Woody Plants for Flowers and Foliage

Abelia x ‘Edward Goucher’ (Japanese Abelia) –Well suited for the mixed border, this 2-3’ tall shrub is noted for pink trumpet shaped flowers that appear from late June to September (October).  The plant is best located in full sun or part shade in well-drained soils that are protected from desiccating winter winds

Abelia x grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope (Fragrant Abelia) – Yellow, Chartreuse, pink and green foliage with pink flower buds and white flowers.  In fall, the foliage turns to red, orange, gold and green!  Plus, the plants flower from June to frost.  What more could you ask for from a plant?  Full sun to partial shade. 

Abelia x ‘Mardi Gras’ (Fragrant Abelia) – Green and white variegated leaves with a pink cast make Mardi Gras a standout in the shrub or mixed border.  Fragrant white flowers appear in late spring through the summer.  Provide full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soils.  Plants grow to 2-3’ tall and 4-5’ wide.

Aesculus parviflora var. serotina ‘Rogers’ (Bottlebrush Buckeye) –Got deer?  This deer resistant plant is successful in sun or shade, producing large (8-12”) white bottlebrush flowers in July.  A winner of a plant!   Good yellow fall color.

Aesculus pavia (Red Buckeye) – Native to Alabama, but perfectly hardy in NJ, this small tree to large shrub grows to 20’ in height, with dark red flowers in May.  Very happy growing in shaded areas; it will also tolerate full sun.  Well drained to moist soils.

Amelanchir canadensis ‘Princess Diane’ (Princess Diane Serviceberry) – A native small tree growing to 25’ tall, it produces copious amounts of small white flowers in May, followed by 3/8” small purple fruit that is edible and very sweet.  The fall color is an outstanding red.

Amelanchir laevis (Serviceberry) – Similar to the above but larger growing, to 40’.  Native plant found growing throughout NJ.

Aronia arbutifolia ‘Brilliantissima’  (Red Chokeberry) – A great native shrub for either moist or dry soils.  Clusters of small white flowers in spring give rise to showy red fruits in the fall.  The leaves also turn a brilliant red in the fall.  Full sun or light shade.

Asimina triloba (Paw Paw) – A great native plant with large, slightly drooping tropical foliage.  Produces small red flowers in late April and large edible fruits in October that taste like banana with custard-like texture.  Full sun, light shade, moist soils.

Buddleia davidii Adonis Blue (Butterfly Bush) – Buddleia is a staple for every garden.  Not only are the flowers wonderfully fragrant, but they also serve as a magnet for Butterflies!  Adonis Blue has deep blue flowers and a compact habit to 6’.  Best grown in full sun and well-drained soils.

Buddleia davidii Peacock (Butterfly Bush) – As above, but the flowers are pink in color.

Buddleia davidii ‘White Ball’ (Butterfly Bush) – The flowers are white and are more round than long.  Growing to 4’, this form has proven to be sterile and does not yield seedlings.

Calycanthus floridus (Sweetshrub) – An enchanting native shrub that slowly develops into large thickets.  The red flowers in June produce a fragrance similar to strawberries or apples! The glossy foliage in deer resistant, and turns and attractive yellow in the fall.

• ‘Athens’ – Flowers are yellow.
• ‘Hartlage Wine’ – Large burgundy flowers with more narrow glossy foliage.
• ‘Michael Lindsey’ – Beautiful and lustrous deep green foliage serves as the backdrop for an extended display of large reddish flowers.  The flowers are gorgeously scented!!
• X ‘Venus’ - Beautiful 5” white flowers!

Cercis canadensis (Redbud) – Edible lavender flowers appear along the stems in early to mid May.  Native to the East Coast, Cercis is a small tree, growing to 20’ high and wide.  Prefers full sun and well-drained soils.

Cercis canadensis ‘Cascading Hearts’ (Redbud) – Large heart shaped leaves adorn this very cool new weeping introduction.  Growing to 8’ tall, this plant produces long hanging branches that look great hanging over a wall, or even trained as an espalier. 

Cercis canadensis ‘Hearts of Gold’ (Redbud) – The lavender flowers are not the real show; it is the new foliage, which flushes an attractive chartreuse color.  As the foliage ages, it turns to green.  A great plant for illuminating a shady spot in the garden!

Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ (Redbud) – A unique form of Redbud, with deep red foliage in late spring and summer and pink flowers in spring.  Forest Pansy is appropriate as a backdrop for the mixed border or wherever a deep purple accent is needed.

Cercis canadensis ‘Silver Cloud’ (Redbud) – Another great Redbud for shade!  The foliage is very attractively mottled with green and white.  Still producing pink flowers in spring, it is another great plant for the shade.

Cercis chinensis ‘Avondale’ (Chinese Redbud) – Very similar flowers to our native, but the plant is a multistemmed shrub, not a tree.  Growing to 10’ Avondale is heavily covered with rose-purple flowers in May.

Chionanthus virginicus var. henryi  (Fringe Tree) – Located in the more southerly parts of the east coast, this fringe tree sports fragrant white flowers in May with foliage that is narrower and more glossy than the straight species.  A winner for sun or shade.

Cladrastis kentuckea (American Yellowwood) – A mid sized tree growing to 30-50’ tall and wide, it produces long (8-14”) fragrant white panicles of flowers in late May into June.  It resembles are Wisteria tree!  Fall color is butter yellow.  Full sun to part shade, in soils rich in organic matter and well drained.

Clethra alnifolia ‘Sixteen Candles’ (Summersweet Clethra) – An attractive groundcover solution for sun or shade!  The plant grows 18-24” in height, with fragrant white flower spikes produced in July and yellow fall color in October.

Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ (Summersweet Clethra) – A deciduous 6’ shrub growing best in moist soils in full sun, but it is tolerant of some shade and drier soils.  The fragrant pink flower spikes appear in mid-July, adding great sensory appeal to the garden!

