Selecting Landscape Shrubs with Special Comments on Invasive and Native Plants
Shrubs are considered to be the βworkhorsesβ of the landscape. Some people tend to think of shrubs as bland, green masses that fill landscape spaces, but there are thousands of varieties of shrubs, all with their own unique and interesting qualities. Shrubs come in every form and size imaginable. They exhibit a host of different leaf shapes and textures. Some display seasonal interest with prolific blooms, leaf color, bark texture, or fruit. With so many choices available, selecting the right shrub for your landscape can seem a little daunting.
Selecting the wrong plant can increase your maintenance chores through excessive pruning, extra watering, and additional spraying to control insects and diseases. Selecting the right plant can reduce these chores and increase the time you have to enjoy your landscape.
This publication will provide information to help you make the right shrub choices. Whether you are planning a new landscape or renovating an established one, this publication contains plant characteristics and cultural information on many kinds of shrubs that grow well in Mississippi.
What Is a Shrub?
For the purposes of this publication, a shrub is a woody plant with multiple stems or trunks that grows 20 feet tall or less when mature. There are, of course, exceptions to this definition. Obviously, some of the plants listed, under optimum conditions, may exceed 20 feet in height. Also, shrubs can be trained to a single trunk in some cases. Conversely, some trees can have multiple trunks. Common sense is the best guide to distinguish a shrub from other plant groups such as trees or ground covers.
Shrub Selection Checklist
When choosing a plant for your landscape, there are many things to consider. It is always better to evaluate your landscape situation before you go shopping, so you can fit the plant to the site rather than trying to change the site to fit the plant.
Use the checklist below to help you assess the landscape location where the shrub will be planted. Then select plants from the table that fit your particular landscape situation. Explanations of the topics follow the checklist.
- Function or role
- Height and width
- Amount of light
- Climatic zone
- Soil conditions
- Fertility needs
- Soil pH
- Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
- Available water (quality of drainage)
- Form
- Texture
- Seasonal interest or color
- Risk analysis
Function or Role
Determine what function or role the shrub will have in your landscape. For example, do you need a low evergreen shrub to go around the base of your deck? Or do you need a shrub that could screen an unsightly view? Maybe you need a shrub to accent the entrance to the driveway. Common examples of functions or roles that shrubs play in our landscapes include:
- Foundation plants (Figure 1)
- Hedge, screen, and background plants (Figures 1 and 2)
- Energy conservation, which includes managing wind, heat, and cold (Figure 3)
- Erosion control
- Container plants (Figure 4)
- Border and edging plants (Figures 1 and 2)
- Specimen plants
- Accent plants (Figure 1)
- Sound barriers (Figure 2)
- Wildlife habitats (Figures 1 and 2)




Height and Width
Knowing the mature size of a plant is very important. Size includes not just height, but also the mature spread or width of the shrub. Both should be considered before choosing a shrub for a particular location in the landscape. Choosing a plant that will become too large for the space available is a common mistake homeowners make. Problems arise later as the plant outgrows its location and blocks walkways, driveways, or windows.
Light
It is important that you know the light conditions of the different areas where you will be placing shrubs. Choose plants that grow well in those light conditions.
Full sun is at least 6β8 hours of direct sunlight. For sunny areas, choose plants that require full sunlight to grow.
Full shade areas receive no direct sunlight. In these areas, the shade could be the result of trees, buildings, or other structures. Filtered shade refers to the shade provided by a thin canopy of trees that results in filtered or βspottedβ areas of light on the forest floor. Choose plants that grow in shade for these areas.
Part sun areas receive direct sunlight for at least half of the day. Fitting plants to this type of light situation can be challenging. Some shade plants will tolerate full sun in the morning if given afternoon shade. Some sun plants will grow fine in situations of some early morning or late afternoon shade. Refer to the comments section of the plant table for further information on specific light references for plants in this light category.
Climatic Zone
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has categorized the climates of the United States, Canada, and Mexico into numbered zones based on average low winter temperatures. The zone numbers range from 1 to 11. Each decrease in a zone number means the average low winter temperature is 10 degrees colder. The map in Figure 5 shows the USDA zones for Mississippi. All of Mississippi is within Plant Hardiness Zones 7 and 8. These are the average low winter temperature ranges for each zone and sub-zone:
Zone |
Β°F Range |
7 |
10β0 |
7a |
5β0 |
7b |
10β5 |
8 |
20β10 |
8a |
15β10 |
8b |
20β15 |

Remember that a plant hardiness rating does not guarantee a plantβs ability to grow well in an area. For example, plants suited to drier areas of the southwestern United States in Zone 7 may withstand the winter temperatures in Mississippi, but they may not grow well because of diseases associated with our higher humidity. A plantβs hardiness zone rating ONLY indicates its ability to withstand a certain winter low temperature.
Soil Conditions
Determine the fertility needs of the planting site before selecting plants or planting. Take a representative soil sample of the area being planted and submit it to the MSU Soil Testing Laboratory for analysis. Remember: it is much easier to choose a plant to fit your soil conditions than to change the soil conditions to fit the plant.
The soil analysis will also include a pH level, or measure of the alkalinity or acidity of the soil. Plants will grow best within certain pH ranges, so selection of plant material depends on pH (unless you can amend the planting site). Soil pH affects the availability of plant nutrients. Azaleas, camellias, and hollies are examples of acid-loving plants. Examples of shrubs that will grow in alkaline soils are barberry, deutzia, and elaeagnus. Table 1 includes a column that contains the pH range of specific plants.
Soils can be described as light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Medium soils are best for proper growth of most landscape plants. Sandy or clay soils can be amended with organic matter to improve the water-retaining qualities of sandy soils and the drainage of clay soils, making these soils more conducive to plant growth. Adequate soil drainage is important for the growth of most plants. However, some plants like drier conditions and some plants like wetter conditions (bog or aquatic plants). Comments on soil requirements or tolerances have been made for many of the plants in Table 1.
Form
Form is the shape of the plant. Make sure the plant will fit into the required space and that its form complements the surrounding plantings or area. See Figure 6 for examples of plant forms.

Texture
Texture refers to the fineness or coarseness of plants. For example, large-leaved shrubs, as a rule, are considered coarse-textured. Examples include aucuba, fatsia, and bigleaf hydrangea. Fine-textured plants include falsecypress, arborvitae, and any of the junipers. In most cases, plants with fine textures should be used in greater numbers in the landscape than plants with coarse textures.
Seasonal Interest or Color
These are the characteristics of the plant that contribute to its overall appeal. Special physical features that make the plant attractive through the seasons could include fruit, flowers, foliage color, bark, or branching structure. The comments section of Table 1 includes information on seasonal interest or color.
Risk Analysis
When choosing plants, it pays to determine the risks the plant could bring to your landscape. Take the following into consideration when choosing plants:
- Does it attract stinging insects like bees or wasps?
- Does it produce messy fruit or other plant parts in the landscape?
- Does it produce fruit that may cause slipping, particularly on walkways?
- Does it produce thorns, spines, or prickles that can cause harm?
- Are leaves sharply pointed, which may cause harm?
- Is it poisonous to children or pets?
- Does it cause allergies?
- Does it have aggressive growth characteristics that crowd out its neighbors?
- Is it invasive?
Eradication of invasive plants costs millions of dollars every year in the United States. A number of plants can be invasive in landscapes. An invasive plant species by federal definition must be exotic and have a negative economic or health impact. Invasive plant species can increase maintenance costs and cause problems in surrounding landscapes. Some invasive plants and potential alternatives are offered in Table 2.
Avoid invasive species whenever possible. Keep in mind that some invasive plants are regulated and illegal to move into the landscape. Remember that invasive plants in one area may not be invasive in another. The comments column in Table 1 provides cautionary statements about invasive or potentially invasive plants. Before purchasing plants, be informed about which species are invasive in your area. In addition, new species can escape cultivation.
Some gardeners may prefer native plants instead of exotic or invasive species. Native species are noted in Table 1 of this publication. However, remember that some native species also can be aggressive in the landscape. Despite occasional problems, choosing a native plant could amount to savings in plant purchases and preservation of natural resources, as well. The comments section also offers other information concerning the risk factors for plants.
Shopping Tips
Local vs. Online
Plant shopping at your local nursery, garden center, or online can be an exciting but sometimes confusing experience. Always check your favorite nursery or garden center first to see if you can buy the plants locally. You will usually be able to buy a larger plant for your money than you could if purchasing the same plant online. Also, you have the benefit of talking to a real person and seeing and inspecting the real plant. The only downside of shopping locally is the variety of plants offered may be less than what you could order online. If you have found a plant online that you canβt find locally, request that your nursery or garden center order the plant for you before ordering online.
Container vs. No Container
Plants come in various βpackagesβ (Figure 7). Shrubs are typically sold in containers or pots of various sizes. These can range from small containers measured in inches to large containers measured in gallons. Large shrubs can also be sold ball and burlapped, more commonly referred to as B and B. These plantsβ roots with attached soil are wrapped in burlap or a similar material. Plants also can be bare-root and packaged in boxes, paper, or plastic wrapping. Roses can be offered for sale bare-root. Obviously, those plants with roots surrounded by soil have a higher survival rate than those offered bare-root. Bare-root plants can, however, be cheaper, and if you handle them properly, can be a very good choice.

Small Plants vs. Large Plants
Remember that small container plants will grow and are less expensive than large container plants of the same type. So if cost is a consideration and you have the patience, purchasing smaller containers is more economical. If you want the space filled sooner and a more established look to your landscape, and you can afford the extra cost, by all means purchase a more mature plant in a larger container.
Low Maintenance vs. High Maintenance
We all want more leisure time, so it is important to select a plant that doesnβt require too much maintenance in terms of pruning, spraying, watering, and disease and insect management. It is worth the extra effort to learn about the requirements of your selection before you make your purchase. Talk with nursery workers and gardening neighbors, or consult other resources.
Shop for Quality!
Always inspect your plant selection for signs of insect or disease damage. Make sure the plant shows no signs of mechanical damage to the bark or branches. Mechanical damage is caused by machinery or rough handling of the plant.
Select shrubs that have a good framework of strong branches. Look for plants with healthy green foliage and a full canopy. If it is a deciduous shrub purchased while dormant, look for an overall good branching structure. Avoid plants that have exposed roots circling the top of the pot or protruding from the potβs drainage holes. These plants are root-bound and indicate they have been held too long in the same pot (Figure 8).

Protecting Plants until Planting Time
It is always better to have your planting area prepared before you bring home your plants so you can get them immediately into the ground. If this is not the case, you will need to provide a temporary holding area (Figure 9) to protect the plants until planting can occur. Do not allow plants to dry out; maintaining adequate moisture is very important. The holding area should be in an accessible area for easy watering. Also make sure the area is partially shaded and protected from drying winds. Check the plants daily to make sure the roots are kept moist.

If it will be more than 3 or 4 days before you can plant, provide additional protection. Group the plants close together and mulch around the packaging (container, B and B, bare-root) with compost, pine needles, or shredded pine bark to keep the roots moist until planting. If the plant is bare-root, be sure to open the packaging to make sure the roots are moist before covering with mulch.
The following tables list ornamental landscape shrubs by height group and scientific name with information on foliage type, hardiness zone, plant height and width, plant spacing, pH range, and nativity for each, along with special comments.
Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Foliage1 |
Zones |
Light2 |
Height |
Width |
Spacing |
pH range |
Native3 |
Comments |
Compact Abelia |
Abelia x grandiflora βProstrataβ |
SE |
6β9 |
F |
1.5ββ2β |
1.5ββ2β |
2ββ3β |
6.0β8.0 |
Flowers on new wood. Tolerates city conditions well. May have several blooming cycles. Attracts bees. Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
Edward Goucher Glossy Abelia |
Abelia x grandiflora βEdward Goucherβ |
SE |
6β9 |
FβS |
3ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
4ββ6β |
6.0β8.0 |
Flowers on new growth. Tolerates city conditions well. May have several blooming cycles per season. Has slender arching branches. Attracts bees. Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
Coral Ardisia |
Ardisia crenata |
BE |
8β10 |
PβS |
2ββ4β |
2ββ4β |
1β2β |
5.0β7.0 |
Reseeds itself freely where adequate mulch is provided; invasive in Florida. Will not tolerate full sun. Medium-slow growth rate. |
|
Black Chokeberry |
Aronia melanocarpa |
D |
3β8 |
FβP |
3ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Similar to red chokeberry, but forms colonies from root suckers and fruit are purplish black. Growth rate is slow, but once established suckers can grow fast. |
Dwarf Aucuba |
Aucuba japonica βNanaβ |
BE |
7β10 |
S |
3ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
2ββ3β |
5.5β7.0 |
See Japanese Aucuba. Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
Black Barberry |
Berberis gagnepaini |
BE |
6β9 |
FβP |
3.5ββ5β |
4ββ6β |
3ββ4β |
6.0β8.0 |
Flowers grown on old wood. Can be used for bonsai. Medium growth rate. |
|
Crimson Pygmy Japanese Barberry |
Berberis thunbergii atropurpurea βCrimson Pygmyβ |
D |
4β8 |
F |
1.5ββ2β |
2.5ββ3β |
2β3β |
6.0β8.0 |
Redleaved dwarf form. Medium growth rate. |
|
Rose Glow Japanese Barberry |
Berberis thunbergii atropurpurea βRose Glowβ |
D |
4β8 |
F |
~5β |
~5β |
2ββ3β |
6.0β8.0 |
Best color in full sun. More green as shade increases. Good for city conditions. Dwarf forms available. Medium growth rate. |
|
Redleaf Japanese Barberry |
Berberis thunbergii atropurpurea |
D |
4β8 |
F |
~5β |
~5β |
3ββ4β |
6.0β8.0 |
Will not retain red leaf color in deep shade. Good for city conditions. Medium growth rate. Numerous varieties available. Invasive in northeast United States. |
|
Golden Japanese Barberry |
Berberis thunbergii βAureaβ |
D |
3β8 |
F |
3ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
3ββ4β |
6.0β8.0 |
Bright yellow leaves in full sun. Several other yellow varieties developed. Medium growth rate. |
|
Harlandβs Boxwood |
Buxus harlandii |
BE |
6β8 |
FβP |
2ββ3β |
2ββ3β |
1ββ2β |
6.0β7.5 |
Shallow roots require mulch. Prefers rich, well-drained soils. Medium growth rate. |
|
Japanese Littleleaf Boxwood |
Buxus microphylla japonica |
BE |
6β9 |
FβP |
3ββ5β |
3ββ4β |
2ββ3β |
6.0β7.5 |
More upright in form. Very fast grower. Medium growth rate. |
|
Korean Boxwood |
Buxus microphylla koreana |
BE |
5β9 |
FβP |
2ββ2.5β |
2ββ2.5β |
1ββ2β |
6.0β7.5 |
Very small and compact. Medium growth rate. |
|
Richardβs Boxwood |
Buxus microphylla βRichardiiβ |
BE |
6β9 |
FβP |
3ββ6β |
3ββ4β |
1ββ2β |
6.0β7.5 |
Very fast grower. Medium growth rate. |
|
Wintergreen Korean Boxwood |
Buxus microphylla βWintergreenβ |
BE |
6β9 |
FβP |
3ββ5β |
3ββ4β |
2ββ3β |
6.0β7.5 |
Foliage light green. Larger than Korean and βWinter Gemβ Korean box. Medium growth rate. |
|
Purple Beautyberry |
Callicarpa dichotoma |
D |
5β8 |
FβP |
3ββ4β |
4ββ5β |
2ββ3β |
6.0β8.0 |
Similar to American Beautyberry but smaller in all respects. Fast growth rate. |
|
Compact Scarlet Bottlebrush |
Callistemon citrinus βCompactaβ |
BE |
8β11 |
F |
~4β |
~4β |
3ββ4β |
6.0β7.5 |
May be killed by severe winters. Flower clusters in form of a bottle brush. Tolerant of salt spray. Can withstand drought. Medium growth rate. |
|
Bluebeard |
Caryopteris x clandonensis |
SE |
6β9 |
F |
2ββ3β |
2ββ3β |
2ββ3β |
6.0β8.0 |
Will tolerate some shade. Gray foliage with blue flowers typical, but also gold leaf forms. Small shrub with medium growth rate. |
|
Common Bluebeard |
Caryopteris incana |
SE |
6β9 |
F |
3ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
3ββ4β |
6.0β8.0 |
Blue or white cultivars, as well as gold leaf forms. Small shrub with medium growth rate. |
|
New Jersey Tea |
Ceanothus americanus |
SE |
4β8 |
FβS |
3ββ4β |
3ββ5β |
2ββ3β |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Flowers not showy, but related to many western native species with showy flowers. Drought-tolerant. Slow to medium growth rate. |
Dwarf Hinoki Falsecypress |
Chamaecyparis obtusa βNanaβ |
NE |
4β8 |
FβP |
2β |
3.5β |
2ββ3β |
5.0β6.0 |
Branchlets may be slightly orange-brown in summer. Not tolerant of air pollution. Variegated forms available. Slow growth rate. |
|
Compact Atlantic Whitecedar |
Chamaecyparis thyoides βCompactaβ |
NE |
3β9 |
FβP |
~2β |
~2β |
2ββ3β |
5.5β6.5 |
X |
Dwarf form. Many cultivars. Wild forms grow to be large trees. Wetland species. Slow growth rate. |
Goldentwig Dogwood |
Cornus sericea βFlavirameaβ |
D |
3β8 |
FβP |
7ββ9β |
7ββ9β |
3ββ4β |
6.0β8.0 |
Yellow twigs all year. Showy in winter. Good for contrast against dark structures. Spreads rapidly. Good for moist, well-drained soils. Medium growth rate. |
|
Creeping Cotoneaster |
Cotoneaster adpressus |
SE |
4β8 |
FβP |
1ββ1.5β |
4ββ6β |
2β3β |
6.0β7.0 |
One of the slower growing dwarf cotoneasters. Needs well-drained soils. Medium growth rate. |
|
Cranberry Cotoneaster |
Cotoneaster apiculatus |
SE |
4β7 |
F |
~3β |
3ββ6β |
3ββ4β |
5.5β8.0 |
Low-growing with showy red fruit in fall. Can be used as a ground cover. Slow growth rate. |
|
Bearberry Cotoneaster |
Cotoneaster dammeri |
BE |
5β7 |
F |
1ββ1.5β |
~6β |
3ββ4β |
6.0β7.0 |
One of the best ground covers for moist soils. Frequently roots along the stems. Several cultivars. Medium growth rate. |
|
Rock Cotoneaster |
Cotoneaster horizontalis |
SE |
5β7 |
F |
2ββ3β |
5ββ8β |
3ββ8β |
6.0β7.0 |
Low-growing with showy red fruit in fall. Can be used as a ground cover. Slow growth rate. |
|
Dwarf Globe Japanese Cryptomeria |
Cryptomeria japonica βGlobosa Nanaβ |
NE |
5β8 |
F |
2ββ3β |
2.5ββ3.5β |
3ββ4β |
6.0β7.0 |
Dwarf form of the much larger Cryptomeria. Other dwarf forms are available. Slow growth rate. |
|
Alexandrianβlaurel |
Danae racemosa |
BE |
7β9 |
S |
2ββ4β |
2ββ4β |
2ββ4β |
6.0β7.0 |
Compact shrub with showy red fruit. Slow growth rate. |
|
Rose Daphne |
Daphne cneorum |
BE |
5β7 |
S |
0.5ββ1β |
1ββ2β |
1ββ3β |
6.5β8.0 |
Compact shrub with very fragrant flowers. A few cultivars with white to pink flowers or varigated foliage. Needs well-drained soils. Slow growth rate. |
|
Winter Daphne |
Daphne odora |
BE |
7β9 |
S |
3ββ4β |
3ββ4β |
3ββ5β |
5.0β7.0 |
Compact shrub with very fragrant flowers. A few cultivars with white to pink flowers or varigated foliage. Slow growth rate. |
|
Slender Deutzia |
Deutzia gracilis |
D |
4β8 |
FβP |
2ββ4β |
3ββ4β |
3ββ5β |
6.0β7.0 |
Compact shrub with white spring flowers. Slow to medium growth rate. |
|
Southern Bushβhoneysuckle |
Diervilla sessilifolia |
D |
4β7 |
FβP |
3ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
6.0β7.0 |
X |
Mountain native. Usually found on cliff ledges. Yellow spring flowers. Medium growth rate. |
Paperbush |
Edgeworthia papyrifera |
D |
7β9 |
FβP |
3ββ4β |
3ββ4β |
3ββ4β |
5.5β7.0 |
Unusual. Produces fragrant, cream-yellow flowers in early spring. Slow growth rate. |
|
Coralβbean |
Erythrina herbacea |
D |
7β10 |
FβP |
3ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
4ββ6β |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Bright red tubular flowers in clusters. Winter kills to ground in colder weather. Seed red and toxic (as is plant). Growth rate is fast for suckers on established plant. |
Pulchellus Japanese Euonymus |
Euonymus japonicus βMicrophyllusβ |
BE |
5β9 |
FβP |
4ββ6β |
2ββ3β |
2ββ3β |
6.0β8.0 |
Used as a substitute for boxwood. Variegated leaf form available. Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
Tree Ivy or Fatshedera |
Fatshedera lizei |
BE |
7β10 |
P |
3ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
2ββ3β |
6.0β7.0 |
A bi-generic cross between Hedera and Fatsia. Not self supporting. Severe winters will burn foliage. Lower stems tend to be bare. Growth rate is medium fast. |
|
Dwarf Fothergilla |
Fothergilla gardnerii |
D |
5β8 |
FβP |
2ββ3β |
2ββ3β |
2ββ3β |
5.5β7.5 |
X |
Several cultivars available. Related to Witchhazel, but shorter. Slow growth rate. |
Dwarf Gardenia |
Gardenia radicans |
BE |
8β10 |
FβS |
2ββ3β |
3ββ4β |
2ββ3β |
5.5β6.0 |
Can survive most winters in 7b. Has a larger number of pests. Chlorosis common problem due to lack of iron. Sensitive to poor drainage and heavy soils. Medium growth rate. |
|
Smooth Hydrangea |
Hydrangea arborescens |
D |
4β9 |
FβS |
3ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
6.0β8.0 |
X |
Native woodland shrub that typically grows on higher pH soil. Flowers not as showy as Biglead Hydrangea. Fast growth rate. |
Bigleaf Hydrangea |
Hydrangea macrophylla |
D |
6β9 |
PβS |
3ββ6β |
3ββ6β |
3ββ5β |
5.0β7.5 |
Acid (pH 5.0-5.7) soils produce blue flowers; more alkaline (pH 6.0 and above) soils produce pink flowers. Flowers on 1-year-old wood. Prune only stems that have flowered. Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
Oakleaf Hydrangea |
Hydrangea quercifolia |
D |
5β9 |
PβS |
4ββ6β |
4ββ6β |
3ββ4β |
6.0β8.0 |
X |
Sensitive to heavy, poorly drained soils. Flowers few in dense shade. Relatively short lived. Medium growth rate. |
Serrate Hydrangea |
Hydrangea serrata |
D |
6β7 |
FβP |
4ββ5β |
4ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
5.0β6.5 |
Similar to Hydrangea macrophylla. A few cultivars with flower color from pink to blue. Medium growth rate. |
|
Golden St. Johnwort |
Hypericum frondosum |
D |
5β8 |
FβP |
3ββ4β |
3ββ4β |
3ββ4β |
6.0β7.0 |
X |
Showy yellow blooms. There are several native species of Hypericum. Slow growth rate. |
Carissa Chinese Holly |
Ilex cornuta βCarissaβ |
BE |
7β9 |
FβP |
3ββ4β |
4ββ6β |
3ββ4β |
5.0β6.5 |
A sport of Rotunda Chinese Holly. A recent introduction. Medium growth rate. |
|
Rotunda Chinese Holly |
Ilex cornuta βRotundaβ |
BE |
6β9 |
FβP |
3ββ4β |
6ββ8β |
3ββ4β |
6.0β7.0 |
Difficult to tell from Spreading Chinese Holly except lower-growing, denser foliage. Rarely has fruit. Medium growth rate. |
|
Compact Japanese Holly |
Ilex crenata βCompactaβ |
BE |
5β7 |
FβP |
~6β |
~6β |
3ββ4β |
6.0β7.0 |
Both surface and internal drainage must be good for this plant to thrive. Old specimens have interesting irregular forms. Medium growth rate. |
|
Heller Japanese Holly |
Ilex crenata βHelleriβ |
BE |
5β7 |
P |
4ββ5β |
4ββ5β |
2ββ3β |
5.0β6.5 |
Difficult to transplant. Fruit occurs on new wood. Responds to shearing. Medium growth rate. |
|
Dwarf Yaupon Holly |
Ilex vomitoria βNanaβ |
D |
7β10 |
FβS |
3ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
6.0β8.0 |
X |
Berries, when produced, are red. Tolerates city conditions and shearing well. Medium growth rate. |
Indigo |
Indigofera amblyantha |
D |
7β9 |
F |
4ββ6β |
4ββ6β |
4ββ6β |
5.5β7.0 |
Fine textured leaves and clusters of small pink flowers. Legume. Medium growth rate. |
|
Kirilow Indigo |
Indigofera kirilowii |
D |
5β8 |
F |
2ββ3β |
1ββ2β |
2ββ3β |
6.0β7.0 |
Fine textured leaves and clusters of small pink flowers. Legume. Forms a colony and can be invasive. Medium growth rate. |
|
Virginia Sweetspire |
Itea virginica |
D |
5β9 |
FβP |
3ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Grows in wetlands, but often planted on drier sites. Colonial from roots. A few cultivars. Medium to fast growth rate. |
Showy Jasmine |
Jasminum floridum |
SE |
7β10 |
FβP |
3ββ4β |
4ββ7β |
3ββ5β |
6.0β8.0 |
Branches have tendency to climb like a vine if support is nearby. Little maintenance. Mulch plantings heavily, since plants do not compete well with weeds. Semi-evergreen in north and central Mississippi. Medium growth rate. |
|
Winter Jasmine |
Jasminum nudiflorum |
SE |
6β10 |
FβP |
3ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
6.0β8.0 |
Drought tolerant. Very little maintenance. Best in sun. Leaves may fall in early spring. Green stems. Excellent for top of retaining walls where branches can cascade over the wall. Medium growth rate. |
|
Blue Vase Juniper |
Juniperus chinensis βBlue Vaseβ |
NE |
4β9 |
F |
4ββ5β |
3ββ4β |
4ββ6β |
6.0β8.0 |
Should not be planted in confined areas because of large size and fast growth. Will withstand most adverse growing conditions except poorly drained soil. Medium growth rate. |
|
Pfitzer Chinese Juniper |
Juniperus chinensis βPfitzerianaβ |
NE |
4β9 |
F |
4ββ5β |
8ββ10β |
6ββ10β |
6.0β8.0 |
Tolerates city conditions well. Prefers moist soils but will withstand dry ones. Soil must be well-drained. Tolerant of alkaline soils. Medium growth rate. |
|
Pfitzer Chinese Juniper βPfitzeriana Aureaβ |
Juniperus chinensis |
NE |
4β9 |
F |
4ββ5β |
8ββ10β |
6ββ10β |
6.0β8.0 |
Gold form of βPfitzeriana.β Prefers moist soils but will withstand dry ones. Soil must be well-drained. Tolerant of alkaline soils. Medium growth rate. |
|
Nickβs Compact Pfitzer Juniper βPfitzeriana Compactaβ |
Juniperus chinensis |
NE |
4β9 |
F |
12"β18" |
6β |
5ββ8β |
6.0β8.0 |
Needles more awl-shaped than Pfitzer Juniper. Medium growth rate. |
|
Golden Pfitzer Juniper βPfitzeriana Gold Laceβ |
Juniperus chinensis |
NE |
4β9 |
F |
4ββ5β |
5ββ6β |
4ββ5β |
6.0β8.0 |
Slightly smaller gold form of βPfitzeriana.β Very decorative. Tolerant of city conditions. Will withstand drought but prefers moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates alkaline soils. Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
San Jose Juniper |
Juniperus chinensis βSan Joseβ |
NE |
4β9 |
F |
12"β18" |
6ββ8β |
4ββ6β |
6.0β8.0 |
Branches lie flat on the ground. Exhibits both juvenile and mature needles. Has been a popular prostrate juniper for many years. Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
Japanese Garden Juniper |
Juniperus procumbens |
NE |
4β8 |
F |
8"β12" |
10ββ15β |
5ββ8β |
5.0β7.0 |
Coarse, stiff branches. Dense growth habit. Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
Variegated Japanese Garden Juniper |
Juniperus procumbens βVariegataβ |
NE |
4β8 |
F |
8"β12" |
10ββ15β |
5ββ8β |
5.0β7.0 |
See Japanese Garden Juniper. This form has blue-green foliage with creamy white blotches. Medium growth rate. |
|
Broadmoor Juniper |
Juniperus sabina βBroadmoorβ |
NE |
5β7 |
F |
2ββ3β |
10β |
2ββ3β |
6.0β7.0 |
Excellent juniper for ground cover for large areas. Medium growth rate. |
|
Tamarix Juniper |
Juniperus sabina βTamariscifoliaβ |
NE |
4β7 |
F |
~18" |
10ββ15β |
3ββ4β |
6.0β7.0 |
Excellent juniper for ground cover for large areas. Sensitive to poorly drained soils. Medium growth rate. |
|
Grey Owl Eastern Redcedar |
Juniperus virginiana βGrey Owlβ |
NE |
2β9 |
F |
~3 |
~6β |
4ββ6β |
6.0β7.0 |
Possible hybrid with J. chinensis βPfitzeriana.β Nice silver-gray foliage. Medium growth rate. |
|
Dwarf Crapemyrtle |
Lagerstroemia indica and hybrids |
D |
7β9 |
F |
2ββ5β |
2ββ4β |
2ββ4β |
5.0β6.0 |
Very shrubby in 6b. Many cultivars with a range of characteristics like flower color. See Extension Publication 2007 Crapemyrtle: Flower of the South. |
|
Common Lavender |
Lavandula angustifolia |
BE |
5β8 |
F |
1ββ2β |
1ββ2β |
1ββ2β |
6.0β7.0 |
Herbal with aromatic foliage. Grayish foliage with typically purple flowers. Other, less hardy species available. Slow growth rate. |
|
Dogβhobble |
Leucothoe axillaris |
BE |
5β8 |
PβS |
3ββ6β |
3ββ6β |
2ββ6β |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Also called coast leucothoe and native to the southeast, particularly low areas. Several cultivars. Slow to medium growth rate. |
Drooping Leucothoe |
Leucothoe fontanesiana |
BE |
5β9 |
PβS |
3ββ6β |
3ββ6β |
2ββ6β |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Native to the Apalachian Mountains. Several cultivars. Slow to medium growth rate. |
Pheasantβeye |
Leycesteria formosa |
SE |
7β9 |
PβS |
3ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
6.0β7.0 |
Stems typically green; flowers purple in racemes. Medium growth rate. |
|
Fetterbush Lyonia |
Lyonia lucida |
BE |
7β9 |
PβS |
3ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Coastal plain native with racemes of pinkish white flowers. Slow to medium growth rate. |
Oregon Grape Mahonia |
Mahonia aquifolium |
BE |
5β7 |
FβS |
3ββ6β |
3ββ5β |
2ββ3β |
6.0β8.0 |
Remove older branches each year to encourage low, dense form. Plant increases in size by underground rhizomes. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Leatherleaf Mahonia |
Mahonia bealei |
BE |
6β9 |
PβS |
6ββ10β |
6ββ10β |
2ββ3β |
6.0β8.0 |
Plant blends well with rich browns of brick and woodwork. Remove one-third of tallest canes each spring. Does well on north sides of buildings. Medium growth rate. |
|
Chinese Mahonia |
Mahonia fortunei |
BE |
7β9 |
PβS |
5ββ6β |
5ββ6β |
3ββ4β |
6.0β8.0 |
Fruit less showy than other mahonias. Will withstand more sun than other mahonias. Slowly spreads by underground rhizomes. Easily pruned to maintain natural form. Slow growth rate. |
|
Dwarf Southern Waxmyrtle |
Myrica cerifera var. pumila |
BE |
7β11 |
FβP |
3ββ4β |
4ββ10β |
3ββ4β |
5.0β7.0 |
X |
Sometimes found in southern MS in dunes. Other dwarfs include βFairfaxβ (4β5 feet), βClub Medβ (3β4 feet), βGeorgia Gemβ (12β18 inches tall by 3 feet wide), plus a few others. Growth rate is typically slower compared to the standard form. |
Compact/Dwarf Nandina |
Nandina domestica (dwarfs) |
BE |
6β9 |
FβP |
4ββ5β |
4ββ5β |
1ββ2β |
5.5β7.0 |
βCompactaβ and βHarbour Dwarf,β low-growing, dense form of common nandina; βNana,β minimal fruit production, smaller than Compact Nandina, slow growth rate; βNana Purpureaβ similar to βNana,β but foliage is purple-green. |
|
Alabama Snowβwreath |
Neviusia alabamensis |
D |
4β8 |
PβS |
3ββ6β |
3ββ6β |
3ββ6β |
6.5β7.0 |
X |
Rare in wild, but similar to Spirea. Spreads to form colonies. Nice native shrub. Medium growth rate. |
Dwarf Flowering Pomegranate |
Punica granatum βNanaβ |
SE |
7β11 |
FβP |
~18" |
3β4β |
3ββ4β |
5.5β7.0 |
Leaves narrow and small. Single orange-red flower during summer. Slow growth rate. |
|
Variegated Dwarf Firethorn |
Pyracantha βHarlequinβ |
SE |
8β9 |
F |
~6β |
~6β |
3ββ5β |
6.0β8.0 |
May be pruned to keep in bounds. Leaves green with a creamy white margin that turns pinkish with cold weather. May reach up to 6β10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Slow growth rate. |
|
Indian Hawthorn |
Raphiolepis indica |
BE |
8β10 |
FβP |
4ββ6β |
4ββ6β |
3ββ4β |
5.5β7.0 |
Many cultivars to select from. βBallerinaβ is most dwarf with deep pink flowers; βPink Cloudβ is medium in height with light pink flowers; βJack Evansβ has compact growth and double pink flowers; βSpringtimeβ is medium to large among Indian hawthorns. Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
Gable Hybrid Azalea |
Rhododendron βGableβ |
BE |
5β8 |
FβP |
2ββ4β |
2ββ4β |
2ββ4β |
5.5β7.0 |
Many hybrids in many colors. βBlaauw's Pink,β double, mid-season, is one example. Evergreen. Medium growth rate. |
|
Glen Dale Hybrid Azalea |
Rhododendron βGlenn Daleβ |
BE |
7β8 |
PβS |
3ββ6β |
3ββ6β |
3ββ4β |
5.0β6.0 |
Developed at U.S. Plant Introduction Station, Glenn Dale, MD. Some selections are βBuccaneerβ (orange-red with dark blotch), βCoppermanβ (brilliant orange), βEvensongβ (rose flowers), βFashionβ (orange-pink flowers), βGlacierβ (white with chartreuse throat). Medium growth rate. |
|
Kurume Azalea |
Rhododendron obtusum japonicum |
BE |
6β7 |
PβS |
3ββ6β |
3ββ6β |
3ββ4β |
5.0β6.0 |
Popular hybrid azalea. Some selections include βCoral Bellsβ (coral flowers, midseason), βChristmas Cheerβ (red, early to midseason), βHinodegiriβ (scarlet, midseason), βSnowβ (white, midseason), βHexeβ (deep red, midseason), βBridesmaidβ (salmon late season). Medium-slow growth rate. |
|
Black Jetbead |
Rhodotypos scandens |
D |
4β8 |
FβS |
3ββ6β |
4ββ9β |
3ββ5β |
5.5β7.0 |
Can form colonies and can be somewhat invasive. Flowers white in spring followed by black shiny fruit. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Fragrant Sumac |
Rhus aromatica |
D |
3β9 |
FβP |
2ββ6β |
6ββ10β |
3ββ5β |
6.5β8.0 |
X |
Native, generally on higher pH soils. Small yellow flower followed by red fruit. Slow to medium growth rate. |
Carolina Rose |
Rosa carolina |
SE |
4β9 |
FβP |
3ββ6β |
3ββ6β |
3ββ5β |
6.0β7.0 |
X |
Pink, fragrant flowers from June to July. Suckers freely, so may require some maintenance. Medium to fast growth rate. |
Hybrid Roses |
Rosa hybrida |
V |
7β9 |
F |
1ββ5β |
1ββ5β |
3ββ6β |
6.0β7.0 |
Numerous hybrids. Some may exceed 5 feet. Hardiness variable. In general, hybrid teas have large, pointed buds and long stems; floribundas have medium-sized flowers in flat-topped clusters; heavy-bloomers polyanthas have large flower clusters with individual flowers that are smaller than floribundas; and grandifloras have long-stemmed flowers. Fast growth rate. |
|
Rugose Rose |
Rosa rugosa |
D |
2β7 |
F |
4ββ6β |
4ββ6β |
3ββ4β |
6.0β7.0 |
Good for exposed, windy sites. Can spread up to 15 feet in a few years. Suckers freely and can be invasive. Roots easily. Fast growth rate. |
|
Prairie Rose |
Rosa setigera |
D |
4β9 |
F |
3ββ4β |
3ββ15β |
3ββ15β |
6.0β7.0 |
X |
Flowers are pink to white from June to July. Can be difficult to maintain. Fast growth rate. |
Scotch Rose |
Rosa spinosissima |
D |
4β8 |
F |
3ββ4β |
3ββ4β |
3ββ4β |
6.0β7.0 |
Flowers are white and pink to yellow from May to June. Can be invasive. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Virginia Rose |
Rosa virginiana |
D |
3β7 |
F |
4ββ6β |
4ββ6β |
3ββ5β |
6.0β7.0 |
X |
Pink flowers in June. Suckers freely, so may require some maintenance. Medium to fast growth rate. |
Rosemary |
Rosmarinus officinalis |
BE |
7β9 |
F |
2ββ4β |
2ββ4β |
2ββ3β |
5.5β6.5 |
Favorite in old gardens. Foliage has favorable scent. May be killed by severe winter freezes. Has been used as ground cover in drier soils. Some cultivars available: βProstratusβ (low, spreading form), βAlbusβ (with white flowers), βTuscan Blueβ (upright with blue flowers). Medium growth rate. |
|
Butcherβs Broom |
Ruscus aculeatus |
BE |
7β9 |
PβS |
1.5ββ3β |
1.5ββ3β |
1.5ββ3β |
5.5β6.5 |
Evergreen that does well in shade. Red fruit ripen in the fall. Slow growth rate. |
|
Himalayan Sarcococca |
Sarcococca hookeriana |
BE |
7β9 |
PβS |
4ββ6β |
4ββ6β |
3ββ5β |
5.5β6.5 |
Dense evergreen for moist, acid, high organic soils. Can form colonies from suckers. Other species are also available, but none are common. Slow to medium growth rate. |
|
Variegated Serissa |
Serissa foetida βYellowrimβ |
BE |
7β9 |
FβP |
3ββ4β |
3ββ4β |
2ββ3β |
5.5β6.5 |
Leaves green with yellow margins. Requires frequent pruning to maintain dense growth. Foliage variegation best in full sun. Has several flowering phases during warm months. Medium growth rate. |
|
Japanese Skimmia |
Skimmia japonica |
BE |
7β9 |
PβS |
3ββ4β |
3ββ4β |
2ββ3β |
5.5β6.5 |
