Hardy And Handsome Plants Starting With The Letter H

There are many hardy and handsome plants beginning with the letter H. This is another page for you of trees and shrubs in the list of plants section. As I continue to go through the alphabet, I hope this information will give you some insight on a small portion of wonderful plant specimens around the world. I personally find it fascinating to see the different trees and shrubs and what countries they are native to. Here are some of my favorites.

• Halesia - Silverbell - Snowdrop - there are five species that make up this family. They are native to the eastern United States and China. In the United States, this genus will grow well in zones three through nine. The Silverbell and Snowdrop are seen in moist woodlands and along natural streams. They are known for their bell shaped white or pink flowers that make their appearance in late spring. This family can survive in a cool climate and do well if in a sheltered area. Partial shade to full sun is the ideal condition for these species. The Carolina Silverbell can spread anywhere from twenty five to forty feet.
• Hamamelis - Witch Hazel - There are around five species of the family, and are native to North America and East Asia. They are deciduous shrubs or small trees. Red and yellow fragrant flowers dance on the branches in the springtime. These species are wonderful for a cool climate and in full sun. Great shrub to plant in an open area. This family will grow well in zones four through nine in the United States. In the Autumn, the foliage changes to a yellow with red and orange tones in each leaf.
• Hebe - Veronica - This is a large family of over one hundred species. They are a hardy evergreen shrub that is native to New Zealand and the surrounding islands. There are a couple of species that are native to Chile. They will thrive in warmer climate zones and do well in zones eight through ten in the United States. Veronica will do well in sun or shade, and the varieties that grow in cooler climates will need full sun. The flowers emerge in the summer months throughout the fall, and have rich white, mauve, and purple tones. The Hebe species love well drained soil. A wonderful specimen for a variety of landscapes.
• Helichrysum - Strawflower - A large family of over five hundred annual and perennial shrubs. South Africa has most of this genus, with some varieties in Australia, Mediterranean, central Asia, and New Zealand. The Helichrysum will do well in zones nine and ten in the United States. They are actually a member of the Daisy family. The family loves warmer climates and well drained soil. These shrubs can take sun or shade. Some of the varieties have yellow flowers, while others have inconspicuous blooms. One area these plants will grow is in mountainous areas.
• Hibiscus - This is another large group of over two hundred and fifty species. They are annual and perennial shrubs and small trees and will grow in many different climate zones. In the United States, they are one of the most popular summertime flowers, and will grow well in zones seven through nine. In the tropics, this specimen is a hardy evergreen. The Hibiscus is easy to grow in zone seven in the United States, should be pruned back before the first fall frost. Here is some more information on the Hibiscus family, with some photos.
• Hippophae - a small genus of onlythree family members. They love cooler climates and are native to some regions of Asia and northern Europe. In the United States, they will survive in zone two through nine. Hippophae are a hardy group of deciduous shrubs and trees and noted for their thorns. In spring, clusters of yellow tone flowers appear, and the climax of these species are their vibrant color berries in the fall. They love full sun and do well in sandy soil. This is a great hardy specie to plant in hedges in coastal areas.
• Hydrangea - Popular deciduous or evergreen shrub that is native to South and North America, and temperate Asia. The Hydrangea grows well in zones six through nine in the United States. The key to successfully growing these specimens is the soil. The soil should be rich in humus and the Hydrangea does need some acid. The amount of acid will play a role in the actual color of the flowers. Take a look of some photos and more information on the Hydrangea page in the variety of plants section.
• Hymenosporum - there is a single specimen of this genus. The Hymenosporum is native to east coast of Australia and New Guinea. To me, this is a beautiful specimen with splendid fragrant cream or yellow flowers. This hardy specie is considered a tree as in the wild, it can mature up to thirty feet. The tree can take full sun but does need some shelter to produce a good mass of flowers. Loves moist, humus base soil and is a fast grower. The Hymenosporum does well in zones nine through eleven in the United States.

These eight families above represent some hardy deciduous and evergreen shrubs and trees beginning with the letter H. Each have their own unique characteristic and native to many different geographic locations. Great specimens and great locations!