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Abies
commonly called fir is a genus with
about 50 species of conifers naturally found in
Acer better known as maple is a genus of about 150 species
of evergreen and deciduous trees found naturally in the
Aronia is a genus of 2 species of shrubs commonly
called chokeberry. A native to
Barberis commonly called barberry is a genus, which contains about 350 species of evergreen
and deciduous shrubs found naturally in all parts of the N. hemisphere. Uses
range from dwarf species suitable for rock gardens to shrub borders, hedges and
specimens. Grown in almost any well-drained soil, full sun to part shade,
fruiting and color more intense full sun. Prone to scale, mites and weevils,
canker, dieback, mildew and root rot.
Bougainvillea is a genus that has 14 species of
evergreen shrubs and trees, and climber’s native to forest and thickets in
tropical and subtropical
Buddleia better known as butterfly bush is a genus of about 100
species of shrubs, subshrubs, trees and climbers
found naturally around riversides, rocky areas and scrub in Asia, Africa, North
and South America. They are cultivated for their fragrant, miniature,
lilac-like panicles of blooms beloved by butterflies. Grow in fertile,
well-drained soil, full sun and pruning for most is in the spring. A late
flowering plant, it is best to keep spent blossoms trimmed for a continuous
show. Sow seeds in spring or root semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Tender growth
is susceptible to caterpillars, moths and mites but usually overcome as the
plant matures.
Buxus
is better known as boxwood and the
genus contain over 70 species of slow growing evergreen shrubs found naturally
in diverse habitats in Europe, Asia, Africa and Central America. A most
compliant plant but prefers well-drained soil full sun. Plagued by its own
parasite the boxwood leaf miner is a most serious pest.
Catalpa is a genus of 11 species of
deciduous trees native to North American and
Caryopteris is a genus of 6 species of aromatic deciduous and perennial shrubs naturally
found on woodland slopes of
Chamaecyparis or false cypress is a genus of
7 species of evergreen, coniferous trees found naturally in the forests of
Taiwan, Japan and North America. Great for screening and specimens and they
make excellent hedges, on the whole slow growing, tolerant of alkaline soil
they prefer well-draining conditions full sun.
Cotinus
or smoke tree is a genus of 2
species of deciduous trees and shrubs occurring naturally in rocky habitats
from the Mediterranean region to China and the S. US. Moderately fertile, moist
but well-drained soil full sun to part shade. Prune to specific cultivar requirements.
Cotoneaster is a genus of more than 200 species
of deciduous or evergreen shrubs and trees naturally occurring in woodland and
rocky areas in temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and N. Africa. They thrive in
moderately fertile, well-drained soil; most will tolerate dry positions sun to
part shade. Pruning is cultivar specific, pests and
diseases include rust, powdery mildew, stem cankers, fire blight, scale, rose
slugs, spider mites, slugs and snails.
Ericaceae is the genus of both azaleas
and rhododendrons and contains over
900 species of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs native to Europe,
Australia, North America and Asia. Occurring in diverse habitats from deep
forest to alpine tundra, sea level to high altitudes they vary greatly in
habit. Grown for their spectacular flowers in every color
imaginable. They like acidic, moist but well-drained soil, dappled shade
Susceptible to whitefly, leafhoppers, scale, aphids, mildew, and root rot if
the soil is not sufficiently acidic.
Euonymus is a genus of 175
species of deciduous, semi-evergreen and evergreen shrubs and climbers found
naturally in woodlands and thickets in Asia. They are cultivated specifically
for their foliage, autumn color and funky fruit. The garden uses of euonymus
range from shrub border, specimen plantings, hedging and groundcover. All like
well-drained soil, full sun light shade, and variegated colors more sun is
needed for enhanced leaves. Mites, scale, leaf miners, aphids and mealybugs attack as does mildew, dieback and fungal spots.
Forsythia is a genus of about 7 species of
shrub found naturally in open woodland areas of E. Asia. The 4-petaled yellow
flower is borne profusely before the leaves in early and mid-spring. Only
winters fluctuating temperatures can kill the flower buds. Forsythia makes a
great hedge or can stand alone as a specimen. They like moderately fertile,
moist but well-drained soil, full sun. To propagate this shrub pin green growth
down in late spring separating from the parent after a full growing season.
Fraxinus better known as ash is a genus of about 65 species of deciduous trees found in
woodlands in Europe, North America and Asia. Excellent specimen trees they are
faster growing than elms or oaks. They like fertile, moist but well-drained
neutral to alkaline soil full sun. Leaf spot, powdery mildew, rust,
anthracnose, cankers, and dieback are commons as are borers, leaf miners, ash
sawfly, fall webworm and scale.
