AMERICAN GARDENER

Shrubs with red berries in winter are a garden’s jewel when most other plants have shed their leaves or flowers. These vibrant berries not only offer a striking contrast against the often-muted winter landscape but also serve as an essential food source for birds and other wildlife during the colder months. The red hue of … Read more

Shrubs with purple flowers bring a regal touch to any garden, adding depth and richness to the landscape with their varying shades from deep violet to soft lavender. These plants often bloom at different times of the year, providing a spectrum of seasonal interest. Their flowers can range from small clusters to large, showy panicles, … Read more

Shrubs with green flowers offer a unique aesthetic in garden landscapes, bringing a subtle, serene quality with their understated blooms. These plants can range from the soft, lime-green shades to deeper, almost chartreuse tones, adding a cool, calming presence among more vibrant garden colors. Their flowers might not attract attention as readily as brighter hues … Read more

Shrubs with thorns offer a unique blend of beauty and practicality in landscaping. These plants, often characterized by their sharp spines, serve as natural deterrents against unwanted intruders, whether they be animals or humans. The thorns can vary from small prickles to long, menacing spikes, providing an effective barrier around properties or as protective borders … Read more

The Summersweet shrub, scientifically known as Clethra alnifolia, belongs to the Clethraceae family. It is a deciduous shrub, meaning it loses its leaves during winter. The species name “alnifolia” refers to the leaves, which resemble those of alder trees (genus Alnus). This plant is part of a genus that includes several species, most of which … Read more

Pilea cadierei, commonly known as the Aluminum Plant or Watermelon Pilea, belongs to the Urticaceae family. It is part of the genus Pilea, which includes numerous species of small herbaceous plants. The specific epithet “cadierei” honors the French botanist Léo Marie Joseph Frédéric Cadière, who specialized in the flora of Indochina. This plant is a … Read more

The Cranberry Bush is scientifically named Viburnum trilobum, though it is often treated as a variety or subspecies of Viburnum opulus, specifically Viburnum opulus var. americanum or Viburnum opulus subsp. trilobum. It belongs to the Adoxaceae family, previously classified under Caprifoliaceae, which includes other well-known plants like elderberries and honeysuckles. This deciduous shrub is characterized … Read more

Russian Sage is scientifically known as Perovskia atriplicifolia, though it has been reclassified more recently under the genus Salvia as Salvia yangii. This reclassification was based on genetic studies showing its close relationship with other members of the Salvia genus in the Lamiaceae (Mint) family. The species name atriplicifolia refers to the shape of its … Read more

Weigela florida, commonly known as Weigela or Old-Fashioned Weigela, belongs to the genus Weigela within the Caprifoliaceae family, which also includes plants like honeysuckle and elderberry. The species name “florida” does not refer to the state but rather means “flowering” or “florid” in Latin, indicating its profuse blooming nature. Weigela is named after the German … Read more

Chokeberry, scientifically known as Aronia, is a genus of deciduous shrubs native to eastern North America, celebrated for both their ornamental and health benefits. These shrubs produce small, round berries that come in black, red, and sometimes purple, which are incredibly rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, vitamins, and minerals. The berries, while astringent when eaten … Read more