Crataegus laevigata

Plant Type Tree
Deciduous, Broadleaf

Form Rounded

Climate Zones 4b to 8a

Bloom Color White, Pink, Lavender

Bloom Time Early spring, Mid spring, Late spring

Growth Rate Average

Mature Height 15 to 25 feet

Mature Spread 15 to 25 feet

Environment Full sun
Moist soil
Drought tolerant
Tolerates wetness
Wind tolerant

Soil Alkaline, Neutral, Acidic, Clay, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy, Adaptable, Slightly alkaline

Leaf Color Green

Fall Color No change in color, Not showy

Attributes Not North American native
Attracts birds
Edible
Deer resistant
Attracts hummingbirds
Attractive flowers or blooms
Moderately dense crown
Moderately flammable

Uses Specimen
Lawn tree
Street tree
Small site
Large scale planting
Screen
Seashore
Winter interest
Massing
Patio tree


Native Habitat Europe, Northern Africa, Western Asia

Culture Notes When lower branches are removed, this tough tree can be used as a street or parking lot tree where overhead space is limited by power lines or other features. Be sure to purchase trees that do not require a stake to hold them erect. Branches bear sharp thorns which can inflict pain as they meet flesh, but cultivars have been selected without these. Grows well in tree pits and other confined soil spaces. Trees tolerate about any soil except one kept constantly wet. Plant in the open with good air circulation to help reduce leaf diseases.

Be sure to clear all turf away from beneath the branches to reduce competition with turf. Remove some branches so they will not touch each other. Remove some secondary branches from main branches (especially those toward the end of the main branches) if main branches have included bark. This reduces the likelihood of main branches splitting from the tree later when it has grown to become an important part of the landscape. Locate the tree properly, taking into account the ultimate size since the tree looks best if it is not pruned to control size. The tree can enhance any landscape with its delightful spring flush of foliage and flowers. It can be the centerpiece of your landscape if properly located.

Prune early in the life of the tree to develop several major branches well-spaced along a central trunk. This will improve the durability of the tree compared to trees with many upright and spreading branches originating from one point on the trunk. Prune to maintain a dominant leader by cutting back competing leaders and branches. Do this every 3 years for the first 15-20 years after planting. Regularly reduce the length of low aggressive branches by making drop crotch cuts if these branches will be in the way later and have to be removed later. This will prevent you from having to make large pruning wounds later.

Pests and Diseases Pests: Pests include aphids and lacebug.
Diseases
Fireblight and rust can cause significant damage to this tree.

Melissa officinalis

Plant Type Perennial
Deciduous, Broadleaf

Form Upright,

Climate Zones 4a to 8b

Bloom Color White

Bloom Time Mid summer

Growth Rate Average

Mature Height 18 to 24 inches

Mature Spread 12 to 18 inches

Environment Partial shade to Full sun
Moist soil

Soil Neutral, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy

Leaf Color Green

Attributes Attractive foliage
Fragrant foliage
Herbal

Uses Container


Native Habitat Southern Europe

Culture Notes Naturalized in eastern United States, this plant should be sheltered from strong winds. Cut back after flowering to promote new growth.

The leaves are used in drinks, fruit cups, salads, and fish dishes. The leave,s when dried, are used to give a lemon scent to sachets and potpourris.

Pests and Diseases Diseases: powdery mildew

Cynara scolymus

Plant Type Perennial
Broadleaf, Evergreen

Form Upright,

Climate Zones 7a to 9a

Bloom Color Green

Bloom Time Late summer

Growth Rate Average

Mature Height 2 to 5 feet

Mature Spread 18 to 35 inches

Environment Partial shade to Full sun
Moist to Wet soil

Soil Loamy

Leaf Color Green

Attributes Edible


Native Habitat Native to West and Central Mediterranean. Today grown in Belgium, France, California, and Mediterranean regions with rich soil, humidity, and mild climates.

Culture Notes Large thistlelike plant. The thick leaves of the thistle head and the bottom part of the immature thistle are edible. The ground for growing should be dug deep. Artichokes prefer fertile sandy loam. The plants need full sun exposure. In mild climates, artichoke seeds can be sown directly outside. The seedlings should be eventually thinned to four feet apart. Artichokes should be watered often and not allowed to go bone dry. Grows approximately three feet tall. Prefer an open site, cool climates, and tolerate light to medium frost. Require nitrogen for best results. The plant dies back each year after the thistles are formed, and new shoots grow the next season. After a number of years, plants should be divided and replanted separately.

