Cotoneaster is a genus of evergreen, semi-evergreen, and deciduous shrubs; Low-growing types can be used as groundcovers; medium to tall types can be used as hedges and screens. Most have graceful, arching branches, small white flowers in mid to late spring, and red berries that hold on the plant from late summer into winter. All Cotoneasters […] More
Skimmia — Japanese skimmia–are evergreen shrubs and trees grown for their aromatic foliage and often fragrant flower clusters. Some Skimmia species also bear ornamental fruits. Skimmia tend to be dense rounded shrubs with glossy elliptic leaves. It prefers partial to full shade. In spring, tiny white flowers open from clusters of pinkish buds held above the foliage. When […] More
Nandina — commonly called heavenly bamboo–is an evergreen shrub grown widely for its graceful habit and foliage–often bronze-red when young and again in fall. Nandina bears small white flowers in clusters and red berries that persist through winter. Nandina is a slow to moderate grower and is most useful for its light, airy vertical effects as well […] More
Myrica — commonly called wax myrtle or northern bayberry–is an aromatic shrub and attractive small berries that appeal to birds. Myrica does not have showy flowers. Myrica is commonly used as an informal hedge, screening plant, and along roadsides. It is handsome but tough plant; Myrica can withstand salt spray, drought, or boggy sites. Myrica is found […] More
Leucothoe — commonly called drooping Leucothoe –is a small to medium-size shrub that bears clusters of urn-shaped white flowers. Flowers bloom in racemes. Leucothoe has a graceful, arching shape, with branches of some species forming zigzags. Leucothoe shiny, leathery leaves are frequently colored bronze or purple in spring or fall. Leucothoe is effective in areas where its shape […] More
Itea — commonly called sweetspire or Virginia sweetspire– bears catkin-like panicles of small white flowers. There is both an evergreen and deciduous variety of Itea; both have handsome holly-like leaves but otherwise are not too similar. The deciduous variety bears colorful fall foliage. Itea is a genus of about 10 species. Sweetspire prefers moist soil and is best grown […] More
Kalmia — commonly called mountain laurel –is a beautiful flowering shrub related to the rhododendron. Kalmia flower stalks bear a small bud that looks like a fluted turban; the buds open to chalice-shaped blooms with five star-like points. Flowers have anther sacs with dark dots–thus a second common name “calico bush.” Kalmia is an evergreen shrub. Like rhododendrons, […] More
Euonymus is a genus of 175 species that include evergreen and deciduous shrubs and evergreen vines. Deciduous types are valued for their brilliant fall leaf color and prominent fruit; evergreen types are used often as landscape foundation and structure plants. Most Euonymus tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to fairly deep shade. Deciduous […] More
Enkianthus is a medium to large deciduous shrub grown for its clusters of bell-shaped flowers and fall color. The creamy-white, red-veined, urn-shaped flowers appear in terminal umbels from mid-spring to early summer. The lance-shaped leaves turn from green to various shades of orange and red in autumn. Enkianthus grows best in an open location. Plant […] More
Calycanthus–commonly called Carolina allspice–is a large, bulky shrub with lush foliage and unusual, fruit-scented flowers. Calycanthus flowers are narrow and lance-shaped; they resemble tiny waterlilies. Calycanthus is a deciduous shrub native to woodlands and streambanks. It is a good choice for a border, for a summer flowering hedge, or as specimens. Calycanthus flowers on the […] More
Cassia is a genus of flowering shrubs and trees and one perennial (Cassia marilandica) which are known for their yellow and golden pea-like flowers. Cassia species are commonly found in moist woodlands, along riverbanks, and in tropical scrubland regions around the world. Cassias have pinnate leaves and 5-petaled loosely bowl-shaped flowers produce in open panicles […] More
Caryopteris — commonly known as bluebeard or blue spirea — is a small deciduous shrub often treated as a perennial. It’s grown for its frothy, rounded flower clusters that appear in mid-summer. The flowers appear against handsome, gray-green, fine-textured foliage that emits a pleasant eucalyptus-like fragrance with rubbed. Flowers are borne on the current year’s shoots. Often the […] More
Stephen Albert