Woody Plants
Evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs are an integral part of the framework on which the larger garden rests. Woody plants infuse the garden with an assortment of seasonal pleasures, providing shade, flowers, fruits, colorful foliage and winter silhouettes. They lend scale and character to the garden and offer to the gardener a measure of the years, marking time with the spreading of their limbs and the thickening of their trunks. Evergreens can act as screens, visual breaks, or focal points, while smaller plants can be used to bring structure and dimension to herbaceous borders. The very smallest plants make excellent trough and container subjects and a garden fashioned entirely from evergreen plants is an outstanding way to have texture, color and form in the landscape all year long. All of the plants offered below have distinguished themselves in one way or another as worthy garden additions to the landscape and offer possibilities for gardens of any size and style. Click on underlined plant names to view photographs.
ABIES-FIR
Abies balsamea ‘Piccolo’ Dense, thick needled, bun-shaped plant. This dwarf form of the Balsam Fir grows just an inch or two a year, forming a dark green mound. Needles have distinctive white stomatal bands. Good evergreen accent in mixed foliage borders. Sun. Zone 4.
Abies koreana 'Cis' Dense dark green dwarf. Grows just an inch or two a year, forming a wide low mound. Needles have distinctive white stomatal bands. Good for the rockery or mixed border. Sun. Zone 4.
Abies koreana 'Green Carpet' This handsome evergreen forms a wide layered mound. Foliage is light green and plants are densely branched. Good in a foundation planting or mixed border. Sun. Zone 4.
Abies koreana 'Silberlocke' Striking cultivar of the Korean Fir featuring strongly recurved needles with dramatic white undersides. Plant forms a small pyramid, eventually to about 20' tall. Sun. Zone 5.Abies koreana 'Silberperl’ Exceptional dwarf evergreen with a tight, rounded habit and slightly curved silvery-green needles. Very slow growing. Excellent for rock gardens, mixed borders or foundation plantings. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
ACER-MAPLE
Acer circinatum 'Sunglow' Handsome Vine Maple cultivar with very distinctive fan-shaped leaves. Leaves are soft yellow with red highlights at the margins, slowly fading to green as the season progresses. This is a small tree growing to 12' or so after many years. Fall color is a rich plum. Part shade. Zone 5.
Acer conspicuum 'Phoenix' This snakebark maple has brilliant red bark striped with white when the weather turns cool. Plants are upright in habit and may grow to 12' or more. Primarily an understory tree. Yellow fall color. Part shade. Zone 5.Acer griseum This small, slow growing tree with exfoliating cinnamon brown bark adds interest to every season. Excellent fall coloration. Adaptable to a range of soil types. Grows to 20’. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
Acer rufinerve 'Hatsuyuki' Species of Snakebark Maple with appealing white over green striations on trunk and limbs. Foliage is edged with white. Prefers a partially shaded site. Grows to about 12'. Part shade. Zone 5.
Acer tegmentosum 'Joe Whitt' Species of Snakebark Maple with appealing white over green striations on trunk and limbs. Cold weather turns the bark almost completely white. Large leaves turn yellow in autumn. Prefers a partially shaded site. Grows to about 15'. Part shade. Zone 5.
Acer triflorum Three Flower Maple Similar in many respects to Acer griseum, only hardier. Pretty trifoliate leaves, handsome flaking bark and exceptional fall color. Can grow to 20’. Not tolerant of lean, neutral soils. Sun. Zone 4.
Japanese Maples…
Japanese maples are masters of self-expression, adept at creating mood, bringing structure to the landscape, adding color to the seasons and enlivening even the smallest of spaces with a myriad of foliage shapes and textures. Some of the oldest Japanese maple cultivars have been in existence for centuries. Leaf color among the plants within this catalog varies from pale green to purple-red with habits ranging from bushy miniatures, to frothy cascades, to lovely upright forms. Japanese maples do well in average, well drained soil. In our climate, it is best to give these trees a bit of shelter, particularly from the winter wind. These trees tend to be slow growing and the smaller cultivars are often utilized for bonsai or general container use. If you should decide to use a Japanese maple as a container plant, it is necessary to winter it over in a sheltered location such as an unheated garage or porch.