Small evergreen with fragrant, creamy white flowers. Some varieties and species available, but not common. Can be difficult to grow. Slow growth rate. |
|
Anthony Waterer Spirea Waterer Spirea |
Spiraea x bumalda βAnthony Watererβ |
D |
4β8 |
FβP |
3ββ4β |
4ββ5β |
2ββ3β |
6.0β7.0 |
Prune in spring if needed. Excellent summer color. Fast growth rate. |
|
Gold Flame Anthony |
Spiraea x bumalda βGoldflameβ |
D |
6β8 |
FβP |
2ββ3β |
3ββ5β |
2ββ3β |
6.0β7.0 |
Spring foliage is bronze-gold turning to soft yellow in summer. Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
Reeves Spirea |
Spiraea cantoniensis |
D |
4β9 |
FβP |
4ββ6β |
4ββ6β |
3ββ5β |
6.0β7.0 |
Double-flowered form available. Flowers a little later than other varieties. Prune after flowering, removing old wood at ground level. Fast growth rate. |
|
Thunberg Spirea |
Spiraea thunbergii |
D |
4β8 |
FβP |
3ββ5β |
3ββ5β |
2ββ4β |
6.0β7.0 |
Usually first of spiraeas to flower in spring. Late cold spells can kill flower buds. Flowers best in full sun. Colonial and can be invasive. Prune out old wood in spring after flowering. Medium growth rate. |
|
Common Snowberry |
Symphoricarpos albus |
D |
3β7 |
FβS |
3ββ6β |
3ββ6β |
2ββ5β |
6.0β7.0 |
Similar to Indiancurrant Coralberry, but fruit are white. Native to central North America. Fast growth rate. |
|
Indiancurrent Coralberry |
Symphoricarpos orbiculatus |
D |
2β8 |
FβS |
2ββ5β |
4ββ8β |
2ββ5β |
5.5β7.5 |
X |
Does well in poor soil. Good for use under trees where shade is not dense. Fruit are small and pink to purple in winter (S. albus has white fruit). Medium growth rate. |
Rheingold American Arborvitae |
Thuja occidentalis βRheingoldβ |
NE |
2β7 |
F |
4ββ5β |
3ββ4β |
2ββ4β |
6.0β7.5 |
Ovate to conical form with gold foliage turning copper to brownish in winter. Slow growth rate. |
|
Mapleleaf Viburnum |
Viburnum acerifolium |
D |
4β8 |
PβS |
4ββ6β |
4ββ6β |
3ββ4β |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Deciduous, native, and rare in Mississippi. Slow growth rate. |
Koreanspice Viburnum |
Viburnum carlesii |
BE |
5β8 |
FβP |
4ββ6β |
4ββ6β |
3ββ4β |
5.5β7.0 |
Evergreen shrub. Flowers pink to white in spring. Very fragrant. Slow growth rate. |
|
Service Viburnum |
Viburnum utile |
BE |
6β8 |
PβS |
4ββ6β |
4ββ6β |
3ββ4β |
5.5β7.0 |
Evergreen shrub. Flowers white in spring. Slow growth rate. |
|
Adamβs Needle Yucca |
Yucca filamentosa |
BE |
5β9 |
FβS |
3ββ6β |
2ββ4β |
3ββ4β |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Tolerates most areas except wet soils. Variegated forms available. Leaves less rigid than Aloe Yucca. Leaf margins have filaments. Sometimes called bear grass. Slow growth rate. |
Small Soapweed |
Yucca glauca |
BE |
4β8 |
FβS |
3ββ4β |
2ββ3β |
3ββ4β |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Tolerates most areas except wet soils. Leaves less rigid than Aloe Yucca. Leaf margins have few or no filaments. Sometimes called bear grass. Slow growth rate. |
Curveleaf Yucca |
Yucca recurvifolia |
BE |
6β9 |
FβS |
3ββ6β |
2ββ4β |
3ββ4β |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Tolerates most areas except wet soils. Similar to Y. gloriosa, but foliage is recurved. Leaf margins lack filaments. Slow growth rate. |
Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Foliage1 |
Zones |
Light2 |
Height |
Width |
Spacing |
pH range |
Native3 |
Comments |
Glossy Abelia |
Abelia x grandiflora |
SE |
6β9 |
FβS |
3'β6' |
3'β6' |
4ββ6β |
6.0β8.0 |
Flowers on new growth. Tolerates city conditions well. May have several blooming cycles per season. Tends to accumulate deadwood. Attracts bees. Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
Red Chokeberry |
Aronia arbutifolia |
D |
4β9 |
FβP |
6'β10' |
3'β5' |
5'β8' |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Clusters of small, white to reddish flowers in spring that produce red fruit in fall. Slow growth rate. |
Japanese Aucuba |
Aucuba japonica |
BE |
7β10 |
PβS |
6'β10' |
6'β10' |
3ββ4β |
5.5β7.0 |
Needs damp but well-drained soil. Sunburns in full sun; wind burns in winter. Plant no deeper than grown in nursery. Medium to slow growth rate. βPicturata,β leaves with prominent yellow splotch and slow growth rate; βVariegata,β leaves with yellow specks or tiny spots and medium growth rate. |
|
Wintergreen Barberry |
Berberis julianae |
BE |
5β8 |
FβP |
6'β8' |
6'β8' |
2ββ3β |
6.0β8.0 |
Reported to be hardiest evergreen barberry. Low maintenance. Difficult to transplant. Flowers on old wood. Medium growth rate. |
|
Mentor Barberry |
Berberis x mentorensis |
SE |
5β8 |
FβP |
5'β6' |
5'β7' |
3ββ5β |
6.0β8.0 |
Tolerates city conditions well. Medium growth rate. |
|
Butterflyβbush |
Buddleia davidii |
SE |
5β9 |
F |
5'β10' |
5'β10' |
4'β8' |
6.0β7.0 |
Many cultivars with flower color ranging from white to dark purple. Can be invasive. Growth rate is fast from established plants. |
|
Lindley's Butterflyβbush |
Buddleia lindleyana |
SE |
7β9 |
F |
4'β6' |
4'β6' |
3'β5' |
6.0β7.0 |
Flowers are purple-violet. A few cultivars have been developed. Growth rate is fast from established plants. |
|
Honeycomb Butterflyβbush |
Buddleia x weyeriana βHoneycombβ |
SE |
5β9 |
F |
5'β10' |
5'β10' |
4'β8' |
6.0β7.0 |
Flowers are yellow. Growth rate is fast from established plants. |
|
American Beautyberry |
Callicarpa americana |
D |
7β11 |
FβP |
3'β8' |
3'β8' |
3ββ5β |
6.0β8.0 |
X |
Fruits more in full sun. Tolerates very poor soil conditions. Fruit persists for relatively short time. Fast growth rate. |
White American Beautyberry |
Callicarpa americana βLacteaβ |
D |
7β11 |
FβP |
3'β8' |
3'β8' |
3ββ5β |
6.0β8.0 |
X |
See American Beautyberry. Fast growth rate. |
Bodinier Beautyberry |
Callicarpa bodinieri |
D |
6β8 |
FβP |
6'β10' |
6'β10' |
3'β4' |
6.0β8.0 |
Similar to American Beautyberry but slightly larger. Arching branch habit. Fast growth rate. |
|
Japanese Beautyberry |
Callicarpa japonica |
D |
5β8 |
FβP |
4'β6' |
4'β6' |
3'β4' |
6.0β8.0 |
Similar to American Beautyberry. Some cultivars have been developed. Fast growth rate. |
|
Sweet Shrub |
Calycanthus floridus |
D |
5β9 |
FβP |
6'β9' |
6'β12' |
4ββ8β |
6.0β7.0 |
X |
Native shrub worthy of more use in landscapes. At least two botanical varieties and several cultivars. Often associated with old southern landscapes. Also called Carolina Allspice. Medium growth rate. |
Buttonbush |
Cephalanthus occidentalis |
D |
5β11 |
F |
4'β8' |
3'β6' |
3'β4' |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Common wetland shrub with globose white inflorescences similar to a pincushion. Not drought tolerant. Medium growth rate. |
Common Flowering Quince |
Chaenomeles speciosa |
D |
4β8 |
F |
6'β10' |
6'β10' |
5ββ8β |
6.0β7.0 |
Early spring color. Sheds leaves early in fall. May flower sparsely in lower south. Several cultivars and flower colors. Medium growth rate. |
|
Mexicanβorange |
Choisya ternata |
BE |
7β10 |
FβP |
6'β8' |
6'β8' |
4'β5' |
5.5β6.5 |
Compact shrub from Mexico. Needs well-drained soil. Medium growth rate. |
|
Summersweet Clethra |
Clethra alnifolia |
D |
4β9 |
FβP |
4'β8' |
4'β6' |
3'β5' |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Produces white racemes of fragrant blooms in summer. Several cultivars available including some with pink flowers. Slow to medium growth rate. |
Redosier Dogwood |
Cornus sericea |
D |
2β7 |
FβP |
7'β9' |
7'β10' |
6'β10' |
5.5β7.0 |
Native to north U.S. but not to south; does not do well 7b south. New stems red, except some cultivars like βFlavirameaβ (Goldentwig Dogwood). Fast growth rate. |
|
Redtwig Dogwood |
Cornus sericea var. coloradensis |
D |
2β7 |
FβP |
7'β9' |
7'β10' |
4ββ6β |
6.0β8.0 |
See Redosier Dogwood. Red twigs throughout winter. Excellent for contrast with light-colored structures. Needs room to develop. May require annual pruning. Medium growth rate. |
|
Spreading Cotoneaster |
Cotoneaster divaricatus |
SE |
4β7 |
F |
5'β6' |
5'β8' |
4'β6' |
6.0β8.0 |
Can be used as a hedge, but multifaceted. Red fruit in fall. Susceptible to fire blight. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Parney Cotoneaster |
Cotoneaster lacteus |
BE |
6β8 |
F |
6'β10' |
6'β10' |
5'β10' |
6.0β7.0 |
White spring flowers followed by red fruit in fall persisting into winter. Several cultivars available. Medium growth rate. |
|
Alabama Croton |
Croton alabamensis |
BE |
6β8 |
FβP |
4'β6' |
3'β5' |
3'β5' |
6.0β8.0 |
X |
Typically grows on high pH rock outcrops and rare in the wild. Unusual. Slow growth rate. |
Fuzzy Deutzia |
Deutzia scabra |
D |
4β8 |
FβP |
6'β10' |
4'β8' |
4ββ6β |
6.0β8.0 |
Good plant for city conditions. Full sun is best. Easy to transplant. Variegated forms available. Grown for profusion of flowers. Fast growth rate. |
|
American Euonymus |
Euonymus americanus |
SE |
6β9 |
FβS |
4'β6' |
4'β6' |
3'β5' |
6.0β7.0 |
X |
Also called Strawberry-bush. Colonial shrub with green twigs and red, hanging fruit. Growth is fast for suckers on established plants. |
Japanese Euonymus |
Euonymus japonicus |
BE |
7β9 |
FβP |
5'β10' |
3'β6' |
3'β6' |
6.0β7.0 |
Variegated forms may revert to this green form. Similar upright form. Scale a problem. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Variegated Japanese Euonymus |
Euonymus japonicus Cultivars |
BE |
7β9 |
FβP |
5'β10' |
3'β6' |
3ββ5β |
6.0β8.0 |
βAureomarginatusβ (Gold Spot), leaves gold-margined; βAureovariegatus,β leaves with gold center; βSilver King,β leaves with creamy-white margins; upright form βSilver Queen,β leaves with creamy-white margins, spreading form. Color better in sun. Upright form and large. Scale a common problem. Medium growth rate. |
|
Manhattan Spreading Euonymus |
Euonymus kiautschovicus βManhattanβ |
BE |
5β8 |
FβP |
4'β6' |
4'β6' |
4'β6' |
6.0β8.0 |
Foliage and fruit may be poisonous. Scale is a common problem. Tolerant of a wide range of conditions. Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
Japanese Aralia |
Fatsia japonica |
BE |
8β10 |
PβS |
6'β10' |
6'β10' |
5ββ8β |
6.0β8.0 |
May not be hardy in Zone 7b north, but may survive most winters. Burns in full sun. Tolerant of salt spray. Good for tropical effect. Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
Large Fothergilla |
Fothergilla major |
D |
4β8 |
FβP |
6'β8' |
5'β7' |
4'β6' |
5.5β7.5 |
X |
Related to Witchhazel. Medium growth rate. |
Cape Jasmine or Gardenia |
Gardenia jasminoides |
BE |
8β10 |
FβP |
4'β6' |
4'β6' |
3ββ5β |
5.5β6.0 |
Can survive most winters in 7b. A popular plant in old gardens in the South. Sensitive to heavy, poorly drained soils. Iron chlorosis in alkaline soils. Several cultivars. Medium growth rate. |
|
Dwarf Burford Chinese Holly |
Ilex cornuta βBurfordii Nanaβ |
BE |
7β9 |
FβP |
5'β8' |
5'β8' |
4ββ6β |
6.0β7.0 |
Can be pruned to restrict growth. Tolerant of most growing conditions except poorly drained soils. Slow growth rate. |
|
Spreading Chinese Holly |
Ilex cornuta βFemina Spreadingβ |
BE |
7β9 |
P |
4'β6' |
4'β6' |
3'β6' |
6.0β7.0 |
Very heavy berry production. Very wide spreading. No pollination needed for berry production. Fruits on old wood. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Convexleaf Japanese Holly |
Ilex crenata βConvexaβ |
BE |
5β7 |
FβP |
5'β8' |
8'β15' |
4'β8' |
5.0β6.5 |
May be difficult to transplant, especially in large sizes. Good substitute for boxwood. Fairly tolerant of most conditions. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Hetz Japanese Holly |
Ilex crenata βHetziiβ |
BE |
5β7 |
FβP |
6'β8' |
8'β15' |
4ββ8β |
5.0β6.5 |
Taller growing than Heller Japanese Holly. May do best in part shade in hotter areas. Responds to fertilizer. Fruits on new wood. Medium growth rate. |
