Serviceberry (Amelanchier species) is a native deciduous shrub or small tree that delivers something remarkable in every season, making it one of the most consistently rewarding plants you can add to a North American garden. Several species are commonly grown, including shadblow serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis), Allegheny serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis), apple serviceberry (Amelanchier x grandiflora), and…

Shirobana spirea (Spiraea japonica ‘Shirobana,’ also sold as ‘Shibori’) is a compact, deciduous flowering shrub that delivers one of the most unusual and charming floral displays of any spirea in cultivation. Hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, it’s a tough, cold-tolerant plant that performs reliably across an enormous range of climates, from the frigid…

Sirenevyi pomegranate (Punica granatum ‘Sirenevyi’) is a deciduous flowering shrub or small tree that brings an unexpected and genuinely exotic beauty to the warm-climate garden. The name Sirenevyi is Russian for “lilac,” a reference to this cultivar’s most striking characteristic: its flowers, which are a soft, unusual lilac to lavender-pink rather than the fiery orange-red…

Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) is a native deciduous shrub that earns its place in the landscape through a combination of toughness, ecological generosity, and one of the most quietly beautiful fruit displays of any North American native plant. Hardy in USDA zones 3 through 7, it’s one of the most cold-tolerant ornamental shrubs available, thriving in…

Red butterfly milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) is a showstopping tropical perennial that brings weeks of fiery color and nonstop pollinator activity to the garden. Native to Central and South America, this species goes by several names, including tropical milkweed, scarlet milkweed, and bloodflower. It’s hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11, where it behaves as a…

If you’ve been looking for a blueberry that earns its place in the landscape as much as in the kitchen, Razz blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Razz’) is worth a close look. This compact, ornamental highbush blueberry is a deciduous shrub that typically reaches 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, making it a natural fit for…

If you’re looking for a shrub that earns its keep in every season, Queen of Hearts oakleaf hydrangea deserves a spot in your garden. Botanically known as Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Queen of Hearts’, this compact, award-winning cultivar brings together showy blooms, rich fall color, and striking winter bark in one low-maintenance package. It’s hardy in USDA…

Big Daddy hosta (Hosta ‘Big Daddy’) is a bold, show-stopping perennial that lives up to its name in every way. This large-scale hosta is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, making it a reliable choice for gardens across much of North America. It thrives in part shade to full shade, though it tolerates some…

Belle de Nancy lilac (Syringa vulgaris ‘Belle de Nancy’) is a classic French hybrid lilac that has been captivating gardeners since its introduction in the late 19th century. Hardy in USDA zones 3 through 7, it’s a deciduous shrub that thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline to neutral soil. It’s tolerant of…

Autumn Fire sedum (Sedum ‘Autumn Fire’, sometimes listed under Hylotelephium ‘Autumn Fire’) is a stunning, clump-forming perennial that brings bold color and structure to the garden from summer through winter. Hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9, it’s one of the toughest and most rewarding plants you can grow. It thrives in full sun, needing…