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Broadening the gardeners palette |
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Broadening the gardeners palette |
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Botanical Name: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Abelia
Arctostaphylos - Bearberry
Abelia Evergreen shrub Full sun to part shade Abelias make compact mounds of glossy, deep green leaves that are decorated from midsummer until frost with clusters of tubular white or pink flowers. Fall color is an attractive bronze or mahogany that lasts a long time because the leaves hang on through much of winter. Abelias make excellent foundation plants. They can also be used along the edge of a shrub border or as a colorful cover for a bank. Try planting them with Conifers, Cotoneasters, Barberries, compact ornamental Grasses, Spiraeas—the list goes on. In fact, Abelias look good with almost any plant you can think of. Abelias are adaptable shrubs that thrive in full sun or partial shade and prefer acid soil that is moist but well drained. They sometimes send up thick random shoots; these should be removed as they appear to maintain a neat dome-shaped habit. Plants are root hardy into Zone 5 (except as noted), but they begin to suffer dieback at temperatures below –5°F. Happily, plants recover quickly from winter injury, and since they flower on new wood, they can put on an excellent show even if killed to the ground.
A. ‘Edward Goucher’. Abundant lavender-pink, trumpet-shaped flowers from summer to fall. Excellent burgundy fall color. This cultivar grows larger than the other Abelias we offer but rarely exceeds 5ft x 5ft. It’s a bit less hardy; Zone 6 is the absolute limit.
A. x grandiflora ‘Francis Mason’. Striking yellow foliage with deeper yellow margins, turning a glowing coppery orange in fall. White flowers are produced from July to September and are succeeded by decorative pink seed heads. Grows smaller than the other cultivars we list, but it’s so colorful you can’t miss it. 2ft x 3ft.
NEW A. x g. ‘Rose Creek’. This cultivar is neat and compact and produces lots of lightly fragrant white flowers in tight clusters over a long season. The seedheads are also ornamental—pink and round and dense, like dainty pom-poms. The rich green foliage takes on purple tones in fall and winter. 2ft x 4ft.
A. x g. ‘Sherwoodii’. A handsome plant with glossy, dark green foliage that turns varying shades of bronze, copper, burgundy, and maroon in autumn. The flowers are white, the seed heads that follow an attractive peach. 3ft x 3ft.
A. x g. ‘Sunrise’. Showy variegated foliage that blends pink, white, gold, and green. The flowers are light pink, and they decorate the compact, shrubby form from midsummer till frost. 2ft x 3ft.
Abeliophyllum distichum Deciduous shrub Full sun to part shade White Forsythia The White Forsythia is an early-blooming shrub (two weeks before Forsythia) that produces fragrant white flowers while its stems are still bare. It is much more compact than its yellow cousins, so it can be used where a full-size Forsythia can’t. For greatest impact, put it in front of a dark green background, which can be provided by Conifers, Hollies, or Rhododendrons, or plant it behind late-breaking shrubs such as Chionanthus, Lagerstroemia, or Hibiscus. It also looks nice with Black Pussy Willow (Salix gracilistyla ‘Melanostachys’). Culture is the same as for Forsythia: full sun (or light shade) and well-drained soil. It tolerates a wide range of soil pH. 3–5ft x 4–6ft. Zone 5 and into Zone 4.
Abies balsamea ‘Nana’ Conifer Full sun to part shade Balsam Fir The dwarf version of our native Balsam Fir has short, dark green needles with a white stomatic band on the underside. The foliage has the characteristic balsam fragrance. Extremely slow growing—a 12-year-old plant forms a mound no more than 12in tall. This plant thrives in cool, moist, acidic soil and tolerates partial shade. 1ft x 2ft. Zone 3. Please Note: From time to time we graft other Firs for sale. If you’re looking for a particular species or cultivar, email us; we just might have it on hand.
Acanthopanax sieboldianus ‘variegatus’ Deciduous shrub Part shade to shade Five-Leaf Aralia A taxonomist recently changed the name of the genus to Eleutherococcus (hardly an improvement on the old botanical name), but we’re going to keep with Acanthopanax for now. By whatever name, this deciduous shrub is exceedingly rugged and adaptable, and its cream-edged, soft green leaves are also very showy. It tolerates shade (prefers it, in fact) and almost every kind of soil, from sand to heavy clay, from acid soil to sweet. The only thing it requires is decent drainage. Looking for a bright accent under a thirsty Maple? Need a shrub that will sparkle on the north side of a two-story house? Here’s your answer. Note: Plants bear small sharp spines where the leaves are attached to the stems. Children and pets will leave this prickly personality alone. 4–6ft x 4–6ft. Zone 4. Acer Deciduous shrub/Deciduous tree Full sun to part shade Maple Much as we appreciate the stately Maples that fill our forests and shade our gardens, our primary interest as nurserymen is in their Japanese cousins, which include some of the most beautiful shrubs and small trees in the world. Japanese Maples are among the quintessential foliage plants. Their endlessly variable leaves may be round or star shaped or so deeply divided that “lacy” only hints at their delicate patterns. And their colors—from soothing green to chartreuse to pink to red to maroon, sometimes in wildly variegated blends—delight us in spring, soften in the heat of summer, then transform themselves into glowing golds, fiery oranges, and eye-popping reds before dropping in late fall. Add to this a diversity of habits (small, tiered trees; upright shrubs; weeping mounds) plus a winter silhouette that is second to none, and you’ll understand why no landscape is complete without a Japanese Maple. For all their grace and refinement, these plants are easy to grow. They need sun to show their best colors both early and late in the season; however, they’ll hold their spring colors longer if they receive some afternoon shade. They thrive in evenly moist but well-drained soil and tolerate a wide range of pH. Extra water during hot, dry periods is beneficial and helps prevent leaf scorch. Most cultivars are hardy through Zone 6 and into the warmer half of Zone 5, except as noted. We offer grafted plants of the most popular cultivars, along with a broad selection of hard-to-find beauties that will appeal to folks who are looking for something special.
A. japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’. This compact cultivar has rich green leaves, 6in across, that are deeply divided (much like the foliage of Aconitums). Their fall color is exceptional: a burning scarlet with carmine tones. They are borne on an upright plant that eventually has a spread equal to its height. 10–15ft x 10–15ft.
