Plants in family ericaceae
Rhododendron arborescens
Rhododendron arborescens is a large shrub with pale pink to white fragrant flowers that attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. It grows well in USDA zones 4 to 7, preferring partial shade and enriched, acidic soil. Consistent moisture and post-flowering pruning are recommended for optimal growth.
Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow'
Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' is a shade-loving evergreen known for its striking variegated foliage in shades of bronze, pink, cream, and dark green. It produces fragrant creamy-white flowers with pink buds and turns a rich burgundy in the fall. This plant is deer resistant and thrives in well-drained, moist, acidic soil, tolerating full to partial shade. It can be maintained as a groundcover, growing to about 1-2 feet tall and wide. Pruning in late winter helps maintain its shape, and it benefits from organic fertilizer in early spring.
Vaccinium corymbosum 'Jewel'
Vaccinium corymbosum 'Jewel' is a Southern Highbush Blueberry known for its early season productivity and large, well-flavored berries. It features white, bell-shaped blooms in spring and showy light-blue berry clusters. The plant displays outstanding fall colors and has semi-evergreen foliage in warm climates. It requires acidic soil and consistent moisture, making it ideal for use as a privacy screen.
Vaccinium ovatum
Vaccinium ovatum is a hardy native evergreen known for its edible dark blue berries and tidy rounded shape. It features colorful spring foliage and showy white blooms, making it a great low hedge or container plant. This bird-friendly plant is nearly maintenance-free and thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Rhododendron 'Pink Ruffles'
Rhododendron 'Pink Ruffles' is a broad-leaf evergreen shrub that produces big trusses of frilly pink blooms. It is heat and humidity-tolerant, thriving in USDA zones 7 to 9. This pollinator-friendly plant grows 4-6 feet tall and wide, preferring partial shade and moisture-retentive, well-drained, acidic soil. Deer seldom bother this attractive shrub.