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Ornamental Shrubs for New Mexico

The plants used most in landscaping are deciduous and evergreen shrubs. These multiple-stemmed plants range in height from a few inches to 25 feet or more. Some species are easily adapted, through selective pruning and training, to tree forms with single stems or trunks, but most are used in bush form. Some shrubs, such as pyracantha and euonymus, can be espaliered on walls and fences.

Major Uses of Shrubs

Foundation Plantings: Choosing and locating plants around the outside walls of a home are of paramount importance. The house is the chief feature of the landscape setting, so plantings near the foundation should harmonize with each other as well as complement the architectural design of the structure. For the most part, the plants should be easy to maintain, and the number of species should be limited to avoid striking contrasts of texture, form, and color, which may detract from the beauty of the home. Vines and ground cover plants are frequently used with shrubs to create the desired effect.

Screens and Backgrounds: Like trees and vines, shrubs are useful for screening undesirable views from within the property. Many shrubs maintain their branches and foliage from ground up and thus provide an effective screen. Frequently, taller shrubs, particularly evergreens, serve the dual purpose of providing a background for smaller shrubs, flower beds, and garden features and at the same time serving as a screen.

Privacy and Boundary Definition: Shrubs are used to define the boundary lines of the property and to enclose the private garden area. Such plantings may be clipped or free-growing hedges or possibly informal shrub borders, where walls or fences are not appropriate or desired. The outdoor living area is an important part of a landscape composition, and privacy is a highly desirable feature of this area.

Walk and Driveway Accent:  Shrubs are used to emphasize the entrance to walks and driveways leading to the home. Generally, only low-spreading and dwarf forms are used for this purpose because vision should not be obstructed. Knowledge of the ultimate size and spread of plants used is important for proper placement near drives and entrances. All too frequently, the beauty of shrubs is destroyed when severe pruning becomes necessary to prevent obstruction of the passageway.

Color and Specimen Plantings:  Shrubs provide color to a landscape composition through their flowers, fruits, stems, or foliage. Most deciduous shrubs contribute color through a profusion of bloom and range of flowering season. Others, such as pyracantha, barberry, and coralberry, provide color and interest by bearing attractive fruits or berries. The foliage of certain species—variegated euonymus, smoketree, or nandina, for example—contributes greatly to the color scheme of the garden. Certain shrubs are suitable for accent or specimen use. An accent or specimen plant is one which, because of its unique stem arrangement, attractive foliage, or particularly showy flowers, stands out from all other plantings in the garden. A plant grown for accent or specimen purposes must be used alone, so that it attracts the observer’s attention immediately.

In home landscaping, shrubs are also used to edge rose and flower beds, to establish natural barriers, to control foot traffic in the garden, and to grow in tubs and planter boxes for patios and terraces.

Shrubs that are available and suitable for southwestern conditions, and suggests landscape uses for each species are described in alphabetical order, by botanical name. The list is not inclusive, but it is representative of the many species and varieties that can be grown successfully in New Mexico. Most people should consult their local nurseryman in making their final choice of plants. He can provide valuable recommendations based on his experience and knowledge of the adaptability of plants to the community.

SHRUBS FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES

The following classification suggests several species and varieties for each special situation.

Shrubs for Shady Location
Berberis spp.
Buxus spp.
Euonymus spp.
Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii’
Ilex cornuta rotunda
Juniperus spp
Ligustrum spp.
Mahonia aquifolium
Pittosporum tobira
Viburnum spp.

Shrubs for Foundation Planting
Abelia grandiflora
Berberis spp.
Cotoneaster spp.
Euonymus spp.
Juniperus spp.
Mahonia aquifolium
Nandina domestica
Photinia spp.
Pittosporum tobira
Spiraea spp.
Taxis cisodata ‘Nana’
Thuja orientalis ‘Bonita’

Shrubs for Low-Growing Hedges
Berberis spp.
Buxus harlandii
Buxus microphylla japonica
Cotoneaster spp.
Euonymus japonicus ‘Microphyllus’
Ilex spp.
Juniperus sabina tamariscifolia
Potentilla fruiticosa
Prunus amygdalus ‘Nana’
Pyracantha lodensi

Shrubs for Tall Hedges
Buxus sempervirens
Cortaderia selloana
Euonymus japonicus
Juniperus chinensis ‘Hetzi’
Ligustrum spp.
Lonicera spp.
Pyracantha spp.
Prunus caroliniana
Syringa spp.
Thuja orientalis ‘Baker’

Shrubs for Background Planting
Buddleia alternifolia
Euonymus japonicus
Hibiscus syriacus
Lagerstroemia indica
Ligustrum spp.
Lonicera spp.
Philadelphus virginalis
Photinia arbutifolia
Prunus caroliniana
Syringa spp.

Shrubs with Attractive Foliage Color
Berberis mentororensis
Berberis thunbergii
Berberis thunbergii atropurpurea
Cornus alba ‘Siberica’
Cornus stolonifera
Cotinus coggygria
Elaeagnus spp.
Euonymus spp.
Nandina domestica
Spiraea prunifolia

Shrubs with Berries
Berberis spp.
Cornus alba ‘Siberica’
Cotoneaster spp.
Euonymus japonicus
Ligustrum spp.
Lonicera tatarica
Mahonia aquifolium
Nandina domestica
Pyracantha spp.
Symphoricarpus spp.

Shrubs for Accent or Specimen Use
Buddleia alternifoilia
Cornus alba ‘Siberica’
Cornus stolonifera
Cortaderia selloana
Cotinus coggygria
Cotoneaster apiculata
Deutzia gracilis
Elaeagnus pungens ‘Fruitland’
Leucophyllum frutescens
Raphiolepsis indica

SHRUB SPECIES AND THEIR USE

Abelia grandiflora.  Glossy Abelia.  This abelia is medium-sized, growing to about five feet in height and three to four feet in width at the base. The foliage is a rich, shiny green, persistent in warm areas but deciduous or partially so in the colder climates of the state. Attractive white to pinkish, bell-shaped flowers appear during the summer. Glossy abelia thrives in sunny, alkali-free locations but will tolerate some shade, especially in southern New Mexico. It is an excellent shrub for use in border, foundation, or mass plantings.

Abelia   ‘Edward Goucher’. Goucher Abelia. This abelia is similar to but smaller than glossy abelia. The pink tubular flowers are most abundant in June, but blooming continues until frost. While winter injury may occur, regrowth the following year will produce flowers. Landscape uses are similar to those of the glossy abelia.

Berberis spp.  Barberry.   Several species of Berberis, some deciduous and a few evergreen, are well adapted to New Mexico conditions. As a group, the barberries are sturdy plants that tolerate a wide range of soil and climatic conditions. Most are small shrubs, seldom exceeding three or four feet in height. They are easily size-controlled by annual corrective pruning.

    -B. mentorensis.  Mentor Barberry.  The mentor barberry is a hardy, evergreen, easily grown plant well adapted to the alkaline soils of the Southwest. It grows to a height of about four feet and has dark-green spiny leaves and small inconspicuous flowers. The species is useful for low, natural hedges and for foundation and border plantings.

