2006 ARHS Members and Public Plant Sale
Atlantic Rhododendron & Horticultural Society
Archived list of plant descriptions from the 2006 May Plant Sale
LEPIDOTE RHODODENDRONS
R. ‘Anneke Plazek’ – [(carolinianum x white dauricum) x (white dauricum x white mucronulatum)] Large frilled flowers in ball-shaped trusses are pink in bud and open white with a pink flush. To 6′(1.8m) high x 5′(1.5m) wide in 15 years. Very hardy – buds to -25°F(-32°C) and the plant to at least -30°F(-34°C). A Hinton hybrid from Ontario. (2 gallon – $20.00)
R. ‘Blue Baron’ – (‘Starry Night’ x self)? An early-blooming Mezitt hybrid with near blue flowers similar to ‘Starry Night’ (‘Gletschernacht’) but hardier. Elongated, dark glossy green foliage turns bronze in winter. Compact, mounded-spreading habit growing 3-4′(.9-1.2m) high and wide. Zone 6, possibly colder. (1 gallon – $20.00)
R. ‘Bluenose’ – (‘Russautinii’ x dauricum Sempervirens Group) 2’(5cm) funnel-shaped, clear blue flowers in lax trusses of 3-5. Upright, open habit to 7.5′(2.3m) high and wide in 15 years. Olive green foliage. Plant hardy to -25ºF (-31ºC), buds to -17°F(-27°C). A Brueckner hybrid bred in New Brunswick. Public Sale Only (2 gallon – $25.00)
R. ‘Dora Amateis’ – (carolinianum x ciliatum) A very floriferous white (with a touch of pink) hybrid. Every spring it smothers itself in flowers, hiding its dense, dark green foliage. Mounded habit to 2.5′(.75m) high x 4′(1.2m) wide. Best in full sun with excellent drainage. Zone 6. An ARHS ‘Top Ten’ lepidote. (2 gallon – $25.00)
R. ‘Ginny Gee’ – (keiskei ‘Yaku Fairy’ x racemosum Forrest #19404) Bright pink buds open to blush pink then fade to white tinged pink on this Berg hybrid. Multiple trusses of 4-5 flowers create a sheet of bloom. Early. Dense, dark green foliage. To 1′(.3m) high x 1.5′(.45m) wide. Perhaps one of the best dwarf hybrids. Zone 6. An ARHS ‘Top Ten’ lepidote.Public Sale Only (2 gallon – $25.00)
R. ‘Isola Bella’ – (fletcherianum x dauricum ‘Album’) A Brueckner hybrid, once known as as ‘Mabel R.’ Beautiful dark green distinct foliage with excellent winter leaf retention. Peach buds open pastel pink and fade to white. Smashing, floriferous and very early. To 5′(1.5m) high x 4′(1.2m) wide with a dense, upright-spreading habit. Bud hardy to -5ºF(-20ºC). Zone 6. (2 gallon – $20.00)
R. ‘Landmark’ – (‘PJM’ hybrid) Similar to PJM but with large rounded trusses of vibrant dark pink flowers opening from red buds. Appears almost red from a distance. Bronze winter foliage with good leaf retention. Habit similar to PJM but slightly more compact. Grows 6-8′(1.8-2.4m) high x 4-5′(1.2-1.5m) wide. A Mezitt hybrid hardy to -20ºF(-29°C). Public Sale Only (1 gallon – $20.00)
R. ‘Manitau’ – A ‘Conestoga’ (carolinianum x racemosum) hybrid. Golden orange buds open to clear, light pink & fade to creamy white. This one covers itself in bloom every year. Early. Bronzy coloured foliage in winter. A semi-dwarf with a dense, compact habit. To 18’(.45m) high. Zone 5. An ARHS ‘Top Ten’ lepidote. (1 gallon – $20.00)
R. ‘New Patriot’ – [(‘PJM’ x unknown)selfed x ( mucronulatum Pink]) A Mezitt hybrid with vibrant purplish-red flowers held in ball-shaped trusses. Reddish stems and copper brown winter foliage. Upright, spreading habit to 7′(2.1m) high and wide. Zone 5b. (2 gallon – $20.00)
R. ‘Patty Bee’ – (keiskei ‘Yaku Fairy’ x fletcherianum) A very floriferous clear yellow Berg hybrid. Early. Dense foliage turns maroon-red in winter. Very dwarf – 8’(.2m) high x 12’(.3m) wide in 6 years. Zone 6. An ARS Superior Plant award winner. Public Sale Only (1 gallon – $20.00)
R. ‘Wren’ – (ludlowii x keiskei ‘Yaku Fairy’) Clear yellow flowers stand up like pansies above a creeping mat of shiny, dark green foliage. Floriferous. Foliage turns bronzy-red in winter. At its best planted on a bank or in a raised bed and ideal for the rock garden or small spaces. A beautiful Cox hybrid. Zone 6. Public Sale Only (1 gal. – $20.00)
ELEPIDOTE RHODODENDRONS
Rhododendron anwheiense (ARS#01-835) – A very floriferous species for the collector. Pale pink to white flushed pink flowers fade to white and are held in lax trusses of 6-10 and are frost tolerant. Interesting recurved leaves. Compact mounded-spreading habit to 5′(1.5m) high. Should be hardy to -10ºF(-23ºC). Seed grown by the Wilgenhofs. (Field Grown – $25.00)
