Deutzia - Nikko Slender
Nikko Slender Deutzia, Deutzia gracilis 'Nana', is an awesome groundcover type shrub that is compact and spreading. It produces an abundance of snowy white flowers in mid to late May. The flowers are beautiful, but last for only two weeks and then are gone. (Slender is in reference to the thin branches. ) The green foliage turns a deep burgundy in the fall. This plant is excellent for hedges, mass or border planting. After flowering, remove damaged or undesirable branches; and after severe winters, plant can be cut back to 6" to promote new growth. This is an easy to grow shrub that can tolerate sun, as well as some shade. Slender Deutzia is an exceptional deciduous shrub that should earn a spot in the springtime lineup in your garden. ... details
Spice Bush The Spicebush, Lindera bezoin, is a native deciduous shrub with a broad, rounded habit which typically grows 6-12' high. Clusters of tiny, aromatic, greenish-yellow flowers bloom along the branches in early spring before the foliage emerges. Flowers of female plants give way to bright red drupes (to 1/2" long) which mature in fall and are attractive to birds. Female plants need a male pollinator in order to set fruit, however. Drupes are very attractive, but are largely hidden by the foliage until the leaves drop. Thick, oblong, light green leaves (to 5" long) turn an attractive yellow in autumn. Leaves are aromatic when crushed. The larva (caterpillar) of the spicebush swallowtail butterfly feeds on the leaves of this shrub. Lindera is named for the Swedish botanist, Johann Lindler. It is used for shrub borders, shade or woodland gardens, moist areas along streams or ponds, native plant gardens or naturalized plantings. Tolerates full shade, but habit becomes more open and wide-spreading.
