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them forms a mass of beautiful foliage that is both backdrop and
focal point. Smokebushes can tolerate a range of poor soils.
* Rugosa roses (Rosa rugosa) are so tough, they have been
successfully used by Bassuk and collaborators in highway medi-
ans in Ithaca.
* A Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) with speckled pink flow-
ers.
* 'The Blues' little bluestem grass (Schizachyrium scoparium)
— blue in summer; bronze-red in fall
* Big bluestem grass (Andropogon gerardii)
* 'Rotstrahlbusch' red switch grass (Panicum virgatum): gor-
geous burgundy in the fall
* Dwarf eulalia grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio')
* Salvia 'Carradonna'
For annual interest, I add some super tough characters from
seed, such as burgundy okra. Okra? Yes, okra. It's in the hibiscus
family, and has a striking flower, leaves and fruit. It does amaz-
ingly well in my junky sandy soil and lends a tropical flair to the
whole scene.
Michelle Sutton (michellejudysutton.com) is a horticulturist,
writer, and editor.
Resources
* Urban Horticulture Institute (including Site Assessment
Checklist): http://tinyurl.com/kqp5m97
* Deciduous Woody Groundcovers for Urban Situations:
http://tinyurl.com/otk56m8
Okra — a great urban-tolerant annual from seed. All photos by Michelle Sutton
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