Woody Trees & Shrubs
White Fir, Abies concolor, $11.98
Firs in general are very attractive because of their softness, and it
is often said that there is nothing more beautiful than a fir tree.
Especially enjoyable is the aroma of fir, and the white fir is
singled out for the aroma that it releases when one walks close by
and brushes up against it: it's a citrus scent. A mature tree of
Abies concolor features dense, soft foliage that ranges from slightly
bluish-green to silver-blue, with some plants even bluer than the
bluest spruce. This symmetrically crowned conifer is perfect for
Midwestern climates, withstanding heat, humidity, drought, harsh
winters and moderate field soil conditions. Its native habitat
extends from Colorado to New Mexico and southern California to
Mexico. It prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade and will
reach 50' in height.
Paperbark Maple, Acer griseum, $14.98, $18.98
This native species of China has made itself at home in the American
garden as a small tree that never fails to attract attention. This
cold hardy aristocrat is a standout in the winter landscape at 20-30'
high, with its dependable, exquisite, exfoliating cinnamon-red bark
as its most obvious ornamental feature. Some paperbark maples display
almost solid red autumn foliage, while others turn an elegant,
mottled combination of red, orange and yellow. Planted in a
reasonably moist, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade, the
paperbark maple is a great 20-30' specimen tree that is unhampered by
insect or disease problems. If you don't have a place to plant it in
your own landscape, give it as a gift: it will keep on giving
happiness for years to come.
Miaotaitze Maple, Acer miyabei subsp. miaotaiense, $24.98
Miaotaitze Maple is a moderately dense, medium tree that comes from
northern China in Shaanxi Province and is little known outside of
arboreta and botanical gardens. The foliage of this species is glossy
and retains its greenness well into autumn, then rapidly turns to
pale yellow. The bark and maturing branches exhibit a degree of
corkiness as the tree matures. Specimens at the Morton Arboretum,
Lisle, Ill., have repeatedly withstood temperatures lower than -20F.
It is a tree worth knowing about and should be considered as a shade
tree to 40-50'.
Korean Maple, Acer pseudosieboldianum, $14.98, $18.98
Korean Maple is found on rocky and exposed sites in the cold regions
of Korea and Manchuria, which indicates that this species has
tolerance to drought, cold and wide winter temperature fluctuations.
Spring foliage is unique, as it emerges drooping and covered with a
silvery white pubescence. The bright-green summer and autumn foliage
with tints of orange and red is very impressive. This lovely,
ornamental tree exhibits small size, upright-spreading form, finely
cut and many lobed foliage, and brilliance in autumn. And don't
forget its tolerance to drier soils, which is uncommon in maples. Its
winter hardiness extends into Massachusetts and Maine, where winter
lows drop below -20F.
Yellow Buckeye, Aesculus flava, $14.98
The beauty of yellow buckeye lies in its vigorous growth and its
acceptance of somewhat intolerable sites. Few shade trees can double
as ornamental flowering specimens. Yellowwood is an exception,
producing pale-yellow flowers with pinkish throats in late spring to
early summer. It is less susceptible to some of the leaf diseases
that hamper its European cousin.
Ohio Buckeye, Aesculus glabra, $11.98
You can certainly find something laudable about an Ohio Buckeye. For
just that memory, you will want to find just the right location for
planting this species. A truly admired aspect of this species is the
swelling and unfolding of terminal buds that occurs about the time
that spring quarter tuition is due, followed by greenish-yellow
flowers commencing to appear when income taxes are due. Now aren't
these good enough reasons to plant an Ohio Buckeye and see its
interest grow! This is a rare find in the nursery trade --
surprisingly, for being the state tree of Ohio. Plant this species in
a moist, bottomland soil and replicate an understory style planting
from the wild. As is true of the Buckeyes, this species does not like
a dry season!
Bottlebrush Buckeye, Aesculus parviflora, $11.98
Bottlebrush tastefully covers the ground and eventually fills a large
space. The plant's most notable features are its off-season flowering
time and shrub-like habit. A plant in bloom is quite a sight: in
mid-summer, a profusion of showy, white flowers are borne on upright
panicles (bottlebrushes) up to a foot long. They appear extremely
delicate but maintain an impressive floral display for approximately
two weeks. The large, deep-green, compound leaves provide a pleasing
coarse texture, changing to a rich yellow in autumn. Plant this
marvelously large, spreading, multi-stemmed shrub in shady areas and
in soils that are moist but well drained. It takes bottlebrush
buckeye 3-4 years to get growing from a single shoot, but it is worth
the wait, as you will eventually discover an impressive 6-8'-plus by
10-15'-plus shrub along your woods' edge.
Compact Bog-rosemary, Andromeda polifolia 'Nana,' $14.98
A remarkable low-growing, compact, evergreen ornamental for a moist
location around the rockery, water garden or terrace. Delightfully
nodding, white/pink flowers in spring. This ericaceous plant requires
a humusy, acidic soil and an environment that is regularly moist and
cool: give it a north, east or west exposure. Bog-rosemary requires
little attention once established. It is an underused plant
considering its beauty as a miniature evergreen for the landscape.
Massachusetts Bearberry, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Massachusetts,'
$14.98
A delightful trailing evergreen ornamental for the rockery or
courtyard garden, but plant it where it can be enjoyed up close.
Plant in partial shade and especially out of winter sun and in
well-drained soils; it is not at all tolerant of extra-moist or wet
soils. It tolerates moderate soil conditions. Bearberry boasts small,
glossy, dark-green foliage and abundant dainty, urn-shaped white/pink
flowers in spring followed by bright-scarlet fruit in late summer.
The evergreen foliage takes on a bronze cast in winter. This
selection is disease resistant. This is an excellent 12" facer plant
for around small shrubs or for use in finishing the edges of
plantings. It will spread considerably but is not invasive.
Red Chokeberry, Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima,' $24.98
'Brilliantissima' is a valuable selection of one of our great native
species with its abundant white flowers in spring and lustrous,
dark-green summer foliage that turns brilliant scarlet in autumn
among a myriad of large, glossy-red fruit, giving a brilliant exhibit
late summer through early winter -- truly a brilliant introduction!
This spectacular selection is a medium, multi-stemmed, upright
branching shrub that is adaptable to varied soil conditions,but
fruits best in full sun. 'Brilliantissima' is an excellent plant for
the shrub border, especially for its seasonal characteristics where
even a single plant readily forms a dense colony, especially under
moist soil conditions.
Black Chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa 'Autumn Magic,' $11.98
'Autumn Magic' is an excellent deciduous shrub cultivar that is
native to the eastern U.S. but deserves much wider use for gardens;
it's useful for naturalizing or massing in the shrub border. This
admirable selection has a long-season landscape interest and is
invaluable as a tough, low-maintenance ornamental-edible. It will
tolerate moderate field soils and is a sun-loving species. Copious
white flowers cover the 6-8' round plant in late spring. Its
dark-green, lustrous, waxy summer foliage turns a vibrant deep-red
and looks dynamite in autumn when clusters of shiny, deep-black fruit
also appear. Due to the astringent taste of the fruit, they are
rarely used for raw consumption. However, during the processing of
fruits, the astringent taste loses its intensity, thus a delicious
ruby-red juice can be made (see Aronia Berry, Inc. www.aronia.com).
This species shows a high adaptability to different types of soil as
long as the soil's pH stays in the range of 5.5-6.7. Black Chokeberry
fruits not only beautify the landscape and feed the birds, but now,
after processing, can also be consumed with great delight by humans.
Butterfly Magic, Buddleia davidii 'Butterfly Magic,' $18.98
Multiple plants and colors of red, pink or purple exist in
combination in each container. This plant will be a summer attraction
as hummingbirds and monarch, great spangled fritillary and American
painted lady butterflies stop to sip nectar from July through
September.
Purple Beautyberry, Callicarpa dichotoma 'Early Amethyst,' $14.98
Callicarpa dichotoma is a deciduous Japanese shrub introduced in 1857
but only recently has it been recognized as an excellent fruiting
plant for northeast Ohio landscapes, especially through Arnold
Arboretum's introduction of the cultivar 'Early Amethyst.' This great
garden selection from Asia is distinguished by its clusters of
striking lavender fruit that form in late summer and remain into
autumn. A deciduous shrub, purple beautyberry is expected to attain a
height of 3-5', displaying gracefully arching branches. It grows well
in full sun or partial shade and moderate field soils and has much
landscape potential.
Cedar of Lebanon, Cedrus libani, $6.98
An ancient species that has stood the test of time. One of the most
beautiful and historic of the conifers.