Pests and Diseases Slugs and snails

Ipomoea purpurea

Plant Type Annual
Evergreen, Broadleaf

Form Upright, Irregular or sprawling

Climate Zones 9a to 11

Bloom Color Red, Blue, Purple, White, Pink

Bloom Time Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Growth Rate Fast

Mature Height 3 to 8 feet

Mature Spread 4 to 6 feet

Environment Full sun
Dry to Moist soil
Drought tolerant

Soil Adaptable, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy

Leaf Color Green

Fall Color No change in color, Not showy

Attributes Not North American native
Fool proof plant
Naturalizing
Attracts hummingbirds
Attractive flowers or blooms
Open crown
Low flammability

Uses Container
Specimen
Arbor


Native Habitat Probably Mexico

Culture Notes When planted from seed, germination can occur between 5 to 7 days. Over fertilization will result in all vine and few flowers. The flowers of this plant will open early in the morning or stay open on cloudy days.

Pests and Diseases None serious

Celosia argentea

Plant Type Annual
Broadleaf, Deciduous

Form Upright

Climate Zones Undefined

Bloom Color Red, Orange, Yellow, Pink

Bloom Time Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Growth Rate Average

Mature Height 10 to 18 inches

Mature Spread 12 to 24 inches

Environment Full sun
Dry to Moist soil

Soil Neutral, Well drained, Loamy

Leaf Color Green, Variegated

Attributes Five star plant
Fool proof plant
Deer resistant
Attracts butterflies
Suitable for cut flowers
Suitable for dried flowers
Moderately flammable

Uses Border
Container
Massing
Seashore
Small site
Bedding


Native Habitat Africa

Culture Notes Tender perennial usually grown as an annual because it is not hardy in areas which have consistent freezing temperatures. Seedlings can be grown sown under glass early spring. Cuttings can be made throughout the summer.

Pests and Diseases Pests: aphids, red spider mites, root knot nematodes. Cut worms can cause damage to young plants.
Diseases: leaf spots, rot, curly top virus

Antirrhinum majus

Plant Type Annual
Broadleaf, Deciduous

Form Upright

Climate Zones Undefined

Bloom Color Red, Orange, Yellow, Purple, White, Pink

Bloom Time Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Growth Rate Average

Mature Height 8 to 36 inches

Mature Spread 18 to 24 inches

Environment Full sun
Dry to Moist soil

Soil Neutral, Adaptable, Well drained, Loamy

Leaf Color Green

Attributes Five star plant
Long blooming
Fool proof plant
Attracts hummingbirds
Attracts birds
Attracts butterflies
Fragrant flowers
Suitable for cut flowers
Suitable for dried flowers
Attractive flowers or blooms
Moderately flammable

Uses Border
Container
Massing
Small site
Bedding
Rock garden


Native Habitat Mediterranean

Culture Notes This plant is usually grown as an annual, but in warm climates, may remain a perennial. Often will self sow. Dead flowers should be removed to prolong flowering throughout the summer.

Pests and Diseases Pests: aphids, beetles, borers, bud worms, caterpillars, nematodes, red spider mites, slugs
Diseases: rust, blights, crown rot, downy and powdery mildews, leaf spot, verticillium wilt

Acer buergerianum

Plant Type Tree
Deciduous, Broadleaf

Form Vase

Climate Zones 4b to 9a

Bloom Color Yellow

Bloom Time Early spring, Mid spring, Late spring

Growth Rate Average

Mature Height 25 to 50 feet

Mature Spread 15 to 25 feet

Environment Partial shade to Full sun
Moist soil
Tolerates moderate drought

Soil Alkaline, Neutral, Acidic, Clay, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy, Slightly alkaline, Adaptable

Leaf Color Green

Fall Color Orange, Red, Yellow, Attractive fall colors

Attributes Not North American native
Attracts birds
Moderately dense crown
Moderately flammable

Uses Specimen
Massing
Seashore
Patio tree
Lawn tree
Street tree
Small site


Native Habitat China

Culture Notes Trident Maple should be planted in full sun or partial shade on any well-drained, acid soil and is quite tolerant of salt, air pollution, wind and drought. Like other maples, some chlorosis can develop in soils with pH over 7 but it is moderately tolerant of soil salt. It performs well in urban areas where soils are often poor and compacted. Trees are easily transplanted due to their shallow root system and are fairly `clean' trees since they do not drop messy leaves, fruit or flowers.

