Alphabet Garden: Finding Plants for “U” and “X”

Stuck on the last two letters? Here are viable options:

“U” Plants

• Ulmus alata (Winged Elm) – Native small tree; can be pruned to shrub form.
• ‘Ultra Boy’ Tomato – Available from Totally Tomatoes (803-663-0016).
• Avoid Urtica (Stinging Nettle) – Unpleasant for a child’s garden.

“X” Plants

• Xanthorhiza simplicissima (Yellowroot) – Deciduous shade shrub with purple spring flowers. Source: Woodlanders Nursery, Aiken, SC (803-648-7522).
• Xylobium orchids – Greenhouse only, not garden-hardy.

Yellowroot is the best garden-worthy “X” choice for a temperate landscape.