Cornus florida ‘Appalachian Spring’ (Flowering Dogwood) – Resistant to Dogwood Anthracnose, this is a fine selection of our Native American dogwood.  Growing to 30’, it produces great white flowers in spring and stunning red fall color.

Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Chief’ (Flowering Dogwood) – Producing true Ruby Red flowers and reddish new growth make this form a standout.  Good resistance to Dogwood Anthracnose.

Cornus kousa ‘Big Apple’ (Chinese Dogwood) – A vigorous and large growing form, with flowers up to 5 ½ inches across, and fruit to 1 ½ inches in diameter!  A Poly Hill introduction.

Cornus kousa ‘Blue Shadow’ (Chinese Dogwood) – Also a vigorous growing form, it features dark blue-green foliage, turning to reds in the fall.  Typical flower and fruit production.

Cornus kousa ‘Gold Star’ (Chinese Dogwood) – Having the traditional vase shape form and white flowers of the Chinese Dogwood, this form has a large yellow splash in the middle of the leaves. 

Cornus kousa ‘Kristin Lipka’s Variegated Weeper’ (Variegated Weeping Chinese Dogwood) – Yes, it is a long name, but what a great plant.  Similar to ‘Wolf Eyes’ (see below), but the stems are pendulous!  Great focal plant for light shade.

Cornus kousa ‘Miss Satomi’ (Chinese Dogwood) – Dark pink flowers, with reddish new growth and excellent red fall color make this interesting form a distinctive addition to your garden.

Cornus kousa Samaritan® (Variegated Chinese Dogwood) – Creamy white margins on green leaves make this plant an eye catching all summer long.  White flowers appear in June, and the fall color is pink, burgundy and red!  Similar to Wolf Eyes, but Samaritan grows to 20’. 

Cornus kousa ‘Sunsplash’ (Variegated Chinese Dogwood) – Leaves are green in the center and surrounded by bright yellow margins.  In autumn, the foliage turns to a combination of yellows, oranges and reds.  A stunning plant for foliage, it also has white flowers in June and reaches a mature height of 10’

Cornus kousa ‘Wolf Eyes’ (Variegated Chinese Dogwood) – White variegated foliage on a more shrub-like form of the Chinese dogwood; only grows to 10-12’ in height.  Ideal for the shade, but it will also perform well in sunny locations.

Cornus stolonifera ‘Cardinal’ (Red Stemmed Dogwood) – This selection has wonderful winter stems that are red at the base fading to yellow at the tip.  They look like they are on fire.  Full sun to light shade in soils that are moist to well drained.  A very adaptable plant.

Cornus x Celestial  (Celestial Hybrid Dogwood)- A cross completed by Elwin Orton of Rutgers University, between the Chinese Dogwood and our native Flowering Dogwood.  Very vigorous and disease resistant, the large overlapping petals produce a beautiful effect in mid-May.  The habit is an attractive vase shape.

Cornus x ‘Venus’ (Venus Hybrid Dogwood) – Would you like a dogwood that has flowers that are up to 8” in diameter?  Another winner of a plant from Rutgers and Dr. Elwin Orton.  A vigorous plant which, unlike many of his cultivars, blooms at a younger age.

Corylopsis pauciflora (Winterhazel) – The plant of the month for March!  Attractive  flowers appear on pendulous  flowers stalks in late March or April.  The plant has an attractive vase shaped habit, growing to 8-10’ in height.  Prefers some shade, but will tolerate sun with ease if soil in amended with organic matter.  Good yellow fall color.

Corylopsis spicata (Winterhazel) – As the above, but the plant produces larger yellow flowers and grows to 14’.  A great plant for early spring pizzazz!   

Corylus avellana ‘Red Majestic’ (Contorted Filbert, Harry Lauders Walking Stick) – Named after the famed vaudevillian, the Contorted Filbert has a fantastic twisted branching habit, which is seen at its best in the winter.  Red Majestic is unique since the foliage is a deep red providing interest for the summer months.

Cotinus coggygria ‘Golden Spirit’ (Smoke Bush) – Growing to 12’ tall, this form produces purple new growth that rapidly turns to chartreuse-yellow for the summer, with red and orange fall color.  The smoky flowers are purple-gray in mid summer.

Cotinus coggygria ‘Young Lady’ – Produces pink smoke flowers on young plants – a rarity for this genus.  Green summer foliage, followed by great orange-red fall color.  Full sun, well-drained soils, growing to 12-15’ tall and wide.

Cotinus coggygria ‘Velvet Cloak’ – Velvety purple leaves provide a great backdrop for the mixed border of the perennial garden.  Flowers produce pink smoke in the summer, with reddish-purple fall color.

Cotinus x ‘Grace’ – A cross or Cotinus obovatus and C. coggygria, this selection sports great dark purple foliage with pink flowers.  The fall color is a very attractive reddish purple.  A knockout!  Mature height of 20’+.

Cupressocyparis leylandii ‘Gold Rider’ (Leyland Cypress) – Hardy to zone 6, this plant will bring color to the garden or the container.  Gold tipped green foliage in winter transforms into chartreuse foliage throughout the remainder of the year.   Full sun and well-drained soils will provide the best growth.

Daphne x burkwoodii ‘Briggs Moonlight’ – A great new selection of Daphne for foliage and flower!  The evergreen foliage is bright golden yellow with a dark green margin – very showy.  The flowers are pink in bud and white in flower and true to form, are deliciously fragrant.  A must have for the sunny and dry border.

Daphniphyllum macropodum (False Daphne) – This rare plant is the ideal plant for providing a tropical effect in NJ!  Large and shiny evergreen foliage with bright red petioles gives this plant a prehistoric appearance.  Provide a shady location, protected from winter winds.

Deutzia gracilis ‘Chardonnay Pearls’ (Slender Deutzia) – Lime yellow foliage all summer with white flowers in the spring.

Deutzia gracilis ‘Nikko (Dwarf Slender Deutzia) – A winner of a groundcover!  Growing to 18-24”, it produces copious white flowers in May, great green foliage in the summer, and great burgundy fall color.  As a groundcover, it suppresses many weeds.

