Plants

Pinus sylvestris 'Hillside Creeper'

[Creeping Scotch Pine]

'Hillside Creeper' is a low-growing, spreading evergreen that can be used as a groundcover. Tolerant of fairly dry soils, but not a good specimen in shade or on wet soils.

Pinus thunbergii

[Japanese Black Pine]

The Japanese Black Pine develops a picturesque, open, and irregular form with age (excellent for bonsai), but pruning can be used to develop denser branching, if desired. This species is very tolerant of salt spray and is especially useful for coastal plantings. Pinus thunbergii is quite susceptible to Pine Wilt Disease from the Pine Wood Nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), which is vectored by the Pine Sawyer Beetle. Tends to have a shorter life span when grown…

Pinus thunbergii 'Thunderhead'

[Thunderhead Japanese Pine]

Platanus × acerifolia

[London Planetree]

Platanus x acerifolia is quite similar to P. occidentalis, but was originally advertised as being much more pest resistant. P. x acerifolia was quickly overplanted, and it is clear that pest resistance varies among hybrids, and can be quite poor. Pests that can severely affect this species include sycamore anthracnose, cankerstain, Botryosphaeria canker, leaf spot, powdery mildew, sycamore lace bug, and American plum borer. One of the largest of shade trees, making massive, majestic specimens.…

Platanus × acerifolia 'Bloodgood'

[Bloodgood London Planetree]

Platanus × acerifolia 'Morton Circle' [sold as EXCLAMATION!™]

[Exclamation London Planetree]

'Morton Circle' is a cultivar with exfoliating tan bark exposing white underneath. It has large palmately lobed leaves, and is monoecious with different fruit size and color.

Platanus occidentalis

[American Sycamore]

One of the largest of shade trees, making massive, majestic specimens. Tolerant of urban conditions, but generally found in riparian areas in the wild. The mottled, multi-colored, exfoliating bark is very beautiful and makes for excellent winter interest. Needs a large volume of soil space. Anthracnose leaf and twig blight occasionally disfigure this tree, and can damage it severely. Leaves, twigs, bark, and fruit contribute to a significant litter problem. Although this species can tolerate…

Platycladus orientalis

[Oriental Arborvitae]

Best in at least fairly moist soils, and with fairly high humidity. Habit tends toward becoming thinner (open) with age. Subject to "winter-burn" near the edge of its useful range. Certain forms provide very positive accent, but can be over-used. Bagworms can also be a problem.

Platycodon grandiflorus 'Astra Blue' [sold as Astra Blue Ballonflower]

[Astra Blue Ballonflower]

Platycodon grandiflorus 'Atsra Semi-double Blue' [sold as Astra Semi-double Blue Balloon Flower]

[Astra Semi-double Blue Balloon Flower]