Trees grown in partial shade can grow much taller (up to 60 feet tall), especially when the crown is touching adjacent trees preventing branches from spreading. The tree is reported to be weak-wooded in North Carolina but some of this may be due to poor structure, not weak wood. This can be at least partially prevented by pruning major lateral branches so they grow no larger than half the diameter of the main trunk. Be sure that there are no weak crotches with embedded bark, or double or multiple leaders which could cause the tree to split apart. Specify single-leadered trees when planting along streets or in parking lots or other commercial landscapes.


Pests and Diseases None of major concern, a very clean tree.

Juniperus chinensis spartan

Plant Type Tree
Evergreen, Needles or needle-like leaf

Form Conical evergreen

Climate Zones 4a to 10a

Bloom Color Yellow, Brown

Bloom Time Early spring, Mid spring, Late spring

Growth Rate Fast

Mature Height 14 to 20 feet

Mature Spread 6 to 8 feet

Environment Partial shade to Full sun
Dry to Moist soil
Drought tolerant

Soil Alkaline, Neutral, Acidic, Clay, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy, Adaptable, Slightly alkaline

Leaf Color Blue

Fall Color No change in color, Not showy

Attributes Fragrant foliage
Not North American native
Deer resistant
Attractive foliage
Five star plant
Fool proof plant
Attracts birds
Inconspicuous flowers or blooms
Dense crown
Highly flammable

Uses Border
Foundation plant
Massing
Screen
Specimen


Native Habitat Species native to China, Mongolia, Japan

Culture Notes Growing best in full sun, more open in partial shade, juniper needs well-drained soil or it will decline from root rot. It tolerates alkaline soil and is quite drought-tolerant but root regeneration is slow after transplanting from a field nursery. It is frequently offered in containers from a nursery in various sizes depending on the cultivar Junipers develop into a showcase specimen without pruning and is probably best used for this purpose.

Pests and Diseases Pests: Mites and bagworms can infest the foliage.
Diseases: Juniper is susceptible to root rot and tip blight.

Thuja occidentalis

Plant Type Tree
Evergreen, Needles or needle-like leaf

Form Conical evergreen

Climate Zones 2a to 7b

Bloom Color Yellow

Bloom Time Early spring, Mid spring, Late spring

Growth Rate Slow

Mature Height 25 to 50 feet

Mature Spread 10 to 15 feet

Environment Partial shade to Full sun
Moist to Wet soil
Tolerates moderate drought
Tolerates flooding

Soil Alkaline, Neutral, Acidic, Clay, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy, Slightly alkaline, Adaptable

Leaf Color Green

Fall Color No change in color, Not showy

Attributes Wetlands plant
North American native
Deer resistant
Attracts birds
Inconspicuous flowers or blooms
Dense crown
Highly flammable

Uses Specimen
Massing
Screen
Large scale planting


Native Habitat Swamps of eastern North America

Culture Notes Transplanting is moderately easy if plants are root-pruned and either balled and burlapped or potted. White-Cedar likes high humidity and tolerates wet soils and some drought, but not salt exposure of any kind. The foliage turns brownish in winter, especially on cultivars with colored foliage and on exposed sites open to the wind. Many of the natural stands in the United States have been cut. Some remain in isolated areas along rivers throughout the East. Good survival in ice storms.

Foliage turns brown with the onset of cold winter temperatures. Some of the cultivars retain their green foliage well into winter.

Dwarf Thuja occidentalis makes a good rock garden tree.


Pests and Diseases Pests: Arborvitae leaf miner mines out the leaf tips, causing them to turn brown. Scales of several types infest the stems and foliage. Mites cause yellowing and speckling of the foliage. Bagworms can devour large quantities of foliage very quickly.
Diseases
Leaf blight causes brown spots on the leaves in late spring.

Buxus

Plant Type Shrub
Evergreen, Broadleaf

Form Upright mound

Climate Zones 5a to 9a

Bloom Color Green

Bloom Time Early spring, Mid spring, Late spring

Growth Rate Slow

Mature Height 3 to 4 feet

Mature Spread 3 to 4 feet

Environment Partial shade to Full sun
Moist soil
Tolerates moderate drought

Soil Neutral, Acidic, Clay, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy, Slightly alkaline, Adaptable

Leaf Color Green

Fall Color Yellow, Not showy

Attributes Not North American native
Attractive foliage
Five star plant
Fool proof plant
Year-round interest
Deer resistant
Inconspicuous flowers or blooms
Dense crown
Moderately flammable

Uses Container
Border
Foundation plant
Massing
Specimen
Sheared hedge
Small site
Hedge


Native Habitat Hybrid between B. sempervirens and B. microphylla var. koreana.

