Plants

Gymnocladus dioicus

[Kentucky Coffeetree]

Gymnocladus dioicus is a large deciduous tree with strong winter character from the branches and bark. Drops pods (female trees) and twigs, frequently causing litter problem, thus eliminating the straight species as a good street tree. Seeds were once used by US settlers as a coffee substitute, however pulp and seeds are toxic when not properly and completely roasted.

Gymnocladus dioicus 'Espresso'

[Espresso Kentucky Coffeetree]

Gymnocladus dioicus 'Espresso' is a large, male, fruitless deciduous tree with strong winter character with its vase-like habit and rough bark.

Hamamelis × intermedia 'Sunburst'

[Sunburst Witchhazel]

The Sunburst Witchhazel is a large, vase-shaped deciduous shrub that produces a profusion of interesting, strap-like lemon-yellow and red flowers in mid to late winter.

Hamamelis vernalis

[Vernal Witchhazel]

Earliest blooming shrub for the Midwest. Good as a neutral filler for the border with quiet seasonal interest. More pH tolerant than Hamamelis virginiana. Should not be pruned (tip pinching would be acceptable to direct growth). Not as showy in bloom as Hamamelis mollis, the Chinese Witchhazel, or its hybrids.

Hedera helix

[English Ivy]

Tolerant of heavy shade to full sun except at the northern limits of its useful range, where some protection from full winter sun is necessary. Useful as a groundcover only, not as a vine, in Zone 5b, except hardiest cultivars in sheltered sites. Vigorous and can be a weed problem in certain regions of the country (like the NW US) where it can smother woodlands. Poisonous fruits, but it generally takes many years for it…

Hedera helix 'Baltica'

[Baltica English Ivy]

'Baltica' has smaller leaves with more prominent white veination. Foliage becomes tinged with purple in the winter. Tolerant of heavy shade to full sun except at the northern limits of its useful range, where some protection from full winter sun is necessary. Vigorous and can be a weed problem in certain regions of the country (like the NW US) where it can smother woodlands. Poisonous fruits, but it generally takes many years for it to…

Hedera helix 'Thorndale'

[Thorndale English Ivy]

'Thorndale' is a very hardy cultivar that has large, glossy leaves with striking white veination. Tolerant of heavy shade to full sun except at the northern limits of its useful range, where some protection from full winter sun is necessary. Useful as a groundcover and vine. Vigorous and can be a weed problem in certain regions of the country (like the NW US) where it can smother woodlands. Poisonous fruits, but it generally takes many…

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

[Little Lime Hydrangea]

Hydrangea quercifolia

[Oakleaf Hydrangea]

A unique plant with attractive flower panicles and large, coarse, handsome foliage. Tops (including flower buds formed in fall) can die back when winter temperatures go much below – 20 degrees F (often in Zone 6b and colder). Flowers form on previous season's growth. Thus, no flowers will appear in the years when the tops are killed. May be best used for foliage effect in cold areas. Not very drought tolerant. Spreads by stolons forming…

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alice'

[Alice Oakleaf Hydrangea]

Alice is an upright, stoloniferous shrub with a broad, rounded habit which grows 5-8' tall and similar in witdth. In optimum growing conditions, Alice can reach heights of 12' tall. The flowers of this shrub are the highlight of any landscape with creamy-white, feathery panicles that change to a rosy-pink color with age. Large, coarse green leaves change to a burgundy-red in the fall. Exfoliating stems add texture and color during the winter months. Tops…