Snow White Mockorange is an upright versatile shrub with dark green foliage that can reach up to 5 in height with about a 4-foot spread. Springtime brings 2-inch double white fragrant flowers that will have a repeat blooming period later in summer. Use this shrub in planting beds, in front of darker colored fences, retaining walls or houses as the white of the flower will pop. Although versatile, be sure to choose a sunnier location that will provide at least 5-6 hours of full sun. Anything less than that could result in reduced flower production or a plant that does not thrive. Be sure to keep soil moist during dryer months but not saturated.
The Saucer Magnolia is a beautiful multi-stem specimen that can be used as a focal point, part of a planting bed or as a standalone. In the spring, showy saucer-shaped fragrant white and pink flowers bloom on bare branches, followed by dark green foliage. This tree grows about 1-2’ per year topping off at 20-30’ h x 20-25’ w at maturity. Saucer magnolias are fairly easy to maintain with little to no upkeep. However, when planting choose a well-draining area that receives at least 5-6 hours of full sun. Something to keep in mind if choosing a magnolia, late spring frosts have been known to kill off buds. Although unsightly, as the buds will turn black, this will not harm the tree but will kill the flowers for that season.
If needing some height in a planting bed that has vibrant color, the Orange Rocket Barberry may be a solid contender. This compact upright will provide eye catching coral-orange new growth that ages to medium green before turning a ruby red in the fall. Moderate growth rate reaching 4-5’ h x 2-3’ w will complete the planting bed as either a standalone specimen or brighten up the landscape in a grouping. This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. No pruning is necessary except to maintain the desired shape.
Have a retaining rock wall or maybe a large section of planting bed that needs some help? Creeping Phlox might be a worthy candidate. Choosing from a variety of colors, this spring blooming perennial with its needle-like foliage and small starry five-pointed flowers will produce a colorful carpet with long spreading stems that turn woody with age, that can be grown in between pavers, trailing a wall or as ground cover in a planting bed. Cutting back stems after flowering can promote a second flowering. Maxing out to about 4-6” h x 2’ w, when planted in full sun to part sun, this hardy plant will thrive even in a variety of soil conditions as long as the soil is well draining. Watch for mites and other pests and eradicate them as soon as spotted using an insecticidal soap.
If you are looking for a focal point for a planting bed or in the yard as a standalone, the Firebird Crabapple might be a consideration. This ornamental crab reaches about 10’ h x 8-10’ w at maturity. The dense spreading deciduous has horizontally tiered branches giving the tree a formal compact look. Springtime brings tight clusters of fragrant white flowers with dark green foliage that turns yellow in the fall. Red fruit that hasn’t been eaten by the wildlife, along with the red branches and brown bark will create winter interest. As with other flowering trees, the Firebird will thrive in full sun and with well-draining soil. This particular variety of crab tree has excellent resistance to apple scab and fire-blight.
