Van Dycks

Varieties

Porcelain Vine

(Ampelopsis brevipedunculata) Vigourous, woody, tendril-climbing vine which is somewhat similar in habit to wild grape vines and will typically grow 15-25'. Showy fruits appear in late autumn. May be invasive in really warm climates. Will grow in any soil, except those that are permanentlywet. Best fruiting occurs in full sun, but this vine does fine in partial shade. Hardy in zones 4-8.

Potentilla

(Potentilla fruticosa) Bears bright flowers all summer. Grows 2' high and 2-3' wide. Prefers full sun or light shade. Very drought-tolerant and adaptable to most soils, but performs best when soil is evenly moist. Prune in late fall or early spring, just as leaves begin to appear. Cut back by at least a third each year. Overgrown shrubs can be cut back by half or more. Hardy in zones 3-9.

Privet

(Ligustrum amurense) Used almost exclusively to form hedges because of their dense foliage and rapid growth. Can reach heights of 8' to 12' with a spread of 6' to 8'. Bears white flowers in late spring early summer followed by non-edible berries. Plant in any good, slightly wet, garden soil in partial shade to full sun. Privet hedges tolerate a wide pH range and do not seem troubled by the pollution that plagues most plants in urban settings. Plant 1' to 2' apart. Prune privet hedges after they have flowered; thereafter, prune them an additional 3 or 4 times during the course of the summer. Privet hedges will fill in better (i. e. the plants will become bushier) if they are pruned frequently. Hardy in zones 4-9.

Purple Smoke Bush

(Cotinus Dark Leafed) Tall shrub, growing 4-6' tall, blooming in June-September. Should be planted in full sun to partial shade in normal to dry soil, spacing 7' or more apart. The nameSmoke Bush comes from the soft look of the mass of fruiting panicles in summer. Hardy in zones 5-8.

Redbud, Eastern

(Cercis canadensis) Flowers appear in the spring before leaves appear. Long seed pods and yellow foliage in autumn. Plant in full sun to partial shade. Does well in many soil types, except permanently wet soils, but prefers moist, well-drained, deep soils. Keep vigorous with regular watering and fertilizing. The seed pods attract wildlife. Grows 20-25' high and wide. Hardy in zones 4-9.

Russian Olive

(Elaeagnus angustifolia) Russian olive is an excellent windbreak and wildlife tree for high wind areas. It is extremely tolerant of most environmental factors. Can be made into a hedge by planting 10' apart in a row. Russian Olive is low in water requirements and displays a high tolerance for salt and alkali. Grows well in hot-dry sites. Plant in full or part sun in any good, well-drained soil. Avoid clay or waterlogged soils and do not fertilize. Height and spread 20' to 30'. Hardy in zones 3-8.

Sambucus

An ornamental plant that can be grown as a shrub or cut back each year and used as a bold perennial. Plant in somewhat moist, average garden soil in full sun to partial shade. Plant 48" apart. Blooms summer. Grows 8-12' tall. Hardy in zones 4-9.

Silver Lace Vine

(Polygonum aubertii) A rampant, twining vine that is very adaptable, and can tolerate dry soil. Aromatic, greenish-white blossoms open in late summer to fall. Requires little care except pruning in spring. Can be cut back severely if it is overgrowing the space. Can be trained on a trellis. Sometimes called 'mile-a-minute plant', Silver lace vine grows quickly, sometimes up to 25' in a single year! Tolerant of drought and seaside conditions. Plant 3-4' apart, in full sun to partial shade. Hardy inzones 4-8.

Snowball Bush

(Vibernum opulus 'Roseum') Also known as European Snowball. Grows in full sun to partial shade. Prefers a moist location and adapts to most soils. Prune in early summer, after its flowering has finished. The large spherical flowers open apple green and then turn white. Cut flowers for bouquets when they are still slightly green and they will last for two weeks. Thin out older stems to rejuvenate the shrub and keep it looking tidy. Grows 8-10' tall and wide. Hardy in zones 2-9.

Spirea

(Spiraea japonica & Spiraea x bumalda) Grows 2-4' tall and wide. Blooms throughout summer and often into fall. Prefers sun to light shade. For the best foliage color, plant in full sun. Prune in late winter or early spring. Cut back by at least 1/3 each year. Remove finished flowers in summer. Severe pruning can rejuvenate older, leggy shrubs. Hardy in zone 3-9, with protection.