Suggestions for interesting / unusual shrub or tree

20 years ago

It's almost Father's Day which means I get to buy a plant!

I'm looking for suggestions for an unusual shrub or small tree. I'm looking for a plant with interesting foliage, flowers, branching or bark. It can be evergreen or deciduous, tolerate sun or shade, and grow big or small--if it's interesting I'll find a place for it.

I was thinking about a Chilean Fire Bush but I'm not sure it will survive a NoVA winter. Has anyone had success with this plant?

Filbert

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Comments (3)

leslies
20 years ago
No, but I do have two suggestions:

Shrub: eleutherococcus sieboldianus 'Variegatus' tolerates dry or damp shade, even deep shade. I am less sure that it tolerates a lot of sun. My two new plants seem to be getting a little fried facing east.

Tree: cornus controversa 'Variegata.' Tall, strongly horizontal branching, lovely leaf color. Expensive, slow growing, hard to find.
vlygrl
20 years ago
How about a fringe tree? Chionanthus virginicus. They don't get too big and the blooms are unusual and gorgeous. Pretty tough too and they would certainly not have any problems being hardy enough.
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Filbert
Original Author
20 years ago
Couldn't decide on just one tree so I ordered two: an Anise Henry and an Evodia. Both seem to be uncommon in this part of the country.

Regarding the Chilean Fire Bush in NoVa, one California mail order company said they don't recommend the plant for any area outside the West Coast. Guess I won't take the chance.

Filbert