Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2003
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/landscaping.html

"Crossover" Plants
February 2003
Dennis Strole, Johnson's Landscape Designer

    In the process of determining the plants you want to incorporate
into your home landscape, the two most important factors are the amount
of sun they will receive and how wet or dry the soil will be. The
majority of plants perform best in sunny or shady exposures and in wet
or dry soil conditions, not both. If you have tried to use one of your
favorite plants in the wrong spot and it performed poorly or died, you
understand the significance of placement.

    There are a few plants though, that have more versatility than most
and will tolerate completely different situations. I like to refer to
these as "crossover" plants. The lists below include different varieties
of shrubs that handle shade as well as full sun; and shrubs that tough
out dry spots without drowning in wet areas. Keep in mind that "wet"
doesn't mean sitting in water all day; "dry" doesn't mean never
receiving any water; and "shade" doesn't always mean growing in total
shade. When newly planted, these shrubs will require a season or two to
acclimate to the soil conditions and generate a healthy root system, but
once established can be used successfully in different exposures within
the landscape. These plants will take on varied looks when used in
opposite (wet/dry, sun/shade) settings. For example, plants in the shade
will grow slower and have fewer flowers than if they were planted in the
sun, but that just adds to the interest!

    Another thing to keep in mind is future growth of surrounding trees
and shrubs. An area that is sunny now may be shady in a few years and
plants that adapt will eliminate removing those looking poor and
replacing them with new ones better suited to the different exposure.

    In the back of our Plant Guide you'll find more lists of trees and
shrubs that grow well in specific situations, but few plants like these
that will "crossover."

SUN or SHADE
Ornamental Shrubs
1) Boxwood
2) Euonymus
3) Inkberry Holly
4) Nandina
5) Pyracantha

Flowering Shrubs
1) Glossy Abelia
2) Red Twig Dogwood
3) Itea (Sweetspire)
4) Quince
5) Spirea
6) Burkwood Viburnum

Ground Covers/Vines
1) Boston Ivy
2) Purpleleaf Wintercreeper
3) Honeysuckles
4) Houttuynia
5) Vinca Minor
6) Clematis
7) Virginia Creeper
8) Ajuga

MOIST or DRY
Ornamental Shrubs
1) Boxwood
2) 'Jacqueline Hillier' - Dwarf Elm
3) Euonymus
4) Inkberry Holly

Flowering Shrubs
1) Glossy Abelia
2) Chokeberry
3) Itea (Sweetspire)
4) Spirea

Ground Covers/Vines
1) Purpleleaf Wintercreeper
2) Honeysuckles
3) Houttuynia
4) Liriope