Deutzia x ‘Pink Minor’ – Another low growing form to 2’.  The benefit to this plant is the very attractive pink flowers produced in May.

Diervilla sessifolia ‘Butterfly’ (Southern Bush Honeysuckle) – A wonderful groundcover that most gardeners have yet to discover!  Native to Eastern US, the plants produce a myriad small yellow flowers, to 2” in mid summer over clean and disease free foliage.  Tolerant of dry shady or full sun conditions.  Easy to grow and tough!

Enkianthus campanulatus ‘Showy Lantern’ (Redvein Enkianthus) – Slowly growing to 8-10’ tall, this Rhododendron relative produces attractive red bell-shaped flowers in May, followed be great deep red and burgundy fall color.  Will tolerate full sun if soil is excessively droughty, otherwise light shade and evenly moist soils.

Forsythia viridissima var. koreana 'Kumson' (Dwarf Variegated Forsythia) – Also growing to 3’ and having yellow flowers, this form has a net-like pattern of white lines in the foliage!   Grows well in full sun or in light shade.

Fothergilla gardenii ‘Bill’s True Dwarf’ (Dwarf Fothergilla) –Native to the coastline of the SE US, this selection only grows to 4’ in height.  In May the plant produces 1 ½” fragrant white bottlebrush flowers, which is followed by deep, blue green foliage in the summer and orange, red and yellow fall color.  Similar to the form below, but more appropriate for the smaller location.  Full sun to light shade with soils that are moist or humus enriched.

Fothergilla major ‘Blue Shadow’ (Large Fothergilla) – A new introduction, this form has honey-scented flowers that are followed by dusty blue foliage.  The fall color is a beautiful combination of yellow, orange and red.  A great plant for combining with perennials.

Fothergilla major ‘Mt. Airy’ (Large Fothergilla) – Another native shrub with multiple seasons of interest.  Growing to 6’ tall, it produces 2” long white bottlebrush flowers in May that are sweetly scented.  The summer foliage is a great deep blue-green, and the fall color is a flash of orange, yellow and reds.  Full sun if the soil remains moist, otherwise light shade.

Franklinia alatamaha (Benjamin Franklin Tree) – A tree of great heritage!  Named after one of the founding fathers, this tree was originally found growing in Georgia in the late 1700’s.  It has since become extinct in the wild, but due to the foresight of John Bertram, the gentleman that found and collected the plant, we now have the plant to sell!  Beautiful white flowers appear in July and August, which is followed by great red fall color.  Good in the full sun or part shade, it grows best in soil that is rich in organic matter, but is well drained.

Halesia tetraptera (Carolina Silverbell) – A native understory tree, growing to 30’ tall.  Pendulous white, bell-shaped flowers appear in mid spring.   Although native to shady sites, it grows very well in full sun.  Well drained soils.

Hamamelis x intermedia  ‘Diane’ (Chinese Witchhazel) – Orange-red fragrant flowers adorn this shrub in February into March.  The green foliage of summer turns orange and yellow during the fall.  Plants develop a vase shaped habit, and grow to 15’ tall or greater.  Full sun locations will provide the most flowers and best fall color, but the plants are very adaptable to shade.  Plants prefer moist but well drained soils and are very tolerant of summer drought once established.

Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Primavera’ (Chinese Witchhazel) – Similar to the above, but the flowers are brilliant yellow, as is the fall color.

Hamamelis virginiana (Witchhazel) – Native to the woodlands of the east coast of the US, this plant is fun to have for its great yellow fall color and the yellow flowers that appear in November after leaf drop.  Grows well in the shade, but is more floriferous in the sun.  A very under appreciated native plant.  Mature height of 12’. 

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ (Smooth Hydrangea) – Growing to 5’ in moist and fertile soils, Annabelle produces large white flowers in June and July.  Prefers shade, but can easily grown in sun in soil that is amended with humus.  Blooms on new wood, so it can be cut to the ground during the winter months.

Hydrangea arborescens ‘White Dome’ (Smooth Hydrangea) – A genus that is native to NJ, this cultivar produces very attractive large white flower with cream-colored center.  Full sun to shade, height of 4’.

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘All Summer Beauty’ (Bigleaf Hydrangea) – Produces flowers on new growth, and often flowers throughout the summer.  Rich blue mophead flowers in acid soils.  Best in light shade, 3-4’ tall.

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Blue Wave’ (Bigleaf Hydrangea) – Blue Lacecap flowers are produced in mid summer and are a rich blue in acid soils.  Vigorous grower to 6’ in a protected area.  Best in light shade.

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Blushing Bride’ (Bigleaf Hydrangea) – Blooming on new wood, this selection from our native Hydrangea offers 12” spherical white flowers in June and July, which slowly fade to green and then tan by September.  Can be cut to the ground in winter.  Best in light shade, it will tolerate full sun with adequate moisture or high soil organic content.

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Endless summer’ – Blooms all summer on old and new wood with blue or pink Hortensia (mophead) flowers.  A great new introduction!

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Royal Purple’ – Hardy to zone 5, it will produce purple flowers in July on old wood.

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Tellers White’ – Large lace-cap flowers with white, slightly cupped, sterile florets encircling blue fertile flowers. Medium sized foliage. Mature height 3’– 5’.

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Flake’ (Oakleaf Hydrangea)– Huge white (12”+) double flowers that look like enormous snow cones!  Great for sun or shade, the plants also produce great burgundy and orange fall color and have exfoliating bark for the winter.  Growing to 10’ (but can be kept shorter), native to the SE United States.

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Queen’ (Oakleaf Hydrangea) – Similar to the above, but the plant matures to 8’ tall without pruning.  Showy white panicles that stand upright followed by burgundy fall color and the cinnamon exfoliating bark for winter. 