Culture Notes This Boxwood is a fine-textured evergreen that tolerates shearing exceptionally well and is commonly used as a border or hedge. It is best grown where the root zone can be mulched and left undisturbed. This evergreen requires a well-drained soil and prefers shading in winter if grown on exposed sites. It is particularly suited to small borders or hedges (6 to 24 inches tall) and works well as an edging along paths. Plant is as a facer plant to fill in spaces in a shrub border or along a deck or patio to soften the edge or help provide the feeling of enclosure. This is a cultivar resulting from a cross with one of the hardiest boxwoods. Holds green color well in the winter sun.

Pests and Diseases Boxwood leaf miner, spider mites, nematodes, and scale. Roots rot if soil is kept too wet.

Berberis japonica

Plant Type Shrub
Semi-evergreen, Broadleaf

Form Upright mound

Climate Zones 4a to 7b

Bloom Color Yellow, White

Bloom Time Early spring, Mid spring, Late spring

Growth Rate Average

Mature Height 4 to 8 feet

Mature Spread 3 to 6 feet

Environment Shade to Full sun
Dry to Moist soil
Tolerates moderate drought

Soil Alkaline, Neutral, Acidic, Clay, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy, Adaptable, Slightly alkaline

Leaf Color Green, Purple

Fall Color Orange, Red, Yellow, Attractive fall colors

Attributes Not North American native
Attracts birds
Fool proof plant
Five star plant
Deer resistant
Inconspicuous flowers or blooms
Dense crown
Moderately flammable

Uses Border
Erosion control
Foundation plant
Massing
Specimen
Large scale planting
Hedge
Sheared hedge


Native Habitat Unknown

Pests and Diseases Scale occasionally infests the twigs.

Acer palmatum

Plant Type Tree
Deciduous, Broadleaf

Form Vase, Rounded

Climate Zones 5b to 8a

Bloom Color Red

Bloom Time Early spring, Mid spring, Late spring

Growth Rate Slow

Mature Height 15 to 25 feet

Mature Spread 15 to 25 feet

Environment Shade to Full sun
Moist soil
Tolerates moderate drought

Soil Acidic, Clay, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy

Leaf Color Purple

Fall Color Red, Attractive fall colors

Attributes Attractive foliage
Not North American native
Deer resistant
Attracts birds
Inconspicuous flowers or blooms
Moderately dense crown
Moderately flammable

Uses Specimen
Border
Container
Massing
Patio tree
Small site


Native Habitat Korea, China, Japan

Culture Notes This large shrub or small tree tends to leaf out early, so it may be injured by spring frosts. Protect them from drying winds and direct sun by providing exposure to partial or filtered shade and well-drained, acid soil with plenty of organic matter, particularly in the southern part of its range. Leaves often scorch in hot summer weather in USDA hardiness zones 7b and 8, unless they are in some shade or irrigated during dry weather. More direct sun can be tolerated in the northern part of the range. Be sure drainage is maintained and never allow water to stand around the roots. Grows fine on clay soils as long as the ground is sloped so water does not accumulate in the soil. Responds well to several inches of mulch placed beneath the canopy. Holds red foliage color well in summer in the south.

Prune early in the life of the tree to develop several major branches well-spaced along a central trunk. This will improve the durability of the tree compared to trees with many upright and spreading branches originating from one point on the trunk.

Pests and Diseases Aphids, scales and borers can be found on the Maples. Scorch occurs during periods of high temperatures accompanied by wind. Verticillium wilt can kill plants.

Lobelia erinus

Plant Type Annual
Broadleaf, Deciduous

Form Spreading

Climate Zones Undefined

Bloom Color Purple

Bloom Time Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Growth Rate Average

Mature Height 4 to 8 inches

Mature Spread 6 to 8 inches

Environment Partial shade to Full sun
Moist soil

Soil Adaptable, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy

Leaf Color Green

Attributes Deer resistant
Five star plant
Fool proof plant
Moderately flammable

Uses Border
Container
Ground cover
Massing
Rock garden
Specimen
Small site
Bedding


Native Habitat South Africa

Culture Notes These plants do best in the cooler zones, so they will need partial shade in the warmer zones. If plants become leggy, cut back to encourage growth.