Acer palmatum 'Aratama' Stout little red leaved maple with a dense habit of growth. Leave have a two toned appearance with light red interiors that darken at the margins. Grows to about 3' tall. Good for small spaces. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
Acer palmatum ‘Atrolinear’ Small tree with narrow red-black foliage. Habit is upright and vase-shaped, growing to about 10' tall. Good for color and textural interest. Fall color is an exceptional blend of reds. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ Reliable red-leaved cultivar. This is a small upright tree with burgundy red foliage all season long. Best color in full sun. Grows to 15' or more. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
Acer palmatum 'Caperci's Dwarf' Dwarf maple with a shrubby habit of growth. Leaves are light green and small. Grows just a few inches each year. Good for small spaces. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
Acer palmatum 'Emperor 1' Excellent upright cultivar good for specimen use. Maroon colored leaves all season long. Grows to about 20'. Rounded in outline with symmetrical branching. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
Acer palmatum 'Hanami Nishiki' Dense bushy maple with light green leaves. Rather small. Grows to about 4' tall. Rounded habit. Good for small spaces. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
Acer palmatum 'Katsura' Excellent upright cultivar. Brilliant yellow-orange foliage appears in spring turning green as the season progresses. Fall color is a striking blend of orange and gold. Grows to about 15'. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
Acer palmatum 'Sharp's Pygmy' Diminutive green leaf maple with a low, dense, bushy habit of growth. Leaves are light green and rather small. Grows to about 3' tall. Good for small spaces. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
Acer palmatum 'Rhode Island Red' Dwarf red leaf maple with dense branching and a rounded form. Bright red foliage darkens as the season progresses. Fall color is a vibrant red-orange. Grows to about 10' tall. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
Acer palmatum 'Tamukeyama' An old cultivar discovered in Japan in the eighteenth century, this dissected leaf maple forms a low, undulating mound of delicate burgundy foliage. Best color in full sun. Spreads to about 6' wide after several years. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
Acer palmatum 'Waterfall' An old and well liked weeping green leaved tree. This dissected leaf maple forms a low, undulating mound of delicate green leaves. Fall color is a blend of orange and gold. Spreads to about 6' wide after several years. Zone 5.
Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum Beautiful small tree with large, fan-shaped chartreuse foliage. Excellent as an accent or focal point in the garden. Form is rounded and upright, growing to about 12' after many seasons. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.AZALEA
Azalea 'Little Gem' Small deciduous azalea good for areas with limited space. Flowers are gold with orange at the edges. Grows just 2' tall. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
Azalea 'Sweet Sixteen' Small evergreen azalea good for areas with limited space. Dense in habit. Flowers are silvery-pink hose in hose type and very prolific. Grows just 2' tall. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
BUXUS-BOXWOOD
Buxus 'Green Gem' Compact evergreen with small narrow leaves. Excellent for low hedges or for adding structure and texture to the herbaceous border. Grows to about 2x3'. Sun to part shade. Zone 4.Buxus ‘Green Mountain’ Pyramidal in form 'Green Mountain' is an excellent plant for hedging as well as formal garden accents and as structural components in herbaceous borders. Sun to part shade. Zone 4.
CALYCANTHUS
Calycanthus floridulus 'Athens' Dense rounded shrub with attractive dark green lustrous foliage. Plant bears fragrant yellow flowers in spring. Grows to about 6x6'. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
Calycanthus 'Hartlage Wine' Loose rounded shrub with large dark green lustrous foliage. Plant bears 2-3" purple-pink flowers in spring. Grows to about 6'. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
CARAGANA
Caragana arborescens 'Walkeri' Rugged plant with delicate looking fern-like foliage. Plant is strongly pendulous. Great plant for form and texture. Drought tolerant once established. Sun. Zone 3.
CERCIS-REDBUD
Cercis canadensis Small native tree bears reddish-purple flowers in early spring. Habit is somewhat open, with lateral, spreading limbs. Handsome heart-shaped leaves. Grows to about 15’ tall. Sun to part shade. Zone 4.
CEPHALANTHUS-BUTTONBUSH
Cephalanthus occidentalis Small native shrub bears scores of white button-like flowers in mid-summer. Habit is somewhat open and rounded in outline with glossy green leaves. Prefers a moist soil. Grows to about 5'. Sun to part shade. Zone 4.
CHAMAECYPARIS-FALSE CYPRESS
Chamaecyparis prefer a cool, moist, loamy, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. Although they will adapt to lesser situations, it is generally best to avoid planting in locations which are exceedingly hot, dry, or windswept.
Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Kosteri Fast Form’ Good specimen for a mixed border. Plant has dark green fan-like branchlets and a layered pyramidal shape. Faster growing than many Chamaecyparis obtusa cultivars. Grows to about 8'. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Little Ann' Dwarf evergreen with dark green, slightly twisted branchlets. Forms an interesting irregular pyramid. Slow growing and good for any spot in the landscape where a small presence is desired. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis' Handsome evergreen with dark green fan-like branchlets and a compact, slow-growing habit. Great for textural interest. Grows to about 4' after many years. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Lutea' Colorful evergreen with golden fan-like branchlets and a compact, slow-growing habit. Great for textural interest and contrast. Grows to about 3' after many years. Part shade. Zone 5.
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Glauca Pendula’ Wonderful specimen plant has lateral limbs hung with pendant branchlets. The overall effect is one of an elegant weeping evergreen. Blue-green in color. Grows to 12’ or more. Sun to part shade. Zone 4.
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis 'Van den Akker' Striking narrow specimen with sharply pendant branchlets. Plants have a very dramatic appearance and are very useful where space is limited. Grows to 15' tall, but not much more than 2' wide. Sun to part shade. Zone 4.
CHIONANTHUS-FRINGE TREE
Chionanthus virginicus 'Black Stem' A great small tree with a rounded, spreading and slightly open habit and handsome dark stems. Covers itself with white, fringe-like flowers in late spring. Very adaptable. Sun to part shade. Zone 4.
CORNUS-DOGWOOD
Cornus controversa 'Variegata' Delightful small tree with layered horizontal limbs and bright variegated leaves. Good for all season form. Produces small black fruits in late summer. Grows to 10'. Sun. Zone 4.
Cornus kousa ‘Satomi' All of the wonderful attributes of the Kousa Dogwood including large red fruits and excellent fall color, coupled with a multitude of rosy pink spring flowers in late spring. Grows to 20’. Full sun. Zone 5.
Cornus kousa 'Milky Way' Excellent cultivar notable for it's numerous milky white blossoms. Tree begins blooming in late spring and lasts for several weeks. Large red fruits appear in late summer. Excellent purple-red fall color. Grows to 20’. Full sun. Zone 5.
DAVIDIA-DOVE TREE
Davidia involucrata ‘Sonoma’ This cultivar of the Dove tree is hardier than the species. Also blooms at a very young age, unlike the species which can take years to bloom. Pyramidal to round in habit. Grows to 25’. Sun. Zone 5 (6).
DISANTHUS
Disanthus cercidifolius Underused shrub for shady gardens. Plants have an upright, vase-shaped habit and large heart-shaped leaves. Fall color is a cheery mix of reds, oranges and yellows. Grows to 6' or more. Shade to part shade. Zone 5.
DAPHNE
Most Daphnes prefer a soil which is not too acidic. Ideally, soil should also be loose, well-drained and amended with some organic matter. Afternoon shade is beneficial.
Daphne burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie' Exceptional plant notable for its green and white variegated foliage as well as its fragrant white spring flowers. Compact in form with a rounded habit. Grows to about 3'x3'. Sun to part shade. Zone 4.
Daphne cneorum ‘Pygmaea’ Small evergreen daphne with short grey-green needle-like foliage and fragrant, rose-pink flowers in early spring. Grows just 10" high and spreads slowly. Part shade. Zone 4.
ENKIANTHUS
Enkianthus campanulatus 'Jan Iseli Red' Redvein Enkianthus An elegant deciduous shrub related to the rhododendron. Plants produce clusters of creamy, bell-shaped flowers in spring followed by a showy display of deep red foliage each fall. Upright growing to 8’. Sun to part shade. Zone 4.
FAGUS-BEECH
Fagus sylvatica is an extremely mutable species and has produced dozens of lovely cultivars. The habits of these many cultivars range from the majestic to the bizarre with leaf forms and colors to match. Every garden deserves a European Beech and likewise there is a cultivar to suit every garden from the very small to the very grand.
Fagus sylvatica ‘Ansorgei’ Interesting cultivar has narrow purple leaves. Not common in the trade. Interesting as a specimen. Very slow growing. Grows to 10'. Sun to part shade. Zone 4.
Fagus sylvatica ‘Red Obelisk’ Fastigiate cultivar with pretty burgundy foliage all season long. Good vertical specimen for areas with limited space. Grows to about 25’. Sun to part shade. Zone 4.
Fagus sylvatica ‘Purple Fountain’ Narrow weeping tree with pretty bronze-purple foliage. Good vertical specimen for areas with limited space. Grows to about 15’. Sun to part shade. Zone 4.
Fagus sylvatica ‘Tricolor’ Striking tree with handsome purple foliage edged with creamy white margins. Spring color is a bright rosy-pink. Smooth gray bark and a rounded, upright habit of growth. Grows to about 30’. Sun to part shade. Zone 4.
