27th Annual Fall Plant Sale, 2007
Plant Sale Catalog
Trees | Conifers | Shrubs | Vines | Herbaceous Perennials
15. Abelia chinensis
(Chinese Abelia)
Zone 5
This deciduous shrub native to China will reach 3-5’ in height and width, with a spreading habit. Fragrant white flowers are followed by persistent showy pink sepals that cover the plant from June until frost. A great plant for attracting butterflies. In colder regions, it may act like a die-back shrub, but in spring it will quickly recover and bloom on new wood. Prefers full sun to light shade. (64)
16. Buxus × ‘Green Mountain’
(Green Mountain Boxwood)
Zone 6
Boxwood is considered to be an aristocrat among hedging plants. Cultivation over centuries has resulted in the selection of many garden varieties. ‘Green Mountain’ is a hybrid between B. microphylla var. koreana and B. sempervirens. It is a handsome boxwood growing to 5’ in height and 3’ in width, with a pyramidal to oval habit. The foliage is dark green all year round, but a little bronzing may occur during severe winters. Full sun to moderate shade. A beautiful choice for screens, hedges, or specimen plantings. This cultivar grows in the Leventritt Garden, where it is an outstanding performer. (90)
17. Caryopteris × clandonensis ‘Durio’
(Pink Chablis™ Bluebeard)
Zone 6
This low mounding shrub will reach 2’ in height and width. Flowering in late summer and early autumn, it will add color to the garden at about the same time as fall perennials. With its clear pink flowers, ‘Durio’ is a departure from the typical blue flowers of the species. Takes full sun in well-drained soil. May act like a die-back shrub further north but will quickly grow and bloom on new wood in the spring. Beautiful in a mixed border or as an informal hedge. Butterflies love this plant. (96)
18. Clerodendrum trichotomum
(Harlequin Glorybower)
Zone 6
Native to China and Japan, this fast-growing shrub will reach 5-8’ in height. It can sucker and form a mass. Clusters of fragrant white star-shaped flowers emerge during the late summer and early fall. The plant continues to produce scattered blossoms for two months following its peak blooming period. The showy fruit is a deep blue berry enclosed in the maroon calyx. The overall texture of the plant may be coarse. Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. (100)
19. Clethra alnifolia ‘Anne Bidwell’
(Cultivar of Sweet Pepper-Bush)
Zone 4
The species is native from Maine to Florida, west to the Texas coast. This is a late-blooming cultivar by Mrs. Anne Bidwell of Cotuit, MA, selected from seed purchased at F.W. Schumacher, Sandwich, MA. The cultivar will grow to 5-6’ in height and 3-4’ in width in 3-4 years. Upon reaching this size, it may sucker and form a colony. The large white flowers appear late in August into September, thus extending the blooming season in your garden. Enjoy their wonderful fragrance! The leaves are glossy dark green through the growing season turning a golden yellow in the fall. A very adaptable plant that is pest and disease-free. (64)
20. Cornus canadensis
(Bunchberry)
Zone 2
Native across the northern regions of North America and high elevations in the south, growing in tundra, cool moist woods, and in the mountains. Over time it may form a wide-spreading colony only 3 to 9” in height. Bunchberry blooms in May to early June, its flowers bearing showy white bracts. These are followed by colorful, scarlet, berry-like drupes that ripen from late August to early September. Summer leaf color is shiny dark green, changing to wine-red in the autumn. This plant is somewhat difficult to get established. It requires partial shade and rich, moist, organic soil. (120)
21. Cotoneaster horizontalis ‘Variegata’
(Variegated Rockspray Cotoneaster)
Zone 5
The species is native to western China. It was introduced into cultivation by E. H. Wilson. The cultivar is valued for its delicate white and green leaf variegation turning red-pink in the fall. It grows slowly, reaching 2’ in height and 3-4’ width. A profusion of small white flowers appears all along its branches in late May into June. Flowers are followed by small, bright red fruits in autumn. Prefers full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. A beautiful, delicate accent plant for the rock garden, stone wall, or garden edge. (100)
22. Daphne tangutica
(Evergreen Daphne)
Zone 5
This native of northwestern China is one of the more easily grown daphnes. It is a compact evergreen shrub reaching 2-3’ in height and width. The foliage is a rich dark green throughout the year. Fragrant flowers are pink on the outside and white to lilac-colored inside. Blooming peaks late in spring with some scattered flowering throughout the summer and early fall. The fragrance is delightful. Needs humus-rich soil in full sun to partial shade. Very choice, though not drought tolerant. (100)
23. Daphne × transatlantica ‘Blafra’
(Eternal Fragrance™ Daphne)
