2003 ARHS Members and Public Plant Sale
Atlantic Rhododendron & Horticultural Society
Archived list of plant descriptions from the 2003 May Plant Sale
LEPIDOTE RHODODENDRONS
R. ‘Abeille’ (keleticum x dauricum) Open-pollinated. A very floriferous & early blooming Brueckner hybrid with bright reddish-purple flowers. Small narrow foliage. Dwarf, dense, mounded habit growing to 20″(.5m) high x 27″(.7m) wide in 7 years. Hardy to at least – 22ºF(-30ºC). (2 gal. – $20.00)
R. ‘Bluenose’ (‘Russautinii’ x dauricum Sempervirens Group) Large, 2″ 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. A Brueckner hybrid bred in New Brunswick. Bud hardy to -17°F(-27°C). Plant hardy to -25ºF(-31ºC). (2 gal. – $25.00 Public May Sale Only)
R. “Jack’s Blue” [(Delp’s tetraploid carolinianum x fastigiatum) x ‘Blue Ridge’] A new hybrid from Jack Looye in Ontario. Blue flowers and good foliage. Vigorous. Compact, rounded habit to 4′(1.2m) high. Zone 6. (2 gal. – $20.00)
R. ‘Karin Seleger’ (impeditum x dauricum) A very free flowering Brueckner hybrid with purple-violet flowers in ball shaped trusses. Early blooming. Tiny dense foliage on a mounded dense plant. To 30″(.75m)high x 42″(1.1m) wide in 18 years. Bred in New Brunswick. Hardy to -25°F (-32°C). (1 gal. – $15.00 Public May Sale Only)
R. ‘Kickoff’ (‘Achiever’ x mucronulatum) – Pink flowers with a hint of mauve and a paler center grace this Delp hybrid. Zone 6 or hardier. (2 gal. – $20.00)
R. ‘Legacy’ (‘April Glory’ x ‘Princess Susan’) Double dark purple flowers grace this Mezitt hybrid. Early blooming. Plant is similar to ‘PJM’. Vigorous & dense. To 3′(.9m) high x 2′(.6m) wide in 7 years. Hardy to -20ºF(-29ºC). (2 gal. – $20.00)
R. ‘Lemon Twist’ (keiskei v. ozawae x lutescens ‘Bagshot Sands’) Large wavy-edged, greenish-yellow flowers. Low spreading habit to 2.5′(.75m) high x 4′(1.2m) wide in 11 years. Plant hardy to at least -16ºF(26ºC). Buds hardy only to -5ºF(-21ºC). A Dick Brooks hybrid. A few only. (2 gal. – $20.00)
R. “Montafon” (probably ferrugineum x kotschyi but may be a selection of the former) Flowers are crimson-purple fading to purple-pink. Late-blooming. Slow growing with a dense, compact habit. Resents drought. Named by Brueckner. Z5. A few only. (2 gal. – $25.00)
R. ‘Patty Bee’ (keiskei ‘Yaku Fairy’ x fletcherianum) A beautiful & very floriferous clear yellow Berg hybrid. Early. Dense dark green foliage turns maroon-red in winter. Very dwarf – 1.5′(.45m) high x 2′(.6m) wide in 10 yrs. An ARS Superior Plant award winner. Zone 6.
(1 gal. – $15.00 – Public May Sale Only)
R. ‘Pink Pom Pom’ (carolinianum x racemosum) Pale pink flowers in tight round trusses. Red stems & good winter foliage. Early-blooming. Leslie Hancock hybrid from Ontario. Hardy to -15°F(-26°C). (2 gal. – $20.00)
R. ‘Weston’s Pink Diamond’ (‘P.J.M.’ x mucronulatum ‘Cornell Pink’) Frilled, semi-double, pink flowers have a silver-toned centre giving a sparkling effect. A very early blooming and floriferous Mezitt hybrid. Red, orange & yellow fall colour. Bronzey winter colour. Vigorous, wide upright habit. To 6′(1.8m) high x 4′(1.2m) wide. Hardy to -18ºF (-28ºC).