|
Inkberry |
Ilex glabra |
BE |
4β9 |
FβP |
6'β8' |
8'β10' |
3ββ5β |
4.0β5.0 |
X |
Clump-forming in nature. Black fruit distinguishes this holly from most native species. Several cultivars available. Medium to fast growth rate. |
Common Winterberry |
Ilex verticillata |
D |
3β9 |
FβP |
6'β10' |
8'β10' |
3ββ5β |
4.0β5.0 |
X |
Native, typically along creeks. Colonial in nature. Red fruit on female only. Both male and female cultivars available. Medium growth rate. |
Japanese AniseβTree |
Illicium anisatum |
BE |
7β9 |
PβS |
6'β10' |
5'β8' |
4ββ6β |
5.5β6.5 |
Leaves aromatic with fragrance of anise when crushed. Fast growth rate. |
|
Star Bush |
Illicium floridanum |
BE |
7β9 |
PβS |
6'β10' |
5'β8' |
4ββ6β |
5.5β6.5 |
X |
Used like Japanese Camellia. Flowers have unpleasant odor. Cannot tolerate heavy shade. Fast growth rate. |
Double Flowering Japanese Kerria |
Kerria japonica βFlora Plenoβ |
D |
4β9 |
FβS |
3'β6' |
6'β9' |
5ββ8β |
5.5β7.5 |
Best in partial sun. Sun bleaches flowers. Fibrous roots. Sometimes difficult to transplant. Transplanting requires clump of green stems. Better suited to central and north Mississippi. Fast growth rate. |
|
Beautybush |
Kolkwitzia amabilis |
D |
4β8 |
FβP |
6'β10' |
5'β8' |
5'β8' |
5.5β7.0 |
Related to bush honeysuckles. Flowers pink in spring. Fast growth rate. |
|
Semiβdwarf Crapemyrtle |
Lagerstroemia indica and hybrids |
D |
7β9 |
F |
5'β10' |
5'β10' |
5'β8' |
5.0β6.0 |
Very shrubby in 6b. Many cultivars with a range of characteristics like flower color. See Extension Publication 2007 Crapemyrtle: Flower of the South. |
|
Spicebush |
Lindera benzoin |
D |
4β9 |
PβS |
6'β12' |
6'β12' |
5'β10' |
5.5β6.5 |
X |
Native, particularly on wet, rich soils. Shiny red fruit in fall, except in yellow-fruited forms. Slow to medium growth rate. |
Little Volcano Bush Clover |
Lespedeza liukiuensis βLittle Volcanoβ |
D |
6β9 |
F |
4'β8' |
6'β8' |
3'β5' |
5.5β6.5 |
New introduction to the U.S.; invasive potential still not fully known. Similar to L. bicolor and L. thunbergii, but form is more upright and dense. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Loropetalum |
Loropetalum chinense |
BE |
6β9 |
FβS |
6'β10' |
6'β10' |
5ββ25β |
5.5β7.0 |
Several cultivars. Very attractive when in flower. Should not be used in an open, wind-swept area. Grows best in part sun to shade. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Texas Silverleaf |
Leucophyllum frutescens |
BE |
8β10 |
F |
5'β8' |
4'β6' |
4'β6' |
6.5β8.0 |
Native to Southwest with gray foliage and purple flowers, although other flower colors available. Some compact forms available. Good for hot, dry locations. Slow growth rate. |
|
Chinese Neillia |
Nellia sinensis |
D |
5β7 |
FβS |
5'β6' |
5'β6' |
4'β6' |
6.5β7.0 |
Similar to Spiraea. Deciduous shrub flowering in spring. Needs well-drained soil. Medium growth rate. |
|
Hybrid Mockorange |
Philadelphus x lemoinei |
D |
5β8 |
FβP |
4'β6' |
3'β5' |
3'β5' |
6.0β7.0 |
Several cultivars, some of which are highly fragrant. Slow to medium growth rate. |
|
Common Ninebark |
Physocarpus opulifolius |
D |
2β7 |
FβP |
5'β10' |
6'β10' |
5'β8' |
6.0β8.0 |
X |
Native just north of MS and typically found along rocky streams. Purple-leaf (such as βDiabloβ) and yellow-leaf (such as βDartβs Goldβ) forms available. Medium to fast growth rate. |
Dwarf Mugo Pine |
Pinus mugo var. mugo |
NE |
3β7 |
FβP |
6'β8' |
10'β15' |
5ββ8β |
5.5β6.5 |
One of few shrub pines available. Often used in oriental designs. Not well adapted to Zone 7b south. Slow growth rate. |
|
Variegated Tobira Pittosporum |
Pittosporum tobira βVariegataβ |
BE |
7β10 |
FβP |
6'β8' |
8'β10' |
5ββ8β |
6.0β7.5 |
See Tobira Pittosporum. Variegated foliage gray-green with white markings, but may revert to green form. Other variegated forms available. May need protection in Zone 7. Fast growth rate. |
|
Berckmanβs Golden Arborvitae |
Platycladus orientalis βAurea Nanaβ |
NE |
5β11 |
FβP |
5'β8' |
3'β5' |
4'β5' |
6.0β7.5 |
Formal shape of plant lends itself to formal gardens. Green branchlets tipped with golden-yellow. Once classified in the genus Thuja. Slow growth rate. |
|
Baker Oriental Arborvitae |
Platycladus orientalis βBakeriβ |
NE |
6β11 |
FβP |
5'β8' |
3'β5' |
4ββ5β |
6.0β7.5 |
Excellent plant for hot, dry locations. Plant shape complements formal landscape designs. Can get larger with age. Once classified as Thuja. Medium growth rate. |
|
Double Flowering Almond |
Prunus glandulosa |
D |
4β8 |
F |
4'β5' |
3'β4' |
3ββ5β |
5.5β6.5 |
Very attractive in flower. May be used for cut flowers. Medium growth rate. |
|
Flame Azalea |
Rhododendron calendulaceum |
D |
5β7 |
PβS |
4'β8' |
4'β8' |
3'β6' |
4.0β6.0 |
X |
Native to the Apalachian Mountains. Several cultivars. Flowers May to June. Can reach 15 feet with age. Slow to medium growth rate. |
Oconee Azalea |
Rhododendron flammeum |
D |
6β7 |
PβS |
6'β8' |
6'β8' |
4'β6' |
4.0β6.0 |
X |
Native to the southern Apalachians. Deciduous. A few cultivars with flower colors ranging from yellow, pink, and salmon to orange-red. Flowers in April. Slow to medium growth rate. |
Southern Indica Azalea |
Rhododendron indicum |
BE |
7β9 |
FβS |
5'β10' |
5'β10' |
4ββ6β |
4.0β6.0 |
Well-drained soil essential. Some selections are βElegansβ (light pink, very early), βPresident Clayβ (orange-red, early), βBrilliantβ (rose-pink, early- to midseason), βFormosaβ (rose-lavender, early- to midseason), βPride of Mobileβ (watermelon-pink, midseason), βMrs. G. G. Gerbingβ (white). Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
Pinxterbloom Azalea |
Rhododendron periclymenoides |
D |
4β8 |
PβS |
4'β6' |
4'β6' |
3'β5' |
4.5β5.5 |
X |
Flowers before foliage (deciduous) appears. Flowers on last yearβs wood. Native to the east-central U.S. Flowers April to May. Medium growth rate. |
Swamp Azalea |
Rhododendron viscosum |
D |
4β9 |
PβS |
1'β8' |
3'β8' |
2'β6' |
4.0β5.5 |
X |
Native from the Atlantic to the Gulf Coast. Deciduous. A few cultivars with flower color ranging from yellow to pink and red to white. Flowers mid-May to June. Slow to medium growth rate. |
Clove Currant |
Ribes odoratum |
D |
3β7 |
PβS |
6'β8' |
6'β8' |
3'β6' |
6.0β7.0 |
X |
Native from Arkansas north and west, so not as tolerant to southern summers. Susceptible to anthracnose. Flowers yellow and fragrant followed by edible fruit. Slow to medium growth rate. |
Bristly Locust |
Robinia hispida |
D |
5β8 |
FβP |
6'β10' |
6'β10' |
4'β6' |
6.0β7.0 |
X |
Native to Alabama and Georgia to Virginia and Kentucky. A colonial shrub with hispid branches. Flowers showy, pink, pendant. Fast growth rate once established. |
Ural Falsespirea |
Sorbaria sorbifolia |
D |
2β7 |
FβP |
5'β10' |
5'β10' |
3'β8' |
6.0β7.0 |
Rather coarse, multistemmed, colonial shrub. Flowers white in rather large panicles, June to July. Fast growth rate. |
|
Double Bridal Wreath Spirea |
Spiraea prunifolia plena |
D |
5β8 |
FβS |
4'β9' |
6'β8' |
3ββ5β |
6.0β7.0 |
Flowers appear before leaves. May be used as ground cover along steep banks. Spreads by underground shoots and forms a thicket; can be invasive. Prune out old wood at ground level after flowering. Medium growth rate. |
|
Vanhoutte Spirea |
Spiraea x vanhouttei |
D |
3β8 |
FβP |
6'β8' |
10'β12' |
5ββ8β |
6.0β7.0 |
Widely used and very attractive. Very good plant in conjunction with azaleas. Good for city conditions. Flowers better in full sun. Easily transplanted. Prune old wood to ground after flowering in spring. Fast growth rate. |
|
American Snowbell |
Styrax americanus |
D |
5β9 |
FβP |
6'β8' |
4'β6' |
4'β6' |
5.5β6.5 |
X |
Native wetland shrub or small tree. Flowers white and showy. Medium growth rate. |
Littleleaf Lilac |
Syringa microphylla |
D |
4β8 |
FβP |
4'β6' |
9'β12' |
5'β8' |
5.5β6.5 |
Leaves small; flowers purple, very fragrant. Slow to medium growth rate. |
|
Variegated Japanese Cleyera |
Ternstroemia gymnanthera βVariegataβ |
BE |
7β10 |
PβS |
6'β8' |
4'β5' |
4ββ5β |
5.5β7.0 |
Often listed as Cleyera japonica βVariegataβ or βTricolor.β Older specimens may get much taller. Takes pruning well. Tolerant of dry soils and competition. Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
Globe American Arborvitae |
Thuja occidentalis βWoodwardiiβ |
NE |
3β7 |
F |
6'β8' |
10'β18' |
4'β8' |
6.0β7.5 |
Globose in shape. May split apart with age, especially in ice or snow. Slow to medium growth rate. |
|
Arrowwood Viburnum |
Viburnum dentatum |
D |
6β8 |
FβS |
6'β10' |
6'β10' |
4'β6' |
5.0β6.0 |
X |
A few cultivars available. Other similar native Viburnums occur in MS. Good for city conditions or seaside. Many shoots originate from the base. Native Americans used this plant for arrow shafts. May be thicket-forming in moist areas. Needs room to develop. Fast growth rate. |
Japanese Viburnum |
Viburnum japonicum |
BE |
7β9 |
FβS |
6'β8' |
6'β8' |
3ββ4β |
5.5β6.5 |
Does best in part shade. Not widely grown. Sometimes confused with V. awabuki. Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
Chinese Snowball Viburnum |
Viburnum macrocephalum |
SE |
6β9 |
FβS |
6'β10' |
4'β8' |
4'β6' |
5.5β6.5 |
Semi-evergreen shrub to small tree. Large snowball-like inflorescences produced in late spring. Medium growth rate. |
|
Weigela |
Weigela florida |
D |
5β8 |
F |
6'β9' |
9'β12' |
5ββ8β |
5.5β6.5 |
Does not grow well in coastal areas that are hot and humid. Many cultivars. Popular shrub in old southern gardens. Medium growth rate. |
|
Aloe Yucca |
Yucca aloifolia |
BE |
8β11 |
FβP |
6'β8' |
4'β6' |
3ββ5β |
5.0β7.0 |
X |
Heat- and drought-tolerant plant. Old plants form large clumps with irregular stems. Leaves are stiff, ending in sharp spines. Not recommended for use near walkways or in yards where young children will play. Medium growth rate. |
Moundlily Yucca |
Yucca gloriosa |
BE |
6β9 |
FβP |
6'β8' |
4'β6' |
3ββ5β |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Flowers staggered over a long period in mass plantings. One of most manageable of yuccas. Old plantings form multiple stems. Drought tolerant. Medium-slow growth rate. |
Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Foliage1 |
Zones |
Light2 |
Height |
Width |
Spacing |
pH range |
Native3 |
Comments |
Flame Buckeye |
Aesculus pavia |
D |
4β8 |
FβP |
10'β20' |
10'β20' |
5ββ8β |
6.0β7.0 |
X |
Fruit is poisonous to livestock and humans. New growth is coppery in color. Not easily transplanted. Flowers are red. Can grow to be a small tree. Fast growth rate. |
Bottlebrush Buckeye |
Aesculus parviflora |
D |
4β8 |
FβP |
8'β12' |
8'β15' |
8'β15' |
6.0β7.0 |
X |
Spreading colonial shrub. |
Tag Alder |
Alnus serrulata |
D |
5β9 |
FβP |
6'β20' |
6'β20' |
6'β10' |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Has catkins in spring followed by dark green foliage through summer. Tolerant of very wet soils. Medium growth rate. |
Indigobush Amorpha |
Amorpha fruticosa |
D |
4β9 |
FβP |
6'β20' |
5'β15' |
6'β10' |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Fine-textured compound leaves. Deep purple blooms, although white and blue forms exist. Tolerant of poor, wet soils. Can be weedy on the landscape. |
Eastern Baccharis |
Baccharis halimifolia |
SE |
5β9 |
F |
10'β12' |
6'β10' |
7ββ10β |
7.0β8.0 |
X |
Can thrive in brackish water. Good for poorly drained soils, but can be invasive. Dioecious; males do not produce the silver or white color in fall. Medium to fast growth rate. |
Hollygreen Barberry |
Berberis pruinosa |
BE |
6β9 |
FβP |
8'β10' |
8'β10' |
5ββ7β |
6.0β8.0 |