Zone 5
A semi-evergreen shrub with very attractive blue-green foliage and small, white, fragrant, tubular flowers. Blooms heavily in late May and then sporadically throughout the summer and fall until the first frost—thus having one of the longest flowering periods among ornamental shrubs. Charming rather than spectacular. It grows to 3-4’ in height and width, and requires full sun to light shade in well-drained soil. Bred by UK plantsman Robin White. (100)
24. Enkianthus campanulatus var. sikokianus
(Variety of Redvein Enkianthus)
Zone 5
This deciduous shrub is native to Japan. It will reach 6’in height and width, forming an upright, vase-shaped, open habit. Like the species, this variety features striking brick-red-colored flowers, though in longer racemes. Tips of the branches are more pendulous than in the species. Fall color ranges from bright red to tints of orange and yellow. A choice plant that is rarely seen in the trade. Full sun to partial shade in moisture-retentive soil. (100)
25. Hydrangea arborescens var. radiata ‘Hayes Starburst’
(Cultivar of Smooth Hydrangea)
Zone 4
The species is native to North America. With its beautiful dome-shaped flower heads comprised entirely of sterile, double star-like flowers, the cultivar is superior to the species and a wonder in the landscape. It grows to 2-3’ in height and width. At home in a perennial garden or a shrub border. Prefers partial shade and rich, well-drained soil. (96)
26. Hydrangea paniculata ‘Little Lamb’
(Cultivar of Panicle Hydrangea)
Zone 3
This is a new introduction from the great hydrangea hybridizer Jelena DeBelder of Belgium. An unusual plant with diminutive white flowers tightly packed into full, showy flower heads, which seem to dance above the compact shrub. The shrub is 4-6’ in height and width with a rounded habit. Prefers full sun in well-drained, yet moisture-retentive soil. (96)
27. Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Little Honey’
(Cultivar of Oakleaf Hydrangea)
Zone 4
An overlooked southeastern US native that is finally getting the attention it deserves. The species is an eight-foot tall plant with bold, oak-like leaves and large, white, pyramidal flower clusters borne in July. ‘Little Honey’, a sport from ‘Pee Wee’, is a compact selection growing only to 3’ in height and width with smaller leaves and flowers. The leaves open a bright golden-yellow and mature to a pleasing chartreuse. Fall color is brilliant red. Performs best in moderate shade and well-drained soil. (64)
28. Hypericum kalmianum ‘Ames’
(Cultivar of Kalm’s St. Johnswort)
Zone 5
The species is a North American native, which has become rather rare. Distributed from Quebec and Ontario to Michigan and Illinois, it grows on cliffs along rivers and around lakes. This is a deciduous shrub growing to 2-3’ in height and width, with bluish-green summer foliage. The cultivar was selected for its improved hardiness, perfect mounded shape, and nice golden-yellow flowers, which appear in late May and June. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. An excellent addition to a perennial garden or shrub border. (80)
29. Kalmia latifolia ‘Madeline’
(Cultivar of Mountain Laurel)
Zone 4
This broadleaf evergreen shrub is native from Quebec and New Brunswick to Florida, west to Ohio and Tennessee. The cultivar, the first double-flowered mountain laurel, is a sport of ‘Ostbo’s Red’ selected in New Zealand. The flowers begin to emerge in mid June. Flower buds are pink, opening to hose-in-hose white blooms with a pink flush and burgundy spots. This cultivar will grow to 4’ in height and width over a ten-year period. It produces the best flowers in full sun, but would like a bit of shade for optimum growth. The soil should be acidic, organic, and well drained. A choice plant which is rare in the trade. (100)
30. Kolkwitzia amabilis ‘Maradco’
(Dream Catcher™ Beautybush)
Zone 4
Native to central China, the species was introduced by E. H. Wilson. An outstanding feature of the selection is golden-yellow foliage that persists throughout the growing season and turns a bright golden-orange in the fall. The cultivar will grow to 6-9’ in height and width and have a rounded habit. It blooms in May to early June. Does best in partial shade. A true show-stopper. (96)
31. Lindera reflexa
(Chinese Spicebush)
Zone 6
Little known in our area, Chinese spicebush is a large shrub, 6-12’ tall, with a rounded to oval habit. Its small yellow flowers appear in March and April before the leaves, followed by bright red fruit. Its dark blue-green foliage turns a stunning golden yellow in the fall. Plant it in full sun to light shade, in average garden soil. A great understory shrub for naturalizing. Very unusual. (80)
32. Neillia sinensis
(Chinese Neillia) Zone 5