(1 gal. – $15.00 – Public May Sale Only)
R. ‘Widgeon’ (carolinianum x calostrotum ‘Gigha’) A Cox hybrid with large saucer-shaped purple-pink flowers with darker spotting. Very floriferous. Dense, dome-shaped spreading habit to 2′(.6m) high. Very nice. Zone 5b. (2 gal. – $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. A beautiful Cox hybrid ideal for the rock garden or small spaces. Zone 6. (1 gal. – $15.00 – Public May Sale Only)
Elepidote Rhododendrons
R. ‘Beaufort’ (‘Boule de Neige’ x fortunei) Fragrant white flowers emerge with a touch of mauve. Large leaves. Compact habit. To 5′ high in 10 years. Needs plenty of sun to bud well. A Gable hybrid. Zone 6. A few only. (2 gal. – $20.00)
R. ‘Connecticut Yankee’ (catawbiense hybrid) Clear bluish-purple flowers in dome-shaped trusses of up to 20. Free-flowering and late blooming. Foliage is dark green. Vigorous, dense wide spreading habit. To 8′(2.4m) high x 14′(4.3m) wide in 25 years. Mehlquist hybrid. Hardy to -25ºF(-32ºC). (1 gal. – $20.00)
R. ‘Golfer’ (yakushimanum x pseudochrysanthum) Perhaps the finest foliage of any hybrid. Long-lasting silvery tomentum and pale beige indumentum. Flowers are clear pink fading to white in dome-shaped trusses. Broad, well-branched dense habit. To 2.5′(.75m) high x 3.5′(1m) wide in 15 years. A Berg hybrid. Zone 6 or colder? (1 gal. – $15.00 Public May Sale Only)
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 gal. – $25.00 Public May Sale Only)
R. ‘John T. Meagher’ (brachycarpum Tigerstedtii Group x ‘Mrs. T.H. Lowinsky’) We are very pleased to be able to offer this new hybrid. Large trusses of white flowers with a dark brown blotch sit on top of lush shiny dark green foliage. Dense habit to 5′(1.5m) high x 8′(2.4m) wide in 10 years. Grown by the late John Meagher from a cross donated to the RSCAR seed exchange by Dave Hinton. Bud hardy to -10ºF(-23ºC) possibly colder if brief. (2 gal. – $25.00)
R. (“Lath House Red” x yakushimanum) Another we are very pleased to offer is a Capt. R.M. Steele hybrid from Boulderwood. Small tight dome-shaped trusses of medium pink flowers sit perfectly proportioned atop whorls of rich dark green foliage. Stunning. Open, upright-spreading habit. Zone 6b. (2 gal. – $25.00)
R. ‘Morgenrot’ (yakushimanum ‘Kochiro Wada’ x ‘Spitfire’) Rosy-red flowers fading to pink with a paler pink center in ball-shaped trusses. Very floriferous. Glossy dark green foliage. Vigorous. Dense, compact, rounded habit to 4′(1.2m) high in 10 years. Hardy to -8ºF(-22ºC). A Hachmann hybrid. (1 gal. – $15.00)
R. ‘Nicoletta’ [‘Fantastica’ x (‘Hachmann’s Ornament’ x ‘Furnivall’s Daughter’)] Light rose-pink flowers with a large red blotch. Fades to paler pink with a fine darker pink edge. Very floriferous. Dark green foliage. Dense, compact, rounded habit to 2′(.6m) x 3′(.9m) in 10 years. Another Hachmann hybrid. Rated as hardy to-10ºF(-23ºC). (2 gal. – $20.00)
R. ‘Parker’s Pink’ – Full trusses of stunning large pink flowers with a paler centre and red spotting. Fragrant & floriferous. Large deep green leaves. To 5′(1.5m) high & wide in 10 years. A Dexter hybrid. Hardy to -15°F (-26°C). (2 gal. – $25.00 – Public May Sale Only)
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. (2 gal. – $20.00)
R. ‘Pink Scallop’ (Bosley-Dexter #1005 x ‘Catalgla’) Pink flowers with a lighter center and strong blotch. Fragrant. Late-blooming. Medium-tall in size. A Pride hybrid grown by Brian Schram. Zone 5. (2 gal. $20.00)
R. ‘Pink Tipp’ [‘Pink Icing’ x (catawbiense ‘Rubrum’ x ‘Caroline’)] Beautiful flowers emerge pink and fade white with delicate pink tips. Compact habit to 4′(1.2m) high in 10 years. A Pride hybrid. Zone 6, probably colder. (2 gal. – $20.00)
R. ‘Purple Passion’ – A very hardy new hybrid with dark violet-purple flowers with a white throat. To 6′(1.8m) high x 4′(1.2m) wide in 10 years with a dense rounded habit. Hardy to -29ºF(-34ºC) (2 gal. -$20.00)
