Landscape Plants for Georgia

James T. Midcap, Department of Horticulture, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and Neal Weatherly, Jr., School of Environmental Design

Revised by Matthew Chappell, Department of Horticulture, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

 

Note: All plants on the GA-EPPC invasive plant list have been removed that were included in the original version of this publication.

Introduction

Landscape Plants for Georgia is an effort to compile a list of good plants organized into various sizes and groups. It does not list all available plant materials but rather brings together the best possible groupings according to the principles and requirements of good landscape design and plant maintenance. It is not possible to offer pictures of the plants. Many publications, books and web sites, however, have good plant pictures.

The design qualities of plants—their form, size, color and texture—are of major emphasis. Hardiness and disease and insect resistant qualities are also considered when selecting good landscape plants.

Note: In the list of plants below, an asterisk (*) denotes a native Georgia plant.

Definitions of Terms Used

Class

For identification, plants are divided into three major classes or groups: evergreen conifers, broad-leaved evergreens and deciduous plants.

Conifer

Most conifers are cone-bearing and have needle-like foliage. Examples are pine and cedar.

Deciduous

A deciduous plant sheds its foliage in the fall or winter. Flowering dogwood, maple and spirea are examples.

Botanical Name

This refers to the scientific name recognized the world over. Cornus florida is the botanical name of flowering dogwood. Botanical names are listed according to Index of Garden Plants by Mark Griffiths, 1994, Timber Press.

Broad-leaved Evergreen

This refers to broad-leaved plants that retain foliage the entire year. Examples are boxwood and camellia.

Common Name

Common plant names may vary from region to region. For this reason scientific names are included in this publication to establish the true identity of the plant.

Texture

Plant foliage is usually defined as being fine-, medium-, or coarse-textured, depending upon the size, density and arrangement of its leaves. Southern magnolia is an example of coarse foliage texture.

Form

Form refers to the shape or general outline of the plant. Boxwood has a rounded form. Pyracantha is irregular.

Normal Georgia Height

Due to environmental conditions, such as variations in soil, temperature, fertility and moisture, exact growing heights of plants cannot be established. “Normal Georgia Height” is a term used to designate average size after reasonable maturity. It is intended for use only as a guide.

Specimen

This is a plant with desirable form, foliage, fruit or flower that can be separated from other plants to emphasize its desirable characters.

Georgia’s Hardy Zones

The plant hardiness zones used in this publication (see map) denote areas in the state where a plant has the best chance of survival and growth. The zones are based on the average minimum temperature the plant will tolerate. The numbers and letters in parentheses are the zone designations used in the reference publication. Source of this information is the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Miscellaneous Publication No. 1475, Agricultural Research Service, 1990.

Plant Hardiness Zones for Georgia

Range of average annual minimum temperatures for each zone
Zone	Range in degrees F
6b	-5 to 0
7a	0 to 5
7b	5 to 10
8a	10 to 15
8b	15 to 20

Vines

Vines have many uses in the landscape. They may be used to soften unattractive walls and fences or to create exciting shadow patterns on blank surfaces. Many are desirable because of their evergreen foliage. Some have attractive flowers and/or berries to brighten or accent a landscape feature or attract wildlife. Vines provide attractive screening and privacy when used on trellises and fences.

As a general rule, residential building lots are becoming smaller, and appropriate plant material must be selected if the valuable space is to be used to best advantage. This class of plants is very useful in small gardens where planting space is limited.

Characteristics

Antigonon leptopus / CORAL VINE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: medium to coarse

Growth Rate: fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Blooms in late summer with coral-pink flowers.

Bignonia capreolata / CROSS VINE*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Growth Rate: fast

Class: evergreen

Remarks: Red, orange or yellow spring flowers.

Clematis armandii / ARMAND CLEMATIS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: coarse

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Large glossy leaves, fragrant white spring flowers.

Clematis x jackmanii / JACKMAN CLEMATIS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: fine

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Large purple flowers.

Clematis terniflora / SWEETAUTUMN CLEMATIS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Fragrant white flowers in late summer.

x Fatshedra lizei / FATSHEDRA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7b, 8

Texture: coarse

Growth Rate: medium slow

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Semi-climbing shrub or vine. Needs support.

Ficus pumila / CLIMBING FIG

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: fine

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Clings close to wall.

Gelsemium rankinii / SWAMP JESSAMINE*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Growth Rate: medium

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Yellow, trumpet flowers spring and fall.

Gelsemium sempervirens / CAROLINA YELLOW JESSAMINE*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Growth Rate: medium

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Yellow, trumpet-like flowers in spring. Hardy, one of our best vines.

Hedera canarienseis / ALGERIAN IVY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: coarse

Growth Rate: medium

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Very coarse foliage. Sun or semi-shade.

Lonicera x heckrottii / GOLDFLAME HONEYSUCKLE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Class: semi-evergreen

Remarks: Coral-red flowers in summer.

Lonicera sempervirens / TRUMPET HONEYSUCKLE*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Red, orange to yellow spring flowers.

Parthenocissus quinquefolia / VIRGINIA CREEPER*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Large palmately compound leaves. Good red fall color. Can become invasive.

Parthenocissus tricuspidata / BOSTON IVY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Lustrous three lobed leaves with good red fall color.

Rosa banksiae ‘Lutea’ / LADY BANKSROSE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7b, 8

Texture: fine

Growth Rate: fast

Class: semi-evergreen

Remarks: Yellow double flowers.

Rosa species / CLIMBING ROSES

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine to medium

Growth Rate: fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Numerous varieties and colors. Subject to disease and insects.

Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis / SWEETBOX

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Growth Rate: slow

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Bright green foliage for shady sites.

Smilax lanceolata / LANCELEAF GREENBRIER*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Growth Rate: fast

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Bright green foliage for cutting.

Trachelospermum asiaticum / ASIATIC JASMINE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7b, 8

Texture: fine

Growth Rate: medium

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Foliage similar to Vinca minor.

Trachelospermum jasminoides / STAR or CONFEDERATE JASMINE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: medium

Growth Rate: medium

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Good foliage. White fragrant flowers in spring. Variegated form available.

Wisteria frutescens / AMERICAN WISTERIA*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Growth Rate: fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Lilac purple late spring flowers. More restrained than others.

* Denotes native Georgia plant.

Ground Covers

Ground covers are very versatile. In addition to sunny open locations, selected ground covers are especially useful on steep slopes and densely shaded areas where other plants are more difficult to establish and maintain. Many ground covers are excellent for preventing soil erosion; while others are helpful in carrying out design patterns. Evergreen ground covers are particularly useful in establishing both formal and informal designs in residential and public landscapes. Ground cover plants are usually more satisfactory in narrow planters than shrubs.

Ground cover usually ranges from a few inches to a foot or more in height. In the evergreen class, English ivy and common periwinkle have rich green foliage, making them particularly valuable in landscape design. Several of the recommended plants have attractive seasonal flowers. Certain ground covers may become invasive once they become established and require heavy maintenance to keep them in bounds. Ground covers are often cites as being low maintenance. However, they all require some maintenance such as weeding, pruning or fertilization to look their best.

Characteristics

Ajuga reptans / CARPET BUGLE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Exposure: semi-shade

Texture: medium

Normal Georgia Height: 2-4″

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Class: evergreen

Remarks: Needs good drainage. Blue or white flowers.

Ardisia japonica / JAPANESE ARDISIA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8b

Exposure: semi-shade

Texture: medium

Normal Georgia Height: 8-12″

Growth Rate: slow

Class: evergreen

Remarks: Excellent evergreen ground cover.

Aspidistra elatior / CAST IRON PLANT

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7b, 8

Exposure: shade

Texture: coarse

Normal Georgia Height: 18-24″

Growth Rate: medium

Class: evergreen

Remarks: Drought tolerant, bold texture.

Dryopteris ludovichiana / SOUTHERN SHIELD FERN

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Exposure: shade

Texture: fine

Normal Georgia Height: 24-36″

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Mass plantings, good green filler with fine texture.

Cotoneaster species / GROUNDCOVER COTONEASTER

SEE BELOW

Cyrtomiun falcatum / HOLLY FERN

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8b

Exposure: semi-shade to shade

Texture: coarse

Normal Georgia Height: 1-2′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: evergreen

Remarks: Dark green foliage.