A native of central China introduced by E. H. Wilson, this unusual member of the rose family is rarely seen outside of botanical gardens. It is a deciduous shrub reaching 5-6’ in height and width, which can sucker and form colonies. The foliage is quite refined, dark green, and untroubled by any insect or disease. Small pink flowers appear in May in terminal racemes, up to twenty in each cluster. The flowers are produced on old wood, so the best time to prune is right after flowering. Prefers well-drained soil but is highly adaptable. A very durable, yet refined plant. (64)
33. Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Mindia’
(Coppertina™ Ninebark)
Zone 3
The species is native from Quebec to Virginia. This cultivar was selected for its amazing leaf color. The leaves open copper-colored in the spring and turn a rich red in the summer. It grows to 6-8’ in height and width and forms a nice upright to rounded shrub. Pinkish-white flowers appear in early June and contrast nicely with the dark green leaves. This tough and adaptable shrub thrives in full sun to light shade in any soil, as long as it is well-drained. (64)
34. Pieris japonica var. yakushimensis ‘Cavatine’
(Cultivar of Japanese Andromeda)
Zone 5
This lovely dwarf evergreen shrub, which looks very much like a dwarf rhododendron, is native to Japan. It will reach 2’ in height and width. The cultivar has long-lasting white flowers that develop in April and May, somewhat later than those of the species. A wonderful compact plant for the rock garden, it can also be used as an edger or in any small garden. Partial shade in good garden soil. (100)
35. Prunus depressa ‘Gus Mehlquist’
(Cultivar of Creeping Sand Cherry)
Zone 4
This uncommon shrub is native from New Brunswick to Ontario and south to Massachusetts. A natural groundcover reaching 1-2’ in height and 6’ and more in width, it quickly forms a prostrate, wide-spreading mat. Abundant white flowers occur in late April on the previous year’s wood. The sour, yet edible oval fruits ripen to black-purple and are hidden below the leaves. Fall foliage can turn bright red prior to defoliation. Requires full sun and well-drained soil. This compact cultivar was collected by Rob Nicholson and Dave Boufford in the Connecticut River Valley. (60)
36. Rhododendron canescens
(Piedmont Azalea)
Zone 5
A native rhododendron that grows in North Carolina and Tennessee, reaching south to northern Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Texas, where it can be seen on shaded slopes and moist stream banks. This is a large open shrub attaining 10-12’ in height and width and blooming in April and May. In the wild, there is tremendous variation in flower color from white to deep rose. In cultivation, its fragrant flowers are mostly pink to rose-colored. Tolerates more sun if adequate moisture is provided. (75)
37. Rhododendron schlippenbachii
(Royal Azalea)
Zone 4
An Arnold Arboretum introduction native to Korea and northeast China, this deciduous azalea will reach 6-8’ in height and width at maturity. Each May, before the leaves emerge, it produces very large, pale rose-pink blossoms. Leaves appear in whorls of five at the ends of branchlets and are often brilliant golden yellow in the fall. It thrives in full sun to light shade in well-drained soil and appears to be more tolerant of alkaline soil than most azaleas. Thus it might be appropriate near foundations, where soil pH tends to be high. Truly a royal azalea. (70)
38. Rhododendron degronianum ssp. yakushimanum ‘Crete’
(Cultivar of Yak Rhododendron)
Zone 5
This is a Japanese alpine rhododendron. The selection is one of the most popular yak hybrids in the trade. The plant will attain 4-5’ in height and width and become a dense mounded shrub. An early- to mid-season bloomer, it is well known for its wonderful flowers, purplish-pink in bud, turning white soon after opening. The new growth develops silvery tomentum on the young wood and beige indumentum on the undersides of the leaves. An alpine rhododendron, it can grow in full sun to partial shade in moisture-retentive yet well-drained soil. A choice plant and a wonder to behold. (100)
39. Rhodotypos scandens
(Black Jetbead)
Zone 4
A native of Japan and central China, this deciduous shrub will reach 3-6’ in height and 4-8’ in width. It is one of the first plants to leaf out in spring. In mid May to June it produces 2”-wide, white, solitary flowers at the branch tips. The rough-textured foliage stays a rich bright green throughout the summer. The shiny black fruits are produced in clusters of three or four. They ripen by October and persist into winter. This is a tough, durable plant, adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions, suitable for shrub borders and shady areas. (64)
40. Salix gracilistyla var. melanostachys
(Black Pussy Willow)
Zone 4
This Japanese variety is known only in cultivation. It is a deciduous shrub growing to 6-8’ in height and width, valued for its unique black catkins with bright orange anthers. It is quite striking when in bloom early in April. Full sun in moist to dry soil. (75)
