Fragrant, Native Shrub

Fothergilla gardenii (Dwarf Fothergilla) is native to the southeastern United States. It grows in sunny, wet habitats and attains a height of two to three feet, which can easily be accommodated in small gardens. In late April to early May, it produces beautiful white, fragrant bottlebrush inflorescence. It will survive in the shade although a plant that receives at least a half-day of sun will produce more flowers and will grow in a rounder, more compact habit. The outstanding fall color is a brilliant yellow to orange or scarlet. This relatively pest and disease free plant should be utilized in a woodland situation, a mixed border, in a mass planting or as a part of a foundation planting. Plant in moist, well-drained sites. Hardy in zones 5-8.

Attractive, Evergreen Ground Cover

Microbiota decussata (Russian Arborvitae) is an evergreen ground cover that makes a unique replacement for junipers. The pleasing green color changes in fall to bronzy-purple. It will perform nicely in moist, well-drained soils or dry conditions, in part shade to full sun locations. The prostrate growth will attain a height of about 12-16" and will grow horizontally (8-12" annually) to reach a spread of 12'. Also works nicely in a raised planter where it can weep over the sides. No known pests or diseases bother Russian Arborvitae, unlike other coniferous ground covers which can be plagued by tip blights. Hardy in zones 3-8.

Multi-Season Interest Flowering Tree

Stewartia pseudocamellia (Japanese Stewartia) is a very attractive flowering tree. Although slow to establish, this tree reaches 20-40’ tall at maturity. The multi-stemmed habit showcases its ornamental exfoliating bark, which displays dark brown to red hues. At the end of June through early July, numerous 3” diameter, white flowers appear with striking yellow stamens. Japanese Stewartia grows best in light shade in soils that are moist, organically rich, and acidic. Truly a multi-season interest tree, Japanese Stewartia also has terrific fall foliage that ranges from orange to scarlet. Japanese Stewartia is also a pest-resistant, prized performer that needs little pruning. Hardy in zones 5-7.

Evergreen Ground Cover for Dry Shade

Epimedium x perralchicum 'Frohnleiten' (Frohnleiten Barrenwort) is a sturdy, quick establishing, low maintenance ground cover for the shade. It performs best in moist, organic soils, but will grow admirably in difficult, dry shade locations. For fast coverage, plant 3" pot-sized plants 6-8" apart. Plants spaced 12" apart will fill in more slowly as the plants produce runners. Cut back in the spring. Bright yellow flowers appear soon after, then the fresh green foliage with a red edge resumes growth and remains evergreen throughout the year. Hardy in zones 5-9.

Tall, Late-Blooming Perennial 

Rudbeckia nitida 'Autumn Sun' (syn. 'Herbstsonne') (Autumn Sun Coneflower) produces a dramatic show in the late August and September garden with many 3 to 411 yellow-rayed, green eyed flowers on 5' to 6' upright growing stems holding large shiny, gray-green leaves. Remove spent flowers to prolong bloom. Grow it in full sun to prevent flopping. Leave plants and seed heads to provide structure and texture in the winter garden. 

Disease-Resistant Flowering Crabapple

Malus Sugar Tyme® (syn.'Sutyzam' P.P.#7062) (Sugar Tyme® Crabapple) is a highly disease-resistant crabapple. This small tree reaches 18’ tall with a spread of 15’ at maturity. It has profuse and slightly fragrant pink flowers, attractive foliage, persistent red fruit, and interesting, smooth bark which adds appeal throughout the wintertime. This multi-season specimen tree has consistently good flowering and performs best in sun. Sugar Tyme® Crabapple is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, although it performs best in rich, welldrained soil. Hardy in zones 5-8.

Medium-Sized Flowering Shrub

Viburnum dilatatum ‘Erie’ (Erie Linden Viburnum) is an adaptable, medium-sized, 8’ high, 8’ spread at maturity, broad, rounded shrub. Use as specimen, in shrub borders, mass plantings, even as hedge. Creamy-white late May or early June 4-5” flowers, in flat clusters, give way to red fall fruit (turns coral after frost) as dark green glistening foliage turns yellow-orange to rust. Flowers best in full sun but adapts to light shade, in moist soils. Hardy in zones 5-7. 

Jim's Pride Delightful Daphne 

Daphne × transatlantica 'Jim's Pride' (formerly Daphne caucasica) (Jim's Pride Daphne) is a wonderfully scented small shrub, growing to about 4’ by 4’. Fragrant white May or June flowers cover the attractive somewhat grey green leaves which generally remain throughout the year. Flowers continue until frost and may sporadically appear during any warm days of winter. It grows best in partial shade with excellent drainage. Purchase healthy looking plants with many white feeder roots. Hardy in zones 5-9.

Dry Shade Perennial 

Heuchera villosa ‘Autumn Bride’ (Autumn Bride Alumroot) is a hard-working native of a mostly evergreen perennial for difficult dry shade locations. It will tolerate sun and appreciate more moisture. The attractive white-green fuzzy leaves form a 15” tall by 24” wide mound in decent conditions that is covered with wands of white flowers in September. Utilize as a ground cover, edging or specimen plant and in woodland garden or massed. Hardy in zones 3-8.