Petunia hybrida

Plant Type Annual
Broadleaf, Deciduous

Form Irregular or sprawling

Climate Zones Undefined

Bloom Color Red, Yellow, Purple, White, Pink

Bloom Time Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Growth Rate Average

Mature Height 6 to 15 inches

Mature Spread 8 to 12 inches

Environment Partial shade to Full sun
Moist soil

Soil Neutral, Adaptable, Clay, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy

Leaf Color Green

Attributes Fragrant foliage
All or parts of this plant are poisonous
Long blooming
Fool proof plant
Attracts hummingbirds
Attractive flowers or blooms
Moderately flammable

Uses Border
Container
Massing
Specimen
Small site
Bedding
Rock garden


Native Habitat Hybrid

Culture Notes Plants prefer a sunny well drained soil. Most plants tend to flop with age. Removal of spent flowers encourages more blooms. Cultivars are not reliable from seed. Stem cuttings can be taken and rooted in the summer.

Portulaca grandiflora

Plant Type Annual
Broadleaf, Deciduous

Form Matting

Climate Zones Undefined

Bloom Color Red, Orange, Yellow, White, Pink

Bloom Time Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Growth Rate Fast

Mature Height 6 to 8 inches

Mature Spread 6 to 12 inches

Environment Full sun
Dry to Moist soil
Drought tolerant

Soil Alkaline, Neutral, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy

Leaf Color Green

Fall Color No change in color, Not showy

Attributes Attractive foliage
Long blooming
Naturalizing
Deer resistant
Open crown
Moderately flammable

Uses Border
Container
Massing
Rock garden
Bedding


Native Habitat South America.

Culture Notes Can be sown under glass in the late winter. Seed will also germinate outdoors if planted in the spring. Life of the individual flowers only lasts one day, deadhead for continuing blooms. Flowers will close in the evening.

Alocasia

Plant Type Perennial
Evergreen, Broadleaf

Form Fountain

Climate Zones 8b to 11

Bloom Color Green

Bloom Time Early spring, Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer

Growth Rate Fast

Mature Height 1 to 10 feet

Mature Spread 1 to 10 feet

Environment Partial shade to Full sun
Wet soil
Tolerates flooding

Soil Neutral, Acidic, Clay, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy

Leaf Color Green, Variegated

Fall Color No change in color, Not showy

Attributes Not North American native
Attractive foliage
Attractive flowers or blooms
Open crown
Low flammability

Uses Border
Specimen


Native Habitat Asia

Culture Notes This tropical plant prefers warm, moist shady conditions in the summer with plenty of water. When the leaves begin to fade in autumn, cut back on the watering. When the leaves have died down, only moisten the soil occasionally.

Aglaonema commutatum

Plant Type Perennial
Evergreen, Broadleaf

Form Upright

Climate Zones 10b to 11

Bloom Color White, Green

Bloom Time Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer

Growth Rate Average

Mature Height 2 to 4 feet

Mature Spread 12 to 36 inches

Environment Shade
Moist soil

Soil Neutral, Acidic, Clay, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy

Leaf Color Green, Variegated, Silvery

Fall Color No change in color, Not showy

Attributes Not North American native
Bold foliage
Inconspicuous flowers or blooms
Moderately dense crown
Moderately flammable

Uses Container
Massing
Specimen
Ground cover


Native Habitat Philippine Islands, Northeast Celebes.

Culture Notes Any fertile, nematode-free soil or artificial media is suitable for growth, yet Aglaonemas will survive in peat and perlite, in sand, or can be grown hydroponically. They enjoy moist soil which is allowed to dry slightly before watering. Be careful not to overwater but do not let the soil dry for more than a few days. Aglaonemas require shade since direct sun will turn leaves yellow. They perform admirably in conditions too dark for most other tropicals. They will succeed in low light, either as house plants or in sheltered locations on the north side of buildings, or under heavy shade of trees. They are attractive planted as single specimens, or in mass to create a tropical, coarse-textured effect. Plant on 2 to 3-foot centers. Temperatures below 45-degrees F. can injure the foliage. Overwatering causes root rot and yellowing of the leaves.

Pests and Diseases Mites can infest leaves and can cause rapid decline in plant health. Roots can rot if the soil is kept too wet.

Aechmea Samuri

Plant Type Perennial
Evergreen, Broadleaf

Form Fountain

Climate Zones 10a to 11

Bloom Color Red

Bloom Time Early summer, Mid summer

Growth Rate Slow

Mature Height 2 to 3 feet

Mature Spread 20 to 28 inches

Environment Partial shade
Moist soil
Drought tolerant

Soil Neutral, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy, Acidic, Clay, Slightly alkaline

Leaf Color Variegated

Attributes Not North American native
Attractive foliage
Five star plant
Fool proof plant
Bold foliage

Uses Container
Ground cover
Massing
Specimen
Small site
Border


Native Habitat Species native to Columbia, Peru, Brazil

Culture Notes These plants are often used in outside landscaping in zones 8 and above. However, in the zones where frost occurs, the plants should be brought inside before the first frost occurs. In areas where frost is brief, cover the plant.
After the plants boom and sucker, the suckers can be divided and replanted. When the parent plant begins to brown, remove it to allow the plants energy to go to the young plants .