R. calophytum (ARS#01-870) – An impressive large-leaved species with long narrow leaves to 3.5’(8cm) wide x 12’(30cm.) long! Flowers are are white to pale pink with dark red basal spotting and are held in large lax trusses of up to 30. Very early blooming. Tall and wide spreading habit to 15′(4.5m) high. Needs a sheltered site. These are seed grown by the Wilgenhofs from a RSF cross of 82/046, white with a magenta blotch and bright crimson pedicels x 78/083, whitish pink with a dark blotch. Zone 6. (Field Grown – $25.00)
R. ‘Calsap’ – (‘Catalgla’ x ‘Sappho’) Lavender buds open into large conical trusses of snowy white flowers with a large dramatic burgundy blotch. Dense emerald green foliage. Vigorous. Broad, upright habit to 5′(1.5m) high in 10 years. Zone 5. An ARHS ‘Top Ten’ elepidote and a real showstopper. Public Sale Only (1 gallon – $15.00)
R. ‘Capistrano’ – A complex Leach hybrid reported to be his best yellow. Its clear, pale yellow flowers are borne on a compact well-branched plant with excellent dark green foliage. To 5′(1.5m) high and wide. Zone 6. Public Sale Only (1 gallon – $20.00)
R. ‘Catalina’ – A Leach yak hybrid with strong, bright, pure pink flowers with paler interiors giving a bicoloured effect. The frilly flowers are borne in dome-shaped trusses. Floriferous. To 5′(1.5m) high and wide. Zone 5b. (2 gal. – $20.00)
R. Elizabeth (Hardiest Clone) – (repens x griersonianum) The choicest of the compact red hybrids but unfortunately on the tender side. Bright red funnel-shaped flowers adorn a low dense mounded shrub to 3′(.9m) high. Rated as hardy to 0ºF(-18ºC). Only for the collector or those in the mildest parts of the Atlantic Canada! (Year Olds – $12.00)
R. ‘Earl Cordy’ – [(‘Catfortcampy’ x ‘Mary Gibson’) x Rio] A Rhodoland introduction from Ontario. Large peach-yellow flowers on a plant with beautiful foliage and habit. Hardy to -13ºF(-25ºC). (2 gal. – $20.00)
R. elegantulum – A beautiful species in the Taliense section. Narrow foliage has very thick fawn-pink indumentum which ages to cinnamon brown. Flowers are pale pink with darker spotting. Floriferous. Dense mounded habit to 4′(1.2m) high. Zone 6. (2 gallon – $40.00)
R. ‘Fantastica’ – (‘Mars’ x yakushimanum ‘Koichiro Wada’) Large trusses of bicoloured flowers with bright red margins and pastel pink centres grace this very showy Hachmann hybrid. Vigorous & floriferous. Long, narrow indumented leaves. Compact, low mounding habit. To 3′(.9m) high. Zone 5b. (2 gallon – $20.00)
R. fortunei – A tall growing species with an upright-open habit. Lush dark green foliage is accentuated by purple-red petioles. Its large, very fragrant flowers, usually pale pink, are held in lax trusses. Spectactular in full bloom. Zone 6b. (2 gallon – $40.00)
R. ‘Francesca’ – (‘Britannia’ x ‘Dexter #202’) Tough, red and big! Large black-red flowers in large trusses. Very vigorous with an upright-open habit suited to the rear of a planting. Definitely not for the small garden or a foundation planting. Grows to 10′(3.0m) or more high. Best in half sun as flowers may scorch in full sun. Zone 6. Public Sale Only (1 gallon – $20.00)
R. ‘Haaga’ – (brachycarpum ssp. tigerstedtii x ‘Dr. HC Dresselhuys’) Dark pink buds open to bright medium pink flowers with a darker blotch. Excellent, rich glossy green foliage. Well-branched, rounded-upright habit to 7′(2.1m) high. An extremely hardy hybrid from Finland. Hardy to -33°F(-36°C). Public Sale Only (1 gallon – $20.00)
R. ‘Helsinki University’ – (brachycarpum v. tigerstedtii x smirnowii) Bright pink flowers flecked orange-red. Red tinged new foliage matures to glossy green. Upright habit to 6′(1.8m) high x 4′(1.2m) wide. Hardy to -38ºF(-39ºC). Another very hardy Finnish hybrid. Public Sale Only (1 gal. – $20.00)
R. ‘Henry’s Red’ – A very hardy Mezitt hybrid with dark blood-red flowers held in tight trusses against dark green foliage. Free-flowering. Broad, irregular open habit to 5′(1.5m) high and wide in 10 years. Zone 5. (2 gallon – $20.00)
R. hyperythrum (ARS#01-877) – Another species for the collector. Flowers are white to white flushed pink. Foliage is dark green with recurved margins. Grows to 5′(1.5m) high with a compact, rounded habit. Best in full sun. These are seed grown by the Wilgenhofs from a RSF cross of 76/038, rose buds opening white flushed rose with magenta flecks x 77/443, white. Zone 6. (Field Grown – $25.00)