Hydrangea serrata ‘Coerulea Lace’ – A Lacecap Hydrangea, with good flower bud hardiness for the central NJ.  Flowers are typically blue, and the shrub grows to 3-4 feet in height.

Hypericum frondosum ‘Sunburst’ (Saint Johnswort) – A semi-evergreen shrub with beautiful blue-green foliage and bright yellow flowers throughout the summer. Full sun and well-drained soils are best.  Grows to a mature height 3’.

Illicium floridanum ‘Halley’s Comet’ (Florida Anise) – Hard to believe that Florida Anise would be hardy in NJ, but it is a great evergreen for central NJ and for Rutgers Gardens.  It has been growing in the Gardens for 5 years, in a deep shady spot, without a hint of leaf burn!  The deep red flowers are star shaped and appear in May.  It always commands a ‘what is that plant’ response from visitors.

Illicium x ‘Woodland Ruby’ (Florida Anise) – Similar to the above, but the flowers bloom for an extended period of time, often until the end of August!!

Indigofera amblyantha (Indigo) – The true indigo originally used in indigo purple dyes.  Grows successfully in sun or shade.  The plants grow to 4’ in height, and are covered with pink flowers in early summer.

Indigofera gerardiana (Indigo) – A cousin to the afore mentioned plant.  Although this indigo only grows to 3’, the pink flower spikes are produced from June to frost.  Great in the mixed border or as a container plant!  The foliage is also an attractive gray green.  Hardy to zone 5.

Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’ (Virginia Sweetspire) – If you have not discovered or used this plant in the garden as of yet, this is a very rewarding shrub!  The arching stems grow to 6’ tall (usually 4’) with the tips yielding long pendulous racemes of sweetly fragrant white flowers in July.  In autumn, the foliage turns a great burgundy red, which lasts until mid December.  In winter, the young stems are also burgundy red in color.  A multiseason plant!  Full sun to light shade, best in moister soils, but will tolerate drought for short periods.  Native to southern New Jersey to Florida.

Itea virginica ‘Little Henry’ (Virginia Sweetspire) – Similar to the above in every aspect except it only grows to 4’ tall.

Kerria japonica ‘Golden Guinea’ (Japanese Kerria) – Large single yellow flowers cover this slowly spreading and arching shrub in late April through June.  Tolerant of both sun and shade, the plants have yellow fall color and bright green stems throughout the winter.  Shrubs grow to 4’ in average soils, but can reach 6’ in moist, fertile shady sites.

Kerria japonica ‘Pleniflora’ (Japanese Kerria) – Similar to the above, but the flowers are double and it will rebloom during the summer months.

Lagerstroemia fauriei ‘Fantasy’ (Crapemyrtle) – An incredible plant introduced by the late J.C. Raulston at N.C. State.  Growing to 30’ tall, this small tress is covered by small white trusses of flowers in July.  However, it is the cinnamon, tan and brown exfoliating stems that give this plant its great year round interest.  A knockout!  Best in full sun with well-drained soils.

Lagerstroemia ‘Hopi’ (Crapemyrtle) – A dwarf form growing to 8’, so it is perfect for the shrub or mixed border.  In July and August, masses of pink flowers festoon the plant, followed by excellent orange-red fall color.  Best flower and fall color is produced in full sun, but it will tolerate light shade.  Well-drained soils.

Lagerstroemia ‘Pink Velour’ (Crapemyrtle) –Red buds open in mid summer to dark pink flowers, while the new foliage is a striking burgundy, changing to a dark green.  Another P.H.S. Gold Medal winner, Pink Velour grows to 10’.  Culture is the same as above.

Lagerstroemia ‘Tuskegee’ (Crapemyrtle) – Growing to 15’, the dark rose pink flowers cover the plant during the summer and fall, while the exfoliating tan bark provides great winter interest.  Hardy to zone 6.

Magnolia acuminata (Cucumber Magnolia) – A native to the S.E. US, this tropical looking shade tree eventually grows to 60’ tall.  Yellow/green flowers are produced in ample quantities in April, and again in September.  A really underused native tree.

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Brackens Brown Beauty’ (Southern Magnolia) – Do you like flowers that have wonderfully sweet fragrance?  Appearing in June and July, the white flowers add much to the early summer garden, both for visual and olfactory satisfaction.  This plant selection is perfectly hardy in NJ, and grows to 25-30’ in height.  The leaves are dependably evergreen, but it should receive some protection from winter winds.  Is shade tolerant and is a P.H.S. Gold Medal plant.

Magnolia grandiflora ‘D.D. Blanchard’ (Southern Magnolia) – Similar to the above, but the backs of glossy green leaves are heavily covered with an orange pubescence.  A great tree for flowers and foliage!

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Kay Paris’ (Southern Magnolia) – An upright, smaller growing form of Southern Magnolia, with a mature height of 25-30’.  The dark green leaves also have the ferruginous or orange pubescence on the leaf undersides.  Fragrant white flowers in June and July.

Magnolia virginiana Moonglow® (Sweetbay Magnolia) – Growing rapidly to 15’, and ultimately to 25’, this introduction of our native Magnolia boosts fragrant white flowers in late May through June and partially evergreen foliage!  Full sun to light shade, it will grow best in moist soils, but will tolerate drought.  Hardy to zone 4.

Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ (Hybrid Mahonia) – For those in New Brunswick and south, this is an interesting addition to the autumn and winter garden.  Fragrant yellow flowers appear on the tips of the stems in October and November, followed by attractive dark evergreen foliage.  Best in light shade in a site protected from the winter winds. 

Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diablo’ (Purple-leaf Ninebark) – A selection of our native Ninebark.  Tolerant of shade, Diablo is best grown in full sun to develop its dark purple foliage.   Can be treated as a cut back or allowed to grow to an arching shrub of 6’.  If not cut back annually, it has pink flowers in May.  Well drained soils.

Prunus laurocerasus ‘Marble White’ – Evergreen foliage, heavily marbled with cream.  Fragrant white flowers appear in June, on a plant that can reach 6’ in height, although it can be easily maintained at a lower height.

