Abelia ‘Rose Creek’ in mid-fall at Biltmore Estates in Asheville, NC

‘Arctic Fire’ dogwood at Univ. of TN Gardens Knoxville

A senior gardener knows that many new plant cultivars (varieties) are often no better than what had come before. Many “superstar” shrubs, some released a decade or more ago, are still topnotch performers in many parts of the U.S. Here are six which I continue to recommend highly.

‘Low &Behold® Blue Chip Jr.’ Butterfly Bush is a super compact 18-30 inch tall shrub (or perennial) with deep indigo blue flowers above silvery blue foliage. For peak performance, plant in a full sun and in moist well-drained soil. Blue Chip Jr. is the smaller version of ‘Blue Chip’, another outstanding performer. (USDA hardiness zones 5-9).

Arctic Fire® Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) receives lots of notice for its brilliant red stems through the winter season.  Bright green spring foliage turns gold-yellow in the fall. This compact 4-5 foot tall shrub grows well in either full to partial sun. (USDA hardiness zones 2-7).

‘Purple Pillar’ althea

Purple Pillar® Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) flaunts a narrow columnar habit that’s a perfect fit in a small urban garden or large container. In mid-summer it produces showy 4- inch wide, semi-double, purple blooms. A mature shrub may be grow 16 feet tall and only 3 feet wide. Utilize as an accent specimen, narrow screen or hedge. (USDA hardiness zones 5-9)

‘Rose Creek’ Flowering Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora) is a compact version of a large old-fashioned shrub. Cultivar grows only 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. New leaves emerge with a pinkish tone and matures bright green. White slightly fragrant flowers are produced from late spring to fall. In fall the flowers take on a copper-rose hue. (USDA hardiness zones 6-9).

Bobo® Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) is a much smaller version of Limelight ® hydrangea. Compact growing Bobo grows 4 – 5 feet high and 3-4 feet wide. The white flowers are held upright on sturdy stems; Bobo has a long bloom period from late July into fall. (USDA hardiness zones 3-8).

Spirea thunbergii ‘Ogon’

Goldthread® Spirea (Spiraea thunbergii ‘Ogon’) is a compact growing (3-5 feet tall and wide) deciduous shrub with wiry arching branching. Clusters of tiny white flowers (each to 1/3” diameter) appear in early spring before its awesome foliage emerges. Goldthread spirea is a showy accent plant with narrow willow-like chartreuse colored leaves (to 1.5” long and to 1/4” wide). In most years, fall leaf color is average. (USDA hardiness zones 4-8)