Pests and Diseases Pests: mealybugs, scales
Diseases: overwatering or underwatering can cause fungus problems.

Aloe buhri

Plant Type Perennial, Succulent
Evergreen, Broadleaf

Form Succulent, Mound

Climate Zones 9a to 11

Bloom Color Yellow

Bloom Time Early winter, Mid winter, Late winter

Growth Rate Fast

Mature Height 12 to 24 inches

Mature Spread 2 to 3 feet

Environment Shade to Full sun
Dry to Moist soil
Drought tolerant

Soil Neutral, Acidic, Clay, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy, Slightly alkaline, Adaptable

Leaf Color Green, Variegated

Fall Color No change in color, Not showy

Attributes Attractive foliage
Not North American native
Fool proof plant
Bold foliage
Deer resistant
Attracts hummingbirds
Attractive flowers or blooms
Open crown
Moderately flammable

Uses Container
Specimen
Ground cover
Massing


Native Habitat Unknown

Culture Notes Aloes are easy to grow in well drained soil. In areas where winters are cool, grow in containers and protect when temperature drops below 29 degrees. Plant is sterile so increase by division.

Pests and Diseases Pests: Mealybugs, scales
Diseases: root rot, chlorosis, and black leaf spot

Aloe somaliensis

Plant Type Perennial, Succulent
Evergreen, Broadleaf

Form Succulent, Mound

Climate Zones 9a to 11

Bloom Color Red

Bloom Time Early winter, Mid winter, Late winter

Growth Rate Fast

Mature Height 12 to 24 inches

Mature Spread 12 to 24 inches

Environment Shade to Full sun
Dry to Moist soil
Drought tolerant

Soil Neutral, Acidic, Clay, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy, Slightly alkaline, Adaptable

Leaf Color Green, Blue, Variegated

Fall Color No change in color, Not showy

Attributes Attracts birds
Attractive foliage
Not North American native
Bold foliage
Year-round interest
Deer resistant
Attracts hummingbirds
Attractive flowers or blooms
Open crown
Moderately flammable

Uses Border
Ground cover
Massing
Rock garden
Container


Native Habitat Somali

Culture Notes Aloes are easy to grow in well drained soil. In areas where winters are cool, grow in containers and protect when temperature drops below 29 degrees. Plant is sterile so increase by division.

Pests and Diseases Pests: Mealybugs, scales
Diseases: root rot, chlorosis, and black leaf spot

Aloe brevifolia

Plant Type Perennial, Succulent
Evergreen, Broadleaf

Form Succulent, Basal rossette

Climate Zones 10a to 11

Bloom Color Red

Bloom Time Early spring, Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall, Late fall, Early winter, Mid winter, Late winter

Growth Rate Average

Mature Height 4 to 6 inches

Mature Spread 8 to 24 inches

Environment Partial shade to Full sun
Dry soil
Drought tolerant

Soil Neutral, Well drained, Loamy

Leaf Color Green

Fall Color No change in color, Not showy

Attributes Attractive foliage
Not North American native
Fool proof plant
Bold foliage
Deer resistant
Attracts hummingbirds

Uses Container
Specimen
Ground cover
Massing


Native Habitat South Africa

Culture Notes Aloes are easy to grow in well drained soil. In areas where winters are cool, grow in containers and protect when temperature drops below 29 degrees. Flowers occur on 20 inch high clusters intermittently all year. The sword shaped leaves are toothed. Many offsets will form and can be divided to grow new plants.

Pests and Diseases Pests: mealybugs, scales
Diseases: root rot, chlorosis, and black leaf spot

Acacia farnesiana

Plant Type Tree
Evergreen, Broadleaf

Form Shrub tree

Climate Zones 9a to 11

Bloom Color Yellow

Bloom Time Early spring, Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall, Late fall, Early winter, Mid winter, Late winter

Growth Rate Slow

Mature Height 15 to 20 feet

Mature Spread 15 to 20 feet

Environment Full sun
Dry to Moist soil
Drought tolerant
Tolerates wetness
Heat tolerant

Soil Alkaline, Neutral, Acidic, Clay, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy, Adaptable, Slightly alkaline

Leaf Color Green

Fall Color No change in color, Not showy

Attributes Naturalizing
North American native
Fool proof plant
Long blooming
Deer resistant
Attracts hummingbirds
Attracts birds
Fragrant flowers
Attractive flowers or blooms
Open crown
Highly flammable