R. ‘Ingrid Mehlquist’ – (‘Besse Howells’ x yakushimanum) Pink flowers in tight round trusses quickly fade to white dotted with burgundy. The trusses sit eloquently upright on the foliage – small but very graceful. Floriferous. Very attractive foliage with light indumentum. Compact, well-branched, rounded-spreading habit to 3′(.9m) high x 4′(1.2m) wide in 25 years. Zone 5. Public Sale Only (1 gallon – $20.00)
R. ‘Lionel’s Red Shield’ – (‘America’ x ‘Carmen’) An excellent Brueckner hybrid with bright dark red flowers and olive green foliage. Plant forms a dense dome-shaped mound to 12’(.3m) high x 3′(.9m) wide. Choice and rare. Needs excellent drainage and probably a site sheltered from winter sun. Plant hardy to at least -25ºF(-31ºC), buds to -15°F (-26°C). (2 gallon – $20.00)
R. makinoi – An excellent foliage plant, this fine species has dark green leaves that are long, narrow, and pointed. Their undersides are covered with thick tawny indumentum. Flowers are clear, light pink and very late as is the new growth. Dense, well-branched, rounded habit to 3′(1.5m) high. Zone 6. Requires a bit of lime to prevent yellow leaves. (2 gallon – $40.00)
Rhododendron ‘Melusine La Fée’ – (‘Ice Cube’ x ‘Scarlet Wonder’) Conical trusses of medium purple-pink flowers grace this Brueckner hybrid. The flowers are thick textured and have a heavy dark red spotting forming a large dorsal flare. Open upright-spreading habit to 5′(1.5m) high and wide in 10 years. Very floriferous. Plant hardy to at least -25ºF (-31ºC), buds to -20°F(-29°C). (2 gallon – $20.00)
R. ‘Minas Grand Pré’ (catawbiense ‘Compactum’ x williamsianum) A profusion of pink bell-shaped flowers in loose trusses grace this Kentville Research Station hybrid. Small oval leaves emerge with a bronze tone and age to dark green. In full sun it forms a perfect dense, compact, mounded dome and grows to 3′(.9m) tall in 10 years. Zone 5b. After years of being a rarity it is now deservedly in mass production! (1 gallon – $15.00)
R. (‘Mist Maiden’ x tsariense) Weagle – A hybrid grown by John Weagle with beautiful foliage. Its looks like a slightly more vigorous R. tsariense. Dark green leaves with thick cinnamon coloured indumentum. Compact habit. Zone 6, possibly colder. (Year Olds – $12.00)
R. ‘Peaches’ (fortunei hybrid?) Large flowers (with very good substance) are as close to peach as you will find! Slightly fragrant. Broad habit to 5′(1.5m) high x 8′(3.6m) wide in 12 years. A Gable hybrid. Always admired at Boulderwood. Zone 6. (Year Olds – $12.00)
R. ‘Pohjohla’s Daughter’ – (smirnowii x catalgla) Large flowers open lavender-pink with a paler centre quickly ageing to almost pure white with a yellow-green flare. Very striking. Low compact mounding habit to 3.5′(1.05m) high and spreading wider. Hardy to -29ºF(-34ºC). An extremely hardy Finnish hybrid. (1 gallon – $20.00)
R. pseudochrysanthum Dwarf Form – Flowers are dark pink in bud opening to pale pink and fading to pure white. Its thick leathery leaves are dark glossy green with recurved margins. New leaves have a pale grey indumentum. This form has an extremely dense, tight, spreading habit and resembles RV70023 in the Cox Encyclopedia of Rhodo Species. Might reach 6’(15cm.) high in many years! Give this one a bit of light shade and avoid fertilizing. Zone 6. Very choice! (Year Olds – $12.00)
Rhododendron rex ssp. fictolacteum – Another big-leaf species – this one with leaves to 4’(10cm) wide x 12’(30cm.) long! Dark green on top they are covered by buff to rusty-brown thick indumentum! Flowers are white to pale pink with dark red spotting and are held in large ball-shaped trusses. Tall, upright open habit forming a small tree in time. Borderline in the mildest of Zone 6b gardens and will need a site protected from wind. Truly spectacular and a must have for the adventurist! (2 gallon – $40.00)
R. ‘Serendipity’ – (yakushimanum x aureum) Cream coloured flowers grace this hybrid with dark green foliage. Dense, low-spreading habit. Zone 5. (Year Olds – $12.00)
R. ‘Stoke’s Bronze Wings’ – (maximum x catawbiense) An extremely tough hybrid with surprisingly elegant round full trusses of the palest purple-pink flowers enhanced by a greenish-yellow flare. Attractive matte green foliage on a compact plant. Zone 5. (2 gallon – $20.00)
Rhododendron thayerianum – Yet another striking foliage plant and very unique! This species has very stiff narrow pointed foliage, dark green in colour with thin buff indumentum, and v-shaped in profile with recurved margins. The very dense foliage clothes a plant with a dense stout branching habit. Flowers are white flushed with pink and are held in lax trusses. Upright-spreading, mounded habit to 6′(1.5m) high. Zone 6b. (2 gallon – $40.00)