A. negundo ‘Flamingo’. A very showy selection of our native Box Elder. It dovetails nicely with the Japanese Maples we list because its variegated foliage is colorful and attractive. The spring leaves are a bright carmine-pink, touched with white. They turn green with a white edge as they mature and keep a soft pink tinge. ‘Flamingo’ grows quickly into a small, rounded tree. If pruned in late winter, it produces an abundance of colorful spring growth. All-green shoots should be removed as soon as they appear. More tolerant both of wet and dry soils than the other Maples we offer. 15–20ft x 15–20ft. Zone 3.
Acer palmatum – Standard Cultivars By “standard,” we are referring to small trees with an upright habit that generally achieve heights of 12ft or more. Their leaves are palmate, with 5, 7, or 9 serrated lobes.
A. p. ‘Bloodgood’. The cultivar to which all other upright, red-leaved Japanese Maples are compared. Leaves are a dark burgundy-red, and they hold their color through most of summer. In fall, they turn an intense crimson. 15–20ft x 15–20ft.
A. p. ‘Kamagata’. A slow-growing cultivar selected by the late J.D. Vertrees, author of the standard reference on Japanese Maples. The deeply divided and toothed leaves emerge yellow-green with bronze-red margins. They become light green in summer, then lovely shades of yellow and orange in autumn. Habit is upright with a distinct horizontal branching pattern. As this cultivar matures, it comes to resemble an elegant estate tree, but one that’s just 12ft x 6ft.
A. p. ‘Okushimo’. Distinctive deep green foliage. The margins roll upward, making the lobes look long and narrow, like the feet of a bird. In late autumn, the leaves turn an intense shade of gold that glows brightly both on sunny and cloudy days. Habit is vase-shaped, like a Kousa Dogwood, and shows no tendency to spread horizontally. A great lawn specimen and a terrific way to anchor a shrub border. Height: 10–12ft.
A. p. ‘Sango-kaku’. Coral Bark Maple. This Japanese Maple is grown less for its foliage than for its coral-red bark, which adds a brilliant spark of color to the winter landscape. The foliage is green, turning bright gold in fall before it drops to reveal the red bark. Habit is upright, spreading at the top with age. Best planted to the north of the point from which it will be viewed and out of the shade of the house, so that the low winter sun can set the bark aglow. Also makes a nice accent in a winter planter. Height: 20–25ft. Zone 7.
A. p. ‘Trompenburg’. The 7- to 9-lobed leaves are deeply cut (almost to the petiole) and their margins tend to curl under, making the lobes look narrow and fingerlike. Their color in spring is deep purply red, changing to reddish green and bronze in summer and finally to brilliant crimson in late autumn. Habit is upright, but the branches tend to grow horizontally as the plant matures, giving it a lovely tiered look. Selected at the Trompenburg Arboretum in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Height: 13–18ft. Acer palmatum – Dwarf Cultivars Japanese Maples never become large trees, but with age, the standard cultivars can become quite imposing. The following cultivars grow very slowly, and most mature at no more than one-third the size of the standard cultivars. With age and occasional pruning, they look like natural bonsai.
A. p. ‘Beni Komachi’. Deeply divided leaves with widely spaced, narrow lobes; they look a bit like skinny starfish. Color is bright crimson in spring, turning greenish red in summer but retaining a crimson edge. Vibrant red coloring returns in fall. Forms a twiggy bush just 4–5ft tall.
A. p. ‘Caperci Dwarf’. A small, flat-topped cultivar that grows broader than tall and looks like a bonsai whether you work at it or not. The small leaves are lime green in spring, mid-green in summer, golden in fall. An especially fine selection. Size in 25 years: 4ft x 6ft.
A. p. ‘Corallinum’. The bright, shrimp pink spring foliage of this little Japanese Maple is intense yet delicate and will certainly become one of your springtime favorites. The pink slowly drains away with the arrival of summer, and the leaves become a soft, simple green. Bushy, upright habit. Height: 6ft.
A. p. ‘Karasugawa’. Lovely light pink new growth. As the season progresses, the foliage blends pink, green, and white in varying patterns. The plant has a twiggy, upright habit. Best planted in partial shade. Height: 6–9ft.
A. p. ‘Kotohime’. A diminutive cultivar with tiny foliage (not much more than an inch long) set in tight layers. The leaves emerge orange-red and change to light green in summer, then soft tones of yellow and orange in fall. ‘Kotohime’ has a bushy, upright habit. No matter its age, it looks like the centuries-old handiwork of a bonsai master. Height: 3ft.
A. p. ‘Red Pygmy’. A compact cultivar that is valued for its fine texture as well as for its striking coloring. The lobes of the leaves are so long and narrow that they are needlelike. They emerge bright red in spring, turn deep burgundy and bronze in summer, and finally scarlet in fall, providing a superb contrast with bold foliage all through the growing season. ‘Red Pygmy’ has a broad, open form. Size: 6ft x 6ft.
A. p. ‘Shaina’. ‘Shaina’ originated as a witches-broom of ‘Bloodgood’. She has the same dark red coloring but makes a bush less than 5ft tall. The center lobe of the leaves is very short and round, which would set ‘Shaina’ apart even if her size didn’t. 3–5ft x 3ft.
A. p. ‘Shigitatsu-sawa’. (‘Reticulatum’, ‘Volkel’s Cream’.) The slightly cupped foliage of this lovely tree is creamy yellow or yellow green with deep green veins. The contrast between cream and green is quite strong in spring and early summer, less so for the balance of the growing season. In fall, the leaves turn red or an unusual red-green. ‘Shigitatsu-sawa’ is much admired but hard to find in the trade, and we’re glad to be able to offer it. Height: 5–7ft.
NEW A. p. ‘Shindeshojo’. This little beauty puts on a spring show to rival that of any flowering tree or shrub. The small, fan-shaped leaves unfurl the most brilliant red you can imagine and hold that color for two or three weeks before turning reddish green for summer. The red returns for a glowing fall encore. An excellent focal point in a rock garden, with dwarf conifers and petite Hostas. Also superb in a container, where it will grow to about half its normal size. 6ft x 5ft.