FOTHERGILLA
Fothergilla gardenii 'Red Licorice' Compact grower with short, white bottlebrush-like flowers in May. Brilliant red autumn color begins at leaf margins and slowly fills in. Lasts for several days. Grows 3-4’. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
GINKGO
How can one not be intrigued by a tree which has existed for millions of years. The Ginkgo is not only a hardy tree, but one with next to nothing in the way of disease or insect problems. No wonder they have been around so long! Just to keep things interesting, fantastic new cultivars keep popping up every year.
Ginkgo biloba ‘Saratoga’ This is an excellent cultivar with a dense, well-branched habit. Grows only to about 15’ at maturity. Tolerant of dry soils once established. Sun. Zone 4.
Ginkgo biloba ‘Mariken’ Dwarf, shrubby cultivar with a congested habit of growth. One of the smallest Ginkgo cultivars. Extremely tight branch structure. Useful for areas with limited space. Unique. Sun. Zone 4.
HALESIA-SILVERBELL
Halesia carolina 'Arnold Pink' Cultivar of the native silverbell. Tree bears pretty 3/4" rose-pink flowers in the spring. Makes a handsome specimen. Grows to about 25'. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.HEPTACODIUM
Heptacodium miconiodes Fine four season plant with handsome exfoliating bark and dark green foliage. Panicles of small white, lightly scented flowers appear in early fall. Grows quickly to about 15'. Sun to part shade. Zone 4.HUMULUS-HOPS
Humulus lupulus 'Bianca’ Herbaceous vine with attractive gold foliage and reddish stems. Good for training on a trellis or creeping along a wall. Gold foliage makes a nice contrast for companion plants. Vigorous. Part shade. Zone 5.
HYDRANGEA
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Twist 'n Shout’ This new introduction is part of the Endless Summer family featuring a lacecap flower in a combination of blue and pink. Blooms on new growth so flowers are guaranteed from year to year. Sun to part shade. Zone 4.
Hydrangea paniculata 'Quickfire' New paniculata cultivar bears cone-shaped white flowers in late July. Among the earliest paniculatas to flower. Flowers mature to pink and persist for the rest of the season. Does not flop over like 'Pink Diamond. Grows to 6’. Sun. Zone 4.
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Queen’ Oak Leaf Hydrangea. Leaves have a distinctive oak leaf shape and turn deep scarlet in fall. Bark peels in cinammon colored strips. Occasional white pyramidal flowers in summer. Grows to 4' tall. Prefers a cool soil. Sun to shade. Zone 5.
ILEX
Ilex crenata ‘Green Luster’ Hardy cultivar of the Japanese holly. Plants have small, glossy evergreen leaves and a compact habit of growth. A bit stiffer than boxwood, but an interesting texture. Good for mixing with perennials and other evergreens. Grows to 2'. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
JUNIPERUS
An overused landscape staple, but with so many species and cultivars it is impossible to dismiss the genus out of hand. Accordingly, I have tried to seek out a few of the less ubiquitous and more interesting representatives.
Juniperus communis 'Gold Cone' Narrow columnar plant with handsome golden juvenile foliage. Makes a nice vertical accent in the garden. Grows to about 5’ tall by 12” wide. Sun. Zone 5.Juniperus communis ‘Miniature’ Columnar plant with handsome blue-green juvenile foliage. Makes a nice, pyramidal accent in the garden. Grows to about 3' tall by 16” wide. Shelter from winter wind. Sun. Zone 5.
Juniperus horizontalis 'Mother Lode' Wonderful creeping juniper with bright golden foliage. Makes a nice foil for other evergreens. Spreads slowly to about 4'x4'. Sun. Zone 5.
LARIX-LARCH
Larches bear the distinction of being among a handful of deciduous conifers. They tend to do best in soils that are not overly dry, and most species, including the following are quite cold hardy.
Larix decidua 'Pendula' Dramatic weeping plant can be trained in a variety of ways. Great as a specimen. Very nice yellow fall color. Excellent for textural interest and extremely hardy. Not tolerant of dry soils. Sun. Zone 4.
Larix kaempferi 'Diana' Upright tree with slightly twisted limbs. Contorted aspect lends year long interest. Somewhat narrow in profile. Grows to about 20'. Sun. Zone 4.
MAGNOLIA
Often thought of as a “southern tree” the genus magnolia actually contains a number of hardy species which have yielded several hybrids and cultivars perfectly suited to our chilly winters. The range of flower colors and variety of sizes further insure that there really is a magnolia out there for everyone.
