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BY LIGHT NEED
     

This list includes our basic inventory by botanical name. Although you can get all of the plants some of the time, and some of the plants all of the time, all of the plants are not necessarily ready all of the time.
Our current availability is right here.

Click on any photo to see a larger image. These are reference photos taken by Thayer over the years and are not necessarily what the plants look like right now. Because there are a lot of photos, even if thumbnail size, this page may take a bit to load.
To see all the photos, our gallery is right here.

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Photo
(click for larger image)
Botanical
Name
Common
Name
Light
Needs
N=Native B=Butterflies H=Hummers B=Birds
Notes by Tom Dodd,III ©2010-2013
Zone; Height; Light; Soil; Misc.
Taxodium ascendens Pond Cypress   see Taxodium distichum nutans
  Selanginella draussiana Spikemoss    
  Ardisia japonica Ardisia   A very bad groundcover that is very invasive and isn't controlled by Roundup. Should never be planted as will escape into the woods and replace the native plants that feed the native animals.
Sarracenia Pitcher plants   N These carnivorous plants grow in one of the most unusual habitats on earth. They are rich in diversity and strange creatures. We do these from seed occasionally. Over 90% of the bogs have been lost to development and stupidity. They are available as tissue culture plugs from some companies, but I prefer to grow the real thing.
Rhododendron alabamense Alabama Azalea   N This plant is found in northwest Alabama and adjacent regions and has white flowers with a yellow blotch on the flag petal. It is one of the most fragrant of all the azaleas and blooms in the early spring
  Hydrangea quercifolia
'Ellen Huff'
Hydrangea Oakleaf
'Ellen Huff'
part
N A cultivar very well suited for the deep south that will do well from Mobile to north of Atlanta.
  Hydrangea serrata
'Fuji Waterfall'
Hydrangea
'Fuji Waterfall'
part
For the best description see the USDA one here.
  Hydrangea quercifolia
'Pee Wee'
Hydrangea Oakleaf 'Pee Wee'
part
N A cultivar that is smaller than the species and is suitable for smaller natural areas.
Z-6; H-3'; part sh; dry; white flowers
Rhododendron canescens Piedmont Azalea or
Honeysuckle Azalea
part
N This azalea is found in the mid to lower south and blooms with light pink fragrant flowers in the early spring.
Rhododendron Chapmanii Chapman's Rhododendron
part
N This endangered evergreen Rhododendron is found in only a few spots in the area around Port St. Joe, Florida. It has pink flowers and is the only evergreen Rhododendron that can handle the heat of the lower south. It likes shade and good drainage and will get to 6 or 8 feet tall and almost as wide. Hard to propagate from cuttings, we grow them from seed from mature plants at home. We like this plant but must warn you that it is very particular as to site. Two interesting hybrids of R. chapmanii and R. formosanum have been selected by John Thornton in Louisiana and they do well in our area. 'Willow Run' is a light pink flowered form and 'Will O' the Wisp' has white flowers.
  R. chapmanii x
R. formosanum
'Willow Run'
 
part
see above
H-8'; part shade; dry; evergreen; light pink flower
  R. chapmanii x
R. formosanum
'Will O' the Wisp'
 
part
see above
H-8'; part shade; dry; evergreen; white flower
  Rhododendron flammeum (syn. R. speciosum) Oconee Azalea
part
N This plant is found naturally in the area of Georgia around the Oconee River. The flowers are not fragrant but the color range in this species is amazing. In the same population, you can find red, orange, yellow, and all the colors in between. There are some named cultivars that have been selected for a particular flower color but most of our customers want the orange types (maybe they are Auburn fans). Dad found a double flowered form many years ago that he named 'Double Pleasure' but we all think it is a hybrid as it does have some fragrance.
  Rhododendron oblongifolium Texas Azalea
part
N This is a white flowered form that is found in east Texas. We still use this name although some botanists had grouped most of the white azaleas (R. oblongifolium, R serrulatum, R. viscosum, and R. atlanticum) into the same species. What I want to know is this: How is a R. viscosum from Cape Cod like a R. serrulatum from Mobile? They don't even talk alike. We believe that, if you want a white native azalea, you should get the form that does well in your area. That's why we keep the old names.
Chionanthus virginicus Fringe Tree or Grancy Grey Beard
part
N A bit more delicate than it's Chinese cousin and much harder to propagate, thus the difference in price and availability. If you see one at a nursery, get it. This is a plant that should not be dug out of its' native habitat as it is very hard to transplant from the woods. Country folks know a good thing when they see it as you will notice if you enjoy a spring ride in the country.
Z-6; H-10'; part sh; dry; creamy, fringe-like
Hydrangea quercifolia sp. Hydrangea Oakleaf
part
N Southeast U.S. from mountains to south Alabama and adjacent states. Large leaves lobed like an oak (Quercus is Latin for oak, folia is Latin for leaves) with white flowers in large pyramidal clusters. Several cultivars are grown and most are adaptable to the area from which they originated. They prefer shade and drainage. Even when the leaves have turned beautiful colors in the fall, the flowers persist and can be used in dried arrangements. It is now the state wildflower of Alabama (it is native to all counties of the state) and a must-have plant for the natural garden.
Z-6; H-5'; part sh; dry; white flowers
  Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue' Hydrangea 'Nikko Blue'
part
Favorite of gardeners for years. Arguments rage about why they bloom blue or pink and how to change that. Sun to part shade. Good drainage.
Z-6; H-4'; part sh; dry; blue/pink flowers
Baccharis halimifolia

Groundsel or

Woody Aster

s/sh
N Large shrub/small tree, member of the aster family. Blooms in October, white. Normally found near water. Easy to grow as will thrive anywhere. Salt tolerant. Native to most of the Gulf and East coasts. Don't get this plant unless your wife says you can have it.
Z-7; H-10'; s/sh; wet/dry
Bejaria racemosa
Tar Flower
s/sh
N Z-7; H-3'; s/sh; dry; evergreen
Rhododendron x 'Gen. Robert E. Lee' Rhododendron x 'Gen. Robert E. Lee'
s/sh
N The closest we have gotten to red. Hardest to grow. A hero to all southerners. There is a waiting list for this one.
  Rhododendron x 'Pvt. Lafayette Acree' Rhododendron x 'Pvt. Lafayette Acree'
s/sh
N Ruffled orange. Named for Tom's ancestor that was a hero during the "recent unpleasantness". He and two other privates captured Gen. Crittington and his entire staff at the beginning of the war. When asked about his time in the army in his later years, he said "I never believed in secession anyway".
Rhododendron x 'Nathan Bedford Forrest' Rhododendron x 'Nathan Bedford Forrest'
s/sh
N Orange. Named for the best General from the South during the "recent unpleasantness". He got a bad rap later for starting the KKK but they kicked him out because he was against their racist stupidity.
  Rhododendron x 'Maj. Leroy Broun' Rhododendron x 'Maj. Leroy Broun'
s/sh
N Deep orange. Named for a Confederate officer who later became President of Auburn University.
Rhododendron x 'J.E.B. Stuart' Rhododendron x 'J.E.B. Stuart'
s/sh
N Pink with yellow flag, much like 'Col Mosby' but blooms later. (Remember, Stuart was late getting to Gettysburg.)
Rhododendron x 'Frederick O. Douglass' Rhododendron x 'Frederick O. Douglass'
s/sh
N Soft Pink. Bob Schwindt probably wouldn't go along with this name, but I consider him a southern (Maryland) hero and one of the greatest orators of all times.
  Buxus microphylla japonica Boxwood
s/sh
This small leaved species of Buxus is about the only type that does well in the very deep South. While it will do well in Atlanta, other species can thrive there but not in Mobile. The three major cultivars are 'Korean', 'Japanese', and a darker green form called 'Wintergreen'. Most of these types are used for low, dense hedges and will attract all the male dogs in the area.
Z-7; H-3-5'; s/sh; dry; evergreen
  Buxus microphylla 'Wintergreen' Boxwood 'Wintergreen'
s/sh
See above.
Z-7; H-3-5'; s/sh; dry; evergreen
Callicarpa americana Beautyberry
s/sh
NB Deciduous small shrub native from Virginia to Texas. Can be up to 6 feet and is known primarily for lots of purple berries in the fall. Birds love the berries and it is great in fall flower arrangements. Likes some shade and good conversation.
Small, light pink flowers; lots of bright, purple berries.
Z-6; H-6'; s/sh; dry
Calycanthus floridus Sweet Shrub
s/sh
N This shade-loving shrub is native from Virginia to Florida. The leaves are fragrant and many forms have fragrant flowers also. Neat blooms in spring and seed pods in the fall. A southern heirloom, passed down from mother to daughter through the generations
  Camellia japonica Camellia japonica
s/sh
There are many cultivars of this favorite winter blooming evergreen shrub from Japan. While most of them grow in the deep south, there are some hybrids that will grow well above Atlanta. These plants first came into the U.S. thru Charleston in the late 1700's. Some of the ones we grow are listed below with some major characteristics.
  Camellia japonica 'Debutante' Camellia japonica 'Debutante'
s/sh
Large, peony blooms are soft pink. Late.
Z-7; H-8'; s/sh; dry; evergreen
  Camellia japonica 'Gunsmoke' Camellia japonica 'Gunsmoke'
s/sh
Large semi-double, red with pronounced yellow stamens. Late.
Z-7; H-8'; s/sh; dry; evergreen
  Camellia japonica 'Ira Mathewes' Camellia japonica 'Ira Mathewes'
s/sh
Z-7; H-8'; s/sh; dry; evergreen
  Camellia japonica 'Professor Sargent' Camellia japonica 'Professor Sargent'
s/sh
Red, peony, fragrant. Late.
Z-7; H-8'; s/sh; dry; evergreen
  Camillia sasanqua Camillia sasanqua
s/sh
This species of Camellia blooms in the fall. While not as fit for cut flowers as the C. japonica types, they make up for it by the profussion of blooms and many are pleasantly fragrant. Many varieties and hybrids are available and we are adding some of Dad's to the list as we go along.
Camillia sasanqua 'Cotton Candy' Camillia sasanqua 'Cotton Candy'
s/sh
Upright, light pink flowers
Z-6; H-9'; s/sh; dry; evergreen
Camillia sasanqua 'Kilimanjaro' Camillia sasanqua 'Kilimanjaro'
s/sh
Z-6; H-9'; s/sh; dry; evergreen
  Camillia sasanqua
'Leslie Ann'
Camillia sasanqua
'Leslie Ann'
s/sh
Formal double, white with dark pink edge. Profuse bloomer. Columnar. Fall
Z-6; H-9'; s/sh; dry; evergreen
Camillia sasanqua
'Pink Snow'
Camillia sasanqua
'Pink Snow'
s/sh
semi-double, soft pink, fragrant, Fall.
Z-6; H-9'; s/sh; dry; evergreen
  Camillia sasanqua 'Sparkling Burgundy' Camillia sasanqua 'Sparkling Burgundy'
s/sh