A. p. ‘Villa Taranto’. The light, feathery texture derives from the narrow, linear lobes of the leaves, which give the effect of a fine Bamboo. They are flushed with cream, red, or orange as they emerge, then turn soft green. Fall color is an attractive golden orange. Bushy, domed habit. 6ft x 5ft. Acer palmatum – Dissectum Group The Dissectums are the most highly sought after of the Japanese Maples. Their leaves are so deeply cut that they have a lacy or feathery quality, and most cultivars display these fine leaves on a skeleton of beautifully gnarled, cascading branches. Dissectums serve as excellent accent plants, fit nicely in a mixed border with perennials and dwarf conifers, and make splendid container subjects. Most grow slowly (4–6in a year), forming a dome 6–7ft tall and as wide in 10–12 years. Ultimate size is determined by the location of the graft on the rootstock.
A. p. ‘Crimson Queen’. Lacy, dark red foliage through most of summer. It turns bright crimson in fall. ‘Crimson Queen’ holds its color better in summer heat than any other red Dissectum (except ‘Tamukeyama’).
NEW A. p. ‘Dissectum Palmatifidum’. The foliage of this handsome green-leaved selection is less dissected than that of the others we grow, giving the plant more substance in the landscape. Fall color is a striking blend of gold and crimson. Strong cascading habit.
A. p. ‘Ever Red’. (‘Dissectum Nigrum’.) The distinctive new growth is covered with silver hairs, which give it a downy sheen. The leaves turn deep red as they unfold and keep their color well into summer, eventually taking on bronze tones. Fall color is bright red.
A. p. ‘Filigree’. Exceptionally fine, light green foliage overlaid with pale gold or cream. It has a ghostly quality not found in other cultivars. In fall, it turns a rich gold. Very slow growing. Ideal for use in a rock garden or in a patio planter.
A. p. ‘Garnet’. The name describes the color of the spring foliage perfectly; in fall it turns bright crimson. The leaves are not as finely cut as on other cultivars, the teeth along each lobe resembling a series of stag horns. A vigorous grower with a mushroom shape.
A. p. ‘Inaba Shidare’. Exceptionally large (to 6in across), deeply divided, maroon leaves. The lobes are broader than those of most other Dissectums, giving the plant a bolder look. The habit is cascading but more upright than usual. Fall color is a brilliant crimson.
A. p. ‘Ornatum’ Selection. Our selection of the old cultivar ‘Ornatum’. The spring foliage is an especially good dark red; fall foliage is a blazing orange that carries over a great distance. Forms a broad, mushroom-shaped mound.
A. p. ‘Red Dragon’. A recent introduction from New Zealand. The new growth is a bright cherry red. The color softens in summer heat but doesn’t go to bronze. Resistant to leaf scorch. A vigorous grower.
A. p. ‘Red Filigree Lace’. The laciest of the group. The deep purple-red leaves are so finely cut that it’s hard to imagine how the plant sustains itself. Which may explain why it’s so very slow growing—hardly more than 1/4in per year. Perfect for rock gardens and containers.
A. p. ‘Seiryu’. This is the lone upright Dissectum. Its feathery, light green foliage is carried on a small tree that can grow 12ft tall or more. Fall color is superb, a bright blend of pink, orange, and red. Worth growing for the fall show alone.
A. p. ‘Tamukeyama’. An old Japanese cultivar listed as early as 1710 but still one of the best of the red-leaved Dissectums. It’s a vigorous grower, producing long, weeping branches that form a broad cascading mound. The new growth is bright crimson-red, turning deep maroon in summer, and concludes the season with a display of vivid scarlet. One of our favorite cutleaf Japanese Maples.
A. p. ‘Viridis’. Feathery, bright green leaves cover the cascading form. Fall color is a lovely gold with splashes of red.
A. p. ‘Waterfall’. The largest and perhaps the most deeply cut leaves found among the green Dissectums. The tips of the lobes tend to droop downward, accentuating the cascading habit of the plant. From a distance, it really does resemble a green waterfall. In late autumn, the leaves turn brilliant gold with hints of crimson. Acer shirasawanum The leaves of this species are distinctly round in shape, with 11 (occasionally 9) shallow, lightly toothed lobes radiating from the center. They have a bolder look than those of other Japanese Maples. Though widely admired, these trees are difficult to find in the trade.
A. s. ‘Aureum’. (Formerly listed as A. japonicum ‘Aureum’.) The legendary Golden Full Moon Maple has rounded, fanlike leaves with short, serrated lobes. When they emerge in spring, they are a light lemon yellow that glows on cloudy days and shines in sun. The petioles and winged seeds are a complementary bright red. The leaf color changes to green in summer and then spectacular shades of orange and red in fall. The Golden Full Moon Maple grows very slowly, eventually forming a large shrub or small tree with an upright, bushy habit. Plant in partial shade to preserve the yellow coloring and prevent leaf scorch. Height: 10ft.
A. s. ‘Palmatifolium’. This attractive small tree has light green leaves that are thin enough to be translucent. The tree is elegant but understated until fall, when the foliage turns a bright golden yellow splashed with crimson, delighting all who see it. Fall color is best on specimens growing in full sun. Habit is upright. Height: 25ft.
Actinidia kolomikta Vine Full sun to part shade Arctic Beauty Kiwi This vigorous deciduous vine is grown not for its fruit or flowers but for its striking leaves, which are dark green at the base and pink or white (often both) at the tip, looking as though they have been dipped in a can of paint. The display is as bright and colorful as you could want from flowers, and it lasts all season. This vine is easy to grow in full sun or partial shade and average soil, climbing by twining stems up an arbor or along a fence. Note: Young plants may show no signs of variegation. All-green plants will begin to display color within a year or two of purchase. 15–20ft. Zone 3.
Aesculus parviflora Deciduous shrub Full sun to part shade Bottlebrush Buckeye The Bottlebrush Buckeye is a summer-blooming shrub (generally mid- to late June here) that bears 8–12in panicles of white flowers above imposing mounds of compound leaves, each of which is composed of 5–7 large leaflets. It puts on quite a show at a time when most shrubs are quiet, and the broad foliage contrasts nicely with finer-textured plants all through the growing season. In fall, the leaves turn yellow, often tinged with green. The Bottlebrush Buckeye thrives in full sun or partial shade and evenly moist (but well-drained) acid soil. Because it suckers from the base, it typically spreads quite wide. Makes an excellent lawn specimen. Also superb for massing along the edge of woods. 8–12ft x 15ft. Native to South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida, but perfectly hardy in Zone 4.