Festuca ovina var. glauca / BLUE FESCUE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7a

Exposure: prefers some shade

Texture: fine

Normal Georgia Height: 6-8″

Growth Rate: slow

Class: evergreen ornamental grass

Remarks: Best with irrigation.

Gardenia augusta ‘Radicans’ / CREEPING GARDENIA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7b, 8

Exposure: sun to semi-shade

Texture: fine

Normal Georgia Height: 18-24″

Growth Rate: slow

Class: evergreen

Remarks: Small, white, fragrant flowers in summer.

Hedera canariensis / ALGERIAN IVY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Exposure: shade to sun

Texture: coarse

Normal Georgia Height: 6-8″

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Class: evergreen

Remarks: Good ground cover.

Helleborus orientalis / LENTEN ROSE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6, 7

Exposure: semi-shade to shade

Texture: coarse

Normal Georgia Height: 12-15″

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Class: evergreen

Remarks: White to rose colored flowers in January and February.

Hemerocallis species / DAYLILY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Exposure: sun to semi-shade

Texture: medium

Normal Georgia Height: 2-3′

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Class: deciduous to evergreen

Remarks: Very hardy. Numerous flower colors.

Hypericum calycium / AARON’S BEARD ST. JOHNSWORT

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Exposure: sun to semi-shade

Texture: medium

Normal Georgia Height: 8-12″

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Class: semi-evergreen

Remarks: Yellow flowers in summer.

Iberis sempervirens / EVERGREEN CANDYTUFT

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Exposure: sun to semi-shade

Texture: fine

Normal Georgia Height: 6-8″

Growth Rate: medium

Class: evergreen

Remarks: White flowers in spring.

Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii / SARGENT JUNIPER

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Exposure: sun

Texture: fine

Normal Georgia Height: 18-24″

Growth Rate: medium

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Very hardy. Good winter color. Needs good drainage.

Juniperus conferta / SHORE JUNIPER

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Exposure: sun

Texture: fine

Normal Georgia Height: 18-24″

Growth Rate: medium

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Hardy to sandy shore.

Juniperus conferta ‘Blue Pacific’ / BLUE PACIFIC JUNIPER

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Exposure: sun

Texture: fine

Normal Georgia Height: 10-12″

Growth Rate: medium

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Blue-gray foliage. Short vertical stems.

Juniperus conferta ‘Emerald Sea’ / EMERALD SEA JUNIPER

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Exposure: sun

Texture: fine

Normal Georgia Height: 10-12″

Growth Rate: medium

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Bright green foliage. Compact.

Juniperus davurica ‘Expansa’ / PARSONS JUNIPER

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Exposure: sun

Texture: fine

Normal Georgia Height: 18-24″

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Very hardy. Good winter color.

Juniperus horizontalis ‘Plumosa Compacta’ / ANDORRA COMPACTA JUNIPER

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Exposure: sun

Texture: fine

Normal Georgia Height: 1-2′

Growth Rate: slow

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Denser, more compact than Andorra.

Juniperus horizontalis ‘Wiltonii’ / BLUE RUG JUNIPER

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Exposure: sun

Texture: fine

Normal Georgia Height: 4-6″

Growth Rate: medium

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Hugs ground.

Juniperus procumbens / Japanese GARDEN JUNIPER

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Exposure: sun

Texture: fine

Normal Georgia Height: 1-2′

Growth Rate: slow

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Handsome in beds, terraces and slopes.

Juniperus procumbens ‘Nana’ / DWARF Japanese GARDEN JUNIPER

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Exposure: sun

Texture: fine

Normal Georgia Height: 6-8″

Growth Rate: very slow

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Only spreading juniper suitable for restricted spaces.

Ophiopogon japonicus / DWARF LILYTURF or MONDO GRASS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Exposure: semi-shade to shade

Texture: medium

Normal Georgia Height: 8-12″

Growth Rate: medium

Class: evergreen

Remarks: Hardy, makes dense mat.

Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’ / DWARF MONDO GRASS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Exposure: semi-shade to shade

Texture: medium

Normal Georgia Height: 3″

Growth Rate: slow

Class: evergreen

Remarks: Dwarf form.

Pachysandra terminalis / PACHYSANDRA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7a

Exposure: shade

Texture: medium

Normal Georgia Height: 6-12″

Growth Rate: medium

Class: evergreen

Remarks: Requires moist shade in heat.

Phlox subulata / MOSS PHLOX or THRIFT*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Exposure: sun

Texture: fine

Normal Georgia Height: 4-8″

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Class: evergreen

Remarks: Rose, white, lilac flowers.

Santolina chamaecyparissus / LAVENDER COTTON

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Exposure: sun

Texture: fine

Normal Georgia Height: 1-2′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: evergreen

Remarks: Good for hot, dry sites. Gray foliage, yellow-orange flowers.

Santolina virens / GREEN LAVENDER COTTON

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Exposure: sun

Texture: fine

Normal Georgia Height: 1-2′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: evergreen

Remarks: Good for hot, dry sites. Green foliage, orange flowers.

Saxifraga stolonifera / STRAWBERRY GERANIUM

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7b, 8

Exposure: shade

Texture: fine

Normal Georgia Height: 4-6″

Growth Rate: medium

Class: evergreen

Remarks: White flowers in summer.

Trachelospermum asiaticum / ASIATIC JASMINE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7b, 8

Exposure: sun to semi-shade

Texture: fine

Normal Georgia Height: 4-6″

Growth Rate: medium

Class: evergreen

Remarks: Excellent ground cover.

Yucca filamentosa / ADAM’S NEEDLE or BEARGRASS*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Exposure: sun

Texture: coarse

Normal Georgia Height: 2-3′

Growth Rate: slow

Class: evergreen

Remarks: White flower spikes in summer.

Zamia integrifolia / COONTIE PALM*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8b

Exposure: sun to shade

Texture: coarse

Normal Georgia Height: 2-3′

Growth Rate: slow

Class: evergreen cycad

Remarks: Accent plant, native ground cover.

* Denotes native Georgia plant.
** Can be grown in full sun in north Georgia with proper care. Should have partial shade or irrigation in south Georgia.

Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses, long popular in certain European countries, are experiencing a rise in popularity among the southern gardeners. Grasses adapted to landscape plantings fall primarily into two categories: 1) the perennial grasses which with just a few exceptions, are large-growing, clump-type grasses; and 2) the annual grasses, utilized most often accents or drifts in the herbaceous border.

All of the grasses listed in this section are perennials except for two of the fountain grasses which are annuals. Except for the Blue Fescue (Festuca ovina glauca), a ground cover, all of the ornamental grasses are listed in this section.

Pampas grass is the most widely recognized ornamental grass. Pampas and the other selections in the ornamental group are used as specimen or accent plants, for contrast in shrub borders or herbaceous borders and for informal mass plantings.

All grasses die back to the ground in winter; consequently, all will need to be cut back to the ground before new growth emerges in spring. Despite this limitation, the taller-growing plants in this group make excellent seasonal screens and informal hedges. If properly handled, the flower or panicle portion of several selections make excellent material for dried arrangements.

Characteristics

Chasmanthium latifolium / UPLAND SEA OATS*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Height: 30-36″

Spread: 18-24″

Panicle Length: 8″

Exposure: sun to light shade

Landscape Remarks: Very attractive seed heads. Can become invasive.

Cultural Remarks: Will tolerate wet feet. Self sows. Shade for Zone 8.

Cortaderia selloana / PAMPAS GRASS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7b, 8

Texture: fine to medium

Height: 7-8′

Spread: 5-6′

Panicle Length: 20″

Exposure: sun

Landscape Remarks: Male and female plants. Female has fuller plumes.

Cultural Remarks: Most drought tolerant.

Cortaderia selloana ‘Nana’ / DWARF PAMPAS GRASS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Height: 3′

Spread: 3.5-4′

Panicle Length: 2′

Exposure: sun

Landscape Remarks: White female plumes.

Cultural Remarks: Very cold hardy.

Elymus glaucus / BLUE WILD RYE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Height: 4-5′

Spread: 3-4′

Panicle Length: 10″

Exposure: sun

Landscape Remarks: Bluish-gray foliage.

Cultural Remarks: Spreads slowly by rhizomes.

Panicum virgatum ‘Prairie Sky’ / PRAIRIE SKY SWITCH GRASS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Height: 4-5′

Spread: 3′

Panicle Length: 12″

Exposure: sun

Landscape Remarks: Outstanding blue foliage on arching plant.

