Plants

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

[Virginia Creeper]

One of the strongest-climbing vines, given solid support for attachment of the adhesive discs on tendrils (not root). Not a vine for trellises or fences. Tolerates any soil, and sun or shade. Limited value as groundcover.

Parthenocissus tricuspidata

[Boston Ivy]

One of the strongest-climbing vines, give solid support for attachment of the adhesive discs on tendrils. Not a vine for trellises or fences. Very tolerant of urban soils. Not a good groundcover.

Passiflora caerulea

[Blue Passionflower]

This is one of the hardiest passion flowers, dying back in colder climates, but hardy to 10 degrees F. (It is suspected that the specimen at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN (USDA zone 5a), is kept alive in the winter by the heat radiated from the greenhouses and building it is planted near.) Plant is evergreen in tropical environments. Extraordinary flowers and tasty, edible fruits (passion fruit). Prefers loose sandy or gravelly soil that…

Penstemon digitalis [sold as Foxglove Beardtongue]

[Foxglove Beardtongue]

Phellodendron amurense

[Amur Corktree]

A striking tree for its interesting bark and massive framework. Widely adaptable to soil, trouble-free, and drought and pollution resistance. Easily transplanted. May be less hardy when young and rapidly growing. Fruits smell like turpentine when crushed (or stepped on). This tree is demonstrating invasive characteristics in suburban and urban fringe forests. It escapes intended plantings to invade and displace native hardwood forests. Note: only female plants have the potential to become invasive. Phellodendron amurense…

Philadelphus coronarius

[Sweet Mockorange]

Well adapted to different light (even shade) and soil conditions, especially to dry situations. Relatively trouble-free, and one of the most fragrant of the mockoranges. None of the mockoranges have much landscape interest after the season of bloom. Becomes leggy if not pruned. Pruning should be done after flowering (flower buds form on previous years wood), and to maintain fullness of form.

Philadelphus × 'Miniature Snowflake'

[Mock Orange Miniature Snowflake]

Philadelphus'Snowbelle'

[Snowbelle Mock Orange]

'Snowbelle' is noted for having good heat and cold tolerance. It has minimal ornamental interest when not flowering.

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Monlo' [sold as Diabolo®]

[Diablo Eastern Ninebark]

Renew by cutting to the ground in late winter. Very course in texture in the winter with its multi-layered exfoliating bark (which gives it the common name of "ninebark"). 'Monlo', generally sold under the name Diablo, has reddish-purple leaves that sometimes fade to green in hotter climates.

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Seward' [sold as Summer Wine™]

[Summer Wine Eastern Ninebark]

Renew by cutting to the ground in late winter. Very course in texture in the winter with its multi-layered exfoliating bark (which gives it the common name of "ninebark"). 'Seward', generally sold under the name Summer Wine, has bronzy wine-red, more deeply cut leaves that may fade to green in hotter climates.