R. ‘Vinecrest’ {[(‘LaBar’s White’ x fortunei) x wardii] x wardii Litiense Group} Peach buds open to yellow flushed with peach and fade to yellow in dome-shaped trusses. Stunning. Olive green foliage. Upright, rounded habit to 4’(1.2m) high and wide in 12 years. A Vineland Station hybrid. Hardy to at least -16°F(-27°C). Public Sale Only (1 gallon – $15.00)
R. ‘Virginia Delp’ – (‘Kristen’ x ‘Calsap’) Large tall tusses of very large, pale lavender-pink flowers with a yellow blotch. Impressive very large flower buds. To 4′(1.2m) high in 10 years. An Al Smith hybrid hardy to -20ºF(-29ºC). (2 gallon – $25.00)
R. yakushimanum ‘Mist Maiden’ – If you were to grow only one rhododendron, this should be the one. This species has long narrow leaves with tan-white indumentum. New growth is covered in silver tomentum. Dense foliage covers a plant that is symmetrical and broadly mounded in shape. Its rosy-pink buds open to form large apple-blossom pink trusses which fade to white. Slow growing to 4′(1.2m) high x 11′(3.3m) wide in 30 years. Best in a half-day of sun. A proven performer. Zone 5. Public Sale Only (1 gallon – $20.00)
R. ARS 92-608 #11 (‘Ivory Cloud’) – {[(‘Big Deal’ x ‘Donna Hargrove’) x (‘Golden Star’ x ‘Catalgla’)] x wardii} Large outfacing ivory blooms grace this hybird grown by Bill Wilgenhof in his garden just outside of Antigonish. He reports no winter damage after recent harsh winters. (Year Olds – $12.00)
R. ARS92-608 #7-Yellow – A sister seedling of the above, this one has good non-fading yellow flowers. (Year Olds – $12.00)
R. ARS92-765 #1 (‘Sproeten’) – (‘Barbara Cook’ x ‘Janet Blair’) Another hybrid grown by Bill Wilgenhof and his pride and joy. Its frilled flowers are pale pink with red freckles and a red throat. Good foliage. (Year Olds – $12.00)
EVERGREEN AZALEAS
Azalea ‘Big Joe’ – (poukhanense x kaempferi) An old Gable hybrid with large pale lavender-pink flowers with a dark blotch. Early blooming. Vigorous forming a tall but eventually spreading, medium-sized plant. Zone 5b. (2 gallon – $20.00)
Azalea ‘Carol’ (Gable) – (‘Louise Gable’ x ‘Caroline Gable’) Another Gable hybrid with hose-in-hose, vibrant pink-red flowers with a darker blotch. Mid-season blooming. Forms a low broad-spreading shrub. Zone 5b. (2 gallon – $20.00)
Azalea ‘Elizabeth Gable’ – [indicum x (poukhanense x kaempferi)] The flowers of this Gable hybrid appear late in the season and are a vibrant salmon-pink with a darker blotch. It forms a vigorous, large spreading shrub with good winter leaf retention. Zone 6. (2 gallon – $20.00)
R. kiusianum – Perhaps the best suited evergreen azalea species for our coastal climate provided it is given good drainage and plenty of sun. Densely branched and twiggy, they have a spreading, somewhat tiered habit and remain relatively low. Very floriferous. Excellent fall colour. Zone 6 but worth trying in Zone 5. An ARHS ‘Top Ten’ evergreen azalea. The following selections are available this year:
R. kiusianum ‘Betty Muir’ – A vibrant pink variety with very dark foliage. Considered by some to be the best selection. (2 gallon – $20.00)
R. kiusianum ‘Mangetsu’ – A delightful selection of the species with bi-coloured flowers of very pale pink edged with lavender pink. Delicate tiered habit. (2 gallon – $20.00)
R. kiusianum ‘Margaret Charlton’ – A beautiful soft clear pink selection with a tiered habit. Slow-growing. (2 gal. – $20.00)
Azalea ‘Meagher Tall Double Pink’ – A tall, nose-high evergreen azalea from the Meagher garden with double pink flowers. Probably a kiusianum hybrid. Zone 6, possibly colder. (2 gallon – $20.00)
R. poukhanense ‘Rosea’ – A tough species which seems to tolerate both wind and salt spray. Soft clear pink flowers are borne in profusion. Dense mounded-spreading habit to 3′(.9m) high and wider. Zone 5b. Public Sale Only (2 gallon – $25.00)
Azalea ‘Scotian Breeze’ (Formerly E-90-3) – (kiusianum Berg x ‘Lady Louise’) A Weagle hybrid similar to Kolmo Kulshan but less strident and blooming several weeks later! Flowers are bicoloured with cool soft pink tips and white centres. Compact spreading habit. To 2′(.6m) x 4′(1.2m) wide in 10 years. Zone 6. (2 gallon – $20.00)
Azalea ‘Scotian Clouds’ – (‘Kolmo Kulshan’ x ‘Lady Louise’) A Weagle hybrid with white flowers edged bright reddish-pink. Late June blooming. Dense, low horizontal-spreading habit growing to 18’(.45m) high. Zone 6. (2 gallon – $20.00)
