The sweet azalea (Rhododendron arborescens) is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 10′ tall with a similar width. It thrives in acidic, well-draining soils and in part shade. There are two main forms of sweet azalea. The straight species blooms in late May to mid-June, while the selection called ‘Georgiana’ blooms mid-July to…
The coastal azalea (Rhododendron atlanticum) is a deciduous shrub that grows in moist, acidic, sandy soils from Pennsylvania to Georgia. At maturity, it is typically 2-3′ tall, but can reach up to 6′ in the right conditions. In the spring, this azalea is adorned with white flowers that are blushed with light pink. The tubular…
Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a prairie grass native to eastern North America that matures at 2-4 feet tall and 1.5-2 feet wide. As the name implies, this upright perennial grass is noted for its blueish foliage that turns a beautiful copper tone in the fall. In August, a purple-bronze flower reaches over the foliage…
Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) is an underused deciduous native shrub, but one that is gaining in popularity for a number of reasons. Growing from about 2’ to about 6’ in height, depending on the cultivar, it is a very tough plant able to grow in a wide range of garden conditions. It tolerates pollution, salt,…
The swamp rose mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) is an upright shrub-like herbaceous perennial that is commonly found in moist areas such as marshes or lake shores. It is a member of the Mallow family, Malvaceae. This plant is unique because of its showy, tropical-looking hibiscus flowers. The flowers are typically a large, beautiful, funnel shape with…