More Unique Trees And Shrubs Starting With The letter P

Here are some more unique trees and shrubs that start with the letter P. The list of plant section will hopefully give you some information on some species that may grow in your geographic location, and others that are new to you. I hope this section helps you in gaining more knowledge in the world of plants.

• Podocarpus - Plum Pine - There are more than one hundred species that make up this family. The unique Plum tree is native to the wet tropics, southern hemisphere, Japan, China, and Mexico. This genus will grow well in zones seven through ten in the United States. These trees and shrubs are fast growers and have a wide range of maturity. The shrubs can be as little as three feet high, and the trees can erect up to one hundred and fifty feet tall. This family loves full sun to partial shade, and will not survive frost very well. In my zone seven, the shrubs will do best if grown indoors. They adapt to a wide variety of soil conditions. This specie if grown outdoors it will make a wonderful hedge if properly pruned. If you don't want to prune this family, make sure you plant the specimens in an open area which will promote healthy growth patterns.
• Pomaderris - There are about fifty species that make up this unique family. These species are evergreen, woody trees and shrubs. They are native to Australia and New Zealand. These trees and shrubs can reach maturity of around fifteen feet, and make wonderful plants for gardens and landscapes. In early spring, clusters of soft yellow flowers appear. Pomaderris love well drained soil and need shelter from windy conditions. One unique aspect of these plants are their hairy leaves and branches. In New Zealand, the Gundigger's Soap variety has been used to treat chest conditions such as asthma.
• Populus - Poplar and Aspen - This is one of the most popular species in the northern hemisphere. The Poplar or Aspen thrive in zones three through eleven in the United States, and also seen a lot in Europe. These trees are deciduous, and require well drained and fertile soil. They love full sun and can mature to around one hundred feet. The highlight of this family is in the autumn season when the leaves turn to a vibrant and stunning yellow and gold. The Aspens are glorious throughout the Rocky Mountains in the United States. They are short lived trees and may only survive for around sixty years. The Populus are popular in parks, along streets, and also make a great screening. Plant with some other evergreen trees and these species will be a great accent.
• Potentilla - Cinquefoil - This is another northern hemisphere family that is made up of over five hundred species. These shrubs can be annuals, biennials, and perennials. They will grow well in cooler climates and in zones two through nine in the United States. These shrubs produce different color flowers in the spring and summer months. The unique Cinquefoil love full sun but if you plant some of the varieties with the colors pink, red, and orange in partial shades, their tones will be more brilliant for your enjoyment. This is a specie that also has some medicinal value, as a few of the species root bark is said to help stop nose bleeds. A very pretty specimen for a garden.
• Protea - this is a very unique family as it represents Africa's floral emblem. There are around one hundred and fifteen species that make up this evergreen shrub family. The flowerheads are hairy in nature and are made up of clusters of deep pink, red, yellow, orange, white, and silver tones. These flowerheads are popular in the florist industry. This can be a tough specie to grow and loves an open area with a good amount of sunlight. They thrive in acidic soil, as long as it is well drained. The Protea can mature up to eight feet tall. A great specie from Africa.
• Prunus There are around four hundred and thirty species that make up this large family. This genus is actually broken up into five different sub-genus. Some of the common names that you may recognize are Sweet Cherry, Apricot, Flowering Plum, Almond, Sour Cherry, Flowering Peach or nectarine, Yoshino Cherry, and the Blackhorn. These are just a few of the common names. There are a few shrubs in this family, but most of the specimens are trees bearing fruit. Prunus love full sun and well drained soil. They should all be protected from any strong winds. This genus is native to Europe, China, the Mediterranean region, Japan, Turkey, China, Korea, and North America. Many of the plants will grow well in zones three through nine in the United States. Their height and width will depend on the particular specimens but most make a wonderful addition to a landscape as well as for commercial planting.
• - Psudotsuga - Douglas Fir - Oregon Tree - This is a large group of unique conifer trees. The Douglas Fir are native to North America, China, Taiwan, Japan and Mexico. This family will grow well in zones four through nine in the United States. They are fast growing and can reach heights of three hundred feet. The trees are frost hardy and like cooler climates. They need open space and thrive in full sun. The leaves are a soft tone of green. The timber is valued in the United States. The Douglas Fir are upright trees that create a wonderful back drop for a landscape area.
• Psidium - Guava - This family is made up of about one hundred species. Tropical and sub-tropical climates are home to these fruit trees. They are especially native in Central and South America. Guava grows abundantly in zones nine through eleven in the United States. These trees will grow in well drained soil and need some protection and should be pruned. White clusters of flowers emerge in spring, followed by red or yellow berries. The berries are wonderful in jams, jellies, and fresh juice. Many of the tropical climates have the fresh fruit available. These trees can mature up to thirty feet. If you visit a location that has the Guava available, go ahead and bit into this tasty treasure.
• Punica - Pomogranate - There are only two species that make up this unique family. The Pomogranate is native to the Mediterranean region, and southern Asia. This specie will grow in zones seven through eleven in the United States. In zone seven and eight, this tree should be protected from strong winds. Pomogranate love full sun and hot and dry summers. The orange to red fruit appear in summer and early fall. In the tropics section there is a page on the unique Pomogranate specimen. I have one growing in my zone seven and we have had some of it's delicious and nutritional fruit. The orange flowers are striking before the fruit appears.

Close Up Of Pomogranate Flower

• Pyracantha - Firehorn - There are seven species that make up this family. They are native to central and western China, Turkey, and Europe. The Firehorn will do well in zones five through nine in the United States. This is an evergreen species that shows off its stunning red, orange and yellow berries in the fall and throughout the winter months. This family loves a sunny location. These species are popular along fences, decorative walls, and even positioned on a trellis in the front of homes. The Firehorn can mature up to twelve feet tall and can spread out to eight feet. A striking evergreen that grows in many geographical locations.

The ten unique families above are wonderful trees and shrubs for so many different locations. I have used some of these in designs and landscapes for others, and if one or more of these specimens will work for you, go ahead and plant a few for your enjoyment.