OXYDENDRUM arboreum
Sourwood

Beautiful large shrub or small tree, with long drooping flower clusters in summer. One of the best plants for fall foliage, turning crimson and contrasting with the prominent greenish-white fruit clusters.
Zone 6

Companion Plants These plants will complement this month's featured plant very nicely and make excellent companions in the mixed border or landscape.

HEDERA helix 'Garnet' A new adult cultivar with glossy green, unlobed leaves that turn an attractive burgundy in winter to earn its' name Garnet. Flowers in late summer followed by blue-black fruits that persist into winter. Easily pruned to retain a desired shape and size. Sun to part shade, drought tolerant and hardy to zone 6 (5). Don't wait too long on this plant because they'll sell out quick.

HYDRANGEA paniculata 'Grandiflora' Pee Gee Hydrangea Very showy large shrub, with huge panicles of white florets in late summer that turn pink as they age. Large specimens available. Zone 4

CARYOPTERIS x clandonensis 'Blue Mist' Soft gray-green foliage and powder blue flowers in late summer. Treat as a herbaceous perennial and cut back in early spring, as it flowers on new growth. This will also keep it more compact. Zone 5

CLETHRA alnifolia 'Hummingbird' This form is quite a bit lower growing than the species, reaching only 3 feet, and is more stoloniferous, forming a dense mat in time. Summer flowers attract the hummingbirds, followed by excellent fall color. Tolerant of shade and damp soil. Zone 3

ROBINIA pseudoacacia 'Frisia' Outstanding small to medium sized tree with rich golden yellow foliage from spring to fall, creating a brilliant splash of color. Beautiful with any of the purple smoke bushes. Can also be used as a large pot plant. Try planting it with a blue or purple clematis growing up through the yellow foliage-it stops everyone in the garden! For the mixed border or small location, trim the whole plant back to the ground and you'll be rewarded with 6 to 8' shrub of dense new growth. Zone 3