Magnolia lilliflora 'Ann' Exceptional small tree with reddish-purple buds in May. Flowers have strap-like petals with purplish-white interiors. Compact mounded habit with dark green foliage. Rugged. Grows to about 15’. Sun. Zone 4.
Magnolia lilliflora 'Jane' Exceptional small tree with deep purple buds in May. Flowers have purplish-white interiors. Often throws sporadic blossoms in late summer. Rugged. Grows to about 15’. Sun. Zone 4.
Magnolia sieboldii Handsome tree blooms later than most magnolias. Fragrant white flowers begin in June and appear sporadically for several weeks. Grows to about 15’. Sun. Zone 5.
Magnolia x 'Gold Star’ Numerous creamy yellow star-like flowers open in May just before the foliage. Dense and symmetrical in habit. New growth has an attractive bronze hue. Grows to about 20'. Sun. Zone 5.
METASEQUOIA
Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Miss Grace' Graceful weeping form of the Dawn Redwood. Plant can be staked for additional height or left to sprawl and creep. Tolerant of moist soils. Deciduous. Sun. Hardy to zone 5.
MICROBIOTA
Microbiota decussata The Russian Cypress is an extremely hardy evergreen groundcover. Similar in appearance to some juniper species, plants have medium green, feathery foliage turning bronze in winter. Grows about 18" high by 6' or more wide. Tolerates light shade. Hardy to zone 2.
PAEONIA-PEONY
Paeonia suffruticosa The Tree Peony is an intriguing plant with enormous showy spring blossoms and woody stems that do not die back in the winter like its herbaceous relatives. Plants spread slowly, forming small shrubs up to 2’ high or more. Offered in yellow, purple and red and white flowered forms. Part shade. Zone 4.
PHYSOCARPUS-NINEBARK
Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Coppertina’ Rugged deciduous shrub with appealing coppery foliage. White flowers appear in mid-summer. Exfoliating bark is an added feature. Tolerates poorer soils. Grows to about 8’ or more. Sun to part shade. Zone 3.
Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Center Glow’ Rugged deciduous shrub with appealing coppery-red foliage. White flowers appear in mid-summer. Exfoliating bark is an added feature. Tolerates poorer soils. Grows to about 8’ or more. Grafted on a standard trunk. Sun to part shade. Zone 3.
PICEA-SPRUCE
Picea abies ‘Clanbrassiliana Stricta’ Dense, dark green cultivar forms a squat, slow growing pyramid. Grows to around 12’ after many years. Excellent as a specimen. Sun. Zone 3.
Picea abies ‘Elegans’ Dwarf evergreen with a very uniform branch structure. Plant is slow growing and forms a wide dense nest with a slight depression at its center. Nice dark green needles. Useful as a foundation plant. Slow growing. Sun. Zone 3.
Picea abies ‘Fat Cat’ Dwarf evergreen with short dense limbs. Plant forms a mound as tall as it is wide. Dark green needles. Good for the rock garden or as a foundation plant. Slow growing. Sun. Zone 3.
Picea abies ‘Gregoryana Parsonsii’ Dwarf evergreen with an irregular mounding form. Somewhat flattened in youth, plants eventually develop something of a pyramidal habit. Slow growing. Sun. Zone 3.
Picea abies ‘Kellerman's Blue Cameo’ Dwarf evergreen with an irregular spreading form. Plants have a dense layered habit and stout blue-green needles. Grows about 2" per year. Sun. Zone 3.
Picea abies ‘Little Gem’ Little Gem Norway Spruce Tight densely branched globular evergreen. Very cute. Good for the rock garden or for adding four season texture to the mixed border. Grows slowly to about 18”. Sun to part shade. Zone 4.
Picea abies ‘Pendula’ Weeping form of the Norway Spruce with pendulous green limbs. Nice as a specimen or mixed with other evergreens. Height depends upon staking. Sun. Zone 3.
Picea abies ‘Pumila’ Dwarf evergreen with a very uniform branch structure. Plant is slow growing and forms a dense, somewhat flattened mound. Nice dark green needles. Good for the rock garden or as a foundation plant. Slow growing. Sun. Zone 3.
Picea glauca ‘Daisy’s White’ Dwarf conical evergreen. New growth is a beautiful creamy-white. Grows about 1” per year. Prefers full sun in well-drained soil. 2' tall in 10 years. Great for the rock garden. Sun. Zone 3.