R. “Regatta Point Grex” – To ensure their survival, these plants were propagated from a series of plants grown by the late John Meagher and planted in the bed at Regatta Point. While the records have been lost, it is readily apparent that the 5 plants (Clones 1 through 5) came from the same seed lot and have yakushimanum in their parentage. The plants are very compact. The flowers lavender-pink with paler centres giving a bicolor effect. Clones will be alotted randomly. Should you wish to try several clones, this will be accomodated subject to availability by simply ordering more than one. (2 gal. – $20.00)
R. ‘Sandra Hinton’ [brachycarpum Tigerstedtii Group x (smirnowii x yakushimanum)] An extremely hardy, late-blooming hybrid from Dave Hinton in Orono, Ontario. Strong pink buds open to very pale pink flowers with light green spotting. Dark green foliage. To 5′(1.5m) high and wide in 12 years. Hardy to at least -30ºF(-34ºC). A few only. (2 gal. – $25.00)
R. ‘Supernova’ (tetraploid ‘Nova Zembla’) A new Briggs introduction. It has the same fuschia-red flowers as ‘Nova Zembla’ but hopefully will retain its colour better. Wavy foliage is glossy dark green and thick textured. The extra chromosones hopefully may have improved the habit. Be one of the first to find out! To 5′(1.5m) high and 6′(1.8m) wide in 10 years. Zone 6, possibly colder. (1 gal. – $20.00)
R. ‘Vinebrook’ (smirnowii x ‘Lady Bessborough’) Pink buds open to large wavy-edged white flowers with a red flare and spotting. Large, round trusses of 15 flowers. Upright-spreading habit to 6′(1.8m) high in 25 years. An Ontario hybrid from Vineland Station. Hardy to at least -16°F(-27°C). (2 gal. – $20.00)
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 & wide in 12 years. Another Vineland Station hybrid. Hardy to at least -16°F(-27°C). (1 gal. – $15.00)
R. “V-65101” [(‘LaBar’s White’ x fortunei) x wardii] This Vineland hybrid is the mother of ‘Vinecrest’. Pale yellow flowers on a very large tree-like plant. Floriferous. Hardy to at least Zone 6b. (2 gal – $20.00)
R. “V-6609” {[‘Hassan’ x (schyphocalyx x ‘Catalgla’)] x ‘LaBar’s White’} Large trusses of orange-pink flowers. Hardy to at least Zone 6b. Yet another Vineland hybrid. A few only. (2 gal – $20.00)
R. williamsianum “Caerhays” A beautiful species with lax trusses of pale pink bell-shaped flowers. Early-blooming. Beautiful small rounded dark green leaves emerge copper. Dense mounded habit to 2′(.6m) high. Hardy to -5ºF(-20ºC). Only for Zone 7 or warm microclimates in Zone 6b. (1 gal. – $15.00)
R. ‘Wojnar’s Purple’ – Vivid reddish-purple flowers with a dark purple flare in dome-shaped trusses of 15-20. Compact spreading habit to 4′(1.2m) high in 10 years. Hardy to -20ºF(-29ºC). (1 gal. – $15.00)
R. yakushimanum (degronianum v. yakushimanum) A superb species for our climate. Long narrow leaves have a tan-white indumentum. New growth is covered in silver tomentum. Dense foliage covers a plant which is symmetrical and broadly mounded in shape. Slow growing and floriferous. Best in a half day of sun. Zone 5. Two selections are offered this year :
1.) ‘Mist Maiden’ A larger growing selection growing to 4′(1.2m) high and 11′(3.5m) wide. Rosy-pink buds open to form large apple blossom pink flowers which fade to white. If you were to grow only one rhododendron, this should be the one. Possibly a hybrid. (2 gal. – $25.00 Public May Sale Only)
2.) ‘Pink Parasol’ – A sister seedling of ‘Mist Maiden’, the leaves on this selection are slightly larger and the flowers a bit darker. To 5′(1.5m) high and 10′(3.0) wide. Again, possibly a hybrid. (1 gal. – $15.00)
Evergreen Azaleas
A. ‘Al’s Picotee’ (‘Elsie Lee’ x kiusianum) A delightful bicolour hose-in-hose hybrid with white flowers edged with soft pink. Tight mounding habit and good winter leaf retention. Very floriferous. Grown and raised in Ontario by Al Smith. Hardy to -20°F(-29°C).
(2 gal. – $25.00 Public May Sale Only)
A. ‘Herbert’ (poukhanense x ‘Hexe’) Frilled hose-in-hose flowers are reddish-purple with a dark blotch. Slightly fragrant. Dense, spreading habit to 3′(.9m) high. A Gable hybrid. Zone 6. (2 gal – $20.00)
A. ‘Joseph Gable’ [(‘Rose Greeley’ x ‘Nadine’) x ‘Nadine’] White hose-in-hose flowers with red spotting. To 6′(1.8m) tall or more. A very hardy Pride hybrid. Zone 5. (2 gal. – $20.00)
A. ‘Stewartstonian’ – An early blooming bright red Gable hybrid. Early and very floriferous. Glossy dark green foliage turns dark red in autumn. Upright, broad, twiggy habit. Grows 4-5′(1.2-1.5m) high. Hardy to -20°F (-29°C). (2 gal. – $25.00)
Deciduous Azaleas
A. ‘Satan’ – A Knaphill-Slocock hybrid with vivid orange-red (almost true red) flowers. Late blooming. Bronze fall colour. Grows 6-8′(1.8-2.4m) high and 4-6′(1.2-1.8m) wide. Zone 5 (2 gal. – $20.00)
A. ‘Weston’s Lemon Drop’ (viscosum hybrid x unknown) Elegant tubular-funnel-shaped pastel yellow flowers with a darker yellow flare open from peach coloured buds. Elegant. July-blooming with a light lemony fragrance. Blue-green foliage turns dark pink-red and yellow in fall. Mildew resistant. Vigorous upright habit. Grows 6-8′(1.8-2.4m) high. A Mezitt hybrid. Hardy to -34ºF (-37ºC). (2 gal. – $20.00)
Other Ericaceous Shrubs
(Cultivation as per Rhododendrons)
Gaultheria miqueliana (Spicy Wintergreen) A low dense evergreen shrub with small dark green foliage. Small urn-shaped white flowers borne in terminal racemes in early summer are followed by small white berries. Grows 4-12″(.1-.3m) high with a spreading habit. A great little plant for the rock garden or front of the rhododendron border. Zone 6. (1 gal. – $15.00)
Kalmia latifolia ‘Bay State’ (Mountain Laurel) A cultivar with reddish-pink buds opening salmon-pink to coral-pink. Glossy, dark green evergreen foliage is thick textured & leaf spot resistant. Dense habit to 4′(1.2m) high & wide in 10 years. Probably best in full sun but needs excellent drainage and protection from winter wind. Zone 5. (1 gal. – $15.00)
Leucothoe ‘Scarletta’ (syn. ‘Zeblid’) (Fetterbush) An evergreen shrub closely related to Pieris with panicles of fragrant, white, pieris-like flowers in spring. It is spreading shrub with thick arching stems of leathery dark green foliage. The jury is out on the parentage of this fine form – it can be found listed as a form of L. fontanesiana, L. axillaris and a hybrid of the two. It boasts bright red new foliage and spectacular brilliant burgundy-red winter colour. Grows 2-3′(.6-.9m) high and up to 6′(1.8m) across. For moist, well-drained soil in part to full shade. Zone 6b, possibly colder depending on its actual parentage. (1 gal. – $15.00)
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 6b. (1 gal. – $15.00)
Pieris japonica ‘Bisbee Dwarf’ – An evergreen shrub with panicles of white lily-of-the-valley type flowers in early spring. The flowers buds, also in panicles are formed in the fall and add winter interest. This is a low growing selection growing 2′(.6m) high with a dense mounded habit. Foliage emerges with a red tinge and has a slight twist. Zone 6b. (1 gal. – $15.00)
Pieris japonica ‘Cupido’ – A new cultivar with arching panicles of white flowers in early spring. Narrow dark green foliage emerges light red. Dark bronzy red flower buds. Slow growing with a dense, broad upright habit eventually reaching a height of 2-3′(.6-.9m) and wider spreading. Zone 6b. (1 gal. – $15.00)
Pieris japonica v. yakushimanum ‘Prelude’ – A dwarf selection growing only 2′(.6m) high & 3′(.9m) wide with a dense mounding habit. White flowers borne in upright-arching racemes in spring. Floriferous. Long lasting & later blooming than most. Glossy dark green foliage emerges bright pink. Showy pink flower buds in winter. Zone 6. (1 gal. – $15.00)
Conifers
Cedrus libani ssp. stenocoma (Cedar of Lebanon) I won’t go into great detail describing this majestic tree – we only have two to offer and those who know it will want it. This subspecies is the hardiest & has a narrow pyramidal habit when young. Takes many decades to develop its flat topped, tiered habit. Short dark green needles with a fine texture. Grows 60′(18m) or more tall. Requires full sun & good drainage. May be grafted on C. deodora so only for the mildest parts of Nova Scotia. Very rare. (1 gal. – $35.00)
