Tree Indiana Native Betula populifolia [Gray Birch] Beautiful white bark, although becomes dirty gray with age. Does well on the poorest of sterile soils, seeds, and suckers quickly. Grows on sandy, rocky and even gravelly sites. Tolerates both wet and dry conditions. Prefers full sun. Susceptible to leaf miner and cankers; more resistant to the bronze birch borer. Leaf minors especially problematic.
Tree Betula × 'Crimson Frost' [Crimson Frost Birch] This hybrid birch is very closely related to Betula platyphylla in form and care, with the exception of its striking red-purple leaves. It is a graceful tree, interesting for its pure white bark that contrasts nicely with the dark foliage. The Crimson Frost Birch is especially well adapted to wet soils, and does not do well in dry situations. Less subject to the borer troubles of B. papyrifera in the Midwest, although still susceptible.
Liana (Climbing Vine) Bougainvillea spectabilis [Bouganvillea] Generally seen as a vine, but is also grown as a shrub, or even trained into a small tree. Can become a nice house plant as it survives house climates. Usually evergreen, but can be deciduous, especially in drier conditions. Drought tolerant. The root system of the Bougainvillea is very fragile and doesn't form a good firm root ball. Relatively pest free, but can be affected by worms, snails and aphids.
Shrub Buddleia davidii [Butterfly-Bush] The Butterfly-Bush is valued for its profusion of attractive, fragrant purple flowers and long bloom period that can even stretch into October. The flowers of this large, tough shrub attract a considerable amount of butterflies. This plant tolerates clay soil, and drought once established, but is not tolerant of wet soils. To maintain vigor and flower size, it is recommended to give this plant a hard prune or prune to the ground in early spring,…
Shrub Buddleia davidii 'Miss Molly' [Miss Molly Butterfly-Bush] The Miss Molly Butterfly-Bush is valued for its profusion of attractive, fragrant deep pink to red flowers and long bloom period that can even stretch into October. The flowers of this large, tough shrub attract a considerable amount of butterflies. This plant tolerates clay soil, and drought once established, but is not tolerant of wet soils. To maintain vigor and flower size, it is recommended to give this plant a hard prune or prune to…
Shrub Buddleia davidii 'Peakeep' [sold as Peacock™] [Peacock Butterfly-Bush] The Peacock Butterfly-Bush is a compact, dwarf cultivar and is valued for its profusion of attractive, fragrant pinkish-purple flowers and long bloom period that can even stretch into October. The flowers of this shrub attract a considerable amount of butterflies. This plant tolerates clay soil, but is not tolerant of wet soils. To maintain vigor and flower size, it is recommended to give this plant a hard prune or prune to the ground in early…
Shrub Buddleia davidii 'White Profusion' [White Profusion Butterfly-Bush] The White Profusion Butterfly-Bush is notable for its densely borne, attractive, fragrant white flowers and long bloom period that can even stretch into October. At up to 6 feet high and wide, this cultivar is smaller than the straight species. The flowers of this tough shrub attract a considerable amount of butterflies. This plant tolerates clay soil, and drought once established, but is not tolerant of wet soils. To maintain vigor and flower size, it…
Shrub Buxus 'Glencoe' [Chicagoland Green Buxus] Low maintenance cultivar popularized in Illinois through partnership with the Chicago Botanic Garden. Broad mounded shrub that is a fast grower in full sun.
Shrub Buxus 'Green Gem' [Green Gem Boxwood] This species is a hybrid of Buxus sinica and Buxus sempervirens and is described as a perfect round ball. Hardier than var. insularis 'Winter Beauty'. Requires little prunning and shearing. Avoid cultivating around plants because they have a shallow root. Roots appreciate a good mulch ( 1-2"). Thin plants and remove damaged branches annually to improve air circulation. Buxus X 'Green Gem' is best suited to a sheltered lacation which protects it in the winter…
