Cornus kousa var. chinensis ‘Samzam’ (Variegated Kousa Dogwood)
Bloom Time: April to May
Sun Requirement: Full Sun to Part Shade
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Fruits provide food for birds, blooms attract pollinators
Tolerates: Good disease resistance
Native to North America: N/A
Zones: 4 to 8
Other: A graceful ornamental tree with striking variegated foliage that turns shades of pink and red in the fall.
Location: Carell Dogwood Garden
Rudbeckia triloba (Brown-eyed Susan)
Bloom Time: July to October
Sun Requirement: Full Sun
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Bees and butterflies
Tolerates: Drought
Native to North America: Yes
Zones: 4 to 8
Other: The long-lasting yellow blooms of this perennial adds vibrant late-season color.
Location: Wills Perennial Garden
Euonymus americanus (Strawberry Bush)
Bloom Time: May to June
Sun Requirement: Part Shade
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Fruits provide food for birds
Tolerates: Clay soils
Native to North America: Yes
Zones: 6 to 9
Other: This native shrub features red fruits that split open to reveal bright orange seeds.
Location: Howe Garden
Ricinus communis (Castor Bean)
Bloom Time: July to November
Sun Requirement: Full Sun
Water Requirement: Low
Wildlife: Bees and butterflies
Tolerates: Poor soils
Native to North America: No
Zones: 9 to 11
Other: Grown as an annual in Tennessee, it features spiny red seed capsules and large, palmate leaves.
Location: Robinson Family Water Garden
Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’ (Big Bluestem)
Bloom Time: August to October
Sun Requirement: Full Sun
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Provides seeds and nesting materials for songbirds
Tolerates: Drought
Native to North America: N/A
Zones: 3 to 9
Other: A striking prairie grass forming an upright clump with foliage that deepens to a rich burgundy purple in the fall.
Location: Bradford Robertson Color Garden
Callicarpa americana f. lactea (White Beautyberry)
Bloom Time: May to July
Sun Requirement: Full Sun to Part Shade
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Bees, butterflies, and birds
Tolerates: Drought and clay soils
Native to North America: Yes
Zones: 6 to 11
Other: Prized for its clusters of creamy white berries that line this shrub’s arching stems.
Location: Turner Seasons Garden
Danae racemosa (Poet’s Laurel)
Bloom Time: April to June
Sun Requirement: Part Shade to Full Shade
Water Requirement: Low
Wildlife: Provides shelter for birds and small mammals
Tolerates: Dry shade
Native to North America: No
Zones: 7 to 9
Other: An evergreen with arching stems that feature ornamental red-orange berries in the fall.
Location: Sigourney Cheek Literary Garden
Aesculus pavia (Red Buckeye)
Bloom Time: April to May
Sun Requirement: Full Sun to Part Shade
Water Requirement: Medium
Wildlife: Hummingbirds
Tolerates: Clay soil
Native to North America: Yes
Zones: 4 to 8
Other: A small tree with showy red flowers and distinctive, pear-shaped fruits that mature in the fall.
Location: Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden
