Cytisus scoparius (common broom) is a deciduous, flowering, perennial shrub. The name “broom” is also given to other plants in the Genisteae tribe, such as the French broom and Spanish broom. Native to northern Africa, and western and Central Europe, this plant commonly grows in heathland, shrub, and woodland. This perennial, also known as the … 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
Beaufortia is a genus of around 20 small trees and woody shrubs that is native to the southwest of Australia. This is an evergreen plant that is widely grown elsewhere with little effort. This perennial is grown both for its evergreen foliage and bright red, orange or pinky flowers that resemble a bottle brush. Whilst … Read more
The baneberry is a genus of flowering plants with around 25 recognized species. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, this is a perennial plant that commonly grows in the wild. This perennial is a member of the buttercup family and has extremely poisonous fruit. Plant Facts Scientific name Actaea rubraActaea pachypodaActaea racemosa Common names … 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
Aucuba is a genus of slow-growing, evergreen shrubs with three traditionally recognized species. Native to North America, this plant commonly grows in damp woods or marshland. This perennial plant, also known as the Japanese laurel, is grown as an ornamental plant with attractive, often spotted, foliage and an abundance of berries depending upon the species. … Read more
Banana shrubs despite their name, are not related to banana trees. They are an evergreen shrub which is native to China. This perennial, grown as an ornamental plant, has beautiful, scented, and large blooms in spring. History The banana shrubs were first introduced in China in the late 1700s. They are not native plant, but … Read more
Azaleas are flowering deciduous or evergreen shrubs, with many hundreds of recognized species. Mistakenly referred to as rhododendrons, these plants actually belong to the genus of azaleas. The azalea is a very popular ornamental shrub, due to its long-lasting floral display early in the year. While it’s true that all azaleas are under rhododendron species, … Read more
Harlequin glorybower is a deciduous shrub that produces racemes of showy flowers in the Summer. Despite having beautiful and sweet-smelling flowers, the leaves, if crushed, emit a pungent odor not unlike that of peanut butter. Hence, one of the harlequin glorybower’s common names is – unsurprisingly – peanut butter bush. Native to parts of Asia, … Read more
Griselinia is a small genus of evergreen shrubs that are used for hedging, but can also be grown as small trees. The most popular species is Griselinia littoralis. Most of the species are native to South America, but two, including G. littoralis, are native to New Zealand. Griselinia littorallis is an evergreen shrub often used … Read more