Picea glauca ‘Jean's Dilly’ Dwarf pyramidal evergreen with thin green needles and a dense branching habit. Excellent for rock gardens or other areas with limited space. Grows only about an inch or so a year. Sun. Zone 3.
Picea glauca 'Pendula' A really lovely plant for vertical effect. Slender weeper grows arrow-straight without staking. Pretty frosty blue color. Grows to 15’. Sun. Zone 3.
Picea omorika ‘Kamenz’ Handsome dwarf with a dense, spreading habit. Plant is slow growing and forms a somewhat flattened mound. Light green needles with silvery undersides. Good for the rock garden or as a foundation plant. Slow growing. Sun. Zone 3.
Picea omorika 'Pendula Bruns' Wonderful weeping form of the Serbian Spruce. Narrow form with sharply pendant limbs. Needles are blue-green with silvery undersides. Excellent specimen plant. Sun. Zone 4.
Picea omorika ‘Pimoko’ Gorgeous dwarf form of the Serbian Spruce. Plant forms a slow growing bun with silvery-blue needles. Develops an upright, broad shape with maturity. Excellent for the rock garden or areas with limited space. Grows about 2" per year. Sun to part shade. Zone 4.
Picea orientalis 'Minima Wells’ Very choice miniature form of the Oriental Spruce. Forms a dense, dark green bun. Grows just an inch or so a year. Short, blunt attractive needles. Sun. Zone 5.
Picea pungens 'Gebelle's Golden Spring’ Unique dwarf cultivar features stunning buttery yellow spring growth. Needles turn blue green as the season progresses. Grows to about 6'x 3' after 10 years. Sun. Zone 3.
Picea pungens 'Lundeby's Dwarf’ Very hardy and very choice. This steel blue cultivar of the Colorado Spruce forms a soft mound which spreads out from the center like a melting dollop of ice cream. Slow growing and wider than tall. Sun. Zone 3.
Picea pungens 'Procumbens’ Unusual and compelling prostrate form of the Colorado Blue Spruce. Stiff silvery-blue needles on a creeping plant. Good contrast color when used among other evergreens. Can be staked and allowed to drape. Slow growing. Sun. Zone 3.
Picea pungens 'Sester Dwarf’ Stunning blue needled cultivar of the Colorado Spruce. This dwarf cultivar grows slowly while maintaining a dense, conical form. Good for smaller landscapes. Grows to 10' or so after many years. Sun. Zone 3.
Picea pungens ‘Wisconsin Cream’ Unique Colorado Spruce cultivar with powder blue foliage. Spring foliage emerges pale yellow, maturing to blue. Forms a compact pyramid with time. Grows about 4" per year. Sun. Zone 3.
PINUS-PINE
A favorite evergreen genus of mine because of the never-ending variety of forms and potential uses in the landscape. Most pines do well in average, well-drained soil in full sun.
Pinus aristata 'Sherwood Compact’ The Bristlecone Pine is one of the longest living plant species with specimens of 7000 years old growing in the west. This exceptional cultivar forms a small dense pyramid. Grows slowly, perhaps two inches a year. Very choice. Sun. Zone 3.
Pinus banksiana 'Uncle Foggy’ Unusual Jack Pine cultivar with a lateral, semi-pendulous habit of growth. Picturesque even as a relatively small plant. Can be trained into a variety of forms. Sun. Zone 3.
Pinus cembra 'Glauca' Handsome cultivar of the Swiss Stone Pine with attractive blue needles. Forms a dense upright tree growing to about 10' tall. Slow growing. Sun. Zone 4.
Pinus koraiensis 'Morris Blue' Handsome pine with attractive blue-green needles. Slow growing. Narrow and slightly pyramidal in outline. Grows to about 12'. Sun. Zone 4.
Pinus leucodermis 'Compact Gem' Slow growing pine with stiff, dark green needles. Plant is dense and compact in habit. Slender and pyramidal in outline. Grows to about 12'. Sun. Zone 3.
Pinus mugo ‘Donna's Mini’ Dwarf Mugo Pine Dense, dark green mound compact enough to plant in the smallest of places. Very cute. Grows to about 1" per year. Sun. Zone 3.
Pinus mugo ‘Mini Mini’ Diminutive and densely branched. This is among the smallest of the Mugo Pine cultivars. Forms a mound of congested limbs with very small needles. Very cute. Grows to about 1" per year. Sun. Zone 3.
Pinus parviflora 'Fukuzumi' A choice selection of the Japanese White Pine. Variable in habit, this plant has a naturally occurring windswept form. Wide-spreading and irregular in outline. Worthy of a special place in the garden. Sun. Zone 4.