Uses Erosion control
Massing
Seashore
Specimen
Patio tree
Street tree


Native Habitat North America

Culture Notes Although easy to grow in any acid or alkaline soil, including clay, the leaves will drop if the soil is allowed to dry out. This drought avoidance mechanism allows the plant to grow well with no irrigation once established. Growing best in full sun, this thorny, well-branched shrub makes an excellent barrier planting or nesting cover for wildlife. It can be trained as a small tree and used as a freestanding specimen. But its growth rate is extremely slow, making it unpopular in the nursery trade but popular with those who care for it in the landscape. Sweet Acacia has its place in any sunny shrub border or as an accent plant in any garden if located away from areas where children frequent, since the thorns can inflict severe pain. It is well suited for dry climates with little rainfall.

It can be trained into a tree for use in median strips, or can be used as a street tree where there is not a need for tall-vehicle clearance beneath the crown. The small stature and low, spreading branching habit makes pruning for vehicular clearance difficult unless it is properly trained from an early age. But the required input of manhours for early training may be offset by the high drought, pest and insect resistance of the tree. Do not locate the tree too close to where people can be injured by the sharp thorns on the branches.

Pests and Diseases None of major concern. Occasionally anthracnose can infect leaves.

Acacia auriculiformis

Plant Type Tree
Evergreen, Broadleaf

Form Rounded

Climate Zones 10a to 11

Bloom Color Yellow

Bloom Time Early spring, Mid spring, Late spring

Growth Rate Fast

Mature Height 60 to 90 feet

Mature Spread 60 to 90 feet

Environment Full sun
Dry to Moist soil
Drought tolerant
Tolerates wetness
Tolerates flooding
Heat tolerant

Soil Alkaline, Neutral, Acidic, Clay, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy, Adaptable, Slightly alkaline

Leaf Color Green

Fall Color No change in color, Not showy

Attributes Not North American native
Invasive
All or parts of this plant are poisonous
Fool proof plant
Deer resistant
Attracts birds
Attractive flowers or blooms
Moderately dense crown
Highly flammable

Uses Massing


Native Habitat Australia

Culture Notes Quickly reaching a height of 40 feet and a spread of 25 feet, Earleaf Acacia becomes a loose, rounded, evergreen, open shade tree. It is often planted for its abundance of small, beautiful, bright yellow flowers and fast growth. The flattened, curved branchlets, which look like leaves, are joined by twisted, brown, ear-shaped seed pods. Growing 6 to 8 feet per year, Earleaf Acacia quickly grows into a medium-sized shade tree. This makes it a popular tree. However, it has brittle wood and weak branch crotches, and the tree can be badly damaged during wind storms.

Prune branches so there is a wide angle of attachment to help them from splitting from the tree. Also be sure to keep the major branches pruned back so they stay less than half the diameter of the trunk. These techniques might increase the longevity of existing trees.

Earleaf Acacia grows in full sun on almost any soil including alkaline and is moderately salt-tolerant. It will withstand periods of water inundation but is also very tolerant of drought. Seeds germinate in the landscape and the tree can be somewhat invasive. However, it is not as invasive as Australian pine or Brazilian pepper and probably will not become so. Because of the invasive habit and weak branches, many people consider this to be an undesirable tree. Trees consistently break apart in storms. This is a poor choice for planting. Trees have phyllodes (not leaves) that look like leaves.

Pests and Diseases None of major concern. Occasionally anthracnose infects leaves.

Acacia estrophiolata

Plant Type Tree
Evergreen, Broadleaf

Form Vase, Rounded

Climate Zones 9a to 11

Bloom Color Yellow

Bloom Time Early spring, Mid spring, Late spring, Early winter, Mid winter, Late winter

Growth Rate Average

Mature Height 20 to 30 feet

Mature Spread 20 to 25 feet

Environment Full sun
Dry to Moist soil
Drought tolerant
Heat tolerant

Soil Alkaline, Neutral, Acidic, Clay, Sandy, Well drained, Loamy, Slightly alkaline, Adaptable

Leaf Color Green, Blue

Fall Color No change in color, Not showy

Attributes Not North American native
Fool proof plant
Deer resistant
Attracts birds
Fragrant flowers
Attractive flowers or blooms
Moderately dense crown
Highly flammable

Uses Specimen
Massing
Patio tree
Street tree
Small site
Large scale planting


Native Habitat Unknown

Culture Notes Full and good drainage are essential. Prune to avoid formation of included bark. Trees have phyllodes (not leaves) that look like leaves.

