Dwarf and Medium Height Shrubs For the Rock Garden Background

Here is a wide list to select from-the problem is(myrtifolium), Wilson rhododendron, thriving in sun
not so much what to take as what not to use.or shade (both of which are hybrids of r. minus)
Azaleas: Any of the hardy deciduous azaleas areand ovatum, are dwarf alpine forms.
available, but it is easy to overdo them. In mostRoses: Several of the taller-growing species, not
types of landscaping, azaleas and rhododendronsmentioned in the preceding list, such as Hugonis
should be used in masses; in rock gardening aand the Redleaf Rose (r. rubifolia) with its small
single plant often better answers the purpose.starry blossoms, carry the spirit of the rock
Dogwood: The native Flowering Dogwood (Cornusgarden.
florida), is in character of growth admirable forTamarix: I have never seen this shrub
the rock garden; it is possible to keep the treesrecommended for use in rock gardening, but it is
at any height by pruning for lateral growth.particularly pleasing and effective; its feathery
Forsythia: Most varieties rather large and coarse.sprays of pink blossoms may be enjoyed from
Suspensa litboldi is the lowest growing and mostspring until late summer by using the several
graceful.varieties; africana, the earliest; gallica, blossoming in
Goldflower (Hypericum moserianum) : Good formidsummer, and indica in late summer.
yellow flowers in midsummer; variety Buckleyi isWitch-hazel: Our common Witch-hazel (hamamelis
more dwarf and spreading.virginiana) frequently found growing on rocky
Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum): Thehillsides, unfurls its graceful little tasseled yellow
natural growth of this fine native shrub is oftenbells in late October or even in November, and in
such as a Japanese gardener might spend aJanuary or February the Vernal Witch-hazel (h.
lifetime in achieving; few plants are morevernalis) bursts out impatiently; the Chinese
picturesque.Witch-hazel (mollis) follows a bit later; the
Rhododendrons: Almost too large and too heavyJapanese is impartial, and flowers either in latest
even for the background, excepting in rockautumn or in earliest spring; plant against
gardens of large size. The Myrtle rhododendronevergreens; semi-shade will do.