February 1, 2024
Photo courtesy of George Weigel
A versatile and easy-to-grow shrub, Kodiak black bush honeysuckle reflects a dark burgundy/black hue that is irresistible to the eye. The color changes throughout the season going from green in the spring to red and eventually morphing into a deep burgundy/black as the season matures. Kodiak black bush honeysuckle is a dense shrub consisting of multiple stems and is not to be confused with the more commonly known honeysuckle species that invades gardens. Kodiak black bush honeysuckle is adaptable to most soil and thrives in minimal sunlight as well as in intense heat. The foliage finds itself blooming clusters of yellow trumpet-shaped flowers in the summer, which attracts beautiful species such as butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, but not deer! Kodiak black bush honeysuckle is ideal planted en masse to create nice neat borders or to fill in natural wooded areas.
Vernal witch hazel is easy to grow and thrives in moist, well-drained soil.
If you’re looking for an evergreen shrub to brighten your landscape or contrast existing shrubbery, consider golden mop cypress.
Evergold is a cool-season grass and can be semi-evergreen in the Midwest climate.
Matrona sedum is hardy, drought-tolerant, and thrives in full sunlight.