   -B. thunbergii.  Japanese Barberry.  The Japanese barberry is probably the best known and most widely planted of the barberries. It is deciduous but very cold-hardy. The leaves, an attractive green during the growing season, turn to various shades of orange and red before falling from the plant. In most years, a heavy crop of bright red, oval-shaped berries is formed, and these usually persist through most of the winter. The plant is excellent for use in all areas of New Mexico as a low hedge or as foundation or traffic-control plantings. Red-leafed Japanese barberry, -

    -B. thunbergii atropurpurea, is similar to the original except that the leaves are an attractive reddish-purple during the growing season. Best foliage color develops when this variety is planted in a sunny location.

    -B. triacanthophora.  Threespine Barberry.   A hardy, mostly evergreen, upright plant with long, slender spines at the nodes of branches. The flowers are white tinged with red and are followed by blue-black, rather conspicuous berries. This species grows equally well in sun or partial shade, but it develops the best foliage color in shady locations. Threespine barberry is suitable for barrier plantings where traffic control is desired. It is also useful for low hedges and foundation and mass plantings.

    -B. verruculosa. Warty Barberry.  This species is small and compact, with leaves that are a leathery, lustrous green on the upper surface and whitish underneath. The flowers, produced in May, are a golden yellow and are followed by violet-black berries in the fall. Warty barberry grows well in sun or shade and is useful for border, hedge, and foreground plantings.

Buddleia alternifolla.  Fountain Butterfly-Bush.   The fountain buddleia is an upright shrub with wide-spreading, arching branches. It grows rapidly and has gray-green, willow-like foliage and small lilac-purple flowers borne on long spikes during mid-spring. This species is the most winter hardy of the Buddleias. The plant grows best in full sun, but it will tolerate partial shade. It is a fine choice for use in shrub border or as a specimen plant.

Buxus spp.  Boxwood   The boxwoods are evergreen, semi-hardy plants long used for low hedges and background and border plantings. Most species are slow-growing and develop best in shade or partial shade. The foliage frequently is damaged by sunscald in full sun in southern New Mexico.

    -B. harlandii.  Harland's Boxwood.   This species, sometimes called Korean boxwood in the nursery trade, is a compact form with dark green leaves. It is a smaller growing sort and is useful for edging, planter boxes, and clipped hedges. It appears to be somewhat more cold-tolerant than other species of this group.

    -B. microphylla japonica.  Japanese Boxwood.   The Japanese little-leaf boxwood is a small, very compact shrub widely used as a clipped hedge along garden paths and flower borders. While well adapted to warm areas and alkaline soils, it does not tolerate cold winter temperatures in exposed areas.

    -B. sempervirens.  Common Box.   The common box, one of the largest species of the boxwoods, is an upright, wide-spreading plant that often reaches 10 to 15 feet in height. The leaves are an attractive dark shiny-green above and pale green beneath. This species tolerates clipping and shearing well and is an excellent foliage plant frequently used for screening, hedges, and background plantings. Several varieties with variable leaf color, size, form, and density of foliage are available.

Chaenomeles japonica.  Japanese Quince.   This deciduous shrub is one of the earliest plants to bloom in the spring. Attractive apple-like flowers appear along the branches before the leaves develop. Many varieties are available with flower colors ranging from white, pink, coral, and red. Branches cut in early winter and placed in water in a warm room will bloom within a few days. The shrub is an open, broad-spreading plant easily grown in a wide variety of soil and climatic conditions. The leaves frequently become yellowish and chlorotic in the alkaline soils of New Mexico, but good green foliage color can be maintained by the use of iron sulfate. Quince is useful in foundation plantings and for mass effect when early spring color is desired.

Cornus alba ‘Siberica’.  Siberian Dogwood.   Most dogwoods are not well adapted to the hot, dry climate and alkaline soils of the Southwest. The Siberian dogwood was the best of those tested in the experimental plots at Las Cruces.  It is hardy, upright in form, with a moderate rate of growth to about 10 feet. Small, yellowish-white flowers, borne in clusters, appear in late spring and are followed by whitish-blue berries in the fall. The twigs and small branches turn an attractive bright coral-red during cold weather. This is a useful shrub for borders, mass effect, and for specimen planting.

    Cornus stolonifera.  Red Osier Dogwood.   This species is similar in many respects to the Siberian dogwood in flower and twig color. It is not as vigorous and appears to be quite sensitive to salt, since marginal burning of the leaves occurs during the summer in southern New Mexico. This hardy dogwood is better adapted to the higher altitudes and northern areas of the state.

Cortaderia selloana.  Pampas Grass.   Strictly speaking, this plant is not a shrub but belongs among the grasses. It is used frequently in hedge rows and as a specimen plant. Pampas grass is valued for its attractive, feathery, plume-like, cream or pink panicles produced in the early fall. The long, narrow leaves are very rough on the margins and so sharp that they must be handled with care to avoid cuts on the hands and fingers. The top will winter-kill but the roots are hardy, and regrowth will occur. Pampas grass is best managed by a severe cutting back to a foot or so from the crown each year. Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is valued for its feathery, plume-like inflorescence.

Cotinus coggygria.  Smoketree.   The smoketree is a deciduous large shrub or small tree, growing to a height of 15 feet or more. After flowering, certain floral parts form large masses of thread-like structures, smoky-gray in color, which give the plant its name. It is a hardy, drought-resistant plant, well adapted to southwestern conditions, and useful for border, background, or specimen planting. Varieties with attractive reddish-purple leaves are also available.

Cotoneaster spp.  Cotoneaster.    The cotoneasters are among the finest shrubs for landscaping purposes. There are a great many species, some deciduous and some evergreen, varying in size and form from prostrate, low-spreading types to large, tall, upright shrubs. Some bear attractive white or pinkish flowers in clusters along the branches, but foliage color and berry production are the main features of this group of plants. All are thrifty growers, easily maintained and subject to very few pests. Of the many species available the following are representative.

    -C  apiculata.  Cranberry Cotoneaster.   This is a deciduous species that grows about three feet high and spreads to five feet or more. The pinkish-white flowers appear in the spring and are followed by clusters of large, bright-red berries in the fall. Small, glossy, bright-green leaves add interest to this spe­cies. It is excellent for use in foundation plantings, as a hedge, or for specimen purposes.

    -C  dammeri   ‘Low-Fast’.  Low-Fast Cotoneaster.   Vigorous, low-growing but very fast-spreading, this variety produces showy white flowers and red berries. It will readily root from prostrate branches and spreads two feet or more in a year. The Low-Fast cotoneaster is well suited for a low hedge and for ground cover plantings. 'Low-Fast’ cotoneaster (C. dammeri) is a low-growing, fast-spreading shrub that produces attractive red berries.

