Top Left Photo: Thuja ‘Mr. Bowling Ball’ after one year. Photo Credit: Jean Starr Right Photo: Thuja ‘Mr. Bowling Ball’ after five years and no pruning. Photo Credit: Jean Starr

5. Cornus ‘Crème de Mint‘

This plant is smaller in stature compared to other yellow twig dogwoods, and is developed for disease resistance. Its variegated leaves offer summer-long interest, and its stems brighten up the winter landscape. According to Virginia Cooperative Extension, keeping the stems colorful is accomplished by 1) removing about one-third of the largest (oldest) stems in the early spring, or 2) cutting all stems down to 9 inches above ground level about every three years.

6. Itea ‘Merlot’

I plan to plant more of this native dwarf sweetspire, not only for its carefree disposition, but its beautiful spring flowers and fall color. Reaching just three feet, this naturally full shrub blooms profusely in mid to late-June. Its flowers look great in a vase, too. This is a shrub that forms flowers in the previous year, so it’s important not to prune the shrub in the spring, as you would be cutting off the flowers. If necessary, prune Itea right after blooming, and it will become a stalwart backdrop to other, more colorful plants. Until October. This plant has some of the best color in autumn’s arsenal. ‘Merlot’ turns a beautiful bright red, easily sending burning bush to the back of the shrubs standard list.

Itea ‘Merlot.’ Photo Credit: Jean Starr