Acacia can be trained as a small tree, in median strips as a street tree where there is not a need for tall-vehicle clearance beneath the crown and used as a freestanding specimen. But its growth rate is extremely slow, making it unpopular in the nursery trade but popular with those who care for it in the landscape. Acacia has its place in any sunny shrub border or as an accent plant. It is well suited for dry climates with little rainfall.

The small stature and low, spreading branching habit makes pruning for vehicular clearance difficult unless it is properly trained from an early age. But the required input of manhours for early training may be offset by the high drought, pest and insect resistance of the tree.

Be sure to clear all turf away from beneath the branches to reduce competition with turf. Train the trunks and branches so they will not touch each other. Eliminate or remove some secondary branches on main branches with included bark or those which are likely to develop it as soon as possible. This reduces the likelihood of one splitting from the tree later when it has grown to become an important part of the landscape. Locate the tree properly, taking into account the ultimate size since the tree looks best if it is not pruned to control size. The tree can enhance any landscape with its delightful spring flush of foliage. It can be the centerpiece of your landscape if properly located.

Prune early in the life of the tree to develop several major branches well-spaced along a central trunk. This will improve the durability of the tree compared to trees with many upright and spreading branches originating from one point on the trunk. Prune to maintain a dominant leader by cutting back competing leaders. Do this every 3 years for the first 15-20 years after planting. Regularly reduce the length of low aggressive branches by making drop crotch cuts if these branches will be in the way later and have to be removed. This will prevent you from having to make large pruning wounds later.

Pests and Diseases Roots can rot in soil that is over-irrigated.

Ocimum basilicum 'Siam Queen'

Plant Type Annual
Broadleaf, Deciduous

Form Upright,

Climate Zones Undefined

Bloom Color White

Bloom Time Mid summer, Late summer

Growth Rate Fast

Mature Height 2 to 3 feet

Mature Spread 2 to 3 feet

Environment Full sun
Moist soil

Soil Neutral, Well drained, Loamy

Leaf Color Green

Attributes Attractive foliage
Fragrant foliage
Edible
Five star plant
Fool proof plant
Herbal
Suitable for dried flowers
Attractive flowers or blooms

Uses Border
Container
Massing
Specimen
Small site


Native Habitat Species native to Tropics.

Culture Notes 'Siam Queen" is an All-America Sections winner for 1997. It is an improved Thai Basil or tropical basil. It grows very quickly when temperatures are above 68 degrees (20degrees C ). This tropical basil differs from European basil, especially in flavor and fragrance. It is recommended to sow seed in doors in a container since the Basil plant is very tender. Trim off the white flower heads before they set seed, this will result in a bushier plant. Harvest periodically to maintain shape of plant.

Ocimum basilicum 'Citriodorum'

Plant Type Annual
Broadleaf, Deciduous

Form Upright,

Climate Zones Undefined

Bloom Color White

Bloom Time Mid summer, Late summer

Growth Rate Average

Mature Height 12 to 24 inches

Mature Spread 2 to 3 feet

Environment Full sun
Moist soil

Soil Neutral, Well drained, Loamy

Leaf Color Green

Attributes Attractive foliage
Fragrant foliage
Edible
Not North American native
Five star plant
Fool proof plant
Herbal
Suitable for dried flowers

Uses Container
Specimen
Massing
Small site



Native Habitat Species native to Tropics.

Culture Notes Prefers average garden soil, planted in the full sun. It is recommended to sow seed in doors in a container since the Basil plant is very tender. Trim off the white flower heads before they set seed, this will result in a bushier plant. Harvest periodically to maintain shape of plant. Basil is a better container plant than it is in the garden.

Ocimum basilicum

Plant Type Annual
Broadleaf, Deciduous

Form Mound,

Climate Zones Undefined

Bloom Color White

Bloom Time Mid summer, Late summer

Growth Rate Average

Mature Height 12 to 24 inches

Mature Spread 30 to 36 inches

Environment Full sun
Moist soil

Soil Neutral, Loamy

Leaf Color Green

Attributes Attractive foliage
Fragrant foliage
Edible
Herbal
Fool proof plant
Suitable for dried flowers

Uses Border
Container
Specimen
Massing
Bedding


Native Habitat Tropics.

Culture Notes Prefers average garden soil, planted in the full sun. It is recommended to sow seed in doors in a container since the Basil plant is very tender. Trim off flower heads before they set seed, this will result in a bushier plant. Harvest periodically to maintain shape of plant. Basil is a better container plant than it is in the garden. Purple leaved varieties are attractive in borders or container plantings.