Sally Foster

False spirea or false spiraea is a species of flowering plant in the sorbaria genus of shrubs. Native to parts of Asia, this plant was later introduced to Europa and North America.  False spirea now commonly grows in gardens as an ornamental, producing clusters of showy white flowers in the Summer.  This deciduous perennial has … Read more

Firespike is a perennial that is particularly showy, bearing upright panicles of vivid red flowers.  In warmer regions, the flowers appear almost year-round.  It is grown as a container plant in cooler regions, where it can be brought indoors during the cooler months. Firespike is native to the southern regions of North America and is … Read more

Fothergilla is a small genus of shrubs with few recognized species. Native to the southeastern states in North America, this plant commonly grows in swamps and wet woodland regions.  This perennial, also known as the witch alder, is a small deciduous shrub. The two types, of fothergilla that are the best known are F. gardenia … Read more

Forsythia is a genus of shrubs that belong to the olive family, with several recognized species and many cultivars and hybrids that vary in size and shape. Native to Asia, forsythia is a deciduous shrub that is commonly cultivated in gardens.  This perennial, also known as golden bells, is prized as an ornamental for its … Read more

Buttonbush is a flowering plant in the Cephalanthus genus of shrubs. About six species in this genus are commonly referred to as buttonbush. Native to parts of North America, this plant commonly grows as a deciduous shrub or small tree.  History In the mid-1700s, buttonbush was introduced commercially for beekeepers.  The shrub, or small tree, … Read more

A species in the Ruscus genus, this is a low-growing, evergreen shrub. Butcher’s broom has become a widespread and popular garden plant. This perennial, with insignificant, greenish-white flowers, has attractive autumn berries which are bright red.  History This plant’s rather unusual name originates from its former use. The Ruscus shrub bears stiff, flat branches that … Read more

Bush lemon is a large shrub or small tree with evergreen foliage, and it’s also known as rough lemon. This naturalized plant grows in many parts of the world, but especially in Australia, where it is used to make lemon butter.  It isn’t a true lemon, but a citrus hybrid. Rough lemon fruit is a … Read more

Convolvulus is a genus of plants, most species of which grow wild, as a vine, and suffocate surrounding plants. Bush morning glory, Convolvulus cneorum is different. This is a shrub, low-growing, and evergreen.  Probably native to North America, this plant has long naturalized in Mediterranean regions of Europe and will establish itself even in between … Read more

Berberis is a large genus of thorny shrubs with around 500 recognized species. This plant is a global resident, thriving in temperate and subtropical areas across the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Africa. In certain regions, barberry cultivation is banned because the shrub contains the fungus spores that cause stem rust – a devastating disease in … Read more

Azara is a genus of shrubs with ten recognized species. Native to South America, this plant commonly grows in woodland and lakeside locations.  This perennial is an evergreen shrub and some species are grown as ornamental plants in gardens. The saw tooth azara produces brilliant golden clusters of flowers in late spring, followed by impressive … Read more