Purple/red, peony. Fall.
Z-6; H-9'; s/sh; dry; evergreen

  Rhododendron x 'Emma Sansom' Rhododendron x 'Emma Sansom'
s/sh
N Soft pink and yellow. This lady had the courage to lead the southern troops through difficult terrain and attack the Yankees from the rear.
Rhododendron x 'Col. Mosby' Rhododendron x 'Col. Mosby'
s/sh
N Pink with yellow flag. Col. Mosby was know as the "Gray Ghost' because of his ability to attack, cause trouble, and then disappear.
  Chasmanthium latifolium River Oats
s/sh
N The first cousin to "Sea Oats" is found in damp, shady areas along rivers and creeks from Pennsylvania to Florida over to Mexico. Will adapt to most soil types and is beautiful, especially in the wind.
Chionanthus retusus Fringe Tree, Chinese
s/sh
Small tree that covers with white blooms in the spring. It is the cousin to our native "Fringe Tree" and is a bit easier to grow in the sun here.
Z-5; H-20'; s/sh; dry
Azalea 'Midnight Flare' Azalea 'Midnight Flare'
s/sh
Aromi hybrid, medium, red, mid-season.
Z-7; H-3'; s/sh; dry; evergreen
Rhododendron x 'Admiral Semmes' Rhododendron x 'Admiral Semmes'
s/sh
N Solid yellow. The easiest to grow. Admiral Semmes was skipper of the CSS Alabama and he still holds the record for number of enemy ships sunk or captured. Our hometown is named for this hero.
Rhododendron x 'Admiral Franklin Buchanan' Rhododendron x 'Admiral Franklin Buchanan'
s/sh
N Deep orange Named for the skipper of the CSS Virginia (Merrimac) and later Admiral in charge of Mobile Bay.
 

Rhododendron
'Confederate Series'

Rhododendron
'Confederate Series'
s/sh
N The Confederate Series of Native Azaleas were selected from a cross of Rhododendron austrinum and Rhododendron x 'Hotspur Yellow'. This cross was made by Bob Schwindt, the seed were planted by Dad and Tom III made the evaluations and named them per Mr. Schwindt's request. We had always loved the Exbury Azaleas but they can't take the heat of the deep south. The R. austrinum blood gives them the heat tolerance and vigor that we need here. Below is a list with the colors, etc. Most of them are difficult to propagate and grow, but do well once they are planted in semi-shade with good drainage.
Azalea 'Koromo Shikibu' Azalea 'Koromo Shikibu'
s/sh
Lavender with star shaped flowers, early, medium, repeat blooms if it likes you.
Z-7; H-5'; s/sh; dry; evergreen
  Azalea 'Mrs. G. G. Gerbing' Azalea 'Mrs. G. G. Gerbing'
s/sh
White, early, large (not as large as 'Formosa')
Z-7; H-6'; s/sh; dry; evergreen
  Azalea 'Formosa' Azalea 'Formosa'
s/sh
The most popular Southern Indica, large, purple, early.
Z-7; H-6'; s/sh; dry; evergreen
Coreopsis nana Tickseed, Dwarf
s/sh
NB Spring yellow blooms on evergreen clumps. Will repeat bloom in the shade and spread.
Z-7; H-6in; s/sh; wet/dry; evergreen; yellow flowers
  Azalea 'Conversation Piece' Azalea 'Conversation Piece'
s/sh
This Robin Hill Azalea has large flowers in pink, pink and white, and white. A mid-season to late bloomer with repeat blooms until fall. Medium grower. Easy to see where it got its' name.
Z-6; H-3'; s/sh; dry; evergreen
  Azalea 'Chinsoi'
Azalea 'Chinsoi'
s/sh
Sharp pink, late, small grower, satsuki type, repeat bloomer.
Z-6; H-2'; s/sh; dry; evergreen
  Azalea 'Amy'
 
s/sh

Soft pink flowers, mid-season, medium grower. A seedling of Azalea Glacier (Glendale) selected by Tom Dodd, Jr.
Z-5; H-3'; s/sh; dry; evergreen

  Rhododendron austrinum 'Halo' Florida Flame Azalea
'Halo'
s/sh
N see above
H-10'; s/sh; dry; flowers yellow/orange
  Rhododendron austrinum 'Escatawpa' Florida Flame Azalea
'Escatawpa'
s/sh
N Typical of the species found in our local area, this plant was chosen by Arnell Blackwell and named by Uncle Bill Dodd and my Dad, Tom Dodd, Jr., for the river where it was found. It blooms in the early spring with fragrant, yellow to orange blooms. It is the most vigorous grower and was used as a parent plant in the Confederate series of native azaleas.
  Rhododendron austrinum 'Cheerleader' Florida Flame Azalea
'Cheerleader'
s/sh
This plant was picked by Thayer out of a group of R. austrinum seedlings for the beautiful, yellow, fragrant "pom pom" flower heads.
 

Azaleas

Azaleas -
general comments
s/sh
There are several thousand cultivars ("cultivated varieties") of Azaleas and the best reference for all of them is Fred Galle's book "Azaleas" We only grow a few of the ones we like and if you would prefer other types, we would suggest that you refine your taste. While Azaleas will grow in the full sun, they prefer some shade late in the day.
 

