Plants of the Week – January 30

Looking for a spreading evergreen groundcover for the shade? Consider Epimedium perralchicum ‘Frohnleiten’. The yellow barrenwort, a member of Berberidaceae, is a German introduction selected for durable marbled foliage and sprays of yellow spring-blooming flowers. While it will take several seasons to reach mature size, the plant is long-lived and only improves with age. Prune old leaves to the ground in late winter. Drought tolerant once established. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Ilex crenata Drops of Gold^TM was discovered as a branch sport on Ilex crenata ‘Hetzii’.  Glossy evergreen leaves change to golden yellow when exposed to direct sunlight. While the Japanese holly will grow in lightly shaded locations, best coloration is achieved when exposed to full sun. Mature plants reach 2-3’ in height with a spread of 3-4’. Photo credit: J. Coceano

Poncirus trifoliata ‘Flying Dragon’ is a plant with personality. Twisting stems lined with numerous spines jut out in every direction. This cultivar is used as a specimen in the Winter Garden while the species is often planted as a screening shrub in the south. As Michael Dirr says “… no sane person would attempt to penetrate this hedge.” Photo credit: J. Coceano

Nandina domestica ‘Moonbay’ is a small compact shrub reaching 30 inches in height with a similar spread. Its evergreen nature is ideal for low screening as seen here where it masks the support of a Swarthmore College campus map. New growth turns red in autumn and lasts throughout the winter months.  Photo credit: J. Coceano