Shrub Kerria japonica [Japanese Kerria] Fairly adaptable to soils and microclimates, including considerable shade; best out of extremely sunny exposures. Occasionally winter-injured in the north, but otherwise relatively trouble-free. Suckers and spreads slowly. Needs occasional pruning to remove dead branches and renewal pruning to maintain form.
Shrub Kerria japonica 'Golden Guinea' [Golden Guinea Japanese Kerria] 'Golden Guinea' has crisply textured leaves and bears an abundance of large yellow flowers. Fairly adaptable to soils and microclimates, including considerable shade; best out of extremely sunny exposures. Occasionally winter-injured in the north, but otherwise relatively trouble-free. Suckers and spreads slowly. Needs occasional pruning to remove dead branches and renewal pruning to maintain form.
Shrub Kerria japonica 'Pleniflora' [Double Flowered Japanese Kerria] 'Pleniflora' is a very popular cultivar of Japanese Kerria with its long lasting, bright yellow, double flowers that are nearly spherical, reminiscent of "pom-poms". Fairly adaptable to soils and microclimates, including considerable shade; best out of extremely sunny exposures. Occasionally winter-injured in the north, but otherwise relatively trouble-free. Suckers and spreads slowly. Needs occasional pruning to remove dead branches and renewal pruning to maintain form.
Tree Koelreuteria paniculata [Goldenraintree] Colorful small tree in bloom and interesting for its form. Tolerates heat, drought, wind, alkaline soils, and air pollution. Newly emerging leaves can be damaged by late spring freezes. Rather weak-wooded. Can be damaged or killed by –25 degrees F. Invasive in some parts of the country.
Shrub Kolkwitzia amabilis [Beautybush] The Beautybush is an arching, deciduous shrub known for its spectacular pink flower show in the spring. However, it can be too coarse for the landscape when not in bloom. Dead wood should be removed and the plant should be pruned (even hard pruning to the ground) every few years to prevent the plant from becoming overgrown. Plants bloom on old wood so hard prunings will result in loss of bloom, but will improve the…
Shrub/Tree Lagerstroemia indica [Common Crapemyrtle] Can be grown as a tree or shrub. This species prefers hot sunny sites. For Zones 5 and 6, apply winter mulch to protect roots. Flower color ranges from white, pink, purple, or deep red that terminates the current year's growth. Long flowering period from July to September. Can have problems with powdery mildew.
Tree Larix decidua [European Larch] A deciduous conifer. Needs sun and good soil moisture. Does poorly on dry or chalky soil. Tolerates wet soil. A few insect pests can be problems, most notably, the larch case-bearer.
Tree Larix kaempferi [Japanese Larch] The Japanese Larch is a very large (up to 90' by 40'), conical, deciduous conifer with broad, horizontal branches. The bright green needles become an attractive golden-yellow in the fall. Should be given ample room to grow.
Shrub Lavandula angustifolia [Common Lavender] Beautiful, fragrant purple flowers and foliage. Great plant for fine texture in the front landscape borders. Pruning to the ground every 3 to 4 years keeps the foliage full to the ground and produces uniform, fresh new growth.
Shrub Lavandula angustifolia 'Ellagance Snow' [White Common Lavender] 'Ellagance Snow' is a smaller cultivar with beautiful, fragrant white flowers and foliage. Great plant for fine texture in the front landscape borders. Pruning to the ground every 3 to 4 years keeps the foliage full to the ground and produces uniform, fresh new growth.