Rhododendron-

general

Rhododendron
s/sh
N This group of plants is Tom's favorite and why we are still poor. The deciduous forms are difficult to root, difficult to grow, but easy to establish if done properly. Most will grow in the sun and flower better, but when done so, need more care at first. We grow many of the native species of our region and many hybrids of the group. Most all of them like morning sun, afternoon shade, good drainage, and classical music.
  Phlox paniculata Phlox, Garden
s/sh
NB Southern favorite for 3ft late summer blooms in full sun or part shade. Varieties available change often, please call us.
Petunia integrifolia Petunia,
Violet-flowered
s/sh
Native of Brazil. Evergreen here. Groundcover or hanging baskets.
Oxydendrum arboreum Sourwood
s/sh
N This is one of the few native southern trees that has real decent fall color. In the deep south, it prefers a little shade as it is an understory tree there but in the upper portions of its range, it can take more sun and will generally grow to a larger tree. When purchasing this tree, one should be careful to obtain one from near your planting site to best insure good growth and fall color. Trees from a few hundred miles north don't like to move too far south (like Kalmia latifolia and Cornus florida) but they will move north with less complaints than I would make. The "Sourwood" has long spikes of small while blooms in the summer and they persist as seed pods until late fall. Thus, you could say that it has multi-seasonal interest.
Z-6; H-20'; s/sh; dry; white flowers
Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki'
Osmanthus 'Goshiki'
s/sh
A variegated, slow-growing shrub that comes to us from Japan. It is evergreen (ever-variegated) and will draw attention to a semi-shady spot. As its name suggests, the leaves are spiny (not sticky) like a few other members of the Olive family and the new pink foliage in the spring is attractive.
Osmanthus fragrans Osmanthus, Sweet Olive
s/sh
This is an old southern favorite with nice evergreen foliage that makes a nice large shrub. It is a member of the olive family and each time it blooms it fills the whole garden with a wonderful fragrance. The flowers are white and very small but you can always tell when it is blooming.
Z-7; H-15'; s/sh; dry; evergreen; white flowers
  Magnolia virginiana australis Magnolia, Bay
s/sh
N The southern (or australis) form of "Bay Magnolia" is evergreen and can get to be a rather large tree. It has white blooms in the early summer and is normally found near, but not in, swamps and bays. When the wind is blowing, you can see the silver undersides of the leaves and they will add another dimension to the landscape.
Z-6; H-30', s/sh, wet/dry, evergreen; white flowers
  Gardenia jasminoides -
general
Gardenia
s/sh
There are many cultivars of this very fragrant plant. There are different leaf forms, different height forms, and different bloom times. We grow four cultivars and they are listed below and all have white flowers that will last longer with a bit of afternoon shade.
  Gardenia jasmenoides 'August Beauty' Gardenia
'August Beauty'
s/sh
A large plant with large flowers and large blooms.
  Gardenia jasmenoides 'Daisy' Gardenia 'Daisy'
s/sh
A mid-sized form, upright, medium sized blooms
Z-7; H-4'; sun; dry; evergreen; white fragrant flowers
  Gardenia jasmenoides 'Frostproof' Gardenia 'Frostproof'
s/sh
A mid-sized form with small leaves and medium flowers like 'radicans'.
Z-7; H-4'; sun; dry; evergreen; white, fragrant flowers
Gardenia jasmenoides 'Radicans' Gardenia 'Radicans'
s/sh
A dwarf spreading variety with mid-sized blooms.
Z-7; H-2'; sun; dry; evergreen; white, fragrant flowers
Lonicera sempervirens Honeysuckle, Coral
s/sh
NBH This native woody vine is a fast growing favorite of butterflies and Hummingbirds. It seeks the sun and likes well drained areas. While it doesn't have the fragrance of "Japanese Honeysuckle", it is not invasive and it has coral flowers instead of the dull beige flowers of its oriental cousin. Peak blooms in mid-spring; some flowers nearly all year. Evergreen on the gulf coast. It can be used on fences and makes a nice cover for an arbor.
Z-6; vine; s/sh; dry; evergreen; red flowers
  Leucothoe racemosa Leucothoe
s/sh
I was told there is a new species name for this plant (Eubotrys racemosa) but I'm tired of learning new names and they aren't on my spell-checker. This short, deciduous shrub has long racemes of white flowers in the spring and the seed pods persist into the fall. It has nice fall color and is found in nature near bottom land but not in the really wet areas. The form we have came from Nell Kieff over near Van Cleve, MS in the Pascagoula River swamp. (She's collected many good forms of the plants near her home.) This shrub can get to 3 feet tall and is wider than tall.
Z-7; H-4'; s/sh; moist; white flowers
Leucothoe axillaris 'Dodd's Variegated' Leucothoe, 'Dodd's Variegated'
s/sh
N Over many years, we would sometimes find a variegated form of L. axillaris in our seedlings while trying to find a form that was not so prone to root problems. We saved the variegated forms and decided to select one that was the best one to grow. We quit using fungicides on them and watched while all but three died over the years. We selected the best and named it. It makes an excellent low shrub for shady, well drained areas and seems to do much better in the ground than in a container in our nursery. The new foliage in the spring is pink and then it becomes variegated over the summer. In the fall it will change colors slightly. It is a great plant for many seasons in the garden.
  Leucothoe axillaris 'Jenkins' Leucothoe,
Fetter Bush or
Dog Hobble
s/sh
N There are many common names for L. axillaris, among them "Dog Hobble", "Fetter Bush", and many others. L. axillaris 'Jenkins' was found down in Florida by David Drylie and given to "Miss Margie" Jenkins in Amite, La. I got the plant from her and asked about a name and she said to call it "Florida Leucothoe". We couldn't do that as that is the common name for Agarista populifolia. So I named it for the neatest lady in Horticulture. It has wider leaves than normal for the species, is dark green, grows very well in the south, and makes an excellent low shrub for a shady, well drained area. It has a lot less trouble with root problems than other members of the species and grows better than any other evergreen Leucothoe we've tried.
  Rhododendron x 'Stonewall Jackson' Rhododendron x 'Stonewall Jackson'
s/sh
N Medium orange. The largest of the series. My favorite native azalea and my favorite general.
  Rhododendron
'Madison'
Rhododendron
'Madison'
s/sh
N Exbury; Z-6; H-10'; s/sh; dry; orange flowers
Stokesia laevis Stoke's aster
s/sh
NB One of our best known native perennials. We grow a blue flowered form and a pure white flowered form. Evergreen leaves. Sun or shade. Moist or average soil. Have seen these growing wild along the roadside in South Mississippi.
H-6in; s/sh; wet/dry; evergreen; blue flower
  Stokesia laevis - white flower Stokesia laevis - white flower
s/sh
N see above
H-6in; s/sh; wet/dry; evergreen; white flower
  Azalea x Poukenense Azalea, Korean
s/sh
The Korean Azalea. Very hardy. Species has purple flowers but we have some seedlings with other colors that will be produced soon. Down south they are evergreen but not at the top of their range. Medium to large, midseason.
Z-5; H-5'; s/sh; dry; semi-evergreen
Vaccinium darrowii Blueberry, Darrow
s/sh
N A great landscape plant for a dry area that may be hard to establish, but well worth the effort. It has grey-green foliage, (bronze foliage in the winter) and it does produce fruit, albeit small. I once told a customer that we only sold those plants to people with short children or bird lovers because it was too much trouble to bend down long enough to get a snack. It seems to like the sun or part shade and must have good drainage. Several selections are available, but we like the diversity in the species.
H-2'; s/sh; dry; evergreen; white flower
Zephranthes grandiflora Pink Rain Lily
s/sh
N Fun to plant in masses and wait for it to bloom. Fun to sell at plant sales because it is never in bloom and you are basically convincing someone to buy a pot of dirt. This is the kind of plant you will find at arboreta and Master Gardener sales, because most retailers aren't willing to risk it.
H-6in; s/sh; dry; pink flower

(click for larger image)
Agarista populifolia (Leucothoe) Leucothoe,
Florida
s/sh
N Probably my favorite shrub/small tree, this plant likes a shady spot with good drainage. It has long arching limbs and fragrant, small bell-shaped flowers in the spring that smell like raw honey. The cut foliage is long-lasting for flower arrangements. It makes a nice screen or an attractive specimen. Native range is from central Florida to coastal South Carolina but will thrive in Memphis, Birmingham, and Atlanta. The dwarf form, found by David Taylor, is called 'Leprechaun' and grows only about 1/3 the 25 foot height of the species but with all the other good characteristics.
  Aucuba japonica green
Aucuba, Green
sh
The non-variegated female forms are more attractive than the variegated female forms to me because I don't like red and yellow together (sorta like the colors on Coral Snakes). This plant must be planted in the shade in a well drained site.
  Aspidistra elatior variegated sp.
Cast Iron Plant,
Variegated
sh
 
Aucuba japonica variegated
Aucuba, Variegated
sh
This dioecious plant is most often seen in Garden centers as a variegated plant called "Gold Dust Aucuba" The female forms have beautiful red berries in the Winter.

(click for larger image)
Aspidistra elatior 'Milky Way' Cast Iron Plant,
Dwarf Variegated
sh
This oriental native loves the deep shade of the South. The form normally seen has leaves about 18 to 24 inches long. There are various cultivars including a variegated form and a dwarf variegated form that my father introduced from Japan in the 1970's named 'Milky Way'. I was told that the common name came from the fact that it is almost impossible for a novice gardener to kill it. A popular indoor plant in nineteenth century England; Sherlock Holmes grew a potted specimen at his famous 221-B Baker St. residence.

