Sally Foster

Bush honeysuckle is a genus that contains just three deciduous shrubs. Bush honeysuckle, or Diervilla, as it is also known, is native to eastern parts of North America.  The three Diervilla species are northern bush honeysuckle, southern bush honeysuckle, and mountain bush honeysuckle.  In the summer, all three bush honeysuckle species produce small, pale yellow, … Read more

This tropical, evergreen shrub or small tree is native to parts of Asia. Where temperatures are not sufficiently high for this plant to grow outdoors, it is often grown as a conservatory or indoor plant.  Crêpe or Crape jasmine, also known as the pinwheel flower, or Nero’s crown, produces beautiful flowers and has attractive glossy … Read more

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus belongs to the honeysuckle family of shrubs. It is a flowering plant and sometimes known as Indian currant, Devil’s shoestring, or buckbrush. This is a flowering, woody plant which is native to parts of the United States and Canada. Coralberry is grown as an ornamental low-growing shrub, and it attracts wildlife and beneficial … Read more

Creosote bush is a flowering plant and is a prominent species in the Larrea genus of shrubs. Native to desert lands in western North America, this evergreen shrub commonly grows in well-drained soil, covering large areas of terrain.  This perennial is known as the creosote bush because it exudes a smell of creosote. This is … Read more

Callistemon (bottlebrush) is a genus of perennial shrubs with around 50 recognized species. Native to Australia, this plant commonly grows in many regions of the world, both wild and cultivated.  History There is some confusion as to whether Callistemon is a genus in its own right, or whether these perennials should be classified as Melaleuca. … Read more

Everyone loves a cherry tree, but climbing up a ladder to pick the fruit is arduous and not always practical. The alternative is to leave the cherries for the birds to devour, which they certainly will!   But, a bush cherry is fast-growing that will fruit after just a couple of years, and, best of all, … Read more

Colletia is a genus of flowering shrubs with five, spiky species. Native to Southern parts of South America, this plant commonly grows in dry and rocky places. Some species have a unique look and their appearance is relished by gardeners seeking out an out-of-the-ordinary, architectural plant.  These shrubs have a distinct, and unusual succulent-like appearance. … Read more

Calotropis is a genus of shrubs commonly referred to as milkweed because of the latex substance discharged by the plant. Native to parts of Africa and Asia, this plant is considered a weed in many places.  Calotropis is a poisonous, flowering plant commonly found on neglected farmland. The two most common forms are known as … Read more

Until recently, the Carissa genus of shrubs contained around 100 recognized species, but many have now been assigned to other genera or simply as a synonym.  Native to tropical parts of Africa, Australia, and Asia, Carissa grows as a shrub or small tree. It has white, star-shaped flowers, followed by plum-like berries that are either … Read more

Carolina allspice, also known as spice bush, is a member of the Calycanthus genus of flowering shrubs. This non-invasive plant is native to the south-eastern part of the United States. It is a commonly grown garden plant.  This perennial shrub, also known as the sweet shrub, is not the plant that produces allspice.  The spice … Read more