Decorative, Flowering Shrub

Hypericum frondosum 'Sunburst' (Sunburst Golden St. Johnswort) is an upright, 30” x 30” deciduous shrub with a profusion of bright yellow flowers in June into July and attractive blue-green foliage. It has decorative reddish-brown fruit capsules (nice in floral arrangements) and exfoliating bark in winter. This dependable performer, even in dry conditions, is pest & disease resistant and low maintenance; rejuvenate in five or six years by cutting back near ground (stooling) in early spring. It works well massed, in border or foundation plantings, or even as single accent plant. Hardy in zones 5-8.

Fragrant, Evergreen, Woodland Ground Cover

Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis (Dwarf Sweetbox) has attractive, dark evergreen foliage that hides the highly fragrant white flowers which bloom February-March. This woodland ground cover grows to about 24” in height and width, and spreads slowly to form nice drifts. Plant in moist, acidic soils in shaded or partially shaded areas.  Dwarf Sweetbox works well with rhododendrons and other acid-loving plants. It is best to mulch new plantings. It is highly pest resistant. Hardy in zones 6-8. 

Summer-Flowering Shrub

Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea) is a dramatic, summer-flowering shrub with creamy white cone-shaped flowers up to 1 long that age to purplish-pink. Deep-green oak-leaf shaped leaves turn shades of red, orange and purple in fall. Use as a specimen, in the shrub or mixed border, or on a woodland edge. Mature size is about 8 tall and 10 wide, though it could be kept smaller with pruning. Will grow in part-shade but full sun produces the most flowers and best fall color; on older plants, peeling cinnamon bark adds winter interest. It does well in moist, well-drained fertile soil; mulch to keep root zone cool. Its loose growing habit is well suited to naturalistic gardens. Hardy in zones 4-8.

Elegant, Evergreen Tree

Picea orientalis (Oriental Spruce) is a dense, graceful, narrow, pyramidal spruce with pendulous branches, and short, ¼ - ½' needles that are a very dark green and shiny. It is an elegant evergreen tree for Long Island landscapes that grows 50' to 60' tall and 20' to 25' wide after about 60 years, to 120' ultimately with enough space. It is adaptable to poor soils (water well until established, however) and has few disease or insect problems. This is an attractive specimen tree for any location and is superior to both Norway and White Spruce. Hardy in zones 4-8.

Beautiful Flowering Cherry

Prunus ‘Hally Jolivette’ (Hally Jolivette Cherry) is a beautiful, small, flowering cherry tree. This cherry grows fast and flowers profusely even when young. The pink buds of the semi-double flowers start to open in late April through early May. Flowers are light pink or white with a deep red or purple center, and appear before the leaves, providing continually opening blossoms over a 10-20 day period. Hally Jolivette Cherry is densely branched, yet finely textured. It may also be grown as a multi-stemmed shrub, although this form is rarely available. It is very cold-hardy and stress-tolerant for a cherry. Hardy in zones 5-8.

Tough, Deer-Resistant Ground Cover

Waldsteinia ternata (Siberian Barren-strawberry) is a tough, vigorous, mat forming semi-evergreen ground cover. This low growing plant reaches only 4-5” tall and has shiny foliage that resembles a strawberry plant. ½” wide, saucer-shaped, bright yellow flowers appear in late spring through early summer. This plant thrives in humus-rich, acidic soil in partial or full shade. It effectively competes with weeds once established. Works well as a lawn alternative or ground cover in a natural garden and is deer resistant. Hardy in zones 4-7. 

Elegant Holly with Hanging Fruit

Ilex pedunculosa (Longstalk Holly) is one of the most attractive hollies with thornless, shiny, 1-3” long, dark green leaves and interesting red ¼” fruit that hangs on 1 ½” stems which generally persist from October into November when birds don’t get them.  It has a graceful balance of dense foliage with open structure over its height which can reach 30’ and spread of 15’ but generally is closer to 15’ tall in cultivation.  Plant in spring in decent, fertile, moist soils though is tolerant of less than ideal conditions, best in partial shade to partial sun locations; male needed to pollinate female for fruit production. Hardy in zones 5-7. 

Compact, Flowering Shrub

Abelia grandiflora ‘Rose Creek’ (Rose Creek Glossy Abelia) is a low growing, dense cultivar that has attractive rosy foliage. It has light pink to white flowers starting in July, terrific foliage color from Sept; both lasting until a hard frost. Generally grows to 3’ tall; should be cut to the ground in late winter every 3-5 years. Use in mixed border, a hedge, even an interesting groundcover; plant in sun to part shade in well-drained organic soils with good moisture during growth. Plants are evergreen where protected. Hardy in zones 6-9.

Blue-Hued, Ornamental Grass

Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ (Heavy Metal Switchgrass) is a selection of a native prairie grass with 5’ upright, metallic blue leaves. It is terrific in naturalized gardens and mass planted particularly when sun setting behind. Pink flowers give nice late season color. Leaves turn yellow in fall; for winter interest, leave stand until early spring. Grow this low maintenance, pest resistant grass in full sun in average soils; withstands drought and heat; space new plantings 3’ apart. Hardy in zones 5-9. 

Unique, Glossy, Evergreen Tree

Sciadopitys verticillata (Japanese Umbrella Pine) is a remarkably beautiful dark green pyramidal tree has dense whorls of glossy flat needles. This specimen tree is slow-growing in early years (approx. 6” per year), becomes a valuable mature plant in any landscape, generally to 30’ tall by 20’ wide, occasionally to 60’ or taller. Plant in spring or fall in full sun to light shade in fertile moist soil. Usually pest free and deer resistant; only pruning is of competing leaders; do not remove lower branches. Hardy in zones 5-8.

Small, Evergreen Shrub

Skimmia japonica (Japanese Skimmia) is a rounded and dense evergreen shrub to about 3’ X 4’ for foundation and mixed plantings; nice sized for small gardens. Plant in moist, organic acid soils in shade and part shade areas and protect from winter sun and wind. A male must be planted near female plants (up to 6) to produce the persistent bright red fruit in Nov. (lasts until spring). Hardy in zones 6-8.

Vigorous, Fragrant Vine

Clematis montana var. rubens (Pink Anemone Clematis) is a vigorous, disease-resistant vine, 20-30’ with many rosy pink 2-2 ½” fragrant flowers from May into July.  Grow in organic soil with roots in shade or mulched with top growth in sun to part shade with good moisture during growth.  Prune after flowering for shape and size.  Use on fences or other sturdy supports. Hardy in zones 4-9.

Low-Maintenance, Attactive Ground Cover

Geranium x cantabrigiense ‘Biokovo’ (Biokovo Hardy Geranium) spreads moderately fast to form a dense ground cover, compact, generally to 6”, occasionally to 12” tall.  Plant on 12” centers, 6” for faster coverage.  It gives better weed control than other geraniums; does not need to be cut down after flowering; glossy green foliage turns reddish in fall.  It is tolerant of some shade but produces more white to light pink flowers in sun and part sun locations.  Grow in well-drained soils with moisture during growth. Hardy in zones 5-9.

Versatile, Small Flowering Tree

Syringa reticulata ‘Ivory Silk’ (Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac) is a delightful small tree that grows 20-25’ tall. It has dark green foliage and large clusters of creamy white flowers which appear in June. A tough tree that tolerates urban conditions, Japanese Tree Lilac should be grown in full sun in any well-drained soil. Japanese Tree Lilac is quite versatile and can be used as a street tree under utility lines, as a small specimen, in a grouping, near buildings, and for property line screening. Hardy in zones 3-7.

Dwarf, Fragrant, Evergreen Shrub

Viburnum x burkwoodii ‘Conoy’ (Conoy Burkwood Viburnum) is a terrific pest-resistant, dwarf, evergreen shrub with flat, fragrant, creamy white May flowers; dense, rounded to 4’ tall and 7’ wide.  Grow in sun to part shade locations in well-drained alkaline soil; best fruiting (reddish purple) for birds if planted in groups or as a hedge but is a good specimen or foundation planting. Hardy in zones 5-8.

Unique, Large, Flowering Shrub

Aesculus parviflora (Bottlebrush Buckeye)

Tough, Ornamental Grass

Carex 'Ice Dance' (Ice Dance Japanese Sedge)

All-Season, Specimen Tree

Parrotia persica (Persian Parrotia)

Flowering Ground Cover for Moist Shade

Phlox stolonifera (Creeping Phlox)

Native, Flowering Vine

Lonicera sempervirens (Trumpet Honeysuckle)

Long-Blooming Perennial

Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Caradonna Sage)

Small, Specimen Flowering Tree

Styrax japonicus 'Emerald Pagoda' (Emerald Pagoda Japanese Snowbell)

Blue, Drought-Tolerant Perennial

Baptisia australis (Blue Indigo)

Early-Flowering Small Tree

Cornus mas 'Golden Glory' (Golden Glory Corneliancherry Dogwood) is a small, multi-stemmed tree or large shrub that grows up to 25’ in height. Golden Glory is a more upright form that flowers abundantly. The small yellow flowers are a true harbinger of spring as they open in early April. Attractive, exfoliating bark and small, red, summer fruits provide year-round interest. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade in any well-drained soil. This tough tree does not succumb to the common problems that plague other dogwoods. Hardy in zones 4-7.

Evergreen, Weed-Suppressive Creeper

Sedum spurium 'John Creech' (John Creech Two Row Stonecrop)

Small, Specimen Tree with Unique Bark

Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple)

Fragrant, Flowering Perennial Herb

Calamintha nepeta 'Blue Cloud' (Blue Cloud Calamint)*

Small, Pest-Resistant, Flowering Tree

Chionanthus retusus (Chinese Fringetree)