Azalea ‘Scotian Mist’ – {‘Lady Louise’ x [‘Lady Louise’ x (nakaharai Orange Form x kiusianum ‘Mt. Fuji’)#1-1]} Another Weagle hybrid with soft pastel pink flowers fading to white in the centres althought some flowers may be all pink or all white. July blooming. Dense, low horizontal-spreading habit growing to 18’(.45m) high. Zone 6. Public Sale Only (2 gallon – $25.00)
Azalea ‘Scotian Picotee’ – {‘Lady Louise’ x [‘Lady Louise’ x (nakaharai Orange Form X kiusianum ‘Mt Fuji’)#1-1]} Dense horizontal spreading habit to 16’(.4m) high x 32’(.8m) wide in 12 years. White with strong pink tips. A July blooming Weagle hybrid. Zone 6. Public Sale Only (2 gallon – $25.00)
Azalea ‘Scotian Reef’ – {‘Lady Louise’ x [‘Lady Louise’ x (nakaharai Orange Form X kiusianum ‘Mt Fuji’)#1-1]} Flowers vary from medium coral pink to white. Dense horizontal spreading habit to 16’(.4m) high x 32’(.8m) wide in 12 years. A July blooming Weagle hybrid. Zone 6. Public Sale Only (2 gallon – $25.00)
Azalea ‘Wendy Cornwall’ – [‘Frosty’ x (nakaharai Orange Form x kiusianum ‘Mt. Fuji’)] Another Weagle hybrid grown by Wendy Cornwall. Pastel purple-pink flowers with paler centres on a compact spreading plant. Late-blooming. Zone 6. (2 gallon – $20.00)
DECIDUOUS AZALEAS
R. calendulaceum – An eastern US native azalea species. Its flowers are funnel shaped and are borne in trusses of 5 to 9. Colour can range from orange to red to yellow or combinations thereof. It blooms before or with the emerging foliage in mid to late June. Its clean foliage is not susceptible to mildew. Suckering, upright-spreading habit to 5′ high in 10 years. Zone 5. (2 gallon – $40.00)
R. cumberlandense (ARS#01-539) – Another eastern US native species more commonly known by its old name R. bakeri. It is similar to R. calendulaceum but has smaller flowers and blooms later after the foliage has expanded – usually in July. It is less vigorous and produces a smaller, more compact shrub. These are seed grown plants from the Wilgenhofs from a red selection. Zone 6. (Field Grown – $25.00)
Azalea ‘Millennium’ – (‘Weston’s Sparkler’ x ‘Weston’s Parade’) A fragrant Mezitt azalea hybrid which blooms in late-July! Flowers are dark pink – almost red – with a pale orange flare. Its blue-green foliage is mildew resistant and turns copper to burgundy in fall. Upright in habit to 5′(1.5m) high in 10 years. Zone 6. (2 gallon – $35.00)
Azalea ‘Pennsylvania’ – Another late blooming Mezitt azalea hybrid, this one blooming into August! Flowers have a fruity fragrance and are bright pink with a pale orange blotch. Foliage turns copper and yellow in fall. Slow growing with an upright-spreading habit. Zone 6. (2 gallon – $20.00)
R. schlippenbachii ‘Sid’s Royal Pink’ – The ‘Royal Azalea of Japan’ in its typical form has elegant, flat, soft pink flowers to 3.5-4.5’ across. Its distinctive deciduous foliage has excellent fall colour and is carried on a tall-growing open upright plant. This selection has large richer, darker pink flowers and is said to be more comapact. Requires sun for best results but preferably protected from the mid-day sun. Appreciates a bit of lime or bonemeal occasionally. Zone 5b. (2 gallon – $45.00)
R. vaseyi – Also an eastern US native, this superb species has almost flat, wide funnel-shaped flowers and blooms early before the leaves. Flowers range from medium pink to white and are usually pale pink. Upright and open in habit, it is very graceful in bloom. Good fall colour. Growing in moist spots in nature it will do best in a moist, well-drained site in the garden. Zone 5. (2 gallon – $40.00)
OTHER ERICACEOUS SHRUBS & TREES
(Cultivation as per Rhododendrons)
Enkianthus campanulatus ‘Showy Lanterns’ – A large deciduous shrub with an interesting twiggy, upright, tiered-spreading habit. Dark green leaves in whorls at the branch tips. Beautiful orange, yellow and red fall colours. The small, urn-shaped flowers in pendulous clusters on this selection are bright red instead of the usual creamy-pink. Slow growing, 8-12′(2.4-3.6m) high and wide in time. Sun to part shade. Zone 6, possibly colder. (1 gallon – $20.00)
Kalmia latifolia – After Dick Jaynes’ great talk on Mountain Laurels last fall we are offering three varieties this year. Beautiful evergreen foliage plants, their unique flowers are sure to fascinate. Probably best in full sun but needs excellent drainage and protection from winter wind. Zone 5.