NEW Allium splendens Deciduous ground cover Full sun Ornamental Onion We have two admissions to make about this charming late-flowering Onion. First, we listed it for many years, then managed to lose it entirely and had to beg a piece from a customer to get it back into production. Embarrassing but true. Second, we’re not 100% sure about the nomenclature. It may actually be A. thunbergii or a selection thereof. You might ask, given the obstacles, why we insist on offering this plant. The answer can be found in its cute little pom-poms of pinkish purple flowers, which wait until October to open; in its neat tufts of grasslike foliage; in its easy-going nature (sun and well-drained soil is all it needs); and in its many uses—as an edging (especially next to stone), in the rock garden, in the company of its fellow herbs. We love this little Onion and are confident that you and your customers will, too. 9in x 9in. Zone 5.
Ampelopsis brevipedunculata ‘elegans’ Vine Full sun to part shade Porcelain Vine This vine offers variegated foliage and plentiful clusters of beautiful, 1/4in, amethyst or porcelain blue berries in fall. The handsome, 3-lobed leaves are dark green splashed randomly with white, soft pink, and pale green. The flowers are inconspicuous. Porcelain Vine is easy to grow in full sun or partial shade and all but heavy, wet soils, climbing by tendrils to a height of 6–8ft. Zone 4.
Andromeda Evergreen shrub Full sun Bog Rosemary A small genus of low-growing, evergreen shrubs in the Heath family. They demand ample sunshine and constantly moist, cool, acid, peaty or sandy soil (they are often found growing in peat bogs in the wild). If the site you have in mind meets these requirements, you’re in luck, because the Bog Rosemary is an interesting and attractive little evergreen with narrow, leathery leaves and clusters of small white May flowers, often flushed with pink. It’s ideal for edging a shrub border and can be planted beneath a low window along a moist foundation. 1–2ft x 2–3ft. Zone 2.
A. polifolia ‘Blue Ice’. Outstanding icy blue foliage that’s attractive all year but especially so in winter, when the eye is hungry for color. The habit is neat and compact.
A. p. ‘Grandiflora’. Large (relatively speaking), shell pink flowers and silvery gray leaves decorate a shrub with a low, spreading, open form.
Aralia Deciduous shrub Part shade Japanese Angelica Tree Our native Aralia is a big rambling thing that is rarely found in today’s landscapes, but its Japanese cousin, especially in its variegated forms, is prized for its exotic architecture. The compound leaves are huge (3–5ft long, 2–3ft wide) and each is composed of many 4in oval leaflets. These leaves are borne on a single, sparsely branched stem, giving the upright, arching form of the shrub a tiered look with a distinctly tropical feel. Creamy flowers in broad, lacy panicles appear in midsummer to complete the effect, and are succeeded by purple-black fruits. The variegated cultivars we offer are at home in evenly moist soil and partial shade; they’ll take full sun in soil that doesn’t dry out in summer. They make striking specimens in a woodland setting or next to a pond or pool, and they combine readily with shade-loving plants of a delicate bearing, such as Ferns or small-leaved Azaleas (A. serpyllifolium, for example). 8ft x 8ft. Zone 4.
NEW A. elata ‘Aureovariegata’. The dark blue-green leaflets are edged with golden yellow, adding a touch of warmth to a shady corner.
NEW A. e. ‘Variegata’. Similar to the above, but the variegation is creamy white. Makes a bold, bright statement in the dappled shade of a woodland garden.
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi ‘massachusetts’ Evergreen ground cover Full sun Bearberry If you’re looking to transform a dry, sun-baked bank into an attractive landscape feature, you’ve come to the right place. Arctostaphylos ‘Massachusetts’ is an evergreen ground cover with glossy, dark green leaves; pinkish white, Heath-like flowers in spring; bright red berries from late summer until well into winter; and excellent mahogany winter foliage color. It creeps slowly but surely to form an emerald blanket in the sort of lean, sandy soil that few other plants can tolerate and endures salt spray with no ill effects. (The species can be found growing wild on the beaches of Cape Cod). It’s important to keep this plant away from automatic sprinklers and resist the temptation to fertilize it. 6–12in x 4–6ft. Zone 2.
Asarum europeaum Deciduous ground cover Full sun to part shade European Wild Ginger A shade-loving ground cover that is prized for its rounded, glossy, emerald green foliage. It is almost always evergreen here; in colder zones, exposure to winter winds and sun make it effectively deciduous. There is something irresistible about this plant. Even in a garden ablaze with spring color, visitors never fail to stop and admire its lustrous, deep green leaves. European Wild Ginger makes a plush carpet that spreads happily, but never aggressively, in evenly moist, humus-rich soil and partial to quite dense shade. Rich soil is the key to success. Looks terrific planted en masse in a woodland setting or on the north side of a house. 6in x 18in. Zone 5.
Azalea Deciduous shrub/Evergreen shrub Full sun to shade With the possible exception of Roses, there is no group of shrubs that can rival the amazing diversity and beauty found among the Azaleas. We offer a wide variety of deciduous and evergreen Azaleas to satisfy both connoisseurs and folks looking for nothing more than a big splash of color. The basic requirements of Azaleas are as follows: acid soil that is evenly moist yet well drained (winter drainage is especially important) and full sun or partial shade. In this part of the country, unless a property sits on limestone or in a bog, Azaleas will generally thrive. Hardiness varies widely by species and cultivar. In keeping with industry practice, we provide the minimum temperature rather than the USDA Zone. Azaleas were added to the genus Rhododendron in 1834, but most people think of them as two separate groups of plants. We have listed them as they are generally found in the trade. Rhododendron are also offered. Native Species, Selections, and Hybrids Some of the most beautiful Azaleas we know are the deciduous species native to the eastern United States. They offer a broad range of flower colors and bloom times and occasionally a sweet perfume. Their foliage is simple and soft, blending easily in a woodland setting with Ferns, and because the plants are generally slow growing, they fit nicely in small spaces. You might ask why these lovely natives are so little seen in garden centers and in the landscape. The answer is that many are difficult to propagate. We are still trying to perfect our own propagation techniques, but we find that once we get these plants going they are very easy to grow. We urge you to give them a try.
