Ornamental shrubs and trees | New England

Easily grown in consistently moist, moderately fertile, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates some light shade. May be grown from seed planted in the ground in fall. Plants exhibit rapid growth in early years.

Tetradium daniellii, commonly called tetradium or bee bee tree, is native to Korea and southwestern China. It is a deciduous tree with a rounded, spreading, umbrella-shaped habit. It typically grows to 25-30’ (less frequently to 50’) tall and as wide. Small, fragrant, white (sometimes tinged yellow or pink) flowers bloom in flattened corymbs (to 4-6” wide) in July-August. Flowers are loved by honey bees and bloom in abundance at a time when few other trees are in flower. Flowers give way to reddish-purple seed pods that split open when ripe. Each pod contains two, shiny, buckshot-like, black seeds. Pods remain on the tree from late August to November. Birds are attracted to the seed. Opposite, pinnately compound leaves (to 18” long), each with 7-11 ovate glossy dark green leaflets (2-5” long), retain good color throughout the growing season. Fall color is generally absent, with the leaves typically dropping when green or yellowish-green. Smooth gray bark. This tree is in the same family as Zanthoxylum americanum. It is synonymous with and formerly called Euodia daniellii and Evodia daniellii.
Specific epithet honors William Freeman Daniell (1818-1865), British army surgeon and botanist.

No serious insect or disease problems.

Yucca filamentosa is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae native to the southeastern United States as far west as Louisiana, and along the East Coast from central Florida to southeast Virginia. They have become naturalized north along the East Coast to coastal Rhode Island and into parts of the lower Midwest. They are normally hardy in USDA hardiness zones of 4b to 9. Most commonly found in sandy soils, especially in beach scrub and dunes, but also in fields, barrens, and rocky slopes, though it grows well also in silt or clay soils. Its common names include Adam's needle, common yucca, Spanish bayonet, bear-grass, needle-palm, silk-grass, and spoon-leaf yucca.

Usually trunkless, it is a multisuckering evergreen shrub with heads of 75 cm (30 in) long, filamentous, blue-green, strappy leaves. It is fully hardy, though in cultivation it benefits from a sheltered position away from winter winds. Y. filamentosa is readily distinguished from other yucca species by white, thready filaments along the leaf margins. Flower stems up to 3 m (10 ft) tall bear masses of pendulous cream flowers in early summer.

Y. filamentosa is widely cultivated in mild temperate and subtropical climates as a broadleaved evergreen plant. It needs full sun and a well-drained soil, preferring an acid or slightly alkaline pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It develops a large, fleshy, white taproot with deep large lateral roots. Once planted and established, it is difficult to remove it as the deep roots keep sending up new shoots for many years.

The American callicarp is a species of deciduous shrub in the Verbenaceae family, remarkable for its production of bright purple berries in tight clusters along the stems. Callicarpa means 'pretty berry' in Greek.

The berries, which persist into winter, are an important source of food for birds and other animals (hence the interest in planting them in gardens). However, they are not among the most prized, and are only eaten when other resources are exhausted. They are highly astringent and considered inedible for humans.

TRIUMPH™ elm zone 4b

The TRIUMPH™ elm has very good resistance to Dutch elm disease (DED) and is resistant to elm yellows; it also has good resistance to elm leaf beetle. It is easily transplanted, quick to establish, and adaptable to most soil types. Large, lustrous, dark green summer foliage gives way to yellow fall color. Useful for home and commercial landscapes or parks or as street tree.

Ulmus 'Morton Glossy' (selling name Triumph™) is a hybrid cultivar raised by the Morton Arboretum, Illinois. Originally named 'Charisma' until it was realized that name had already been registered for another plant, the tree was derived from a crossing of two other hybrid cultivars grown at the Morton: Accolade and Vanguard.

A small tree native to the eastern United States, with dull-green evergreen foliage that is less thorny than common holly. Fruits are small spherical drupes, red, sometimes yellow or orange. They are reputed to be poisonous.

Willow-leaved or Anise Magnolia, is from Japan. A small deciduous tree 25' tall, with narrow leaves with whitish undersides give this tree a fine texture. The 4" wide white scented flowers emerge in early spring before the leaves. The leaves are fragrant when crushed. The real deal, not x kewensis.

Name Magnolia salicifolia (Anise Magnolia)
Plant Height 25-45 ft
Plant Width 15-25 ft
Zone 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Genus Magnolia
Common Name Anise Magnolia
 

For minimal  protected zone 5b or 6a

Bigleaf magnolia has huge leaves that are 12 to 36 inches long, and ivory-colored flowers that average 8 to 10 inches across. The tree's coarse appearance makes it difficult to use in residential areas. It can be used as a specimen tree or shade tree in parks or other large areas. Bigleaf magnolia has huge leaves that are 12 to 36 inches long, and ivory-colored flowers that average 8 to 10 inches across. The tree's coarse appearance makes it difficult to use in residential areas. It can be used as a specimen tree or shade tree in parks or other large areas.
 
Culture: Bigleaf magnolia can be grown in full sun or part shade. It prefers well-drained sand or loam and slightly alkaline to acidic soil. The tree is moderately tolerant of drought. It is susceptible to ice and wind damage, and its large leaves damage easily and decompose slowly, creating a litter problem. It tends to be short-lived in landscape settings unless care is taken to meet its cultural requirements. Bigleaf magnolia has suffered tip damage in zone 4.

Native habitat: Ohio to Florida, Arkansas to Louisiana. Growth habit - Oval, pyramidal, irregular silhouette.
Growth habit: is moderate.
Tree size: Reaches an average height of 30 to 40 feet.
Flower and fruit: Flowers are creamy white and up to a foot across. Flowers are borne in summer and have a pleasant fragrance. The inner three petals have purple stains near their base. Fruit is round to egg-shaped, rose-colored and about 3 inches long. Fruit is persistant and attracts birds.
Leaf: Leaves are alternate, simple, 12 to 36 inches long and 7 to 12 inches wide. They are bright green above and silvery gray below. Petioles are 2 to 4 inches long. Fall color is yellow.
Hardiness: Winter hardy to USDA zone 5.

Additional information:
Bigleaf magnolia is a deciduous tree but is semi-evergreen in the deep South. Bigleaf magnolia occurs over a large area but individual trees are scarce. It is found in Kentucky, which is home to the national champion - a tree in Tight Hollow, Ky. measured 108 feet tall with a 42-foot spread.

"Purple Robe" black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia "Purple Robe") can grow in some of the most difficult conditions and on a variety of sites. The tree reaches 30 to 50 feet tall at maturity, and its oval canopy spreads 20 to 35 feet wide. In spring, it blooms with fragrant and showy pinkish-purple flowers, attracting bees to the area. "Purple Robe" grows in  plant hardiness zones 4 through 8.

Sun and Soil Requirements: "Purple Robe" can grow in full sun or light shade, and in almost any type of well-draining soil, from acidic to alkaline and dry to moist. Avoid planting it in areas that flood often, as this plant cannot tolerate standing water. Unlike many other trees, "Purple Robe" can grow on salty sites and in extremely poor, almost barren soils. It grows best in moist, rich loam.

A small, slow-growing tree, up to 20 metres tall and 25 centimetres in diameter. It often has a characteristic cluster of branches at the top forming a club or crow's nest. Needles are blue-green, short, stiff, and four-sided. The needles are arranged in all directions along the twig or mostly pointing upwards. Seed cones are small and purplish. The old cones hang on the tree for several years. Pollen cones are dark red. It grows throughout the northern part of the province. Black spruce tolerates poor growing conditions. It often occurs in pure groups of trees or with lodgepole pine and white spruce. It is frequently found in cold, poorly drained areas, such as swamps and bogs, along with sphagnum mosses and horsetails. Lingonberry and Labrador tea are also plentiful.

Black spruce forests are rich in wildlife. Moose, muskrat, and mink are numerous and many birds eat the abundant insects in these wet, boggy areas. The Carrier people used black spruce wood to make fish traps. Other aboriginal people made snowshoe frames and drying racks. They also used powdered resin on wounds to speed healing. [Caution]

The long fibres in black spruce make this a preferred pulp species for paper products. The name mariana means "of Maryland." Phillip Miller, who named the species, felt that Maryland epitomized North America - but the species does not actually grow there!

This evergreen rhododendron produces bright purple flower buds that open into flowers that are dark purple on the outside and pale purple on the inside. An adorable little rhododendron with small green leaves in summer, turning bronze in winter. An addition of acidophilic potting soil is essential for planting. A spring application of acidifying fertilizer is recommended. Avoid excessive watering. Mulch recommended.

Hardiness zone : 5

Baby Blue Spruce Trees are a selection that will give you the bluest of the Blue Spruce Color. It stays slightly smaller than its cousin the Colorado Blue Spruce but will be much bluer. Baby Blue Spruce Trees are an improved strain of the Colorado Blue Spruce Tree. They are comparable to the best blue clones of the species. Every tree is very blue with needles arranged in a full round pattern. Perfect for containers. Slower growing than the species.

• Excellent for privacy or used as a windbreak when planted in a row
• Magnificent silvery blue-green color intensifies with age, and stays year-round
• Popular for its compact, columnar, pyramidal shape 
• Long lived specimen

Boxwood is renowned for its ease of pruning, which means it can be given almost any desired shape. Thanks to its small leaves and compact shape, boxwood is ideal for sculpting. For some of us, carving is a real passion and a true art. Its hard wood and tough leaves mean that it lasts a very long time, sometimes for centuries...

Greenish yellow flowers (separate male and female flowers on the same plant) appear in early spring. Flowers are insignificant but quite fragrant. Small, obovate, medium green leaves 

Zone 4

Catalpa bignonioides, the common catalpa, is a medium-sized deciduous tree in the Bignoniaceae family. It is native to the southeastern United States. Its large, slightly exotic leaves and rounded silhouette, combined with rapid growth, have made this species a valuable addition to parks and gardens. What's more, it produces a deep shade where it's pleasant to cool off, and also offers a pretty summer bloom. The common catalpa is an excellent solitary tree for lawns. Horticultural varieties bring diversity to the foliage, or more compact forms interesting for smaller gardens.

Zone 4a

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best flowering occurs in full sun. Adapts to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers well-drained loams. Established plants will tolerate dryish soils. Plants bloom on old growth. Avoid heavy pruning. Prune to shape as needed in spring after flowering to stimulate growth of flowering spurs which will improve bloom for the following year (although such pruning will reduce fruit production for the current year). Promptly remove root suckers to control possible spread.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Chaenomeles speciosa, commonly called flowering quince, is a dense, broad-rounded, deciduous shrub with often-tangled, spiny, gray-brown twigs. It typically grows to 6-10’ tall and as wide. It is native to China, Tibet and Myanmar (Burma). Scarlet to red (less frequently pink or white) five-petaled flowers (to 2” diameter) bloom before the leaves fully unfold in an often showy early spring bloom (late March - April). Flowers are followed by hard, dot-speckled, edible, yellowish-green fruits (2.5” quinces) that are rather bitter when eaten fresh from the shrub, but quite tasty in preserves and jellies. Finely-toothed, oval to oblong, glossy dark green leaves (to 3.5” long).

One look at ‘Texas Scarlet’ flowering quince in bloom and most gardeners are instantly sold. Though the display only lasts a week or two in early spring, the sight of the tomato-red flowers is unforgettable. During the rest of the season, ‘Texas Scarlet’ remains a wave of glossy green leaves that reaches 2 to 3 feet tall in the toughest of conditions.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsCompact and spreading. Many tomato-red flowers. Great plant for slopes. Green fruit, ripening to yellow, is edible when cooked.

Care‘Texas Scarlet’ is an easy plant to establish in full sun to partial shade. In warm and rainy years, however, the leaves may succumb to a fungus that spreads by splashing water and causes leaf spot and possible defoliation by late summer. Cleaning up the fallen leaves is the best way to alleviate future infestations.

PropagationIn autumn, sow seed in containers in an open frame or seedbed. Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or layer in autumn.

A spreading, yet compact, deciduous shrub excellent for mass plantings and borders. A beautiful early blooming white flower that can be use for cutting or to attract butterflies. Small quince fruit attracts birds. Deciduous.

Zone 4a

Chaenomeles are deciduous, usually spiny shrubs with simple leaves and cup-shaped, 5-petalled flowers, solitary or clustered, in spring, followed by edible often fragrant green or yellow fruits

Details 'Pink Lady' is a small deciduous shrub of spreading habit, with glossy, obovate leaves to 5cm in length, and clear pink flowers 3.5cm across opening from darker buds. Fruit apple-like, yellow and fragrant when ripe

for zone 3b with dutch elm disease resistant

A small to medium, deciduous/semi deciduous tree with a wide spreading, vase-shaped to broadly rounded, canopy. The slender trunk has highly ornamental bark that, in older trees, will flake in irregular patches to reveal brownish-orange to green and grey mottled colouring. Leaves are small, dark green and have a shallowly serrated margin. Autumn colour is yellow to yellowish-green. Small green flowers are inconspicuous and fruit is a rounded samara. Grows best in full sun and is very adaptable to a wide range of urban situations and conditions such as compaction, wetness, dryness and air pollution. Not tolerant of water-logged soils though and requires a moist well-drained soil that is lightly acidic to alkaline. Widely planted in large parks and gardens as a shade or specimen tree.

A late to mid-season bloomer with large, rounded trusses, each holding a dozen or more clear white bell-shaped flowers with yellow dorsal blotches. The compact, dense form is wider than tall, with an excellent even growth habit. Exhibits good sun tolerance. 

Hardiness zone: 5

Exposure: part shade

Zone protected 5b but more zone 6a-6b

Bring a tropical vibe to your front yard landscaping, patio, or deck area with a beautiful E.H. Wilson Mimosa tree (a.k.a. E.H. Wilson Silk Tree).  This exotic, fast-growing tree quickly forms an arching canopy of tiny, delicate green leaves to shade a cozy sitting area beneath.  Hummingbirds will entertain you with their aeronautics as they swoop in on the fluffy, flamingo-pink flowers which last for weeks in summer.  Plant this ornamental tree where it can be seen from both inside and outside your home, and you might even look forward to standing at the kitchen window to do dishes!

The Story

E.H. Wilson Mimosa is a true story of survival. Ernest Henry Wilson, also known as Ernest Henry “Chinese” Wilson is responsible for introducing thousands of Asian plant species to the West. In the early 1900’s he became a collector for Arnold Arboretum in Boston Massachusetts. During a visit to Korea in 1918, he collected seeds from a cultivated Mimosa tree in the hotel courtyard. Only a few seeds were collected and brought back to Boston. Four years later the seedling were planted in the Arboretum, but after the first winter all but one died. This little champion was named the E.H. Wilson Mimosa and thanks to the efforts of E.H. Wilson and the Arnold Arboretum we now have a beautiful tropical tree that can withstand New England winters.

The blue spruce, green spruce, white spruce, Colorado spruce or Colorado blue spruce, with the scientific name Picea pungens, is a species of spruce tree. It is native to the Rocky Mountains of the United States. Its natural range extends from Colorado to Wyoming but it has been widely introduced elsewhere and is used as an ornamental tree in many places far beyond its native range.

In the wild, Picea pungens grows to about 23 m (75 ft), but when planted in parks and gardens it seldom exceeds 15 m (49 ft) tall by 5 m (16 ft) wide. It is a columnar or conical evergreen conifer with densely growing horizontal branches. It has scaly grey bark on the trunk with yellowish-brown branches. Waxy grey-green leaves, up to 3 cm (1 in) long, are arranged radially on the shoots which curve upwards. The pale brown cones are up to 10 cm (4 in) long. Suitable for zone 2b.

Common buttonbush is a multi-stemmed shrub which grows 6-12 ft. or occasionally taller. Leaves in pairs or in threes, petiolate; blade up to 8 inches long, ovate to narrower, sometimes 1/3 or less as wide as long, with a pointed tip and rounded to tapered base, smooth margins and glossy upper surface, lower surface duller. Glossy, dark-green leaves lack significant fall color. Flowers small, borne in distinctive, dense, spherical clusters (heads) with a fringe of pistils protruded beyond the white corollas. Long-lasting, unusual blossoms are white or pale-pink, one-inch globes. Subsequent rounded masses of nutlets persist through the winter. Trunks are often twisted. Spreading, much-branched shrub or sometimes small tree with many branches (often crooked and leaning), irregular crown, balls of white flowers resembling pincushions, and buttonlike balls of fruit.