Cultural Remarks: Golden fall foliage.

Pennisetum alopecuroides / DWARF FOUNTAIN GRASS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Height: 24-30″

Spread: 2′

Panicle Length: 3″

Exposure: sun

Landscape Remarks: Plumes less showy than annual species.

Cultural Remarks: Good companion for perennials.

Pennisetum setaceum / FOUNTAIN GRASS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: an annual

Texture: fine

Height: 4-4.5′

Spread: 4′

Panicle Length: 12″

Exposure: sun

Landscape Remarks: Rose colored foliage and panicles.

Cultural Remarks: Must replant every year.

Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ / CRIMSON FOUNTAIN GRASS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: an annual

Texture: fine

Height: 4-4.5′

Spread: 4′

Panicle Length: 12″

Exposure: sun

Landscape Remarks: Crimson or burgundy foliage and panicles.

Cultural Remarks: Must replant every year.

Pennisetum villosum / FEATHERTOP GRASS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7b, 8

Texture: fine

Height: 2-3′

Spread: 2′

Panicle Length: 3″

Exposure: sun

Landscape Remarks: Showy creamy panicles.

Cultural Remarks: Even with dead heading, blooms once per year.

Saccharum ravennae / RAVENNA GRASS (HARDY PAMPAS)

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium to coarse

Height: 8-9′

Spread: 3-4′

Panicle Length: 20″

Exposure: sun

Landscape Remarks: Robust plant.

Cultural Remarks: Clump forming. Divide every 3-4 years.

++ All Miscanthus have a very prominent white midrib.
* Denotes native Georgia plant throughout this table.

Symbolic Forms of Shrubs

 

 

Small Shrubs: 1 to 5 Feet

Contemporary homes seldom have any discernible foundation, consequently fewer tall-growing shrubs are needed. More of the plants selected for the base of this type of residence should come from these small shrubs. Small shrubs are also very useful in guarding against overcrowding and overgrowth. Many plants in this size range are also desirable for their mass foliage and/or flowering effects. In addition, they are valuable in small lots where ground space is at a premium.

The 1- to 2-foot size shrubs are particularly well suited for raised planters. The smaller, compact growing species are often used to stabilize design lines in formal gardens and for edging walks and plant beds.

Plants in the upper range of this class that reach 4 or 5 feet in height form an effective background for perennials and annuals.

Characteristics

Abelia x ‘Edward Goucher’ / EDWARD GOUCHER ABELIA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: irregular to oval

Normal Georgia Height: 4-5′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: semi-evergreen

Remarks: Lilac-pink flowers.

Abelia x grandiflora ‘Sherwoodii’ / SHERWOOD DWARF ABELIA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: irregular to spreading

Normal Georgia Height: 2-3′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: semi-evergreen

Remarks: White flowers

Aucuba japonica ‘Nana’ / DWARF AUCUBA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: oval

Normal Georgia Height: 3-4′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: shade, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Attractive foliage and berries.

Buxus microphylla var. japonica / JAPANESE BOXWOOD

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: fine

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 3-5′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Good color and easy to maintain.

Buxus microphylla var. koreana / KOREAN BOXWOOD

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: fine

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 2-3′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Very hardy, useful for low hedges.

Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’ / TRUE DWARF BOXWOOD

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: fine

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 2-4′

Growth Rate: very slow

Exposure: semi-shade, shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Will grow large with age.

Camellia hiemalis / DWARF SASANQUA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7b, 8

Texture: medium

Form: spreading compact

Normal Georgia Height: 3-5′

Growth Rate: very slow

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Foliage very similar to Sasanqua.

Cultivars

• Shi Shi Gashira (Beni-Kan-Tsubaki)

  • Flower: Red
  • Flower Form: Double-formal to rose form
  • Remarks: More compact.

• Showa-No-Sakae (Usubeni)

  • Flower: Soft pink
  • Flower Form: Semi-double to double rose form
  • Remarks: Suitable for espaliering

Cephalotaxus harringtonia var. drupacea / JAPANESE PLUM YEW

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium to fine

Form: spreading

Normal Georgia Height: 2-3′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Vase-shaped. Shade in Zone 8.

Cephlotaxus harringtonia ‘Fastigiata’ / UPRIGHT PLUM YEW

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium to fine

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 3-5′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: conifer

Remarks: Accent for restricted spaces. Shade in Zone 8.

Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Prostrata’ / SPREADING PLUM YEW

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium to fine

Form: spreading

Normal Georgia Height: 2-4″

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Prostrate in habit. Shade in Zone 8.

Chaenomeles japonica / JAPANESE FLOWERING QUINCE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: oval

Normal Georgia Height: 30-36″

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: sun

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Orange or scarlet red flowers in spring.

Chamaerops humilis / EUROPEAN FAN PALM

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8b

Texture: coarse

Form: upright-clumping

Normal Georgia Height: 2-4′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: evergreen palm

Remarks: Multi-trunk due to suckers.

Clethra alnifolia ‘Hummingbird’ / HUMMINGBIRD SUMMERSWEET*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: fine

Form: upright spreading

Normal Georgia Height: 2-3′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: White fragrant flowers in mid summer.

Cotoneaster dammeri / BEARBERRY COTONEASTER

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: fine

Form: spreading

Normal Georgia Height: 12-18″

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Some cultivars reach 4′ tall. Susceptible to mites.

Cotoneaster horizontalis / ROCKSPRAY COTONEASTER

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: fine

Form: spreading

Normal Georgia Height: 2-3′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun

Class: semi-evergreen

Remarks: Fish-bone branching pattern. Susceptible to mites.

Daphne odora / WINTER DAPHNE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: fine to medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 3-4′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Flowers in winter. Temperamental plant.

Deutzia gracilis / SLENDER DEUTZIA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium to fine

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 3-4′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Very hardy with pale green foliage.

Fothergilla gardenii ‘Mt. Airy’ / MT. AIRY FOTHERGILLA*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 4-5′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Abundant white spring flowers, great fall color.

Gardenia augusta ‘Radicans’ / CREEPING GARDENIA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7b, 8

Texture: fine

Form: spreading

Normal Georgia Height: 18-24″

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Fragrant white flowers.

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ / ANNABELLE HYDRANGEA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: coarse

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 3-5′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: semi-shade, shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Large heads of white flowers in early summer.

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Pia’ / PIA FRENCH HYDRANGEA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 2-3′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: A true dwarf with heavy flowering.

Ilex vomitoria ‘Nana’ / DWARF YAUPON HOLLY*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: fine

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 3-5′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Hardy tough shrub. New growth green.

Ilex vomitoria ‘Schillings’ / SCHILLINGS DWARF YAUPON*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: fine

Form: rounded to spreading

Normal Georgia Height: 3-4′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: New growth is red.

Ilex vomitoria Bordeaux™ / BORDEAUX DWARF YAUPON*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: fine

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 3-4′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: New growth on branch tips is red.

Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’ / HENRY’S GARNET SWEETSPIRE*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 3-4′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun

Class: semi-evergreen

Remarks: Great fall color, tolerates moist sites.

Jasminum floridum / SHOWY JASMINE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: fine

Form: weeping

Normal Georgia Height: 3-5′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: sun

Class: semi-evergreen

Remarks: Yellow flowers in spring.

Jasminum nudiflorum / WINTER JASMINE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: weeping

Normal Georgia Height: 3-4′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Yellow flowers late winter. Tenacious shrub.

Juniperus species / SPREADING JUNIPERS

SEE ABOVE

Leucothoe axillaris / COASTAL LEUCOTHOE*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium to coarse

Form: weeping to irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 3-4′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: semi-shade, shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Good drainage on moist locations required.

Leucothoe fontanesiana / DROOPING LEUCOTHOE*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium to coarse

Form: weeping to irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 3-4′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: semi-shade, shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Naturalistic or small gardens with good drainage on moist sites.

Mahonia fortunei / CHINESE MAHONIA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: medium

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 3-5′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: semi-shade, shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Graceful evergreen in well drained sites.

Nandina domestica ‘Firepower’ / FIREPOWER DWARF NANDINA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine to medium

Form: fine to medium

Normal Georgia Height: 1-2′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Red fall color. Mass plantings.

Nandina domestica ‘Harbour Dwarf’ / HARBOUR DWARF NANDINA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: spreading

Normal Georgia Height: 2-3′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Spreads by rhizomes.

Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Rotundifolius’ / LITTLE LEAF TEA OLIVE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: fine

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 4-5′

Growth Rate: very slow

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Specimen for restricted spaces.

Pinus mugo var. mugo / MUGO PINE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: fine

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 3-5′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: sun

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Use grafted plants only for dwarf form.

Pittosporum tobira ‘Wheeler’s Dwarf’ / WHEELER DWARF PITTOSPORUM

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 2-3′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Mass plantings or low borders.

Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’ / OTTO LUYKEN LAUREL

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 3-4′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Mass plantings.

Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’ / SCHIP LAUREL

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 4-5′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Naturalistic or mass.

Punica granatum var. nana / DWARF POMEGRANATE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7b, 8

Texture: fine

Form: upright-irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 3-4′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: sun

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Red-orange flowers and fruits.

Rhaphiolepis species / INDIAN HAWTHORNS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7b, 8

Texture: medium

Form: spreading to rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 2-5′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: sun

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Glossy foliage, white or pink flowers. Questionable hardiness in Zone 7.

Cultivars

• ‘Clara’

  • Flower: White
  • Height: 3-4′

• ‘Eleanor Taber’

  • Flower: Pink

• ‘Georgia Charm’

  • Flower: White
  • Height: 3-4′

• ‘Georgia Petite’

  • Flower: Light pink
  • Height: 2-3′

• ‘Olivia’

  • Flower: White
  • Height: 4-5′

• ‘Snow White’

  • Flower: White
  • Height: 2-3′

Rhododendron species / GLEN DALE HYBRID AZALEAS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: upright-spreading

Normal Georgia Height: 3-5′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Mass flowering effects.

Cultivars

• Cultivars include several hundred that offer great range in color and blooming season.

Rhododendron species / GUMPO AZALEAS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: fine

Form: spreading

Normal Georgia Height: 10-12″

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Late season, large, white or pink flowers.

Rhododendron species / KURUME AZALEAS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 3-5′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Mass flowering effects.

Cultivars

• ‘Christmas Cheer’

  • Flower: Brilliant red

• ‘Coral Bells’

  • Flower: Shell pink

• ‘Flame’

  • Flower: Orange red

• ‘Hershey Red’

  • Flower: Bright red

• ‘Hexe’

  • Flower: Red

• ‘Hino Crimson’

  • Flower: Red

• ‘Hinodegiri’

  • Flower: Vivid Red

• ‘Mothers Day’

  • Flower: Red

• ‘Pink Pearl’

  • Flower: Salmon rose

• ‘Salmon Beauty’

  • Flower: Salmon pink

Rhododendron species / GIRARD HYBRID AZALEAS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: rounded to spreading

Normal Georgia Height: 3-5′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Cold hardy and striking flower color.

Rosa (Floribunda) / FLORIBUNDA ROSE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 2-4′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: sun

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Mass flowering effects.

Rosmarinus officinalis / ROSEMARY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 3-4′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: sun

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Grayish foliage. Requires well drained soils.

Ruscus aculeatus / BUTCHER’S BROOM

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 2-3′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: sun

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Specimen accent in low border.

Santolina species / LAVENDER COTTON

SEE ABOVE

Spiraea thunbergii / THUNBERG SPIREA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 3-4′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Masses, borders.

* Denotes native Georgia plant.

Medium Shrubs: 5 to 8 Feet

Shrubs in this size range are most useful for hedges, screening and backgrounds, for large scale foundation plantings and large mass plantings. Some species have enough good qualities to serve as specimen plants.

A number of the better flowering and berry-producing shrubs fall within this medium size range. When planted in groups, some these flowering shrubs are particularly useful for seasonal highlights.

Many plants are grown for foliage rather than for flowers. Variations in foliage color range from glossy green to light gray. Be mindful that plants having variegated leaves are somewhat difficult to harmonize with other plants.

Characteristics

Abelia x grandiflora / GLOSSY ABELIA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine to medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 5-6′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Hedge plant.

Aucuba japonica / JAPANESE AUCUBA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 6-8′

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Exposure: semi-shade, shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Green and variegated foliage.

Berberis julianae / WINTERGREEN BARBERRY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: oval

Normal Georgia Height: 5-6′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: sun

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Rich green foliage, thorns.

Buddleia davidii / BUTTERFLY BUSH

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine to medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 6-8′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Fragrant summer flowers attract butterflies.

Buxus sempervirens / COMMON BOXWOOD

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: fine to medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 5-8′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Useful in formal paintings.

Callistemon citrinus / CRIMSON BOTTLEBRUSH

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8b

Texture: fine

Form: irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 6-8′

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Exposure: sun

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Flowers very showy.

Calycanthus floridus / SWEET SHRUB*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 5-6′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Fragrant flowers.

Chaenomeles speciosa / FLOWERING QUINCE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: upright rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 5-8′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: White, pink to red flowers.

Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ / RUBY SPICE SUMMERSWEET

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 4-8′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Pink fragrant flowers, moist soils.

Cycas revoluta / SAGO PALM

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: fine

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 4-6′

Growth Rate: very slow

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: evergreen cycad

Remarks: Single or multi-trunk specimens.

Fatsia japonica / JAPANESE FATSIA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: coarse

Form: irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 4-8′

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Exposure: semi-shade, shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Specimen. Zone 7 with protection.

Forsythia x intermedia / BORDER FORSYTHIA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 5-8′

Growth Rate: fast

Exposure: sun

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Yellow spring flowers.

Gardenia jasminoides / CAPE JASMINE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7b, 8

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 4-6′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Fragrant white flowers.

Hydrangea macrophylla / FRENCH HYDRANGEA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 4-6′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Red, pink, blue and white flowering types.

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’ / PEE GEE HYDRANGEA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: coarse

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 8-15′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Flowers open white, turn pink, then bronze.

Ilex cornuta ‘Dwarf Burford’ / DWARF BURFORD HOLLY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium to coarse

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 5-8′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Foundations. Glossy foliage.

Ilex crenata ‘Hetzii’ / HETZ HOLLY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 6-8′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Dark green foliage.

Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’ / SKY PENCIL HOLLY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 6-8′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Narrow and strongly upright.

Ilex glabra ‘Nigra’ / NIGRA INKBERRY*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 5-6′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Borders, naturalistic areas and wet sites.

Juniperus chinensis ‘Pfitzeriana’ / PFITZER JUNIPER

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: spreading

Normal Georgia Height: 5-6′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Mass planting sunny slopes.

Kalmia latifolia / MOUNTAIN LAUREL*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 5-8′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Naturalistic gardens.

Lagerstroemia x ‘Tonto’ / TONTO CRAPEMYRTLE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 6-10′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Red flowering specimen or border shrub.

Lagerstroemia indica ‘Victor’ / VICTOR CRAPEMYRTLE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 4-6′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Compact form with dark red flowers in July.

Lonicera nitida / BOX LEAF HONEYSUCKLE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: fine to medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 5-6′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Attractive foliage.

Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum ‘Ruby’ / RUBY FRINGE FLOWER

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: fine

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 6-8′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Bright pink and spring bloom. New leaves ruby red.

Myrica cerifera ‘Fairfax’ / FAIRFAX WAXMYRTLE*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 6-8′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Compact form with good foliage.

Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Gulftide’ / GULFTIDE TEA-OLIVE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: fine

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 6-8′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Specimen or hedge.

Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Variegatus’ / VARIEGATED FALSE HOLLY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: fine

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 6-8′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Leaf margins creamy white.

Philadelphus x ‘Natchez’ / NATCHEZ MOCKORANGE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 6-8′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Large white flowers.

Pieris japonica / JAPANESE PIERIS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: fine

Form: irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 5-6′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Naturalistic. Sun possible in mountains.

Pyracantha koidzumii ‘Low-Dense’ / LOW-DENSE PYRACANTHA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: fine

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 6-8′

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Exposure: sun

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Berries hidden by foliage.

Rhaphiolepis umbellata / YEDDO HAWTHORN

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7b, 8

Texture: medium to coarse

Form: upright to rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 6-8′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Nice texture and dark green foliage with spring flowers.

Rhododendron arborescens / SWEET AZALEA*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: upright to irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 5-8′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Fragrant white to pink flowers.

Rhododendron austrinum / FLORIDA AZALEA*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium

Form: upright to irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 6-8′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Fragrant yellow cream to orange flowers.