Summersweet Pepperbush, Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird,' $24.98
'Hummingbird', a compact, small shrub, possesses several favorable
characteristics that make it worthy as an award-winning plant. This
deciduous species is a small spreading native to the eastern U.S. as
well as an excellent ornamental. This selection has abundant,
spicy-sweet, fragrant, white flowers in mid- through late summer. It
thrives in many growing sites, including wet, poorly drained soils;
look for that spot in the garden where rainwater runoff collects from
the surrounding landscape and select a full sun location or only
light shade. This superior selection has a compact branching habit
that forms a cloud-like mound. Summersweet is a great deciduous shrub
where a naturalistic effect is desired, singly or massed. The glossy
foliage of 'Hummingbird' is attractive throughout the growing season
and turns a brilliant yellow in autumn if the plant is in a sunny
location.
Sweetfern, Comptonia peregina, $14.98
Use this small, multi-stemmed, colony-forming shrub in gardens for
foliage texture, fragrance and fernlike appearance. A height of 3-4'
will readily be attained in dry soils as it does on its native New
England coast, in abandoned fields and in woodland openings. The
species grows in full sun to partial shade and tolerates understory
shade. A cold- and heat hardy native from Nova Scotia to Manitoba,
Canada, and south to Virginia; also found in upland Tennessee and
Georgia. Sweetfern makes a terrific xeriscape plant.
Compact Blue Nootka Falsecypress, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis
'Compacta Glauca,' $14.98
This plant makes a beautiful globose specimen. It matures to 10' in
height and half that in spread. It has very dense, blue-green foliage
in summer and winter. Plant this selection in a microclimate, but not
in heavy shade, and in average garden soil. Enjoy its year-round
color to contrast with evergreens. Use as a hedge, screen or focal
point.
White Fringetree, Chionathus virginicus, $11.98, $14.98
There has been increasing interest in recent years in landscaping
with plants that are native to the general range of North America
where the landscaping will be done. This attractive large shrub or
small tree is considered by many to be one of our finest native
flowering shrubs. The Fringetree has pendulous, fleecy white, billowy
flowers in panicles 8" long appearing in early June. This is one of
the last shrubs to leaf in the spring but in autumn the foliage turns
a reasonable yellow. Plant this species in average soil and in full
sun or very light shade. Though hardy to -30F, beautifully ornamental
and adaptable, Fringetree has been slow to gain popularity as a
landscape species. Use white Fringetree as a single specimen or in
mixed-shrub borders.
Chinese Kousa Dogwood, Cornus kousa var. chinensis, $24.98
This is a small tree from Asia with very definitely layered branching
that supports beautiful arms of large white floral bracts in early
summer. Environmental requirements: partial shade, especially during
the heat of the day; and well-drained soil, but don't ignore it
during periods of drought, at least during the first 3-5 years of
establishment. If you have flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) in your
landscape, you might also enjoy providing companion-planting status
with Cornus kousa var. chinensis -- about three weeks difference in
time of flowering.
Corneliancherry Dogwood, Cornus mas, $14.98
This large shrub or potentially small tree may reach a mature height
and width of about 20'. A profusion of delicate yellow flowers
heralds the arrival of spring. Gardeners may even cut branches in
late winter to rush the spring season by forcing for precocious bloom
indoors. The cherry-like fruits are tart but high in vitamin C and
have a delicious flavor. Plant in full sun in a moderate field soils.
This species can be used as a small specimen tree, in a hedge or
shrub border planting, or as a large shrub for the background.
Hedge Cotoneaster, Cotoneaster lucidus, $14.98
Noteworthy among the hardy cotoneasters for the Midwest is hedge
cotoneaster. This medium-to-large deciduous shrub has a
long-standing, popular appeal for hedges. This species grows from 6
to 10 feet in height and width although it withstands regular
pruning. The dark green deciduous foliage turns red in autumn. Small
pink flowers form in spring and are followed by black fruit.
Common Persimmon, Diospyros virginiana, $11.98
Hernando DeSoto learned of the food value of common persimmon on his
expedition through what would be the southern U.S. in 1539. The
Indians he encountered offered him bread made of persimmon pulp mixed
with cracked maize. The fruit was also dried like prunes and stored
for winter use. This species is a wild-growing fruit tree, but it is
in the class called specialty fruits and is a great candidate for the
edible landscape. Many recipes for ripe persimmons have been
developed, including steamed and baked puddings, custards, cake and
sherbets. Knowing when the fruits are ripe is crucial, since unripe
fruit is high in tannic acid and the puckery taste discourages many
from eating it. But the ripe fruit is soft, reddish-yellow or orange,
sometimes with purple or black spots. Fruit will ripen before frost,
especially on many of the early fruit-maturing trees. Freezing is as
detrimental to the quality of persimmons as to the quality of any
other fruit. The fruits of this small tree are an important wildlife
food and are eaten by many birds and animals. The winter bark of a
maturing tree is a nice asset in the winter landscape.
Karl Sax Forsythia, Forsythia x intermedia 'Karl Sax,' $14.98
An old favorite for solid, robust growth and durable flowering is
forsythia. Even more exciting is the cultivar 'Karl Sax': the large
(1.5" across), deep-yellow flowers with yellow-orange throats provide
a golden glow to the entire shrub. This cultivar has shown excellent
flower bud hardiness in Secrest Arboretum and has been rated the
finest of the forsythia. It matures to 6-8' in height.
Dwarf Fothergilla, Fothergilla gardenii 'Blue Mist,' $14.98
The bottle-brush-shaped, distinctively white, honey-scented floral
clusters of this noteworthy but little-used species appear in
mid-spring. The foliage of this U.S. native selection is a rich
bluish-green. The plant is a low shrub and is slow-growing and
prefers moderate shade. Seasonally wet soil does not harm
Fothergilla, and it is ideal for planting with evergreens. Designs
incorporating a flowering groundcover like Sweet Woodruff (Gallium
odoratum) are especially attractive. Every gardener should consider
planting one or more Fothergilla.
Snowball Hydrangea, Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle,' $14.98
'Annabelle' is a superior selection of this native species of the
eastern U.S., with large, showy flower heads 12" in diameter. The
globular flower heads begin with a cool light-green and mature to
creamy-white, displaying an outstanding summer flower show. This
bushy, many stemmed shrub grows to 3-5' in height. Plant this
selection in average garden soil and in partial shade where
sufficient water is available -- for example, near a downspout along
a building. Plants can be severely pruned in winter or early spring
because they flower on new wood.
Climbing Hydrangea, Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris, $16.98
The climbing hydrangea is for vertical spaces such as walls and
arbors, or it can be grown as a shrub or massed as a groundcover -- a
versatile plant for landscape design. Off-white lacecaps appear in
June. The deep-green foliage drops unceremoniously in autumn while
still green. Old stems have a peeling, cinnamon-brown bark. Provide a
well-drained moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Best on east or
north exposure.
Little Henry Sweetspire, Itea virginica 'Sprich,' $16.98
This woodland species is a sure bet for planting around newly
constructed buildings where fill-dirt and buried construction trash
create wet, compacted soils. Sweetspire is native to floodplains from
New Jersey to Florida, and its range reaches as far west as Texas. In
flood plains it forms thickets. It takes abuse, which translates into
landscape tolerance. Plant in full sun to medium shade and enjoy the
slightly fragrant flowers. The flowering impact is of conspicuous and
abundant white to creamy white flowers packed onto 4-6" terminal,
drooping racemes, brightening the garden in early summer -- white is
always a good color for light in the garden at night. Autumn foliage
for this selection is bright-red and is more vivid when the shrub is
grown in sunny sites. The arching branches of this low-mounded,
compact plant reach about 3' in height and spread. This is a good
shrub to scale down medium shrubs and fill in around them, perfectly
suited for massing. With spring flowers, colorful autumn foliage and
adaptable cultural tolerance, Itea is an interesting addition to the
Midwest landscape.
Oakleaf Hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia, $14.98
In the wild, oakleaf hydrangea is found along stream banks as an
understory shrub. The ideal cultural niche is in a rich, moist,
upland soil with partial shade. The 3-8" long and three- to
seven-lobed comfortably bold leaves emerge a soft greenish-gray and
are similar to those of red oak. They are a tremendous textural
accent and develop a reddish-purple coloring in autumn depending upon
the degree of sun that it is exposed to. After leaf drop, the thin,
exfoliating papery patches are evident, revealing a multicolored
pattern on the inner bark on older stout branches. The showy-sepaled,
cone-shaped white panicles of flowers appear in early summer and
change color as they age, adding to the late-season interest. This
most attractive multi-season species will grow to 6' in height with
an equal spread if left unpruned and grows best in moist shade where
it deserves to be used more often. It can be kept shorter and more
compact by regular pruning.
Male and Female Longstalk Holly, Ilex pedunculosa, $16.98
Longstalk Holly is a large shrub or can be developed beautifully into
a small tree. Its spineless, smooth-edged, evergreen leaves are
inclined to droop and resemble pear foliage. The leaves are a
comfortable feature of this species considering what the name holly
conjures up in the minds of most people. While longstalk holly is a
common tree in gardens of Japan and China, it is relatively new to
the American nursery industry. Elegant, slender, long stalked,
cherry-like fruits form on female plants and are an unexpected
attraction among hollies. It is well worth a place in the landscape
as a specimen plant, especially when trained as a small tree, where
the appearance of a broadleaved evergreen is a rarity. Plant this
unusual species in average garden soil and in a microclimate of a
north or east exposure -- cold hardy to -20F. Plant at least one male
and one female of this species for pollination and development of
fruiting plants.