‘Little Linda’ – The newest of the ‘little-leaf’ or ‘miniature’ selections, its pink flowers open from red buds. Its rounded leaves are dark glossy green and disease resistant. Forms a dense broad mounded plant to 2.5′(.8m) high in 10 years. (1 gallon – $20.00)
‘Minuet’ – Another miniature cultivar, this one with light pink flowers with a bright cinnamon red band opening from light pink buds. Glossy, dark green evergreen foliage is disease resistant. Dense habit to 2.5′(.8m) high & wide in 10 years. (1 gallon – $20.00)
‘Sarah’ – A beautiful selection named after Mr. Jayne’s wife and perhaps the reddest. Its flowers open pink-red from red buds. Foliage is dark green. Dense rounded habit to 3.5′(1.1m) high and wide in 10 years. (1 gallon – $20.00)
X Phylliopsis x hillieri ‘Pinocchio’ (Phyllodoce brewerii x Kalmiopsis leachiana) Similar to ‘Sugarplum’ below, ‘Pinocchio’ has medium purplish-pink bell-shaped flowers. Zone 6.(1 gallon – $20.00)
X Phylliopsis ‘Sugarplum’ – A bigeneric hybrid (Kalmiopsis leachiana x Phyllodoce caerulea) developed by Barry Starling. Sugary pink-plum, globe shaped flowers are borne against small linear foliage in spring & sometimes again in fall. Mounding habit growing 1-2′(.3-.6m) high & 2′(.6m) wide. Requires excellent drainage & full sun. Dislikes drought & high temperatures. Zone 6. (1 gallon – $20.00)
Pieris japonica ‘Rokujo’s Carpet’ – A cultivar received from Barry Starling many years ago for which I can find no reference. It is a very dwarf selection with tiny leaves less than an inch long. Low and dense growing as the name suggests. New growth is reddish and it takes on burgundy tones in winter. Very shy to flower. Great for the rock garden or the front of a small shrub border. Zone 6b? (Year Olds – $12.00)
Pieris japonica ‘Wm. Buchanan’ – Another very dwarf selection originally received from Barry Starling. Similar to above but with larger leaves, a bit taller growing. Bright red new foliage and this one does flower. Zone 6b? (Year Olds – $12.00)
CONIFERS
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Ivonne’ – (Ivonne Golden Lawson’s False Cypress) A tall conical selection with fans of golden-yellow foliage. To 6′(1.8m) in ten years eventually reaching a hieght of 20′(6.0m) more. Needs a site protected from winter winds and saltspray. Zone 6. (1 gallon – $15.00)
Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Tonia’ – (Tonia Japanese Hinoki Cypress) Similar to the more common ‘Nana Gracilis’ but dwarfer. Also its dense fans of rich green foliage are splashed with creamy yellow! Can grow to 18’(.45m) high in 10 years. Irregular upright-pyramidal habit. Best in full sun. Zone 6. (1 gal. – $15.00)
Larix kaempferi ‘Diane’ – (Diane Japanese Larch) A stunning specimen curiosity with twisted and contorted stems, branches and needles. Bright green needles turn yellow in the fall before dropping. Unique branching provides winter interest. Vigorous upright habit to 20′(6.0m) high x 5′(1.5m) wide. Zone 5. Choice. (1 gallon – $30.00)
Picea pungens ‘Blue Pearl’ – (Blue Pearl Colorado Spruce) A witches broom of ‘Fat Albert’, this very dwarf cultivar may reach 2′(.6m) in height after many years. Its silver-blue needles clothe a very compact bun-shaped to globose shrub. An excellent specimen for the rock garden. Zone 4. (1 gallon – $30.00)
Sciadopitys verticillata – (Japanese Umbrella Pine) A slow growing conifer with a perfect dense pyramidal shape and beautiful, thick, long, shiny, dark green needles. Can be treated as a dwarf conifer for many years but eventually can grow into a 30′(9.1m) tall tree. Attractive exfoliating bark. Zone 5. Very choice but be warned that at this price the plants are apt to be quite small. (1 gallon – $25.00)
SHRUBS
Berberis thunbergii Golden Nugget™ – (Golden Nugget Barberry) A great dwarf selection with striking golden yellow foliage – often with an orange cast. Grows to only 1′(.3m) high x 1.5′(.45m) wide with a very dense mounded habit. Needs full sun to maintain best colour. Great for the rock garden. Zone 5. (1 gallon – $15.00)
Caragana pygmaea – (Pygmy Peashrub) A smaller growing shrub with typical small bright yellow pea-like flowers in spring. Mounding habit with arching spiny branches. Grows to 3′(.9m) or more high and wide. Tolerant of poor, dry soils, salt and wind. Full sun. Zone 4. (2 gallon – $20.00)
Clematis texensis ‘Duchess of Albany’ – (texensis x ‘Star of India’) A striking C. texensis hyrid with upfacing, small bell-shaped flowers that are deep pink with darker rosy-pink bars. Blooms from mid-summer into fall. It is a non-twining herbaceous hybrid needing staking or deciduous shrubs to scramble through. Cut back almost to the ground in early spring. Takes a few years to get going becoming very vigorous. Zone 5. (1 gallon – $15.00)
Cotoneaster ‘Little Gem’ – Probably a form or hybrid of C. adpressus and may be the same as ‘Tom Thumb’. It forms a densely branched spreading mound. Its tiny deciduous leaves are shiny dark green with undulating margins. Excellent red fall colour. Shy to flower and fruit. To 6’(.15m) high. Great for the rock garden or as groundcover. Zone 5b. (1 gallon – $15.00)