Gordonia lasianthus
Loblolly Bay
sh/part
N A member of the Camellia family, this tree is known for the white blooms it produces during the entire summer. It likes some protection from afternoon sun but will tolerate full sun if taken care of while getting established. The largest we have seen were on the banks of the canal in the Okefenokee Swamp. It is rather rare in the wild but is usually found near, but not in, wetlands. It is native from coastal North Carolina to Florida and Mississippi. Rather slow-growing well formed evergreen tree hardy south of Atlanta. Gets good red fall color.
Z-7 or 8; H-30'; sh/part; dry; evergreen; white
Magnolia macrophylla Magnolia,
Big-Leaf
sh/sun
N This is a very good tree. It likes to grow in shady areas and can get very tall. It is deciduous and has large, white blooms in the spring. I like this tree so much that I named a favorite Basset Hound "Canis macrophylla" (called "Mac" for short) There is a picture in Dr. Roland Harper's book on the flora of Alabama that shows a man holding a branch with leaves almost as long as he was tall and the flower in that picture appeared to be 18 inches wide. I doubt that many of the trees we see today would be as large but we can always hope to see one like that someday.
H-30'; s/sh; dry; white flowers
  Magnolia asheii Magnolia, Ashe's
sh/sun
N This form of M. macrophylla is smaller but will have beautiful, large white blooms at a very early age. It is better suited for a small garden than M. macrophylla and the seed pods in late summer are beautiful. It is found in a few spots in the Florida panhandle and has been reported west of there, but I haven't seen it. It is deciduous and can grow well as far north as Indiana. It has leaves almost as large as the M. macrophylla and the flowers are more fragrant to me.
H-20'; sh/sun; dry; white, fragrant flower
  Lyonia ferruginea Lyonia, Rusty
sh/sun
N This small, evergreen tree, native of the Florida Panhandle and adjacent areas, is found in shady low places. It has beautiful twisted, cinnamon colored trunks and the new leaves in the spring are rusty colored. It is slow to grow but well worth the wait.
Z-7; H-6'; sh/sun; dry; evergreen
  Cyrtomium falcatum 'Rochfordianum'
Fern, Holly
shade
Evergreen fern found commonly in gardens. When we first thought about growing a few ferns, we thought this would be an easy one to grow. Not so. It fusses and looks horrible in a nursery container, like many of the ferns. We'll probably try royal and cinnamon in the future as we tend to over water some of the others.
Z-7; H-2'; shade; dry; evergreen
  Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance'
Fern, Autumn
shade
Rusty fall color. Shade and dry.
Z-6; H-2'; shade; dry; evergreen
  Rhodea japonica Sacred Lily or
Nippon Lily
shade
H-2'; shade; dry; evergreen
  Rhaphidyphyllum hystrix Palm, Needle
shade
This rare shrub-palm is the hardiest of all our native palms, "Needle Palm" ranges as far north as Auburn, AL It slowly grows in shady areas and the common name comes from the crop of needles that protect the trunk from predators. The largest we have seen is down near Orange Beach, AL and it is probably several hundred years old. It has a large, palmate green leaf and there are male and female plants.
Pinckneya bracteata
(syn. P. pubens)
Georgia Fever Tree
shade
N A large, deciduous shrub found in only a few moist, sunny places now. The common name comes from the fact that the bark was made into a tea to eliminate the symptoms of malaria during "the recent unpleasantness" when the southern troops were unable to get Quinine due to the blockade by the damnyankees. There were many more plants then in the south but taking the bark off of many of them killed most and we have only a few surviving populations left. The large pink bracts in the summer give it its species name and they are very attractive. It can be hard to establish. Get 3 and maybe one will survive. It is a show stopper if it likes you. "Blooms" like a pink poinsettia in May.
Z-7; H-6'; shade; moist; pink flower
Pieris x japonica-
general
Pieris or Andromeda
shade
Dad planted some seeds of Pieris japonica that had probably crossed with P. tiawanensis and gave some of the seedlings to my uncle who planted them in his garden. Later, the uncle decided he didn't like the plants so cuttings were taken of the survivors (Darwin testing) and the various ones were grown and given names of waterfalls. Some of the ones we grow are 'Bridal Vail Falls', Crystal Cascade Falls', 'Shining Cloud Falls', and 'Sugar Run Falls'. These all will get to about 6 feet tall, are evergreen and bloom in March in Mobile. Usually we don't suggest this plant for the deep south as it typically doesn't like our hot, summer nights, but these seem to do well in a shady, well drained location and give special interest when the long bloom spikes give the appearance of the spray and foam of a beautiful waterfall.
  Pieris x japonica
'Dodd's Sugar Run Falls'
Pieris
'Dodd's Sugar Run Falls'
shade
see above
Z-6; H-6'; shade; dry; evergreen; white flowers
  Pieris x japonica
'Dodd's Shining Cloud Falls'
Pieris
'Dodd's Shining Cloud Falls'
shade
see above
Z-6; H-6'; shade; dry; evergreen; white flowers
  Pieris x japonica
'Dodd's Pearl Falls'
Pieris
'Dodd's Pearl Falls'
shade
see above
Z-6; H-6'; shade; dry; evergreen; white flowers
  Pieris x japonica
'Dodd's Crystal Cascade Falls'
Pieris
'Dodd's Crystal Cascade Falls'
shade
see above
Z-6; H-6'; shade; dry; evergreen; white flowers
  Pieris x japonica
'Dodd's Bridal Veil Falls'
Pieris
'Dodd's Bridal Veil Falls'
shade
see above
Z-6; H-6'; shade; dry; evergreen; white flowers
  Pieris phillyreifolia
'Baldwin'
Pieris, Swamp Native
shade
Thayer spotted this plant in the Bon Secure State Park in Baldwin County, Al. We had never considered looking for it in an area near the Gulf that had Sand Pines, Ilex cassine, Sand Live Oaks, etc. so we all were surprised to find it there. In all the books we had read, this plant was supposed to be in the swamp. Here it was as a beautiful ground cover in the wrong place. Evidently, it didn't read the same books. It took us a few minutes to realize what the plant was, but after eliminating all the others we could think of or find in our textbooks and then later seeing it bloom after taking cuttings and growing it at the nursery, we were sure what it was. We later found it along Fowl River in Mobile county, right where it had been reported 50 years earlier, but not in the habitat we had assumed it would be found. It blooms in early February and loves a shady, well drained site and will cover an area slowly. It is evergreen with slightly larger leaves and flowers than the species.
Z-7; H-2'; shade; dry; evergreen; white flower
Phlox divaricata Phlox, Wild Blue or Phlox, Woodland
shade
N Early spring blue blooms on this shade loving evergreen groundcover.
Euonymus americana Hearts-A-Burstin'
shade
N New York south to Florida and Texas. Deciduous shrub to about 5' tall; interesting 5-petaled white flowers in late spring. In September, the raspberry colored pods open and red seeds hang out. Found in shady woods not too far from water. The seed are loved by turkeys and the leaves and stems are grazed by rabbits and deer.
Woodwardia orientalis Fern, Oriental Mother
shade
My first plant came from Katie Ferguson in Texas. She told me to try it and I had no idea that it would get so large and beautiful. It can have fronds as long as three feet and is evergreen. It likes filtered shade and some moisture and it gets its common name from the tiny "fernlets" that form on top of the fronds and then drop to the ground to grow.
  Fatsia japonica Fatsia
shade
This evergreen, shade loving plant from Japan is a favorite for southern gardens. The large green leaves provide a wonderful texture and it is easy to establish.
Z-8; H-3'; shade; dry; evergreen
  Fothergilla x gardenii 'Mt. Airy' Fothergilla
'Mt. Airy'
shade
N A member of the witch hazel family, this plant was popularized by Dr. Dirr in Georgia. The species ranges from Virginia to the Gulf Coast and has wonderful fall color. It likes shade and average to dry conditions.
Z-6; H-3'; shade; dry; white fragrant flowers; great Fall color
Ophiopogon japonicus - dwarf Mondo Grass,
Dwarf
shade
This is a good, short groundcover (5 or 6 inches tall) and likes shady areas. It will spread and fill an area in a short time and is another evergreen member of the lily family from Japan.
H-6"; shade; dry; evergreen; lavender flowers
Ophiopogon japonicus Mondo Grass
shade
This is a good, short groundcover (5 or 6 inches tall) and likes shady areas. It will spread and fill an area in a short time and is another evergreen member of the lily family from Japan.
  Mahonia bealii Oregon Grape Holly
shade
This shade-loving plant is not related to hollies or grapes at all but the leaves have soft spines that resemble a holly and the fruit in the fall looks like clusters of grapes. The yellow spring blooms are showy and the plant adds interest wherever it is used.
  Rhododendron serrulatum Swamp Azalea
shade
N This is a white flowered form that is found near, but not in, swamps. Different populations of this plant bloom at different times. Near our home, we have groups that bloom in June, some groups in July, a few groups in August, and one group blooms around Labor Day. It is fragrant and grows well in some shade but it doesn't like wet feet. (See Rhododendron oblongifolium) We find this to be one of the easiest to grow.
H-8'; sh/sun; dry/moist; white flowers
  Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Fern Spray' Hinoki cypress 'Fern Spray'
shade
A very fine cultivar with fine textured foliage that can grow to large size. This native of Japan is a favorite there and honored as any great tree should be.
Z-5; H-30'; shade; dry; evergreen
Rhododendron prunifolium Plum-Leaf Azalea
shade
N This native azalea has beautiful orange to red flowers in the Summer. Even though it is not fragrant, having such beautiful flowers in the summer makes up for that one shortcoming. It was originally found near Pine Mountain, Georgia but it also occurs in adjacent Alabama. It is must have shade and good drainage to do well. There is a beautiful 30 year old plant at home that blooms pink in July-August. It must be a hybrid of R. arborescens. Some of the seed from this plant have grown very well and we offer them as R. x prunifolium.
Illicium floridanum Anise, Florida
shade
N This large, evergreen shrub loves shade. It is found in swamps (but not in the really wet areas)in the southern U.S. It has crimson flowers in the summer and the leaves have an odor like the herb anise. It makes a great screen in the shade and the foliage is a rich dark green. (A similar form, Illicium mexicanum, is shorter and much harder to grow and ship because its limbs are so brittle.) "Florida Anise" is found from La. To Fl. and on up into S.C. It is the hardiest of all the Illiciums and can grow up into Pa.
Z-5; H-10'; shade; moist;evergreen; maroon flowers
  Illicium floridanum 'Pebblebrook' Anise, Florida
'Pebblebrook'
shade
N
Z-5; H-6'; shade; moist;evergreen; maroon flowers
  Illicium floridanum 'Semmes' Anise, Florida
'Semmes'
shade
N This variety differs from the species in that it has white flowers and will take a little bit more sun. Except for the flowers, it is very much like the species, Illicium floridanum.
Z-5; H-5'; shade; dry; evergreen; white flowers
Illicium floridanum
'Shady Lady' PP
Anise, Florida
'Shady Lady' PP
shade
N We found this variegated variety as a sport on I. floridanum 'Semmes' in 1989 while we were living in Charleston. We propagated two plants from the sport (we still have one) and determined it likes the same conditions as the parent. The original plant is now 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide and is still producing pink flowers. I think it will get much larger, given enough time. (I have to confess that I told a lie to a very difficult retail customer late one good sailing day when I told her it was an aphrodisiac and hallucenogenic. I hope she didn't try it.)
Z-5; H-5'; shade; dry;evergreen; pink flowers
  Lyonia eliptica Lyonia, Oriental
shade
Z-6; H6'; shade; dry; white flowers
  Selaginella uncinata 'Peacock' Spikemoss 'Peacock'
shade
 
