Schumann abelia is a poorly known evergreen shrub, producing masses of pink flowers throughout much of the growing season. Known best as the abelia that was used in the hybridization of Abelia 'Edward Goucher', Abelia parvifolia (formerly known as A. schumannii) exhibits the upright growth habit common to 'Edward Goucher'. Our plant was given to us by Michael Dirr, Ph.D., from his recent Abelia breeding program. (2' tall plants)

• to 4'–6'
• plant in sun to part shade
• hardy

Bottlebrush buckeye is a deciduous shrub with a spreading growth habit and upright panicles of white flowers in summer. Although it is widely promoted, it is still not the most easily found shrub. For many years, our specimen has prospered in the Southall Garden under the shade of the old white oak. Specimens seen at other arboreta in the southeastern United States grow happily in full sun. Resistant to the leaf scorch that plagues most Aesculus, bottlebrush buckeye, since it does not lose its leaves to scorch, rewards you in the autumn with yellow fall color.

• deciduous shrub to 8'–15'
• plant in sun to part shade
• hardy to zone 4
• white flowers in spring
• native

A medium-sized agave, reaching up to 3' tall and wide, valued for its architectural form and bluish-green to gray-green leaves, viciously armed on the margins and tips. It is known as the "rough" agave due to the rough (or scabrous) texture of the undersides of the leaves. This species is fully hardy through Zone 7b, possibly colder. The key toward successfully growing hardy agaves is to provide perfect drainage and protection from winter moisture. (4" plants)

• perennial woody-lily to 48"
• plant in sun, well-drained soil
• hardy
• deer resistant

This hardy, large-sized agave was grown by us from seed sent by Peckerwood Garden Foundation (Hempstead, Texas). Rarely seen offered in cultivation, bigtooth agave forms a striking specimen in any landscape. Observations here in Zone 7b have proven that this species is fully hardy here, provided that essential winter drainage concerns are met. Enjoy this fast-growing agave with bluish-green to gray-green foliage.

• hardy

A newly described species of Agave collected from mountains in northeastern Mexico. Previously unknown to science. Since this plant occurs in montane environments (hence, "montana"), it should be quite cold hardy, likely through Zone 7b. Leaves are dark-green and smooth, growing to 3' by 5' in partial sun. Eventually, plants will produce flower spikes that rise to 15' or more.

An onion native to the Great Plains of the Midwest, this species has surprisingly been absent from cultivation. Our seed, obtained in 1998, originated from Missouri, and we have been impressed with the garden performance of the plants ever since. In summer, dense heads of lavender-pink flowers on 12"–18" very sturdy scapes appear, standing atop the sea-green leaves. Bulbs multiply quickly, with clumps of 20+ bulbs/bulblets being produced only after two seasons in the ground. Hardy through Zone 5. (6" plants)

• to 12"–18"
• plant in sun to part shade
• hardy

Golden giant reed is a fast-growing ornamental grass. Unlike striped giant reed, 'Golden Chain' doesn't fade in July but keeps its gold variegation.

• grass to 10'
• plant in sun to part shade
• hardy to zone 7

Large, 2'–4' tall perennial with clusters of white flowers in summer. Highly tolerant of poorly drained soils. Seed pods consist of spiny, translucent bladder-like fruits. As with other Asclepias, 'Ice Ballet' is great as a food-source for the larvae of monarch butterflies. Hardy throughout the eastern United States. (2' plants)

• herbaceous perennial to 3'
• plant in sun
• hardy to zone 3
• white flowers in summer

Broadleaf evergreen shrub perfectly suited for brightening up shady areas. Variegation on the large leaves makes for an attractive shrub. The Hillier Manual of Trees and Shrubs describes this cultivar as the best golden variegated aucuba. Grows to about 3'–4' tall. (8"–10" plants)

• evergreen shrub to 6'–8'
• plant in shade
• hardy to zone 7b
• burgundy flowers in late winter
• red fruit in winter

Low-growing Japanese aucuba, leaves sparingly spotted. Although this clone is often confused with 'Variegata' (the commonest of the variegated Japanese aucuba cultivars), it can easily be distinguished by its fruits that are yellowish-white (rather than the normal red) in color. This is also forms a smaller plant (maturing at 3'–4' tall) than 'Variegata' (which matures at 5'–6' tall). (8"–10" plants)

• evergreen shrub to 3.5'
• plant in sun to shade
• hardy to zone 7b

A very nice dwarf Japanese barberry, 'Concorde' forms a tight mound of intense black-purple foliage throughout the growing season. Per a given amount of time, 'Concorde' will stay much smaller than the more commonly seen 'Atropurpurea Nana' (syn. 'Crimson Pygmy'). 'Concorde' is reputed to mature at 2'–3' tall. Foliage color holds in heat and sun. (10"–12" plants)

• deciduous shrub to 2'x2'
• plant in sun
• hardy to zone 4
• yellow flowers in late spring
• red fruit in late summer
• butterfly/pollinator friendly and deer resistant

Our seed of this birch was obtained from the North American Rock Garden Society. Tian Shan birch is a native of the mountains of the same name, in central to eastern Asia. Surprisingly, our plants growing in the nursery have withstood our summer heat and humidity, although the trees seem to be slow-growing. We expect to see better performance in the North Carolina mountains than here in Raleigh. (2' plants)

• hardy

In 1985, a plant expeditionary team was sent to South Korea to collect seeds of several plants, including a population of Camellia japonica that was believed to represent more cold-hardy germplasm. Our plants have since been growing at the JCRA and appear to be tougher than the average camellia. We are offering these seedlings derived from seeds collected off of our plants. Expect reddish-pink, somewhat small, bell-shaped flowers (an adaptation to bird-based pollination)—not the typical flat-faced flowers of modern Japanese camellias, derived from centuries of hybridization. (8"–12" plants)

• evergreen shrub to 8'–10'
• plant in part shade
• hardy to zone 7
• pink flowers in winter

Japanese camellias are deservedly popular in the southern United States due to their large, brightly colored, often double, winter flowers. In 'Golden Spangles', variegated foliage also comes included in the package. A real eye-catcher with its central splotch of bright yellow on the dark green leaves, expect dark pink flowers, partly double, in winter. Part shade to part sun.