Female Winterberry Holly, Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite' and 'After
Glow,' $14.98
Common winterberry, Ilex verticillata, is an end-of-the-season
spectacular landscape plant with flaming fruit display from late
summer through early winter. Deciduous Winterberry Holly has provided
many new cultivars as superior deciduous shrubs. When the foliage
drops in autumn, this showstopper really displays its spectacular,
brilliant-red fruit. The plants are useful in wet, poorly drained
soils as well as in good garden soils and sun to partial shade. 'Red
Sprite' is a dwarf introduction from Rhode Island and matures to a 3'
by 4' shrub. Its fruit are twice as big and redder than the species.
'Afterglow' is a compact, slow-growing shrub to approximately 10' in
height and width. The claim to fame of this slow growing cultivar is
orange-red for the autumn landscape or as cut branches for the
Thanksgiving table.
Male Winterberry Holly, Ilex verticillata 'Jim Dandy,' $14.98
Mature plant is 10' x 7'. 'Jim Dandy' is the pollinator for the
following female cultivars: 'Afterglow', 'Aurantiaca', 'Autumn Glow',
Cacapon', 'Harvest Red', 'Red Sprite', 'Shaver' and 'Stop Light'. The
proximity of male and female plants is to be nearby but not
necessarily close; they are insect-pollinated, and some pollinators
have been known to travel as much as 3 miles with pollen. The ratio
of male to female plants is on the order of 1 to 8, but
recommendations vary all the way to 1 to 50.
Blue Star Juniper, Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star,' $14.98
For a blue, slow-growing, miniature juniper, 'Blue Star' is
recommded, especially for an undulating groundcover. It is an
excellent specimen plant for the rockery.
Spreading Junipers, Juniperus conferta 'Blue Pacific' and Juniperus
horizontalis 'Wiltonii,' $11.98
For alpine or rock gardens, dwarf junipers are excellent. While these
two junipers have distinct foliage characteristics, they are both
prostrate, creeping plants with attractive blue-green foliage. The
junipers are exceptionally cold hardy and are heat -olerant
throughout the North Temperate Zone. Why not mix these two cultivars
for bold patterns of color, height and texture in a hot, sunny, dry
site?
Umbrella Magnolia, Magnolia tripetala, $6.98
Umbrella magnolia is commonly found in forests in eastern North
America, but it is not commonly found in landscapes. With its
extremely large leaves, which can expand to 2' in length, its
tropical appearance adds a dramatic effect to any site. Less notable,
but equally significant, are its large, water-lily-like, white
flowers that can measure up to 10" in diameter and open in
mid-spring. This species can attain a height of 35' with a spread of
about 25'. In nature, it is an understory species, but it performs
well in full sun, given a good garden soil to grow in.
Sweetbay Magnolia, Magnolia virginiana, $11.98
This large shrub or small tree commences a display of 2"
creamy-white, sweetly scented flowers in early summer and stretches
out its exhibit all summer. The occurrence of year-round foliage
depends on the geographic region/climatic conditions where it is
growing: the farther south and the milder the winter, the greater the
occurrence of foliage, and the degree of such determines whether it
is evergreen or not. This full-sun species grows remarkably well in
wet and even swampy soils -- and that translates into wet, yucky,
clay soils -- but it is also at home in most acidic landscape soils.
In most landscape situation, it matures at 20-25 feet in height and
generally develops naturally as a multi-stem plant.
Creeping Oregongrape-holly, Mahonia repens, $14.98
This is a beautiful landscape plant with dramatic compound leaves,
bright-yellow flowers in early spring and often has attractive fruit.
Plants are best located where they will have relief from winter sun
and sweeping winds: choose a northern or eastern exposure where
buildings or plants baffle the wind somewhat. The plant normally
reaches 12" in height and spreads extensively once established. It is
useful as a facer to small shrubs in foundation plantings and along
north- or east-facing walls.
Honeycrisp Apple, $24.98
Honeycrisp is a mid-season hybrid apple from the University of
Minnesota in 1991. This selection has been rated excellent in winter
storage trials, even up to 7 months. The fruit ripens in mid-to late
September, and it has become an outstanding commercial and
home-orchard variety with its explosive crispness and honey-sweet
flavor. This selection is grafted onto M26 dwarfing rootstalk
Sweet Sixteen Apple, $24.98
Sweet Sixteen is a mid-season hybrid apple from the University of
Minnesota in 1978. This selection produces a medium-sized red-striped
apple with a crisp, juicy texture. It has an excellent sweet, unusual
flavor -- like cherry candy -- and makes an excellent dessert apple.
Sweet Sixteen is fireblight-resistant and is grafted onto M7, a
semi-dwarfing rootstock.
Note: Apples should be cross-pollinated. For example, you should
plant at least two different varieties that bloom at the same time to
ensure cross-pollination -- i.e., Honeycrisp and Sweet Sixteen are
both midseason bloomers and those should cross-pollinate.
Dawn Redwood, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, $6.98, $11.98, $14.98
Many first-time associations with Dawn Redwood have come through Dr.
Burney Huff, Secrest Arboretum's Dawn Redwood Champion. The tonal and
textural qualities of this species are unequivocally beautiful. Its
beauty deserves much wider use with its bright-green, soft, feathery
deciduous foliage; great aristocratic architectural form; and rich,
russet-brown autumn foliage. This unique relic was known only as a
fossil to many generations of people and was near extinction when
rediscovered in China in the 1940s. Fossil records show that this
species once covered most of the Northern Hemisphere. The plant grows
fast if year-round moist soil conditions exist, but it adapts well to
average soil. Drought and dry sites might mean death to this species.
It likes full sun and exhibits gracefulness when planted in groups,
but it is a magnificent specimen tree.
Russian Arborvitae, Microbiota decussata, $14.98
Although bright colors always add a nice accent to the landscape,
sometimes the rich touch of green creates the perfect look. For a
beautiful shade groundcover, try Microbiota: a cold-hardy,
low-growing shrub with sprays of pale-green, lacy foliage that turns
to russet-brown in winter. Russian Arborvitae thrives in light shade,
needs protection from afternoon sun and heat, and requires a moist
soil but excellent drainage. It grows to about 12" in height and can
reach six times that or more in spread.
Dwarf Ninebark, Physocarpus opulifolius 'Nanus,' $14.98
'Nanus' is a dwarf form of the trouble-free and tolerant ninebark and
grows to 4-5' in height and width. This plant is a good choice for
the shrub border or possibly as a single-species hedge, especially
where soil conditions are dry for extended periods and planting
situations are in full sun to partial shade. This species is not
overwhelmingly ornamental but is effective -- as they say in the
north country, "It's a good green" -- and is hardy in summer and
winter. Pinkish-white flowers are effective in spring, and the green
foliage turns a yellowish to bronze in autumn and following leaf
fall, the exfoliating bark on this multi-stemmed deciduous shrub
exhibits.
Bird's Nest Spruce, Picea abies 'Nidiformis,' $14.98
Bird's nest spruce may excite few avid collectors of dwarf conifers,
but as a landscape plant, its compactness and reliably low,
mound-like (or nest-like) form make it eminently useful. Its cold
hardiness extends its usefulness northward at least to Zone 4a
(northeast Ohio is 5b!).
Jeffrey Pine, Pinus jeffreyi, $11.98
Jeffrey Pine is hardy in USDA Zone 5 and occurs in the mountains from
Oregon to lower California. The long needles of this large tree are
impressive: 7-9"! The species is adaptable to moderate field soils. A
pine for the curious, especially the children.
Korean Pine, Pinus koraiensis, $11.98
Korean Pine is a fine, soft-foliage, medium tree. It makes an
excellent pine for small places in the landscape, where it would
rarely exceed 30 40' in height.
Pawnee Buttes Western Sand Cherry, Prunus bessey 'Pawnee Buttes,' $14.98
The attractive, lustrous, green leaves of this selection turn a
bright-red and purple in autumn. This is a low groundcover, 15-18" in
height, but potential to spread 4-6' -- what a beautiful mat. The
fragrant, white flowers of this Colorado Plant Select program bloom
in early spring and produce a heavy crop of black cherries in summer
that are attractive to wildlife. Plant this selection in full sun to
part shade and it will tolerate moderate field soils.
Scarlet Oak, Quercus coccinea, $6.98
Foliage is an excellent glossy-green and in autumn is among the most
brilliant of the oaks. This species is one of the oaks that is
adaptable to moderate field soils. These are verified, true-to-name
Scarlet Oaks -- difficult to find on market.
Northern Pin Oak, Quercus ellipsoidalis, $16.98
Northern pin oak displays scarlet foliage in autumn before dropping
in early winter. It will not tolerate wet, poorly drained soils, but
it is extremely cold hardy, to USDA Zone 3 and more disease/insect
resistant than many oaks. This species is much sought after because
it is reportedly the most tolerant of the oaks for alkaline soils.