Buttonbush is a handsome ornamental suited to wet soils and is also a honey plant. Ducks and other water birds and shorebirds consume the seeds.

Until the late 1990s, common ninebark was a medium to large, multi-stemmed, green- or yellow-foliaged shrub with arching stems that had little appeal as a landscape plant. Newer cultivars now offer unique foliage color and smaller plant size. These ornamental traits in combination with the species' cold hardiness and its adaptability across a variety of soil textures, moisture levels, and pH make it an appealing and versatile landscaping shrub for gardens and landscapes. Traditionally ninebarks were used in mass, border, or screen plantings but newer cultivars with their smaller size and colorful foliage allow for additional landscape use as accent or specimen plants. Spring flowers are also attractive nectar sources for butterflies and other pollinators.

Common ninebark provides interest throughout the year. Spring color of the 3-lobed maple-like leaves will vary by cultivar and may be yellow-orange, burgundy, crimson-red, gold, or green. Leaf color and intensity of color of some cultivars will change across the growing season. Planting ninebarks in full sun ensures best foliage color. 1-2" white or pink flat-topped flower clusters appear from spring through mid-summer and are followed by pink to red clusters of seed capsules that eventually turn brown in late fall. The multicolored, peeling bark provides winter interest in the landscape.

Zone 3b

An outstanding flowering tree with an upright form that becomes rounded with age. Reddish new foliage matures to a dark green. Lovely deep pink spring flowers produce persistent, small, dark red-purple fruit. A colorful accent for smaller landscapes. Deciduous.

Zone 3b

Crabapple 'Profusion', Crab Apple 'Profusion', Malus 'Profusion' Noted for its abundance of colorful flowers, Malus 'Profusion' is an upright deciduous tree of spreading, rounded habit that is very showy in bloom. Opening from red buds, masses of fragrant, deep rose-pink flowers appear in pretty clusters in mid-spring.

here are a few trees that could really be considered amazing spring bloomers - the kind that photographers search out for photoshoots and romantic comedies show lovers picnicking under. Robinson Crabapple Tree (Malus 'Robinson') sits at the top of that list. You'll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn't love the exuberant flush of color that the Robinson flowering crabapple tree delivers each spring. The tree is covered in huge, baby-pink blossoms. The leaves provide dappled shade all summer and you get decorative fruit in the fall and textured bark in the winter. Four solid seasons of interest!

All of the Robinson Crabapple tree information on this new version tells us that it is pest and disease resistant far more than other crabapples. You won't be plagued by the weaknesses of older versions.

Robinson Crabapple is one of our most popular spring trees, so make sure to order yours before we sell out again!

Adirondack crabapple is a small, disease-resistant, flowering tree with upright branches outlined by dark green foliage ideal for zone 3a-3b and very cold resistant. 'Adirondack' is consistently rated high across the country as being a superior crabapple. In spring, red buds open to white blossoms tinged with pink followed by small, persistent red fruits. It is one of the most profusely flowered of all crabapple cultivars. Fruits are red to orange red and last well into December. Foliage is medium green and not terrible significant in autumn. The upright form makes this tree excellent in highly formal settings and where space is limited. This crabapple grows best and is most disease resistant in full sun. It will adapt to varying soils including sandy sites and clay as long as the location does not have standing water during the winter. Once established, it is drought tolerant.

Crabapple for zone 3

A lovely flowering garden tree with an upright form and a nicely rounded, oval crown. The showy, white blooms in spring produce bright gold crabapples in the fall. Wonderful for use as a landscape accent or grouped as a privacy screen. The crisp, attractive, dark green foliage turns yellow in fall. Excellent winter hardiness and disease resistance. Deciduous.

This easy-to-grow accent tree can be used as a single specimen in the front yard for curb appeal, or in the back where you may enjoy its seasonal changes. An excellent habitat and food source for wildlife. There is nothing more beautiful than a gateway flanked with flowering Crabapple, or a long run of them up the driveway for a large-scale display. Perfect for country and cottage gardens to achieve that old-fashioned romantic character. May be pruned and trained for a higher crown for use as a street tree or to line sidewalks.

Moderate growing; reaches 20 to 25 ft. tall, 15 to 25 ft. wide.

The bright crimson buds open to single pale purple red flowers. Its striking, shiny purple foliage in the spring turns bronze-green in summer. Very tidy, well proportioned small tree well suited for small garden areas. Disease resistant. Hardy to zone 2b.

Zone 3

Beautiful densely branched and columnar tree habit with sharply ascending branches. Produce pink buds open to fragrant, single, pale pink flowers before the leaves emerge. Flowers are followed by small, red crabapples very decorative. Leaves are medium green in the summer, turning yellow in the fall
 

Zone 4

Crabapple featuring a very special purple foliage. Superior disease resistance plus heat and drought tolerance make this unique crabapple a crown jewel among trees Its red berries are persistent. Red rose blooming in the spring.

The Royalty Crabapple is an ornamental tree with brilliant color and fruit. One would look impressive as a shade or street tree in your yard.

This is one of the best small trees  ( 4.5 m or 15' at maturity) there is for outstanding color. It’s simply one of the most beautiful trees you’ll ever have. Just the leaves alone are a study in grandeur. Their emergence in spring will clothe your tree in a cacophony of purple hues unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

This will be augmented with deep pink flowers that will beckon pollinators with their lovely sweet fragrance. The effect upon your emerging spring landscape will be stunning. Fall will bring ripened ¾-inch purple-red fruit that will provide a beneficial food source for your wildlife. The fruit tends to hang on into winter for added seasonal interest.

Your Royalty Crabapple is disease resistant, generally low maintenance and can handle quite a bit of cold. Deer and bunnies don’t seem to bother it, and it’s even tolerant of pollution and urban conditions.

The Royalty Crabapple is a hardy, ornamental tree that will be a decorative accent to your yard for many years. Plant one or more today for their spectacular color and seasonal interest.

For zone 3a- 3b

Attractive purple foliage, turning dark green later on, and finally scarlet and purple in the autumn. Rich pink blossoms and rich purple fruit.
Height: 3 m
Spread: 3 m
Foliage: Purple
Fall Colour: Copper
Flower: Colour Pink

Zone 2

Selkirk Flowering Crab is blanketed in stunning clusters of fragrant rose flowers along the branches in mid spring before the leaves. It has attractive red green foliage throughout the season. The pointy leaves are ornamentally significant and turn yellow in fall. The fruits are showy bright red pomes that turn purple with ages. They are carried in abundance from early to mid fall.

Zone 2

Rosthern Siberian Crab Apple is covered in stunning clusters of fragrant white flowers along the branches in mid spring before the leaves. The fruits are showy red pomes carried in abundance from early fall to early winter. It has dark green foliage throughout the season. The pointy leaves turn yellow in fall.

ON PRE-ORDER FOR SPRING 2024

Malus Pink Glow, also known as Malus Dolgo, is named for its elongated dusky pink fruits, which form in plum-like clusters in September. The fruit is on the larger size for a crab apple, making it easy to use in the kitchen - it is perfect for crab apple jelly and a good source of pectin for other fruit jellies. The blossom is plain white but borne in profusion early in the apple-blossom season, making Pink Glow an excellent pollinator for all early-flowering apple varieties. Very hardy and cold tolerant, we can grow Dolgo crab apple in zone 3a easily.