Pinus parviflora 'Templehof' A narrow form of the Japanese White Pine with very pretty short blue needles. Good for smaller spaces. Prefers full sun in well-drained soil. 8' tall x 3' wide in 10 years. Zone 3.
Pinus strobus ‘Minuta’ Great pine for the rock garden or any other area where space is limited. Plant forms a slow-growing ball of blue-green needles. Increases in size by about one inch per year. Very cute. Sun. Zone 3.
Pinus strobus ‘Niagara Falls’ Refined form of the Weeping White Pine with long slender green needles and a very dense and distinctive draping habit. Dramatic specimen with lots of potential uses. Sun. Zone 3.
Pinus strobus ‘Sea Urchin’ Compact pine good for areas with limited space. Mounded in form. Increases in size by just an inch or two per year. Very cute. Sun. Zone 3.
Pinus sylvestris ‘Albyn Prostrata’ Great pine for the rock garden. This is a wide spreading recumbent cultivar of The Scott's Pine. Forms a creeping mound of handsome blue-green needles. Sun. Zone 3.
Pinus sylvestris ‘Glauca Nana’ Great pine for the rock garden or any other area where space is limited. Plant forms a dense, slow-growing ball of blue-green needles. Increases in size by about two inches per year. Sun. Zone 3.
Pinus sylvestris ‘Hindu Pan’ Specially trained Scott's Pine. Resembles a large bonsai. Needs to be pruned once a year to maintain form. Sun. Zone 3.
Pinus sylvestris ‘Skjak Flach’ Great pine for the rock garden. Cultivar has a wide irregular windswept habit. Lateral growing with a very sculptural quality. Very interesting. Sun. Zone 3.
QUERCUS-OAK
Quercus robur 'Concordia' Golden form of the English Oak. Leaves emerge golden yellow in the spring and gradually fade to light green. Rounded in form. Grows to about 25'. Sun to part shade. Zone 4.
Quercus dentata 'C.F. Miller' Handsome Japanese oak with deep green glossy leaves. Compact and slow growing. Rounded in habit. Grows to about 20'. Sun. Zone 4.
RHAMNUS
Rhamnus frangula 'Fine Line' Excellent plant for textural interest. Dark green fern-like leaves on a columnar multi-stemmed plant. Good as a specimen or in a mixed border. Tolerant of dry soils. Grows to about 6'. Sun. Zone 3.
RHODODENDRON
The rhododendrons offered here are relatively compact forms, which means that they are much better suited to foundation plantings and smaller garden settings than many of their larger and more common contemporaries.
Rhododendron 'Ken Janek' Dense growing plant with dark green leaves and very pretty, soft pink flowers in early spring. This is a compact plant growing just 3'x3'. Good for small, partially shaded gardens with cool, organically enriched soils. Part shade. Zone 5.
Rhododendron maximum 'Roseum' Rugged plant with deep green, slightly crinkled foliage. Bears rose-pink flowers in June after most rhododendrons have finished blooming. May grow to 6' or more. Sun to part shade. Zone 4.
ROSA
Rosa ‘Home Run’ Exceptional free flowering shrub rose. New growth has rich red overtones. Glossy green leaves and bright red flowers all summer. Disease resistant and quite hardy. Sun. Zone 4.
SALIX-WILLOW
Salix candida ‘Silver Fox’ Handsome cultivar with striking silver foliage. Compact and slow growing. Rounded in habit. Prefers an evenly moist soil. Nice for contrasting with darker foliage and flowers. Sun. Zone 3.
Salix x ‘Scarlet Curls’ Handsome cultivar with twisting limbs and leaves. Four season form. In winter the limbs turn shades of gold orange and red. Very pretty contrasted against the snow. Grows to 25'. Sun. Zone 3.
SAMBUCUS
Sambucus ‘Black Lace’ Excellent elderberry cultivar with deep purple finely cut foliage. White flower panicles appear in late spring. Good for containers or mixed border plantings. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
SCHIZOPHRAGMA
Schizophragma hydrangeoides ‘Moonlight’ Woody vine very similar to the climbing Hydrangea. Heart-shaped green leaves are overlaid with a silvery sheen. Climbs by affixing itself to structures via adventitious roots. Panicles of white flowers appear in summer. Can be trained on trees, walls, etc. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
SCIADOPITYS
Sciadopitys verticillata Japanese Umbrella Pine Not a true pine, but a handsome evergreen named because of the resemblance of its thick, glossy, whorled needles to the ribs of a parasol. Forms a slow growing pyramidal tree. Grows to about 15' after many years. Not tolerant of dry, exposed sites. Sun. Zone 5.SPIREA
Spirea japonica 'Magic Carpet' Rugged plant with bright gold foliage. Excellent as a foil for dark leaved plants. Has a mounding, densely branched habit of growth. Bears pink flowers in June. Tolerant of poor soils. Sun. Zone 4.