    -C  decora.   Necklace Cotoneaster.    This low, spreading cotoneaster is evergreen in most years. It is well suited for use in rock gardens, foreground plantings, and as a ground cover if trained properly as a small plant. Necklace cotoneaster bears small white flowers and bright red berries in the fall.

    -C  divaricata.  Spreading Cotoneaster.   This cotoneaster is tall with arching, spreading branches that grow about six feet high. Small pink flowers appear in May and are followed by red berries in September and October. It grows equally well in full sun or partial shade. This species is useful for shrub borders or low screen plantings.

    -C.   glaucophylla.   Brightbead Cotoneaster.    Brightbead cotoneaster is a compact, bushy species that grows about five feet high but is easily maintained at any desired height. The foliage is gray-green, oval in shape, and persistent in the warmer climates. Pinkish-white flowers are borne in early summer and are followed by small red berries in the fall. This versatile species can be used for hedges, border plantings, or as a ground cover.

    -C.   horizontales.   Rock Cotoneaster.    This is a low-growing species with horizontal spreading branches that seldom exceed two feet in height. It is deciduous but hardy to low winter temperatures. Small pinkish-white flowers are followed by bright red berries. It is a fine species for use as a ground cover or in rock gardens. The rock cotoneaster (C horizontalis) is a fine low-growing plant valued for its bright green foliage.

    -C.  likiang.   Likiang Cotoneaster.   Another low-growing but very compact cotoneaster. Medium-sized, gray-green leaves are persistent during most winters. This species is excellent for foundations, border plantings, and ground cover use.

    -C.   pannosa.   Silverleaf Cotoneaster.    The silverleaf is one of the tallest-growing of the cotoneaster species, often reaching six to eight feet or more in height. The oval-shaped leaves are gray-green above, silvery-white beneath, and deciduous in most winters. Small white flowers are produced in June, with dull red berries in the fall. This spe­cies is at its best when grown in full sun for plantings. Silverleaf Cotoneaster (C’. pannosa), an excellent shrub for foundation planting.

    -C.   parneyi.   Red Clusterberry Cotoneaster.    This is one of the finest of the cotoneasters for southern New Mexico. It is evergreen and has large bright green leaves during the winter. The leaves turn yellow and fall from the plant as the newly formed foliage appears in the spring. Clusters of rather large red berries persist most of the winter. It grows six or eight feet high and is an excellent plant for shrub borders and foundation or mass plantings. The red clusterberry cotoneaster (C parneyi) retains its bright red berries most of the winter.

Deutzia gracilis.   Slender Duetzia.    This is an excellent low-growing flowering shrub for areas of the state with a mild climate. It is a graceful, drooping plant that seldom grows more than two to three feet high. It is a deciduous species that produces an abundance of white flowers in clusters along the stems, which makes it a useful plant for specimen or mass plantings.

Elaeagnus pungens ‘Fruitland’.  Fruitland Elaeagnus.    This variety is an unusual evergreen because of its attractive foliage and distinct markings. The upper sides of the leaves are a silvery grey-green and the undersides are whitish, punctuated with distinctive brown, cork-like dots. Small, fragrant, whitish flowers are followed by tan-colored berries which remain on the plant until the following year. It grows equally well in full sun or partial shade on a wide variety of soil group or foundation types. Frequent pruning is- usually required to maintain density and compactness. The variety is suitable for use as a foundation plant and for accent purposes. Fruitland elaeagnus (E. pungens ‘Fruitland’) retains its attractive silvery-gray leaves the year around.

Escallonia  ‘Fradesi’.   Pink Princess Escallonia.    The bright, glossy-green foliage and attractive rose-colored flowers make the escallonia a showy shrub for use in southern New Mexico. It lacks hardiness to cold and top growth may be damaged during severe winters, but it will recover quickly and produce flowers during the summer and fall. It will grow to a five-foot height unless pruned and pinched during the growing season. Best results are obtained when planted in a protected area even in the southern areas of the state.

Euonymus spp.   Euonymus.    This shrub, sometimes called “Japonica,” is a versatile, popular plant, used extensively throughout most of New Mexico. Both deciduous and evergreen forms are available in a wide variety of foliage colors and types. Euonymus is used for clipped or informal hedges; screen, background, and foundation plantings; ground covers; and espaliering on walls and fences. While the flowers are not particularly conspicuous or attractive, some varieties produce attractive reddish-orange berries when conditions for pollination and fruit set are favorable. Euonymus is valued primarily for its foliage, which must be protected against the powdery mildew fungus. This disease is most troublesome when plants are in locations of restricted air move­ment. Mildew can be held in check by the diligent use of recommended control measures. The following varieties are representative of the many types available for landscape use:

    -E.   alatus.   Winged Euonymus.    The winged euonymus is deciduous and has strong horizontal branches. It grows 8 to 10 feet high and spreads to 12 feet or more. Leaf color is a medium green during the growing season and turns to a purplish-red in the fall. A distinctive feature of this species is the corky, wing-like structures that form along the branches.

     -E.   japonicus.   Japanese Euonymus.    This is a broad-leaved, evergreen shrub with large, shiny dark-green foliage. It is winter hardy to about zero degrees and quite drought-resistant and alkali-tolerant. Once established, this species grows fairly rapidly, reaching a 12 to 15 foot height if left unpruned. It is the most widely planted of all species of euonymus. The favorite of all broad-leaved evergreen shrubs is the euonymus (E. japonicus).

    -E.   japonicus   ‘Aureo-marginatus’.   Golden Euonymus.    The golden euonymus has variegated leaves, which are dark green with golden margins. A variety with white-margined leaves is also available.

    -E.   japonicus   ‘Aureo-variegatus’.   Gold Spot Euonymus.    This is a compact, evergreen euonymus with leaves that have golden-yellow blotches except on the margins, which are dark green.

    -E.   japonicus   ‘Microphyllus’.   Small-Leaved Euonymus.    The leaves of this shrub are very small and dark green. The dense, compact shrub is well suited for low hedges and border plantings.

Forsythia intermedia.   Border Forsythia.    This old-time garden favorite continues its popularity as a profuse blooming, early-flowering shrub. Golden, bell-shaped flowers line the branches in early spring before the leaves appear. After the bright-green leaves are formed, the plant makes an excellent background for smaller shrubs or perennials that bloom later in the season. The varieties ‘Lynwood Gold’ and ‘Spring Glory’ are fairly recent introductions of this fine spring-flowering shrub. F. suspensa is a species with weeping branches. The forsythia grows best in locations which are sunny most of the day. Forsythias are hardy plants, well suited for most areas of New Mexico.

Hibiscus mutabilis   ‘Rubra’.   Confederate Rose.    The confederate rose is a hardy hibiscus with large, single red flowers similar to the common hibiscus grown in the warmer areas of the United States. The top may freeze back to ground level in colder areas, but new branches grow from the roots and bear flowers during the following summer. Varieties with white or pink flowers are also available. A rich, well-drained soil and a sunny location are required for best results.