Hexastylus x Harperii Native Ginger
shade
N Native groundcover ginger. Heart shaped leaves with a "little brown jug" flower. Dry shade.
Z-7; H-1in; shade; dry; evergreen; flower-brown jug
Kalmia hirsuta Hairy Wicky or Beach Laurel
shade
N This relative of "Mountain Laurel" is found in shady, well drained areas in the southeast. It is a small, (2 feet) plant with very small leaves and flowers like (but smaller) than the "Mountain Laurel". The small leaves are "hairy" and are not as dark as its cousins but it is a very neat plant for a small area with a lot of year round interest.
Z-8; H-1'; shade; dry;evergreen; pink flower
Kalmia latifolia Mountain laurel -
southern form
shade
N This species ranges from Maine to Mobile. It is a shade loving plant that is a favorite of many. I have tried growing many of the forms that Dr. Dick Jaynes has introduced but have had poor luck. This plant doesn't move south very well, sorta like "Dogwoods" and women. We collect seeds from the very southern end of the range and have good luck growing them and they will do well all the way up to the mountains. Most of them have medium pink flowers but sometimes we get a darker or lighter flower on some of them. When we plant the seed, it takes two years to get big enough to put into a 3 ½ inch pot. Then it spends a year there before going into a 1 gallon pot. Two years later we plant it in a three gallon and sell it a year or so later. Finally it starts growing fast enough that we can sell them to use in a landscape. I have some here at the house that are about 12 to 15 feet tall, 10 feet wide and with beautiful, thick foliage and wonderful twisted trunks and limbs.
Z-7; H-15'; shade; dry;evergreen; pink flowers
  Liriope muscari
'Munroe's White'
Liriope 'Munroe's White'
shade
This Liriope differs from L. muscari 'Big Blue' in that it has white flowers and prefers shade. Also used in shade borders and mass plantings.
Z-6; H-12"; shade; dry; evergreen; white flowers
  Satureja georgiana Winter savory
shade
N
Z-6; H-6"; shade; dry; evergreen; blue flower
  Hosta sp
Hosta
shade
Z-6; H-6"; shade; dry; lavender flowers
  Liriope 'Lynn Lowrey' Liriope 'Lynn Lowrey'
sun
Sometimes called "Giant Liriope", it isn't a Liriope at all. See Ophiopogon 'Lynn Lowery'
  Lantana depressa Pineland Lantana
sun
N A rare southeastern native with pale yellow flowers. A good groundcover for sunny, well-drained locations. Cold hardy in Gulf Breeze, FL and probably in Mobile.
Z-8 ; H-2'; sun; dry; evergreen?; yellow flowers
Liriope muscari 'Variegated' Liriope
'Variegated'
sun
A variegated form of L. muscari, it also is used in sunny borders and mass plantings.
Z-6; H-6"; sun; dry; evergreen; purple flowers
Hibiscus coccinea Hibiscus, Scarlet Rosemallow or
Texas Star
sun
NB Bright red deep cut star shaped flowers with deep cut five lobe leaves that have been mistaken by Florida agriculture inspectors.
Z-8; H-5'; sun; wet/dry; red flower
 

Hibiscus -
general

Hibiscus
sun
NB Members of the mallow family are cousins of cotton. The native hibiscus are normally found in wet sunny areas along the Gulf Coast and are cold hardy in zone 8 and probably 7. They die back to canes in the winter, which should be cut off before they start growing in the spring. They attract a wide variety of bugs and butterflies. Can grow 5-8' in one season. As the plant ages and produces more stalks, it gets bigger each year. Do well in average but not dry soils.
Lacnanthes caroliana Carolina Redroot
sun
N Another neat bog plant.
H-1'; sun; wet/dry; creamy flowers

Juniperus virginiana 'Grey Owl'

Juniper
'Grey Owl'

sun
This 8' form of "Red Cedar" is a spreading, wider than tall plant with grey foliage. It is a striking juniper and is tolerant of sun and Yankees, but not wet areas. It will not deter Basset Hounds as they can run under the lower limbs but it will stop short children. It has good cut foliage for Christmas and the soft juniper fragrance is pleasant in the home.
Z-5; H-6'; sun; dry; evergreen
  Verbena x 'Carolina Pink' Verbena
'Carolina Pink'
sun
NB A good selection of groundcover verbena. Butterflies love the blooms all summer and into fall.
Z-7; H-6"; sun; dry; evergreen; pink flower
  Juniperus horizontalis Procumbens nana
Juniper
Procumbens nana
sun
Z-6; H-1'; sun; dry; evergreen
  Illicium parviflorum

Anise, Yellow or
Ocala Anise

sun
N Dad first started growing this plant from cuttings we collected in Ocala National Forrest in Florida. It had been mistakenly called "Japanese Anise" by many because of a mistake in nomenclature by Fruitland Nurseries in Augusta in the late 1800's. It is the perfect screen for a sunny area and will get about 15 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide in just a few years with proper care. The evergreen leaves are not as dark green as I. floridanum (hence the name "Yellow Anise") and the flowers are beige in color.
Z-7; H-10' +; sun; dry; evergreen; yellow flowers
  Ilex x latifolia
'Miss Patricia'
Holly, Lustreleaf
'Miss Patricia'
sun
This is a selection of David Taylor of a dwarf form of 'Mary Nell'. His named it for his wife and it has all the good characteristics of I. x latifolia 'Mary Nell' but only grows 1/3 the height and has smaller leaves. The leaves appear "sticky" but are soft to the touch. Both of these hollies make fantastic Christmas foliage.
Z-6; H-10'; sun; dry; evergreen; berries
  Ilex x latifolia
'Mary Nell'
Holly, Lustreleaf
'Mary Nell'
sun
This hybrid came about when Dad and Joe McDaniels were in the old stock block looking at some different plants and they came upon I. CB-10, a cross made by Mr. Hohlman of New Jersey. He made the cross trying to get a holly that looked like I. cornuta 'Burfordii' but would be hardy in the north. Unfortunately, the result was not as green nor did it have as many berries so it didn't do too well in the market. Dad and Joe found some I. latifolia pollen and dusted it on the CB-10 flowers and the result was one of the most beautiful hollies we've ever seen. We named it after Joe's wife, Mary Nell McDaniels. The original plant, 40 years old now, is about 30 feet tall. It is one of the few hollies that will still produce berries in a lot of shade.
Z-6; H-20'; sun; dry; evergreen; berries
  Magnolia stellata
'Pink Stardust'
Magnolia,
'Pink Stardust'
sun
This pink flowered form of "Star Magnolia" was selected from some seedlings Dad planted and he and Uncle Bill named it. It is deciduous and only gets about 10 to 15 feet tall. It likes the sun and a well drained spot and will give many years of beautiful, pink, early spring flowers.

Gaura lindheimerii
Gaura or
Bee Blossom
sun
N 'Whirling butterflies' and 'Siskiyou pink' are popular cultivars of this popular perennial. It moves gracefully in a breeze and is a nice filler for any garden.
Z-7; H-3'; sun; dry
  Ilex x latifolia
'Bobby Dodd'
Holly, Lustreleaf
'Bobby Dodd'
sun
N My brother, Bobby, collected some seed from a female I. latifolia growing at the greenhouse at Auburn University during his time as a civil engineering student from 1964 to 1968. Dad planted the seed and all of them looked much the same. We determined that the papa was probably I. cornuta. Dad propagated many of the females (it took awhile as seedlings are slow to get to maturity) and they were named, as a group, the "Auburn Hollies". One of them, #119, was planted at my house and it grew into a beautiful pyramidal, dark green large shrub with heavy, large red berries. After Bobby passed away, I just had to name this plant for him. I, and others of good plant taste, think it is better looking than 'Nellie R. Stevens' and other similar forms.
Z-7; H-25'; sun; dry; evergreen; berries
  Michella figo skinneriana Banana Shrub
sun
This evergreen native of the orient is a small tree with flowers that resemble a small banana and also have a wonderful banana-like fragrance. It can handle some shade or sun and has been a favorite of southern gardens for many years. Mom tells me that when she was a little girl, ladies would pick the flowers and put them in a sachet. The plant needs to be replaced every 50 or 60 years as it is not as long-lived as other members of the Magnolia family.
Z-8; H-30'; sun; dry;evergreen; creamy, fragrant flowers
Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio' Grass,
Maiden grass
'Adagio'
sun
Short form of Maiden grass. Ornamental clumping grass.
H-3'; sun; dry; white inflorescenses
Miscanthus sinensis 'Cosmopolitan' Grass,
Maiden grass
'Cosmopolitan'
sun
Tall, vertically striped ornamental grass.
H-8'; sun; dry; white inflorescenses
  Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus' Grass,
Maiden grass
'Gracillimus'
sun
H-5'; sun; dry; white inflorescenses
Muhlenbergia capillaris Grass, Muhly
sun
N H-3'; sun; dry; pink infloresences
  Myrica cerifera
(syn. Morella cerifera) 'Salty Dog'
Wax Myrtle,
'Salty Dog'
sun
N David and Patty Taylor selected this form down near the Gulf in Alabama. It is a male form that grows a bit more dense than the species and seems to tolerate salt better than most. It has an upright form and grows almost anywhere there is sun.
H-20'; sun; wet/dry; evergreen
Myrica cerifera
(syn. Morella cerifera)'Tom's Dwarf'
Wax Myrtle,
'Tom's Dwarf'
sun
N During the 1980's, Lynn Lowery from Texas sent Dad many Myrica cerifera seeds he collected in various parts of LA and TX. We planted the seeds and got many different forms. When we were in Charleston, I came down to visit and while Dad and I were riding around the nursery, I noticed that they had propagated several of the forms they had gotten from Lynn. There were a few dwarf forms and I noticed that one of them had no leaf spot, even with overhead irrigation. I asked David Taylor why his crew hadn't sprayed one of the groups. He said none of them had been sprayed. Therefore I immediately purchased all of that form, named it 'Tom's Dwarf', and multiplied those plants. It is a true dwarf in size and one of the easiest "Dwarf Wax Myrtles" to grow. There are several dwarf forms in the trade but we like this one best.
H-3'; sun; wet/dry; evergreen
  Myrica cerifera
(syn. Morella cerifera)'Wolf Bay'
Wax Myrtle,
'Wolf Bay'
sun
N Another of David and Patty Taylor selections, this form is female with the typical grey berries in the fall. It is more upright and thick than the species and can tolerate salt better than most. It will grow anywhere there is some sun.
H-20'; sun; wet/dry; evergreen
Odontonema stricta Cardinal Spear
sun
H Excellent perennial for hummingbirds. Red spikes of tubular flowers and dark green leaves prefer shady places. Reliable perennial in zone 8, but worth trying as an annual farther north.
  Ilex x attenuata
'Nasa'
Holly, 'NASA'
sun
N This is a dwarf form of I. x attenuata (a naturally occurring hybrid of I. cassine and I. opaca.) is male, has small leaves and is dark green. It will, in time, get to about 4 or 5 feet tall and 3 or 4 feet wide. It was found by Dad on the NASA site in south Mississippi. It is very slow growing so not many nurseries want to fool with it but we think it has a special place in the landscape.
Z-7; H-6'; sun; dry; evergreen; red berries
  Ilex x attenuata
'Bienville Gold'
Holly,
'Bienville Gold'
sun
N This large, pyramidal form of I x attenuata ( a naturally occurring hybrid of Ilex cassine and I. opaca) has beautiful gold berries. In the early '80's Dad and I sent some 'Foster' hollies to a customer in King of Prussia, Pa. so they would get pollinated by some northern forms of I. opaca. We were trying to develop some forms that would be more cold hardy than 'Foster'. When the berries were ripe, we had our customer send us the seed and we planted them. (The plants we sent didn't make it thru the winter there.) We found that we hadn't gotten any more cold hardiness but one of the plants had larger yellow fruit and grew very well in the south. It will get to at least 30 feet tall in time and is able to keep its berries on until the spring because most birds don't recognize the yellow fruit as edible. The best looking 'Bienville Gold' I have seen was planted in front of a red brick wall and it was beautiful.
Z-5; H-20'; sun; dry; evergreen; berries
  Ophiopogon x 'Lynn Lowery' Liriope,
'Lynn Lowery'
Evergreen Giant
sun
This is a good, short groundcover (5 or 6 inches tall) and likes shady areas. It will spread and fill an area in a short time and is another evergreen member of the lily family from Japan.
Ilex vomatoria
'Taylor's Rudolf'
Holly, Yaupon
'Taylor's Rudolf'
sun
N A female, dwarf form with dark green leaves and lots of red berries. It was selected by David Taylor from some of Dad's 'Gray's Greenleaf' seedlings and I consider it the best of all the dwarf 'Yaupon" forms.
Z-7; H-3'; sun; dry; evergreen
  Ilex vomitoria
'Stoke's Dwarf'
Holly, Yaupon
'Stoke's Dwarf'
sun
N A dwarf form and is probably to most common type of "Yaupon" found in the trade. Mr. Stokes in Louisiana found this plant and gave one to Dad. He introduced it to the trade in the late '40's. About that time, another nurseryman started growing a plant he called 'Schilliings' that he got from Mr. Schillings. What Mr. Schillings didn't tell the man was that he got the plant from Mr. Stokes and it was the same plant. Since the two nurseries shipped to different customers in the southeast, the plant got two different names in the trade. 'Stokes Dwarf' is the proper name for this variety and 'Schillings' is an illegitimate name according to our late friend Dr. Ted Dudley.
Z-7; H-3'; sun; dry; evergreen
  Ilex vomitoria
'Oscar Gray'
Holly, Yaupon
'Oscar Gray'
sun
N A male, dwarf form with darker leaves. The original plant, a seedling from 'Grays Greenleaf', is in Dad's yard and is the perfect, round, dwarf form that many prefer for landscaping.
Z-7; H-3'; sun; dry; evergreen
  Panicum virgatum
'Heavy Metal'

