Plants

Betula pendula ssp. mandshurica

[Asian White Birch]

A generally better choice than the species type, Betula platyphylla var. japonica is a larger, graceful tree with thinner, spreading branches and striking pure white bark. It is especially well adapted to wet soilsand does not do well in dry situations. Less subject to the borer troubles of B. papyrifera in the Midwest, although still susceptible.

Betula populifolia

[Gray Birch]

Beautiful white bark, although becomes dirty gray with age. Does well on the poorest of sterile soils, seeds, and suckers quickly. Grows on sandy, rocky and even gravelly sites. Tolerates both wet and dry conditions. Prefers full sun. Susceptible to leaf miner and cankers; more resistant to the bronze birch borer. Leaf minors especially problematic.

Betula × 'Crimson Frost'

[Crimson Frost Birch]

This hybrid birch is very closely related to Betula platyphylla in form and care, with the exception of its striking red-purple leaves. It is a graceful tree, interesting for its pure white bark that contrasts nicely with the dark foliage. The Crimson Frost Birch is especially well adapted to wet soils, and does not do well in dry situations. Less subject to the borer troubles of B. papyrifera in the Midwest, although still susceptible.

Boltonia asteroides var. latisquama 'Snowbank' [sold as Snowbank False Aster]

[Snowbank False Aster]

Bougainvillea spectabilis

[Bouganvillea]

Generally seen as a vine, but is also grown as a shrub, or even trained into a small tree. Can become a nice house plant as it survives house climates. Usually evergreen, but can be deciduous, especially in drier conditions. Drought tolerant. The root system of the Bougainvillea is very fragile and doesn't form a good firm root ball. Relatively pest free, but can be affected by worms, snails and aphids.

Bouteloua curtipendula [sold as Side Oats Grama]

[Side Oats Grama]

Brunnera macrophylla 'Dawson’s White' [sold as Dawson's White Siberian Bugloss]

[Dawson′s White Siberian Bugloss]

Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' [sold as Jack Frost Siberian Bugloss]

[Jack Frost Siberian Bugloss]

Buddleia davidii

[Butterfly-Bush]

The Butterfly-Bush is valued for its profusion of attractive, fragrant purple flowers and long bloom period that can even stretch into October. The flowers of this large, tough shrub attract a considerable amount of butterflies. This plant tolerates clay soil, and drought once established, but is not tolerant of wet soils. To maintain vigor and flower size, it is recommended to give this plant a hard prune or prune to the ground in early spring,…

Buddleia davidii 'Black Knight'

[Black Knight Butterfly Bush]