Suitable for protected zone 3a

Juniperus virginiana, its common names include red cedar, eastern red-cedar, eastern juniper, red juniper, aromatic cedar — is a species of juniper native to eastern North America from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and east of the Great Plains. Further west it is replaced by the related Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain Juniper) and to the southwest by Juniperus ashei (Ashe Juniper). Juniperus virginiana is a dense slow-growing coniferous evergreen tree that may never become more than a bush on poor soil, but is ordinarily from 5–20 m or 16–66 ft (rarely to 27 m or 89 ft) tall, with a short trunk 30–100 cm or 12–39 in (rarely 170 cm or 67 in) diameter. The oldest tree reported, from West Virginia, was 940 years old.The bark is reddish-brown, fibrous, and peels off in narrow strips. The leaves are of two types; sharp, spreading needle-like juvenile leaves 5–10 cm (2.0–3.9 in) long, and tightly adpressed scale-like adult leaves 2–4 mm (0.079–0.157 in) long; they are arranged in opposite decussate pairs or occasionally whorls of three. The juvenile leaves are found on young plants up to 3 years old, and as scattered shoots on adult trees, usually in shade. The seed cones are 3–7 mm (0.12–0.28 in) long, berry-like, dark purple-blue with a white wax cover giving an overall sky-blue color (though the wax often rubs off); they contain one to three (rarely up to four) seeds, and are mature in 6–8 months from pollination. The juniper berry is an important winter food for many birds, which disperse the wingless seeds. The pollen cones are 2–3 mm (0.079–0.118 in) long and 1.5 mm (0.059 in) broad, shedding pollen in late winter or early spring. The trees are usually dioecious, with pollen and seed cones on separate trees. It is a pioneer invader, which means that it is one of the first trees to repopulate cleared, eroded, or otherwise damaged land. It is unusually long lived among pioneer species, with the potential to live over 900 years. The tree is commonly found in prairies or oak barrens, old pastures, or limestone hills, often along highways and near recent construction sites.It is an alternate host for cedar-apple rust disease, an economically significant disease of apples, and some management strategies recommend the removal of J. virginiana near apple orchards.

In many areas the trees are considered an invasive species, even if native. The fire intolerant J. virginiana was previously controlled by periodic wildfires. Low branches near the ground burn and provide a ladder that allows fire to engulf the whole tree. Grasses recover quickly from low severity fires that are characteristic of prairies that kept the trees at bay. With the urbanization of prairies, the fires have been stopped with roads, plowed fields, and other fire breaks, allowing J. virginiana and other trees to invade.

The fine-grained, soft brittle pinkish- to brownish-red heartwood is fragrant, very light and very durable, even in contact with soil. Because of its rot resistance, the wood is used for fence posts. The aromatic wood is avoided by moths, so it is in demand as lining for clothes chests and closets, often referred to as cedar closets and cedar chests. If correctly prepared, it makes excellent English longbows, flatbows, and Native American sinew-backed bows. The wood is marketed as "eastern redcedar" or "aromatic cedar". The best portions of the heartwood are one of the few woods good for making pencils, but the supply had diminished sufficiently by the 1940s that it was largely replaced by incense-cedar. Juniper oil is distilled from the wood, twigs and leaves. The essential oil contains cedrol which has toxic and possibly carcinogenic properties. The cones are used to flavor gin.

for zone 6 and over for flowers... but can be grown differently in zone 4 and 5 for leaves mass density

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Prefers sandy humusy loams with good drainage. Tolerates a wide range of soils including poor, dry ones, but dislikes unamended heavy clay soils typical of the St. Louis area. Tolerates light shade, but is generally intolerant of shady conditions. Blooms on old wood (buds form in summer for the following spring bloom). Overwintering flower buds are ornamentally attractive, but may be damaged in very cold winters, particularly when temperatures dip below 0 degrees F. Best sited in locations protected from strong winds. In colder zone like zone 4 and 5, Paulownias may be grown as non-flowering foliage plants by administering annual hard dormant season prunings. Tree forms may be pollarded (annually prune branches back to the trunk) and shrub forms may be coppiced (annually prune stems to the ground). Such hard dormant season prunings encourage the development of much larger leaves (up to 24” long) at the expense of the spring flowers. Can also be grown in containers as a foliage plant.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Native to China, royal paulownia (empress tree or princess tree) is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that is primarily grown for its profuse spring bloom of foxglove-like flowers and its large catalpa-like green leaves. It was first introduced into the United States in the mid 1800s, and has since escaped cultivation and naturalized in many areas of the eastern U.S. It is an upright to spreading deciduous tree that typically grows to 40’ tall with a rounded crown. It is noted for its profuse bloom of fragrant, tubular, funnel-shaped, pinkish-lavender flowers (to 2” long) with interior dark purple spotting and creamy yellow striping. Flowers appear in spring in clusters (to 14” long) before the foliage. Flower aroma is reminiscent of vanilla. Flowers are edible and are sometimes added to salads. Flowers are followed by oval, woody, dehiscent seed capsules that emerge sticky green and ripen to brown in fall, at which point they split open releasing abundant winged seeds. Ovate, green leaves (to 5-12” long) are lightly hairy above and densely hairy beneath. No fall color. Paulownia is currently placed in its own family. Genus name honors Anna Paulowna (1795-1865), daugher of Tsar Paul I of Russia. Tomentosa from Latin means having soft woolly hairs. Wood is commercially valuable in Japan.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Flower buds may be killed by harsh winters.

Evergreen Rhododendron. Its broad leaves are dark green above and pale green below. It has a compact habit and can withstand the heat of our summers. Creamy-white flowers. An addition of acidophilic potting soil is essential for planting. A spring application of acidifying fertilizer is recommended. Moist, well-drained soil. Avoid excessive watering. Mulch recommended.

Hardiness zone: 5

Exposure: part shade

Forsythia is a very fast blooming shrub that introduces early spring with beautiful yellow bell-shaped flowers.

Forsythia will make a great addition to any landscape! Looking for a fast growing hedge? This is the flowering shrub you have. With beautiful yellow flowers every spring

Height: 8 feet
Width: 7 feet
Sunlight: full sun 
Hardiness zone: 3a
Other names: Golden Bells

Corylopsis is a genus of nearly 30 species of shrubs in the witch hazel family, Hamamelidaceae, native to eastern Asia with the majority of species endemic in China but with some also in Japan, Korea, and the Himalayas. This genus is also known from the extinct specie Corylopsis readae described from Eocene leaf fossils found in Washington State, USA.

They grow to 2–6 m (6 ft 7 in–19 ft 8 in) tall, often with a crown wider than the shrub's height. The leaves are ovate with an acute apex and a serrated margin, 4–20 cm (2–8 in) long and 3–15 cm (1.2–5.9 in) broad. The flowers are produced in late winter in pendulous racemes 3–9 cm (1.2–3.5 in) long with 5-30 flowers; each flower has five pale yellow petals, 4-9 mm long. The fruit is a dry capsule 10-12 mm long, containing two glossy black seeds. They are excellent ornamental trees.

An upright cultivar whose beauty is enhanced by the abundant production of deep pink flowers in spring and remains decorative all season long with its large, dark green evergreen foliage.

Hardiness zone: 3

Exposure: part shade

Zone 3

Beautiful flowering tree with interesting twisted trunk. Fragrant double flower clusters open white and darken to pink with age. Small red fruit in fall. Glossy green lobed leaves turn yellow in fall. Developed by Agriculture Canada at the Morden Research station.

Hibiscus syriacus is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae, native to much of Asia (though not, as Linnaeus thought, Syria, in spite of the name he gave it).Common names include rose of Sharon (especially in North America).

Hibiscus syriacus is a hardy deciduous shrub. It is upright and vase-shaped, reaching 2–4 m (7–13 ft) in height, bearing large trumpet-shaped flowers with prominent yellow-tipped white stamens.The flowers are often pink in color, but can also be dark pink (almost purple), light pink or white. Individual flowers are short-lived, lasting only a day. However, numerous buds are produced on the shrub's new growth, and this provides prolific flowering over a long summer blooming period. Shoots make interesting indoor vase cuttings, as they stay green for a long time, and some new flowers may open from the more mature buds. The species has naturalized very well in many suburban areas, and might even be termed slightly invasive, so frequently does it seed around.

For colder zones (3-4),  it is very hardy under the snow cover. The plant itself can stand -15°C or 5°F without being damaged. Under the insulating snow cover, there is no problem and the plant will take again next sping from the base.

zone 5a

A wonderfully distinctive variety of this old-fashioned favorite featuring ostentatious pure white flowers with the most prominent rich ruby-red blotch at the base of each petal surrounding a white stamen cone; commands attention in the garden

Ornamental Features

Red Heart Rose Of Sharon features bold white trumpet-shaped flowers with ruby-red centers along the branches from mid summer to early fall. It has green foliage throughout the season. The lobed leaves do not develop any appreciable fall colour. The fruit is not ornamentally significant.

