Native Plants
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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
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Sunday - July 12, 2009
From: North Augusta, SC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Evergreen flowering shrub for North Augusta GA
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I need suggestions for shade-loving evergreen flowering bush that will grow 6 feet or so, besides azaleas.ANSWER:
Shade loving, flowering and evergreen makes for a difficult selection. We found four native to South Carolina that all represent some compromises but might work for you. They all are evergreen and need acidic soil, and the blooms are not too impressive on a couple of them.
Shrubs for South Carolina
Cephalanthus occidentalis (common buttonbush) - 6 to 12 ft., blooms white, pink June to September, part shade or shade
Rhododendron catawbiense (Catawba rosebay) - 6 to 20 ft., blooms pink, purple April to June, shade
Comptonia peregrina (sweet fern) - to 6 ft, blooms white, green May to August, part shade
Ilex glabra (inkberry) - 6 to 12 ft., blooms white May to July
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