A. arborescens. The Sweet Azalea has white or pale pink flowers with pinkish red pistils and stamens in late June. If you close your eyes and take a whiff, you’ll swear they smell just like Heliotrope. Plants have a bushy habit and smooth, somewhat glossy foliage. Height: 4ft. Hardy to –20°F.
A. atlanticum. Coast Azalea. Very fragrant white flowers, flushed with pink, open in May. The foliage has a marked blue cast. This species spreads by stolons to form an impressive thicket, so it’s ideal for naturalizing in a woodland setting. Height: 3–5ft. Hardy to –15°F.
A. bakeri. Cumberland Azalea. A late bloomer with striking, deep orange-red flowers. It puts on a glorious show in late June or early July. Habit is upright and plants grow to a height of 4–8ft. Hardy to –20°F.
A. b. ‘Sunlight’. This Polly Hill selection has showy, multicolored flowers that blend bright clear shades of orange, pink, and gold. Bloom comes in late June on broadly upright plants. Height: 6ft. Hardy to –20°F.
A. calendulaceum. Flame Azalea. Similar to A. bakeri, but it blooms 2–4 weeks earlier (generally late May into June here) and its flowers are larger. It gets its common name from its warm-colored flowers, which vary from shades of yellow to gold to scarlet. A large planting is truly breathtaking. Plants have an upright habit and grow to a height of 5ft. Hardy to –20°F.
A. canadense. Rhodora. A compact, upright species that produces clusters of lovely lavender flowers at the tips of the stems in late April or early May, before the bluish green leaves emerge. Like A. viscosum, it is found in swamps or along the edges of ponds or rivers in the wild. Provides a nice splash of color for a poorly drained site. Height: 3–4ft. Native as far north as Maine and Quebec and hardy to at least –30°F.
A. periclymenoides. (A. nudiflorum.) Pinxterbloom Azalea. We can’t tell you the origin of “Pinxterbloom,” but we can say that this is a very handsome and exceptionally hardy Azalea that produces lots of lightly fragrant, pale pink flowers in early May, before the leaves emerge. In the wild, it is often found in dry, rocky soil, so it’s a good choice for a garden in which the soil is not dependably moist. Plants are often stoloniferous. Height: 4–6ft. Hardy to –25°F.
A. prinophyllum. (A. roseum.) The Roseshell Azalea bears lovely, clove-scented pink flowers as (or soon after) the foliage appears in May. They open from distinctive, silvery white buds that stand out against the deep brown branches. Plants have an attractive, wide-spreading habit. 5–7ft x 5–7ft. Hardy to –25°F.
A. prunifolium. Plumleaf Azalea. This is perhaps the latest blooming of all the Azalea species; it holds its vibrant display of orange or scarlet flowers until late summer. As you might expect, the flowers last longer on shrubs that receive protection from the afternoon sun. Plants grow upright to a height of 3–5ft. Native to Georgia and Alabama but hardy to –15°F.
A. ‘Snowbird’. A floriferous hybrid of A. atlanticum and A. canescens that has lovely, blue-green foliage and fragrant white flowers in May. Even young plants bloom heavily. A compact grower with an upright habit. Like A. atlanticum, it spreads by stolons. Height: 4ft. Hardy to –15°F.
A. ‘Sweet September’. This A. prunifolium hybrid, which was selected by Environmentals founder Jim Cross, waits until late August to bring forth its fragrant, salmon-pink flowers, and they continue to open until well into September. Striking with purple New York Asters (Aster novi-belgii) and a terrific conversation piece for the Azalea aficionado. Upright habit. Height: 5ft. Hardy to –15°F.
A. vaseyi. Pinkshell Azalea. Clusters of pretty, pale pink blooms sparkle from bare stems in mid-May. The flowers of most native species are tubular, but those of A. vaseyi open almost flat, so they’re exceptionally showy. The foliage is mid-green in summer, turning a lovely shade of maroon in fall. Plants have a more or less upright habit. Height: 4–6ft. Hardy to –20°F.
A. viscosum. Swamp Azalea. Here’s one of the few exceptions to the rule that says that Azaleas must have good drainage. This species thrives in heavy, wet soil, though it performs just fine in average soil, too. The flowers, which appear in mid- to late June, are white (occasionally tinged pink), and they have a delicious spicy fragrance. Plants have a loose, open habit, and they spread by stolons, which makes them ideal for naturalizing. Height: 6–12ft. Hardy to –25°F.
A. v. ‘Pink Mist’. Fragrant white flowers with just a hint of pink (the “mist” in the name). They appear in mid-June against a backdrop of attractive dark green foliage. Dense, upright habit. Height: 4–6ft. Hardy to –25°F. Deciduous East Asian Species The Far East is a treasure trove of Azalea species, and while most are evergreen, there are also several outstanding deciduous species, including the following.
A. reticulatum. Rose Azalea. As temperatures warm in mid-April, the buds of this Japanese native turn deep lavender and stand upright, like candles, on the bare branches, then explode into lovely violet blooms. The rounded, almost heart-shaped, leaves unfurl shortly after. The branches are carried horizontally in distinct tiers, making this shrub an exceptionally graceful garden subject. 5ft x 5ft. Hardy to –10°F.
A. schlippenbachii. The Royal Azalea in its glory is an unforgettable sight. Just as the leaves emerge in early May, clusters of very large (2–4in across), lightly fragrant, soft pink flowers appear, instantly charming all who see them. In fall, the broad, oval leaves turn a stunning orange-red. The Royal Azalea grows very slowly and seems to appreciate a higher pH (6.5–7.0) than do most other Azaleas. In time, it forms a broad, vase-shaped shrub. Native to Manchuria and Korea. Height: 4–5ft, eventually exceeding 6ft under ideal conditions. Hardy to –25°F.
A. weyrichii x leucantnium x reticulatum x leucantnium. This cross of Asian species has resulted in a particularly lovely plant that is, unfortunately, very rare in commerce. It has bright lavender-pink blooms in mid-April and lustrous, deep green, heart-shaped leaves (broader than those of A. reticulatum) that are so attractive they’d be worth having even if the plant didn’t flower. The habit is upright, spreading with age. Mature dimensions: 5ft x 5ft. Hardy to –20°F. Weston Nurseries in Massachusetts has spent many years breeding exceptionally hardy deciduous Azaleas that bloom in early to midsummer, after other Azaleas (and most other shrubs) are finished flowering. In addition, they offer fragrance and mildew resistance, and most have excellent fall foliage color. All are hardy to at least –25°F.