Bur Oak, Quercus macrocarpa, $6.98
Bur oak is an excellent choice for the Midwest. Not only is the
overall structure of this tree majestically rugged, but it is also
culturally rugged as it handles cold weather and drought and is
broadly adaptable to a variety of sites and soils, from acid to
neutral in pH. It is an impressive, stately, strong-growing tree that
gives homeowners years of enjoyment. This large tree can grow as wide
as tall. The merits of planting oaks are many, among which are their
long life and drought tolerance. Many landscapes in the Midwest would
benefit from having this picturesque individual.
Willow Oak, Quercus phellos, $6.98
Willow oak has an upright, pyramidal branching habit with a dense
canopy and dominant central leader. This species grows in moderate
field soils and is adaptable and tough once established. The
narrow-leaf, bright-green summer foliage turns yellow-orange in
autumn.
Chestnut Oak, Quercus prinus, $11.98
Chestnut oak eventually develops into a rounded, large tree,
attaining a restively dense 60-70' beauty, spreading 30-50'. In its
native southern and eastern Ohio, it has a fondness for rocky
mountain ridges -- dry, rocky slopes and ridges.
Red Oak, Quercus rubra, $6.98
Oaks are among the most dependable of our landscape trees.
"Drought-resistant, heat-tolerant, cold-hardy, strong-wooded and
long-lived, oaks have value and aesthetic appeal." You might want to
consider the economics: red oak grows so rapidly that dimension
timbers can be cut from growth made during a young shaver's lifetime;
that cannot be said of all oaks. Red oak is among the largest of the
North American oaks.
Golden Lights Azalea, Rhododendron x 'Golden Lights,' $16.98
One of the most popular woody ornamentals is azalea, and then the
question follows: How hardy are they? The University of Minnesota
Landscape Arboretum has paved the way for hardy azaleas suited for
northern gardens through their introduction of the Light Series.
Plants in this series can withstand temperatures as low as minus 45F
without significant damage. Golden Lights has surely earned its
cultivar name with its bright-gold blooms that brighten the landscape
in late spring. This smaller selection matures 4-5' in height and
3-4' in width and is resistant to mildew on the foliage. The foliage
displays a bronzy-red in autumn.
Rosy Lights Azalea, $16.98
One of the five Light Series introductions, the fragrant flowers of
this selection are vivid purplish-red with reddish-orange spotting.
This small shrub will develop into a 6' by 4' plant in 24 years.
White Lights Azalea, $16.98
The flower buds of this series are pale, delicate-pink and upon
initial opening, the flowers have a pink tinge that fades at full
bloom to give a virtually white appearance in the landscape. The
plant develops into a 4' by 3.5' rounded form in 12 years.
Dwarf Fragrant Sumac, Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low,' $14.98
The dwarf 'Gro-Low' will stay under 2-3' tall and will develop 6-8'
in width with good density. The glossy, trifoliate leaves are green
to blue-green during the growing season and are faintly scented when
bruised (hence the botanical and common name). This low-growing
deciduous shrub will form dense thickets within a few years and can
be used attractively along woodland borders in masses or drifts. It
develops great autumn foliage of bright, reddish hues, though hints
and streaks of yellow and orange are not uncommon. It tolerates full
sun to partial shade and is drought-tolerant and vigorous, which
makes it ideal for urban sites, slopes and other areas where
supplemental irrigation cannot be supplied.
Red Lake Currant, Ribes sativum 'Red Lake,' $14.98
Currants are a major fruit crop in northern Europe but are not known
widely by American gardeners. They develop to medium shrubs and are
clothed in midsummer with drooping clusters of deep, translucent,
nutritious fruits high in vitamin C. When the berries are ripe they
can be eaten fresh, dried or used in making jams and jellies. Try
these edible ornamentals: they are self-fruitful and thus only one
plant is needed for pollination. Plant this hardy ornamental edible
in average field soil and fruiting will be most productive in full
sun. 'Red Lake' was developed by the University of Minnesota and
released in 1935 and has been recognized for quality for years.
Knock Out Rose, Rosa 'RADrazz,' $16.98
Do not judge roses too harshly! Some new varieties of roses are being
introduced because they have proved to be disease-resistant. This
AARS 2000 winner is the most disease-resistant rose that we have
heard of. Shrub roses grow well in full sun in the shrub border.
Variegated Japanese Willow, Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki,' $14.98
This large shrub is sought after because of its striking, variegated,
pink- (shrimp!) and-white foliage, drawing comments like, "I can't
believe it's a willow." Its beauty can be renewed throughout the
growing season with regular pruning. The foliage is eye-catching,
especially with an evergreen background. Plant in full sun and give
it space if you are not going to prune. 6-8".
Golden Elf Spirea, Spiraea japonica 'Golden Elf,' $14.98
Think of 'Golden Elf' as a yellow-leaved, dwarf and compact mound of
less than 12'' in height. This neat and tidy shrub tolerates full sun
and hot temperatures. It is a great plant for the rockery, borders
and mixing into the perennial garden. The bloom is rather
insignificant. The color and form of this interesting shrub can bring
a breath of fresh air to any landscape.
Cutleaf Stephanandra, Stephanandra incisa 'Crispa,' $14.98
Spreading, arching, cascading branching is the way to describe this
small shrub maturing to 4' in height and 3-5' feet in spread. The
slender stems, tiny greenish-white flowers, and small, lobed leaves
exhibit a fine texture. At Secrest Arboretum, it is best to plant it
out of the heat of the day, but it will tolerate the dryness of a
hillside planting. Prefers an east- or north-facing slope. Consider
this as a groundcover or facing plant to larger shrubs in a border.
Japanese Stewartia, Stewartia pseudocamellia, $14.98, $16.98, $18.98
This species grows to about 30' height in this country and is of
interest throughout the seasons: saucer-shaped, white flowers in
mid-summer, orange-red autumn foliage, and a smooth exfoliating bark
that is most striking in winter. Native to Japan and Korea, Stewartia
should be grown with some shade and in moist, well-drained soils.
Miss Kim Lilac, Syringa patula 'Miss Kim,' $16.98
Lilacs are one of the standard Northern landscape plants, and 'Miss
Kim' is a high-quality plant among the cold- and heat-tolerant
selections. 'Miss Kim' is perhaps the most spectacular,
icy-lavender-pink, fragrant flowering plant in Secrest Arboretum. It
is very dense and rounded in form and matures to 6-7' in height. To
many gardeners of the north, lilacs are shrubs of endearment.
Tinkerbelle Lilac, Syringa x 'Bailbelle,' $18.98
The flower buds of Tinkerbelle are a deep wine-red and open to a dark
pink bloom in early summer. The plant reaches a mature height of 5-6'
with a 4-5' spread. It is a great plant for foundation plantings or
the shrub border. Plant lilac in full sun and average garden soils.
This selection is a 2000 introduction from the breeding work of Dr.
Neal Holland of Sheyenne Gardens, Harwood, N.D.
Reingold Arborvitae, Thuja occidentalis 'Reingold,' $14.98
Just as a brilliant sun accents a blue sky, the orange foliage of
this conifer brightens a garden. This plant makes a low, compact
mound and brings sunshine to a landscape even on a cloudy day.
Rosenthall Arborvitae, Thuja occidentalis 'Rosenthalli' $14.98
Use the unique foliage texture as an accent in your landscape.
Arborvitae tolerate partial shade to full sun and grow in a good
garden soil.
Highbush Blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum, $14.98
Highbush blueberries are medium, upright, compact ornamental/edible
shrubs. They are native to somewhat-swampy soils and will grow in
soils that have poor internal drainage. Blueberries have seasonal
beauty: flowers in spring, fruit in early to midsummer and scarlet
autumn foliage. They are self-fruitful, so it is best to plant two
selections that flower in the same season -- thus 'Bluecrop' and 'St.
Cloud.'
'Bluecrop': Vigorous, midseason selection. 'St. Cloud': Grows to
about 4' in height and is a midseason selection. 'Northland': An
early fruity selection, matures to 3-4 feet in height. 'Patriot': An
early, sweet, hardy selection; has one of the largest fruit.
Seedless Table Grape, Vitis 'Reliance Seedless,' $14.98
Small, delicious, incredibly sweet, seedless -- and for your backyard
vineyard! You will never forget the flavor of this outstanding red
table grape, which is of very high quality. Plant in full sun, plant
in an average field soil and prune annually.
Wine & Roses Weigela, Weigela florida 'Alexandra,' $14.98
Burgundy plants are impressive, and Wine & Roses is a
burgundy-foliaged plant -- wow! Use this plant as a color complement,
especially in flower with its vivid-pink flowers. It is a Gold Medal
Award Winner, and hummingbirds love its nectar. It has a nice,
compact growth and will reach 4-5' in height and width when mature.
Keep the plant in full sun and average garden soil.