Rhododendron schlippenbachii (Royal Azalea) – One of the monarchs of the deciduous Rhododendrons.  Growing to 6-8’ tall, the fragrant rose pink flowers appear in early May.  Best in light shade, in humus rich soils that are well drained.  A very delicate and attractive plant for the garden.

Rhododendron viscosum (Swamp Azalea) – A great native azalea, often found growing in moist soil locations, but it will grow very well in average garden soil that is amended with organic matter.  Fragrant clove scented white flowers appear in May into June over attractive dark green foliage.

Rhododendron viscosum ‘Lemon Drop’ (Swamp Azalea) – Similar to the above, but the flowers are a light yellow!

Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ (Compact Fragrant Sumac) – Growing to 3-4’ tall, this plant gets great red and orange fall colors.  Very drought tolerant, full sun is best.

Rosa ‘Knock Out’ (Shrub Rose) – Interested in a tough, disease and pest resistant rose with fragrant red flowers?  Here the answer to your rose dilemma!  Full sun, well-drained soils are best.

Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis (Sweetbox) – A P.H.S. Gold Medal plant.  Plants grow to a height of 18”, and slowly spread to make a fine groundcover for a shady garden location.  The evergreen foliage is lush and disease free, and partially hides the myriad small white flowers that appear in March.  The flowers are exceptionally fragrant, providing the plant with its name.

Sorbaria sorbifolia ‘Sem’ (Falsespirea) – A suckering shrub that forms colonies of 6-8’ stems.  Sem is unique in that the deer resistant foliage is orange red when emerging, turning to yellow and finally green by mid summer.  White flowers, resembling those of Astilbe are produced in June into July when the foliage has turned green.  A great plant for those looking for a tall early summer blooming addition to the shrub border.  Full sun or part shade and very adaptable as to soils, as long as they are not water logged.

Stewartia malacodendron (Silky Stewartia) – White flowers with purple blue anthers in July and August.  Native to the SE US, this Stewartia prefers a somewhat sheltered location in full sun or light shade, in soils that have high organic matter content.  Matures to 15’ in height.

Stewartia koreana (Korean Stewartia) – A great year round plant with white Camellia-like flowers in July and August, with great red fall color in October.  In winter, the bark exfoliates revealing great pink and cream inner bark.  Full sun to light shade, in moist to well drained soils.  Does not like soils that are boggy, but will withstand periodic flooding.  Grows slowly to 30’

Stewartia pseudocamellia (Japanese Stewartia) – A nice small tree and similar to the above, but only maturing to 20’.  The bark on Japanese Stewartia has more pink overtones than its Korean cousin.  Culture as above.  A beautiful tree for year-round interest.

Stewartia rostrata (Stewartia) – I first grew this plant over 10 year ago, and have always been impressed by the large white flowers with the subtending large red bracts.   Blooming in May, it is the earliest Stewartia to bloom.  Develops into a large shrub, to 10’ tall.  Prefers a shady, woodland setting. 

Styrax japonicus ‘Emerald Pagoda’  (Japanese Styrax) – Discovered by the late J.C. Raulston, this is a superb flowering small tree.  The glossy leaves and white bell shaped flowers are larger and showier than the species with a more vigorous growth rate as well.  A great substitute for Flowering Dogwoods if you are looking for something a little different.

Styrax obassia (Snowbell) – Related to the above, this Korean relative has larger, more tropical appearing foliage, and instead of the flowers appearing individually, they are in long pendant clusters and are fragrant.  An ideal plant for light shade, although it is tolerant of full sun, and well-drained soils.

Syringa laciniata (Cutleaf Lilac) – Growing to 6’ tall, this shrub lilac has fragrant lavender flowers in May, complimented by the delicate and disease free ferny foliage.  Best in full sun and well drained soils.

Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’ (Lilac) – Tired of the long stems and powdery mildew of the classic Lilac?  Palibin is a shrub lilac, growing to 8’ in height and width.  The light purple flowers are very fragrant and amply produced.  In fall, it has yellow fall color.  Full sun to light shade is best.

Syringa patula ‘Miss Kim’ (Lilac) – Similar to the above, but the flowers are an icy blue and the fall color has more purples.

Syringa x oblata ‘Betsy Ross’ (Lilac) – More similar in habit to the French Lilacs, it has mildew resistant foliage and large white flowers in May.

Syringa x ‘Tinkerbelle’ (Lilac) – An easy to grow shrub lilac, growing to 8’ tall and wide with pink buds and fragrant blue flowers in May.  Very easy to grow in sun or light shade, in soils that are not water logged.

Vaccinium corymbosum cultivars (Blueberry) – A great native plant that we often forget to use in the garden!  Delicious fruits are the obvious reason for growing blueberry, but they also have spectacular red fall color and white urn shaped flowers in May as well.   It is best to grow several different cultivars such that you get proper cross pollination and fruit set.  Full sun, moist to well-drained soils.

Viburnum plicatum tomentosum ‘Summer Snowflake’ (Doublefile Viburnum) – A narrow upright form of Doublefile, growing 8’ tall and 4’ wide.  White Lacecap flowers are produced from May through early July, extending the bloom time considerably!  Full sun or light shade in moisture retentive soils.

Viburnum sargentii ‘Onondaga’ (Sargent Viburnum) – Lacecap white flowers are borne profusely on this 8-10’ tall shrub in May.  New growth is maroon, which is highly ornamental.  Will tolerate full sun, but light shade provides the best growing conditions.

Viburnum x burkwoodii (Burkwood Viburnum) – Fragrant pink and white flowers from May into June as well as great disease resistance and a compact rounded habit make Burkwood Viburnum a very adaptable garden plant.  The glossy foliage is semi-evergreen when sited our of strong NW winter winds.  Hardy to zone 4, provide a location in full sun to light shade in soils which do not have standing water.