A. ‘Lollipop’. Extremely fragrant pink flowers with yellow centers. Bloom begins in mid-June here and lasts for two weeks or more. The medium green foliage turns red-orange in fall. Habit starts upright, becoming broad and spreading with age. Height: 4–6ft.
A. ‘Parade’. Dark pink flowers with orange eyes open in rounded heads in July. They have a light vanilla fragrance. Plants are broadly columnar in habit. Fall color is bronze-green, then orange. Height: 6ft.
A. ‘Pink and Sweet’. Lovely pink blooms with a lighter pink-and-yellow eye open in mid-June. Their scent is rich and spicy. The foliage takes on bronze tones in summer, turning purple-red, orange, and yellow in fall. The plant grows slowly to form an upright mound. Height: 4–5ft.
Other Deciduous Azaleas A. ‘Narcissiflora’. Large trusses of double, light yellow flowers, 1¾in in diameter, open in mid- to late May. Very fragrant. The petals are arranged “hose in hose,” which means that each blossom appears to be composed of two flowers, one inserted into the other. The look is much more elegant than you’d expect from a double flower. Upright habit. Size in 15 years: 6ft x 6ft. Hardy to –15°F.
NEW A. ‘Yellow Cloud’. Abundant large trusses of fragrant flowers in mid- to late May that open soft yellow and promptly deepen to a brilliant yellow that carries for what seems like miles across the landscape. The leathery dark green foliage is quite substantial, measuring 3in long by 1in wide. Plants have a sturdy, upright habit and look stunning when provided with a skirt of Ferns. 6ft x 3ft. Hardy to –20ºF. Most of the evergreen species are native to the Far East, and the greatest concentration is found on the islands of Japan. The Japanese have cherished evergreen Azaleas for centuries and were breeding and selecting them long before the first Westerners were allowed to set foot in the country. Today, there are literally hundreds of cultivars to choose from, and we’re pleased to present a broad list, mostly of late-blooming Azaleas, from the following categories: species, Glenn Dale Hybrids, Indicum cultivars, North Tisbury Hybrids, Robin Hill Azaleas, Satsukis, and miscellaneous hybrids. All of the plants we offer are beautiful and useful, and many are hard to find in the trade. Because many of the these are late blooming (between mid-May and early June), their flowers are apt to come and go quickly if the weather is hot; so a location that provides afternoon shade will help the flowers stay fresh longer, especially the June-blooming cultivars. They also look best when planted in groups of 3 to 9.
A. kiusianum. Kyushu Azalea. A low-growing evergreen or semievergreen shrub from Japan with a dense, twiggy, flat-topped, spreading habit and small, dark green, oval leaves. The dainty, jewel-like lavender flowers are set against bright green new growth in early to mid-May. A 10-year-old plant will be scarcely 1½ft x 2½ft. Hardy to 0°F.
A. k. ‘Album’. The pure white form of the above.
NEW A. k. ‘Komo Kulshan’. Small, bright rose-pink flowers decorate this compact beauty in early to mid-May. They are set off by small, rounded, deeply set, dark green leaves. Habit is a low tiered mound. 2ft x 4ft. Hardy to 0ºF.
A. nakaharai. This prostrate species from Taiwan hugs the ground, creeping slowly to form a dense mat. In June and July, its dark green leaves are studded with salmon-red flowers. An excellent choice for the rock garden or border or for groundcover. It also looks marvelous trailing over a retaining wall. 1ft x 2ft. Hardy to –5°F.
A. serpyllifolium. Wild Thyme Azalea. Zillions of small (less than ½in), starry flowers of pale lavender cover a dense mound of tiny, Thyme-like leaves in mid May. A delightful and distinctive accent for a small garden. Native to Japan. Height: 2–3ft. Hardy to –10°F.
A. yedoense var. poukhanense ‘Pink Discovery’. This plant was found growing among a group of Korean Azalea seedlings at Weston Nurseries in the 1960s. In early to mid-May, clusters of bright reddish pink buds open to ruffled, clear pink flowers. Habit is more upright than that of the species. Height: 4ft. Hardy to –10°F. In the 1930s, B.Y. Morrison, a prominent horticulturist who later became director of the National Arboretum, began breeding evergreen Azaleas at the Plant Introduction Station in Glenn Dale, Maryland, with the primary goal of producing hardy, large-flowered hybrids. He used plants from several Azalea groups and introduced over 400 cultivars in the 1940s and 1950s. We offer just a few but hope to add to list in the future. The following selections bloom late May into early June and have showy flowers that combine colors in interesting and attractive patterns. They tolerate hot weather yet endure temperatures down to –5°F.
A. ‘Ben Morrison’. Stunning salmon-pink flowers with a coral red blotch and an irregular white edge. The flowers measure up to 3in across, so there’s no way you can miss them. Put this beauty where you want to draw attention. Upright habit. With some training, ‘Ben Morrison’ would make a wonderful espalier. Height: 4ft.
A. ‘Helen Fox’. A lovely soft pink with white margins. Flowers measure 2–21/2in across. This hybrid provides a soft and pretty accent. Height: 3ft.
A. ‘Marian Lee’. The large flowers (3in across) are white in the center, with a striking scarlet border. Blooms open in late May and hold well into June. This B.Y. Morrison cultivar was not released with the Glenn Dale Hybrids but came from a similar bloodline. It’s a compact grower. Height: 2ft. Azalea indicum is an evergreen species native to southern Japan. Its cultivars are valued for their large (2–21/2in) flowers and their narrow foliage, which gives the plants a very fine texture. The leaves take on attractive reddish tones in winter. Indicum Azaleas generally make dense mounds, broader than tall, so they’re useful along foundations or at the front of a shrub border. They bloom in early to mid-June and are hardy to 10°F—down to 0°F in a protected location.
A. ‘Balsaminaeflorum’. Double, Balsam-like flowers in a warm coral-pink shade. Year after year, this proves to be a favorite selection of many customers because of its unique flowers. 2ft x 3ft.
A. ‘Flame Creeper’. Reddish orange flowers on a fine-textured mat. The foliage turns coppery orange in winter. The low, spreading form of this Azalea lends it to use as a groundcover and makes it a nice choice for a rock garden. 1ft x 3ft.