Hibiscus syriacus  (Althea syriacus).   Rose of Sharon.    A fine flowering shrub for boundary plantings and background use is the Rose of Sharon, or shrub althea, as it is sometimes called. Both single and double flowering forms in a range of colors are available. It is quite hardy, and once established it grows rapidly to a height of about 10 feet. Pruning the plant annually during the dormant season to control size will not prevent flowering the following summer.

 Hypericum  patulum  henryi.   Henry St.-John’s-wort.   This low-growing, densely branched, mound-like shrub grows to about three feet in height. It is not hardy to cold and is classified as a semi-evergreen in southern New Mexico. Single, yellow flowers two inches or more in diameter appear from June until frost. St.-John’s-wort grows best in full sun but is tolerant of partial shade. Chlorosis and marginal leaf burn may develop in highly alkaline soils. The ‘Sungold’ is a larger, more upright variety bearing slightly larger flowers. The hypericums are useful for border and mass plantings.

Ilex  altaclarensis ‘  Wilsoni’.   Wilson’s Holly.    As a group, the true hollies are not well adapted to the alkaline soils and hot, arid climate of New Mexico. Wilson’s holly is reported to be one of the best for southwestern conditions, and limited experience appears to confirm this appraisal. It is frequently pruned to a short tree form, and when planted in shady locations with a north or east exposure it has shown considerable promise. The leaves of this species are typical of the holly group with spiny margins and dark, shiny-green color. Bright, red berries are produced in profusion on female plants when pollination is provided.

    Ilex  cornuta  ‘Burfordii’.   Burford Holly.    The Burford is another holly that has proved satisfactory in southern New Mexico when planted in a shady, protected area. It is a bushy but upright type, growing about four feet high.  The dark glossy-green leaves do not have the typical shape or spiny margins of Christmas holly, but this broad-leaved evergreen shrub is a welcome addition to any garden.  In full sun, the foliage may become yellow and chlorotic and marginal leaf burn usually occurs.  A north or east exposure is required for best performance.  Female plants are necessary for berries, but pollination is not required.

    Ilex  cornuta  rotunda.   Dwarf Chinese Holly.    This low-growing, compact form of Chinese holy has shown promise in plantings on the campus of New Mexico State University.  Like the other species of holly, it requires a shady, protected location.  Dwarf Chinese holly does not produce berries but is valued for its luxurious foliage.

    Ilex  vomitoria   ‘Nana’.   Dwarf Yaupon.    Native to Texas and the southeastern states, yaupon is a plant of marginal value in New Mexico.  While highly tolerant of alkaline soils, it requires a shady, protected location for best results.  The dwarf variety grows about two feed high and spreads about twice this distance.  When climatic conditions are favorable, small red berries are produced without pollinator plants.

Jasminum  floridum.   Showy Jasmine.      With growth habits much like those of winter jasmine, this species produces somewhat smaller flowers.  Its chief advantage is that it blooms over a longer period of time.  Occasional pruning is required to obtain the desired shape.  It grows equally well in sun or partial shade and is a useful plant for foreground plantings, shrub borders, and foundation plantings.

    Jasminum  nudiflorum   Winter Jasmine.      This is among the first shrubs to bloom in late winter or early spring.  Long before the leaves appear, numerous yellow flowers are produced in profusion along the branches.  It grows about three or four feet in height.  Because of its unruly growth habit, the shrub is not attractive after the blooms have disappeared.  Many gardeners like the shrub, however, because the flowers may be forced long before normal bloom by placing branches in water, in a warm room.

Juniperus spp.   Junipers.   

Junipers are among the finest narrow-leaved evergreen plants for landscaping use in the Southwest because they tolerate a wide range of climatic and soil conditions.  Some are susceptible to chlorosis and mite damage, but these problems can be avoided with recommended control measures.
Junipers range in size, shape, and form from low-growing prostrate types to tall trees.  The intermediate shrub forms differ in habit of growth, density, foliage color, and other characteristics.  The number of species and varieties is overwhelming.  In some instances, different nurseries offer the same juniper type under several different names, a practice which adds to the confusion. It is most difficult to distinguish between certain species and varieties, particularly when the plants are small, so one must rely upon the attached tags for identification.

Of the many juniper types grown successfully in New Mexico, the following are representative:

    -J.   chinensis  ‘Armstrongii’.   Armstrong Juniper.    This juniper, discovered in California, is widely planted throughout the Southwest. It is a compact, spreading type that grows to a height and spread of about four feet. The light green foliage consists of both scale- and needle-type leaves. It is hardy in most areas of the state and grows equally well in sun or part shade. Mites and chlorosis cause problems, but excellent response is obtained by proper treatment. This juniper is a valuable shrub for foundation, border, and entrance plantings. 

    -J.   chinensis   ‘Hetzi’.   Hetz Blue Juniper.    This fast-growing juniper is similar but more upright than the well-known Pfitzer juniper. If unrestricted, it will reach 10 to 12 feet in height and spread. The scale-like leaves are an attractive silvery-blue color. Chlorosis has not been a problem with this species, but it is susceptible to mite damage. On the average-sized home property, this juniper requires selective pruning and training. It is a fine narrow-leaved evergreen for border and background plantings.

    -J.   chinensis   ‘Pfitzeriana’.   Pfitzer Juniper.    An old standby, Pfitzer juniper has been grown in New Mexico for many years. It is a dense but wide-spreading shrub that grows six feet high with a spread of eight feet or more. It responds well to pruning and training, if the restraint is started when the plant is small. Foliage of this plant is a medium green, but golden and blue-gray forms are available. It is a hardy, easily grown shrub, but subject to mites and chlorosis. It is frequently used in foundation, corner, and foreground plantings.

    -J.   chinensis   torulosa.   Hollywood Twisted Juniper.     A columnar, almost tree-like juniper, this grows to a height of about 12 feet and has open twisted branches. The scale-like leaves are a dark green when chlorosis or zinc deficiency is not a problem. It is quite hardy to cold temperatures and thrives under full sun. It is useful in shrub borders and for lawn plantings.

    -J.   sabina   tamariscifolia.   Tamarix Juniper.     This juniper is rapidly becoming the most popular shrub form in landscaping, especially for home use. Tamarix juniper is low and wide-spreading, with attractive blue-green foliage the year around. It is an excellent plant for parkways, foreground plantings, and for ground cover use.

Lagerstroemia  indica.   Crape-Myrtle.     A fast-growing deciduous shrub, this is used widely throughout the South. It is not completely winter hardy but is grown successfully in southern New Mexico. Attractive crinkled flowers ranging in color from pure white to deep red are produced in profusion during the summer. Since blooms are produced on current-season growth. the shrub flowers even when the top is winter-killed. In some areas, top growth is pruned severely to promote vigorous regrowth of flowering branches. The shrub grows best in a sunny but protected location. Both dwarf and tree forms are available. Crape-myrtle provides good summer color in shrub borders and for accent or specimen use. A fine shrub for summer color is the crape-myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica).

