Hibiscus

This is an evergreen shrub that adds color all year round.  It can reach up to ten feet and has an upright growth habit  It can take sun or partial shade and does best with regular water.

Commonly called butterfly bush, buddleja can reach fifteen feet and flowers in shades of purple, lavender, pink, white or yellow.  It is also available in an increasing number of dwarf varieties, most of which grow to three to five feet.  The flowers are a favorite of butterflies, hence the common name.  All the Buddlejas perform best if they are pruned severely…

Usually grown as a shrub or small tree, Vitex (chaste tree) reaches about twelve feet tall and wide.  The very attractive leaves are divided into five to seven leaflets and are a grey green.  The flower spikes appear in summer and are usually purple, although white is also available.  The plant is deciduous and can…

The most commonly available species is Caryopteris x clandonensis.  There are several named varieties, all of which grow to about two feet.  They are known for their lovely purple flowers, much loved by bees.  Caryopteris loses its leaves in winter, prefers full sun and moderate water.

Lagerstroemia (crape myrtle) These shrubs are a great favorite in our area as they adapt so well to heat, bloom in the summer and require little water once established. The plants naturally grow as multi-trunked shrubs, but are often trained as standard trees.  The height varies greatly from three to twenty feet, so be sure to choose the right variety for…

Philadelphus is an old fashioned shrub with wonderfully fragrant white blossoms. It is a deciduous shrub growing four to six feet tall, making it a very good foundation plant.  It is also very effective in lawns and as a background plant.  Shade in the afternoon is preferred and good drainage is essential.