Landscape Attributes

Red Heart Rose Of Sharon is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a high maintenance shrub that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard

The honey locust, Gleditsia triacanthos, also known as the thorny locust, is a deciduous tree native to central North America where it is mostly found in the moist soil of river valleys ranging from southeastern South Dakota to New Orleans and central Texas, and as far east as eastern Massachusetts. The specie has become a significant invasive weed in other regions of the world. Honey locusts, can reach a height of 20–30 m (66–100 ft), with fast growth, and are relatively short-lived; their life spans are typically about 120 years, though some live up to 150 years. They are prone to losing large branches in windstorms. The leaflets are 1.5–2.5 cm (smaller on bipinnate leaves) and bright green. They turn yellow in the fall (autumn). Leafs out relatively late in spring, but generally slightly earlier than the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). The strongly scented cream-colored flowers appear in late spring, in clusters emerging from the base of the leaf axils.

The fruit of the honey locust is a flat legume (pod) that matures in early autumn. The pods are generally between 15–20 cm. The pulp on the insides of the pods is edible and sweet, unlike the black locust, which is toxic. Honey locusts commonly have thorns 3–10 cm long growing out of the branches, some reaching lengths over 20 cm; these may be single, or branched into several points, and commonly form dense clusters. The thorns are fairly soft and green when young, harden and turn red as they age, then fade to ash grey and turn brittle when mature. Its cultivars are popular ornamental plants, especially in the northern plains of North America where few other trees can survive and prosper. It tolerates urban conditions, compacted soil, road salt, alkaline soil, heat and drought. The popularity is in part due to the fact that it transplants so easily. The fast growth rate and tolerance of poor site conditions make it valued in areas where shade is wanted quickly, such as new parks or housing developments, and in disturbed and reclaimed environments, such as mine tailings.

zone 5a

A somewhat smaller version of this rigidly upright shrub featuring very showy double magenta-pink flowers over a long period; ideal for the mixed garden border or in mass plantings

Ornamental Features

Lucy Rose Of Sharon features bold fuchsia round flowers with pink overtones along the branches from mid summer to early fall. It has green foliage throughout the season. The lobed leaves do not develop any appreciable fall colour. The fruit is not ornamentally significant.

Landscape Attributes

Lucy Rose Of Sharon is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a high maintenance shrub that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard,

A first rate accent tree adorned with frothy upright panicles of creamy white flowers in early summer; interesting steel-gray bark and a dense, upright habit, an ideal choice for small home landscapes; needs full sun and well-drained soil.

Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac features showy plumes of fragrant creamy white flowers rising above the foliage from late spring to early summer. It has dark green foliage throughout the season. The pointy leaves do not develop any appreciable fall colour. The fruit is not ornamentally significant. The smooth dark red bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac will grow to be about 25 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 5 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America but from the mountains in northern Japan.

The tree of small size seems to mature to the crabapple in term of size. It should be planted in zone 5a or 5b in a protected location. In spring, it has fragrant, semi-double pink flowers, which are sometimes followed by small black fruits that look like cherries. The young yellowish-green leaves turn green in summer and then orange-red in fall. A good choice for small gardens. Use in isolation. Plant in a location protected from strong winter winds. Protect the first few winters with a rolled up cloth. This is the famous cherry tree found in Washington in bloom in March. In our latitudes, they bloom in late May or June.

Height : 5 to 12 m

Exposure : Sunny

Soil : Ordinary, well drained

Flowering : February-April

This red leaf Japanese maple has finely-divided, lacy leaves of a deep red in the spring but foliage color fades to light green in early summer. Leaves take on a beautiful golden, orange or red color in fall. A small, deciduous tree with delicate, upright branches, 'Atropurpureum' Japanese maple reaches a height and spread of about 20 feet, forming a vase shaped specimen tree. The multiple trunks are picturesque and show nicely when lit up at night from beneath the canopy. This cultivar of Japanese maple is grown for its colored leaves and interesting growth habit. Hardy to zone 5a.

Cercidiphyllum is a genus containing two species of plants, both commonly called katsura. They are the sole members of the monotypic family Cercidiphyllaceae. The genus is native to Japan and China and unrelated to Cercis (redbuds).

The type specie, Cercidiphyllum japonicum, can reach 45 m (148 ft) in height, and is one of the largest hardwoods in Asia. Cercidiphyllum produces spurs along its twigs. These are short stems with closely spaced leaves. The foliage is dimorphic. According to a recent description "short shoots bear broadly cordate or reniform, palmately veined leaves with crenate margins; long shoots bear elliptic to broadly ovate leaves with entire or finely serrate margins." Leaf size varies from 3–8 cm long and 3-5.5 cm broad. The genus is dioecious, having separate male and female trees. The small inconspicuous flowers are produced in early spring and wind-pollinated; the fruit is a cluster of 2-4 small pods, each pod 1–2 cm long with numerous small, flattened and winged seeds. The fruits mature in autumn and release their seeds in autumn through winter.

Katsura is grown as an ornamental tree for its delicate heart-shaped leaves and bright autumn colour, a mix of bright yellow, pink and orange-red. Where conditions are suitable, it is fast-growing, but it is very sensitive to drought and needs deep, permanently moist soil. Of particular interest is the scent produced by the leaves in the autumn, resembling burnt brown sugar or cotton candy. Trees in cultivation, like those in natural environments, tend to sucker from the base when young and become multi-stemmed at maturity; pruning to maintain a single stem is not advised. Suitable for zone 4b.

Magnolia kobus, known as the Kobushi magnolia or Kobus magnolia, is a species of Magnolia native to Japan and occasionally cultivated in temperate areas. It is a deciduous, small to tall tree which has a slow rate of growth but can reach 8–15 m (25–75 ft) in height and up to 10 m (35 ft) in spread. The Kobushi magnolia is closely related to the star magnolia (Magnolia stellata), and some authorities consider the star magnolia to be a variety of M. kobus, M. kobus var. stellata. Hardy enought for canadian zone 4a

Magnolia kobus blooms in the early spring, bearing pleasantly fragrant white flowers with hints of pale pink about 10 cm (4 in) in diameter. The flowers are produced before the leaves, as with most members of Magnolia subgenus Yulania. Young trees do not flower. The summer foliage of the Kobushi magnolia is dark green. Leaves have an obovate shape with a pointed tip, a smooth, or glabrous, leaf underside, and smooth, even edges. Leaves are 8–15 cm (3–6 in) long, in an alternating arrangement. In autumn, the leaves take on a yellow color and drop from the tree. The fruit of the Kobushi magnolia grows in groups of small red seeds. Older bark, such as that of the trunk, is grey-brown, while new stems are green with small brown spots. There is a strong odor to broken branches or twigs. The Kobushi magnolia prefers full sun to partial shade, rich, well-drained soil, and is tolerant of acidic soils.

Acer pseudosieboldianum, the Korean maple or purplebloom maple, is a specie of maple. It is native to northeastern China, Korea, and the Russian Far East. Acer pseudosieboldianum is a small tree or shrub. It is deciduous. It grows about 12 to 18 inches per year. The mature tree is 15 to 25 feet tall.

The leaves are 4 to 6 inches wide and have usually 9 to 11 lobes. The green leaves turn shades of red, yellow and orange in fall. This specie exhibits Marcescence (tends to hold on to a portion of its dried leaves through the winter). The flowers are white with purple bracts. New growth is coated in white, sticky hairs. This characteristic distinguishes the plant from the similar Acer sieboldianum, which lacks hairs.

The bark of the plant is thin and easily damaged by mechanical injury or in harsh weather. Tears in the bark make it vulnerable to insect and fungal infestation. The specie is susceptible to canker and Verticillium wilt when stressed. The Korean maple is cultivated as an ornamental plant. It withstands a cold climate better than the comparable Japanese maple. It has been grown in North Dakota, where it has done well in temperatures as low as -43°C. The specie has been hybridized with Japanese Maple at the University of Wisconsin to produce a cold hardy tree with intermediate characteristics between the two parents.