Grass, Switch
'Heavy Metal'

sun
Native clumping ornamental grass. This one selected for color.
  Ilex vomitoria
'Lynn Lowery'
Holly, Yaupon
'Lynn Lowery'
sun
N This form was sent to Dad by his friend in Texas, Lynn Lowery. Lynn was one of the best plantsmen we ever met and I was fortunate to travel with him to many places in the southeast, Texas, and Mexico looking at plants. The leaves are larger than most forms and the fruit set is perfect for Christmas.
Z-7; H-10'; sun; dry;evergreen; berries
  Ilex vomitoria 'Gray's Greenleaf' Holly, Yaupon
'Gray's Greenleaf'
sun
N This form was found in east Texas by Mr. Oscar Gray and has a tremendous fruit set, darker green leaves, and is a bit slow growing for the shrub forms of "Yaupon". Mr. Gray let Dad have some of these plants (one type was a male with very tiny leaves, 'Gray's Littleleaf') but 'Gray's Greenleaf' was so superior that Dad named it for Mr. Gray and planted them at his house before he even started growing them at the nursery. Unfortunately, numerous hurricanes have taken the original plant out.
Z-7; H-10'; sun; dry;evergreen; berries
Eragrostis spectabilis Grass, Purple love grass
sun
N Low growing, clumping native grass with pink fall panicles. Endless possibilities as a ground cover or lining a bed or driveway.
Z-7; H-2'; sun; dry; pink
  Phlox pilosa Phlox, Downy
sun
N Spring pink blooms on short upright plants in full sun. Runs underground.
Physostegia virginiana Obedient plant
sun
N Has a reputation for not being obedient. Choose location carefully. Will run in wet sun. 2-3ft lavender spikes bloom all summer. I used to see them in ditches in south Mississippi.
H-2'; sun; wet/dry; lavendar flower

Ilex vomitoria 'Fencerow' Holly, Yaupon
'Fencerow'
sun
N is an upright form, female, and is the only "normal" "yaupon" we grow. It is typical of the species. We grow this one for folks that are restoring a native area or are just trying to get a little normalcy in their lives.
Ilex vomitoria 'Dodd's Cranberry' Holly, Yaupon
'Dodd's Cranberry'
sun
N is an upright, shrub form with numerous red beries. It is a seedling from 'Gray's Greenleaf' (named by Dad) and has many of the same characteristics. It's leaves are also darker green than other forms.
Z-7; H-10'; sun; dry;evergreen; berries
 

Ilex vomatoria -
general

Holly, Yaupon
sun
N While Ilex crenata varieties do well in the upper South, the "Yaupon Hollies" do much better in the deep and middle South. They have almost no pests, will tolerate most of the soil types and conditions of the southern U.S., and there are numerous forms for many landscape uses. There are tall and narrow forms , weeping forms , shrub forms, small-leaf forms, large-leaf forms, dwarf forms, and forms with yellow berries instead of the normal red berries on the females of this species. Most know that the species name comes from the use by the Native Americans to "purge" the system after a big feast. A South American species, Ilex paraguanensis is still used by the locals to make a beverage, Yerbe Mate', that has more caffine than coffee. I suspect these two species had a common ancestor that produced caffine as a defense against some predator or just to keep somebody or something awake. (Thayer thinks that is the reason I like this species so much.) Although I have been unable to summon the nerve to try I. vomitoria tea, I have had Yerbe Mate (not as tasty as coffee) and it will "crank your tractor". (Three cups of that and you can thread a running sewing machine.) The birds in our area will consume "Yaupon" berries only after all the other holly berries had been eaten as "Yaupon" berries seem to give them a buzz.
  Ilex opaca
'William Hawkins'
Holly, American,
'William Hawkins'
sun
N Dad found this form on a tree growing in Mr. Hawkins yard in Mentone, Alabama. It was a male, dwarf sport with long spiny leaves. It is a slow growing but neat plant. The largest plant I have seen was about 15 years old and 4 feet tall.
Z_5; H-5'; sun; dry; evergreen
  Ilex cornuta
'China Girl'
Holly, China Girl
sun
Z-5; H-4'; sun; dry; evergreen
  Ilex cornuta
'China Boy'

Holly, China Boy

sun
Z-5; H-4'; sun; dry; evergreen
Ilex crenata
'Soft Touch'
Holly,
Soft Touch
sun
Z-5; H-3'; sun; dry; evergreen
Ilex crenata
'Sky Pencil'
Holly,
Sky Pencil
sun
Z-5; H-12'; sun; dry; evergreen
  Podocarpus microphyllus 'Maki' Japanese Yew
sun
Podocarpus macrophyllus is an old southern garden favorite, it is still used as a "Corner Plant" or tall hedge in places and will live to be a fairly large shrub/tree in time. The long, narrow evergreen foliage is great for flower arrangements and the plant will grow in many different soils, exposure, etc. The form we grow is P. microphyllus 'Maki'. When my oldest son was only 4 or 5 years old, he told his grandfather the name of the plant as he passed it leaving the airport on a Christmas visit, so you can imagine how good Santa Claus treated him that particular year.
Z-6; H-2'; sun; dry; evergreen
Quercus geminata Oak, Sand Live
sun
N This smaller, shrubby oak is found along the Gulf Coast in very dry, coastal areas. It has the same form as the more common "Live Oak" but is slower growing and more difficult to establish. We originally thought that it grew slower because of its habitat, but growing it in a nursery under the same conditions as other oaks demonstrated that it didn't grow as fast, and it didn't like as much water as other oaks. It has a beautiful shape and gives places like Grayton Beach, Fl so much of the natural feel and beauty that demonstrate that the coast is a pretty tough place to survive, if you're a plant. It is a perfect little tree for the coast and almost looks like a tree cared for by an artistic gardener when used in other settings. I have not seen it growing right out on the beach, but it can be found back behind the dunes.
H-30'; sun; dry; evergreen
  Quercus Michauxii Oak,
Swamp Chestnut
sun
N The common name for this tall, wide, specimen tree comes from the shape of the leaves and habitat. The leaves appear to resemble the leaf of the Chestnut tree and the trees are found in low places in the Southeast. It is deciduous and produces very large acorns that the deer prefer. It is a perfect shade tree and rather fast growing.
Quercus virginiana Oak, Live
sun
NB This is almost the "Holy Tree" in the deep south. It is a majestic, wide growing evergreen tree. In colonial times, all of the species belonged to the King for use only by the Royal Navy because of the size, shape, and strength of the trunks and major limbs. It is the best tree to withstand the hurricane winds (along with Cypress) because the roots spread so widely. There have been millions of car and pickup engines removed and repaired using this tree, a chain fall, profanity, and lots of beer. Hence the origin of the term "Southern Shade Tree Mechanic".
H-40'; sun; dry; evergreen
  Raphiolepis indica
'Snow White'
Indian Hawthorn, White
sun
We grow the white form of this plant because the pink flowered forms don't perform as well down south. No need to describe this plant because everyone in the south has been to McDonalds and seen it there by the zillions.
  Raphiolepis umbellata 'minor' Indian Hawthorn,
Dwarf
sun
This is a dwarf form of the small blooming tree from the Indian Subcontinent and south Asia that lots of municipal landscape crews love to shape like giant popsicles. The 'minor' form is dwarf and lends itself best to low, dense hedges with some spring white flowers. When Dad brought it back from a nursery in Japan, he put the name 'minor' on it because no one could translate the tag from the Japanese nursery (not even a Japanese friend).
  Ilex crenata 'Hoogendorn' Holly, Hoogendorn
sun
Z-5; H-4'; sun; dry; evergreen
Ilex crenata 'Helleri' Holly, Helleri
sun
Z-5; H-3'; sun; dry; evergreen
Ilex crenata 'Compacta'