Taller and more vigorous than Wintergreen Barberry. Less hardy than other barberries. Flowers on old wood. Medium growth rate. |
|
Alternateβleaf Butterflyβbush |
Buddleia alternifolia |
SE |
5β7 |
F |
10'β20' |
6'β12' |
5'β6' |
7.0β8.0 |
Willow-like texture with grayish color. Prefers well-drained soils. Growth rate is fast from established plants. |
|
Common Boxwood |
Buxus sempervirens |
BE |
5β6 |
FβP |
15'β20' |
10'β15' |
3ββ4β |
6.0β7.5 |
Good for hedging. Some cultivars adapted to Zone 8, and author has seen old shrubs in 7b. Grows equally well in alkaline or acid soils. Larger than Littleleaf Boxwood. Old specimens may reach 30 feet. Many cultivars. Medium growth rate. |
|
Scarlet Bottlebrush |
Callistemon citrinus |
BE |
8β11 |
F |
10'β15' |
10'β15' |
5'β8' |
6.0β7.5 |
May be killed by severe winters. Red flower clusters in form of a bottle brush. Tolerant of salt spray. Can withstand drought. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Stiff Bottlebrush |
Callistemon rigidus |
BE |
9β11 |
F |
8'β10' |
8'β10' |
4'β8' |
6.0β7.0 |
May be killed by severe winters. Red flower clusters in form of a bottle brush. Tolerant of salt spray. Can withstand drought. Medium growth rate. |
|
Alpine Bottlebrush |
Callistemon sieberi |
BE |
7β9 |
F |
6'β10' |
6'β10' |
4'β8' |
6.0β7.0 |
Light yellow flower clusters in form of a bottle brush. Can withstand drought. Medium growth rate. |
|
Japanese Camellia |
Camellia japonica |
BE |
7β9 |
FβS |
10'β15' |
6'β10' |
4ββ6β |
4.5β5.5 |
Provide protection from sun in middle of day. Compact in full sun; more open with more shade. Many selections available. Medium-slow growth rate. |
|
Sasanqua Camellia |
Camellia sasanqua |
BE |
6β9 |
PβS |
6'β10' |
5'β8' |
4ββ6β |
4.5β6.5 |
Prefers less acid soil than Japanese Camellia. More cold-hardy. Flowers and foliage burn in full sun. Plant shallow where drainage is poor. Medium growth rate. |
|
Japanese Plum Yew |
Cephalotaxus harringtonia |
NE |
6β9 |
FβS |
5'β20' |
5'β20' |
3'β10' |
6.5β7.0 |
Several cultivars available from dwarf to fastigiate (columnar). Slow growth rate. |
|
Chinese Plum Yew |
Cephalotaxus fortunei |
NE |
7β9 |
FβS |
15'β20' |
8'β15' |
5'β10' |
6.5β7.0 |
Not as common as Japanese Plum Yew in cultivation. Slow growth rate. |
|
Chinese Redbud |
Cercis chinensis |
D |
6β9 |
FβP |
8'β10' |
6'β8' |
5ββ8β |
5.5β7.5 |
Flowers more intense in color. Smaller than Eastern Redbud. Shrub-like for several years. Hard to transplant as mature tree. Medium growth rate. |
|
Blue Falsecypress |
Chamaecyparis pisifera βBoulevardβ |
NE |
5β8 |
F |
15'β20' |
10'β15' |
3ββ5β |
6.0β7.0 |
May develop to adult foliage and become much taller. Very attractive but not widely grown. Slow growth rate. |
|
Sawara Falsecypress |
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Filifera' |
NE |
4β8 |
F |
15'β20' |
10'β15' |
10'β15' |
6.0β7.0 |
Fine textured, weeping form. Good for accenting. Can grow to be a 50-foot tree. Susceptible to juniper blight. Medium growth rate. |
|
Sawara Falsecypress |
Chamaecyparis pisifera βFilifera Aureaβ |
NE |
4β8 |
F |
15'β20' |
10'β15' |
10'β15' |
6.0β7.0 |
Fine textured, weeping form with yellow foliage. Good for accenting. Can grow to be a 20-foot tree. Susceptible to juniper blight. Medium growth rate. |
|
Fragrant Wintersweet |
Chimonanthus praecox |
D |
6β9 |
FβS |
10'β15' |
8'β12' |
6'β10' |
6.0β7.0 |
Flowers yellow, fragrant. Some cultivars developed. Slow growth rate. |
|
Chinese Fringetree |
Chionanthus retusus |
D |
6β8 |
FβP |
15'β25' |
15'β20' |
15'β20' |
6.0β7.0 |
Similar to White Fringetree, but shorter petals and probably less showy. Can grow to be a small tree. Slow growth rate. |
|
White Fringetree |
Chionanthus virginicus |
D |
4β9 |
FβP |
25'β30' |
25'β30' |
20'β25' |
6.0β7.0 |
X |
Also known as Grancy Gray-beard. Popular shrub or small tree with age. Male and female trees. Slow growth rate. |
Japanese Clethra |
Clethra barbinervis |
D |
5β7 |
FβP |
10'β20' |
8'β15' |
5'β10' |
5.5β7.0 |
Produces white racemes of slightly fragrant blooms in summer. May grow to a small tree with age. Slow to medium growth rate. |
|
Buckwheatβtree |
Cliftonia monophylla |
BE |
7β9 |
FβP |
6'β12' |
4'β10' |
3'β8' |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
White or pink flowers in racemes. Wetland shrub; may grow to a tree with age. Medium growth rate. |
Silky Dogwood |
Cornus amomum |
D |
4β8 |
FβP |
6'β10' |
6'β10' |
4'β8' |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Small, white flowers in clusters followed by dark bluish fruit. Wetland shrub or small tree in the wild. Medium to fast growth rate. |
Drummond's Dogwood |
Cornus drummondii |
D |
4β9 |
FβP |
20'β25' |
10'β20' |
10'β20' |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Similar to Silky Dogwood, except fruit are white. Suckers profusely and can be aggressive. Growth rate is slow, but shoots are fast. |
Swamp Dogwood |
Cornus foemina |
D |
6β9 |
FβP |
20'β25' |
10'β20' |
10'β20' |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Very similar to Silky Dogwood, except larger. Wetland shrub or small tree in the wild. Medium to fast growth rate. |
Gray Dogwood |
Cornus racemosa |
D |
3β8 |
FβP |
10'β15' |
10'β15' |
10'β15' |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Similar to Drummondβs Dogwood, except fruit are white to bluish-white and inflorescence more paniculate. Suckers profusely and can be aggressive. Growth rate is slow, but shoots are fast. |
Bloodtwig Dogwood |
Cornus sanguinea |
D |
4β8 |
FβP |
6'β15' |
6'β15' |
5'β7' |
5.5β7.0 |
Red stems showy in winter, but needs pruning. Several cultivars available. Growth rate is slow to medium, but fast for suckers. |
|
Fragrant Winterhazel |
Corylopsis glabrescens |
D |
5β8 |
FβP |
8'β15' |
8'β15' |
6'β10' |
5.5β7.0 |
Flowers fragrant. Related to Witchhazel. Can be grown as a small tree. Slow to medium growth rate. |
|
American Filbert |
Corylus americana |
D |
4β9 |
FβP |
8'β15' |
6'β10' |
6'β8' |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Produces catkins in spring. Fruit (nut) edible. Often colonial. Medium to fast growth rate. |
European Filbert |
Corylus avellana |
D |
4β8 |
FβP |
12'β20' |
10'β15' |
10'β15' |
5.5β7.0 |
Similar to American Filbert. Can grow to be a small tree. Several cultivars, including the common βContortaβ or Harry Lauderβs Walkingstick. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Common Smoketree |
Cotinus coggygria |
D |
5β8 |
F |
10'β15' |
10'β15' |
10'β15' |
5.5β7.0 |
Most forms are purple. Several cultivars available. Medium growth rate. |
|
American Smoketree |
Cotinus obovatus |
D |
4β8 |
FβS |
20'β30' |
20'β30' |
20'β30' |
6.0β8.0 |
X |
Also called Chittamwood. Grows on high-pH soils or rock in the wild. Can become a small tree with age. Slow to medium growth rate. |
Willowleaf Cotoneaster |
Cotoneaster salicifolius |
BE |
6β7 |
F |
10'β15' |
8'β12' |
6'β10' |
6.0β7.0 |
White flowers in spring followed by red fruit in fall persisting into winter. Medium growth rate. |
|
Swamp Cyrilla |
Cyrilla racemiflora |
SE |
6β11 |
FβP |
10'β15' |
10'β15' |
8'β12' |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
White flowers in tassels. Wetland plant in the wild. Eventually a small tree. Medium growth rate. |
Isu Tree |
Distylium racemosum |
BE |
6β9 |
P |
7'β10' |
7'β10' |
7'β10' |
5.5β6.0 |
Produces reddish-maroon flowers in spring. Will eventually be a small tree. Medium growth rate. |
|
Common Pearlbush |
Exochorda racemosa |
D |
4β8 |
FβP |
10'β15' |
10'β15' |
5ββ8β |
5.5β6.0 |
Somewhat difficult to transplant. Requires little pruning. Profusion of white flowers in spring. Can be grown as a small tree. Medium growth rate. |
|
Pineapple Guava |
Feijoa sellowiana |
BE |
8β10 |
FβS |
10'β15' |
8'β10' |
5ββ8β |
6.0β7.5 |
Tolerant of salt spray. Very intolerant of poorly drained soils. Several cultivars listed but hard to find in the trade. Medium growth rate. |
|
Common Fig |
Ficus carica |
D |
7β10 |
FβP |
10'β15' |
10'β15' |
10ββ15β |
5.5β7.5 |
βMission,β βCeleste,β βBrown Turkey,β and βMagnoliaβ often grown for home fruit production. Selective pruning keeps plant in bounds. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Fortune Fontanesia |
Fontanesia fortunei |
D |
4β8 |
FβP |
12'β15' |
12'β15' |
10'β15' |
5.5β7.0 |
Fine-textured large shrub or small tree (can grow to more than 30 feet). Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Border Forsythia |
Forsythia x intermedia |
D |
5β8 |
FβP |
8'β10' |
10'β12' |
5'β8' |
6.0β7.5 |
Has profusion of yellow flowers in early spring. Many cultivars. βLynwood Goldβ flowers are more open than standard form and heavily distributed along stem. Best where winters are cold. Thin out old wood immediately after flowering. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Franklin Tree |
Franklinia alatamaha |
D |
5β9 |
FβP |
10'β20' |
6'β15' |
5'β10' |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Once native, but original site never relocated. Related to Camellia. Can be grown as a small tree. Susceptible to root rot. Medium growth rate. |
Loblollyβbay |
Gordonia lasianthus |
BE |
7β9 |
FβP |
30'β40' |
15'β20' |
15'β20' |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Related to Camellia. In wild grows on wet sites. Shrub small, but will eventually be a tree. Medium growth rate. |
Vernal Witchhazel |
Hamamelis vernalis |
D |
4β8 |
FβP |
6'β10' |
6'β10' |
6'β10' |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Native woodland or creek margin shrub or small tree. Several cultivars available. Medium growth rate. |
Common Witchhazel |
Hamamelis virginiana |
D |
4β8 |
FβP |
20'β30' |
20'β25' |
15'β20' |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Native woodland or creek margin shrub or small tree. Medium growth rate. |
Sevenβson Flower |
Heptacodium miconioides |
D |
5β8 |
FβP |
15'β20' |
8'β15' |
5'β15' |
5.5β7.0 |
Flowers creamy white and fragrant; related to honeysuckle. Medium growth rate. |
|
Rose of Sharon or Shrub Althea |
Hibiscus syriacus |
D |
5β8 |
F |
8'β12' |
6'β10' |
4'β6' |
6.0β7.5 |
Remove buds to increase flower size. Flowers when few other plants are flowering. Many varieties available. Fast growth rate. |
|
Common Seabuckthorn |
Hippophae rhamnoides |
SE |
3β7 |
FβP |
12'β30' |
10'β40' |
10'β20' |
6.0β7.5 |
Grayish, fine-textured foliage. Essentially dioecious, so plant male and female plants for edible fruit. Better on sandy, poor soil. Medium growth rate. |
|
Panicle Hydrangea |
Hydrangea paniculata |
D |
3β8 |
F |
10'β20' |
10'β20' |
6'β8' |
6.0β7.0 |
Several improved cultivars available. Can be grown as a small tree. Fast growth rate. |
|
Fosterβs No. 2 Holly |
Ilex x attenuata βFoster #2β |
BE |
6β9 |
FβP |
~25' |
~15' |
5ββ7.5β |
5.0β6.0 |
Hybrid between American Holly and Dahoon Holly. Leaves more narrow than American Holly. More tolerant of adverse conditions than American Holly. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Dahoon Holly |
Ilex cassine |
BE |
7β9 |
FβP |
20'β30' |
8'β15' |
8'β12' |
5.0β6.0 |
X |
Reported to grow in wet, boggy soils. Leaf color similar to American Holly. Slightly tolerant of salt spray. Often multi-stemmed, but will become a tree. Medium growth rate. |
Burford Chinese Holly |
Ilex cornuta βBurfordiiβ |
BE |
7β9 |
FβP |
20'β25' |
20'β25' |
7ββ10β |
6.0β7.0 |
Much variation in seedlings. With time will become a small tree, 25β30 feet tall and wide. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Needlepoint Chinese Holly |
Ilex cornuta βNeedlepointβ |
BE |
7β9 |
FβP |
10'β15' |
8'β10' |
5'β7' |
6.0β7.0 |