White Fir, Abies concolor, $11.98
Firs in general are very attractive because of their softness, and it
is often said that there is nothing more beautiful than a fir tree.
Especially enjoyable is the aroma of fir, and the white fir is singled
out for the aroma that it releases when one walks close by and brushes
up against it: it's a citrus scent. A mature tree of Abies concolor
features dense, soft foliage that ranges from slightly bluish-green to
silver-blue, with some plants even bluer than the bluest spruce. This
symmetrically crowned conifer is perfect for Midwestern climates,
withstanding heat, humidity, drought, harsh winters and moderate field
soil conditions. Its native habitat extends from Colorado to New Mexico
and southern California to Mexico. It prefers full sun but can tolerate
light shade and will reach 50' in height.
Paperbark Maple, Acer griseum, $14.98, $18.98
This native species of China has made itself at home in the American
garden as a small tree that never fails to attract attention. This cold
hardy aristocrat is a standout in the winter landscape at 20-30' high,
with its dependable, exquisite, exfoliating cinnamon-red bark as its
most obvious ornamental feature. Some paperbark maples display almost
solid red autumn foliage, while others turn an elegant, mottled
combination of red, orange and yellow. Planted in a reasonably moist,
well-drained soil in full sun or light shade, the paperbark maple is a
great 20-30' specimen tree that is unhampered by insect or disease
problems. If you don't have a place to plant it in your own landscape,
give it as a gift: it will keep on giving happiness for years to come.
Miaotaitze Maple, Acer miyabei subsp. miaotaiense, $24.98
Miaotaitze Maple is a moderately dense, medium tree that comes from
northern China in Shaanxi Province and is little known outside of
arboreta and botanical gardens. The foliage of this species is glossy
and retains its greenness well into autumn, then rapidly turns to pale
yellow. The bark and maturing branches exhibit a degree of corkiness as
the tree matures. Specimens at the Morton Arboretum, Lisle, Ill., have
repeatedly withstood temperatures lower than -20F. It is a tree worth
knowing about and should be considered as a shade tree to 40-50'.
Korean Maple, Acer pseudosieboldianum, $14.98, $18.98
Korean Maple is found on rocky and exposed sites in the cold regions of
Korea and Manchuria, which indicates that this species has tolerance to
drought, cold and wide winter temperature fluctuations. Spring foliage
is unique, as it emerges drooping and covered with a silvery white
pubescence. The bright-green summer and autumn foliage with tints of
orange and red is very impressive. This lovely, ornamental tree
exhibits small size, upright-spreading form, finely cut and many lobed
foliage, and brilliance in autumn. And don't forget its tolerance to
drier soils, which is uncommon in maples. Its winter hardiness extends
into Massachusetts and Maine, where winter lows drop below -20F.
Yellow Buckeye, Aesculus flava, $14.98
The beauty of yellow buckeye lies in its vigorous growth and its
acceptance of somewhat intolerable sites. Few shade trees can double as
ornamental flowering specimens. Yellowwood is an exception, producing
pale-yellow flowers with pinkish throats in late spring to early
summer. It is less susceptible to some of the leaf diseases that hamper
its European cousin.
Ohio Buckeye, Aesculus glabra, $11.98
You can certainly find something laudable about an Ohio Buckeye. For
just that memory, you will want to find just the right location for
planting this species. A truly admired aspect of this species is the
swelling and unfolding of terminal buds that occurs about the time that
spring quarter tuition is due, followed by greenish-yellow flowers
commencing to appear when income taxes are due. Now aren't these good
enough reasons to plant an Ohio Buckeye and see its interest grow! This
is a rare find in the nursery trade -- surprisingly, for being the
state tree of Ohio. Plant this species in a moist, bottomland soil and
replicate an understory style planting from the wild. As is true of the
Buckeyes, this species does not like a dry season!
Bottlebrush Buckeye, Aesculus parviflora, $11.98
Bottlebrush tastefully covers the ground and eventually fills a large
space. The plant's most notable features are its off-season flowering
time and shrub-like habit. A plant in bloom is quite a sight: in
mid-summer, a profusion of showy, white flowers are borne on upright
panicles (bottlebrushes) up to a foot long. They appear extremely
delicate but maintain an impressive floral display for approximately
two weeks. The large, deep-green, compound leaves provide a pleasing
coarse texture, changing to a rich yellow in autumn. Plant this
marvelously large, spreading, multi-stemmed shrub in shady areas and in
soils that are moist but well drained. It takes bottlebrush buckeye 3-4
years to get growing from a single shoot, but it is worth the wait, as
you will eventually discover an impressive 6-8'-plus by 10-15'-plus
shrub along your woods' edge.
Compact Bog-rosemary, Andromeda polifolia 'Nana,' $14.98
A remarkable low-growing, compact, evergreen ornamental for a moist
location around the rockery, water garden or terrace. Delightfully
nodding, white/pink flowers in spring. This ericaceous plant requires a
humusy, acidic soil and an environment that is regularly moist and
cool: give it a north, east or west exposure. Bog-rosemary requires
little attention once established. It is an underused plant considering
its beauty as a miniature evergreen for the landscape.
Massachusetts Bearberry, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Massachusetts,'
$14.98
A delightful trailing evergreen ornamental for the rockery or courtyard
garden, but plant it where it can be enjoyed up close. Plant in partial
shade and especially out of winter sun and in well-drained soils; it is
not at all tolerant of extra-moist or wet soils. It tolerates moderate
soil conditions. Bearberry boasts small, glossy, dark-green foliage and
abundant dainty, urn-shaped white/pink flowers in spring followed by
bright-scarlet fruit in late summer. The evergreen foliage takes on a
bronze cast in winter. This selection is disease resistant. This is an
excellent 12" facer plant for around small shrubs or for use in
finishing the edges of plantings. It will spread considerably but is
not invasive.
Red Chokeberry, Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima,' $24.98
'Brilliantissima' is a valuable selection of one of our great native
species with its abundant white flowers in spring and lustrous,
dark-green summer foliage that turns brilliant scarlet in autumn among
a myriad of large, glossy-red fruit, giving a brilliant exhibit late
summer through early winter -- truly a brilliant introduction! This
spectacular selection is a medium, multi-stemmed, upright branching
shrub that is adaptable to varied soil conditions,but fruits best in
full sun. 'Brilliantissima' is an excellent plant for the shrub border,
especially for its seasonal characteristics where even a single plant
readily forms a dense colony, especially under moist soil conditions.
Black Chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa 'Autumn Magic,' $11.98
'Autumn Magic' is an excellent deciduous shrub cultivar that is native
to the eastern U.S. but deserves much wider use for gardens; it's
useful for naturalizing or massing in the shrub border. This admirable
selection has a long-season landscape interest and is invaluable as a
tough, low-maintenance ornamental-edible. It will tolerate moderate
field soils and is a sun-loving species. Copious white flowers cover
the 6-8' round plant in late spring. Its dark-green, lustrous, waxy
summer foliage turns a vibrant deep-red and looks dynamite in autumn
when clusters of shiny, deep-black fruit also appear. Due to the
astringent taste of the fruit, they are rarely used for raw
consumption. However, during the processing of fruits, the astringent
taste loses its intensity, thus a delicious ruby-red juice can be made
(see Aronia Berry, Inc. www.aronia.com). This species shows a high
adaptability to different types of soil as long as the soil's pH stays
in the range of 5.5-6.7. Black Chokeberry fruits not only beautify the
landscape and feed the birds, but now, after processing, can also be
consumed with great delight by humans.
Butterfly Magic, Buddleia davidii 'Butterfly Magic,' $18.98
Multiple plants and colors of red, pink or purple exist in combination
in each container. This plant will be a summer attraction as
hummingbirds and monarch, great spangled fritillary and American
painted lady butterflies stop to sip nectar from July through
September.
Purple Beautyberry, Callicarpa dichotoma 'Early Amethyst,' $14.98
Callicarpa dichotoma is a deciduous Japanese shrub introduced in 1857
but only recently has it been recognized as an excellent fruiting plant
for northeast Ohio landscapes, especially through Arnold Arboretum's
introduction of the cultivar 'Early Amethyst.' This great garden
selection from Asia is distinguished by its clusters of striking
lavender fruit that form in late summer and remain into autumn. A
deciduous shrub, purple beautyberry is expected to attain a height of
3-5', displaying gracefully arching branches. It grows well in full sun
or partial shade and moderate field soils and has much landscape
potential.
Cedar of Lebanon, Cedrus libani, $6.98
An ancient species that has stood the test of time. One of the most
beautiful and historic of the conifers.
