Plant-Lover’s Tour - “Shrub-mendous Shrubs”

Presented by Evan Villani and Tim Alderton, Research Technicians, JC Raulston Arboretum on June 3, 2025.

You laughed. You groaned. You endured Tree-mendous Trees. And now, against all odds (and better judgment), we're back with Shrub-mendous Shrubs—a tribute to the neat, the noble, and the not-so-needy workhorses of the garden. Join Horticulturists Tim and Evan as they lead you through a tidy, terrific lineup of low-maintenance shrubs that know how to behave. We'll explore foundation-friendly plantings, natural low screens, and other hardworking shrubs that stay compact and charming without demanding constant pruning or fuss. Whether you're a seasoned gardener, a shrub-curious newbie, or you just have a deep appreciation for tidy plants that mind their manners, you won't want to miss our most Shrub-mendous tour yet!

Plant list:
Aesculus parviflora
Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna 'Western Hills'
Sarcococca ruscifolia
Buxus sempervirens
Platycrater arguta
Lomatia myricoides
Nerium oleander 'Hardy Pink'
Poliomintha bustamanta
Illicium parviflorum 'Florida Sunshine'
Aloysia gratissima
Cestrum parqui
Choisya ×dewitteana 'Limo'
Hydrangea arborescens 'Mary Nell'
Hydrangea arborescens 'Haas' Halo'
Vauquelinia corymbosa subsp. angustifolia
Abutilon megapotamicum 'Ruffles'
Abutilon megapotamicum 'Little Imp'
Abutilon 'Bartley Schwarz'
Abutilon 'Voodoo'
Hypericum 'Red'

We hold Plant-lover’s Tours on the first Tuesday of every month. Be sure to check our events calendar so you can join us live for the next one!

https://jcra.ncsu.edu/events/calendar...

This program was originally presented live and in-person.