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Trees and Shrubs with Seasonal Interest: Summer Interest

  • Winter Interest
  • Spring Interest
  • Summer Interest
  • Fall Interest
White spikes of Clethra alnifolia; photo courtesy of Flickr cc/Katja Schulz
White spikes of Clethra alnifolia; photo courtesy of Flickr cc/Katja Schulz
 

Here are just a few of the trees and shrubs that can be planted for summer interest in the northeastern United States. The month of interest may vary from year to year with environmental conditions.

July:

BOTANICAL NAME
COMMON NAME
Abelia x grandiflora
glossy abelia
Albizia julibrissin
hardy mimosa
Buddleja spp. and vars.
butterfly bush
Callicarpa japonica
Japanese beautyberry
Clethra alnifolia
summersweet
Hydrangea spp. and vars.
hydrangea
Hypericum spp. and vars.
St. John's wort
Koelreuteria paniculata
golden rain tree
Magnolia grandiflora
southern magnolia
Oxydendrum arboreum
sourwood
Stewartia pseudocamellia
Japanese stewartia
Symphocarpos spp.
common snowberry
Tillia spp.
linden
The delicate white flowers of Oxydendrum arboreum (sourwood); photo by Ivo Vermeulen
The delicate white flowers of Oxydendrum arboretum (sourwood); photo by Ivo Vermeulen

August:

BOTANICAL NAME
COMMON NAME
Abelia x grandiflora
glossy abelia
Hydrangea spp. and vars.
hydrangea
Styphnolobium japonicum
Chinese scholar tree
Vitex agnus-castex
chaste tree

September:

BOTANICAL NAME
COMMON NAME
Hydrangea spp. and vars.
hydrangea
Prunus x subhirtella 'Autumnalis'
Higan flowering cherry
Rosa spp. and vars.
rose

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Related Guides

  • Annuals for Mid-summer Placement
  • Basic Classifications of Roses
  • Bulbs: A Seasonal Cycle: Tender Summer Bulbs
  • FAQs for Summer Gardening
  • Flowering Schedule at NYBG
  • Hardy Summer Bulbs
  • How-to's for Hydrangeas
  • Long Lasting Perennials for Mid-Summer Sun
  • Planting Roses
  • Pruning Roses
  • Selecting, Siting and Planting Trees and Shrubs
  • Summer Gardening Chores
  • Versatile Viburnums

Noteworthy Books on Seasonal Trees and Shrubs

  • Book CoverThe Creative Shrub Garden by Andy McIndoe
    Call Number: SB435 .M144 2014
    ISBN: 1604694343
    Publication Date: 2014-07-29
  • Book CoverHydrangeas for American Gardens by Michael A. Dirr (Foreword by); Bonnie L. Dirr (Illustrator)
    Call Number: QL 136.1 .H9 2004
    ISBN: 0881926418
    Publication Date: 2004-06-15
  • << Previous: Spring Interest
  • Next: Fall Interest >>
  • Last Updated: Mar 23, 2020 3:58 PM
  • URL: https://libguides.nybg.org/treesshrubsseasonal
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Subjects: Seasonal, Trees & Shrubs