Articles Index
Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar - Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula'
Learn more about how to grow the weeping blue Atlas cedar.
Growing Contorted Filbert - Corylus avellana 'Contorta'
The contorted filbert is a specimen shrub with twisting branches and yellow catkins.
Growing Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood
For a small tree with a spectacular fall leaf palette, plant Parrotia persica.
Growing the Shrubby Cinquefoil - Potentilla fruticosa
The shrubby cinquefoil blooms in summer and offers flowers in shades of orange, pink, red, white and yellow.
Growing the Border Forsythia
Border forsythia is one of the heralds of spring, bursting into bloom before many other plants.
Growing Indian Hawthorn - Rhaphiolepis indica
This small evergreen shrub works well for both residential and commercial landscapes.
Growing Quince Fruit - Cydonia oblonga
The quince fruit is closely related to apples and pears. Once it's been fully ripened, it becomes a sweet treat that can be enjoyed raw or used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Growing the Paperbark Maple - Acer griseum
For a smaller tree with beautiful bark, choose the paperbark maple (Acer griseum).
Dwarf Fothergilla
Choose the dwarf fothergilla for its fragrance, white flowers and autumn colors. Learn more about growing this small shrub.
Witch Hazel - Hamamelis virginiana
Most people are familiar with witch hazel because of its use in skin care as an astringent. It is a large shrub that is noteworthy for being one of the last species to flower. Witch hazel also adds winter interest with leaves that turn yellow in the fall, and is moderately drought tolerant.
Growing the Amur Maple - Acer ginnala
Is the Amur maple the right choice for your landscape? Learn more in this growing profile.
Black Walnut - Juglans nigra
Black walnut trees are commonly found in the Eastern United States. They are widely used for food and lumber, and make stately shade trees. Black walnut is an alleopathic tree - it produces juglone, a chemical that is toxic for many plants.
Banana Tree - Musa spp.
Banana trees are one of the common trees that come to mind when dreaming of the tropics. However, did you know that it's not really a tree? It is actually the world's largest herb. Still, due to its size, it is commonly thought of as a banana tree. No matter what size your yard, there is a banana tree to fit it. While this grows best in the warmer climates, there are cold-hardy varieties and otherwise they make good houseplants with enough light and water.
Pomegranate - Punica granatum
Pomegranate shrubs are one of the easiest fruits to keep, since they are usually not affected by many pests or diseases. The fruits are full of antioxidants and thought to have many health benefits.
Currant - Ribes spp.
Currants have long been grown for their use in jams, jellies, syrups and preserves. It is an attractive shrub that is especially suitable for colder climates.
Blueberries - Vaccinium spp.
Blueberries are great because they have fewer pests than most of the other fruit trees and shrubs. The key to their success is making sure they are grown in acidic soil. With varieties as small as 6" high, they can be grown in any size garden or planted in containers.
Jacaranda - Growing Jacaranda mimosifolia
The jacaranda tree is a tropical beauty with its clusters of fragrant, purple, trumpet-shaped blooms. It makes an excellent shade or street tree.
Princess Flower - Tibouchina urvilleana
A native of Brazil, princess flower (Tibouchina urvilleana) is a glorious addition to tropical and sub-tropical gardens. Its large purple flowers and soft hairy leaves add interest and a burst of color to any landscape. Also can be used as an indoor container plant in cooler regions, if full light and warmth is provided.
Orange Jasmine
Filling the air with a sweet smell like orange blossoms, orange jasmine is a welcome addition to any tropical garden. The white flowers are very attractive to bees, and the fruits are favored by birds.
Angel's Trumpet - Brugmansia spp.
The show-stopping hanging trumpet-shaped flowers of angel's trumpet make this a delight for any garden. It is tropical and grows best in gardens in Zone 9-11, but it certainly can be used as a container plant and brought inside when cool. Angel's trumpet can be either a shrub or a small tree. Be careful - it's poisonous!
Weeping Willow - Salix babylonica
Weeping willow is probably the most well known of the weeping trees. Great for use as a focal point and in areas that are moist. They love water, so do not plant them near sewer or water lines, or there may be problems.
Tulip Tree - Liriodendron tulipifera
Tulip tree is named for the flowers and leaves that resemble tulips. It grows rapidly and is useful as a large shade tree.
Tri Color Beech - Fagus sylvatica 'Roseo-Marginata'
Tri Color Beech is a striking tree that you won't soon forget. It is often used as a specimen tree due to its variegated leaves that may come in many shades of green, pink, and white. They later turn copper in the fall.
River Birch
The river birch is a beautiful choice for a landscape tree. The red peeling bark and multiple trunks will serve as a focal point in the garden.
Purple Leaf Plum - Prunus cerasifera
Purple leaf plum is a small deciduous tree commonly planted for its deep reddish-purple leaves and white/pale pink flowers that are among the first to appear in spring. Although it is short lived, it is fast growing and great for use as a specimen or shade tree.