Podocarpus — sometimes called Southern Yew–is an evergreen coniferous shrub or tree. It can be grown as a dense hedge or screen or planted as a specimen tree in large gardens. Podocarpus bears deep green needle-like leaves arranged spirally around the stems. Podocarpus can be pruned to a columnar shape and kept to hedge height or it […] More
x Cupressocyparis — commonly known as Leyland Cypress–is a hybrid coniferous tree grown in hedges, for screening, and as a large lawn or specimen tree. x Cypressocyparis is a natural hybrid between species of Chamaecyparis and Cupressus. x Cupressocyparis (the x denotes that it is a hybrid) produces flattened spray of scale-like dark green leaves. It is columnar […] More
Ligustrum — commonly called privet–is one of the most widely used hedge plants. Ligustrum are grown for their foliage and flowers. Besides hedging, Ligustrum can used in shrub borders and as a background plant. Ligustrum bear showy clusters of white to creamy white flowers in late spring or early summer. Clipped hedges bear fewer flowers since shearing […] More
Berberis — commonly called barberry–are evergreen and deciduous shrubs with spiny stems, colorful fall foliage, colorful fruits, and small yellow or orange spring flowers. Berberis are highly adaptable to extremes of climate and soil, and they require no more than ordinary garden care. Berberis are vigorous growers. Inner branches require some cutting back to keep the plants […] More
Buxus — commonly called boxwood–are almost always grown for their small, tough, evergreen leaves and amenability to shearing and pruning. Boxwood is often used in formal hedges, both small and medium sized–and sometimes large. Buxus is easy to grow though it is a slow grower. When not clipped or pruned it has a soft, billowing appearance. The […] More
Physocarpus — commonly called Ninebark –is a deciduous shrub that bears round clusters of tiny white or pinkish flowers in spring or early summer. Physocarpus common name ninebarks come from its peeling bark, which strips off to reveal several layers. Physocarpus leaves look like the leaves of the currant plant. The flowers resemble the flowers of spirea or […] More
Sarcococca — commonly called sweet box–is grown for its handsome, dark green, wavy foliage and for its tiny, powerfully fragrant white flowers which appear hidden in the foliage in late winter and early spring. Sarcococca will grow and bloom in the deepest shade. Sarcococca is a polished green plant for shaded areas–beneath low growing evergreen trees, under […] More
Skimmia is a slow-growing evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves. In spring tiny white flowers open from clusters of pinkish buds held above the foliage. Skimmia bears holly-like red fruits in fall and winter. Skimmia is grown for its attractive leaves, flowers, and fruit. Skimmia flowers are star-shaped and strongly scented in some species. […] More
Genista — commonly called broom–bears sweet pea shaped yellow flowers from spring into summer. Genista has arching branches; species range from almost prostrate shrubs that can be used as ground cover to large shrubs reaching to 15 feet (4.5m) tall. Genista is commonly called broom; the branches were once used for making dust rooms. Genista […] More
Gaultheria is commonly grown for its combination of leathery leaves, small urn-shaped white flowers, and fleshy, long-lasting seed capsules. One species, Gaultheria procumbens, is a favorite low-growing ground cover for shade gardens. Low-growing Gaultheria varieties are suitable for woodland plantings, rock garden, or as a groundcover in a moist garden or shady hillside. Taller types […] More
Mahonia is an easy-to-grow evergreen shrub with spiny-toothed leaves and spiky clusters of bright yellow flowers. Flowers are usually followed by blue-black, sometimes red, berry-like fruit. Mahonias are useful for a variety of situations; low-growing varieties can be used as a groundcover; taller varieties can be grown in a shrub border, hedge, or woodland garden. Mahonias […] More
Cryptomeria —often called Japanese Cryptomeria–is a graceful conifer that grows eventually into a skyline tree, however, there are several dwarf cultivars that are low-growing and well-suited for even small gardens. Cryptomeria has soft bright green to bluish green foliage during the growing season. Needle-like leaves can turn brownish-purple in cold weather. Branches are slightly pendulous; the species […] More
Stephen Albert