Summersweet Pepperbush, Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird,' $24.98
'Hummingbird', a compact, small shrub, possesses several favorable
characteristics that make it worthy as an award-winning plant. This
deciduous species is a small spreading native to the eastern U.S. as
well as an excellent ornamental. This selection has abundant,
spicy-sweet, fragrant, white flowers in mid- through late summer. It
thrives in many growing sites, including wet, poorly drained soils;
look for that spot in the garden where rainwater runoff collects from
the surrounding landscape and select a full sun location or only light
shade. This superior selection has a compact branching habit that forms
a cloud-like mound. Summersweet is a great deciduous shrub where a
naturalistic effect is desired, singly or massed. The glossy foliage of
'Hummingbird' is attractive throughout the growing season and turns a
brilliant yellow in autumn if the plant is in a sunny location.
Sweetfern, Comptonia peregina, $14.98
Use this small, multi-stemmed, colony-forming shrub in gardens for
foliage texture, fragrance and fernlike appearance. A height of 3-4'
will readily be attained in dry soils as it does on its native New
England coast, in abandoned fields and in woodland openings. The
species grows in full sun to partial shade and tolerates understory
shade. A cold- and heat hardy native from Nova Scotia to Manitoba,
Canada, and south to Virginia; also found in upland Tennessee and
Georgia. Sweetfern makes a terrific xeriscape plant.
Compact Blue Nootka Falsecypress, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis 'Compacta
Glauca,' $14.98
This plant makes a beautiful globose specimen. It matures to 10' in
height and half that in spread. It has very dense, blue-green foliage
in summer and winter. Plant this selection in a microclimate, but not
in heavy shade, and in average garden soil. Enjoy its year-round color
to contrast with evergreens. Use as a hedge, screen or focal point.
White Fringetree, Chionathus virginicus, $11.98, $14.98
There has been increasing interest in recent years in landscaping with
plants that are native to the general range of North America where the
landscaping will be done. This attractive large shrub or small tree is
considered by many to be one of our finest native flowering shrubs. The
Fringetree has pendulous, fleecy white, billowy flowers in panicles 8"
long appearing in early June. This is one of the last shrubs to leaf in
the spring but in autumn the foliage turns a reasonable yellow. Plant
this species in average soil and in full sun or very light shade.
Though hardy to -30F, beautifully ornamental and adaptable, Fringetree
has been slow to gain popularity as a landscape species. Use white
Fringetree as a single specimen or in mixed-shrub borders.
Chinese Kousa Dogwood, Cornus kousa var. chinensis, $24.98
This is a small tree from Asia with very definitely layered branching
that supports beautiful arms of large white floral bracts in early
summer. Environmental requirements: partial shade, especially during
the heat of the day; and well-drained soil, but don't ignore it during
periods of drought, at least during the first 3-5 years of
establishment. If you have flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) in your
landscape, you might also enjoy providing companion-planting status
with Cornus kousa var. chinensis -- about three weeks difference in
time of flowering.
Corneliancherry Dogwood, Cornus mas, $14.98
This large shrub or potentially small tree may reach a mature height
and width of about 20'. A profusion of delicate yellow flowers heralds
the arrival of spring. Gardeners may even cut branches in late winter
to rush the spring season by forcing for precocious bloom indoors. The
cherry-like fruits are tart but high in vitamin C and have a delicious
flavor. Plant in full sun in a moderate field soils. This species can
be used as a small specimen tree, in a hedge or shrub border planting,
or as a large shrub for the background.
Hedge Cotoneaster, Cotoneaster lucidus, $14.98
Noteworthy among the hardy cotoneasters for the Midwest is hedge
cotoneaster. This medium-to-large deciduous shrub has a long-standing,
popular appeal for hedges. This species grows from 6 to 10 feet in
height and width although it withstands regular pruning. The dark green
deciduous foliage turns red in autumn. Small pink flowers form in
spring and are followed by black fruit.
Common Persimmon, Diospyros virginiana, $11.98
Hernando DeSoto learned of the food value of common persimmon on his
expedition through what would be the southern U.S. in 1539. The Indians
he encountered offered him bread made of persimmon pulp mixed with
cracked maize. The fruit was also dried like prunes and stored for
winter use. This species is a wild-growing fruit tree, but it is in the
class called specialty fruits and is a great candidate for the edible
landscape. Many recipes for ripe persimmons have been developed,
including steamed and baked puddings, custards, cake and sherbets.
Knowing when the fruits are ripe is crucial, since unripe fruit is high
in tannic acid and the puckery taste discourages many from eating it.
But the ripe fruit is soft, reddish-yellow or orange, sometimes with
purple or black spots. Fruit will ripen before frost, especially on
many of the early fruit-maturing trees. Freezing is as detrimental to
the quality of persimmons as to the quality of any other fruit. The
fruits of this small tree are an important wildlife food and are eaten
by many birds and animals. The winter bark of a maturing tree is a nice
asset in the winter landscape.
Karl Sax Forsythia, Forsythia x intermedia 'Karl Sax,' $14.98
An old favorite for solid, robust growth and durable flowering is
forsythia. Even more exciting is the cultivar 'Karl Sax': the large
(1.5" across), deep-yellow flowers with yellow-orange throats provide a
golden glow to the entire shrub. This cultivar has shown excellent
flower bud hardiness in Secrest Arboretum and has been rated the finest
of the forsythia. It matures to 6-8' in height.
Dwarf Fothergilla, Fothergilla gardenii 'Blue Mist,' $14.98
The bottle-brush-shaped, distinctively white, honey-scented floral
clusters of this noteworthy but little-used species appear in
mid-spring. The foliage of this U.S. native selection is a rich
bluish-green. The plant is a low shrub and is slow-growing and prefers
moderate shade. Seasonally wet soil does not harm Fothergilla, and it
is ideal for planting with evergreens. Designs incorporating a
flowering groundcover like Sweet Woodruff (Gallium odoratum) are
especially attractive. Every gardener should consider planting one or
more Fothergilla.
Snowball Hydrangea, Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle,' $14.98
'Annabelle' is a superior selection of this native species of the
eastern U.S., with large, showy flower heads 12" in diameter. The
globular flower heads begin with a cool light-green and mature to
creamy-white, displaying an outstanding summer flower show. This bushy,
many stemmed shrub grows to 3-5' in height. Plant this selection in
average garden soil and in partial shade where sufficient water is
available -- for example, near a downspout along a building. Plants can
be severely pruned in winter or early spring because they flower on new
wood.
Climbing Hydrangea, Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris, $16.98
The climbing hydrangea is for vertical spaces such as walls and arbors,
or it can be grown as a shrub or massed as a groundcover -- a versatile
plant for landscape design. Off-white lacecaps appear in June. The
deep-green foliage drops unceremoniously in autumn while still green.
Old stems have a peeling, cinnamon-brown bark. Provide a well-drained
moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Best on east or north
exposure.
Little Henry Sweetspire, Itea virginica 'Sprich,' $16.98
This woodland species is a sure bet for planting around newly
constructed buildings where fill-dirt and buried construction trash
create wet, compacted soils. Sweetspire is native to floodplains from
New Jersey to Florida, and its range reaches as far west as Texas. In
flood plains it forms thickets. It takes abuse, which translates into
landscape tolerance. Plant in full sun to medium shade and enjoy the
slightly fragrant flowers. The flowering impact is of conspicuous and
abundant white to creamy white flowers packed onto 4-6" terminal,
drooping racemes, brightening the garden in early summer -- white is
always a good color for light in the garden at night. Autumn foliage
for this selection is bright-red and is more vivid when the shrub is
grown in sunny sites. The arching branches of this low-mounded, compact
plant reach about 3' in height and spread. This is a good shrub to
scale down medium shrubs and fill in around them, perfectly suited for
massing. With spring flowers, colorful autumn foliage and adaptable
cultural tolerance, Itea is an interesting addition to the Midwest
landscape.
Oakleaf Hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia, $14.98
In the wild, oakleaf hydrangea is found along stream banks as an
understory shrub. The ideal cultural niche is in a rich, moist, upland
soil with partial shade. The 3-8" long and three- to seven-lobed
comfortably bold leaves emerge a soft greenish-gray and are similar to
those of red oak. They are a tremendous textural accent and develop a
reddish-purple coloring in autumn depending upon the degree of sun that
it is exposed to. After leaf drop, the thin, exfoliating papery patches
are evident, revealing a multicolored pattern on the inner bark on
older stout branches. The showy-sepaled, cone-shaped white panicles of
flowers appear in early summer and change color as they age, adding to
the late-season interest. This most attractive multi-season species
will grow to 6' in height with an equal spread if left unpruned and
grows best in moist shade where it deserves to be used more often. It
can be kept shorter and more compact by regular pruning.
Male and Female Longstalk Holly, Ilex pedunculosa, $16.98
Longstalk Holly is a large shrub or can be developed beautifully into a
small tree. Its spineless, smooth-edged, evergreen leaves are inclined
to droop and resemble pear foliage. The leaves are a comfortable
feature of this species considering what the name holly conjures up in
the minds of most people. While longstalk holly is a common tree in
gardens of Japan and China, it is relatively new to the American
nursery industry. Elegant, slender, long stalked, cherry-like fruits
form on female plants and are an unexpected attraction among hollies.
