Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' (Red-twig dogwood, Cream-edge tatarian dogwood)

These showy shrubs have two distinct phases of garden interest. In winter, they display boldly colorful bark—red, yellow, or orange—on twiggy stems to make a striking scene. In spring, the stems lose their vivid color and produce bright green, gold, or variegated foliage that accents the garden through the fall. Twig and leaf color vary acording to the cultivar.

This variety has single, papery white blossoms that open from light pink buds and have contrasting yellow stamens. The heavily-scented flowers are followed by reddish-orange hips. It grows up to 6 feet high.

This rugosa rose has flattened, symmetrical, semi-double, snowy white flowers with a spicy clove scent. The blooms display well against the shrub's dense growth of deep green foliage. Crimson-hued buds add even more color to this lovely variety. The blossoms don't drop cleanly, so deadheading is necessary.

'Polar Ice', also known as 'Polareis,' is one of the most impressive, vigorous, and densely growing rugosa rose varieties, exemplifying every positive trait of a rugosa rose. With clusters of double, slightly nodding flowers, the green buds of 'Polar Ice' open to creamy white blooms with shell pink petals and deeper pink centers. The flowers smell lightly of baby powder, and the new, glossy, lime green foliage smells like strawberries and sweet grass. The fall foliage of this exceptional rose turns the brightest, clearest yellow of all the rugosas.