• evergreen shrub to 8'
• plant in sun to shade
• hardy to zone 7
• pink flowers in late winter

Chinese plum-yew is a shade tolerant large evergreen shrub to small tree (ultimately reaching 15'–20' in height). Our plants are derived from cuttings taken from the research plots at University of Georgia assembled by Donglin Zhang, Ph.D., for his doctorate work while enrolled there. Chinese plum-yew differs strongly from the commonly grown Japanese plum-yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonia) by its much longer leaves, reaching up to 2"–3.5" long. Leaves are soft to the touch. All Cephalotaxus are considered deer-resistant plants.

• evergreen shrub or tree to 8'–20'
• plant in sun to shade
• hardy

This is the rarely seen spreading form of Chinese plum-yew. Although Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Prostrata' is easily found in commerce, C. fortunei 'Prostrate Spreader' is uncommon and differs in its much longer leaves, reach 3" long or more. A great ground cover plant for shade due to its low, spreading form and deep green leaves. (10"–12" plants)

• hardy

This cultivar of Japanese plum-yew, selected for its compact, shrubby growth habit, has grown for years at the JCRA in a secluded, shady location. The branches are layered, resembling 'Prostrata' somewhat, although the leaves are shorter than 'Prostrata'. This clone has been reported as being sun tolerant as far south as the Houston, Texas area. Sun or shade, Zone 6. (8"–10" plants)

• hardy

This clone of Japanese plum-yew was derived from Donglin Zhang's Ph.D. work at the University of Georgia. 'Pedunculata' originated as a female plant from the Arnold Arboretum. Since most cultivars of Cephalotaxus harringtonia are male, 'Pedunculata' will likely produce seeds in the presence of other cultivars. Grows in sun or shade. Deer will not bother this plant much. Zone 6. (8"–10" plants)

• hardy

This prostrate growing form of Cephalotaxus harringtonia is valued for its layered branches and dwarf stature. As an evergreen shrub, few others can compete with this in shady sites. As with other Cephalotaxus, plants are slow to establish, usually requiring two growing seasons, but they will reward you as long-lived, tough plants suited to a wide range of landscape conditions. Zone 6. (8"–10" plants)

• hardy

This cultivar originated as a branch sport off of Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Blue Feather'. Like the plant from which it originated, 'Ivan's Column' has wonderful blue, soft foliage—maintaining this trait even as a mature plant (unlike other falsecypresses). 'Ivan's Column' grows slowly, forming a narrow upright column with time. It is rarely offered by southeastern U.S. nurseries. Hardy to Zone 5. (6"–10" plants).

'Gekko', as an unfamiliar cultivar of Sawara falsecypress, grew for many years here at the JCRA, largely unnoticed as it prospered underneath several of the dwarf loblolly pines (Pinus taeda 'Nana'). Deciding that we needed to remove it to make way for other newer conifers, we propagated cuttings from our tree, prior to its removal, and offer it here for you. Similar in appearance to the familiar 'Boulevard' falsecypress for much of the growing season, 'Gekko' also boasts white-tipped (frosted) new growth in spring, showy from late winter through the spring and early summer months. Our plant, after about 15 years, measured 18' tall by 10' wide. Hardy to Zone 4.

• conifer to 18' tall × 10' wide
• plant in sun to part shade
• hardy to zone 5

Nearly adjacent to our specimen of Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Gekko' stood an equally tall tree of 'Plumosa Cristata' in bed E46. Deciding that it, too, needed to be removed to make way for other conifers, we likewise propagated cuttings to make them available to you. 'Plumosa Cristata' Sawara falsecypress forms a tightly pyramidal, upright tree. Foliage is gray-blue-green and soft to the touch (as with all of the "Plumosa" group falsecypresses). At 15 years, our plant measured 20' tall by 8'–10' wide. Hardy to Zone 4.

Suckering, deciduous shrub, maturing at 6' to 10' in height. Likes moist soils in sun or partial shade. Wonderfully fragrant white flowers in summer, followed by bright golden yellow fall color. 'Nova Scotia' represents a cultivar derived from the northernmost portion of this species' native range. Hardy to Zone 5. (3' plants) Pickups only please.

• hardy

Our selection, from a fine tree growing in shaded conditions behind the Japanese Garden, of evergreen flowering dogwood. This dogwood, originally introduced as Cornus kousa var. angustata, has prospered now for over 11 years at the JCRA. Attractive, silver-backed, evergreen leaves; and highly star-shaped, creamy-white inflorescences in late spring / early summer, followed by pinkish-red, almost strawberry-like fruits in autumn. Tolerant of both shade and sun. A fine evergreen tree for the southern United States. Hardy through Zone 7a, possibly colder. (12"–18" tall plants)

• hardy

Semi-evergreen shrub with arching branches and glossy, sea-green to dark green leaves covered with whitish hairs beneath. Leaves that persist are red-tinged during the winter months. White flowers in spring, followed by red berries in autumn. This plant was collected by Cliff Parks, Ph.D., (Chapel Hill, North Carolina) on one of his plant expeditions to China. Zone 7. (2'–3' plants)

• evergreen shrub to 6'–8'
• plant in sun to partial shade
• hardy to zone 7
• white flowers in spring
• red fruit in fall