It is well worth a place in the landscape as a specimen plant,
especially when trained as a small tree, where the appearance of a
broadleaved evergreen is a rarity. Plant this unusual species in
average garden soil and in a microclimate of a north or east exposure
-- cold hardy to -20F. Plant at least one male and one female of this
species for pollination and development of fruiting plants.
Female Winterberry Holly, Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite' and 'After
Glow,' $14.98
Common winterberry, Ilex verticillata, is an end-of-the-season
spectacular landscape plant with flaming fruit display from late summer
through early winter. Deciduous Winterberry Holly has provided many new
cultivars as superior deciduous shrubs. When the foliage drops in
autumn, this showstopper really displays its spectacular, brilliant-red
fruit. The plants are useful in wet, poorly drained soils as well as in
good garden soils and sun to partial shade. 'Red Sprite' is a dwarf
introduction from Rhode Island and matures to a 3' by 4' shrub. Its
fruit are twice as big and redder than the species. 'Afterglow' is a
compact, slow-growing shrub to approximately 10' in height and width.
The claim to fame of this slow growing cultivar is orange-red for the
autumn landscape or as cut branches for the Thanksgiving table.
Male Winterberry Holly, Ilex verticillata 'Jim Dandy,' $14.98
Mature plant is 10' x 7'. 'Jim Dandy' is the pollinator for the
following female cultivars: 'Afterglow', 'Aurantiaca', 'Autumn Glow',
Cacapon', 'Harvest Red', 'Red Sprite', 'Shaver' and 'Stop Light'. The
proximity of male and female plants is to be nearby but not necessarily
close; they are insect-pollinated, and some pollinators have been known
to travel as much as 3 miles with pollen. The ratio of male to female
plants is on the order of 1 to 8, but recommendations vary all the way
to 1 to 50.
Blue Star Juniper, Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star,' $14.98
For a blue, slow-growing, miniature juniper, 'Blue Star' is recommded,
especially for an undulating groundcover. It is an excellent specimen
plant for the rockery.
Spreading Junipers, Juniperus conferta 'Blue Pacific' and Juniperus
horizontalis 'Wiltonii,' $11.98
For alpine or rock gardens, dwarf junipers are excellent. While these
two junipers have distinct foliage characteristics, they are both
prostrate, creeping plants with attractive blue-green foliage. The
junipers are exceptionally cold hardy and are heat -olerant throughout
the North Temperate Zone. Why not mix these two cultivars for bold
patterns of color, height and texture in a hot, sunny, dry site?
Umbrella Magnolia, Magnolia tripetala, $6.98
Umbrella magnolia is commonly found in forests in eastern North
America, but it is not commonly found in landscapes. With its extremely
large leaves, which can expand to 2' in length, its tropical appearance
adds a dramatic effect to any site. Less notable, but equally
significant, are its large, water-lily-like, white flowers that can
measure up to 10" in diameter and open in mid-spring. This species can
attain a height of 35' with a spread of about 25'. In nature, it is an
understory species, but it performs well in full sun, given a good
garden soil to grow in.
Sweetbay Magnolia, Magnolia virginiana, $11.98
This large shrub or small tree commences a display of 2" creamy-white,
sweetly scented flowers in early summer and stretches out its exhibit
all summer. The occurrence of year-round foliage depends on the
geographic region/climatic conditions where it is growing: the farther
south and the milder the winter, the greater the occurrence of foliage,
and the degree of such determines whether it is evergreen or not. This
full-sun species grows remarkably well in wet and even swampy soils --
and that translates into wet, yucky, clay soils -- but it is also at
home in most acidic landscape soils. In most landscape situation, it
matures at 20-25 feet in height and generally develops naturally as a
multi-stem plant.
Creeping Oregongrape-holly, Mahonia repens, $14.98
This is a beautiful landscape plant with dramatic compound leaves,
bright-yellow flowers in early spring and often has attractive fruit.
Plants are best located where they will have relief from winter sun and
sweeping winds: choose a northern or eastern exposure where buildings
or plants baffle the wind somewhat. The plant normally reaches 12" in
height and spreads extensively once established. It is useful as a
facer to small shrubs in foundation plantings and along north- or
east-facing walls.
Honeycrisp Apple, $24.98
Honeycrisp is a mid-season hybrid apple from the University of
Minnesota in 1991. This selection has been rated excellent in winter
storage trials, even up to 7 months. The fruit ripens in mid-to late
September, and it has become an outstanding commercial and home-orchard
variety with its explosive crispness and honey-sweet flavor. This
selection is grafted onto M26 dwarfing rootstalk
Sweet Sixteen Apple, $24.98
Sweet Sixteen is a mid-season hybrid apple from the University of
Minnesota in 1978. This selection produces a medium-sized red-striped
apple with a crisp, juicy texture. It has an excellent sweet, unusual
flavor -- like cherry candy -- and makes an excellent dessert apple.
Sweet Sixteen is fireblight-resistant and is grafted onto M7, a
semi-dwarfing rootstock.
Note: Apples should be cross-pollinated. For example, you should plant
at least two different varieties that bloom at the same time to ensure
cross-pollination -- i.e., Honeycrisp and Sweet Sixteen are both
midseason bloomers and those should cross-pollinate.
Dawn Redwood, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, $6.98, $11.98, $14.98
Many first-time associations with Dawn Redwood have come through Dr.
Burney Huff, Secrest Arboretum's Dawn Redwood Champion. The tonal and
textural qualities of this species are unequivocally beautiful. Its
beauty deserves much wider use with its bright-green, soft, feathery
deciduous foliage; great aristocratic architectural form; and rich,
russet-brown autumn foliage. This unique relic was known only as a
fossil to many generations of people and was near extinction when
rediscovered in China in the 1940s. Fossil records show that this
species once covered most of the Northern Hemisphere. The plant grows
fast if year-round moist soil conditions exist, but it adapts well to
average soil. Drought and dry sites might mean death to this species.
It likes full sun and exhibits gracefulness when planted in groups, but
it is a magnificent specimen tree.
Russian Arborvitae, Microbiota decussata, $14.98
Although bright colors always add a nice accent to the landscape,
sometimes the rich touch of green creates the perfect look. For a
beautiful shade groundcover, try Microbiota: a cold-hardy, low-growing
shrub with sprays of pale-green, lacy foliage that turns to
russet-brown in winter. Russian Arborvitae thrives in light shade,
needs protection from afternoon sun and heat, and requires a moist soil
but excellent drainage. It grows to about 12" in height and can reach
six times that or more in spread.
Dwarf Ninebark, Physocarpus opulifolius 'Nanus,' $14.98
'Nanus' is a dwarf form of the trouble-free and tolerant ninebark and
grows to 4-5' in height and width. This plant is a good choice for the
shrub border or possibly as a single-species hedge, especially where
soil conditions are dry for extended periods and planting situations
are in full sun to partial shade. This species is not overwhelmingly
ornamental but is effective -- as they say in the north country, "It's
a good green" -- and is hardy in summer and winter. Pinkish-white
flowers are effective in spring, and the green foliage turns a
yellowish to bronze in autumn and following leaf fall, the exfoliating
bark on this multi-stemmed deciduous shrub exhibits.
Bird's Nest Spruce, Picea abies 'Nidiformis,' $14.98
Bird's nest spruce may excite few avid collectors of dwarf conifers,
but as a landscape plant, its compactness and reliably low, mound-like
(or nest-like) form make it eminently useful. Its cold hardiness
extends its usefulness northward at least to Zone 4a (northeast Ohio is
5b!).
Jeffrey Pine, Pinus jeffreyi, $11.98
Jeffrey Pine is hardy in USDA Zone 5 and occurs in the mountains from
Oregon to lower California. The long needles of this large tree are
impressive: 7-9"! The species is adaptable to moderate field soils. A
pine for the curious, especially the children.
Korean Pine, Pinus koraiensis, $11.98
Korean Pine is a fine, soft-foliage, medium tree. It makes an excellent
pine for small places in the landscape, where it would rarely exceed 30
40' in height.
Pawnee Buttes Western Sand Cherry, Prunus bessey 'Pawnee Buttes,'
$14.98
The attractive, lustrous, green leaves of this selection turn a
bright-red and purple in autumn. This is a low groundcover, 15-18" in
height, but potential to spread 4-6' -- what a beautiful mat. The
fragrant, white flowers of this Colorado Plant Select program bloom in
early spring and produce a heavy crop of black cherries in summer that
are attractive to wildlife. Plant this selection in full sun to part
shade and it will tolerate moderate field soils.
Scarlet Oak, Quercus coccinea, $6.98
Foliage is an excellent glossy-green and in autumn is among the most
brilliant of the oaks. This species is one of the oaks that is
adaptable to moderate field soils. These are verified, true-to-name
Scarlet Oaks -- difficult to find on market.
Northern Pin Oak, Quercus ellipsoidalis, $16.98
Northern pin oak displays scarlet foliage in autumn before dropping in
early winter. It will not tolerate wet, poorly drained soils, but it is
extremely cold hardy, to USDA Zone 3 and more disease/insect resistant
than many oaks. This species is much sought after because it is
reportedly the most tolerant of the oaks for alkaline soils.
