My Favorite Shrub
Northeast / Mid-Atlantic / Midwest
Korean Spice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii ‘Spice girl’)
In my mind, shrubs should have multi-season interest. This ‘Spice girl’ variety has great fall color (bright red), produces berries (with another Carlesii), and has a very fragrant flower. The flower buds as a bright pink, then blooms open to a bright white with a pink underside. A medium sized shrub that reaches 6-7ft. in height and spread, it prefers part to full sun, but can also tolerate shade (very versatile). Did I mention it is deer tolerant? So if you need a shrub for your mixed border planting, or even a specimen – give this shrub a try!
Melissa Blake
Designer
Bates Landscaping, West Chester, PA
(484) 887-8678 • www.bateslandscaping.net
West
Dark Knight Spirea (Caryopteris x clandonensis)
When addressing a favorite shrub I feel compelled to talk about a combination of plants. The fine leaf and flower structure and the deep blue flower of the Dark Knight Spirea in combination with the broad leaf and yellow flower of the Black Eyed Susan, from mid-summer through fall, is a true favorite. In the winter the seed heads persist on the Spirea, lending some winter interest as does the black “eye” of the Black Eyed Susan on a slender black stem, creating a great texture and color contrast throughout the seasons, especially after a light snow.
Tom Trench
President
Landscape Systems and Designs LLC
Lakewood, CO
(720) 569-0653 • www.systemsanddesigns.com