Philadelphus lewisii (Lewis' mock-orange) is a deciduous shrub native to western North America, from northwestern California in the Sierra Nevada, north to southern British Columbia, and east to Idaho and Montana. It is widespread but not very common, usually appearing as an individual plant amongst other species. It was first collected by Meriwether Lewis in 1806. Other common names include wild mock-orange (though this can apply to any species in the genus), and syringa, a name that usually refers to the unrelated lilacs. The shrub is rounded and grows to 1.5 to 3 meters in height. It sends out long stems which are red when new and fade to gray with age, the bark shredding in small flakes. The oppositely arranged leaves vary in size across individual plants but they are usually oval, 3 to 5 centimeters long, smooth or serrated along the edges, and light green in color with a rough texture. The flowers are produced in clusters at the ends of long stems, with four white petals up to 4 centimeters long and numerous yellow stamens. At the height of flowering, the plant is covered in a mass of blossoms. The flowers have a heavy, sweet scent similar to orange blossoms with a hint of pineapple. The fruit is a small hard capsule about a centimeter long with woody, pointed wings, containing many brown seeds.

Native American tribes used P. lewisii for numerous purposes. The hard wood was useful for making hunting and fishing tools, snowshoes, pipes, and furniture. The leaves and bark, which contain saponins, were mixed in water for use as a mild soap

Magnolia liliiflora (variously known by many names, including Mulan magnolia, purple magnolia, red magnolia, lily magnolia, tulip magnolia, Jane magnolia and woody-orchid) is a small tree native to southwest China (in Sichuan and Yunnan), but cultivated for centuries elsewhere in China and also Japan. It was first introduced to English-speaking countries from cultivated Japanese origins, and is thus also sometimes called Japanese magnolia, though it is not native to Japan. It is now also planted as an ornamental in North America and Europe, though rather less often than its popular hybrid.It is a deciduous shrub, exceptionally a small tree, to 4m tall (smaller than most other magnolias), and blooms profusely in early spring with large pink to purple showy flowers, before the leaf buds open.

This species is one of the parents of the very popular hybrid Saucer magnolia, M. × soulangeana, the other parent being the Yulan magnolia, M. denudata.

Zone 4b

'Yellow Bird' is an artificial hybrid cultivar introduced from the Brooklyn Botanical Garden in the Magnoliaceae (magnolia) family.  This deciduous tree reaches a height of 40 feet and a width of 25 feet with a pyramidal habit when young, maturing to a more rounded crown. Unlike some hybrid magnolias, 'Yellow Bird' grows with a single trunk in a more tree-like form.

'Yellow Bird' prefers moist, humus-rich, slightly acidic soil in full sun to part shade.  Once it is established it is somewhat drought tolerant but will need occasional deep watering during the summer months. The unusual bright yellow flowers appear in late spring so are not subject to damage to late drops in temperature like other magnolias.  

This stunning flowering tree makes an excellent specimen for an Asian or cottage theme garden.  Its graceful mature shape works well in parks or recreational areas or in larger backyards.

Zone 5

Considered one of the most beautiful yellow-flowered magnolias! Its intense yellow flowers appear before foliage sets. Choose a location protected from strong winter winds. Use as an isolated plant. Winter protection strongly recommended for the first few years.

Magnolia delavayi is a superb, medium-sized ornamental tree with large, grey-green leaves and large, deliciously fragrant cream flowers from midsummer to autumn. Moderately hardy (up to -12°C), it requires a location sheltered from cold winter winds, a sunny or semi-shady exposure, and neutral to acidic, fertile, moist, well-drained soil. This Magnolia, an extremely rare species that qualifies as a collector's tree, is waiting to be discovered!

Large, elongated, fragrant purple flowers 10 to 15 cm in diameter.

Pruning: Not necessary. If necessary, prune soon after flowering.

Hardiness zone: 5

Exposure: Sun

Magnolia sieboldii, Siebold's Magnolia, also known as Oyama Magnolia, is a species of Magnolia native to east Asia in China, Japan, and Korea. Magnolia sieboldii is a large shrub or small tree 5–10 m tall (16-32 feet). The stalks, young leaves, young twigs and young buds are downy. The leaves are elliptical to ovate-oblong, 9-16 cm (rarely 25 cm) long and 4-10 cm (rarely 12 cm) broad, with a 1.5-4.5 cm petiole.

The flowers, unlike the better-known spring flowering Magnolias, open primarily in the early summer, but continue intermittently until late summer. They are pendulous, cup-shaped, 7-10 cm diameter, and have 6-12 tepals, the outer three smaller, the rest larger, and pure white; the carpels are greenish and the stamens reddish-purple or greenish-white. Magnolia sieboldii is grown as an ornamental tree in gardens. It is one of the hardiest magnolias, successful in cultivation as far north as the Arboretum Mustila in Finland. Hardy to zone 4b

Best grown in acidic, humusy, organically rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Prefers a sun dappled shade. Foliage may scorch in full sun. Acidify soils prior to planting and thereafter as needed. Plant in a location protected from strong winter winds. Good soil drainage is essential (doesn’t like “wet feet”). Poor drainage inevitably leads to root rot, therefore raised beds/plantings should be considered in heavy clay soils such as those present in much of the St. Louis area. Shallow, fibrous root systems (do not cultivate around plants) will benefit greatly from a mulch (e.g., wood chips, bark or pine needles) to help retain moisture and stabilize soil temperatures. Roots must never be allowed to dry out. Clip off spent flower clusters immediately after bloom as practicable. PJM plants do not produce seed.

Noteworthy Characteristics

PJM Group is a series of rhododendron hybrids that resulted from crosses between R. carolinianum and R. dauricum var. sempervirens. These hybrids are compact, rounded, small-leaved, evergreen shrubs that generally grow to 3-6’ tall and are noted for having exceptional winter hardiness. Lavender, rose or pink flowers (color varies with cultivar) bloom in clusters (4-9 flowers per cluster) in April. Elliptic, hairless, leathery, dark green leaves (to 2.5” long). Foliage acquires purple tones in winter. These rhododendrons are noted for growing well in the upper Midwest and New England climates. The original hybridization work was started in the late 1930s to early 1940s by Massachusetts nurserymen Edmund Mezitt and his father, Peter J. Mezitt, whose initials became the name for the group.

Problems

Rhododendrons are susceptible to many insect and disease problems, including but not limited to canker, crown rot, root rot, leaf spot, rust, powdery mildew, aphids, borers, lacebugs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, nematodes, scale, thrips and whitefly. A healthy plant in the proper environment with proper care should have limited problems, however.

Garden Uses

Mass, group or specimen. Shrub borders, mixed borders, woodland gardens and shade gardens. Informal hedge. Also effective in foundation plantings and as a specimen around the home.

information source: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/

A large-leafed evergreen variety that bears umbels of pale yellow flowers in spring. Of all the rhododendrons, this one is a late bloomer. It's also a tall variety, which needs to be protected from strong winds. Like all rhododendrons, this one likes very acid soils.

Hardiness zone: 5

Exposure: part shade

A compact Rhododendron with pretty, slightly pinkish-white flowers in May, produced from mauve-pink buds. Glossy green evergreen foliage. An addition of acidophilic potting soil is essential for planting. A spring application of acidifying fertilizer is recommended. Avoid excessive watering. Mulch recommended.

Hardiness zone: 5

Exposure: mid-shade

This lovely rose is much under-rated as a garden and landscape plant. Its spiny stems and large rough-textured leaves quickly form a dense barrier, making it a good informal hedge which only needs pruning once a year in early spring. The large, bowl-shaped flowers with their mass of golden stamens are heavily scented and the crab apple-sized dark red hips are highly ornamental. It is disease resistant and has excellent wildlife value.

Rosa blanda, commonly known as the smooth rose,[1][2] meadow/wild rose, or prairie rose, is a species of rose native to North America. Among roses, it is closest to come to a "thornless" rose, with just a few thorns at the base. The meadow rose occurs as a colony-forming shrub growing to 1 m (3.3 ft) high, naturally in prairies and meadows

This lovely rose is much under-rated as a garden and landscape plant. Its spiny stems and large rough-textured leaves quickly form a dense barrier, making it a good informal hedge which only needs pruning once a year in early spring. The large, bowl-shaped flowers with their mass of golden stamens are heavily scented and the crab apple-sized dark red hips are highly ornamental. It is disease resistant and has excellent wildlife value.

Site and soil: Does well on almost any soil, but especially poor sandy soils. Wind and salt tolerant; good in coastal sites.