Bur Oak, Quercus macrocarpa, $6.98
Bur oak is an excellent choice for the Midwest. Not only is the overall
structure of this tree majestically rugged, but it is also culturally
rugged as it handles cold weather and drought and is broadly adaptable
to a variety of sites and soils, from acid to neutral in pH. It is an
impressive, stately, strong-growing tree that gives homeowners years of
enjoyment. This large tree can grow as wide as tall. The merits of
planting oaks are many, among which are their long life and drought
tolerance. Many landscapes in the Midwest would benefit from having
this picturesque individual.
Willow Oak, Quercus phellos, $6.98
Willow oak has an upright, pyramidal branching habit with a dense
canopy and dominant central leader. This species grows in moderate
field soils and is adaptable and tough once established. The
narrow-leaf, bright-green summer foliage turns yellow-orange in
autumn.
Chestnut Oak, Quercus prinus, $11.98
Chestnut oak eventually develops into a rounded, large tree, attaining
a restively dense 60-70' beauty, spreading 30-50'. In its native
southern and eastern Ohio, it has a fondness for rocky mountain ridges
-- dry, rocky slopes and ridges.
Red Oak, Quercus rubra, $6.98
Oaks are among the most dependable of our landscape trees.
"Drought-resistant, heat-tolerant, cold-hardy, strong-wooded and
long-lived, oaks have value and aesthetic appeal." You might want to
consider the economics: red oak grows so rapidly that dimension timbers
can be cut from growth made during a young shaver's lifetime; that
cannot be said of all oaks. Red oak is among the largest of the North
American oaks.
Golden Lights Azalea, Rhododendron x 'Golden Lights,' $16.98
One of the most popular woody ornamentals is azalea, and then the
question follows: How hardy are they? The University of Minnesota
Landscape Arboretum has paved the way for hardy azaleas suited for
northern gardens through their introduction of the Light Series. Plants
in this series can withstand temperatures as low as minus 45F without
significant damage. Golden Lights has surely earned its cultivar name
with its bright-gold blooms that brighten the landscape in late spring.
This smaller selection matures 4-5' in height and 3-4' in width and is
resistant to mildew on the foliage. The foliage displays a bronzy-red
in autumn.
Rosy Lights Azalea, $16.98
One of the five Light Series introductions, the fragrant flowers of
this selection are vivid purplish-red with reddish-orange spotting.
This small shrub will develop into a 6' by 4' plant in 24 years.
White Lights Azalea, $16.98
The flower buds of this series are pale, delicate-pink and upon initial
opening, the flowers have a pink tinge that fades at full bloom to give
a virtually white appearance in the landscape. The plant develops into
a 4' by 3.5' rounded form in 12 years.
Dwarf Fragrant Sumac, Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low,' $14.98
The dwarf 'Gro-Low' will stay under 2-3' tall and will develop 6-8' in
width with good density. The glossy, trifoliate leaves are green to
blue-green during the growing season and are faintly scented when
bruised (hence the botanical and common name). This low-growing
deciduous shrub will form dense thickets within a few years and can be
used attractively along woodland borders in masses or drifts. It
develops great autumn foliage of bright, reddish hues, though hints and
streaks of yellow and orange are not uncommon. It tolerates full sun to
partial shade and is drought-tolerant and vigorous, which makes it
ideal for urban sites, slopes and other areas where supplemental
irrigation cannot be supplied.
Red Lake Currant, Ribes sativum 'Red Lake,' $14.98
Currants are a major fruit crop in northern Europe but are not known
widely by American gardeners. They develop to medium shrubs and are
clothed in midsummer with drooping clusters of deep, translucent,
nutritious fruits high in vitamin C. When the berries are ripe they can
be eaten fresh, dried or used in making jams and jellies. Try these
edible ornamentals: they are self-fruitful and thus only one plant is
needed for pollination. Plant this hardy ornamental edible in average
field soil and fruiting will be most productive in full sun. 'Red Lake'
was developed by the University of Minnesota and released in 1935 and
has been recognized for quality for years.
Knock Out Rose, Rosa 'RADrazz,' $16.98
Do not judge roses too harshly! Some new varieties of roses are being
introduced because they have proved to be disease-resistant. This AARS
2000 winner is the most disease-resistant rose that we have heard of.
Shrub roses grow well in full sun in the shrub border.
Variegated Japanese Willow, Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki,' $14.98
This large shrub is sought after because of its striking, variegated,
pink- (shrimp!) and-white foliage, drawing comments like, "I can't
believe it's a willow." Its beauty can be renewed throughout the
growing season with regular pruning. The foliage is eye-catching,
especially with an evergreen background. Plant in full sun and give it
space if you are not going to prune. 6-8".
Golden Elf Spirea, Spiraea japonica 'Golden Elf,' $14.98
Think of 'Golden Elf' as a yellow-leaved, dwarf and compact mound of
less than 12'' in height. This neat and tidy shrub tolerates full sun
and hot temperatures. It is a great plant for the rockery, borders and
mixing into the perennial garden. The bloom is rather insignificant.
The color and form of this interesting shrub can bring a breath of
fresh air to any landscape.
Cutleaf Stephanandra, Stephanandra incisa 'Crispa,' $14.98
Spreading, arching, cascading branching is the way to describe this
small shrub maturing to 4' in height and 3-5' feet in spread. The
slender stems, tiny greenish-white flowers, and small, lobed leaves
exhibit a fine texture. At Secrest Arboretum, it is best to plant it
out of the heat of the day, but it will tolerate the dryness of a
hillside planting. Prefers an east- or north-facing slope. Consider
this as a groundcover or facing plant to larger shrubs in a border.
Japanese Stewartia, Stewartia pseudocamellia, $14.98, $16.98, $18.98
This species grows to about 30' height in this country and is of
interest throughout the seasons: saucer-shaped, white flowers in
mid-summer, orange-red autumn foliage, and a smooth exfoliating bark
that is most striking in winter. Native to Japan and Korea, Stewartia
should be grown with some shade and in moist, well-drained soils.
Miss Kim Lilac, Syringa patula 'Miss Kim,' $16.98
Lilacs are one of the standard Northern landscape plants, and 'Miss
Kim' is a high-quality plant among the cold- and heat-tolerant
selections. 'Miss Kim' is perhaps the most spectacular,
icy-lavender-pink, fragrant flowering plant in Secrest Arboretum. It is
very dense and rounded in form and matures to 6-7' in height. To many
gardeners of the north, lilacs are shrubs of endearment.
Tinkerbelle Lilac, Syringa x 'Bailbelle,' $18.98
The flower buds of Tinkerbelle are a deep wine-red and open to a dark
pink bloom in early summer. The plant reaches a mature height of 5-6'
with a 4-5' spread. It is a great plant for foundation plantings or the
shrub border. Plant lilac in full sun and average garden soils. This
selection is a 2000 introduction from the breeding work of Dr. Neal
Holland of Sheyenne Gardens, Harwood, N.D.
Reingold Arborvitae, Thuja occidentalis 'Reingold,' $14.98
Just as a brilliant sun accents a blue sky, the orange foliage of this
conifer brightens a garden. This plant makes a low, compact mound and
brings sunshine to a landscape even on a cloudy day.
Rosenthall Arborvitae, Thuja occidentalis 'Rosenthalli' $14.98
Use the unique foliage texture as an accent in your landscape.
Arborvitae tolerate partial shade to full sun and grow in a good garden
soil.
Highbush Blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum, $14.98
Highbush blueberries are medium, upright, compact ornamental/edible
shrubs. They are native to somewhat-swampy soils and will grow in soils
that have poor internal drainage. Blueberries have seasonal beauty:
flowers in spring, fruit in early to midsummer and scarlet autumn
foliage. They are self-fruitful, so it is best to plant two selections
that flower in the same season -- thus 'Bluecrop' and 'St. Cloud.'
'Bluecrop': Vigorous, midseason selection. 'St. Cloud': Grows to about
4' in height and is a midseason selection. 'Northland': An early fruity
selection, matures to 3-4 feet in height. 'Patriot': An early, sweet,
hardy selection; has one of the largest fruit.
Seedless Table Grape, Vitis 'Reliance Seedless,' $14.98
Small, delicious, incredibly sweet, seedless -- and for your backyard
vineyard! You will never forget the flavor of this outstanding red
table grape, which is of very high quality. Plant in full sun, plant in
an average field soil and prune annually.
Wine & Roses Weigela, Weigela florida 'Alexandra,' $14.98
Burgundy plants are impressive, and Wine & Roses is a burgundy-foliaged
plant -- wow! Use this plant as a color complement, especially in
flower with its vivid-pink flowers. It is a Gold Medal Award Winner,
and hummingbirds love its nectar. It has a nice, compact growth and
will reach 4-5' in height and width when mature. Keep the plant in full
sun and average garden soil.