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Green Arrow’ – For those who want to grow a Nootka Falsecypress but thought their garden was too small this is the answer. This is an extremely fastigiate form with light green drooping branches. Slow growing to 20′(6m) or more high, yet only 2-3′(.6-.9m) wide. A focal/exclamation point in both small & large gardens! Zone 5b. Large 4′(1.2m) plants. (5 gal. – $120.00 – A few Only)
Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Baby Blue’ (Sawara False Cypress) A sport of ‘Boulevard’ with tiny, dense, bright turquoise foliage. Starts out as a dense upright globe eventually forming an upright-conical plant to 6′(1.8m) high. Relatively slow growing – 6-8″(150-200mm) per year. Bronze winter colour. One of the hardiest varieties. Zone 5. (1 gal. – $25.00)
Chamaecyparis thyoides ‘Red Star’ (syn. – ‘Rubicon’) (Atlantic White Cedar) A very tight compact columnar form with soft feathery foliage. Dark blue-green foliage emerges with a reddish tinge and turns a beautiful plum-purple in winter. Slow growing to 5′(1.5m) or more. Full sun. Tolerates wetter soils. Zone 5. (1 gal. – $25.00)
Chamaecyparis thyoides ‘Top Point’ (Atlantic White Cedar) A slow growing dwarfish form with a conical to columnar habit. Fine textured bluish-green foliage turns deep purple in winter. To 3′(.9m) high & 16″(.4m) wide in 10 years. Cultivation as per ‘Red Star’. Zone 5. A few only. (1 gal. – $25.00)
Pseudolarix amabilis (syn P. kaempferi) (Golden Larch) A beautiful larch relative from China with soft bluish-green needles which emerge lush emerald green and turn a stunning golden-yellow in fall. Slow growing. Will grow into a broad, open-pyramidal deciduous tree, 20-40′(6-12m) high & 15-25′(4.5-7.5m) wide. Full sun in rich, well-drained soil protected from strong winds. Zone 6. (1 gal. – $20.00)
Taxus x media ‘Maureen’ – A hardy & slow growing fastigiate yew reaching only 4′(1.2m) high x 1′(.3m) wide in 10 years! Zone 6. Left over from last year – a year older – same price. (1 gal. – $20.00)
Tsuga canadensis ‘Forest Fountain’ (syn. “Dwarf Upright”) (Eastern Hemlock) Not really dwarf, this is a slow growing variety – 6″(150mm) per year. Small needles are borne on thin upward arching branches. To 6′(1.8m) high in 10 years with a broad upright habit. Zone 5. Rare. Sounds wonderful! (1 gal. – $25.00)
Shrubs
Abeliophyllum distichum (White Forsythia) Fragrant white flowers with yellow centres in dense clusters are borne along its arching bare branches very early in spring. Earlier than forsythias! Grows 3-5′(.9-1.5m) high & 3-4′(.9-1.2m) wide with a dense rounded habit. Deciduous. Best in full sun & well-drained soil. Must be pruned regularly to ensure good flowering & habit. Immediately after flowering, prune out oldest one third of wood every year once established or cut back to 8″(200mm) every 3-5 years. Zone 5b. (1 gal. – $15.00)
Disanthus cercidifolius – A deciduous shrub related to witchhazels with brilliant fall colour. Large blue-green heart-shaped leaves turn a variety of colours in fall ranging from orange to red to purple. Inconspicuous dark purple flowers in fall. Grows 6-10′(1.8-3m) high x 8-10′(2.4-3m) wide – multi-stemmed with slender branches & a rounded spreading habit. Best in rich moist soil in light shade protected from the wind. Drought intolerant. Zone 6. Rare. (1 gal. – $25.00)
Exochorda x macrantha ‘The Bride’ (Pearlbush) A dense compact hybrid with profuse racemes of cup-shaped pure white flowers in late spring against deciduous grey-green foliage. Dense arching mounded habit growing 3-4′(.9-1.2m) high & wide. Full sun to part shade in moist rich well-drained soil. Drought tolerant once established. Zone 6. (1 gal. – $15.00)
Halimodendron halodendron (Salt Tree) This spiny Siberian deciduous shrub in the pea family is very hardy and salt tolerant. Masses of pink to violet pea-like flowers are borne in early summer against silvery pea-like foliage. Grows 4-6′(1.2-1.8m) high & 4′(1.2m) wide with a suckering upright-spreading habit. Very drought tolerant. For full sun in poor, dry, well-drained soil. Great for that windy sea-shore spot but will not tolerate standing water. Zone 4. (2 gal. – $20.00)
Hydrangea anomola ssp. petiolaris ‘Mirranda’ (Variegated Climbing Hydrangea) Most are familiar with the climbing hydrangea, a most serviceable plant in our climate whether climbing a tree, growing on a substantial trellis or scrambling over a bank or retaining wall. This variety has the same large flat clusters of white flowers in spring. What makes this variety unique is that it is variegated! Leaves have broad irregular golden yellow margins. Sure to brighten up that dark corner. Zone 5. Be one of the first to own this one. (1 gal. – $25.00)