Height and spread: Below are the approximate stages of growth, assuming sited in suitable conditions for this species; After 10 years: 1.5m x 1.5m

Elaeagnus angustifolia, commonly called Russian olive, silver berry,oleaster, Persian olive, or wild olive, is a species of Elaeagnus, native to western and central Asia, Afghanistan, from southern Russia and Kazakhstan to Turkey and Iran. It is now also widely established in North America as an introduced species.

Elaeagnus angustifolia is a usually thorny shrub or small tree growing to 5–7 metres (16–23 ft) in height. Its stems, buds, and leaves have a dense covering of silvery to rusty scales. The leaves are alternate, lanceolate, 4–9 cm (1 1⁄2–3 1⁄2 in) long and 1–2.5 cm (3⁄8–1 in) broad, with a smooth margin. The highly aromatic flowers, produced in clusters of one to three, and are 1 cm long with a four-lobed creamy yellow calyx; they appear in early summer and are followed by clusters of fruit, a small cherry-like drupe 1.0–1.7 cm long, orange-red covered in silvery scales. The fruits are edible and sweet, though with a dryish, mealy texture.

The shrub can fix nitrogen in its roots, enabling it to grow on bare mineral substrates.

The species was introduced into North America in the late 19th century, and subsequently escaped cultivation, because its fruits are relished by birds which disperse the seeds. Russian olive is considered to be an invasive species in many places in the United States because it thrives on poor soil, has low seedling mortality rates, matures in a few years, and outcompetes wild native vegetation. It often invades riparian habitats where overstory cottonwoods have died.

Culture

Best grown in medium moisture, well-drained, acidic loams in full sun. Adapts to a wide range of soils. Established trees have some drought tolerance. Although some flowers may be lost, it is best to prune this tree as needed in late winter. Spring pruning should be avoided as it produces fresh, open cuts where fireblight bacterium can enter.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Malus sargentii, commonly known as Sargent crabapple as a dense, spreading, horizontally-branched, deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub that may technically be grown as a dwarf tree. As a shrub, it typically grows 6-8' tall with no central leader and spreads to 15' wide. Pink buds open to a profuse, but brief, spring bloom of fragrant, white flowers (1" diameter). Profuse bloom often occurs only in alternate years. Flowers are followed by small, red crabapples (1/4" diameter) which mature in the fall. The pea-sized fruits are sweet-flavored like rose hips, but are not usually used in cooking. Fruits are long-lasting and attractive to birds, however. Ovate, lobed, dark green leaves turn yellow in autumn. The yellow fall color contrasts well with the red fruit.

Problems

Sargent crabapple generally has good disease resistance. Minor susceptibility to apple scab, leaf spot and fire blight. Potential insect pests are of lesser concern and include tent caterpillars, aphids, Japanese beetles, borers, spider mites and scale.

Garden Uses

A dwarf species which is effective when planted as a small specimen or in groups, near fences, in borders or as a screen or hedge. May not be an appropriate selection for smaller gardens because of its alternate year bloom.

For hardiness zone 5 and over. Possible to try this specimen in wind protected area in 4b

Best grown in moist, acidic, organically rich, well-drained loams in full sun to part shade. Generally intolerant of soil extremes (dry or wet). Site in locations protected from strong winds, but avoid southern exposures close to houses where the buds may be induced to open too early in spring. Plants appreciate consistent and regular moisture throughout the year. Best sited in a protected location because early spring frosts can damage flowers.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Magnolia x soulangeana, commonly known as saucer magnolia, is a deciduous hybrid magnolia (M. denudata x M. liliiflora). It is the most commonly grown deciduous magnolia. It is a broad shrub or small tree that typically rises to 20-25’ tall with a rounded crown. It is often grown in a multi-trunked shrubby form. It typically matures over time to 20-30’ tall and as wide. Fragrant flowers (to 8” across) bloom in early spring (early may to late may in southern canada) before the foliage emerges. Flowers are pink with white interiors. Sparse numbers of additional flowers may bloom sporadically later in spring on new growth, but the later flowers are usually less vigorous and less colorful than those of the primary bloom. Saucer magnolia is perhaps the most popular deciduous magnolia in cultivation today, with a large number of hybrid cultivars now available in commerce featuring flowers in various shades of white, pink, rose, purple, magenta and burgundy. Genus name honors Pierre Magnol, French botanist (1638-1715). Hybrid designation honors Chevalier Etienne Soulange-Bodin (1774-1846), Director of the French Royal Institute, who crossed this hybrid in the early 1800s.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Leaf spot and canker can be troublesome. Watch for scale. Late spring frosts may damage flowers.

Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerant of light shade. Prefers rich, moist loams. Adapts to both wet and dry sites. Generally tolerant of urban conditions. Less susceptible to Dutch elm disease. hardy to zone 3b

Noteworthy Characteristics

Slippery elm is a medium sized, coarse-textured, somewhat weedy, deciduous tree that typically grows to 40-60’ (less frequently to 100’) tall with a vase-shaped to broad-rounded crown. It is distinguished by its downy twigs, red-hairy buds (particularly noticable in winter) and slimy red inner bark (rubra meaning red). It is native to southern Ontario and to the eastern and central U. S. It generally reaches its greatest size in moist bottomland or floodplain soils. Insignificant small reddish-green flowers appear in spring before the foliage emerges. Flowers give way to single-seeded wafer-like samaras (each tiny seed is surrounded by a flattened circular papery wing). Seeds mature in April-May as the leaves reach full size. Broad oblong to obovate, dark green leaves (to 4-8” long) are sandpapery above and hairy beneath with serrate margins and asymetrical bases. Leaves often emerge with a red tinge. Leaves typically turn an undistinguished dull yellow in fall. Common name is in reference to the slippery-sweet, fibrous, red inner bark that Native Americans peeled from twigs and branches in spring for medicinal use to treat fevers, inflammations, wounds and sore throat. Strips of the moist bark were also chewed to quench thirst. Native Americans also used the bark for canoes, particularly when birches were unavailable. Synonymous with Ulmus fulva.

Problems

Dutch elm disease, a fatal fungal disease spread by airborne bark beetles, attacks the water-conducting tissue of the tree, resulting in wilting, defoliation and death. Phloem necrosis is a disease caused by a phytoplasma that attacks the food-conducting tissue of the tree, usually resulting in a loosening of the bark, wilting, defoliation and death. Wetwood is a bacterial disease that results in wilting and dieback. Various wilts, rots, cankers and leaf spots may also occur. Insect visitors include borers, leaf miner, beetles, mealy bugs, caterpillars and scale.

Garden Uses

This native elm is generally not used as a landscape tree because of its coarse texture and susceptibility to elm diseases. Though common in many parts of its native range, it is rarely available in commerce.

Information source: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org

Yucca glauca (syn. Yucca angustifolia) is a species of perennial evergreen plant, adapted to xeric (dry) growth conditions. It is also known as small soapweed, soapweed yucca, Great Plains yucca and beargrass. Yucca glauca forms colonies of rosettes. Leaves are long and narrow, up to 60 cm long bur rarely more than 12 mm across. Inflorescence is up to 100 cm tall, sometimes branched sometimes not. Flowers are pendent (drooping, hanging downward), white to very pale green. Fruit is a dry capsule with shiny black seeds.Yucca glauca is native to central North America: occurring from the Canadian Prairies of Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada; south through the Great Plains to Texas and New Mexico in the United States. This variety of Yucca is hardy to zone 2b-3a. Soapweed yucca was a traditional Native American medical plant, used by the Blackfoot, Cheyenne, Lakota, and other tribes.

Viburnum opulus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a medium rate.
It is hardy to zone (UK) 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Jun to July, and the seeds ripen from Sep to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects, self.The plant is self-fertile.

Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Magnolia stellata, sometimes called the star magnolia, is a slow-growing shrub or small tree native to Japan. It bears large, showy white or pink flowers in early spring, before its leaves open. This specie is closely related to the Kobushi magnolia (Magnolia kobus), and is treated by many botanists as a variety or even a cultivar of that. However, Magnolia stellata was accepted as a distinct specie in the 1998 monograph by Hunt.