A. ‘Laciniatum’. Pretty, Geranium red blooms with straplike petals: They resemble small bunches of starry fireworks. Forms a spreading mound that grows 2ft x 3ft.
A. ‘Macrantha’. The flowers of this cultivar are deep reddish orange. They open just as Hemerocallis ‘Stella de Oro’ is hitting its stride, and the two make a striking pair. ‘Macrantha’ has wonderful deep green, dense foliage. 2ft x 3ft. Back in the 1950s, Mrs. Julian W. (Polly) Hill, a woody plant enthusiast and nurserywoman in North Tisbury, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, embarked on a quest to select low-growing, hardy, evergreen Azaleas that could be used as ground covers. She didn’t do the hybridizing herself, but instead asked Dr. Tsuneshige Rokujo of Tokyo to make the crosses (many of which included A. nakaharai) on her behalf. She sowed the seeds he sent her and evaluated the seedlings over the course of many years, finally naming and introducing the best. Her plants grow slowly to form beautiful low, wide-spreading mounds or very flat, ground-hugging plants. The selections listed below generally show color in mid- to late June, and some continue on into July, depending on the weather. The foliage flushes much later than does that of other Azalea hybrids, so it misses all the spring frosts. Polly Hill’s selections are all hardy to –10°F.
A. ‘Alexander’. One of the latest and longest blooming of the North Tisbury Hybrids (blooms sometimes hold into the 2nd week of July). It bears deep reddish orange blooms marked with a blotch of dark red on a creeping mound. 1ft x 3ft.
A. ‘Alexander’ Witches-Broom. As above but smaller in all its parts. Vigorous and dense.
A. ‘Joseph Hill’. Pinkish red buds open in late May and early June to vivid red, trumpet-shaped blooms with ruffled margins. Foliage is a complementary dark olive-green. Creeping habit. 1ft x 3ft.
A. ‘Michael Hill’. The flowers are a strong shrimp pink and lightly frilled. They’re also a bit larger than those of the other North Tisbury Azaleas—nearly 3in across. The foliage is a good dark green. Plants have a mounded habit. 18in x 4ft.
A. ‘Mount Seven Star’. An outstanding A. nakaharai seedling with especially dense growth and relatively large (2in), vivid red flowers. They hold up into 2nd week of July. The plant forms a very low-mat of dark green foliage. 6in x 3ft.
A. ‘Pink Pancake’. Clear, medium pink flowers. Foliage is medium green.. 8in x 3ft.
A. ‘Wintergreen’. Deep salmon-red flowers. Foliage stays dark green right through winter. The habit is low and mounding. 18in x 3ft.
A. ‘Wintergreen’ Witches-Broom. As above, but smaller in all its parts. These lovely evergreen Azaleas are the handiwork of Robert Gartrell of New Jersey. His goal was to produce late-blooming evergreen Azaleas similar to the Satsuki hybrids but hardier. To that end, he made over a thousand crosses beginning in the late 1930s and grew on 25,000 seedlings before finally naming 69 cultivars. The resulting plants have large flowers (to 3in across or more) in lovely pastel shades, beautiful foliage, and dwarf to semidwarf, mounding habits. Combine plants of different heights to create a layered effect. And don’t worry about color clashes—the flowers of the plants we offer all blend perfectly. Bloom begins in late May or early June and can last for several weeks, as long as the weather is not too hot. Hardy to –10°F.
A. ‘Conversation Piece’. Multicolored light pink-and-white flowers with a lighter margin. Some flowers show heavy spotting of purplish red in the blotch area. Spectacular in bloom and aptly named. Foliage is glossy green. 3ft x 6ft.
A. ‘Gwenda’. Pale pink with wavy margins and pale green speckling in the throat. Dense, glossy green leaves.. 2ft x 3ft.
A. ‘Lady Robin’. This cultivar offers an abundant crop of infinitely variable flowers that rival those of ‘Conversation Piece’. They are white or pale pink with dark pink stripes or nearly white margins. Occasionally, you’ll find a white flower with a single dark pink stripe. Whatever pattern they exhibit, the flowers are perfectly charming—all the more so because they are set off by bright green foliage, which turns yellow in the fall. Habit is broad and sprawling. 3ft x 6ft.
A. ‘Sir Robert’. A compact, mounding plant that covers itself with especially large flowers. They are the palest of pinks with a near white center, and they often exhibit an interesting array of pink-and-white color patterns. If the weather is not too hot, blooms will open in late May and continue through most of June, starting slowly on the way to one or more delightful crescendos. The foliage is an excellent, glossy dark green. 21/2ft x 4ft.
A. ‘Sir Robert’ Witches-Broom. A diminutive version of the above, but the flowers are only slightly smaller. 11/2ft x 21/2ft.
A. ‘Watchet’. The flowers are light pink, their edges exquisitely ruffled. Foliage is medium green and relatively broad, and the habit is dense and mounded. 21/2ft x 4ft.
A. ‘Watchet’ Witches-Broom. As above but smaller all the way around. An excellent choice for the rock garden. 11/2ft x 21/2ft. The Satsuki Azaleas have been grown, hybridized, and adored by Japanese gardeners for centuries, with the result that no other group of Azaleas can rival their diversity of flower color, leaf shape, and habit. Satsuki Azaleas are evergreen and late blooming (satsuki means “fifth month,” though most bloom in late May or early June here), and their flowers exhibit a range of different color patterns, which have been carefully described by the Japanese. The plants are generally slow growing and compact, with a rounded or mounded habit. Translations of the Japanese cultivar names are provided (where available) in parentheses. Hardy to 0°F, except as noted.
A. ‘Chinzan’. (Rare Mountain.) Warm pink flowers, with a darker blotch, in early June. They are shown to advantage by small, pointed, glossy, dark green foliage. Makes a very dense, compact mound and is popular for hedge use and bonsai.. 1ft x 2ft. Our original plant is at least 25 years old and is quite impressive at 3ft high by 5ft round.
A. ‘Gunrei’. (Beautiful Group.) A sport of ‘Gumpo’, perhaps the best known of the Satsuki Azaleas. The flowers are soft pink with frilled edges and appear in late May. Forms a dense, low-growing mound.. 1ft x 2ft.