STEPHANANDRA
Stephanandra incisa 'Crispa' Rugged ground cover with elegant, arching stems and attractive deeply incised leaves. Bears clouds of white flowers in June. Tolerant of poor soils. Good for mass planting, informal hedging, or as an under-planting around trees. Sun. Zone 4.
STEWARTIA
Stewartia pseudocamellia Japanese Stewartia Small tree with year round interest. White Camellia-like flowers in July and a patchwork of exfoliating bark as plants mature. Very choice. Grows to 20’ or more. Sun. Zone (4)5.
STYRAX
Styrax japonicus 'Snowcone' Excellent small flowering tree. Pyramidal in outline. Produces masses of small white bell-shaped flowers in the spring. Grows to about 18'. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
Styrax obassia Exceptional small flowering tree. Limbs have a smooth sinewy aspect. Fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers appear in May. Underused. Grows to about 18'. Sun to part shade. Zone 4.
SYRINGA-LILAC
Syringa 'Miss Kim' Dwarf lilac suitable for areas with limited space. Shears well. Good for hedging or foundation plants. Fragrant pink flowers in spring. Fall color is a mix of yellows and purples. Grows to 5'. Sun. Zone 4.
Syringa meyeri 'Palabin' This dwarf lilace has lots of potential uses. Good for foundation planting, hedging or in a mixed border. Bears fragrant lavender flowers in the spring. Shears well. Grows to about 4'. Sun. Zone 4.
TAXODIUM
Taxodium distichum 'Cascade Falls' Striking weeping form of the Bald Cypress. Plant has light green needle-like leaves and a distinctive pendulous form. Leaves turn and attractive russet gold before dropping in the fall. Tolerates most soils including areas with excessive moisture. Sun. Zone 4.
Taxodium distichum ‘Peve Minaret’ Narrow and slow growing cultivar of the Bald Cypress with fine, feathery green foliage. Great for textural interest and verticality. Turns a pleasant red-brown color in fall. Grows to about 12'. Sun. Zone 4.
THUJA-ARBORVITAE
Thuja occidentalis 'Degroot's Spire' This plant forms a narrow column of evergreen foliage. Makes an excellent vertical accent for areas with limited space. Grows to about 10' tall by only 2' wide. Sun. Zone 4.
ULMUS-ELM
Ulmus minor 'Jacqueline Hillier' Charming little elm with delicate limbs and diminutive leaves. Grows slowly. May reach 5-6' in the right location. Can also be used for bonsai. Sun. Zone 5.
Ulmus parviflora 'Hokkaido' Diminutive elm with tiny green leaves and fine, twiggy branches. Good for use in rock gardens. Very cute. Sun. Zone 5.
VACCINIUM
Vaccinium 'Top Hat' Dwarf fruiting blueberry bears medium sized fruits in mid-summer. Grows to just 2'. Excellent fall color. Sun. Zone 5.
VIBURNUM
A class act among deciduous shrubs, the viburnums possess all of the qualities that gardeners crave - prolific bloom, fragrance, fruit and exceptional fall color.
Viburnum carlesii Highly prized for its fragrant spring blossoms. Compact habit with a mounded form. Grows taller than wide, reaching 5' or more after many years. Excellent purple-red fall color. Sun to part shade. Zone 5.
WEIGELA
Weigela florida 'Wine and Roses' Very nice contrast plant with handsome burgundy colored foliage. Forms a small mound growing just 3' high. Tubular rose-colored flowers appear in late spring. Good for the mixed border or as a foundation plant. Sun. Zone 5.
Weigela florida 'My Monet' Recent introduction with handsome variegated foliage. Forms a small mound growing just 3' high. Tubular rose-colored flowers appear in late spring. Good for the mixed border or as a foundation plant. Sun. Zone 5.
WISTERIA
Wisteria macrostachys 'Aunt Dee' This native wisteria cultivar is hardier and less vigorous than the more common Asian species. Pendant purple blossoms appear in late May and June after danger of frost has passed. Grows to about 20'. Zone 4.