Viburnum x ‘Mohawk’ (Mohawk Viburnum) – A P.H.S. Gold Medal winner, the red buds in late April give rise to fragrant white flowers in May.  The fall color is orange and red.  Culture is the same as the Burkwood Viburnum.

Viburnum x pragense ‘Decker’ (Compact Prague Viburnum) – Tight pink flower buds open to white flowers in spring.  The foliage is large, glossy, evergreen and Deer Resistant!  

Woody Plants for Foliage and Form

Abies nordmanniana (Nordmann’s Fir) – A great alternative large evergreen, this plant grows to 60’ with lustrous dark green foliage.  Best in full sun in well-drained soils.  

Acanthopanax sieboldianus ‘Variegatus’ – Great plant for the difficult spot.  White variegated leaves on a plant that grows to 6’.  Shade is preferred and will tolerate drought when established.

Aucuba japonica  (Japanese Aucuba) – An unusual shrub for shade it reaches 6’ in height with 4-5” long evergreen foliage. Ideal for a dry shady location, it produces bright red fruits in the fall. 

Aucuba japonica ‘Nana’ (Japanese Aucuba) – Similar to the above, but the foliage is splashed with yellow and it only grows to 4’.  Fruits are held well above the foliage.

Aucuba japonica ‘Picturata’  (Japanese Aucuba) – Similar to the above, but the center of the leaves has a large yellow splash, giving the plant a lush and tropical appearance.  Protect from winter winds.

Betula nigra ‘Summer Cascade’ (Weeping River Birch) – Only growing to 20’ tall, this is an exciting new weeping form of River Birch.   It has the wonderful exfoliating bark, adaptability of soils and disease resistance typical of River Birch.  

Buxus x ‘True Spreader’ (Boxwood) – Are you looking for a low growing plant with dark green and deer resistant evergreen for the garden?  You have found the answer.  True Spreader is great for sun or shade, in well-drained soils.

Buxus sempervirens ‘Graham Blandy’ (Upright Box) – If you are looking for a slow growing and deer resistant exclamation point in the garden, this is the plant!  This plant produces a tight column of evergreen foliage to 9’ tall and 1’ wide in 20 years if left unpruned.  A fun form to work into a sunny or shady garden that has well drained soils.

Carpinus caroliniana (Hornbeam) – A great native tree that is adaptable to wet or dry soils, sun or shade.  The trunk of the plant assumes the appearance of a muscular arm with age.

Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Fastigiata’ (Columnar Plum Yew) – An upright growing plant that resembles the common yew or Taxus in respect to the leaves but it is deer resistant!  The foliage is arranged radially around the stems, is about 2” in length, and is a dark waxy green.  The plant grows to 8’ in height, 4’ width in full sun or light shade in soils that are well drained.

Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Fritz Huber’ (Plum Yew) – An attractive low growing form, that is more tolerant of sun than other Plum Yews.  The needles are shorter in length than ‘Prostrata’ and this plant is ideal for the small garden, since it only grows 2’ tall and 3’ wide!  A very attractive new addition to the Plum Yew collection.

Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Drupacea’ (Spreading Plum Yew) – An attractive deer resistant plant that strongly resembles a spreading Yew.  The needle-like foliage is up to 2” long and glossy green, appearing in horizontal rows along the stems.  Full sun or shade, in soils that are well drained.  Grows to a height of 4’ by 6’ wide.

Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Prostrata’ (Spreading Plum Yew) – Similar to the above but lower growing.

Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ (Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick) – Twisted and spiraling stems make this plant an interesting sculptural element for the winter garden.  Plants slowly grow to 12’ in height.  Grows best in full sun to shade in soils that do not dry out severely in the summer.  Not salt tolerant.

Corylus avellana ‘Red Majestic’ (Red leaf Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick) – Similar to the above but has red foliage.  Extremely rare and hard to find.

Cotinus coggygria ‘Atropurpureum’ (Purple Smokebush) – Great dark purple foliage from May to October for the back of the perennial or shrub border.  Will grow to 12’ and produce puffy smoke-like flowers in July!  Can also be treated as a cutback, whereby it only grows to 8’, but will not bloom (produces flowers on second year wood).  Best color in full sun, well-drained soils.

Cotinus coggygria ‘Golden Spirit’ (Smokebush) – A knockout!  Purple tinted new growth turns to chartreuse in summer, and finishes with red and orange fall foliage colors.  Full sun to part shade.

Cotinus coggygria ‘Velvet Cloak’ – Velvet purple foliage make this a startling backdrop plant for the mixed border, or a specimen for the shrub border.  Great in masses with the best foliage color in the full sun.  Height of 12’, or if treated as a cutback, 8’.

Cotoneaster dammeri ‘Mooncreeper’ (Bearberry Cotoneaster) – A low growing selection with shinny dark green foliage.  An easy to grow groundcover for sun or shade in soils that do not dry severely in summer.

Cryptomeria japonica ‘Elegans Nana’ (Dwarf Cryptomeria) – For those searching for an unusual dwarf conifer, growing to 3-4’ tall and up to 6’ wide.  It has an unusual flat-topped appearance, with foliage that turns purple in winter.  Full sun, well-drained soils are best.

Cupressocyparis leylandii (Leyland Cypress) – If you are looking for a quick growing narrow evergreen for screening, this is the plant.  Growing rapidly to 60 feet (about 25 years), the plant does best in moist but well drained soils in full sun.

Cupressocyparis x  ‘Gold Rider’ (Leyland Cypress Gold Rider) – Gold tipped green foliage in winter and early spring with chartreuse tones the remainder of the year. Best color in full sun, with a mature height 30’.

Cytissus scoparius (Scotch Broom) – An arching shrub for the dry, sandy and infertile soil in full sun.  Yellow flowers appear in May into June.  To a height of 5-6’.

Daphniphyllum macropodum (Daphniphyllum) – For those looking for a unique and rare evergreen, Daphniphyllum fits the description!  Growing to 15’ tall, the large leaves are streaked with a red mid vein and provide great texture.   Rarely seen in gardens in NJ, it has proven to be hardy throughout central and southern NJ.  Plant in shade with some protection from winter winds and average soil moisture.