Holly, Compacta

sun
Z-5; H-4'; sun; dry; evergreen
Dichromena latifolia
(syn. Rhynchospora latifolia)
Sedge,
White topped
sun

N Bogs and wet areas are the source of some of the most beautiful herbaceous plants. They will usually grow almost anywhere in a garden. It's the old rule that you can move a plant up the slope but not down. This one is striking massed or scattered with other perennials.
Z-7; H-2'; sun; wet/dry; white flower

 

Ilex crenata -
general

Holly, Japanese
sun
There are uncountable varieties of this species but the ones in the trade are mostly dwarf, compact types. We have a few favorites, among them are 'Hellerii', 'Compacta', 'Hoogendorn', and 'Soft Touch'. There is also a tall, narrow form called 'Sky Pencil'. You can find descriptions of these hollies everywhere. They are described better by someone that likes them.
Cyrilla racemiflora
Titi or Leatherwood
sun
NBB Found in the coastal plains from Virginia to Texas. A neat wetlands plant that will grow almost anywhere. Beautiful gnarly trunks, good white blooms in early summer, good fall color on older leaves. Underused plant of promise. Can be a great accent or incorporated in a screen. It can be a large shrub or a single trunk tree. Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Z-7; H-10-15'; sun; wet/dry; semi-evergreen; white flowers
  Cyrilla parviflora - 'Kristi'
Titi, Small leaved
sun
N Thayer and Nell found this near Grayton Beach and named for Nell's granddaughter who was with us on that trip. It is a small tree/large shrub usually found in damp areas with early summer flowers and the seed pods persist until fall when it gets some color on many of the leaves. A finer textured version of C. racemosa.
Z-7; H-6'; sun; wet/dry; semi-evergreen
Cuphea ingea Cigar Plant
sun
BH Fun annual or sometimes perennial that butterflies and hummers love. Orange and pink forms. Full sun and good drainage.
  Cryptomeria 'Yoshino' Cryptomeria 'Yoshino'
sun
 
Cryptomeria 'Globosa nana' Cryptomeria 'Globosa nana'
sun
See above.
Z-5; H-4'; sh; dry; evergreen
  Cryptomeria -
general
Cryptomeria
sun
Fast growing, pyramidal conifer. The entrance to the Bonsai collection at the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. is through a small forest of these. Beautiful to behold. There are several cultivars, such as 'Yoshino' that are frequently planted. We grow 'Yoshino' and a dwarf, rounded form, 'Globosa Nana'.
Conradina canescens Rosemary, Beach
sun
N Found in sandy, coastal pinelands in Florida and south Alabama. Has pale purple blooms on rosemary scented gray-green needle-like foliage and will tolerate full sun if properly planted and cared for initially. Do not overwater.
Z-7; H-1'; sun; dry; evergreen; blue flowers
Cliftonia monophylla 'Vancleave' Titi, Black or Buckwheat Ree or Spring Titi
sun
N Found in swamps and rivers from Louisiana to North Florida and Georgia, this great little evergreen tree is very showy when it blooms in the spring. A favorite of honey bees and honey lovers. We found a striking pink form in Van Cleave, Mississippi and introduced it to the trade, naming it for the town as 'Van Cleave'
Z-7; H-15'; sun; wet/dry; evergreen; pink flowers

Ilex cassine 'Tensaw'
Holly, Dahoon,
'Tensaw'
sun
N We selected this form of I. cassine for her rounded habit, wide green leaves, and red berries. It will make a very dense screen but doesn't get as tall (12 to 15 feet) as most members of the species. This plant needs a moist (but not wet) site and will fruit better in sun. Like most I. cassine forms, It isn't hardy north of Atlanta but can tolerate even south Florida.
Z-7or 8; H-10'; sun; moist; evergreen; berries
Ilex cassine 'Perdido'
Holly, Dahoon,
'Perdido'
sun
N We selected this form of I. cassine for her tall, pyramidal habit, long narrow leaves, and excellent red berries. It is not as dense as I. cassine 'Tensaw' but makes a light screen for damp areas or in dry sites with some irrigation. She likes sun and is a favorite with birds in the winter when in full fruit. A very good plant for the lower south and coastal areas.
Z-7or 8; H-20'; sun; moist; evergreen; berries
Clethra alnifolia 'Sherry Sue'
Sweet Pepper Bush 'Sherry Sue'
sun
NB Z-5; H-6'; sun; wet/dry; pink flowers
  Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice'
Sweet Pepper Bush 'Ruby Spice'
sun
NB Z-5; H-4'; sun; wet/dry; pink flowers
  Clethra alnifolia
general
Sweet Pepper Bush
sun
N Native from Maine to Florida in the coastal plain and Piedmont areas, this deciduous shrub is usually found in damp areas but will tolerate most soil types and conditions. They have fragrant flowers in the early summer, interesting seed pods (look like peppercorns) in the fall and winter, neat cinnamon bark and there are pink forms and white forms. 'Sherry Sue' was found by Thayer in Grayton Beach and has red twigs with white flowers. 'Ruby Spice' is a nice pink form. Unlike the late blooming form 'Hummingbird', they are much taller, up to 8 feet in some soils.
  Chrysopsis graminifolia
Silk Grass
sun
N Not a grass, but a member of the aster family. Fall yellow blooms on strappy evergreen leaves with a silvery sheen. Great groundcover for full sun and sandy soils.
H-1'; sun; dry; evergreen; yellow
  Chamaecyparis thyoides 'Henryae' Southern White Cedar
sun
Can grow on dry sites if established with moderate moisture. It was the preferred wood for boat builders and George Washington referred to it as "Juniper" in his notes when he surveyed the Dismal Swamp. We have seen beautiful specimens along many southern rivers.
  Ilex cassine myrtifolia Holly, Dahoon
sun
N This Southeastern native is a favorite of collectors because of the small, evergreen leaves, the red fruit of the females, and the shape of the plant itself. It lends itself to being a specimen and likes moist sites and will grow in some light shade or sun. We spent years arguing with Dr. Ted Dudley whether it is a separate species or a variety of I. cassine and he said he was taxomically correct and I was biologically correct????? This, and the fact that I don't like grasses, and am not weird, is why I didn't become a botanist.
Z-7; H-6'; sun; moist; evergreen; berries
  Buddleia davidii 'White Profusion' Butterfly bush
'White Profusion'
sun
B white
Z-5; H-5'; sun; dry
Buddleia davidii 'Royal Red' Butterfly bush
'Royal Red'
sun
B dark red
Z-5; H-4'; sun; dry
  Buddleia davidii 'Nanho Purple' Butterfly bush
'Nanho Purple'
sun
B lavender
Z-5; H-4'; sun; dry
  Buddleia davidii 'Dark Knight' Butterfly bush
'Dark Knight'
sun
B dark purple
Z-5; H-4'; sun; dry
Buddleia davidii 'Charming Summer' Butterfly bush
'Charming Summer'
sun
B soft pink
Z-5; H-4'; sun; dry
  Buddleia davidii

Butterfly bush-general comments

sun
B There are many cultivars of this Chinese native. Most will get 3 or 4 feet tall and as wide. Full Sun and good drainage. If deadheaded they will bloom from spring until freeze. They are a continuous supply of nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds. Below are some of the cultivars and their colors.
 

