Four Plants Not to Miss

Every year there are new introductions of trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals that have gone through trials across the United States based on how well the plant performs in disease/insect resistance, ornamental attractiveness, hardiness, etc. Not all of them make it through the trials to be sold and used in the landscape trade, but the ones that do prove to be worthwhile. Among them are four particular plants that are what I like to call classics with a twist. They aren’t unusual or a newly discovered species, just particular plants that have been improved and not overlooked.
The largest of the four is the Savannah Holly (Ilex x attenuata ‘Savannah’) growing in an open, pyramidal shape about 12 to 18 feet tall and eight to 10 feet wide. It is a cross between two native hollies: the American Holly (Ilex opaca) and Dahoon Holly (I. cassine). The Dahoon Holly has a more southern native range from Virginia to Texas while the American Holly ranges westward and north. The Savannah Holly boasts berries fall into winter, often profuse, attracting many birds as a winter food source. It’s a tough hybrid native, great for use as a hedge or single specimen.
It seems that yews are out of fashion, but they’re tough and this Captain’s Yew (Taxus cuspidate ‘Capitata’) is one of the more shade tolerant and pyramidal. Although the straight species can look like a rather large blob, this particular variety is tidier and pyramidal and worth using. It can grow about 10 to 15 feet tall and five to eight feet wide. It can be lightly trimmed any time of year, but later winter/early spring is best.
This next no-fuss viburnum Blue Muffin (Vibnurnum dentatum ‘Christom’) is a highly adaptable shrub tolerating full sun to dappled shade. Blue Muffin is a compact, rounded shrub maturing to three to five feet tall and wide with interest for nearly every season. Early spring, deep green, glossy leaves break dormancy; from May to June, it relishes in the white flower umbels, followed by showy clusters of blue fruit from late summer into fall. The blue berries contrast beautifully against the shades of red, gold and orange fall foliage. It’s a true multi-season interest shrub that is suitable for the residential garden.
Forget the other Rose of Sharon shrubs you’ve seen and try this classy cultivar, Sugar Tip (Hibiscus syriacus ‘American Irene Scott’), with its creamy variegated leaves and double blush flowers. This shrub is nothing but elegant in the perfect spot. It provides color throughout spring and summer and has a late summer bloom. This large shrub grows anywhere from eight to 12 feet tall and five to eight feet wide and is proven not to be invasive or self-seed.
A small selection of plants among many greats are waiting to enjoy the comfort of your garden! Come see which plants (and current sales!) are waiting for you at Cape Shore Gardens, 1028 Rt. 9 S., Cape May Court House. For more information, call us at (609) 465-5161.
Written by Lauren Popper, horticulturist at Cape Shore Gardens and graduate of Temple University’s School of Environmental Design.