Vigorously Resprouting Woody Plants

We have observed that many understory shrubs and trees growing under taller canopy trees seem to have evolved the ability to resprout vigorously when damaged by falling limbs. This is a very desirable quality for shrubs and small trees planted in woodland gardens, where the aftermath of a storm can be heartbreaking. Also, many suckering shrubs resprout readily, making them good choices for driveway or roadside plantings, where plants damaged by errant vehicles, snowplows or piled up snow can recover quickly once damaged stems are pruned. Some, including Bush Honeysuckle, Forsythia, Rugosa Roses and Smooth Hydrangeas, can be cut back almost to the ground to control size. These plants are the epitome of resilience in the face of physical damage.