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Giant’ (Oakleaf Hydrangea) This variety according to Dirr may be the same as ‘Snowflake’. Large, long-lasting, pyramidal trusses of double white flowers with a touch of green in the center of each flower. Summer blooming. More beautiful & much showier than the single flowered varieties. Slightly fragrant. Coarse, dark green foliage resembling a red oak in shape turns crimson-red in the fall. Suckering in habit it can grow to 8′(2.4m) high x 10′(3m) wide but likely to reach only half that size in our climate. Prune after blooming as flowers are born on old wood. Full sun to part shade in rich, moist, well-drained soil. Zone 6b. (1 gal. – $15.00)
Schizophragma hydrangeoides ‘Brookside Littleleaf’ Perhaps one of the most taxonomically muddled plants. Schizophragma hydrangeoides ‘Brookside Littleleaf’, Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris ‘Tiliifolia’, Hydrangea quelpartensis … all are names applied to plants which may or may not be the same. We acquired these plants as ‘Brookside Littleleaf’so will maintain that name here & describe it as a small-leaved climbing hydrangea. Foliage is shiny dark green, about an inch long (25mm) and is reported to increase in size with age. Flowers are reportedly similar to Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris but I’m still waiting for mine to bloom. Zone 6, probably colder. (1 gal. – $20.00)
Viburnum plicatum v. tomentosum (Doublefile Viburnum) A deciduous shrub with a horizontal arching habit and 4″ dark green leaves. White flowers are produced in cymes (usually like lacecaps) along the branches in double rows. Late spring blooming, the flowers are followed by red fruit ripening to black. Two clones may be required for good berry set. Sun to part shade in moist, well drained soil. Not drought tolerant. Dirr speculates that this may be the most graceful flowering shrub. Zone 6. The following two varieties are available this year :
1.) ‘Mariesii’ – A very highly rated cultivar with a beautiful, distinct horizontally tiered habit to 10′(3m) high. Flowers are large, creamy white and held high above the foliage. Floriferous. Dark maroon fall colour.(1 gal. – $15.00 – Public May Sale only)
2.) ‘Popcorn’ – Flowers are born in cymes shaped like golf balls but slightly larger. Listed as v. tomentosum but more likely belonging to the type species. Extremely floriferous – the flowers can obscure the foliage. Deep green leaves turn scarlet in fall. To 7′(2.1m) tall. A Leach selection. (2 gal. – $35.00)
Deciduous Trees
Acer griseum (Paper-Bark Maple) A small, slow-growing tree with an upright, rounded or oval habit, 20-30′(6-9m) tall. Trifoliate dark green leaves with silvery undersides emerge bronze. Variable shades of chartreuse, orange & red possible in fall. Grown for its spectacular translucent peeling cinnamon coloured bark. Best in full sun, especially where the setting winter sun can illuminate the bark. Moist, well-drained soil best. Dislikes drought. Zone 6, possible Zone 5b. Seldom available as a small plant. (1 gal. – $15.00)
Acer palmatum ‘Beni ubi gohon’ (Beni ubi gohon Japanese Maple) The smallest in the red Linearilobum group – both in leaf and ultimate plant size. New leaves emerge red then deepen to purple-red holding their colour well through the summer. Fall colour is red. Leaves narrowly lobed & sharply pointed. Develops a compact layered habit with age. To 6′(2m) high & wide. Zone 6. Rare. (1 gal. – $30.00)
Acer palmatum ‘Ibo nishiki’ (Ibo nishiki Japanese Maple) A Palmatum Group cultivar with rough corky (warty) bark & green foliage, tinged bronze in spring. Orange, yellow and red fall colour. Upright horizontal-layered habit. Grows 11-15′(3.3-4.5m) tall and 6-10′(1.8-3.0m) wide. Zone 6b. Rare. (1 gal. – $35.00)
Acer palmatum ‘Korean Gem’ (‘Koreanum’) (Korean Gem Japanese Maple) A lovely Palmatum Group selection with green leaves and red petioles & bark. Red bark intensifies in the fall and autumn. Yellow, orange and sometimes red fall colour. Grows to 15′(4.5m) high with an upright round-topped habit. Vigorous. Zone 6. Rare. (1 gal. – $30.00)