Rhododendron calendulaceum / FLAME AZALEA*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: upright to rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 5-8′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Flowers yellow to orange and scarlet.

Rhododendron simsii / SOUTHERN INDIAN AZALEA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: medium

Form: rounded to irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 5-8′

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Mass plantings, borders.

Cultivars

• ‘Elegans’

  • Flower: Pink

• ‘Fielders White’

  • Flower: White

• ‘Fisher Pink’

  • Flower: Light pink

• ‘Formosa’

  • Flower: Purple

• ‘George Lindsey Tabor’

  • Flower: Light pink effect

• ‘G. G. Gerbing’

  • Flower: White

• ‘Iveryana’

  • Flower: White to rose

• ‘Judge Solomon’

  • Flower: Pink

• ‘Lawsal’

  • Flower: Salmon pink

• ‘President Clay’

  • Flower: Red

• ‘Pride of Mobile’

  • Flower: Deep rose pink

• ‘Southern Charm’

  • Flower: Pink

Spiraea x vanhouttei / VANHOUTTE SPIREA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 5-8′

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Exposure: sun

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Arching branches of mass white flowers.

Trachycarpus fortunei / CHINESE or FORTUNES WINDMILL PALM

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7b, 8

Texture: coarse

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 6-8′

Growth Rate: very slow

Exposure: sun

Class: evergreen palm

Remarks: Specimen. Slender trunk with fibrous cover.

Viburnum x burkwoodi / BURKWOOD VIBURNUM

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: coarse

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 6-8′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Fragrant white spring flowers.

Viburnum suspensum / SANDANKWA VIBURNUM

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: medium to coarse

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 5-8′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Mass plantings. Borders.

Weigela florida / WEIGELA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 5-8′

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Exposure: sun

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Borders for spring flowers.

Yucca gloriosa / MOUND-LILY YUCCA*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 6-8′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: sun

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Pale green spine tipped foliage.

* Denotes native Georgia plant.

Large Shrubs: 8 Feet and Up

There are many excellent plants in the large shrub class which are particularly useful as heavy screening and hedging or as specimens because of their outstanding foliage, flower or fruit. Plants in this category have limited use as foundation plants because of their ultimate size.

Because of the ultimate size of several plants in this group, they are also listed in the “small trees” section that follows. Many times the actual use or pruning of a landscape plant determines whether it is classified as a large shrub or a small tree.

These plant adapt well for use in parks, public grounds and other large-scale landscape developments, but use them with caution in the restricted spaces of small landscapes.

Characteristics

Acca sellowiana (Feijoa sellowiana) / PINEAPPLE GUAVA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 8-10′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Grayish foliage. Hedges and borders.

Aesculus parviflora / BOTTLEBRUSH BUCKEYE*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 8-12′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Specimen, naturalistic settings.

Agarista populifolia* / FLORIDA LEUCOTHOE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 8-10′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: semi-shade, shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Naturalistic settings.

Camellia japonica / JAPANESE CAMELLIA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium to coarse

Form: rounded to oval

Normal Georgia Height: 8-15′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Specimen.

Cultivars that produce cold hardy flower buds

• ‘Adolphe Audusson Var.’

  • Flower Color: Variegated

• ‘Are-jishi’

  • Flower Color: Red

• ‘Bernice Boddy’

  • Flower Color: Pink

• ‘Daikagura’

  • Flower Color: Red

• ‘Daikagura Var.’

  • Flower Color: Variegated

• ‘Donckelari’

  • Flower Color: Variegated

• ‘Dr. Tinsley’

  • Flower Color: Pink

• ‘Firebrand’

  • Flower Color: Red

• ‘Flame’

  • Flower Color: Red

• ‘Gov. Mouton’

  • Flower Color: Red

• ‘Gulio Nuccio’

  • Flower Color: Red

• ‘Gulio Nuccio Var.’

  • Flower Color: Variegated

• ‘High Hat’

  • Flower Color: Pink

• ‘Kumasaka’

  • Flower Color: Pink

• ‘Lady Clare’

  • Flower Color: Pink

• ‘Magnoliaeflora’

  • Flower Color: Pink

• ‘Rev. John G. Drayton’

  • Flower Color: Pink

• ‘Tricolor’

  • Flower Color: Variegated

• ‘Ville de Nantes’

  • Flower Color: Variegated

• ‘White Daikagura’

  • Flower Color: White

• ‘White Empress’

  • Flower Color: White

Camellia sasanqua / SASANQUA CAMELLIA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium

Form: irregular to upright

Normal Georgia Height: 8-10′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Good foliage and flowers. Hedges, borders.

Cultivars

• ‘Bettie Patricia’

  • Flower Color: Light pink
  • Flower Form: Rose form, double
  • Plant Form: Upright to spreading

• ‘Bonanza’

  • Flower Color: Deep red
  • Flower Form: Semi-peony
  • Plant Form: Compact form

• ‘Cleopatra’

  • Flower Color: Rose pink
  • Flower Form: Semi-double
  • Plant Form: Compact to spreading

• ‘Cotton Candy’

  • Flower Color: Pink
  • Flower Form: Semi-double, large
  • Plant Form: Loose, upright to spreading

• ‘Jean May’

  • Flower Color: Shell pink
  • Flower Form: Semi-double to double, large
  • Plant Form: Upright to spreading

• ‘Mine-No-Yuki’

  • Flower Color: White
  • Flower Form: Double, large
  • Plant Form: Irregular to spreading

• ‘Pink Snow’

  • Flower Color: Light pink
  • Flower Form: Semi-double, large
  • Plant Form: Irregular young, Compact older upright

• ‘Setsugekka’

  • Flower Color: White
  • Flower Form: Semi-double, large ruffled petals
  • Plant Form: Upright

• ‘Sparkling Burgundy’

  • Flower Color: Ruby rose
  • Flower Form: Peony form, large
  • Plant Form: Irregular to spreading

• ‘Yuletide’

  • Flower Color: Red
  • Flower Form: Single
  • Plant Form: Upright

Camellia vernalis / VERNAL CAMELLIA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 8-10′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: ‘Dawn’ blooms September-March.

Chimonanthus praecox / WINTERSWEET

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 10-15′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Fragrant January flowers.

Hamamelis x intermedia / HYBRID WITCH HAZEL

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: coarse

Form: upright spreading

Normal Georgia Height: 12-15′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Red to yellow, winter to spring flowering.

Hamamelis virginiana / COMMON WITCH HAZEL*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 12-15′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Naturalistic sites.

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Tardiva’ / TARDIVA HYDRANGEA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 8-15′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Showy white flowers in late summer.

Hydrangea quercifolia / OAKLEAF HYDRANGEA*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 8-10′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Naturalistic. Large white flowers, wine red fall color.

Ilex x ‘Mary Nell’ / MARY NELL HOLLY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium

Form: upright pyramid

Normal Georgia Height: 10-15′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: sun, semi-shade broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Glossy foliage with bright red fruits.

Ilex x ‘Emily Bruner’ / EMILY BRUNER HOLLY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium

Form: pyramidal

Normal Georgia Height: 12-15′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Dark foliage with large red berries.

Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ / NELLIE R. STEVENS HOLLY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 10-20′

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Dark foliage with large red berries.

Ilex x attenuata ‘Fosteri’ / FOSTER’S HOLLY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: upright pyramid

Normal Georgia Height: 10-15′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Specimen or hedges with red berries.

Ilex cassine / DAHOON HOLLY*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 10-15′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Hedges, borders.

Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii’ / BURFORD HOLLY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: coarse

Form: oval

Normal Georgia Height: 8-12′

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Specimen or hedges with heavy red fruit.

Ilex cornuta ‘Anicet Delcambre’ / NEEDLE POINT HOLLY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 8-15′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Excellent for screens and hedges.

Ilex latifolia / LUSTERLEAF HOLLY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: coarse

Form: upright pyramidal

Normal Georgia Height: 10-20′

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Specimen or espalier with bold foliage.

Ilex myrtifolia / MYRTLE HOLLY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: fine

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 10-12′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Naturalistic. Berries red, orange or yellow.

Ilex vomitoria / YAUPON HOLLY*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: fine

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 10-15′

Growth Rate: fast

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Hedges, borders. Clipped effects.

Illicium parviflorum / SMALL ANISE-TREE*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: coarse

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 8-12′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Light green fragrant foliage.