Hamamelis, commonly called witch hazel,
is a genus of about 6 species of shrubs native to North America and E. Asia in
woodland, woodland margins and riverbanks. Grown for their
autumn color and cold-resistant, fragrant, spider-shaped flowers. Most
bloom early winter, or late winter to early spring when a burst of yellow or
orange is startling to behold in the gray of November or February. A most excellent addition to the garden and best when grouped, or
as a specimen, and certainly in a woodland setting. They like fertile,
moist but well-drained soil, full sun to part shade. Gall aphids, scale and
mildews may be a problem but generally this is a most hardy genus.
Hibiscus is known by many different names. Rose-of-Sharon is one member of the
hibiscus genus that has over 200 species of deciduous shrubs, trees, annuals
and perennials naturally found world-wide. Rose-of-Sharon need long, hot
summers, rich, moist well-drained soil full sun. Bloom time is midsummer
to early autumn with numerous bud sets on a single branch it gives the appearance
of continuous blooms. The rose-of-Sharon is a conical shaped shrub that can
reach heights of 15' with a 6' spread. Easily sown from seed in the spring this
species is wonderfully fast growing and remarkable disease and pest free and
requires little or no pruning. Suitable as a specimen and a great addition to
the small space garden.
Hydrangea is a genus of about 80 species
found naturally in East Asia, North and South America. Grown
for their shown flowerheads and often-interesting
bark. The flowers are divided into two groups, lacecaps
that have flattened flowerheads and hortensias with the pompom or rounded flowerheads.
Flower color is determined by the amount of aluminum ions and acidity in the
soil resulting in either pink or blue. Excellent as a
specimen, a shrub border, or in containers. Climbers can be used to hide
a fence or decorate a tree; flowerheads of all types
can be successfully dried and used in arrangements. Grow in moist, well-drained
soil full sun or part shade. Shelter from extremes.
Prune after flowering, not in spring, as buds are already set. Propagation is
from soft root cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe non-flowering shoots in
summer. Susceptible to mold, slugs, mildew, rust and ringspot
and leaf spot virus are common.
Lonicera commonly called honeysuckle is a genus of about 180 species of deciduous and
evergreen shrubs and climbers native to the N. hemisphere, growing in varied
habitats ranging from woodland, thickets, to rocky scrub. Cultivated for their tubular
or bell-shaped and often fragrant flowers. Climbers can be trained on a wall or
fence, or up a tree trunk. Shrubs can be used as hedging or as groundcover. All
like fertile, well-drained soil, full sun or part shade, water freely and feed
monthly. Prune after flowering trim hedges during the summer. Sow seeds as soon
as they are ripe or in the spring, take greenwood cuttings for propagation
during summer. Prone to aphids, scale, dieback and powdery mildew and blight.
Maclura
pomifera is commonly known as the Osage orange. The thorny shrubs and
trees are found naturally in East Asia to Australia, central US to South
America. They can be evergreen or deciduous and can be found in woodlands,
clearings and along roadsides. It bears clusters of green flowers in spring but
in the fall it is the fleshy, sticky, green apple colored, bumpy orange-like
fruit that distinguishes this genus.
Malus better known as crabapple is a genus of about 35 species of deciduous trees and
shrubs found in woodland settings and tickets in Europe, Asia and North
America. Grown for their fragrant
flowers and edible fruit they make ideal specimens. Not particular about soil
moderately fertile, moist but well-drained full sun to part shade. A huge
susceptibility to diseases and pests including scab, rust, fireblight,
crown and fruit rot, Japanese beetles, caterpillars, fruit worms, scale, aphids
and borers. Prune late winter or early spring.
Magnolia is a genus of about 125 species of
evergreen trees and shrubs naturally occurring in woodland areas, scrub and
along riverbanks from the Himalayas to E and SE Asia, North and South America.
Grown for their showy, solitary, fragrant, star, cup, or goblet shaped flowers.
Grow in moist, well-drained humus-rich soil preferably on the acidic side, full
sun or part shade. Magnolias are often damaged by late frosts or spent too
early with weeklong heat waves. They are relatively fast growing. Common
problems can be bacterial leaf spot, canker, dieback, mildew, snails, weevils,
scale and thrips
Picea is the genus and spruce is the common name and contains about 40 species of
coniferous trees found in the cool regions of the Northern hemisphere. Spruces
have whorled needle-like leaves that set singly around the shoots. Cones set
erect at flowering and later hang ripening in a single season. Diseases and
pests include rots, rust, aphids, caterpillars, mites, nematodes and scale.
Generally spruces are a slow grower.
Pinaceae is the genus commonly called hemlock. This is a genus of 10 species
of evergreen, coniferous trees. Grow in well-drained soil full sun to shade.
Slow growing and needing plenty of water pests are unlikely to do mortal
damage.
Pinus or pine
is a genus of approximately 120 species of evergreen coniferous trees and
shrubs widely distributed in forest from the Arctic Circle to Central America,
Africa, SE Asia and Europe. Mugo, white, Japanese red, Korean, loblolly, ponderosa
are all pines. The easiest way to recognize a pine is that the needles are
bunched or in a spray. They like well-drained soil full sun. Pest and diseases
include sawfly, caterpillars, scale, mealybugs,
miners, borers, blister rust, butt rot, blights, canker, cone rust, tar spot
and brown cubical rot.
