Taking their name from two Greek words, rhodo for "rose" and dendron for "tree," the rhododendrons and azaleas (Rhododendron) are best known for their bright and showy flowers, but these shrubs also offer glossy green leaves. The large and showy flowers of rhododendrons come in purple, pink, red, and white, while azalea flowers offer additional yellow, orange, and apricot shades. Many rhododendrons are huge shrubs that are especially valuable as wildlife cover and as nesting habitat for desired species, such as cardinals.
Roses
Roses (Rosa) have been cultivated for centuries and celebrated in poetry, songs, and artwork for an equally long time. They occur in an enormous number of species and varieties and in every shade of flower color except blue. Roses have been bred into many varieties, from miniatures to ground-covering polyanthas to bush roses and floribundas to tall hybrid teas, grandifloras, and climbers. "Old roses" and wild roses have returned to commercial markets in recent years. Prolific and relatively easy to grow in most climates, roses fill many landscape needs, from garden color to cut flowers and even living fences to protect property.
Spireas and Sumacs
Spireas (Spirea) are deciduous shrubs with small, alternate, toothed, or lobed leaves. They are popular deciduous shrubs because they are generally easy to grow and make useful hedges, mass plantings, and borders. They are also popular for their dainty clusters of spring flowers. Many varieties are desired for their long blooms from spring through most of summer, while others are sought for their fall colors or yellowish-green foliage. Some of the spirea varieties offer low, spreading ground covers, while others are compact decorative shrubs. The sumacs (Rhus) are shrubs or small trees that often grow in thickets. Although infrequently used in gardens, several species offer both rapid growth cover in poor soils and rich fall colors.
See also: Burning Bushes and Dogwoods, Rose
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