Rose of Sharon - Ardens
The Ardens Rose of Sharon, Hibiscus syriacus Ardens, is an upright, deciduous shrub is that is vigorous, erect, multi-stemmed shrub that typically grows 8-12' tall. This shrub may also be trained as a single trunk tree or espalier. Leaves are diamond-shaped, dark green, slightly palmate and toothed. 'Ardens' bears blue flowers from late summer until mid-fall. This plant really requires no pruning, unless you need to remove a dead or damaged branch. It has a long, early summer to fall bloom period. This cultivar is a sterile triploid that produces very few if any seed pods. It is an excellent flowering shrub that may be massed, planted in groups, or used as a specimen. The plant is very tolerant of summer heat and humidity. Larger flowers may be obtained by pruning back hard to 2-3 buds in early spring. Otherwise, prune to shape. ... details
Chokeberry - Black The Black Chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa 'black', is an open, upright, spreading, somewhat rounded but leggy, deciduous shrub which typically grows 3-6’ tall. It displays clusters of 5-petaled, white flowers in spring which are followed in early autumn by blackish purple, blueberry-sized fruits which usually do not persist into winter. Lustrous, dark green foliage turns an attractive purplish red in autumn. Although technically edible, the fruits are extremely tart and bitter, and are not recommended for eating off the bush. Attractive fall color and fruit give this shrub good ornamental value for a shrub border. Its ability to withstand wet conditions makes it suitable for growing along ponds, streams or water gardens. Easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of wide range of soils. Best fruit production occurs in full sun. Spreads by root suckers to form colonies.
