Spirea is a shrub that has stood the test of time, and for good reason. These unique shrubs provide a wide range of flowering times, foliage colors, and growth habits, making them useful as an accent planting, hedge, or border planting. Flower times vary between varieties, but flowers are common from spring to early summer…. Read More
As the state flower of West Virginia, Rhododendrons are highly sought after in our area, especially for their spectacular spring blooms. These hardy plants thrive in many parts of the state and once established will grow profusely with very little maintenance required, making them a fantastic choice for both novice and seasoned gardeners. How to… Read More
If you’re searching for a shrub with lacy leaves, stunning fall foliage, captivating flowers, autumn berries, and evergreen appeal, look no further than Nandina Domestica, commonly known as Heavenly Bamboo. This plant offers a remarkable array of features that make it a standout choice for any landscape. Landscape Uses This versatile plant thrives in full… Read More
Pieris japonica, also known as Japanese Pieris, Japanese Andromeda, or Lily-of-the-Valley Plant, is a hardy and versatile evergreen shrub that provides excellent color and interest throughout the season. When Does Japanese Pieris Bloom? During the spring season, bell-shaped, lily-of-the-valley-like blooms provide a cascading color to signal the beginning of the new season. But this isn’t… Read More
Gone are the days when Hydrangeas were merely reliable background players in the garden. Then in 2003, a Midwestern plant breeder introduced Endless Summer, transforming them from summer stalwarts into botanical superstars. This game-changing variety offers spectacular blue-to-pink blooms that persist for an astounding six months in mild climates, thriving everywhere from Minneapolis to Houston…. Read More
Love spring-blooming azaleas? Meet their show-stopping relatives: Encore Azaleas. These extraordinary plants deliver waves of vibrant blooms from spring through fall. The performance begins with a spectacular spring show, followed by summer growth that sets new buds, leading to a second stunning display. As other plants wind down, Encore Azaleas continue their color show well… Read More
As the state flower of both North Carolina and Virginia, dogwoods are a highly sought-after tree in our area. Dogwoods began their history prized more for their wood than for their beautiful blooms. In Europe, the thin stems of hardwood were used to make arrow shafts and daggers, while the Native Americans used the wood… Read More
Chiefly known for their colorful, long-lasting summer blooms, crape myrtles offer incredible versatility in the landscape. From large, multi-stemmed shrubs to small trees and dwarf varieties, there’s a crape myrtle to suit every need. And with a range of flower colors from deep purple to bright white, they provide a stunning visual display. To ensure… Read More
American boxwood? English boxwood? Japanese boxwood? What’s the difference?! With so many varieties available, choosing the right boxwood can feel overwhelming. Today we break down the differences and share 14 of our favorite varieties that thrive here in the Mid-Atlantic. American boxwoods are cold tolerant, with leaves that are rather long ovals with more pointed… Read More
Barberry is an unsung hero of many gardens here in Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland! Not only do they provide foliage colors from a variety of different spectrums, but they are also deer and pest-resistant. As it shares the shape of other hedge favorites such as boxwood or compacta holly, barberry offers a variety of… Read More