Illicium floridanum / FLORIDA ANISE*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: coarse

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 8-10′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Naturalistic.

Juniperus chinensis ‘Torulosa’ / HOLLYWOOD JUNIPER

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: upright irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 10-15′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Specimen.

Juniperus chinensis ‘Robusta Green’ / ROBUSTA GREEN JUNIPER

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: upright irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 10-15′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: sun

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Specimen.

Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum / PINK CHINESE FRINGE FLOWER

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium

Form: irregular, rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 8-12′

Growth Rate: fast

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Bright pink spring flowers.

Michelia figo / BANANA SHRUB

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: fine to medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 10-12′

Growth Rate: slow

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Fragrant flowers.

Myrica cerifera / SOUTHERN WAXMYRTLE*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium

Form: upright rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 15-20′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Borders, hedges and screens.

Nerium oleander/ OLEANDER

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: medium

Form: oval

Normal Georgia Height: 8-12′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Red, white and pink summer flowers. Poisonous plant.

Osmanthus americanus / DEVILWOOD OSMANTHUS*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 10-15′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Borders, naturalistic sites.

Osmanthus x fortunei / FORTUNE’S OSMANTHUS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 10-15′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Tough border or specimen plant.

Osmanthus fragrans / SWEET OSMANTHUS or TEA OLIVE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: medium

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 10-15′

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Fragrant, specimen.

Osmanthus heterophyllus / HOLLY OSMANTHUS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 8-10′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Foundations, hedges, borders.

Pittosporum tobira / TOBIRA PITTOSPORUM

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8b

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 8-12′

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Glossy, green foliage.

Podocarpus macrophyllus / SOUTHERN YEW, CHINESE PODOCARPUS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: medium

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 8-15′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Foundations, hedges or borders.

Podocarpus macrophyllus ‘Maki’ / CHINESE PODOCARPUS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8b

Texture: medium

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 8-15′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Smaller leaves.

Punica granatum / POMEGRANATE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: fine to medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 10-15′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Specimen. Orange flowers.

Pyracantha koidzumii / FORMOSA FIRETHORN

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: medium

Form: irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 10-12′

Growth Rate: fast

Exposure: sun

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Large red berries.

Pyracantha x ‘Mohave’ / MOHAVE FIRETHORN

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 8-12′

Growth Rate: fast

Exposure: sun

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Masses of orange red fruit.

Rhododendron canescens / PIEDMONT AZALEA*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: upright to irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 8-12′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: White, pink to rose flowers.

Rhododendron prunifolium / PLUMLEAF AZALEA*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: upright to rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 8-10′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Flowers orange red in July and August.

Rhododendron maximum / ROSEBAY*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b

Texture: coarse

Form: irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 10-15′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: semi-shade, shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Specimen.

Rhododendron (Hybrids) / HYBRID RHODODENDRONS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: coarse

Form: oval to rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 8-10′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: semi-shade, shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Require excellent drainage. Use H-1 and H-2 hybrids.

Syringa vulgaris / COMMON LILAC

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7a

Texture: coarse

Form: irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 8-10′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Fragrant, lilac flowers.

Ternstroemia gymnanthera (Cleyera japonica) / JAPANASE CLEYERA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7b, 8

Texture: medium

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 8-15′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Glossy foliage.

Viburnum awabuki / AWABUKI VIBURNUM

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: coarse

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 8-15′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Lustrous dark green foliage.

Viburnum odoratissimum / SWEET VIBURNUM

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: coarse

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 10-15′

Growth Rate: fast

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Borders, hedges.

Viburnum opulus ‘Roseum’ / EUROPEAN SNOWBALL VIBURNUM

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: coarse

Form: irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 8-10′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Borders. “Snowball” flower clusters.

Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum / DOUBLEFILE VIBURNUM

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Normal Georgia Height: 8-15′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Abundant snow white spring blooms.

Viburnum x rhytidophyllum / LEATHERLEAF VIBURNUM

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: coarse

Form: irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 8-10′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Dark green foliage. Borders.

Viburnum tinus / LAURUSTINUS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: medium

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 8-10′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Borders, screening.

Viburnum trilobum / AMERICAN CRANBERRY BUSH VIBURNUM

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: coarse

Form: irregular

Normal Georgia Height: 8-12′

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Red fruit in fall.

Yucca aloifolia / SPANISH DAGGER*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: upright

Normal Georgia Height: 8-12′

Growth Rate: medium

Exposure: sun, semi-shade

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Hardy. White flowers.

* Denotes native Georgia plant.

Symbolic Forms of Trees

 

 

Small Trees: 10 to 40 feet

Small trees are important plants in a landscape since, with a minimum of maintenance, they provide outstanding foliage, flowers and fruits for gardens and public areas. Trees with interesting branching habits are often used as accents in the landscape. Some small evergreen trees provide good year round foliage. Some deciduous trees in this group provide good fall color.

Small trees have a place in landscape plans for small lots and houses. They provide proper scale for small areas where often one tree would serve more adequately than several shrubs. Several trees in this size group are good for high backgrounds and screening, providing a taller barrier than shrubs.

Characteristics

Acer buergerianum / TRIDENT MAPLE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: oval

Height: 20-35′

Spread: 15-25′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Specimen or naturalistic sites. Tough tree for urban sites.

Acer palmatum / JAPANESE MAPLE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine to medium

Form: horizontal branching

Height: 15-20′

Spread: 10-15′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Specimens with red or green foliage.

Amelanchier arborea / SERVICEBERRY*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: oval

Height: 30-40′

Spread: 15-20′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Borders. White flowers in early spring.

Butia capitata / PINDO PALM

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: medium

Form: weeping

Height: 15-20′

Spread: 10-15′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: evergreen palm

Remarks: Specimen.

Carpinus caroliniana / AMERICAN HORNBEAM*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: irregular

Height: 20-30′

Spread: 15-20′

Growth Rate: slow

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Tough, urban tolerant tree. Wet site tolerant.

Cedrus deodara / DEODAR CEDAR

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium

Form: pyramidal

Height: 30-50′

Spread: 20-30′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Specimen, screening.

Cercis canadensis / EASTERN REDBUD*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: oval

Height: 20-30′

Spread: 18-20′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Spring flowering.

Cercis chinensis / CHINESE REDBUD

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: oval

Height: 15-20′

Spread: 10-12′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Small spring flowering tree.

Cercis reniformis ‘Oklahoma’ / OKLAHOMA REDBUD

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium

Form: spreading

Height: 15-20′

Spread: 15-20′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Glossy foliage with rosy red spring flowers.

Chionanthus retusus / CHINESE FRINGE TREE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: spreading

Height: 15-25′

Spread: 10-15′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Bright white spring flowers.

Chionanthus virginicus / WHITE FRINGE TREE*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: irregular

Height: 12-20′

Spread: 10-15′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: White spring flowers.

Cladrastis kentukea / AMERICAN YELLOWWOOD

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: coarse

Form: oval

Height: 25-30′

Spread: 10-12′

Growth Rate: slow

Class: deciduous

Remarks: White flowers and yellow fall color. Specimen.

Cornus florida / FLOWERING DOGWOOD*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: horizontal branching

Height: 15-25′

Spread: 15-20′

Growth Rate: slow

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Specimen or masses.

Cornus kousa / KOUSA DOGWOOD

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: horizontal branching

Height: 15-25′

Spread: 15-20′

Growth Rate: slow

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Specimen or small grove.

Crataegus phaenopyrum / WASHINGTON HAWTHORNE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: upright to rounded

Height: 25-30′

Spread: 15-20′

Growth: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Red berries in fall.

Eriobotrya japonica / LOQUAT

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: coarse

Form: rounded

Height: 10-20′

Spread: 10-15′

Growth medium to fast

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Dark green foliage with bold features.

Halesia tetraptera / SILVERBELL*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 8a

Texture: medium

Form: spreading

Height: 20-30′

Spread: 15-20′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: White flowers.

Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ / NELLIE R. STEVENS HOLLY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium to coarse

Form: upright

Height: 10-20′

Spread: 8-10′

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Specimen, screening.

Ilex x attenuata / HYBRID HOLLY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium to coarse

Form: upright pyramidal

Height: 10-40′

Spread: 6-15′

Growth: medium

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Specimen, screening. Red berries.

Cultivars

• ‘East Palatka’

  • Remarks: Leaves single spined.

