6” – 10” h x 1’ – 1.5’ sp
Plumbago is an interesting herbaceous perennial groundcover that spreads low and aggressively. Given ideal conditions, it will form a mat and take on a beautiful bronze-red color in the fall. It likes well-drained, slightly dry soil and is a fantastic addition to a ‘thrill, fill and spill’ container, just keep it out of full shade. Plumbago blooms from July to September and works well interplanted with spring blubs. Good for rock gardens, too.
Photo Credit: NC State Extension; The JC Raulston Arboretum
Grows 40 to 60 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide
Carolina Sapphire Cypress (also called Arizona Cypress) is a beautifully tall, wide, and evergreen tree that grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is moderately drought and salt tolerant and needs little water once established. Built for the brutal head of North Carolina summers.
The foliage has beautiful, silvery-blue to teal coloration year-round, and the bark is gray to brownish-black. The branches are sturdy but have a lacy appearance and its aroma and color interest make a great display in holiday greenery.
Arizona cypress is relatively trouble-free and moderately deer-resistant, making it a good choice for screening when compared to other fast-growing evergreen choices. It can be used as a specimen tree or for windbreaks.
Photo and Copy Credit: NC State Extension
Grows 10-15' ht x 6-8' sp
Pinkish/ruby, banana-scented blooms emerge in the late spring on this semi-evergreen shrub. Stellar Ruby will grow in full sun to part shade. Stellar Ruby is good for use as a specimen or as a hedge. It is deer resistant as well as drought and salt tolerant.