Backyard
Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) Native to the Southeast from Texas and Oklahoma east to Florida and north to Maryland Best autumn-fruiting shrub. Beautyberry has recently become en vogue among native-plant enthusiasts. It is easy to grow, spreads well but is not aggressive and provides a unique splash of bright purple fruit in autumn. On top of that, it’s an excellent wildlife food plant, because it attracts pollinators in spring and birds in autumn. It grows in full sun to partial shade and in clay or sandy, moist soil.
Chinese Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis ‘Vision in Red’) This taller variety of Astilbe works well between shorter hedges and taller shrubs. It’s perfect for shady gardens and is resistant to rabbits and deer. Where it will grow: Hardy to -30 degrees Fahrenheit (zones 4 to 8) Water requirement: Medium to dry, well-drained soil Light requirement: Part to full shade Mature size: 1½ to 2 feet tall and 1 foot to 1½ feet wide Bloom time: Midsummer
Hazel Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas ‘Larkman Hazel’) Many lavenders have a light blue-purple tint, but this variety, with its reddish-purple cast, will stand out in a perennial bed. Where it will grow: Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit (zones 7 to 9) Water requirement: Medium to dry, well-drained soil Light requirement: Full sun Mature size: 2 to 2½ tall and 2 feet wide Bloom time: Spring and fall
Considre for back corner of yard
Corner ideas
Angel's Trumpet (Brugmansia x candida 'Double White') is central to the design, but doesn't overpower it.
Frame a Seat at side fence in Sun with Arbor behind Oak
Crimsoneyed Rosemallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) Native to the Southeast, East and parts of the Midwest Best herbaceous perennial. Crimsoneyed rosemallow loves to grow in wet soils near streams, ponds and swales and has a large growing range: zones 5 to 10. There are many types of hibiscus — including the nonnative woody shrub commonly called rose of Sharon and the tropical hibiscus species — that love heat and do not tolerate wet soil. There are so many hibiscus species to choose from, but crimsoneyed rosemallow is the species of choice because of its adaptability, native status and easy maintenance. It grows best in full sun and wet soil.
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