Specimen Grade Shrubs
A shrub or bush is a small to medium-sized woody plant. Unlike herbs, shrubs have persistent woody stems above the ground. They are distinguished from trees by their multiple stems and shorter height, and are usually under 6 m tall.
It is easy to remember what “specimen” plants are if you learn the Latin root that the word is based upon. The Latin root, spec– means “to look at.” Consequently, a specimen plant is one you would single out in your landscape as being particularly worth looking at and thereby deserving of “center stage” in your project. Often this will be a shrub.
We can give you a wide range of color, variety of bloom and season of flowering. If you do not know exactly what you want, explain your needs to us and let us advise you from our experience. We are glad to correspond with our customers on any point that interests them. Shrubs usually develop bushy forms with age rather than greater height. We promise shrubs of very highest quality.
Osmanthus fortunei, Fortune’s Osmanthus
Attractive large shrub with small clusters of showy white blooms with incredible fragrance. Dense, dark green holly-like foliage throughout the year makes this an ideal background plant or screen. Can be pruned into a hedge of any size.
Osmanthus fragrans, Sweet Tea Olive
A large evergreen shrub or small tree with a broad upright form that is densely branched and covered with dark green finely toothed foliage. Tiny flower clusters have a delightful apricot-like fragrance. Works well for formal or informal hedges and screens, or as a landscape specimen. Plant near walks and entrances to enjoy the fragrance.
Podocarpus macrophyllus, Japanese Yew
This is a showy evergreen with an irregular columnar habit that can be massed as a screen; will tolerate low light situations; adds a wonderful texture to a border. Japanese Yew has attractive dark green foliage which emerges light green in spring. The glossy narrow leaves are highly ornamental and remain dark green throughout the winter. Neither the flowers nor the fruit are ornamentally significant. Japanese Yew is an evergreen tree with a narrowly upright and columnar growth habit. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.
Prunus caroliniana ‘Bright and Tight’, Carolina Cherry Laurel
An outstanding compact broadleaf shrub valued as an evergreen hedge or screen. Exceptionally handsome, shiny, deep green foliage has a tidy, clean appearance. Adapts well to occasional pruning to control size and form. Showy clusters of white flowers appear in spring.
Viburnum suspensum, Sandankwa Viburnum
viburnum suspensum is a dense compact evergreen shrub native to the Ryukyu Islands of Japan and is covered with leathery dark green leaves. The leaves are oval in shape and have serrated edges. In late winter to early spring 2-4″ clusters of light pink tubular flowers appear, which attract bees and butterflies. These flowers will be followed by red berries that will darken to black with age. Sandankwa Viburnum is a popular landscape shrub in climates with mild winters. It is best to not shear this plant back it responds better to selective pruning, also be sure to plant in a well drained location. This shrub can reach 6-12′ x 6-12′ at maturity and should be spaced every 2-3′ apart.