Top 10 Sustainable Plants
You may already know that smart plant selection is the single most important way to create a low-maintenance, high-enjoyment garden.
Phipps offers a list of Top 10 Sustainable Plants, selected for their non-invasive habits, as well as their resistance to disease and insects. Once established, they require minimal watering and fertilization. Many of these plants are on display in the Outdoor Garden at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Also, look for the Project Green Heart tag at local nurseries.
For a complete list of sustainable plants recommended by Phipps staff members, click here.
Cornelian Cherry Dogwood
Cornus mas
Small tree with arching branches that can reach 20-25' tall. Known for its frothy display of yellow flowers presented on bare twigs in early spring, and bright red cherry-like drupes in summer. Attractive, flaky bark.
Find the Cornelian Cherry Dogwood at one of Phipps' Recommended Local Nurseries
Fringetree
Chionanthus virginicus
Small tree with a wide spreading habit that typically grows 12-20' tall. Spring-blooming, fragrant flowers feature airy clusters (4-6" long) of fringe-like, creamy white petals. The blue-black fruit attracts birds. Prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun.
Find the Fringetree at one of Phipps' Recommended Local Nurseries
Japanese White Pine
Pinus parviflora
Evergreen conifer with bluish-green needles that typically grows 30-50' tall. Trees are pyramidal when young, but with age develop a more spreading habit and flatter top. Requires good drainage and full sun.
Find the Japanese White Pine at one of Phipps' Recommended Local Nurseries
Lacebark Pine
Pinus bungeana
Slow-growing conifer which typically reaches 30-50' in height. Over time, its exfoliating bark reveals a patchwork of white, olive, light purple and silver. Initially pyramid-shaped, it becomes more open and flat-topped with maturity. Prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Tolerant of high pH.
Find the Lacebark Pine at one of Phipps' Recommended Local Nurseries
Dwarf Fothergilla
Fothergilla gardenii
Native deciduous shrub growing 3-5' tall and wide. It blooms in early spring producing fragrant, white bottlebrush flowers. The blue-green foliage turns flaming orange to burgundy in the fall. Prefers full sun to partial shade and acid soil.
Find the Dwarf Fothergilla at one of Phipps' Recommended Local Nurseries
Winterberry Holly
Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite' and 'Jim Dandy'
'Red Sprite' is a 3-4' tall deciduous shrub that is ideal for a smaller landscape. A female selection, this variety produces bright red berries in fall that remain on the plant through winter. Fruit set requires the male, 'Jim Dandy', for pollination. Prefers moist, acid soil.
Find the Winterberry Holly at one of Phipps' Recommended Local Nurseries
Winter Gem Boxwood
Buxus microphylla 'Winter Gem'
A very cold-hardy and densely branched, broadleaved evergreen that shears well and retains its green foliage through winter, making it an attractive landscape choice. A moderate grower reaching 2-3' tall and wide. Full sun to part shade.
Find the Winter Gem Boxwood at one of Phipps' Recommended Local Nurseries
Blue Star Flower
Amsonia tabernaemontana
Easy-to-grow, clump-forming 2-3' high plant with star-shaped blue blossoms in spring. Attracts butterflies. Happy in full sun to partial shade. In fall, the willow-shaped leaves turn bright yellow.
Find the Blue Star Flower at one of Phipps' Recommended Local Nurseries
False Indigo
Baptisia australis and cultivars
Upright plant with lupine-like, bright flowers that can reach 3' in height. The flower stalks rise a foot above plants and bloom in early summer. Makes a dense, shrub-like clump of very attractive blue-green foliage that stands up to heat. Large enough to use as a single specimen. Prefers full sun and room to spread.
Find the False Indigo at one of Phipps' Recommended Local Nurseries
Coneflower
Echinacea hybrids
Big, bold daisies that add oomph to any garden. Plants produce a 30" flowering clump that blooms from midsummer to early autumn. Attracts bees and butterflies. After flowering, the blooms make attractive seed heads which can be left over winter to feed the birds. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Find the Coneflower at one of Phipps' Recommended Local Nurseries