• ‘Fosteri’

  • Remarks: Very pyramidal and dense.

• ‘Savannah’

  • Remarks: Light green foliage.

Ilex cassine / CASSINE HOLLY*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium

Form: pyramidal

Height: 10-20′

Spread: 8-10′

Growth: medium

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Screening.

Ilex opaca / AMERICAN HOLLY*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: pyramidal

Height: 20-50′

Spread: 15-30′

Growth: medium

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Dark green foliage. Specimen, screening.

Ilex opaca ‘Greenleaf’ / GREENLEAF HOLLY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: pyramidal upright

Height: 20-30′

Spread: 10-15′

Growth: medium

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Compact habit of growth.

Ilex vomitoria / YAUPON HOLLY*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: fine

Form: irregular

Height: 15-20′

Spread: 8-10′

Growth: fast

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Screening with bright red fruit.

Ilex vomitoria ‘Pendula’ / WEEPING YAUPON HOLLY*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: fine

Form: weeping

Height: 15-20′

Spread: 8-10′

Growth: medium to fast

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Distinctive weeping habit.

Juniperus virginiana / RED CEDAR*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: pyramidal

Height: 25-40′

Spread: 15-20′

Growth: slow

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Screen.

Koelreuteria bipinnata / CHINESE FLAMETREE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium

Form: upright

Height: 20-30′

Spread: 15-20′

Growth: fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Yellow flowers followed by pink pods.

Koelreuteria paniculata / GOLDENRAIN TREE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 8a

Texture: fine

Form: rounded

Height: 20-30′

Spread: 10-15′

Growth: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Yellow flowers in early summer.

Lagerstroemia indica / COMMON CRAPEMYRTLE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: upright

Height: 6-30′

Spread: 4-15′

Growth: medium to fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: White, pink, lavender or red flowers. Powdery mildew and aphids may become a problem.

Lagerstroemia indica x L. fauriei / HYBRID CRAPEMYRTLE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: upright

Height: 15-30′

Spread: 10-15′

Growth: fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: White, pink, lavender or red flowers. Hybrids have mildew resistance and bloom longer.

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ / LITTLE GEM SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium

Form: upright

Height: 15-20′

Spread: 8-10′

Growth: medium

Class: evergreen

Remarks: Dark green evergreen foliage on compact plant.

Magnolia soulangiana / JAPANESE MAGNOLIA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: rounded

Height: 20-30′

Spread: 15-20′

Growth: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Pink saucer-like blooms.

Magnolia stellata / STAR MAGNOLIA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: rounded

Height: 12-20′

Spread: 10-15′

Growth: slow to medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: White flowers.

Magnolia virginiana / SWEETBAY MAGNOLIA*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: coarse

Form: upright

Height: 15-20′

Spread: 10-20′

Growth: slow

Class: semi-evergreen

Remarks: White flowers in summer.

Malus x ‘Dolgo’ / DOLGO CRABAPPLE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Height: 15-20′

Spread: 10-15′

Growth: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: White flowers followed by red to purple fruits. Disease resistant.

Malus floribunda / JAPANESE CRABAPPLE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Height: 15-20′

Spread: 15-20′

Growth: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Pinkish-red flowers fading to white. Fruit yellow, red. Mostly disease resistant.

Malus ‘Callaway’ / CALLAWAY CRABAPPLE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Height: 15-20′

Spread: 15-20′

Growth: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Pink buds, white flowers. Large 1″ reddish fruit. Disease resistant.

Oxydendrum arboreum / SOURWOOD*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium to coarse

Form: upright

Height: 25-30′

Spread: 15-20′

Growth: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Red fall color.

Parkinsonia aculeata / JERUSALEM THORN

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8b

Texture: fine

Form: spreading

Height: 15-20′

Spread: 20-25′

Growth: rapid

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Yellow flowers in spring and summer.

Phoenix canariensis / CANARY DATE PALM

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8b

Texture: coarse

Form: upright

Height: 30-40′

Spread: 12-18′

Growth: medium

Class: evergreen palm

Remarks: Used as accent specimen.

Pinus virginiana / VIRGINIA PINE*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: pyramidal

Height: 20-40′

Spread: 15-20′

Growth: medium

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Good for screening.

Pistacia chinensis / CHINESE PISTACHE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: rounded

Height: 30-40′

Spread: 20-30′

Growth: fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Yellow to bright orange-red fall color. Hardy and heat tolerant

Prunus x ‘Okame’ / OKAME CHERRY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: upright

Height: 20-30′

Spread: 15-20′

Growth: fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Early spring rosy pink blooms.

Prunus caroliniana / CAROLINA CHERRYLAUREL*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium

Form: oval

Height: 20-30′

Spread: 15-20′

Growth: fast

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Susceptible to ice damage.

Prunus cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’ / PURPLELEAF PLUM

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: upright

Height: 20-30′

Spread: 15-20′

Growth: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Purplish foliage.

Prunus mume / JAPANESE APRICOT

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: irregular

Height: 15-20′

Spread: 10-15′

Growth: slow

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Blooms very early in spring.

Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’ / KWANZAN CHERRY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6, 7

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Height: 20-30′

Spread: 15-20′

Growth: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Deep pink double blooms.

Prunus subhirtella var. autumnalis / FALL BLOOMING CHERRY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: spreading

Height: 20-30′

Spread: 15-25′

Growth: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Specimen.

Prunus x yedoensis / YOSHINO CHERRY

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 8a

Texture: medium

Form: weeping

Height: 30-40′

Spread: 15-20′

Growth: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Specimen.

Quercus myrsinifolia / CHINESE EVERGREEN OAK

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium

Form: oval

Height: 30-40′

Spread: 20-30′

Growth: slow

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Screen, specimen or small street tree.

Salix babylonica / WEEPING WILLOW

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: weeping

Height: 30-40′

Spread: 25-35′

Growth: fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Specimen.

Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’ / CONTORTED WILLOW

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: weeping

Height: 20-30′

Spread: 10-15′

Growth: medium to fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Short-lived.

Sabal palmetto / CABBAGE PALMETTO

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: coarse

Form: upright

Height: 30-40′

Spread: 8-10′

Growth: medium

Class: evergreen palm

Remarks: Specimen, groups.

Vitex agnus-castus / CHASTETREE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: vase-shaped, spreading

Height: 10-15′

Spread: 10-15′

Growth: fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Blue flowers in mid summer. White and pink flower forms available.

* Denotes native Georgia plant.

Large Trees: 40 feet and Up

In the Deep South, the foliage of trees provides protection from the hot summer sun, making them a welcome addition to the landscape. They are the largest and the most permanent plant in the landscape. Therefore, large trees should be chosen with care.

Hardiness and disease and insect resistance are important considerations. Some of the trees commonly planted in Georgia should not be used because of undesirable characteristics.

Trees are important in parks and naturalistic developments, useful for screening and windbreaks, and provide shade and ornament for streets and highways. Many large trees may be used for specimens, displaying outstanding form, foliage or flowers. Another ornamental value of some large deciduous trees is fall color.

Characteristics

Acer rubrum ‘Franks Red’ / RED SUNSET RED MAPLE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Height: 45-50′

Spread: 35-40′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Shade tree with bright red fall color.

Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’ / OCTOBER GLORY RED MAPLE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: oval rounded

Height: 40-50′

Spread: 25-35′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Shade tree with excellent late red fall color.

Acer saccharum / SUGAR MAPLE*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: oval

Height: 50-60′

Spread: 25-40′

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Yellow to reddish fall color. Shade tree.

Acer saccharum ssp. floridanum / SOUTHERN SUGAR MAPLE*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: oval

Height: 40-50′

Spread: 25-35′

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Shade tolerant. Usually yellow fall color.

Acer saccharum ‘Legacy’ / LEGACY SUGAR MAPLE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: oval

Height: 40-50′

Spread: 25-35′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Drought resistant with dark green leathery leaves.

Betula nigra ‘BNMTF’ / DURA-HEAT RIVER BIRCH

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: oval

Height: 40-50′

Spread: 30-40′

Growth Rate: fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Specimen with good heat tolerance.

Betula nigra ‘Cully’ / HERITAGE RIVER BIRCH

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: oval

Height: 40-50′

Spread: 25-35′

Growth Rate: fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Specimen.

Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ / UPRIGHT EUROPEAN HORNBEAM

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: oval-vase

Height: 30-40′

Spread: 20-30′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Narrow when young, spreads with age.

Carya illinoinsesis / PECAN

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Height: 50-60′

Spread: 30-40′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Nuts and shade. Branches subject to breakage.

Cedrus atlantica / ATLAS CEDAR

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: fine to medium

Form: pyramidal

Height: 60-80′

Spread: 25-30′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Specimen tree.

Celtis laevigata / SUGAR HACKBERRY*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: upright to rounded

Height: 60-80′

Spread: 25-35′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Street and shade tree.

Cercidiphyllum japonicum / KATSURA TREE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: upright

Height: 40-60′

Spread: 30-40′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Shade tree, requires ample moisture.

Cinnamomum lanceolata / CAMPHORTREE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8b

Texture: medium

Form: oval

Height: 40-50′

Spread: 20-30′

Growth Rate: fast

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Screening. May self sow.

Cryptomeria japonica ‘Yoshino’ / JAPANESE CRYTOMERIA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: pyramidal

Height: 50-60′

Spread: 20-30′

Growth Rate: fast

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Specimen and screening.

Cupressocyparis leylandii / LEYLAND CYPRESS

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: pyramidal

Height: 50-60′

Spread: 20-30′

Growth Rate: fast

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Specimen and screening.

Fagus grandifolia / AMERICAN BEECH*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: rounded

Height: 60-80′

Spread: 35-45′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Shade tree.

Ginkgo biloba / GINKGO or MAIDEN HAIR TREE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: irregular

Height: 50-70′

Spread: 30-40′

Growth Rate: very slow

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Yellow fall color. Specimen. Select male trees.

Liquidambar styracifula SWEETGUM*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: oval

Height: 60-80′

Spread: 40-50′

Growth Rate: fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Yellow to orange to purple fall color. Specimen.

Liriodendron tulipifera / TULIPTREE or YELLOW POPLAR*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: pyramidal

Height: 80-100′

Spread: 30-40′

Growth Rate: fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Shade tree, needs adequate moisture.

Magnolia grandiflora / SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: horizontal branching pyramidal

Height: 60-80′

Spread: 40-50′

Growth Rate: slow to medium

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Specimen with large white flowers.

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’ / BRACKEN’S BROWN BEAUTY MAGNOLIA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: pyramidal

Height: 40-60′

Spread: 15-30′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Compact, dense pyramidal specimen.

Metasequoia glyptostroboides / DAWN REDWOOD

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: fine

Form: upright

Height: 80-100′

Spread: 25-30′

Growth Rate: fast

Class: deciduous conifer

Remarks: Specimen or screen, tolerant of wet sites.

Nyssa sylvatica / BLACK TUPELO*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: oval

Height: 40-50′

Spread: 25-30′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Naturalistic gardens.

Pinus elliottii / SLASH PINE*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: medium

Form: horizontal branching

Height: 80-100′

Spread: 15-20′

Growth Rate: fast

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Mass plantings.

Pinus palustris / LONGLEAF PINE*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 8

Texture: medium

Form: horizontal branching

Height: 80-100′

Spread: 20-25′

Growth Rate: fast

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Mass plantings.

Pinus strobus / WHITE PINE*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: pyramidal

Height: 50-80′

Spread: 20-40′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Specimen or screening tree.

Pinus taeda / LOBLOLLY PINE*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: horizontal branching

Height: 60-80′

Spread: 20-30′

Growth Rate: fast

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Mass plantings and screening.

Platanus occidentalis / SYCAMORE or PLANETREE*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: upright

Height: 80-100′

Spread: 40-50′

Growth Rate: fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Shade tree.

Platanus x acerifolia / LONDON PLANETREE

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: upright

Height: 70-100′

Spread: 50-60′

Growth Rate: fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Shade tree with urban tolerance.

Quercus alba / WHITE OAK*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium to coarse

Form: rounded

Height: 60-100′

Spread: 40-60′

Growth Rate: slow

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Shade tree, difficult to transplant.

Quercus coccinea / SCARLET OAK*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Height: 60-80′

Spread: 30-40′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Scarlet fall color. Shade.

Quercus falcata / SOUTHERN RED OAK*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: coarse

Form: rounded

Height: 70-80′

Spread: 30-60′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Sheds old leaves in early spring. Shade tree.

Quercus hemisphaerica / LAUREL OAK or DARLINGTON OAK*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Height: 60-80′

Spread: 40-60′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: semi-evergreen

Remarks: Drought tolerant street tree.

Quercus laurifolia / SWAMP LAUREL OAK*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Height: 60-80′

Spread: 30-40′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: semi-evergreen

Remarks: Shade. Sheds leaves earlier than Laurel Oak.

Quercus lyrata / OVERCUP OAK*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Height: 40-60′

Spread: 30-40′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Transplants well, adapts to poor sites. Strong oval form when young.

Quercus nigra / WATER OAK*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Height: 50-80′

Spread: 40-50′

Growth Rate: medium to fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Shade tree.

Quercus nuttallii / NUTTALL OAK

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: rounded

Height: 40-60′

Spread: 30-40′

Growth Rate: fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Shade tree with red fall color. Transplants well.

Quercus palustris / PIN OAK

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: medium

Form: pyramidal

Height: 50-60′

Spread: 25-40′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Shade or specimen tree.

Quercus phellos / WILLOW OAK*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: rounded

Height: 40-60′

Spread: 30-60′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Yellow fall color, shade tree.

Quercus shumardii / SHUMARD OAK*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: medium

Form: pyramidal to rounded

Height: 60-80′

Spread: 50-60′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Russet red fall color. Good street tree.

Quercus virginiana / LIVE OAK*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 7, 8

Texture: medium

Form: rounded, spreading

Height: 40-80′

Spread: 60-100′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: broad-leaved evergreen

Remarks: Shade or specimen tree.

Taxodium distichum / BALD CYPRESS*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: pyramidal

Height: 50-70′

Spread: 20-30′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Specimen with small bright green leaves.

Tsuga canadensis / CANADIAN HEMLOCK*

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: 6b, 7

Texture: fine to medium

Form: pyramidal

Height: 40-70′

Spread: 25-35′

Growth Rate: medium

Class: evergreen conifer

Remarks: Specimen, screening. Best in filtered shade in piedmont.

Ulmus parvifolia / TRUE CHINESE ELM or LACEBARK ELM

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine to medium

Form: vase shaped

Height: 40-60′

Spread: 30-40′

Growth Rate: fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Quick shade. Often confused with Siberian elm.

Ulmus parvifolia ‘Elmer I’ / ATHENA LACEBARK ELM

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: rounded

Height: 30-40′

Spread: 40-55′

Growth Rate: fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Specimen or shade for urban areas. Drought tolerant and pest free.

Ulmus parvifolia ‘Elmer II’ / ALLEE LACEBARK ELM

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine

Form: vase shaped

Height: 50-75′

Spread: 40-60′

Growth Rate: fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Specimen or shade for urban areas. Drought tolerant and pest free.

Zelkova serrata ‘Green Vase’ / GREEN VASE JAPANESE ZELKOVA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine to medium

Form: vase shaped

Height: 60-80′

Spread: 40-60′

Growth Rate: fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Shade or street tree with fast growth.

Zelkova serrata ‘Village Green’ / VILLAGE GREEN JAPANESE ZELKOVA

Georgia’s Hardy Zone: entire state

Texture: fine to medium

Form: vase shaped

Height: 40-60′

Spread: 30-40′

Growth Rate: fast

Class: deciduous

Remarks: Excellent street tree with rusty red fall color.

* Denotes a native Georgia plant.

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Appreciation is expressed to Thomas Williams, Jr., Head, Extension Landscape Department (retired), The University of Georgia, on whose work portions of this publication are based. Also to Gerald E. Smith, Extension Horticulturist (retired), University of Georgia, for helpful suggestions in the original revision. To Will Corley, Georgia Experiment Station (retired), for information pertaining to ornamental grasses, and to other individuals and organizations who contributed information. Appreciation also to the following for artwork: Gregg Coyle, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture, the Extension Art Department and Howard Ellis, former intern in Extension Landscape Architecture Department.

This publication was authored by James T. Midcap, UGA CAES Department of Horticulture, and Neal Weatherly, Jr., UGA School of Environmental Design (now the UGA College of Environment and Design), and was later revised by Matthew Chappell, formerly of the UGA CAES Department of Horticulture.