Lantana  camara.   Common Lantana.     This is another profuse-blooming but tender shrub. The above-ground parts cannot tolerate freezing temperatures, so plants should be protected by mulching the crown, even in southern New Mexico. The growth habit varies from low, trailing prostrate forms to erect shrubs growing to three feet or more. Flowers in a wide range of colors are produced on current growth, so lantana is handled much like a perennial in New Mexico. This species is remarkably free of insect and disease pests although mites occasionally are a problem. Lantana prefers full sun and a light, sandy, well-drained soil. Where it survives the winter, the species provides an abundance of blooms during the entire growing season. It can be used in low shrub borders, small informal hedges, planter boxes, and ground covers.

Lavandula  officinalis.   English Lavender.     English lavender is a low, dense shrub that grows to a height of two or three feet. The narrow linear leaves are gray and highly aromatic. Lavender to blue flowers are produced on long spikes during the summer. Varieties growing to only about a foot in height are also available. Lavender is useful for low hedges, flower borders, and as a foreground plant in shrub borders.

Leucophyllum  frutescens.   Texas Ranger, Senisa.     This bushy semi-evergreen shrub is of medium height, about five feet, and is well adapted to the hot, dry areas of the Southwest. The foliage is an attractive silvery-gray color, persistent during the mildest winters in southern New Mexico. Pinkish-lavender, bell-shaped flowers appear in profusion at various times during the summer. The plant is extremely showy when in bloom and is well suited for accent purposes and for mass plantings. It grows best in sandy, gravelly, well-drained soils.

Ligustrum spp.   Privet.

The privets, which are primarily foliage plants, include both evergreen and deciduous species. They are a popular choice for use as clipped or free-growing hedges, background plants, and screens. Some types are easily trained to single- or multiple-trunk tree forms. Free-growing, unsheared plants produce white or cream-colored flowers followed by blue-black fruits in several species.

    -L.   japonicum.   Japanese Privet.     While the tops may be injured some in unusually severe winters, Japanese privet is a fine broad-leaved evergreen shrub for southern New Mexico. If unclipped, it will grow 10 to 12 feet high, but it stands shearing well if restraint is desired. The large, leathery, dark-green leaves make this plant an excellent shrub for use as a hedge, background planting, filler for a shrub border, and for screening purposes. Small white flowers borne in clusters appear in early summer and are followed by black berries in the fall. The Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum) is an excellent broad-leaved shrub for background planting or hedge use.

    -L.   lucidurn.   Glossy Privet.     This is another fine evergreen privet with glossy-green leaves, well suited for use in foundation plantings and hedges. It is frequently trained to a small tree form. Like the Japanese privet, this plant produces small white flowers in clusters and forms blue-black berries in the fall. It grows well in partial shade but prefers full sun for best development. 

    -L.   ovailfolium.   California Privet.     Although this is an evergreen in very mild climates, it is decid­uous in New Mexico. It is hardy to cold and grows successfully in all areas of the state. It grows rapidly and, if unpruned, will reach a height of 10 to 12 feet or more. The leaves are a medium green and turn to an attractive purplish color with the advent of cold weather. A variety with leaves of yellow mar­gins is also available. California privet is used mainly as a clipped hedge, but it may also be employed for screening and as a filler plant in shrub borders. It is easily grown and tolerates a wide variety of soil and climatic conditions.

Lonicera spp.   Honeysuckle. The honeysuckles are another group of old-time favorites, well known to gardeners. There are many species and varieties, some shrubs and some vinous forms, all of which may be grown successfully in New Mexico. The vine types are described in the circulars on ground covers and vines. Several of the bush, shrub-type forms are described here.

    -L.   fragrantissima.   Winter Honeysuckle.     This species grows slowly to a height of about six feet with a spread of about the same distance. Winter honeysuckle is deciduous in New Mexico. The chief asset of the species is its creamy-white, very fragrant flowers which are borne in late winter or early spring before the leaves appear. Because the flowers are produced on year-old wood, pruning should be delayed until after bloom. The shrub grows equally well in full sun or partial shade and is not particularly susceptible to insect or disease pests. It is useful for border plantings and as a clipped hedge.

    -L.   heckrottii.   Coral Honeysuckle.     This deciduous vine-like shrub is winter hardy to about zero. The flowers are typically shaped for honeysuckle with yellow interiors and purplish-red exteriors. This species produces flowers from May until frost. It is a fine viney shrub for training on walls or fences, but it can be kept bushy by selective pruning and training.

    -L.   maackii.   Amur Honeysuckle.     One of the tallest of bush honeysuckle is the amur.  If unrestrained, it will grow to nearly 15 feet at a fairly rapid rate. Typical trumpet-like fragrant flowers, white at opening and turning yellow with age, are formed in late spring. Attractive dark-red fruits, produced in abundance, remain on the plant until late fall. Amur honeysuckle is a deciduous form that grows well in a variety of soil types but prefers full sun for best development. It is useful for background and border plantings.

    -L.   tatarica.   Tatarian Honeysuckle.     The tatarian is perhaps the best known of the bush-type honeysuckles. It grows rapidly to an ultimate height of six to eight feet with gracefully arching branches. It is hardy to cold and is grown successfully in all areas of the state. In the early spring, it produces small pink flowers, and these are followed by bright red fruits which persist on the plant for most of the summer. Varieties with pure white and rose-pink flowers are available in the nursery trade. These plants are valuable for shrub borders, foundation plantings, and for mass color effect. Well suited to New Mexico conditions is the pink tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica).

Mahonia  aquifolium.   Oregon Hollygrape.     Oregon hollygrape is a very attractive, hardy, broad-leaved evergreen shrub with glossy, dark-green. spiny leaves closely resembling those of true holly. Bright yellow flowers form in the early spring and are followed by purplish-black berries which remain on the plant most of the fall and winter. This shrub. growing slowly to a height of about four feet, does well in most soil types. It requires a north or east exposure in New Mexico for best foliage retention and color development.  Tall, woody stems should be removed on occasion to maintain a compact, bushy form. Dwarf, more compact types are available. This shrub, one of the finest evergreens for New Mexico, is especially attractive in foundation plantings or in groups for mass effect.

Nandina  domestica.   Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo.     Nandina is a rather slow-growing but upright plant that reaches a height of six feet or more if not pruned to maintain density and compactness. The cane-like stems bear attractive, compound leaves which change color with age and cold weather. New foliage has a pinkish cast but turns to a medium green when fully mature. This shrub is most colorful during the winter, when the leaves turn a scarlet red and bright red berries are present. It will grow well in sun or shade, but the best color develops in the sun. Nandina is not fully winter hardy and should be given protection in the central and northern areas of New Mexico. N. domestica nana is a dwarf form that grows to about 12 to 15 inches. The shrub is valuable for foundation and mass plantings, especially when winter color is desired.

