Shrub Microbiota decussata [Russian Arborvitae] The Russian Arborvitae is a low spreading, groundcover conifer that was discovered in Russia in 1921. It is generally easy to grow and can be a good substitute for Juniper in part shade situations, although it is best in full sun. This plant is not tolerant of extreme heat. Seeds of this plant can remain in a dormant state for up to 28 months.
Shrub Microbiota decussata 'Prides' [sold as Celtic Pride™] [Celtic Pride Russian Arborvitae] The Russian Arborvitae is a low spreading, groundcover conifer that was discovered in Russia in 1921. It is generally easy to grow and can be a good substitute for Juniper in part shade situations, although it is best in full sun. 'Prides', often sold under the name Celtic Pride is known for its excellent disease resistance and tolerance to difficult conditions. Seeds of this plant can remain in a dormant state for up to 28…
Shrub Nandina domestica [Heavenly Bamboo] The beautiful red fruits are so prolific they can even bend down branches. Tolerates full sun or shade, even fruits well in shade. Prune by cutting canes back to ground. Develops iron chlorosis on Southwestern US due to high soil pH. 'Atropurpurea Nana' stays 2' high with reddish-green color throughout summer, turning dark red in winter.
Shrub Nerium oleander [Oleander] Has high salt and wind tolerance, and is somewhat drought tolerant. Excellent visual barrier. All parts of this plant are poisonous to humans, even smoke is a serious irritant. Oleander caterpillar can be a problem. Many cultivars, including 'Hardy Red,' which has red flowers and is hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Shrub Indiana Native Opuntia humifusa [Pricklypear] The Pricklypear is a cactus native to the eastern United States, including Indiana, and is hardy to USDA zone 4. The cactus pads can break off and root into the ground, forming colonies. It is an evergreen plant, but becomes shriveled and wilted during cold winters. Fruits are edible and are often used to make jams and candies. The pads (fleshy green segments with thorns) are also edible as a roasted vegetable. This plant has…
Shrub Indiana Native Pachysandra procumbens [Allegheny Pachysandra] A shade loving plant, the pachysandra procumbens can be a good naturalizing groundcover with greyish green leaves. The Alleghany Pachysandra is considered to be more attractive than the overused Pachysandra terminalis. It is considered deciduous in USDA Zones 5 and 6 bue semi-evergreen to evergreen in Zones 7-9.
Shrub Paeonia × 'Leda' [Leda Tree Peony] The Tree Peony is a long-lived, very showy, deciduous shrub that produces numerous large, beautiful flowers beginning in mid to late spring. 'Leda' has large, semi-double blossoms of mauve-pink petals marked with deep reddish-purple flares at the base. These plants do best in a deep, fertile, and well-drained soil, with some protection from strong winds. In colder climates, some winter protection is beneficial to prevent desiccation. The only pruning necessary is to remove dead wood…
Shrub Paeonia × suffruticosa 'Godaishu' [Godaishu Tree Peony] The Tree Peony is a long-lived, very showy, deciduous shrub that produces numerous large, beautiful flowers beginning in mid to late spring. 'Godaishu' has large, white, semi-double blossoms. These plants do best in a deep, fertile, and well-drained soil, with some protection from strong winds. In colder climates, some winter protection is beneficial to prevent desiccation. The only pruning necessary is to remove dead wood and suckers in early spring, or a light pruning in…
