Shrubs

■ Clethralnifolia- Clethra, Summersweet Clethra or Sweet Pepperbush (Clethraceae. Summer Sweet family)

In summer, fragrant, creamy white blooms on erect spikes will attract butterflies. A native, deciduous shrub of the eastern United States, it grows well in almost any type of soil and in full sunlight to partial shade. It may be tolerant of salt spray. It can be grouped in clumps at the edge of woods or near the banks of a small water source. New foliage will provide copper color in the garden. 'White Dove' was selected for the project.

■ Camellia Sasanqua- Camellia Sasanqua (Theaceae-Tea family)

Camellias were the inspiration for the project and best represent the gardens in the Olde Towne neighborhoods in Daphne. Because this is a public project, camellia japonicas were not chosen, as they might be a bit less hardy for a public site.  However, sasanquas and japonicas are excellent choices for local gardens. Colors range from white to shades of pink and red, single or double form.  They can be trained as a tree form or a shrub.  Camellias will bloom from October until spring and the start of azalea blooming season.    Local nurseries have many excellent varieties. The Mobile Camellia club's annual show provides an opportunity to see old, new or rare blooms. Their web-site, www.mobilecamellia.org is an excellent source of information and local sources. Take a walk in the fall and spring in Olde Towne to see why the camellia is the Alabama state flower! 'Northern Lights' was selected for the project.

■ Illicium floridanum- Starbush, Florida Anise or Stinkbush (Illiciaceae. Anise family)

Native to lower coastal plains from Louisiana to Florida, this evergreen shrub can be found with mountain laurel in the wild.  Leaves are dark, olive green and aromatic. Dark red flowers provide color spring and are strongly scented. A green fruit, produced after flowering, splits open in the late fall and forms a pointed star.  Can not tolerate heavy shade of a magnolia or live oak, but is effective under trees with a high canopy and filtered light. Will grow to 10’.

■ Leucothoe populifolia- now known as Agarista populifolia- Fetter-Bush (Ericaceae.Heath family)

Native of southeastern states and the coastal plain, this evergreen shrub is excellent for creating a naturalistic effect and is appropriate for bluffs. It will read 10' tall and 5' wide and features tall arching branches. It will provide a quick growing screen if left natural and can be pruned as a large foundation plant. Features honey scented white blooms, resembling lily-of-the-valley, from February to May. Leaves may turn red or bronze in the winter. Plants prefer moist, acid and sandy loam, and shade. 

■ Rhododendron canescens- Native Azalea or Honeysuckle Azaela (Ericaceae. Heath family)

  Buds before bloom

Native from Texas to North Carolina this deciduous shrub grows best in full sun to partial shade and in well drained, acid soil. Flower buds will form in July During winter the shrub will exhibit bare branches and buds. It will become tree like when mature.   'Sunstruck' was selected for this project.

■ Cycas revoluta- Sago Palm

The "Sago Palm" is actually related to conifer and Ginko trees and is one of the most primitive living seed plants in the world.  They have become a tradition in the coastal garden.  They can grow in the full sun or partial shade, are slow growing.  They do not need much water.

■ Sabal minor-Palmetto (Palmaceae-Palm family)

Native from Texas to Georgia in coastal areas (and in the Caribbean) palmettos thrive on wet, swampy areas and prefer sun or partial shade. This common, fan shaped palm that will grow to height of 2' in dry, open areas or to 5' in moist conditions. Difficult to transplant and propagated with seeds. Used for tropical effect in the garden or as an under-story plant in a natural area.

■ Itea virginica-Virginia Willow or Sweetspire (Saxifragaceae-Saxifrage family)

Found in woodland swamps and along streams, this deciduous shrub is a good choice for naturalizing in a moist and woody environment with sun and light shade.  Small, fragrant, white drooping flowers will appear in April and May.  Good autumn color.  Will form small dark brown seeds after blooming. 'Henry's Garnet' was chosen for the project.

■ Rhododendron indicum- Indian Azalea or Southern Indica Hybrid Azaleas( Ericaceae. Heath family)     

      G.G. Gerbing        Formosa        George Tabor

Southern Indica hybrid azaleas were developed in South Carolina in the late 19^th century.  They are the largest azaleas in the southern garden. If grown in the sun, they can reach 8’-10’ high and wide in a mounding shape. They will take on an open and airy shape if grown in the shade. .  These large azaleas can be used as a screen or in mass groupings of color. They are widely planted throughout the Mobile and Baldwin counties. Azaleas need good drainage and mulch to help keep the surface roots moist. The following popular Southern Indica hybrid azaleas were selected for the project: 'GG. Gerbing' (white), 'George Tabor' (pink with deeper pink blotch) and 'Formosa' (purple).

■ Hydrangea macrophylla-common Hydrangea (Saxifragaceae. Saxifrage family)

These deciduous shrubs are native to China and Japan, but have adapted to the Southern garden with ease.  They are reminiscent of old gardens and provide color in the summer.  Mulch hydrangeas  generously to hold moisture and protect against a hard freeze. Hydrangeas may wilt in the summer and require watering. 'Glory Blue' was selected for this project. These plants are mopheads and will grow to 5-6'. 

■ Lyonia lucida- Lyonia or Fetterbush (Ericaceae-Heath family)

This native evergreen shrub is found from Louisiana to Virginia.  Small, nodding white to pink flowers will bloom in April and May.  A small seed will form and the capsule will remain after the seeds have fallen.  Good for covering slopes and in natural looking settings.  They can be difficult to find and not often seen in gardens.  Branches will arch and the shrub will reach about 3'.

■ Vaccinium ashei- Tifblue Blueberry (Ericacae. Heath family)

The plan specified Gaylussacia dumosa-dwarf Huckleberry and we were not able to locate plants.  'Tiftblue' blueberry, a common blueberry, was chosen as a substitute.  These shrubs are deciduous and will grow to 8’.  Small white blooms will appear in the spring, followed by edible fruit through November.

■ Fothergilla-Witch Alder (Hamamelidaceae. Witch Hazel family)