landscaping

 

Dogwood - European Variegated

European Variegated Dogwood, Cornus alba 'Argenteo-marginata', is one of the larger ornamental shrubs with attractive cream and green variegated foliage. This plant has year-round appeal in the landscape, displaying variegated leaves in summer and vibrant red branches in winter. It needs sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-drained soil but tolerates a range of soil conditions. It is rapid growing and has showy, green and white variegated leaves that last till fall. Dramatic in mass plantings and works well in the small home garden. Prune hard in late winter because the new growth is the most brilliantly colored. The tree form elevates the bright red wood in winter. ... additional info

 

Spice Bush The Spicebush, Lindera bezoin, is a native deciduous shrub with a broad, rounded habit which typically grows 6-12' high. Clusters of tiny, aromatic, greenish-yellow flowers bloom along the branches in early spring before the foliage emerges. Flowers of female plants give way to bright red drupes (to 1/2" long) which mature in fall and are attractive to birds. Drupes are very attractive, but are largely hidden by the foliage until the leaves drop. Thick, oblong, light green leaves (to 5" long) turn an attractive yellow in autumn. Leaves are aromatic when crushed. The larva (caterpillar) of the spicebush swallowtail butterfly feeds on the leaves of this shrub. It is used for shrub borders, shade or woodland gardens, moist areas along streams or ponds, native plant gardens or naturalized plantings. They are easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade.