Gardens of The Blue Ridge Inc.

Native Azaleas

Rhododendron arborescens    Smooth Azalea

This is by far one of the best of the deciduous native azaleas. Has white very fragrant flowers in the summer when other azaleas are long gone. This would prefer to have a little extra moisture.

Semi – shade, Rich Moist Soil, Summer, 6-12 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

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Rhododendron calendulaceum     Flame Azalea

This is probably the most commonly seen Azalea in the mountains of N.C. It is deciduous and has bright orange flowers, which appear just after the leaves appear in the late spring. The flower shades will vary from yellow to red depending on soil,sun,exposure, and many other factors. It puts on a beautiful show in a semi- shaded area.

Semi-Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 6-8 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Rhododendron periclymenoides    Pinxter Flower Azalea

This is a deciduous variety with pink flowers early in the spring before the leaves appear. More commonly seen in the piedmont sections, but will survive in cold climates. The bloom  resembles that of a honeysuckle except it is pink. This variety will spread somewhat by underground runners.

Semi-Shade to Sun, Rich Soil, Spring, 8-15 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Rhododendron vaseyi   Pink Shell Azalea

This too is a deciduous variety with the blooms appearing before the leaves do, which make the pink flowers really stand out. It does well in cold climates as well as warm. This is a very adaptable plant. Foliage turns red in the fall.

Semi-Shade to Sun, Rich Soil, Spring, 6-12 ft Tall, Zones 4-7

Native Evergreen Rhododendrons

Rhododendron carolinianum   Carolina Rhododendron, Punctatum

This is an evergreen variety that has light pink flowers early in the spring. Usually the first of this family to bloom. The leaves are dark green and are smaller than the other evergreen Rhodo’s. Like wise the blooms are smaller but are very numerous and make a real show in the early spring.

Semi- Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 4-8 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Rhododendron catawbiense   Red Laurel, Red Rhododendron

This is an evergreen variety that blooms late spring to early summer. The blooms are not red contrary to the common name, they are lavender. Do not try to grow this one in hot climates, it will not survive. It does love cold weather and will withstand harsh winter winds. Will tolerate some sun in cool climates. Must have very rich moist, but well drained, soil.

Sun to Semi-Shade, Rich Soil, Spring to Summer, 6-15 ft Tall, Zones 3-7

Rhododendron maximum  Rose Bay Rhododendron

The largest and hardiest of the Rhodo’s. It is evergreen and can reach heights of 10-25 ft Tall. Has beautiful white, sometimes tinged with pink, flowers in the summer. When these bloom here in the mountains you know summer is half over. Does like the shade but will tolerate some sun in cooler climates.

Shade to Semi-Shade, Rich Moist Soil, Summer, 10-25 ft Tall, Zones 4-8

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Native Shrubs

Calycanthus floridus    Sweetshrub, Bubby Bush

An old time favorite with fragrant maroon flowers in the late spring toearly summer. Has large dark shiny green leaves, which make this an attractive plant when not in bloom.

Sun to Shade, Rich Moist Soil, 4-8 ft Tall, Zones 4-9

Clethra alnifolia   Summersweet

Has very fragrant white flowers in the summer. Leaves are dark green, which turn yellow in the fall. A great plant for mid summer flowers and does not get much taller than 4 feet.

Sun to Shade, Moist to Dry Soil, summer, 3-5 ft Tall, Zones 3-9

Cytisus scoparius   Scotchbroom

This plant really puts on a show in the spring with its bright yellow flowers on the green barked stems. After it flowers the small green leaves appear. It flowers profusely when in full sun often lasting 4-6 weeks. The branches also make good greenery when cut and brought in around Christmas time.

Sun, Well Drained Soil, spring, 4-6 ft Tall, Zones 6-8

Hypericum prolificum   St. Johnswort

Has numerous small yellow flowers in the summer, which really attract the bumblebees. Will tolerate varied conditions, from sun to semi – shade and dry soil to wet sunny areas. This shrub keeps a uniform look without any pruning. Will spread by underground roots.

Sun to Semi – shade, Moist to Dry Soil, Summer, 3-5 ft Tall, Zones 4-8

Ilex verticillata   Winterberry

Most noted for its bright red berries which will hang on for most of the winter. Has oval shaped bright green leaves that turn yellow in the fall.

Semi- shade, Moist Soil, Winter, 4-6 ft Tall, Zones 3-9

Kalmia latifolia       Mountain Laurel

This shrub is evergreen, leaves are dark green and shiny, and much smaller than that of the Rhododendron. Has numerous small pink flowers in the late spring. Will grow in varied conditions, sun in cooler climates and shade in warmer climates. Soil should be rich and slightly acid.

Sun to Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 8-12 ft Tall, Zones 5-9

 Leucothoe fontanesiana    Drooping Leucothoe

An evergreen shrub with dark green shiny leaves which turn maroon in the winter, in sunny locations. They are often cut and brought in for greenery during the winter. Has numerous white flowers in the spring that hang down beneath the stems. Does best in a moist shady location with rich soil. Stays low only reaching heights of 3-5 ft tall. Great for mass plantings.

Shade to Semi – shade, Rich Moist Soil, Spring, 3-5 ft Tall, Zones 4-9

Rubus odoratus   Flowering Raspberry

Has large light green leaves that resemble a maple leaf. The flowers are purple and appear in the summer and the bumblebees love them. Has a light red fruit that is edible, but maybe a little tart tasting, Will spread and make a large colony. Will tolerate quite a bit of shade.

Shade to Semi – Shade, Rich Soil, Summer, 3-6 ft Tall, Zones 4-9

Sambucus Canadensis  Elderberry

Deciduous shrub, which spreads by underground runners. Has creamy white flowers in the summer, which turn into a dark purple fruit in the late summer. Will tolerate wet soils.

Shade to Semi- Shade, Rich Moist Soil, Summer, 3-8 ft Tall, Zones 4-9

Vacinium Vacillans   Blue Ridge Blueberry

This variety has small blueberries that have a great taste. It must have very acid soil to thrive, pH should be around 4.5, and give it full sun to produce more berries.

Sun, Acid Soil, Summer, 2-7 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Viburnum dentatum   Arrowood Viburnum

A deciduous shrub that has beautiful white flowers in the spring and blue berries in the fall. The berries are good for attracting wildlife. The dark green leaves turn yellowish to red in the fall.

Sun to Semi-Shade, Rich Moist Soil, Spring, 5-15 ft Tall, Zones 2-8

Xanthoriza simplicissima   Yellowroot

A small shrub that spreads readily by underground runners. Flowers are a brownish color that droop. Works well in shady wet spots where it will naturalize quickly.

Shade to Semi-Shade, Rich Moist Soil, Spring, 1-3 ft Tall, Zones 5-9

Native Vines

Celastrus scandens   American Bittersweet

A deciduous twining vine that has pods of orange colored berries in the early fall. Often used for fall decorations. Needs something sturdy to climb. Also you must have a male and female to produce berries.

THESE WILL BE SHIPPED AFTER THEY BLOOM SO WE CAN DETERMINE THE SEX OF THE PLANT.

Sun or Shade, Average Soil, 10-25 ft Tall, Zones 4-8

Native Trees

Amelanchier arborea laevis    Serviceberry

This tree makes a beautiful show in the early spring with its white flowers. In the fall it has red berries which really attracts the birds. A slow to medium growing tree, usually seen as an under story tree in the woods. Given more sun it will flower more profusely.

Sun to Shade, Rich to Average Soils, 20-45 ft Tall, Zones 4-9

Oxydendrum arboreum    Sourwood Tree

By far one of the showiest native trees we offer. Has slightly fragrant white flowers in the summer, they resemble Lily-of-the-valley. The green leaves turn a bright red in the fall, usually turning before any other trees. This tree is a must for your landscape.

Sun to Semi-shade, Average Soil, Summer, 20-30 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Populus tremuloides    Quaking Aspen

Fast growing deciduous tree reaching heights of 50 feet. Has rounded finely toothed leaves, which turn yellow in the fall. The leaves flutter in the lightest breeze giving it its common name. These spread by underground runners often forming large colonies.

Sun, Average Soil, 25-50 ft Tall, Zones 2-9

Aesculus pavia    Red Buckeye

A deciduous tree reaching heights of 15-25 feet. Dark lustrous green leaves that drop in the late summer. Red spike flowers appear in the spring. Hummingbirds and bees love the flowers.

Sun to Semi – shade, Rich Moist Soil, 15-25 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Halesia carolina     Great Silverbell

Has white bell shaped flowers in the summer. The bark is striped with gray, more prominent when the tree is young. Will grow in shade but blooms much better in the sun. Has an open type growth habit.

Sun to Semi – shade, Summer, 20-40 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

Hamamelis virginiana   Witch Hazel

Has yellow flowers in the late fall to early winter after the leaves have fallen off. The leaves are heart shaped with wavy borders, and then turn yellow in the fall.

Semi – shade, Rich Soil, Fall, 10-20 ft Tall, Zones 3-8

Robinia hispida  Fuzzy Locust

A very pretty low growing tree that has purple flowers in the summer. Does not have sharp thorns as regular Locust Trees do. It will spread by underground runners so give this tree some room to naturalize.

Sun, Average Soil, Summer, 3-5 ft Tall, Zones 5-8

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