Hypericum reductum
'Kilimanjaro'

Hypericum, Creeping beach
sun
N A very low, creeping form of H. reductum. We still can't understand why this low plant from the Southeastern U.S. is named for a tall mountain in Africa??? It is a beautiful ground cover when used in mass and easy to grow in sun with good drainage.
Z-6; H-1'; sun; dry; evergreeen; yellow flowers
  Rosmarinus officianalis 'Cobalt' Rosemary
sun
This herb, native to the southern European coastal areas, is used in cooking. It is a fine landscape plant and has beautiful dark blue flowers in the winter. It likes sun and good drainage. The form we grow is well adapted for landscape use as well as for fragrance and flavor. There are many more forms of this plant and many uses in the landscape and kitchen.
H-3'; sun; dry; evergreen; dark blue flower
Rosmarinus officianalis prostrata
Rosemary, Creeping
sun
We also grow 'prostrata' which is much lower and makes a beautiful grey/green ground cover in the sun.
H-2'; sun; dry; evergreen; lt blue flowers
Salvia Salvia
sun
B Many forms of Salvia are available and what we have available depends on what Thayer likes this year. Two favorite reliable forms are 'Indigo Spires' and Salvia leucantha, Mexican bush sage. Google them.
Hypericum reductum Hypericum, Beach
sun
N A small St. John's Wort that is normally found near the beaches in the south. It likes full sun and good drainage and blooms with small, yellow flowers in early summer. Even though St. John's Wort is supposed to help with depression, when our Basset hounds consume it, they still look depressed. (The herbal remedy comes from H. perforatum from England)
Z-6; H-2'; sun; dry; evergreeen; yellow flowers
  Viburnum obovatum
'Mrs. Shiller's'
Viburnum obovatum
'Mrs. Shiller's'
sun
N We love the native viburnums and hats off to Mike Dirr for writing about them and trying to educate people about them. Seems that if it doesn't have a mop head, no way. V obovatum walterii looks like a yaupon, but blooms white in winter. I pushed one off on an English friend, Jill McArthur, at a plant sale and told her it would bloom. She said no way, it was a yaupon. She called in January and said "My yaupon is blooming!" Several really good selections of dwarf forms have been made recently and I hope they catch on. Mrs. Shiller's is one of them. It is harder to propagate and grow than we expected, so we'll see....
H-3'; sun; dry; evergreen; white flowers
Satureja x georgiana
'Desi Arnez'
Winter savory
'Desi Arnez'
sun
N We got this plant from Gail Barton who got it from Bob McCartney at Woodlanders. Gail's husband, Richard, named it for his hero and Bob is scratching his head. It is a great plant and we spent years telling landscapers how nice it was as a full sun evergreen groundcover that had a great fragrance in the leaves (which gives it the common names "Georgia Savory" or "Desi Arnez Georgia Savory". It must have light and drainage. Thus the "x": it has to be a hybrid because our forms of the species are usually found in filtered shade. I know botanists could give me a list of the differences, and maybe who the papa was, but nurserymen are not that astute.
Z-7; H-2'; sun; dry;evergreen; blue flower
  Vitex
Agnus-castus
Chaste tree
sun
B Invariably in summer we get calls to identify this little tree covered with purple or blue blooms. It is a verbena so grows really well in the hot south. Nice as a street tree or in a sunny yard. Can be pruned any way you want. Fast grower. Salt tolerant. Many selections.
Z-7; H-15'; sun; dry; purple flower
Hibiscus coccinea 'Alba'
Hibiscus, White flowered
sun
White flowered form of red star with same star shape blooms and deep cut leaves.
Z-8; H-5'; sun; wet/dry; white flower
Sisyrinchium angustifolia Blue eyed grass
sun
N A lily with blue flowers that you can use instead of grass or liriope.
H-6in; sun; dry; evergreen; blue flower
Hibiscus x grandiflora 'Papa's'
Hibiscus 'Papa's'
sun
NB Given to Thayer by a Baldwin county MG years ago that his Papa had given to him. Probably cross between H. coccineus and H. grandiflora which grows naturally at Gulf State Park. Very large, very bold pink blooms all summer. Large leaves. Large plant.
Z-8; H-5'; sun; wet/dry; pink
  Hibiscus moscheutos Hibiscus,
Crimsoneyed Rosemallow
sun
NB Large white flowers with rose center. We have enjoyed these at Lake Moultrie for years.
Agapanthus africanus
'Peter Pan'
Lily of the Nile 'Peter Pan'
sun
This native of Egypt has wonderful blue flowers in the spring and very easy to grow. The dwarf variety, 'Peter Pan' has smaller foliage and the blooms are only about 8 inches tall compared to the species that will have bloom spikes as tall as two feet. It prefers full sun and average soil.
Taxodium distichum Bald Cypress
sun
This tree is truly 'King of the Swamp'. This deciduous tree is one of the best trees to have in a hurricane according to U.S. Forrestry Service statistics. The wood of this tree is prized for lumber but it sickens me to see people cut them down just to make mulch. The tree will grow almost anywhere and can take some pretty tough environments. It is a very good tree for many landscape uses and should be used more often. It is usually conical in form but you can see many different forms and shapes in her natural habitat. It loses its leaves in the fall so is perfect on the west side to help with the heating in the winter and keeping the building shaded in the summer. (See Taxodium distichum nutans for comparisons between "Bald Cypress" and "Pond Cypress")
  Taxodium distichum nutans (syn. Taxodium ascendens) Pond Cypress
sun
A slightly smaller version of the "Bald Cypress" that has its needles pointing up instead of horizontal. This tree has the same great characteristics but it has less desire to put up "knees" in the landscape and can be planted closer to structures than the "Bald Cypress". We have three next to our office and they have been perfect. This is probably my favorite tree for more reasons than we can list here.
  Ternstroemia gymnanthera Cleyera
sun
This oriental native is probably as much overused as Ligustrum and has just about as many bad habits. Most of the other plants on this web site that are the same size at maturity would be better suited. We are starting to see it seed in to wild areas like privet.
  Ternstroemia gymnanthera 'Emory' Cleyera, 'Emory'
sun
Dawrf version.
H-5'; sun; dry; evergreen; white flowers
  Trachycarpus fortuneii Palm, Windmill
sun
One of the most cold hardy of the palms.
  Vaccinium asheii Blueberry,
Rabbit-eye
sun
N The favorite Blueberry in the south. There are many cultivars and hybrids of this plant and we grow some good old types that were developed over at Tifton, Georgia and two that Dad picked out from his seedlings. They flower in the early spring and different varieties produce fruit at different times, ranging from late May until late June (here in Mobile). They should be used in every landscape. Spring white bell shaped blooms, summer fruit, fall color, and winter form. They grow in sun or shade and moist or dry soils.
  Vaccinium asheii 'Brightwell' Blueberry, 'Brightwell'
sun
N well known selection
H-6'; sun; dry; white flowers
  Vaccinium asheii
'Climax'
Blueberry, 'Climax'
sun
N well known selection from Climax, GA
H-6'; sun; dry; white flowers
Vaccinium asheii
'Georgia Gem'
Blueberry,
'Georgia Gem'
sun
N This is the earliest to produce fruit. It would be hard to describe how good this fruit tastes after waiting so long for fresh blueberries in the spring, after most of the native azaleas have bloomed.
H-6'; sun; dry; evergreen; white flowers
  Vaccinium asheii
'Premier'
Blueberry,
'Premier'
sun
N well known selection
H-6'; sun; dry; white flowers
  'Pop's #2' Blueberry,
'Pop's #2'
sun
N This is one of the ones Dad picked based just on fruit quality. An excellent choice.
H-6'; sun; dry; white flowers
Vaccinium asheii
'Red Red'
Blueberry,
'Red Red'
sun
N This is one of the ones Dad picked based just on fruit quality. Thayer looked at it during the fall and it was in beautiful, red fall color so she named it. Great food tree and great landscape appeal.
H-6'; sun; dry; white flowers
  Acer saccharum floridanum Florida Sugar Maple
sun
N This tree is the first cousin to the northern Sugar Maples and has the wonderful fall color that the species is famous for. Some show red and most show a deep yellow in late fall. A great tree for the south as we don't have a lot of plants that have great fall color. Unlike many maples, this one isn't dependant on moist sites. It will live almost anywhere and is a fairly rapid grower.
Z-4 ; H-40'; sun; wet/dry
  Liriope muscari
'Big Blue'
Liriope
'Big Blue'
sun
Most often used in a border, this Liriope is noted for its blue flowers in little spikes. It can be used in a mass planting and will do well in a sunny, well drained spot. Treat it like a lilly because that's what it is. It is evergreen and spreading, although slowly.
Z-6; H-18"; sun; dry; evergreen; purple flowers
  Abies firma Momi Fir
sun
The only Abies that will grow in the deep South. This slow growing Fir is a native of Japan and the first one I saw was one that my father had planted as a gift from Mr. K. Sawada. At the time, it was about 30 feet tall and strikingly attractive. When I asked how old it was, I was told it was about 40 years. A great tree for the patient person but I wouldn't get into the Christmas tree business with this one.
Z-4; H-60'; sun; dry; evergreen
  Hypericum densiflorum 'Creel's Gold' Hypericum 'Creel's Gold'
sun/part
N This neat plant was given to us by Mike Creel while he worked for South Carolina Wildlife Magazine. We were able to propagate it and named it for him. It has the typical yellow flowers of all the "St. John's Worts and will get to about 18 inches tall by 18 inches wide. Blooms in May and spot blooms all summer. Some fall color. Full sun to part shade. Nice in masses.
Z-6; H-3'; sun/part sh; dry; evergreen; yellow flowers
  Hydrangea serrata
'Purple Tiers'
Hydrangea 'Purple Tiers'
sun/part
For the best description see the USDA one here.
Eupatoriadelphus fistulosus
Joe Pye Weed
sun/part
NB Found in sunny, wet areas, usually utility easements. Can get to 8 feet and blooms purple in the fall. Perennial for a damp area that needs a tall plant in the background. Great nectar host for swallowtail butterflies. A smaller cultivar called 'Little Joe' is available. Our front yard has this, Helianthus angustifolius and Vernonia gigantea among others. It grows in one season from flat ground to blooming over your head in the fall and full of life. It amazes guests. We put up a temporary bamboo fence along the front walk to keep the path clear. Fun.
Z-6; H-5'; sun/part; wet/dry; pink flowers
  Loropetalum chinense
'Zhuzhou'
Loropetalum 'Zhuzhou'
sun/sh
See somebody else's descriptions as I'm tired of talking about the many, many forms of this plant.
Z-6; H-20'; sun/sh; dry; evergreen; pink flowers

 

 

 

 
 
 
   
 

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