Ilex ‘Rutzan’ (Red Beauty) – (messervae x pernyi) A new ‘Blue Holly’ from Rutgers University. It boasts a dense pyramidal habit with little pruning required. Foliage is spiny and dark glossy green. Produces a heavy crop of brilliant red berries but needs a pollinator such as ‘Blue Prince’. Grows to 6′(1.8m) high in 10 years. Listed as Zone 7 but given its parentage it should be hardy in Zone 6b if not colder. (1 gallon – $15.00)
Viburnum x burkwoodii ‘Mohawk’ – A disease resistant selection from the US National Arboretum. Flowers are waxy white opening in succession from clusters of dark red buds in early spring. Fragrant with a spicy clove-like scent. Dark green foliage turns orange-red in fall. Grows to 8′(2.4m) high x 10′(3.0m) wide with a rounded habit. Best in full sun. Zone 6. (1 gallon – $15.00)
Viburnum x carlcephalum ‘Cayuga’ – Another US National Arboretum intruduction and also disease resistant. Its flowers are borne in ball-shaped clusters and are white and waxy opening from pink buds. Lightly scented. Dark green foliage turns orange-red in fall. Grows to 8′(2.4m) high x 10′(3.0m) wide with a rounded habit. Best in full sun. Zone 6 or colder. (1 gallon – $15.00)
Viburnum plicatum ‘Kern’s Pink’ – (Japanese Snowball Viburnum) A deciduous shrub with a horizontal arching habit and dark green leaves tinged bronze. The flowers on this variety are snowball shaped and can range from white to pale pink and a mix of both on the same bush. They are borne in pairs along the branches. Spring blooming. To 10′(3.0m) tall. For sun to part shade but avoid very dry sites. Zone 6. (1 gallon – $15.00)
TREES
Acer palmatum ‘Beni fushigi’ – (‘Beni fushigi’ Japanese Maple) A Matsumurae Group selection. The small 5-lobed, deeply cut leaves leaves emerge intense pink-red and age to bright red. Upright in habit growing to 10′(3.0m) tall and probably wider. Zone 6. (1 gallon – $30.00)
Acer palmatum ‘Beni kawa’ – (‘Red Bark’ Japanese Maple) A Palmatum Group selection. The new branches on this variety have a deeper salmon-red winter colour than ‘Sango kaku’ and persist in the previous year’s growth as well. The leaves have 5 to 7 broad lobes and are fresh green, sometimes with red tinged margins. Golden yellow fall colour contrasts nicely with the bark. Upright growing to 10′(3.0m) tall in 10 years. Said to be hardier than ‘Sango kaku’ – Zone 6. (1 gallon – $30.00)
Acer palmatum ‘Kinshi’ – (‘Golden Thread’ Japanese Maple) A Linearilobum Group selection. Its leaves have 5 to 7 2.5-3.5’(6-9cm.) long narrow lobes dissected to the base and are medium to dark green. Orange-yellow fall colour. Compact, semi-dwarf, upright habit to 8′(2.4m) high. Zone 6. (1 gallon – $30.00)
Acer palmatum ‘Red Spider’ – (‘Red Spider’ Japanese Maple) A Linearilobum Group selection. This Canadian selection has strong red leaves which hold their colour until fall when they turn blood red. The leaves are 5-lobed and strap-like. Forms an upright small tree with the tips of its horizonal branches drooping down gracefully. Zone 6. (1 gallon – $30.00)
Acer palmatum ‘Ryuzu’ – (‘Dragon’s Head’ Japanese Maple) A Dwarf Group selection. Leaves are 5 to 7 lobed and deeply toothed. New foliage is pale green tinged pink and fades to green. Fall colour is a warm orange-yellow. It is very densely branched and the foliage is very congested and overlapping. Grows to 7′(2.0m) high forming a ‘flattened globe.’ Zone 6. (1 gallon – $30.00)
Acer palmatum ‘Saoshika’ – (‘Saoshiki’ Japanese Maple) An Amoenum Group selection. Delicate, star-shaped, 5 or 7 lobed leaves grace this cultivar. Its dark green foliage emerges bright yellow-green with red tips. Golden-yellow fall colour. Forms a broad tiered shrub to 10′(3.0m) high and wide. Zone 6. (1 gallon – $30.00)
Acer palmatum ‘Tamuke yama’ – (‘Tamuke yama’ Japanese Maple) A Dissectum Group selection. The new foliage of this dissected-leaf cultivar emerges deep crimson red and quickly turns dark purple-red and holds this colour well until fall when it turns bright scarlet. Cascading, mounded habit with twigs and newer branches maroon-red with a white cast. Zone 6. (1 gallon – $30.00)
Cornus kousa v. chinensis ‘Samzam’ (Samaritan) – (Samaritan Korean Dogwood) A small, shrubby tree, 15-20′(4.5-6.0m) tall, for light shade with a dense horizontal habit. This new variegated cultivar sports broad creamy-white leaf margins and flowers. Blooms in early August, lasts for weeks, and is followed by raspberry-shaped red fruit. Pink and maroon fall colour. Beautiful bark with age. Disease resistant but requires good drainage. Hardy to -32°C(-25°F). A Few Only (5 gallon – $80.00)
Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree) A fast-growing aristocratic tree related to magnolias. Unique leaves have a single lobe on each side & an almost flat tip. The cup-shaped, 2-3’(50-75mm) flowers, face upright on the branch tips. Slightly fragrant, they are yellowish green with an orangish base and emerge in late spring after the foliage. Yellow fall colour. Massive tall straight trunk with deeply furrowed bark and an oval to rounded crown. Grows 40-100′(12-30m) tall and 20-40′(6-12m) wide. Best in full sun in moist well-drained soil. Zone 5. Not for the small garden. (3 gallon – $45.00 )
Magnolia x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ – (stellata ‘Rosea’ x kobus) An old favourite. A multi-stemmed, upright, densely branched small shrubby tree. Fuchsia-purple in bud opening to light pink with 12 strap-like petals. A profuse bloomer. To 12′(3.6m) high x 8′(2.4m) wide in 10 years. Hardy to -20°F(-29°C). Public Sale Only (1 gallon – $15.00)