41. Syringa × hyacinthiflora ‘Maiden’s Blush’
(Cultivar of Early-Flowering Lilac)
Zone 4
Syringa × hyacinthiflora is a hybrid between S. oblata and S. vulgaris. Both parent lilacs are large shrubs reaching 10-12’ in height and width. The cultivar is an excellent early bloomer that comes into flower prior to S. vulgaris. Its fragrant flowers open pink, becoming pale lavender when fully developed. The foliage is a dark green throughout the growing season, turning a deep burgundy in the fall. Needs full sun in average garden soil. This lilac will undoubtedly make the next edition of Jack Alexander’s 50 Best Lilacs List. (50)
42. Vaccinium × ‘North Country’
(North Country Blueberry)
Zone 4
This hybrid between lowbush and highbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium and V. corymbosum, respectively) has been recently introduced by the University of Minnesota Research Center. The shrub matures at 18-24” in height and 30-40” in width, which makes it perfect for a miniature hedge or low thicket planting. The fruit is a full half-inch in diameter, an attractive sky-blue color, and possesses good flavor. It is partially self-fertile. Summer leaves are a medium green changing to a bright scarlet and wine-red in autumn. Grow in full sun to light shade in acid, moist to average garden soil rich in organic matter. It is time to get blueberries out of the fruit garden and into the landscape! (100)
43. Viburnum nudum ‘Bulk’
(Brandywine™ Smooth Witherod)
Zone 5
The species is native to North America, ranging from Long Island to Florida, west to Kentucky and Louisiana. This cultivar is an upright deciduous shrub 5-6’ in height and width. The foliage is a lustrous dark green in summer becoming a rich wine-red to burgundy in autumn. Abundant creamy-white flowers occur in mid June. They are followed by clusters of fruit, which ripen from green to pink and finally to blue-black, providing a spectacular color palette. Optimal fruit production is achieved when there is another clone of Viburnum nudum available for cross-pollination (including ‘Winterthur’ below). Since this shrub normally inhabits low, swampy land, it is suitable for wet and poorly drained sites in the garden. Best flowering and fruit production is achieved in full sun. (100)
44. Viburnum nudum ‘Winterthur’
(Cultivar of Smooth Witherod)
Zone 5
See description for Viburnum nudum ‘Bulk’ above. This is more compact than usual for the species. (100)
45. Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum ‘Popcorn’
(Cultivar of Japanese Snowball Viburnum)
Zone 5
A great introduction from Dr. David Leach, this beautiful deciduous viburnum will reach 4-6’ in height and width. Hundreds of round, popcorn ball-like inflorescences of sterile flowers cover the plant in early to mid May. Depending upon the weather, the flowers can persist for up to 10 days. Because they are sterile, there are no fruits to follow. The leaves are a good dark green through the growing season, turning yellow in the fall. Full sun to partial shade in moisture-retentive, yet well-drained soil. (100)
46. Viburnum trilobum ‘J.N. Select’
(Redwing™ American Cranberry Viburnum)
Zone 3
The species is native from New Brunswick to British Columbia, south to New York, Michigan, South Dakota, and Oregon. This beautiful deciduous plant grows to 6-8’ in height and width with an upright habit. Lace-cap inflorescenses feature showy white, sterile flowers surrounding the yellowish fertile flowers in the center. This selection has reddish new leaves; leaf petioles remain red throughout the growing season. Leaves turn red to purple each autumn. The large, quarter-inch fruit is translucent red. Fruits last well into winter. The plant grows best in full sun to light shade, in well-drained soil. (100)
47. × Phylliopsis ‘Sugar Plum’
(Cultivar of Phylliopsis) Zone 6
Phylliopsis is an intergeneric hybrid between Phyllodoce caerulea and Kalmiopsis leachiana. It is a dwarf evergreen shrub with fine dark green foliage, whose deep pink, bell-shaped flowers emerge in mid spring. It can repeat blooming during the early summer and once again in the fall. A spreading, mounding plant, it will reach 2’ in height and width. Requires the same conditions as other heath-family plants. An excellent plant for the alpine garden. (100)
48. Xanthorhiza simplicissima
(Yellowroot)
Zone 3
This ground-cover shrub is native to New York, reaching south to Kentucky and Florida. It will attain 2-3’ in height and sucker to form colonies. Compound leaves are a lustrous bright green in summer, turning a golden yellow to orange in the fall with a fine texture reminiscent of celery foliage. The flowers are brownish-purple, borne 3’ high above the ground. They appear before the leaves come out, not quite showy, but rather oddly interesting. A desirable and underused plant for the woodland; a nice groundcover for moist areas. (96)