A. ‘Itsi-Gishi’. A sport of ‘Warai Jishi’ that was selected here at the nursery by Jim Cross. The flowers are a warm, purplish pink, the foliage a lustrous deep dark green. The blooms, which open in early to mid-June, stand out beautifully against the leaves. Upright habit. Height: 3ft. Hardy to –15°F.
A. ‘Kazan’. (Deer Mountain.) Also known as ‘Rukizon’ and ‘Kakuba Chinzan’. Strong, salmon-red blooms in June. The tiny foliage is deep green. This is one of our slowest growing Azaleas. It makes a very dense plant that is popular for use as a bonsai. 1ft x 2ft.
A. ‘Kozan’. (Brilliant Mountain.) Delicate, shell pink flowers in late May nestle among the fine green foliage. A dwarf cultivar that grows slowly to form a bushy spreading mound. Popular for use in the rock garden and as a low hedge. 18in x 3ft.
A. ‘Lateritia Alba’. This cultivar was named in the United States but exhibits all the qualities of a fine Satsuki Azalea. The wavy-edged late-May flowers are white, the upper lobe flushed with chartreuse. Habit is low and wide-spreading. 3ft x 5ft.
A. ‘Matsuyo’. A Japanese cultivar named by Polly Hill of North Tisbury Azalea fame. Broad dark green leaves set off ruffled white flowers that are flecked or striped with strong pink. Bloom occurs in early June on a low, compact mound. 11/2ft x 21/2ft.
A. ‘Sakuragata’. Soft and pretty flowers of white with a pale lavender-pink border. The lobes are wide and wavy. A very late bloomer—late June into July here. Makes an upright spreading mound. 3ft x 4ft.
A. ‘Shira Fuji’. A variegated cultivar; each leaf has a fine white margin. The plant is attractive throughout the year but especially so in June, when the flowers, which blend varying patterns of violet-red and white, appear. A slow-growing dwarf, it forms a mound 1ft x 2ft.
A. ‘Yachiyo Red’. A Japanese cultivar named in the United States. It has starlike flowers that vary in color from salmon to pink to white (but not red). The small, pointed leaves are a glossy dark green. Tightly branched, congested habit. 1ft x 3ft.
A. ‘Yuka’. A Japanese cultivar named by Polly Hill. It forms a compact mound of broad, deep dark green foliage that is covered in June with very large (to 4in), ruffled white flowers. The flowers are sometimes flushed or streaked with deep pink. 2ft x 3ft.
A. ‘Yuka’ Witches-Broom. As above, but smaller in all its parts. A lovely gem for the rock garden. A. ‘Bixby’. Clusters of dark red buds open to red flowers in May. The foliage is very dark green, turning mahogany red at the approach of cold weather. A Weston Nurseries introduction. Compact habit. 2ft x 4ft. Hardy to –10°F.
A. ‘Blue Danube’. A Kaempferi hybrid with stunning magenta flowers in May. It has an upright habit, spreading with age. Like other Kaempferi hybrids, it is exceptionally cold hardy. 3ft x 5ft. Hardy to –15°F.
A. ‘Fairfax’. Large pink buds open in late May to 4in ruffled, double overlapping flowers that are soft pink with a light blending of white. Foliage is dark green and broader than that of most other evergreen Azaleas. A George Ring hybrid. Dense, compact habit. 2ft x 4ft. Hardy to –5°F.
A. ‘Frosted Orange’ Witches-Broom. Delightful and different. The flowers are white with an orange-red border. They decorate a small mound of narrow, congested foliage in late May. This witches-broom of a Harris Hybrid grows 2ft x 3ft . Hardy to 0°F.
NEW A. ‘Girard Variegated Hot Shot’. Azaleas are among the showiest of flowering shrubs, and this one ups the ante by combining searing scarlet flowers (2½–3in across) with striking, white-variegated foliage. It’s a compact grower, but you can bet it will never go unnoticed. Late May bloom. The foliage takes on pink to burgundy undertones in fall. 3ft x 3ft. Hardy to –10ºF.
A. ‘Hardy Gardenia’. As the name suggests, the flowers of this Linwood Hybrid are white and double (hose-in-hose). They shine against broad, dark green leaves in late May. Grows slowly to form a low mound. Size after 8 years: 18in x 3ft. Hardy to –10°F.
A. ‘Janet Rhea’. The semidouble, hose-in-hose flowers, which appear in mid-May, are red in the center with a bright white margin. The sharp contrast is eye-catching and attractive, especially when set against the dark green foliage. A Linwood Hybrid with a low, spreading habit. 2ft x 4ft. Hardy to 0°F.
A. ‘Kaempo’. A cross of A. kaempferi and ‘Gumpo’, which explains the name. Hot, purplish-pink flowers blanket this low-growing, spreading Azalea in June. 18in x 3ft. Hardy to –5°F.
A. ‘Karen’. Violet-purple flowers in mid-May. The dark green foliage turns burgundy in the fall and keeps that color through winter. Plants form a large, broad mound. Size in 6 years: 4ft x 4ft. Hardy to –5°F.
A. ‘Koromo Shikibu’. Glowing lavender blooms with very narrow petals. They have an exotic, spidery look that is unusual in Azaleas. The fuzzy foliage is soft green, the perfect complement to the May flowers. An A. macrosepalum hybrid. Broad, mounded habit. 3ft x 5ft. Hardy to 0°F.
A. ‘Pin Cushion’. The flowers are a refreshing shade of lavender—very appealing in May. They cover a small, dense mound (hence the name) of rounded, deep green leaves. 1ft x 2ft. Hardy to –15°F.
A. ‘Susan Oliver’. An excellent A. nakaharai hybrid with double white flowers dusted with a sparkling frost of palest orchid in late May. Like its parent, it forms a ground-hugging mat of glossy, dark green foliage. Named by Jim Cross after the late Susan Oliver of Oliver Nurseries in Fairfield, Connecticut. 1ft x 21/2ft. Hardy to –15°F.
A. ‘Vida Brown’. Ruffled, hose-in-hose flowers of deep rose-pink in early June. Foliage is small and narrow, and plants have an unusual flat-topped form. A Ferndown Hybrid. Its slow-growing, dwarf habit makes it a good choice for bonsai work. 1ft x 2ft. Hardy to 0°F. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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