Same as βAnicet Delcambre.β Single point on leaf tip. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Bigleaf Japanese Holly |
Ilex crenata βRotundifoliaβ |
BE |
6β7 |
FβP |
8'β12' |
8'β12' |
4'β8' |
5.0β6.5 |
Best if sheared regularly. Substitute for boxwood. Foliage burn in hot, dry soils. May be best in part sun. Fruits on new wood. Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
Possumhaw |
Ilex decidua |
D |
5β9 |
FβP |
7'β15' |
5'β12' |
5ββ8β |
5.0β6.5 |
X |
Birds reported to prefer red berries over orange ones. May be found in fence rows near open fields. Fruit not showy until after frost. Medium growth rate. |
Nellie R. Stevens Holly |
Ilex βNellie R. Stevensβ |
BE |
6β9 |
FβP |
15'β25' |
10'β15' |
5ββ7.5β |
6.0β6.0 |
Hybrid between English and Chinese holly. Female clone. Large leaves. Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
Yaupon Holly |
Ilex vomitoria |
BE |
7β10 |
FβS |
15'β20' |
10'β15' |
5ββ8β |
5.0β8.0 |
X |
Highly desirable native shrub. Dioecious. May be βpoodledβ or espaliered. Yellow fruit form available. Fruits on 2-year-old wood. βPendulaβ is a weeping form. Medium to fast growth rate. |
Small AniseβTree |
Illicium parviflorum |
BE |
6β9 |
PβS |
15'β20' |
12'β18' |
8'β10' |
5.5β6.5 |
X |
Native to Georgia and Florida. Flowers small, yellowish. Cannot tolerate heavy shade. Fast growth rate. |
Blue Column Juniper |
Juniperus chinensis βColumnaris Glaucaβ |
NE |
4β9 |
F |
~24' |
~10' |
2ββ3β |
6.0β8.0 |
All leaves are juvenile (sharp-pointed). Medium growth rate. |
|
Hetz Chinese Juniper |
Juniperus chinensis βHetziiβ |
NE |
4β9 |
F |
~15 |
~15 |
10ββ15β |
6.0β8.0 |
Similar to βPfitzeriana.β Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Hollywood Juniper |
Juniperus chinensis βKaizukaβ |
NE |
4β9 |
F |
20'β30' |
5'β6' |
5ββ8β |
6.0β8.0 |
Sometimes listed as βTorulosa.β Twisted, contorted growth form. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Variegated Hollywood Juniper |
Juniperus chinensis βKaizuka Variegatedβ |
NE |
4β9 |
F |
20'β30' |
5'β6' |
5ββ8β |
6.0β8.0 |
Does not grow as tall or as fast as regular Hollywood juniper. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Blue Haven Juniper |
Juniperus scopulorum βBlue Havenβ |
NE |
4β7 |
F |
~20 |
~6' |
8ββ12β |
5.5β7.0 |
Sometimes sold as βBlue Heaven.β Extremely durable plant for dry locations when larger plant is needed. Maintains blue color throughout the year. Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
Gray Gleam Juniper |
Juniperus scopulorum βGray Gleamβ |
NE |
4β7 |
F |
15'β20' |
5'β7' |
8ββ12β |
6.0β8.0 |
Upright form with good gray-green to blue-gray foliage. Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
Weeping Rocky Mountain Juniper |
Juniperus scopulorum βPendulaβ |
NE |
4β7 |
F |
~20' |
8'β12' |
5ββ8β |
6.0β8.0 |
Usually planted as a specimen. A spectacular weeping or drooping form with branching characteristic. May need staking when first planted. Medium growth rate. |
|
Skyrocket Rocky Mountain Juniper |
Juniperus scopulorum βSkyrocketβ |
NE |
4β7 |
F |
~20' |
~3' |
5ββ8β |
6.0β8.0 |
Usually planted as a specimen. A spectacular weeping or drooping form with branching characteristic. May need staking when first planted. Medium growth rate. |
|
Wichita Blue Rocky Mountain Juniper |
Juniperus scopulorum βWichita Blueβ |
NE |
4β7 |
F |
~20' |
5'β8' |
5'β8' |
6.0β8.0 |
Pyramidal form with bright blue foliage. Medium growth rate. |
|
Canaerti Eastern Redcedar |
Juniperus virginiana 'Canaertii' |
NE |
4β9 |
F |
~25 |
5'β8' |
5'β8' |
6.0β8.0 |
X |
Compact pyramidal form of native Eastern redcedar. Could be considered a tree. Medium growth rate. |
Mountain Laurel |
Kalmia latifolia |
BE |
4β9 |
PβS |
7'β15' |
7'β15' |
5ββ8β |
4.5β6.0 |
X |
Can get much larger. Many cultivars, but not easily found in Southern nurseries. Magnificent display of color in spring. Almost impossible to transplant from native stands. Slow growth rate. |
Intermediate Crapemyrtle |
Lagerstroemia indica and hybrids |
D |
7β9 |
F |
13'β20' |
8'β15' |
6ββ9β |
5.0β6.0 |
Very shrubby in 6b. Many cultivars with a range of characteristics like flower color. See Extension Publication 2007 Crapemyrtle: Flower of the South. |
|
Tall Crapemyrtle |
Lagerstroemia indica and hybrids |
D |
7β9 |
F |
~20' |
8'β15' |
10ββ20β |
5.0β6.0 |
Very shrubby in 6b. Many cultivars with a range of characteristics like flower color. See Extension Publication 2007 Crapemyrtle: Flower of the South. |
|
Vicary Golden Privet |
Ligustrum x vicaryi |
BE |
5β9 |
FβP |
10'β12' |
10'β12' |
5'β6' |
6.0β7.0 |
Grown for its golden-yellow foliage that is present throughout the growing season. Medium growth rate. |
|
Star Magnolia |
Magnolia stellata |
D |
4β8 |
FβP |
~10 |
~8' |
4ββ6β |
5.0β6.0 |
Usually flowers before other shrubs in spring. May flower in midwinter in warm areas. Flowers subject to late freeze damage or freeze after winter warm spell. Medium-slow growth rate. |
|
Hybrid Mahonia |
Mahonia x media |
BE |
7β9 |
PβS |
8'β15' |
3'β5' |
3'β5' |
6.0β7.0 |
Hybrid between M. japonica and M. lomariifolia. A few cultivars available. Slow growth rate. |
|
Weeping White Mulberry |
Morus alba βPendulaβ |
D |
4β9 |
FβP |
15'β20' |
15'β20' |
10'β15' |
5.5β7.0 |
Grafted onto White Mulberry under-stock, which probably makes this more tree than shrub. Height varies depending on the height of graft union. Striking appearance. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Southern Waxmyrtle |
Myrica cerifera |
BE |
7β11 |
FβP |
10'β15' |
10'β15' |
10ββ15β |
4.0β6.0 |
X |
Early settlers boiled leaves and fruit to get wax that they used to make bayberry candles. Not particularly long-lived. Very tolerant of most growing conditions. Greatest success comes in transplanting smaller plants. Easily transplanted in the 3β4-foot height range. Fast growth rate. |
Oleander |
Nerium oleander |
BE |
8β11 |
FβP |
6'β20' |
6'β20' |
7ββ10β |
6.0β7.5 |
All plant parts poisonous. Smoke from burning plant parts is also poisonous. Withstands temperatures at least to 24 Β°F. Endures heat, glare, poor, dry, alkaline, sandy soils. Many improved selections, including dwarfs. Generally, cold tolerance increases as flower color darkens. Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
Devilwood |
Osmanthus americanus |
BE |
6β9 |
FβP |
15'β25' |
10'β20' |
8'β15' |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Native to the Coastal Plain. Flowers similar to other Osmanthus species. Slow to medium growth rate. |
Hollyleaf Osmanthus |
Osmanthus x fortunei |
BE |
7β9 |
FβP |
15'β20' |
15'β20' |
10ββ15β |
5.5β7.0 |
Popular plant in old Southern gardens. Fragrance not as strong nor flower period as long as Sweet Olive. Slow growth rate. |
|
Sweet Olive |
Osmanthus fragrans |
BE |
7β10 |
FβP |
20'β30' |
20'β30' |
10'β15' |
5.5β7.0 |
Flower initiation induced by sudden changes in temperature and moisture. A long-lived shrub. Old plants may reach 25 feet tall and 12β15 feet wide. Good drainage essential. Slow growth rate. |
|
Sweet Olive |
Osmanthus heterophyllus |
BE |
7β9 |
FβP |
10'β20' |
8'β15' |
8'β15' |
5.5β7.0 |
Flower initiation induced by sudden changes in temperature and moisture. A long-lived shrub. Old plants may reach 24 feet tall and 12β15 feet wide. Good drainage essential. Slow to medium growth rate. |
|
Odorless Mockorange |
Philadelphus inodorus |
D |
5β9 |
F |
~10' |
8'β10' |
6'β8β |
6.0β8.0 |
X |
Native on higher pH soils. Excellent deciduous shrub for South. Prune out old, non-flowering wood after flowering. Medium growth rate. |
Fraser Photinia |
Photinia x fraseri |
BE |
7β9 |
FβP |
10'β15' |
10'β15' |
6'β12' |
6.0β7.0 |
New growth very showy with coppery-red color. Prone to fire blight and other diseases, so relatively short lived. Will grow in shade, but foliage not as dense. Plant is a cross between Chinese Photinia and Japanese Photinia. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Japanese Photinia |
Photinia glabra |
BE |
7β9 |
FβP |
10'β12' |
8'β10' |
5ββ8β |
6.0β7.0 |
Red leaf color best in full sun. Takes pruning well. Sometimes called Red Top or Red Tip. Loose, well-drained soil essential for good growth. Magnesium deficiency may be a problem. Medium growth rate. |
|
Chinese Photinia |
Photinia serratifolia (serrulata) |
BE |
6β9 |
FβP |
20'β25' |
15'β20' |
10'β15' |
6.0β7.0 |
Can be invasive. Becomes leggy with old age. New growth coppery colored. Very intolerant of poorly drained soils. Medium growth rate. |
|
Japanese Pieris |
Pieris japonica |
BE |
5β7 |
FβS |
9'β12' |
6'β8' |
3'β4' |
5.5β6.5 |
Many cultivars, with flowers ranging in color from white to reddish. Compact forms also availble. Slow growth rate. |
|
Mock Orange, Tobira Pittosporum |
Pittosporum tobira |
BE |
7β10 |
FβP |
10'β12' |
15'β20' |
10'β12' |
6.0β7.5 |
Lemon-scented foliage. Several cultivars, including variegated leaf forms. Withstands heat and drought, but not recommended for zone without protection. Possible winter damage every 10 years or so. Medium growth rate. |
|
Oriental Arborvitae |
Platycladus orientalis |
NE |
6β11 |
FβP |
18'β25' |
10'β15' |
6'β10' |
6.0β7.5 |
Branches more vertical than regular arborvitae. Many varieties in the industry. Plant shape complements formal landscape designs. Fast growth rate. |
|
Southern Yew |
Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Maki' |
NE |
7β10 |
FβP |
20'β35' |
10'β20' |
4ββ6β |
5.5β7.0 |
Can be sheared and shaped easily. Dioecious. Widely used on the coast. May need protection in Zone 7. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Chickasaw Plum |
Prunus angustifolia |
D |
5β9 |
F |
15'β25' |
15'β25' |
4ββ6β |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Thicket-forming and ideal for roadside slopes. Often recommended for naturalistic plantings. Medium growth rate. |
Carolina Cherrylaurel |
Prunus caroliniana |
BE |
7β10 |
FβP |
20'β30' |
15'β25' |
15'β20' |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Typically a small tree, but compact forms may grow as large shrubs. Fruit and seedlings can cause problems in landscape. Medium to fast growth rate. |
Common Cherrylaurel |
Prunus laurocerasus |
BE |
6β8 |
FβP |
10'β18' |
8'β15' |
4'β10' |
5.5β7.0 |
A few cultivars including dwarf forms. Flowers whittish in racemes. Medium growth rate. |
|
Flowering Pomegranate |
Punica granatum |
SE |
7β10 |
FβP |
12'β20' |
12'β20' |
7ββ10β |
5.5β7.0 |
Popular shrub of the old South. There are many double-flowered and non-fruiting forms. May need protection in Zone 7. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Waferβash |
Ptelea trifoliata |
D |
3β9 |
FβS |
15'β20' |
15'β20' |
5'β10' |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Not common commercially and usually small understory shrub or tree in woods. Related to Citrus. Slow to medium growth rate. |
Formosa Firethorn |
Pyracantha koidzumi |
SE |
8β10 |
FβP |
8'β12' |
8'β12' |
7ββ10β |
6.0β8.0 |
Difficult to transplant as a large specimen. Excellent for espalier. Berries produced on 2nd yearβs wood, so prune in spring after berries have shed and before new growth begins. Seed viable and can be invasive. Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
Florida Azalea |
Rhododendron austrinum |
D |
7β9 |
PβS |
8'β10' |
8'β10' |
4'β8' |
4.0β6.0 |
X |
Native to the coastal plain. Deciduous. Several cultivars, mostly yellow to orange flowers. Flowers April to May, fragrant. Slow to medium growth rate. |
Piedmont Azalea |
Rhododendron canescens |
D |
5β9 |
PβS |
10'β15' |
8'β12' |
5'β10' |
4.0β6.0 |
X |
Native to the Southeast. Deciduous. Flowers typically pink, fragrant, March to April. Slow to medium growth rate. |