Nerium  oleander.   Oleander.     The evergreen oleander is not hardy, and its use should be limited to southern New Mexico. It frequently winter-kills in the Las Cruces area unless protected with burlap or similar material. Because oleander produces flowers on current-season growth, winterkill of the top will not prevent bloom; in fact, selective removal of old wood in the spring assists in maintaining size and form and stimulates bloom. Many varieties are available and produce large, showy flowers in a wide range of colors during the summer and fall. Oleander grows well in sandy soils and prefers a sunny location for best development. It is frequently planted in tubs for patio and indoor use. While not a hardy shrub, oleander (Nerium oleander) will produce its colorful blooms on new growth each season.

Philadelphus  coronarius.   Sweet Mock-Orange.     This is a slow-growing but very hardy, deciduous shrub with fragrant, showy, creamy-white flowers. It will grow to about a 10-foot height but should be pruned after bloom to prevent legginess and to control size. Mock-orange grows well in most soil types in either full sun or partial shade. This is an old-time garden favorite, useful in border plantings, shrub groups, and in foundation plantings where a large shrub can be accommodated.

    Philadelphus  virginalis.   Mock-Orange.     This shrub is very similar to the sweet mock-orange but generally does not grow as tall. The flowers are very fragrant, white, and are produced in early summer. Landscape uses of this are the same as for sweet mock-orange.

Photinia  arbutifolia.   Christmas-Berry.     Listed in some manuals as Heteromeles  arbutifolia, the Christmas-berry is a bushy, almost tree-like, broad-leaved evergreen shrub with attractive flowers and foliage. Its shiny green leaves range from two to four inches long, with spines along the margins, resembling those of true holly. White flowers appear in the spring and, when climatic conditions are favorable, are followed by bright red berries. This shrub is not completely winter hardy and should not be planted in the coldest areas of the state. It is a fine evergreen shrub for foundation plantings, shrub borders, and background use. The leaves of the Christmas-berry (Photinia arbutifolia) resemble those of true holly.

    Photinia  ‘Fraseri’.   Fraser Photinia.     This variety is a fairly recent introduction with more attractive foliage and greater resistance to the powdery mildew fungus. The newly formed leaves are bronze-red but later change to a dark leathery green. The Fraser photinia is frequently trained to a small tree shape but is also a valuable shrub form. Flower color and type are similar to other members of this shrub group.

    Photinia  serrulata.   Chinese Photinia.     This broad-leaved evergreen shrub grows 10 to 12 feet tall and is another fine plant for screening, border plantings, and background use.  Large clusters of white flowers form in the early spring and literally cover the plant.  The long, slender leaves with sharp serrations on the margins turn red during the winter.  Chinese photinia, like the Christmas-berry, is hardy to about zero.  The variety ‘Nova’ is a dense, more compact form with a similar flowering pattern.  Photinia  (P. serrulata ‘Nova’) is a bushy, evergreen shrub with attractive foliage and flowers. 

Pittosporum tobira.  Japanese Pittosporum.     A spring-flowering, broad-leaved evergreen shrub, Japanese pittosporum will grow about eight feet high if unpruned.  The thick, leathery leaves, bright-green in color, make this shrub a most desirable foliage plant for use in foundation, foreground, and border plantings.  It tolerates pruning and shearing and is easily shaped to almost any desired form. While not winter hardy, it is a good species for use in southern New Mexico, especially when planted in north or eastern exposure. P. tobira variegata is a more dwarf, compact form having attractive light-green leaves with whitish margins. The Japanese pittosporum (P. tobira) makes an excellent broad-leaved evergreen shrub for foundation plantings.

Potentilla fruticosa.   Shrubby Cinquefoil.     This native New Mexico shrub, available in the nursery trade, is well suited for landscape use. It is a deciduous but cold-hardy species that grows well in all areas of the state. It prefers full sun and grows at a moderate rate, producing a compact shrub about three feet tall. The small compound leaves are light green on top and gray-green beneath, because of many hair-like structures covering the underside. Bright yellow, buttercup-like flowers appear during the summer. The variety ‘Kathryn Dykes’ was one of the best in the plots at Las Cruces. Cinquefoil is a useful shrub for rock gardens and low flowering hedges.

Prunus amygdalus   ‘Nana’.   Dwarf Flowering Almond.     One of the most profuse-flowering, deciduous shrubs for early spring bloom is the flowering almond. Small, double, white or pink flowers literally cover the branches early in the season before the leaves appear. It grows about four feet tall but is easily maintained at lower heights if desired. Pruning and shaping should be done after the flowers fade in the spring. This is an excellent, low-growing shrub for accent purposes, especially when planted in the foreground of evergreen shrubs.

Prunus caroliniana.  Cherry-Laurel.     This is a fine broad-leaved evergreen shrub, well suited to desert conditions. It grows rapidly to about 20 feet but is easily pruned and trained to any desired shape or form, often modified to single- or multiple-trunk tree forms. The bright, glossy-green foliage and small fragrant white flowers make this shrub an excellent choice for clipped or free-growing hedges and as a background plant for smaller flowering shrubs. It grows best in full sun but is quite tolerant of shade. Cherry-laurel is hardy to about zero and so is not adapted to the coldest areas of New Mexico. The cherry-laurel (Prunus caroliniana) is well adapted to southwestern desert conditions.

Punica granatum.   Pomegranate.     A deciduous shrub, pomegranate produces attractive orange-red double flowers in early summer, and some varieties bear large edible fruits. The fleshy covering of the seeds constitute the edible portion of the pomegranate. This plant grows rather rapidly to a height of 8 to 10 feet and is well adapted to the hot, dry climate and alkaline soils of southern New Mexico. It is not a hardy shrub, and winter injury occurs during unseasonably cold winters even in the southern part of the state. Pomegranate is a useful species for group and border plantings and as a background shrub for smaller plants. P. granatum nana and P. granatum ‘Chico’ are dwarf varieties of this species which have performed well in southern New Mexico. They flower profusely but usually do not produce many fruits. Few shrubs can equal the profuse flowering ability of the dwarf flowering almond (Prunus amygdalus ‘Nana’). 

Pyracantha spp.   Firethorn. One of the most popular groups of broad-leaved evergreen shrubs, highly valued for their profuse flowering habits and colorful berries during the fall and winter, are the pyracanthas. Many forms and varieties are available, ranging from low-growing, prostrate types suitable for ground cover use to tall, wide-spreading shrubs. The upright sorts are easily trained for espalier use on walls and fences. Most species bear sharp thorns along the branches, which make them fine plants for use in traffic control. Many species produce colorful berries that range from bright orange through various shades of red. The orange varieties are the most winter-hardy. Heavy and frequent pruning or shearing will reduce flowering and berry production. As a group, firethorns are vigorous, fast-growing plants, well suited to southwestern climatic and soil conditions. The following are representative of the many shrub forms available: A dense low-growing form of firethorn (Pyracantha spp.) used effectively in a foundation planting.

    -P   ‘Boxwood’.   Pyra-box Fire-thorn.     This is a low-growing variety with small, glossy-green leaves resembling boxwood. Pyra-box grows to about three feet in height but its form is spreading. Dense, compact plants are developed by frequent shearing and clipping with no detrimental effects since this variety seldom produces berries. A fine shrub suitable for edging, low borders, corner plantings, and planter boxes.

