

[Little Quick Fire Panicle Hydrangea]