Acer palmatum ‘Omure yama’ – An absolutely incredible weeping Japanese maple. Upright with arching branches when young. With age the branches become weeping. To 15′(5m) high & wide in many years with a rounded crown. Brilliant green, 7-lobed, deeply cut leaves have an orange cast in the spring and turn gold, orange and red in fall. Vigorous. Zone 6. Stunning. We were able to offer a few last year were able to get a few more this year. (1 gal. – $35.00)
Acer palmatum ‘Saoshika’ (Saoshika Japanese Maple) Delicate, star-shaped, 5 or 7 lobed leaves grace this Amoenum group variety. Dark green foliage emerges bright yellow-green with red tips. Golden-yellow fall colour. Forms a broad layered shrub to 10′(3m) high & wide. Zone 6. Rare. (1 gal. – $35.00)
Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’ (Lion’s Head Japanese Maple) Dark green, 7-lobed crinkled leaves are densely born on upward-outward spreading branches. Brilliant orange to orange-red late fall colour. Vase shaped habit to 10′(3m) tall. Palmatum group. A unique specimen plant. Zone 6. (1 gal. – $30.00 / 3 gal. – $45.00)
Acer palmatum ‘Ukigumo’ (Floating Cloud Japanese Maple) Medium green leaves are so heavily variegated with white & dusted with pink that there is almost no green! It has performed beautifully for the past 8 years in the south end of Halifax. Upright in habit to 8′(2.4m) high x 4′(1.2m) wide. It will probably need to be shaded from hot mid-day sun. Zone 6, maybe colder. (1 gal. – $20.00 Public May Sale Only)
Acer palmatum ‘Villa Taranto’ (Villa Taranto Japanese Maple) A delicate Linearilobum group variety with spidery thin 5-lobed leaves. They emerge reddish-green and mature bright green. Golden yellow fall colour. To 8′(2.4m) high with an upright-rounded open bushy habit. Very delicate and airy. A must have. Zone 6. (1 gal. – $35.00)
Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’ No you have not drifted off into dreamland. We are indeed offering the Wedding Cake Tree. A wide-spreading dogwood with a tiered habit to 20′(6m) high and wide. The medium green leaves have broad creamy-white margins which turn bright pink in fall. Bright red new twigs. Flat-topped racemes of white flowers in early spring may develop into purple-black fruit. Best in full sun in moist, well-drained soil. Zone 6, possibly colder. Stunning & very rare. (3 gal. – $75.00)
Gingko biloba ‘Tubiformis’ (Tubeleaf Maidenhair Tree) (syn. ‘Tubiforme’, ‘Tubifolia’, ‘Tubeleaf’) A very rare form of this ancient tree. Light green leaves emerge rolled forming narrow, upward facing tubes that actually hold water. They flatten with age forming attractive dissected foliage. Golden-yellow fall colour. Slow growing & smaller than the type. To 8′(2.4m) high & 4′(1.2m) wide in 10 years. Full sun. Male. I saw this in a 2″ pot in an nursery 10 years ago & haven’t seen it since. Zone 5. (1 gal. – $35.00 – A Few Only)
Halesia diptera ‘Magniflora’ (Two-winged Silverbell) In late spring, white bell-shaped flowers dangle beneath the branches of this graceful tree. Twice the size of H. carolina (Carolina Silverbell), they are borne in clusters of 2 to 4 in late spring. Very floriferous & blooms at a young age. Sun to part-shade in moist well-drained soil. Broad open-rounded habit. To 30′(9m) high & wide. Zone 6b. (1 gal. – $25.00)
Hamamelis x intermedia (Hybrid Witchhazel) An exceptional late-winter flowering shrub or small tree. Spidery, narrow-petalled, fragrant flowers – borne in clusters along the bare branches – unfurl in February or March dependent on the weather. Should the weather turn too cold they will close up and open again when the temperature is more to their liking… Excellent fall colour. Best in full sun in moist well-drained soil. Dark flowered varieties look best backlit by the sun or against an evergreen background. Grows 12′-20(3.6-6.1m) high depending on the variety. See the Feb. 2001 Newsletter for an excellent article on witchhazels. Zone 5b. Sure to brighten those late winter days when we think spring will never come. Start a collection without depleting the bank account! The following varieties are available in a rarely offered small size:
1.) ‘Arnold’s Promise’ – Large bright yellow flowers with a reddish base. Very fragrant & floriferous. Later blooming than most. Excellent yellow to orange fall colour. Upright vase-shaped habit when young with a more spreading habit with age. To 20′(6.0m) high. The most popular yellow-flowered variety. (1 gal. – $25.00)