    -P.   coccinea   ‘Lalandei’.   Laland Firethorn.     One of the hardiest of all pyracanthas, the Laland may be grown in most all areas of New Mexico.  It grows vigorously to a height of 8 to 10 feet or more.  Delicate, small, white flowers produced in the spring develop a heavy crop of berries that turn a bright orange in the fall and winter.  The berries usually remain on the plant all winter, because birds seem to prefer the succulent red fruits to the orange types.  This variety is useful for free-growing hedges, shrub borders, and background plantings. A dense low-growing form of firethorn (Pyracantha spp.) used effectively in a foundation planting.

    -P.   coccinea   ‘Kasan’.   Kasan Firethorn.     This firethorn, with red-orange berries, has considerable hardiness and is seldom injured by low winter temperatures.  It grows rapidly to about 15 feet in height if unrestrained.  White flowers are produced in abundance in the spring on the older, spur-type growth.  A full sun location is best for maximum flowering and berry production.  Landscape uses are similar to the Laland firethorn.

    -P.   fortuneana   ‘Rosedale’.   Rosedale Firethorn.     The ‘Rosedale’ is an upright but partially spreading variety that grows 12 to 15 feet tall and is especially well suited for espalier use on walls and fences.  It blooms early in the spring and usually produces a heavy crop of bright red berries.  While not as winter-hardy as the orange-berry types, it may be grown as far north as the Albuquerque area.  This variety is used in border plantings, hedges, and for traffic control.

    -P.   fortuneana   ‘Graberi’.   Graber’s Firethorn.     A vigorous upright variety with attractive foliage, this firethorn produces large clusters of dark-red berries along the branches.  The variety is hardy to about zero and prefers full sun for best flower and fruit development. The persistent green leaves and attractive berries make this firethorn (P. fortuneana ‘Graberi’) a valuable shrub for winter color.

    -P.  lodensi.  Lodense Firethorn.     This is a low-growing, very dense, compact firethorn that grows about two to three feet in height. The lodense firethorn is virtually thornless, has small, fine-textured leaves, and produces flowers and berries sparingly and inconspicuously. A fine shrub for edging, low borders, and mass plantings for ground cover use.

Raphiolepsis indica rosea.  Pink Indian Hawthorn.     This is a slow-growing, broad-spreading evergreen shrub with rose-pink flowers and glossy-green foliage. Blooming begins in late spring and continue over several months. It is not completely winter hardy, so best results are obtained when it is planted in a protected but sunny location. Many varieties of R. indica are available, offering a choice of flower color including pure white and several shades of pink. The small shrub is valuable for use in foundation and border plantings and as a specimen plant. The glossy-green foliage and profuse bloom are the chief assets of Indian hawthorn (Raphiolepsis indica).

Spartium junceum.  Spanish Broom.     An upright but densely growing shrub, Spanish broom reaches a height of eight feet or more and is well adapted to sandy, gravelly soils and hot, dry climates. Bright golden-yellow, sweetpea-shaped flowers cover the branches in late spring and early summer. The stems are nearly leafless but remain green the year around. Heavy annual pruning is required to maintain a bushy, compact form and to prevent legginess. Two closely related shrubs, Genista racemosa and Cytisus canariensis, have similar stem formations, growth habits, and flower color. Several varieties of Cytisus bearing pink, red, white, or purplish flowers are available from the nursery trade. The brooms are excellent shrubs for color and for creating desert landscapes around Spanish-type homes. Golden-yellow, pea-shaped flowers of Spanish broom (Spartium junceum) appear in late spring and early summer.

Spiraea spp.  Spirea The spireas are old favorites, widely grown throughout the United States. There are many species and varieties, most of which are well adapted to New Mexico climatic and soil conditions. All species are deciduous, easy to grow and maintain, and hardy to cold. Spireas grow equally well in sun or shade, but they flower best in locations receiving maximum sunshine. With early flowering sorts, the older and weaker branches should be removed after bloom to stimulate strong regrowth and better flower production the following spring. Later blooming species should be pruned in a similar manner during the dormant season.
    -S.  bumalda  ‘Anthony Waterer’.  Anthony Waterer Spirea.     This is a dwarfish, compact variety that produces large clusters of rosy-pink flowers over a period of several weeks during early summer. This shrub is also valued for its fine-textured foliage which has a pinkish cast during spring growth, developing to an attractive green when mature. Pruning and shaping should be done during the dormant season. It is a fine shrub for use in foundation and foreground plantings. Highly valued for its summer production of rosy-pink flowers is the Anthony Waterer spirea (S. bumalda ‘Anthony Water’).

    -S. prunifolia.   Bridalwreath.     This species, sometimes listed in nursery catalogs as the shoe button spirea and sometimes given the varietal name ‘Plena’, is an upright shrub with spreading branches that grows to a height of six feet or more. Delicate, double, white, button-like flowers literally cover the branches in early spring, making this species one of the showiest of the spireas. An added feature of the bridalwreath is its attractive orange to red foliage in the fall. It performs equally well in full sun or partial shade. Chlorosis may be a problem in certain situations, but the plant responds to treatment with supplemental iron compounds. It is a useful shrub for border, foundation, and group plantings. Delicate, white, button-like flowers are produced in abundance by the bridalwreath (Spiraea prunifolia).

    -S.  reevesiana.  Reeve’s Spirea.     Also listed as S. cantoniensis, this species is upright with graceful arching branches and attractive blue-green foliage. It grows slowly in alkaline soils to a height of about three feet. Double, pure-white flowers in two-inch clusters are produced in late spring and early summer. This species grows well in either full sun or part shade and is a valuable shrub for a low natural hedge or for border and mass plantings.

    -S  vanhouttei.  Vanhoutte Spirea.     One of the most popular and widely planted of the spireas, this species is sufficiently hardy for planting in most areas of the state. Once fully established, growth rate is rapid to a height of five feet or more. Clusters of pure-white, showy flowers are produced in late spring along the upright, gracefully arching branches. Because flowers are formed on the past season’s growth, this species should be pruned immediately after bloom. It is a fine general-purpose shrub for home use in foundation plantings, shrub borders, and for mass effects. Perhaps the best known of all spireas is the Vanhoutte (S. vanhouttei).

Symphoricarpos albus.  Snow-berry.     This hardy, deciduous shrub grows to a three-foot height and spread. It is valued for its small pinkish-white summer flowers and clusters of waxy, snow-white berries produced in the fall, which remain on the branches long after the leaves have fallen. This shrub is well suited for shady locations but grows well in open sun. It is a fine shrub for foundation planting and foreground use, being well adapted to the cooler, more northern areas of New Mexico.

    Symphoricarpos orbiculatus.  Coralberry.     This shrub is very similar in growth habit to snowberry and is admired chiefly for its attractive purplish-red berries produced in the fall and early winter. Like the snowberry, it performs best when planted in a shady location but is grown very successfully in full sun. Landscape uses of coralberry are the same as those for snowberry.

