The Boxwood Species and its Large Family

The Boxwood Species, (Buxus Sempervirens) happens to be one of the most popular shrub types in most landscape projects today. With almost 200 varieties of Boxwood out there, it is an evergreen shrub that is native in many different regions. A good majority of the Boxwood family grows slow and short and is often used for borders or edging around houses and in landscape designs, while some others … [Read more...]

Coneflower – Plant Profile

Echinacea "Coneflower" in classic purple and ornamental red. Hardiness Zones: Zones 3 - 9Common Varieties: Purpurea ("Purple Coneflower" - not always purple!), tennesseensis ("Tennessee Coneflower"), Colors: Mostly light, warm purple, but also hot pink, red, orange, yellow, white, and even green and dark purple, or multicolored. Echinacea is the genus name for a whole gaggle of flowers … [Read more...]

Stone Crop – Plant Profile

Other Names: Succulents, Sedum "Stone Crop" refers to a family of perennial, flowering plants in the succulent family. You might have also heard them called sedum. Both of these are broad terms for plants that come in literally all shapes, colors, and sizes. What all these plants have in common, however, is their hardiness. While they're popular as potted plants, stone crop is actually a … [Read more...]

Yarrow – Plant Profile

Achillea Millefolium Common Names: Yarrow, Milefoil Common Varieties: “Paprika” (red), “Appleblossom” (pink), “Coronation Gold” (golden yellow), “Gypsy White” (white), “Peachy Peach Sensation” (peach). Description: Yarrow is a flowering perennial featuring tight, flat clusters of bright flowers atop long green stems. The flowers themselves range in color from white to deep red, with … [Read more...]

Lilac – Plant Profile

Syringa vulgaris Common Varieties: "Miss Kim", "Lincoln", "Mme. Lemoine", "Miss Canada", Dwarf Korean, Persian Lilac Description: Lilacs are a type of deciduous, flowering plant that's generally a shrub, but some varieties can become trees. They're famous for their fragrant clusters of flowers that appear in late May. Lilac is a multi-stem, woody shrub covered in broad, bright green … [Read more...]

Caryopteris – Plant Profile

Caryopteris x Clandonensis Common Names: “Blue Beard”; “Blue Spirea”; “Blue Mist” Description:  Caryotperis is sometimes called “blue spirea”, an apt name. This woody shrub is small with a mounding tendency. Its long, pink-ish stems bear angular leaves. Its foliage is usually silver-green or silver-yellow. In the late summer and early fall, it produces tight clusters of small, … [Read more...]

Salvia – Plant Profile

Common Varieties: "Meadow Sage" (the most common perennial Salvia), "May Night". Similar and Related Plants: Lavender, Nepeta "Catmint", Russian Sage. Description: Salvia is the name a a group of plants in the mint family, including sage. Since it refers to a group and not a specific plant, Salvia plants come in a huge variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. The most common varieties found … [Read more...]

Rose Bush – Plant Profile

Rosa Common Rose Bush Varieties: "Ballerina"; "Bonica"; "Knockout". Description: Rose bushes are hardy, deciduous shrubs that feature iconic roses throughout the year. Blooming from early spring until late fall, they have a long bloom period making them ideal for year round interest. Their flowers come a huge array of colors, but most commonly shades of white, pink, and red. The flowers … [Read more...]

Spirea – Plant Profile

Spirea, genus. Common Varieties: "Bridal Wreath"; "Meadowsweet"; "Goldmound"; "Goldflame"; "Snowmound"; "Magic Carpet"; "Neon Splash". Description: ‘Spirea’ actually refers to over 80 varieties of deciduous shrubs, making it one of the most diverse plants available. Its features and habits will vary greatly depending on variety, but that also means it’s easy to find the right fit for every … [Read more...]

Tri-Color Willow – Plant Profile

Salix Integra 'Hakuro Nishiki' Common Names: Tri-color Willow, Dappled Willow, Variegated Willow Description: Tri-Color Willow is a deciduous shrub with long stems and delicate, narrow leaves. New growth in the spring is soft pink, and regular leaves are mottled and vary from pale green and yellow to white. In the fall, it sheds yellow leaves to reveal bright red twigs. Planting and … [Read more...]