Exbury/Knap Hill Azaleas |
Rhododendron hybrids |
D |
5β8 |
PβS |
8'β12' |
6'β8' |
4'β6' |
4.0β6.0 |
Many hybrids involving several native species. Deciduous. Many colors. βGibraltarβ (flame-orange) is one example. Slow to medium growth rate. |
|
Plumleaf Azalea |
Rhododendron prunifolium |
D |
5β8 |
PβS |
8'β10' |
6'β8' |
5'β8' |
4.0β6.0 |
X |
Native to Alabama and Georgia. Deciduous. A few hybrids with flower color ranging from orange to red and pink. Flowers July to August. Slow to medium growth rate. |
Flameleaf Sumac |
Rhus copallina |
D |
4β9 |
FβP |
20'β30' |
20'β30' |
7ββ10β |
5.5β7.0 |
X |
Suckers freely forming a large colony. One of the earliest woody plants to appear on cleared land. Medium growth rate. |
Smooth Sumac |
Rhus glabra |
D |
3β9 |
FβP |
10'β15' |
10'β15' |
6ββ10' |
5.0β6.0 |
X |
Suckers freely forming large clumps. Withstands wide range of growing conditions. Tolerant of city conditions. Medium-fast growth rate. |
Lady Banks' Rose |
Rosa banksiae |
SE |
7β8 |
FβP |
15'β20' |
15'β20' |
5'β20' |
6.0β7.0 |
Climbing, thornless rose native to China. Flowers March to April. Color forms range from yellow to white. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Memorial Rose |
Rosa wichuraiana |
SE |
5β8 |
F |
8'β16' |
8'β16' |
4'β10' |
6.0β7.0 |
Rambler and can be invasive. Sometimes found escaped on road banks. Several cultivars. Fast growth rate. |
|
Pussy Willow |
Salix caprea |
D |
4β8 |
FβP |
15'β25' |
12'β15' |
5ββ8β |
6.5β8.0 |
Similar to S. discolor, but S. discolor is susceptible to canker. Female catkins are similar to a catβs paws. Can be grown as a small tree. Fast growth rate. |
|
Common Elderberry |
Sambucus nigra |
D |
4β9 |
FβP |
5'β12' |
5'β10' |
3ββ5β |
6.0β8.0 |
X |
Variety canadensis is native and variety nigra is not. Fruit of this species has been used to make elderberry wine. Fruit attracts birds to the landscape. Spreads by stolons. May become a pest. Some variable leaf cultivars available. Fast growth rate. |
American Bladdernut |
Staphylea trifolia |
D |
4β8 |
FβS |
10'β15' |
8'β12' |
6'β8' |
6.0β7.0 |
X |
Rare in Mississippi. Good along creeks. Produces bladder-like fruit that float on water. Colonial in habit. Medium to fast growth rate. |
Bigleaf Snowbell |
Styrax grandiflorus |
D |
7β9 |
FβS |
8'β15' |
6'β12' |
4'β6' |
5.5β6.5 |
X |
Native woodland understory shrub or small tree. Flowers white, showy in spring. Slow to medium growth rate. |
Common Lilac |
Syringa vulgaris |
D |
3β7 |
FβP |
8'β15' |
6'β12' |
5ββ8β |
6.0β7.5 |
Marginal plant for Zone 7b. Not recommended for Zone 8 and south. Needs adequate cold for good flower production. Several forms available with white, pink, blue, and purple flowers. Medium growth rate. |
|
Japanese Cleyera |
Ternstroemia gymnanthera |
BE |
7β10 |
PβS |
8'β10' |
5'β6' |
5ββ6β |
5.5β7.0 |
Often listed as Cleyera japonica. Older specimens may get much taller. Takes pruning well. Tolerant of dry soils and competition. Several cultivars available. Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
Pyramidal Arborvitae |
Thuja occidentalis βPyramidalisβ |
NE |
3β7 |
FβP |
20'β30' |
5'β8' |
4ββ6β |
6.0β7.5 |
Many other cultivars available. Well-drained soils essential for good growth. Seems to do well in most other soils. Plant shape complements formal landscape designs. Fast growth rate. |
|
Sparkleberry |
Vaccinium arboreum |
SE |
7β9 |
FβS |
15'β20' |
15'β20' |
6'β10' |
5.5β6.5 |
X |
Native, sometimes evergreen, colonial, understory shrub to small tree. Interesting bark. Fruit black, small, not as edible as other Vaccinium. Slow to medium growth rate. |
Rabbiteye Blueberry |
Vaccinum ashei |
SE |
7β9 |
F |
8'β9' |
8'β9' |
4ββ6β |
4.5β5.5 |
X |
Do not plant in soils that have been limed. Add half-bushel peat moss to each planting hole. Do not fertilize the first year. For varieties see Extension Publication 3801 Fruit and Nut Review: Blueberries. Medium to fast growth rate. |
Highbush Blueberry |
Vaccinium corymbosum |
SE |
3β7 |
FβS |
6'β12' |
8'β12' |
4'β8' |
5.5β6.5 |
X |
Do not plant in soils that have been limed. Add half-bushel peat moss to each planting hole. Do not fertilize the first year. For varieties see Extension Publication 3801 Fruit and Nut Review: Blueberries. Slow growth rate. |
Elliott Blueberry |
Vaccinium elliottii |
SE |
6β9 |
FβS |
6'β12' |
6'β12' |
4'β8' |
5.5β6.5 |
X |
Native evergreen species that bears fruit very early. Usually occurs on low ground. Slow growth rate. |
Awabuki Viburnum |
Viburnum awabuki |
BE |
7β9 |
FβS |
15'β20' |
12'β15' |
8'β10' |
5.5β6.5 |
Evergreen and extremely dense in full sun. Good for screening in shade. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Burkwood Viburnum |
Viburnum x burkwoodii |
BE |
5β8 |
FβP |
8'β10' |
6'β8' |
3ββ5β |
5.5β6.5 |
Flowers have fragrance of gardenia. Medium growth rate. |
|
Linden Viburnum |
Viburnum dilatatum |
D |
5β7 |
FβP |
8'β10' |
6'β8' |
5ββ8β |
6.5β7.5 |
Seed viable and can be invasive. Several cultivars. Attractive when in flower in spring. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Small Viburnum |
Viburnum obovatum |
SE |
6β9 |
FβP |
12'β20' |
12'β20' |
6'β12' |
6.5β8.0 |
X |
Native to the Southeast. Usually evergreen. Some compact forms available. Medium to fast growth rate. |
Sweet Viburnum |
Viburnum odoratissimum |
BE |
7β10 |
F |
10'β20' |
10'β20' |
6'β10' |
6.5β7.5 |
Very dense evergreen with smooth leaves. May be confused with other similar Viburnums. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
European Snowball Viburnum |
Viburnum opulus βSterileβ |
D |
3β8 |
FβP |
8'β12' |
8'β12' |
5ββ8β |
6.5β7.5 |
Flowers are sterile. Good for city conditions. Attractive when in flower. Flowers occur on new wood. Medium to fast growth rate. |
|
Doublefile Viburnum |
Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum |
D |
4β8 |
FβS |
8'β10' |
9'β12' |
5ββ8β |
6.5β7.5 |
Outer flowers in cluster are sterile. Easy to transplant. Can be invasive. Does well in part shade. Several cultivars. Medium growth rate. |
|
Leatherleaf Viburnum |
Viburnum rhytidophyllum |
BE |
5β7 |
FβP |
10'β15' |
10'β15' |
5ββ8β |
6.0β7.0 |
Drooping foliage causes the plant to look wilted. Tolerates shade where other shrubs fail. Should be used sparingly. One of the most cold-hardy viburnums. Medium-slow growth rate. |
|
Sandankwa Viburnum |
Viburnum suspensum |
BE |
8β11 |
FβP |
6'β12' |
6'β12' |
3ββ5β |
6.0β8.0 |
Zone 7 with protection. Does best in partial shade in summer. Medium growth rate. |
|
Laurestinus Viburnum |
Viburnum tinus |
BE |
8β10 |
FβS |
6'β12' |
6'β12' |
4ββ8β |
6.0β8.0 |
Flowers may have unpleasant odor. Grows best on poor soils, but they must be well-drained. Warm spell during winter may cause flowers to open. Variegated cultivar available. Medium growth rate. |
|
American Cranberrybush Viburnum |
Viburnum trilobum |
D |
2β7 |
FβP |
8'β12' |
8'β12' |
4'β6' |
5.0β7.0 |
Native to northern U.S. and Canada. Not well adapted to heat. Fruit edible. Medium growth rate. |
|
Lilac Chastetree |
Vitex agnusβcastus |
D |
6β9 |
FβP |
15'β20' |
15'β20' |
10ββ15β |
6.0β7.0 |
Often pruned into a single or multitrunked tree. Has escaped cultivation in some places. Popular plant in old gardens. Foliage has pungent odor when crushed. Medium-fast growth rate. |
|
Chastetree |
Vitex negundo |
D |
6β8 |
FβP |
10'β15' |
10'β15' |
8'β15' |
6.0β7.0 |
Often pruned into a single or multitrunked tree. Has escaped cultivation in some places. Some cutleaf forms available. Medium-fast growth rate. |
1Foliage: Broadleaf Evergreen; D = Deciduous; NE = Needled Evergreen; SE = Semibroadleaf Evergreen; and V = Variable.
2Light: F = Full Sun; P = Part Sun to Part Shade; and S = Shade.
3Native: Refers to species that are native to the southeastern United States.
Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Suggested Substitutes* |
---|---|---|
Japanese Barberry |
Berberis thunbergii |
Viburnum obovatum or similar selections from Table 1. |
Russian-olive |
Elaeagnus angustifolia |
Not well adapted to SE, Leucophyllum frutescens for gray foliage or refer to Table 1 for other plant selections. |
Thorny Elaeagnus |
Elaeagnus pungens |
Osmanthus spp., Viburnum spp., or other similar BE from Table 1. |
Autumn Elaeagnus |
Elaeagnus umbellata |
Osmanthus spp., Viburnum spp., or other similar BE from Table 1. |
Dwarf Winged Euonymus |
Euonymus alatus βCompactusβ |
Viburnum obovatum, Loropetalum, or other similar SE or D species from Table 1. |
Shrub Bush Clover |
Lespedeza bicolor |
Lespedeza liukiuensis, though new to U.S. and invasive potential not fully known. |
Thunberg Lespedeza |
Lespedeza thunbergii |
Lespedeza liukiuensis, though new to U.S. and invasive potential not fully known. |
Amur Privet |
Ligustrum amurense |
Yaupon Holly, Southern Waxmyrtle, or similar BE from Table 1. |
Japanese Privet |
Ligustrum japonicum |
Ilex spp., Osmanthus spp., Viburnum spp., or other similar BE from Table 1. |
Roundleaf Japanese Privet |
Ligustrum japonicum βRotundifoliumβ |
Ilex spp., Osmanthus spp., Viburnum spp., or other similar BE from Table 1. |
Glossy Privet |
Ligustrum lucidum |
Ilex spp., Osmanthus spp., Viburnum spp., or other similar BE from Table 1. |
Border Privet |
Ligustrum obtusifolium |
Yaupon Holly, Southern Waxmyrtle, or similar BE from Table 1. |
California Privet |
Ligustrum ovalifolium |
Yaupon Holly, Southern Waxmyrtle, or similar BE from Table 1. |
Chinese Privet |
Ligustrum sinense |
Yaupon Holly, Southern Waxmyrtle, or similar BE from Table 1. |
Weeping Chinese Privet |
Ligustrum sinense βPendulumβ |
Yaupon Holly, Southern Waxmyrtle, or similar BE from Table 1. |
Variegated Chinese Privet |
Ligustrum sinense βVariegataβ |
Vicary Golden Privet, Variegated Pittosporum, or similar BE from Table 1. |
Common Privet |
Ligustrum vulgare |
Yaupon Holly, Southern Waxmyrtle, or similar BE from Table 1. |
Winter Honeysuckle |
Lonicera fragrantissima |
Hybrid Mockorange, or similar D species from Table 1. |
Heavenly Bamboo or Nandina |
Nandina domestica |
Dwarf fruitless varieties or another BE with similar texture such as Ilex or Osmanthus spp. |
English Dogwood or Mockorange |
Philadelphus coronarius |
Native Philadelphus inodorus, or for fragrance Hybrid Mockorange. See Table 1. |
Trifoliate-orange |
Poncirus trifoliata |
Use Citrus cultivars, although less hardy and typically require protection in northern MS. |
Scarlet Firethorn |
Pyracantha coccinea |
Hybrid firethorns or Ilex spp. which produce similar fruit. |
Cherokee Rose |
Rosa laevigata |
Refer to other roses in Table 1. |
Multiflora Rose |
Rosa multiflora |
Refer to other roses in Table 1. May sucker from rootstock under hybrid roses. |
Japanese Spirea |
Spiraea japonica |
Spiraea x bumalda varieties, or similar D shrub from Table 1. |
Small Flowering Tamarix |
Tamarix parvifolia |
Juniperus spp. or other similar fine-textured shrub from Table 1. |
Five-stamen Tamarix |
Tamarix ramosissima |
Juniperus spp. or other similar fine-textured shrub from Table 1. |
* BE = Broadleaf Evergreen; D = Deciduous; SE = Semibroadleaf Evergreen; spp. = species (plural)
Publication 2651 (POD-07-23)
Reviewed by Jeff Wilson, PhD, Assistant Professor, North Mississippi Research and Extension Center. Written by Victor Maddox, PhD, Senior Research Associate, Plant and Soil Sciences; and Lelia Scott Kelly, PhD, former Extension Professor, North Mississippi Research and Extension Center. Landscape renderings by Richard Martin III.
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