Grow 6' - 8' h x 6' - 8' sp
A cross between our native Calycanthus and the Asian variety, this beautiful sweetshrub has showy, fragrant blooms that are described as either pineapple, strawberry and/or banana, but that depends on the temperature, the age of the flower and even the individual plant. Higher temperatures tend to produce more fragrant flowers. Tends to rebloom during the summer, too.
Sweetshrub grows best in average to rich, well-drained soil in anywhere from full sun to deep shade. It prefers some shade in hot summer afternoons and it will grow lankier and less dense in shade than in sun. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil textures and pH but prefers rich loams. Plant it 3 to 5 feet from other shrubs to give it adequate room to grow.
Photo and text credit: NC Extension
Grows to 3'- 4' ht. x 1; - 2' sp.
Standing Ovation Little Bluestem is a more tight and upright version of original Bluestems, with the same great attributes of being a North American native grass. It is low maintenance, adaptable, and drought tolerant with different colors throughout the seasons for year-round interest. A smaller grower that is great for border plantings. Blue-green foliage in summer that turns vibrant shades of purple and red in fall. Also serves as a host plant for butterfly larvae and provides food and shelter for birds and pollinators. Its deep roots help prevent soil erosion, making it a great option for stabilizing landscapes.
Photo Credit: The JC Raulston Arboretum
Grows 5' - 6' ht. & sp.
What a beautiful flower this Camellia has! Autumn Spirit is a hybrid between C. oleifera x C. sasanqua and deserves to be a focal point of any garden. It's bright and deep pink peony-shaped blooms are an intense show-stopper, and show up early in the season.
Like most sasanquas, they prefer slightly acidic and moist, rich soil that is well-drained, and they could use a little protection from the brutal afternoon summer heat.
Our plants are espaliered, but these would work well as a corner foundation plant, screen or even in a container.
Photo Credit: NC Extension