Populus better known as Aspen, cottonwood or poplar trees is a genus of about 35
species of deciduous trees found naturally in a diverse range of habitats
worldwide. Cultivated for their rapid upright growth they are favored by
developers for that reason. Tolerant of any soil the invasive root system may
cause extensive damage to building foundations and drainage systems. Prone to borers miners, caterpillars, scale, canker, rots, gall,
dieback, blister, rust and mildew.
Quercus is the genus given the oak and contains about 600 species of
evergreen and deciduous trees widely distributed throughout the N hemisphere.
They are great specimens and like deep, fertile, well-drained soil full sun or
part shade. Borers, caterpillars, including the gypsy moth larvae, leaf miners,
skeletonizers, scale, leaf rollers can be problems as
well as wilt, anthracnose, twig blight, cankers, leaf blister, rust, mushroom
root rot, and a variety of leaf spots may occur.
Rhus commonly called sumac, nutgall tree, shining sumac, wax tree, skunkbush, staghorn
or varnish tree grows wild just
about everywhere in the world, easier listing places where it doesn't. Rhus is a genus of about 200 deciduous or evergreen shrubs,
trees and woody climbers. Found in all soil types, woodland, thickets, bogs,
and rocky slopes. Sumac is cultivated for the showy fruit and brilliant shades
of yellow, red, or orange in the fall. Flowers are insignificant in spring,
summer lush green leaf growth is pleasing, berries or fruit are interesting,
but definitely it is for the autumn color that makes this genus.
Salix commonly called willow is a genus of about 300
deciduous trees and shrubs naturally found all over the world except Australia.
There are some wonderful species so diverse in forms sighting corkscrew, black, coyote, the upright
Swiss, weeping, dwarfs of all types The catkins
are the show for this genus which are followed by leaves. Willows are
fast growing and capable of being a wonderful specimen in a short time. This is
a genus best suited around water or wet sites, full sun, and give the roots
plenty of room, as they can be invasive. Prone to gall,
canker and dieback, and rot of various types, a favorite of caterpillars and
borers. Branches are strong additions to arrangements or spring
statements alone, easily rooted from stems in water. Whatever forms all will
require pruning.
Saguaro is the giant cactus native to a small area in the desert southwest United
States and NW Mexico. These slow growing behemoths can attain a height of 30 feet
and may not bear flowers until after 30 years. Now protected as a national
treasure vast stands of saguaros were destroyed during the 1800s. The root
system of the saguaro extends to a depth of about 3 feet but lateral roots
extend for hundreds.
Spiraea
is a most dependable genus of about 80 species of deciduous or semi-evergreen
shrub found naturally in rocky places, woodland edges and riverbanks in N
temperate regions worldwide. They like fertile, moist but well-drained soil,
pruning on most is after flowering. Dieback, powdery mildew, leave spot, scale
and aphids may affect spirea’s.
Syringa
better known as lilac is a genus of
about 20 species of shrubs. Grown for their large pyramidal panicles of
fragrant tubular flowers. They like fertile, well-drained soil, full sun.
Pruning is done after flowering to encourage next year’s bloom. Propagation is
from greenwood cuttings in early summer. Best advised is to go with a hardy cultivar that is a proven grower in the area. Prone to
powdery mildew, dieback, and caterpillars can also be a problem.
Taxus
is the genus commonly called evergreen
or yew and is a grouping of 5 to 10
species of shrubs and small trees naturally found in forest extending to
temperate regions of the Philippines and Central America. The stalwart bases of
most foundation plantings they tolerate dry soil, coastal exposure and urban
pollution, alkaline or acidic soil, full sun or deep shade. Excellent
as yard specimens, hedges and topiaries. Pests include mites, mealybugs, scale and weevils.
Viburnum is a genus of 150 species of evergreen and deciduous shrubs, native to
Asia and South America. And the flowers! Flowers are borne in clusters and are
tubular-trumpet-shaped forming domed heads or looking similar to "lacecaps," color range is white or cream,
pink-flushed. May be followed by ornamental fruit that may be
red, blue, or black. Viburnums are suitable
for a shrub border or woodland garden. They also put on a great show in the
fall. Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil full sun or part
shade. Mold, mildews, aphids, beetles and mealybugs
may be a bother.
Wisteria is a genus of 10 species of woody,
deciduous, twining climbers found in moist woodland and stream banks in China, Korea,
Japan, and central and southern US. Wisteria is a rapid grower and needs plenty
of support. Grow in moist, fertile well-drained soil full sun or part shade.
Prune late summer. Southern climates have more problems with pests then do
northern zones. Once established vigorous plants should be able to fight all
problems.
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