Shrubs of the Week: Rosa rugosa Plus

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{The images and writing for this bygl-alert is from Joe Cochran, the Curator of OSU’s Secrest Arboretum at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster, Ohio}

  What a difference a day makes!  I awoke Saturday morning, November 19, to cold, blowing flurries along Granny Creek in Knox County. It was a mere 14 hours prior that I was strolling through the arboretum in short sleeves marveling at the autumn splendors. On trying to decide on a Shrub of the Week, it was soon evident that it would need to be Shrubs of the Week. It was the middle of November and the colors were still so vibrant.

  We often consider Rosa rugosa when looking for a trouble-free rose offering pleasantly fragrant flowers in hues from rose-purple to white. Dark green, lustrous, wrinkled leaves make this an excellent plant for massing. But in the summer and fall, as the chlorophyll begins to break down, the leaves begin their transition to a pleasing soft yellow. The fruits (hips), ranging from orange to rusty red sit perched atop the plant attracting the attention of those passing by.

 

Rosa rugosa foliage

 

  Aesculus parviflora, Bottlebrush Buckeye is another favorite for that moist, full sun to partial shaded spot in the garden. Although slow to start, this plant will eventually fill a 10-15 foot area. Known for its 8-12 in. long flower panicles resembling a bottle brush, the fall foliage color is simply striking. Easy to spot from a hundred feet away, the bright yellow leaves demand attention.

 

bottlebrush buckeye fall foliage

 

  Oakleaf Hydrangeas, Hydrangea quercifolia, offer some of the most vibrant maroon tones in the fall. With a huge choice of cultivars ranging in size, color and form, this bold textured shrub has a home in any landscape. As the days shorten and the weather cools the spectacular transformation begins.

 

oakleaf hydrangea fall foliage

 

oakleaf hydrangea fall colors

 

  When it comes to fall color, my list could go on and on. I have included a few additional photos of worthy considerations.

  Viburnum dilatatum ‘henneke’ Cardinal Candy™

 

Viburnum Cardinal Candy foliage

 

Viburnum Cardinal Candy fall foliage

 

  Fothergilla gardenia

 

fothergilla in the fall

 

fothergilla fall foliage

 

  Photinia villosa f. maximowicziana

 

photinia fall features