Flowering quince, (Chaenomeles) is a genus of shrubs with three recognized species. Native to Eastern Asia, this plant is a member of the rose family.  Chaenomeles speciosa is the species most commonly referred to as flowering quince. This thorny perennial is grown primarily as an ornamental plant due to its showy red/pink colored flowers.  Flowering … Read more

Forsythia is a genus of shrubs that belong to the olive family, with several recognized species and many cultivars and hybrids that vary in size and shape. Native to Asia, forsythia is a deciduous shrub that is commonly cultivated in gardens.  This perennial, also known as golden bells, is prized as an ornamental for its … Read more

Fothergilla is a small genus of shrubs with few recognized species. Native to the southeastern states in North America, this plant commonly grows in swamps and wet woodland regions.  This perennial, also known as the witch alder, is a small deciduous shrub. The two types, of fothergilla that are the best known are F. gardenia … Read more

Golden euonymus is an evergreen shrub that has variegated foliage and brightens up a hedge or border with its golden, yellow-edged leaves.  Native to parts of Asia, this plant is commonly known also as the Japanese spindle tree.  This variegated perennial is grown as an ornamental plant for its striking, evergreen foliage. It can develop … Read more

Buttonbush is a flowering plant in the Cephalanthus genus of shrubs. About six species in this genus are commonly referred to as buttonbush. Native to parts of North America, this plant commonly grows as a deciduous shrub or small tree.  History In the mid-1700s, buttonbush was introduced commercially for beekeepers.  The shrub, or small tree, … Read more

Buddleia davidii is one of around 140 recognized species in the Buddleia or buddleija genus and is the most well-known. Native to China and Japan, this is a widely grown ornamental plant. This perennial, also commonly known as the butterfly bush, is grown for its abundance of long purple flowering racemes, and fast-growing habit. Butterfly … Read more

Buttercup bush is a member of the passionflower family in the turnera genus. It is a low-growing shrub with long-lasting, cheerful yellow flowers.  Sometimes it is considered a weed, as it is fast-growing and has a tendency to spread. Native to the Caribbean, this plant can flower year-round in the right growing conditions. This perennial, … Read more

A species in the Ruscus genus, this is a low-growing, evergreen shrub. Butcher’s broom has become a widespread and popular garden plant. This perennial, with insignificant, greenish-white flowers, has attractive autumn berries which are bright red.  History This plant’s rather unusual name originates from its former use. The Ruscus shrub bears stiff, flat branches that … Read more

Cytisus scoparius (common broom) is a deciduous, flowering, perennial shrub. The name “broom” is also given to other plants in the Genisteae tribe, such as the French broom and Spanish broom.  Native to northern Africa, and western and Central Europe, this plant commonly grows in heathland, shrub, and woodland. This perennial, also known as the … Read more

Convolvulus is a genus of plants, most species of which grow wild, as a vine, and suffocate surrounding plants. Bush morning glory, Convolvulus cneorum is different. This is a shrub, low-growing, and evergreen.  Probably native to North America, this plant has long naturalized in Mediterranean regions of Europe and will establish itself even in between … Read more