Diervilla lonicera ‘Copper’ (Bush Honeysuckle) – Every plant is deserving of use in the garden, but this is one of those great utilitarian plants that also had beauty!  Yellow flowers in July over the more show burgundy/yellow new growth.  Full sun to full shade.

Hedera colchica ‘Green Spice’ (Hardy Bush Persian Ivy) – Are you looking for a really unusual evergreen for sun or DARK and DRY shade?  Green Spice is the adult form of Persian Ivy, which means that it is not a runner but a bush!  Growing to 4’ tall and wide in 6 years, this Caucus native is a great addition for the tuff garden area. 

Hedera helix ‘Garnet’ (Arborescent Ivy) – Similar to the above, but the foliage turns an attractive deep burgundy for the winter.   Great for working in with ornamental grasses or Hellebores for an attractive winter garden.

Hedera rhombea ‘Crème de Menthe’ (Arborescent Ivy) – Another fantastic evergreen shrub ivy for the dry or dark location.  The dark green leaves are surrounded by a creamy white margin.  Great for brightening up that shady spot!  Is smaller than the above, only growing to 36” tall and 24” wide. 

Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’ (Japanese Holly) – A very slender growing form of Japanese Holly, growing to 6’ tall and 1’ wide.  An ideal candidate for a narrow hedge.  Evergreen foliage, full sun to light shade, average garden soil.

Ilex glabra ‘Shamrock’ (Inkberry Holly) – A handsome selection of our native evergreen holly, which has great dark green foliage through the winter months and a more compact growth habit.  Great for hedging!

Ilex opaca ‘Dan Fenton’ (American Holly) – Although possessing a male name, this is an outstanding selection of our native American Holly.  The dark green foliage is the backdrop for a consistently heavy crop of dark red fruits.  Excellent pyramidal form.

Ilex opaca ‘Portia Orton’ (American Holly) – Similar to the above, but the leaves are slightly larger.

Ilex pedunculosa (Longstalk Holly) – Another rarely used holly that is native to Japan.  Slowly growing to 10’, the evergreen leaves do not have any spines (are user friendly) and the female plants have a small red fruit on a long stem, resembling a cherry!  Very hardy and ornamental.  Full sun to light shade.

Ilex x ‘Red Beauty’ (Hybrid Holly) – The newest introduction from Elwin Orton at Rutgers!  Growing to 8’ tall, but can be kept lower, the plant produces a thick mass of dark green foliage with attractive red fruit in the fall.

Leucothoe axillaris ‘Greensprite’ (Fetterbush) – Native to the SE United States, this selection was introduced by Mt. Cuba gardens.  Remaining green year-round, this is a great plant for the shady site.  The narrow leaves resemble that of willow, and the arching canes slowly grow to 4-5’ tall, but are generally 3-4’ in the garden setting.  Humus rich soils that are well drained will suit this plant well.

Ligustrum sinense 'Swift Creek'  (Variegated Privet) – Beautiful ivory and green variegation on a compact plant will convince you that this is not a privet!!!  Full sun to light shade in soils without standing water.

Lindera angustifolia (Spicebush) – Shinny and leathery dark green foliage in summer turns the most amazing saturnalia of colors in fall, including red, orange, purple and yellow!  The leaves turn to tan, and remain affixed to the plant until spring.  Will grow to 16’ tall, but can easily be maintained as a hedge at 4-6’.  A great plant for changing year-round foliage.

Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Glen Gold’ (Tulip Tree) – The leaves of this Tulip Tree are edged in light yellow, making it a great focal tree for the larger garden.

Lonicera pileata ‘Moss Green’ (Privet Honeysuckle) – Small evergreen leaves, resembling those of privet, adorn this 2’ tall growing plant.  In mass, it can provide a great groundcover, or a low growing hedge.  Is drought tolerant once established and is prefers a shady location.  Hardy to zone 6.

Metasequoia glyptostroboides ‘Ogon’ (Golden Dawn Redwood) – Slower growing than the green form, this plant slowly grows into a 30-40’ tall plant with attractive fern-like foliage that is yellow.  Full sun, moist to well drained soils.

Musa basjoo (Hardy Banana) – A great plant for foliage.  The leaves are up to 3’ long and 10” wide.  Talk about creating that tropical appearance!  Plants will grow to 12’ tall.  It is hardy in central NJ if it is heavily mulched for the winter. 

Nandina domestica ‘Compacta’ (Dwarf Heavenly Bamboo) – A great plant for the sun or shade.  The very dense foliage is a green with tints of red during the summer, turning a glowing red during the winter!  Full sun or light shade.  Growing to 3-4’, it makes a great low growing hedge!

Nandina domestica ‘Harbor Dwarf’ (Dwarf Heavenly Bamboo) – A very low growing and graceful form, developing a wide mound with time of 2-3’ in ht and width.   Develops red and purple fall and winter color.  

Nandina domestica ‘Umpqua Chief’ (Heavenly Bamboo) – Are you searching for a 4-5’ tall evergreen (well, actually the foliage turns from green to red in the winter!) for sun or shade?  Umpqua Chief is a great compact plant with bright red berries on the fall and winter.  The red winter foliage is more brilliant in a sunny location.  Does not like wet feet.

Rhapidophyllum hystrix (Hardy Needle Palm) – Growing to 4’ tall and hardy to zone 6 with protection during the first winter, this plant provides interesting texture and a tropical motif!

Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Goshiki’ (Holly Tea Olive) – A great evergreen plant, with green holly-leaved foliage that is mottled with white – very striking variegation.  Growing to 8-10’, but can easily by kept smaller (2-3’), this deer resistant evergreen is great for a subtle feature plant in the garden, or as a hedge.  Full sun to light shade, in soils that are well drained. 

Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Gulftide’ (Holly Tea Olive) – A hardy and upright growing form of Osmanthus; this is a great evergreen for a narrow hedge in light shade.  Once the plant is mature (6-8 years) the plant becomes cloaked with small white flowers in November that are heavenly sweet!  Full sun to light shade in soils that are well drained.

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Fastigiata' (Holly Tea Olive) – Similar to above, but the plants only spread 3’ wide, and grow to 8’ tall.

Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diablo’ (Eastern Ninebark) – Native to the East coast of the US, this selection has dark purple foliage with contrasting pink flowers in May.  Can be treated as a cutback, and makes a great addition to the mixed or shrub border.  Best color in full sun.  Average soil and moisture.

Poncirus trifoliata  'Flying Dragon’ (Hardy Orange) – The green stems are twisted and curled, with the prominent spines also curled.  A very unusual and architectural plant!  Fragrant white flowers appear in May, followed by orange fruits in autumn.

Rhus typhina ‘Tiger Eyes’ (Staghorn Sumac) – The cut-leaf foliage is remarkable for its chartreuse and yellow in color, which when set against the red stems provides an awesome color combination.  In autumn, the foliage turns brilliant red.  Good in the mixed border or the shrub border, this plant prefers full sun to light shade, with well-drained soils.

Rosa glauca (Redleaf Rose) – The pink flowers provide ornament in May, but it is the attractive dark red foliage gives this plant interest throughout the rest of the season.  Great fun when worked into the mixed border, the foliage provides a great backdrop for pink, yellow or orange flowering perennials or annuals.  The red rose hips provide added interest for the fall.  Full sun, well-drained soils.

Salix integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’ (Willow) – A great shrub or cutback for the border.  The plant produces salmon-pink new leaves and shoots, with the leaves developing white variegation as they mature.  Great in average or wet soils.  Will grow to 10’ if not cutback to 6-12” stubs.

Sciadopitys verticillata (Umbrella Pine) – A very unusual evergreen tree.  The needles are arranged in whorls at the end of the branches, such that they look like the spokes of an umbrella when viewed from the tip!  The needles are glossy and almost look like plastic.  Best grown in full sun or light shade, reaches 30’ in ht and 15’ in width.

Spirea japonica ‘Dakota Goldcharm’ (Spirea) – Growing 3’ tall and wide, the foliage is bright golden yellow.  Best grown in full sun for leaf color.  Pink flowers in May.

Spirea japonica ‘Gold Mound’ (Spirea) – Growing to 3’ tall and wide, this plant provides yellow/gold foliage throughout the summer months, making it a great addition for the shrub or mixed border.  Pink flowers appear in May, and the fall color is orange-red.

Spirea japonica ‘Magic Carpet’ (Spirea) – Only growing to 2’ tall and wide, this exciting new selection has red new foliage which gradually changes to bronze during the summer.  Easily grown in sun or light shade in most soils, this is a great accent plant for the shrub and mixed border.

Taxodium ascendens ‘Debonair’ (Pond Cypress) – A plant native to the East Coast that forms a very tight columnar plant.  They are great for planting in rows or allees, or where you simply are looking for an exclamation point in the garden.  Foliage is ‘fern-like’ in texture, and turns a very attractive orange in the fall.  Debonair is an improved form.  Tolerant of either well-drained or moist soils in full sun.

Taxodium ascendens ‘Nutans’ (Pond Cypress) – Short, horizontal branching on this upright and narrow tree produces a great exclamation point in the garden.  Will eventually attain heights of 60’!

Taxodium distichum ‘Peve Minaret’ (Golden Bald Cypress) – A smaller and more compact form of Bald Cypress, reaching 20’ tall and 6’ wide!  The delicate fern-like foliage turns orange in the fall.  An ideal plant for the smaller garden, it will tolerate moist or well-drained soils in sun or light shade.

Thuja plicata ‘Atrovirens’ (Giant Arborvitae) – Native to the West Coast, this plant is hardy throughout NJ.  Growing to 60’ over 60 years, Atrovirens has dark green foliage through the winter.  Full sun, well-drained soils.  A beautiful evergreen.

Thuja plicata ‘Green Giant’ (Giant Arborvitae) – A very robust growing form, which can produce up to 2’ of growth per year!  Ultimately growing to 30-40’ tall and 15’ wide, it makes a great item to use as an evergreen screen.  Has proven to be hardy to 20 below F.

Thujopsis dolobrata (False Arborvitae) – A “dense pyramid of evergreen foliage of great beauty”, to quote Michael Dirr!  Growing slowly to 30’ tall and 10’ wide, this plant likes moist or well-drained soils in sun or shade.  The foliage resembles that of an Arborvitae, and is densest in the full sun.

Weigela florida ‘French Lace’ (Weigela) – Red flowers appear in late May well into June with variegated green and yellow foliage for summer interest.  Maturing to a height of 4’ the best foliage color and flowers are produced in light shade and full sun.  Average soil and moisture.

Weigela florida ‘Ruby Queen’ (Weigela) – Only growing to 3’ tall and wide, so it is perfect for the small garden.  Foliage is burgundy red in color with rose pink flowers.  A great substitute for dwarf barberry.

Weigela florida ‘Variegata’ (Weigela) – Pink flowers in June over white and green variegated foliage.

Xanthorhiza simplicissima (Yellowroot) – A great native plant that is a stupendous, weed suppressing groundcover!  The stems of the plant reach 2-3’ in height in moist shade, lower in sun and dry shade.  The foliage resembles that of celery.  The flowers appear before the leaves appear, and are curious shades of purple.  Summer foliage is a deep green, with fall color a great yellow.  Will cover large areas if left alone!

Zelkova serrata ‘Bright Park’ (Japanese Zelkova) – Another winner of a new introduction.  Bright yellow leaves appear in spring, which gradually change to chartreuse in the summer.  Stems are orange and produce a nice winter effect.  Grows to 30’ in height.

 

 

 

Last Modified: 10/10/2007, rugardens@njaes.rutgers.edu.
©2008 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey