Beautiful, Small Tree

Stewartia pseudocamellia (Japanese Stewartia) is a beautiful deciduous tree. Its pyramidial shape can grow into a small tree of 20-40' in height, or be trained as a large shrub. In July, many 3" diameter white flowers with decorative yellow stamens appear. Grow it in sun in moist, organic rich, acid soils to achieve the best appearance. Terrific fall color, from orange to scarlet leaves, gives way to expose gorgeous exfoliating bark--dark brown and red. The Japanese Stewartia is a solid performer that is pest resistant and needs little pruning. A wonderful specimen tree. Hardy to zones 5-7.

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 an interesting replacement for junipers. The pleasing green color changes in fall to bronzy-purple. It will perform nicely in moist, well-drained soils to 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. There are no known pests and diseases that bother microbiota that are normally associated with other coniferous ground covers (such as tip blight and related problems). Hardy to zones 3-8.

Low-Maintenance, Small Shrub

Corylopsis pauciflora (Buttercup Winterhazel) is an attractive delicate-looking, deciduous shrub with soft yellow April flowers. Attractive dark green foliage turns yellow in October. Grow in part shade in moist, acid soil. Plants spread slowly by easily controlled suckers to 6' wide and reach 4' in height. Wonderful for use in woodland situations and mixed with other ericaceous plants. Little maintenance needed for this pest free and attractive shrub. Hardy in zones 6-8.

Tall, Late-Blooming Perennial 

Rudbeckia nitida 'Autumn Sun' aka 'Herbstsonne' (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. 

Small, Ferny-Leafed Shrub

Stephanandra incisa 'Crispa' (Cutleaf Stephanandra) is a small to 3' tall plant with deeply incised, triangular glossy green leaves producing a nice, textural shrub. It spreads reasonably over time by self-rooting branches and makes a good erosion control plant on hills and slopes or can be shaped into a nice, dwarf hedge. The attractive foliage, plus the graceful arching habit, makes it a pleasant specimen plant as well as being suitable for a shrub border. Use this tough, disease-free plant in part shade to sun, and average soil. The fall color is a nice apricot to maroon-purple.

Deer-Resistant Conifer

Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Duke Gardens' (Plum Yew) is a small gracefully spreading conifer. Its desirable, almost-black green needles and elegant shape make it useable as a small growing, 2-3' height, 3 to 4' width, accent plant or in a regal mass planting. It's best placed in a wind protected, light shade area (will withstand heavy shade) in well-drained soil and is drought tolerant once, established. This slow-growing refined and deer-resistant plant will be a welcome and elegant replacement for the Common Yew (Taxus) which are being destroyed by the voracious eaters. 

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 well in moist, organic soils and even in difficult to handle, dry shade locations. For fast coverage, plant 3" pot-sized plants 6" to 8" apart. Plants spaced 12" apart will fill in more slowly as the plants produce runners. Cut back in the spring; use a lawnmower in large areas. Bright yellow flowers appear soon after, then the fresh green foliage with a red edge resumes growth and remains evergreen throughout the year.

Disease-Resistant, Flowering Crabapple

Malus ‘Sugar Tyme’ (Crabapple) is one of the most disease-resistant crabapples. This attractive small tree, reaching 18’ high with a spread of 15’ at maturity, has attractive foliage, good and profuse, slightly fragrant pink flowers, persistent (several months) red fruit, with interesting, smooth bark throughout the winter. This multi-season specimen tree with consistently good flowering, is hardy to zone 6A, performs best in the sun. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, though best in rich, well-drained soil. 

Medium-Sized Flowering Shrub

Viburnum dilatatum ‘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. It is hardy in zones 5 to 7. 

Beautiful Climber 

Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris (Climbing Hydrangea) is an attractive, clinging vine. Train it to cover a rock wall or sturdy arbor, as a ground cover or up a tree. Although slow to start, this Hydrangea becomes vigorous once established. Four-season interest with 4-6” diameter white flower clusters lasting over four weeks, beginning late June, long-season foliage, structural and multi-colored exfoliating bark. Well worth the time needed to establish. Its hardy in zones 4 to 8. 

Carefree, Long-Flowering Ground Cover 

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides (Plumbago or Blue Leadwort) is a durable, deciduous ground cover for an edge or front of border plant. Bright green foliage emerges late and can prevent weed growth. Deep gentian blue flowers appear in August or September. Foliage turns brilliant red bronze in late September and persists through November. Cut it back hard at end of season. Grow in sun or part sun locations in well-drained soil high in organic matter. Since it is late emerging; interplant with early flowering bulbs for best results. It grows 8-12” tall with a 12-18” spread and is hardy in zones 5-10. 

Eastern Hemlock Replacement 

Thuja plicata (Western Arborvitae) is a dark green graceful pyramidal conifer which provides good year round color. Its stature makes it an adaptable specimen plant or for use in a large hedge, for mass planting and screening and can be used to replace hemlocks that have been decimated by wooly adelgid. For best results plant in sun or partial shade in moist acidic soil, though it is tolerant of dense shade and alkaline soils. It grows at a moderate pace to reach 50 to 70’. Hardy in zones 5-7.

Dry Shade Perennial 

Heuchera villosa ‘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.

Compact, Fragrant Shrub 

Clethra alnifolia 'Compacta' (Compact Summersweet) is a small growing, dense multi-stemmed shrub that grows to 4'-5' tall with a spread of 6'. A profusion of fragrant white flowers appear in July. Rich dark green foliage turns an attractive yellow color in fall. It does best in partial shade in soils with adequate moisture but is tolerant of a wide range of conditions. Its useful in a shade garden, seashore plantings, foundation plantings, can be massed or used as a compliment to perennials in a mixed border. Hardy in zones 3-9.

Jim's Pride Delightful Daphne 

Daphne × transatlantica 'Jim's Pride' (formerly Daphne caucasica) (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.

All-Season, Specimen, Ornamental Tree

Sorbus alnifolia (Korean Mountain Ash) is an extremely decorative, deciduous tree with few problems (unlike other Mountain Ashes). With a moderate growth rate, it will reach a height of 40' to 50' and a width of 50' Outstanding characteristics include white flowers in May and a brilliant show of color from September to November. This includes two months of pink to red fruit that are attached by persistent red pedicels and yellow, orange or reddish fall foliage with year round silvery gray bark of the trunk and main branches. Sorbus performs well in moist, neutral to alkaline soil and part to full sun location; hardy in zones 4 to 7.

Fragrant, Evergreen, Woodland Ground Cover

Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis (Dwarf Sweetbox) has attractive dark green evergreen foliage that hides the highly fragrant white February-March flowers. This woodland ground cover, to about 24” in height and width, spreads slowly to form nice drifts for foreground in moist, acid soils in shade, semi-shade areas; works well with rhododendrons. It is best to mulch new plantings. It looks good all year and is highly pest resistant; hardy in zones 6 to 8. 

Long-Flowering, Summer Perennial

Leucanthemum ×superbum 'Becky' (Chrysanthemum 'Becky') (Shasta Daisy) is a showy, long flowering (June to August with deadheading) perennial with white daisy-like blooms and dark green shiny evergreen foliage. Avoid overhead watering for best appearance.  It is pest-resistant & requires little maintenance; divide in spring or after flowering. It’s good for cutting and especially useful in sunny borders, mixed plantings, or in large masses in moist, neutral soil; hardy in zones 5 to 10.

Decorative, Flowering Shrub

Hypericum frondosum '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 to 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 to 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 to 8.

Beautiful, Flowering Cherry

Prunus ‘Hally Jolivette’ (Hally Jolivette Cherry) is a beautiful little (grows to 15’) dense branching, fine textured semi-double flowering cherry tree or multi-stemmed shrub (though this form is rarely available). Pink buds 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 to 20 day period. Small trees are fast growing and flower when young; a very cold hardy and stress tolerant small flowering tree; hardy in zones 5 to 8.

Tough, Deer-Resistant Ground Cover

Waldsteinia ternata (Barren or Siberian Strawberry) is a tough, vigorous, mat forming semi-evergreen ground cover. Low growing 4” to 5” high with shiny strawberry plant-like foliage and ½” wide saucer shaped bright yellow flowers that appear in late spring through early summer. Thrives in humus rich acidic soil and tolerates part and full shade and does well in full sun with adequate moisture. This ground cover is drought tolerant and 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 to 7. 

Silver-Leafed Perennial

Stachys ‘Helene Von Stein’ (Lamb’s Ears) is a beautiful plant with 6” X 2” silvery leaves.  It grows to about 8” tall, rarely flowers though an occasional flower spike will appear; remove or retain if it’s to your taste.  It’s generally considered a clump forming plant but will continue to spread and create a dramatic groundcover over years.  It is a wonderful specimen plant, edger for borders or walkways, useful in seashore, herb and moon gardens.  Plant from containers in fall or spring in sunny, well-drained lean soil.  This low-maintenance plant is also deer and pest resistant; hardy in zones 4 – 10.

Durable Shrub Rose

Rosa ‘Radyod’ (The Blushing Knock Out® Rose) is a pale pink addition to the tough and durable Knock Out® rose group.  It has been bred to resist blackspot, mildew, and Japanese beetles yet produce profuse light pink flowers, which change into shell pink 3 to 3 ½” blooms as they age.  Plant container grown specimens into rich, well drained soil in spring where they will receive 5 or more hours of sun; mulch with 2” of organic mulch.  To improve flowering and performance, use slow release fertilizers in a constant feed program; liquid fertilizer in spring when growth resumes.  Use as a specimen, foundation plantings, mixed border or as a colorful hedge; hardy in zones 4 – 9.

Non-Fruiting Rose-of-Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus ‘Diana’ (Diana Rose-of-Sharon) is vastly superior to the old-fashioned Rose-of-Sharon.  Its 6-7’ height, slightly less wide habit is more refined, has better glossy dark green foliage, a profusion of terrific waxy, ruffled, pure white 4” flowers, from July to October, and most of all, does not produce masses of pesky seed and seedlings.  Plant in spring or fall in decent, well-drained soil in part to full sun locations.  It is highly adaptable to a wide range of less than ideal locations, is pollution resistant, and requires little maintenance beyond selective pruning for shape.  Use as a specimen, hedge, or mass planting, in moon garden, in industrial and mall sites; can also be trained as an elegant tree form; hardy in zones 5 – 8.

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. 

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 to 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 to 8.

Compact, Flowering Shrub

Abelia grandiflora ‘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 to 9.

Blue-Hued, Ornamental Grass

Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ (Switch Grass) 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 to 9. 

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 to 9.

Low-Maintenance Ground Cover

Geranium x cantabrigiense ‘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 to 9.

Small Specimen/Street Tree

Syringa reticulata ‘Ivory Silk’ (Japanese Tree Lilac) is a delightful, rounded form, small tree or shrubs growing to 20-25’ with dark green foliage and large clusters of creamy white flowers in June.  It grows best in organic, moist soil in full sun with good air movement.  Prune to shape after flowering.  This terrific tree should be used more as a stree tree, small specimen, or grouped; also good near buildings or for property line screening; hardy in zones 3 to 7.

Dwarf, Fragrant, Evergreen Shrub

Viburnum x burkwoodii ‘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 to 8.

All-Season, Specimen Tree

Parrotia persica (Persian Parrotia)

Flowering Ground Cover for Moist Shade

Phlox stolonifera (Creeping Phlox)

Unique, Large, Flowering Shrub

Aesculus parviflora (Bottlebrush Buckeye)

Tough, Ornamental Grass

Carex 'Ice Dance' (Japanese Sedge)

Beautiful, Late-Flowering Magnolia

Magnolia 'Galaxy' (Galaxy Magnolia)

Native, Flowering Vine

Lonicera sempervirens (Trumpet Honeysuckle)

Small, Specimen, Flowering Tree

Styrax japonicus ‘Emerald Pagoda’ (Japanese Snowbell)

Long-Blooming Perennial

Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ (Sage)