Magnolia ‘Yellow Lantern’ – (acuminata v. subcordata x soulangeana ‘Alexandrina’) An excellent pale yellow Savage hybrid with large tulip-shaped flowers which hold their shape and are long-lasting. Spring-blooming before the leaves emerge. It is a single-trunked tree with a narrow upright habit. Vigorous. To 25′(7.6m) tall. Zone 6. (2 gal. – $50.00)
TENDER TUB PLANTS
Musa basjoo – With winter protection, this the hardiest of the bananas, can be overwintered in our gardens. It has typical large banana leaves and grows very rapidly. Give it plenty of compost and water, then stand back. Once established it can reach 15′(4.5m) in height or more. Cut it back to 2-3′(.6-.9m) in the fall and wrap it in insulation or cover it thickly with leaves and then wrap it in plastic making sure the roots are insulated as well. Alternately protect the roots only and it will resprout in late spring! (2 gallon – $25.00)
Phormium ‘Pink Stripe’ – (Pink Stripe New Zealand Flax) A tender evergreen New Zealand native which makes a superb tub plant either by itself or in combination with other plants. This bronze coloured variety has bright pink margins on its leaves. It is a tall growing cultivar with narrow, stiffly upright, sword-shaped leaves and can grow to 5′(1.5m) tall. Best in full sun. Pot in a well drained mix and keep moist but do not overwater. Store indoors in winter in a frost-free, cool (preferably) bright location and let dry out between light waterings. A stunning addition to your patio. (1 gallon – $20.00)
Phormium ‘Shiraz’ – (Shiraz New Zealand Flax) A vigorous new variety, bronze to ‘deep wine red’ in colour. Also stiffly upright but lower growing to 3′(.9m) tall. Goes great with a nice bottle of red. (1 gallon – $20.00)
Lavatera x clementii ‘Barnsley Baby’ – (Tree Mallow) Presumably a dwarf sport of ‘Barnsley’, this shrubby mallow relative has white flowers with a hint of pink. Grows to 3′(1.0m) high and wide and blooms through most of the summer. May survive in the ground in a protected spot in Zone 6b but likely will be herbaceous. Store potted plants in a cold frost-free location over winter and cut back as desired in early spring. (1 gallon – $12.00)
PERENNIALS
Anemone x hybrida ‘Pamina‘ – (Windflower, Japanese or Fall Anemone) A striking fall blooming perennial with tall stems of flat faced flowers rising from long-petioled, maple-like foliage. ‘Pamina’ is a semi-double selection with masses of purple-pink flowers. Particularly nice when back-lit by the setting sun! To 3′(.9m) high. Best in full sun or part shade in light, rich, moist well drained soil where they will quickly form large spreading clumps. Hardy in Zone 6 and possibly colder but plant or divide in spring as those planted later in the year may not be sufficiently established to survive the winter. (1 gal. – $12.00)
Helleborus ‘Walhelivory’ (Ivory Prince) – [(niger x argutifolius) x (niger x sternii) An exciting new hellebore hybrid. From dusky pink buds emerge large, outward-facing and flat-faced ivory flowers with soft green and pink tones on the inside and plum tones on the exterior. Early spring blooming. Foliage is dark grey-green with paler veins and resembles that of H. niger. Unlike H. argutifolius and H x sternii, the flowers buds should be safely nestled at or below ground level where they can easily be protected by mulching before winter! Compact growing reaching 18’(.45m) in bloom. Zone 6. (1 gallon – $15.00)
Helleborus argutifolius ‘Silver Lace’ – (‘Silver Lace’ Corsican Hellebore) A new selection of this evergreen perennial with very attractive leathery silver blue foliage. Its panicles of small green cup-shaped flowers are held closer to the foliage making for a more compact plant. Early spring blooming. To 2′(.6m) high. Plant in sheltered spot protected from the winter sun & wind. Seems to do best against a bright north-facing wall. Cut old flowering stems back to the ground after blooming. Zone 6. (1 gallon – $15.00)
ORNAMENTAL GRASSES
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Avalanche’ – (Variegated Reed Grass) A variegated sport of the ever-popular ‘Karl Forster’. Its dark green foliage has a broad white stripe up the middle. Feathery plumes of purplish-green flowers in summer. Typical narrow-upright habit to 5′(1.5m) high in bloom. Zone 5. (1 gallon – $12.00)
Deschampsia caespitosa ‘Northern Lights’ – (Tufted Hair Grass) Narrow blades are green variegated with cream and tinted purple-pink in spring and fall. Forms a dense slightly arching clump to 16’(.4m) high. Panicles of flowers in gold, silver, purple and green tones rise to 3′(.9m) high in early summer. Best in part-shade in moist well-drained soil. Zone 5. (1 gallon – $12.00)
Elymus magellanicus – (Blue Wheatgrass) A loose tufted, arching evergreen species with very blue foliage. Supposedly the bluest of the grasses! Clump forming to 20’(.5m) high. Sparsely blooming. For sun to part-shade in moist well-drained soil. Zone 6, possibly colder. (1 gallon – $12.00)
Millium effusum ‘Aureum’ – (Golden Wood Millet) A loosely tufted, laxly arching grass emerges vibrant golden yellow in spring aging to greenish-yellow in summer. Can be cut back in summer for a fall encore. Best in part-shade. To 9’(.2m) high. Zone 6. (3.5’ pots – $5.00)