Syringa chinensis.  Chinese Lilac.     An upright shrub, the Chinese lilac has a bluish-green foliage of medium to coarse texture. It grows at a moderate rate to a height of six to eight feet and grows and flowers best in a full sun location. Large panicles of purple-lilac fragrant flowers are produced in profusion in late April and early May. Chinese lilac is hardy, somewhat tolerant of alkaline soils, and is troubled by few insect and disease pests. This flowering shrub is valuable for border and group plantings, free-growing hedges, and screens.

    Syringa persica.  Persian Lilac.     A smaller shrub than the common lilac, Persian lilac seldom exceeds six feet in height. It is hardy to cold and can be grown successfully in all areas of New Mexico. Pale-lilac, fragrant flowers, two or three inches long, are produced from lateral buds along the branches in early spring. The powdery mildew fungus has been troublesome in some years, but it can be held in check through recommended control measures. This is a valuable lilac for early spring bloom in shrub borders, foundation plantings, and for specimen use.

    Syringa vulgaris.  Common Lilac.     This is another old-time favorite flowering shrub, well known to all gardeners. Common lilac grows to 12 feet or more if unrestrained by pruning. It performs well in most soil types but requires a sunny location for maximum flowering. Necessary pruning and shaping should be done following bloom to permit flower bud formation for the following year. The list of common lilac varieties is extensive, and many flower colors are available. Lilac often used in shrub borders, hedges, background plantings, and for mass color effect.

Taxus baccata  ‘Compacta’.   English Yew.     Similar in texture an foliage characteristics to dwarf Japanese yew, this yew grows a little taller. It is the best of the yews for southern New Mexico because it is more sun-tolerant than other English yews. The landscape uses of this compact shrub are similar to those of the Japanese yew.

    Taxus cuspidata  ‘Nana’.   Dwarf Japanese Yew.     This is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub that reaches a height of three to four feet and a spread about twice this large. The foliage is very dense and dark-green, with flattened, needle-like leaves. It is not particular as to soil type, but in southern New Mexico it requires a partially shady location to pre­vent sunburn of the leaves. It is a fine evergreen shrub for foundation planting and other locations where a low-spreading shrub is desirable.

Thuja spp.  Arborvitae  Two species of the genus Thuja have been grown in New Mexico;  T. occidentailis, the American arborvitae, and T. orientales, the oriental arborvitae. Both are hardy shrubs, but experience has shown the oriental species to be the more satisfactory. Generally, the arborvitaes are slow-growing and for the most part compact, with a pyramidal form. Numerous varieties and forms are available, varying in height from 3 to 30 feet or more. Mites and aphids are frequently a problem with this group of plants, and with some, the scale-like foliage changes color during the cold winter months. Arborvitaes serve many useful functions in landscaping and are frequently employed as specimen plants, screens, wind-breaks, hedges, and in foundation plantings.

    -T orientalis ‘Baker’.  Baker Arborvitae.     This is one of the largest varieties used in landscaping, often reaching a height of 30 feet or more under southwestern conditions. This variety is compact, pyramidal, and has bright green foliage. It is useful for screens, windbreaks, and other situations where a large evergreen is desired.

    -T. orientalis aurea nana.  Berckman’s Golden Arborvitae.     This is a small, dense, oval form that grows to about four feet but is easily maintained at a lower height by occasionally removing an inch or two of new growth. The tips of the branches are a bright golden yellow, making this variety a useful plant for specimen purposes.

    -T. orientalis  ‘Bonita’.  Bonita Arborvitae.     One of the best of the dwarf forms of arborvitae is the Bonita. It is a small, compact, ovate shape, usually not exceeding four feet in height when fully grown. As with most arborvitaes, size can be regulated by frequent clipping of new growth. This variety retains its dark green color the year round and is valuable for foundation and corner plantings. Bonita arborvitae (Thuja orientalis ‘Bonita’) is an excellent dwarf evergreen for foundation plantings.

    -T. orientalis ‘Rosedale’.  Rosedale Arborvitae.     This slow-growing variety reaches an ultimate height of about 10 feet and a spread of 6 to 8 feet. The foliage of this variety, unlike those of other arborvitaes, is fine-textured and sharply pointed, resembling that of juniper. The leaves are an attractive blue-green color in the growing season and turn to a coppery-bronze when the weather turns cold. The blue-green needle-like foliage of Rosedale arborvitae (T. orientalis ‘Rosedale’) turns a coppery-bronze with cold weather.

Viburnum burkwoodii.  Burkwood Viburnum.     As a group, the viburnums are not particularly well adapted to the dry, arid climate of the Southwest. Of the many varieties and species offered by the nursery trade, the Burkwood has shown promise in limited tests. Evergreen in the warmer climates, it is a deciduous shrub in colder areas. Growth rate is slow to a height of four to five feet. Clusters of pinkish to white flowers appear in the spring, about mid-March in southern New Mexico. The leaves are glossy-green during the growing season and turn to a purplish-red in the fall. It is a useful species for borders, group plantings, and for accent purposes.

    Viburnum tinus.  Laurustinus.     This is the most reliable viburnum species for southern New Mexico, especially if planted in a north or east exposure.  It is a dense, broad-spreading, evergreen shrub that grows to a height of five feet or more.  The leaves are an attractive feature of this shrub, being oval-shaped, leathery, and glossy-green.  The pink flower buds open into clusters of white bloom in early spring.  The dense foliage from ground level up makes laurustinus a useful shrub for foundation, low hedge, and foreground plantings.

Vitex agnus-castus.   Chaste-Tree, Spicebush.     This is a deciduous large shrub or small tree form, growing to 15 feet or more if unrestrained.  The large, compound leaves are light green above and silvery-gray below.  The foliage and small bead-like fruits have a highly aromatic, spicy odor that gives the shrub its common name of spicebush.  Small blue flowers, in spikes, appear on current-season growth during the early summer.  Chaste-tree is hardy to about zero but, if the top is winter-killed, it will regrow from the roots, and flower in the following summer.  Annual, rather severe pruning is necessary to prevent the plant from becoming too tall and leggy.  Varieties with white and pink or blue flowers re available in the nursery trade.  The chaste-tree is best used in shrub borders or as a background plant for lower growing species.  Chaste-tree or spicebush (Vitex angus-castus) bears attractive blue, white, or light pink flowers in abundance during June.

 Weigela florida   ‘Bristol Ruby’ Red Weigela.     This is one of the hardiest of the weigelas, and it performs well in all but the coldest areas of the state.  Red weigela grows at a moderate rate to five or six feet in height.  Since flowers are borne on year-old wood, pruning and shaping should be done immediately after bloom in the spring.  Weigelas are valued for their bright, intensely colored, spring flowers, but they provide little after bloom in the spring.  Landscape uses include shrub borders and mass plantings for color effect.

To find pictures and additional information about  plants listed above go to http://plants.usda.gov/

02/01/2009