2.) ‘Diane’ – Coppery-red flowers with a mild fragrance. Yellow, orange & red fall colour. Graceful spreading habit to 12-15′(3.6-4.6m) high. Early flowering. Perhaps the best red variety. (1 gal. – $25.00)
3.) ‘Jelena’ (syn. ‘Copper Beauty’) – Multi-coloured twisted petals from a distance appear coppery coloured but are actually red at the base, orangish in the middle and yellow at the tips. Sweetly fragrant. Orange-red fall colour. Wide spreading habit to 15′(4.6m) high & 15′(4.5m) wide. (1 gal. – $25.00)
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) high 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 round crown. Grows 40-100′(12-30m) and 20-40′(6-12m) wide. Best in full sun in moist well-drained soil. Zone 5. Not for the small garden. (B&B 150cm – $75.00 – A Few Only)
Magnolia x ‘Daybreak’ (‘Woodsman’ x ‘Tina Durio’) We are most excited to offer this variety – one of the best magnolia hybrids. Large 10″(200mm) deep pink flowers have no purple tones. Late spring blooming and very fragrant. Vigorous, narrow, upright columnar habit to 30′(9m) high & 10′(3m) wide. A Kehr hybrid hardy to Zone 5. Normally we order only 3 or 4 of larger sized plants – we’ve ordered 12 of this one. It’s a definite must have! (Potted 120cm – $90.00)
Magnolia ‘Galaxy’ (liliiflora ‘Nigra’ x sprengeri ‘Diva’) Fragrant, 9″(275mm) pale red-purple flowers grace this very floriferous & vigorous hybrid. A fast-growing single stemmed tree to 25′(7.5m) high with a beautiful upright pyramidal habit. Lower branches may be pruned up to free up space underneath. An exceptional hybrid from the US National Arboretum. Zone 6. (1 gal. – $15.00 – Public May Sale Only)
Magnolia stellata ‘Centennial’ – One of the best Star Magnolia selections. Large white flowers with a tinge of pink and up to thirty tepals(petals) born in early spring. Very floriferous. Upright pyramidal-conical habit growing 15-25′(4.6-7.5m) high. Vigorous. Zone 5b. Very nice. (1 gal. – $15.00)
Parrotia persica (Persian Ironwood) Related to the witchhazels, this small tree is revered for its fall colour. Dark lustrous green foliage – similar to witchhazels – emerges bronze-purple and develops brilliant yellow, orange and/or crimson colour late in the fall. Curious flowers with no petals are borne in late winter/early spring are not showy but create a crimson-maroon haze when backlit. Gray-brown bark on older wood 4-8″(100-200mm) flakes exposing patches of gray, green, white & brown. Single or multi-trunked with a variable habit – oval or round headed or broadly spreading. Develops a tiered horizontal branching habit. 20-40′(6-12m) high x 15′-30′(4.5-9m) wide. Sun to light shade in moist well-drained soil. Pest resistant. Zone 6. Dirr gushes about this one. Rare. (1 gal. – $20.00)
Perennials
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ (Siberian Bugloss) A truly spectacular new cultivar with large heart-shaped leaves that are frosty silver with green veins and a narrow green margin. Clusters of small blue forget-me-not flowers are born above the foliage in late spring. For part shade or shade and best in moist, rich, well-drained soil.1-1.5′(.3-.45m) high x 1.5′(.45m) wide. Zone 4. (3.5″ pots – $7.00)
Other
Trilliums – Beautiful perennials for the woodland garden. Grow them in shade (deciduous) or part shade in rich organic well-drained soil. Spring blooming. They may go dormant in summer especially if they get too dry. They can be divided in fall while dormant but are probably left undisturbed if happy. Two selections, as follows:
1.) T. erectum (Wake Robin) A species native to Nova Scotia somewhat similar to T. grandiflorum with dark red-purple flowers and large leaves. Prefers slightly acidic soil so will need a dose of lime or bone meal every year or two in highly acidic soils. To 16″ (400mm) high. Zone 5. (1 gal. – $20.00)
2.) T. recurvatum – A sessile species with narrow red-purple petals held upright on top of the foliage. Prefers slightly alkaline soil so will need a dose of lime or bone meal every year or two. Resents being moved. Dark green leaves with purple mottling. To 16″(400mm) high. Zone 5. ( 1 gal. – $20.00)
Vinca minor ‘Illumination’ (Variegated Periwinkle) Green edged leaves have a rich golden yellow centre which slowly ages to cream. Typical blue flowers. A very showy groundcover for shade or part shade. Sure to brighten up that dark spot. Zone 5. Presold poorly last year but were quickly snapped up on pick-up day. (1 gal. – $10.00)
