Whether you prefer flowers or fruit, you’re in for a treat if you plant a cherry tree. Popular backyard choices are the ornamental purpleleaf sand cherry (Prunus x cistena), a shrubby variety with pink flowers and purple leaves, and the Sargent cherry (Prunus sargentii), a prolific bloomer.
Tree Growing Tip from our Experts: Transplant cherry trees in spring. Select a protected spot to reduce the risk of snow or frost damage.
Crepe paper and crape myrtle have more in common than their pronunciations. The blossoms not only resemble the delicate paper, but the tree comes in almost as many colors, with flowers in endless shades of pink, red, white or purple. Fall brings a kaleidoscope of foliage, with reds, oranges and yellows mingling on the same tree. In winter, the smooth, peeling bark adds a subtle charm to the landscape.
Old-fashioned bleeding heart plants are great perennials for shade gardens.
Shade gardens are the perfect opportunity to try new perennials in your garden. These twelve plants will thrive in your shady areas. Many plants have multiple cultivars, which can make it difficult to choose one variety from another. Diane Gustus of Bloomington, Minnesota has made it easier. She takes notes on all of the plants in her garden to keep track of which cultivars do better than others.
Diane shares her “Perfect Perennials” list with Birds & Blooms readers. Please note that Diane lists plants by their botanical name, followed by the specific cultivar. This should make it easier for you to find a specific plant.