Pittosporum tobira is an evergreen shrub with either all green or variegated foliage. The species can grow six to fifteen feet, but “Wheeler’s Dwarf’ gets only to three feet and about five feet wide. There are also variegated dwarf forms, ‘Turner’s’ that is the same size as ‘Wheeler’s”, and ‘Cream de Mint’ that grows to about two and half feet high and wide. Fragrant white flowers appear in the spring. This plant can take some sun, but does better with afternoon shade.
Nandina, or heavenly bamboo, is a versatile shrub that can take sun or shade. In our climate, it appreciates some shade in the afternoon. Growth rate is moderate up to eight feet tall, depending on the variety. ‘Fire Power’ is a nice small plant that only grows to about two feet high and wide and turns…
This is a very low maintenance, evergreen plant that requires little water and is greatly appreciated for its deer resistance. Fragrant white flowers appear in the spring and, occasionally, again in the autumn. The plant is fairly fast growing and can reach six to eight feet high and wide, but four to five feet is normal…
Hydrangeas come in many sizes and forms. The two most well-known types are mophead, the old-fashioned large flower with a rounded flower head, and lacecap, in which the small fertile flowers are surrounded by large, colorful flowers. With some varieties, flower color is determined by the soil pH, with acidity causing blue flowers and alkalinity resulting in pink flowers. Other varieties…
The handsome, dark green leaves of Camellias provide a great background for the lovely spring flowers as well as for other shade loving plants. Camellia sasanqua is generally shorter with smaller leaves and flowers. It blooms earlier, usually in winter, and many of the flowers have single petals. ‘Yuletide’ is a very eye-catching example with red single flower and…