This tree grows 1.5 to 2.5 m([2] in height, spreading to 4.6m in width at maturity. Young trees display upright oval growth, but the plants spread and mound with age.[3]

The tree blooms at a young age, with the slightly fragrant 7–10 cm (3–4 in) flowers covering the bare plant in late winter or early spring before the leaves appear. There is natural variation within the flower color, which varies from white to rich pink; the hue of pink magnolias also changes from year to year, depending on day and night air temperatures prior to and during flowering. The flowers are star-shaped, with at least 12 thin, delicate petal-like tepals—some cultivars have more than 30. The leaves open bronze-green, turning to deep green as they mature, and yellow before dropping in autumn. They are oblong and about 4 in (10 cm) long by about an 1.5 in (4 cm) wide.

These magnolias produce a reddish-green, knobby aggregate fruit about 2 in long that matures and opens in early autumn. Mature fruit opens by slits to reveal orange-red seeds, but the fruits often drop before developing fully.

Zone 5b

One of the most beautiful small trees for the landscape, Japanese stewartia has delightful, saucer-shaped, white flowers that sparkle on the branches in early summer. Its dark green leaves become a riot of saturated oranges and flaming brilliant reds in the autumn. As the tree matures, a beautiful patchwork of pink, red-brown and gray develop on the bark along its trunk and branches. No serious insect or disease problems bother this tree. Its striking branching pattern and decorative bark stand out best against an evergreen backdrop. This is a great tree for small spaces!

Plant in full sun or light to open shade. Provide a location with a rich well-drained or sandy soil. Water regularly during dry weather. Little pruning is needed and heavy pruning can ruin the form of this lovely tree. Consult an expert pruner or take a local class before attempting to prune.

Hibiscus moscheutos, also commonly known as swamp rose mallow, is a beautiful perennial plant with attractive pink or white flowers that bloom from July to September. It is native from southern to eastern North America.

The swamp rose mallow is grown in conditions that have moist to wet soil and primarily full sun. It is not affected by humidity and heat, so it is able to grow in these conditions particularly found in the deep south of the U.S. They are primarily found in areas that have swampy forests, wet meadows, or freshwater marshes from the southern to eastern portions of North America. They are also effective along streams and ponds. The swamp rose mallow grows between 3 to 7 ft with a spread of 2 to 4 ft. The leaves of the plant are dark green on the top and white with hairs on the bottom, growing up to 8 inches. The leaves are oval or lanceolate shaped with slightly toothed edges and are lobe less or shallow lobed. The flowers of the plant bloom from July to September and can grow from 6 to 8 inches in diameter. The flowers are large and bell-shaped with five overlapping petals and a white or pink coloration. The inner portion of the flower is a dark crimson color with a staminal column protruding from the center. The staminal column has white anthers that surround a long style. After flowering, dark brown, kidney-shaped seeds are produced. The stems of the plant are rounded and green with tiny white hairs and a broad base.

Fountain-like, deciduous shrub with fragrant, white, late spring or early summer flowers. An old fashioned favorite, at home in the shrub border. Allow ample room for arching branches. Remove oldest branches (back to ground) right after plant has finished flowering. ‘Bouquet Blanc’ has semi-double to double, fragrant white flowers, 1 inch wide, held singly, in pairs, or in racemes of 3 to 5. Bears in early or midsummer. 6 feet tall, 5 feet wide.
Plant Characteristics: low maintenance,  
Foliage Characteristics: deciduous,  
Flower Characteristics: double, fragrant, long lasting, showy,  
Flower Color: whites,  
Tolerances: deer, drought, pollution, seashore

Bloomtime Range: Early Summer to Mid Summer  
Hardiness Zone: 4b to 8  
Light Range: Part Shade to Full Sun  
pH Range: 4.5 to 6.5  
Soil Range: Mostly Sand to Some Clay  
Water Range: Dry to Moist  

Philadelphus coronarius (sweet mock-orange, English dogwood) is a species of flowering plant in the family Hydrangaceae, native to Southern Europe. It is a deciduous shrub growing to 3 m (10 ft) tall by 2.5 m (8 ft) wide, with toothed leaves and bowl-shaped white flowers with prominent stamens. In the species the blooms are abundant and very fragrant, but less so in the cultivars. It may resemble, but is not related to varieties of the similarly named dogwood, which is the common name for Cornus in the family Cornaceae

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in part shade. Prefers moist, fertile soils. Avoid wet, poorly-drained soils. Shelter from strong winds. Pruning is rarely needed.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Chamaecyparis pisifera, commonly known as Sawara cypress, is a large, pyramidal, evergreen conifer that grows in the wild to 50-70’ (infrequently to 150') tall with a trunk diameter to 5'. In cultivation, it more typically matures to a much smaller 20-30' tall. It is native to the Japanese islands of Honshu and Kyushu. Fine-textured medium green needles are tinted white beneath. Cones are small (1/4" across) and ornamentally insignificant, appearing glaucous green during summer before turning black-brown when ripe. Reddish brown bark peels in strips. Species plants are rarely sold in commerce, but a large number of more compact cultivars including some dwarfs are available for purchase.

Three well known forms of C. pisifera are: (1) C. pisifera f. filifera (threadbranch sawara cypress featuring drooping, whip or cord-like branches covered primarily with scale-like adult leaves), (2) C. pisifera f. plumosa (plume sawara cypress featuring feathery, airy and ferny branches covered with part adult/part juvenile leaves) and (3) C. pisifera f. squarrosa (moss sawara cypress featuring branches with soft, needle-like juvenile leaves).

Genus name comes from Greek chamai meaning dwarf or to the ground and kyparissos meaning cypress tree.

Specific epithet comes from the Latin word pissum meaing pea and ferre meaing to bear in reference to the very small rounded cones.

‘Filifera Aurea’ is noted for its drooping yellow foliage. This is a dense, semi-dwarf, evergreen shrub that typically grows as a broad cone. It is slow growing, often reaching only 6-7’ tall in 20 years, but may eventually reach 15-20’ tall in optimum conditions. Features golden, weeping, thread-like foliage that provides excellent texture and color to foundation plantings. Foliage is usually quite attractive in winter. Small cones appear only on mature plants. Peeling, reddish-brown bark develops on mature branches. This cultivar, as well as other Filifera cultivars, is also often commonly called threadleaf false cypress in recognition of the thread-like foliage.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to juniper blight, root rot and certain insect pests such as bagworms.

Garden Uses

Species and large growing cultivars for lawn specimen, shrub borders and screen.

Dwarf cultivars for rock gardens, foundation plantings or specimen.

Deep rose buds that open to wavy edged flowers that are soft pink with white overtones and a yellow blotch. 

Hardiness zone: 5

Exposure: Semi-shade

A deciduous shrub with a globular, flat-topped habit and a rounded, dense, regular crown. Straight trunk with light-brown bark. Fast-growing, hardy in zone 5b. Requires full sun exposure.

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Better drought tolerance than most other viburnums. Prune immediately after flowering since flower buds form in summer for the following year.

Noteworthy Characteristics

This wayfaring tree cultivar is a compact, dense, upright, rounded, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub which typically matures to 7-8' tall and 9-10' wide. Non-fragrant, creamy white flowers in flat-topped cymes (to 3-5" diameter) appear in spring. Flowers give way in July to orangish-red berry-like drupes which hold their showy color for approximately one month before ripening to black. Thick, ovate, dark green leaves (to 4.5" long). Variable fall color is most often a somewhat undistinguished reddish purple. Hardy to zone 2b and over.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Reportedly has good resistance to bacterial leaf spot.

Best grown in moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates some light shade. Best performance is in cold winter climates with cool summers. Site in areas with good air circulation to help rid the dense foliage of moisture. Somewhat intolerant of urban stresses such as air pollutants and salt spray. Plants will struggle in the high heat and humidity south of USDA Zone 6.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Picea glauca, commonly called white spruce, is an extremely hardy evergreen conifer that is native to upland areas and lake/stream margins stretching from Alaska across the boreal forest of Canada to Newfoundland, dipping south to Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and New York. This tree typically grows 60-80' tall (less frequently to 140' tall) with a cone-shaped crown. It diminishes in size to low, shrubby forms near tree line in northern Canada. Blue-green needles (to 3/4") on small woody pegs have sharp tips. Needles are pungently aromatic when crushed. Needles have a glaucous (white waxy coating) bloom, hence the specific epithet and common name. Branchlets do not droop. Cylindrical pale brown cones (to 2.5" long) have flexible scales.

Genus name is reportedly derived from the Latin word pix meaning pitch in reference to the sticky resin typically found in spruce bark.

Specific epithet both are in reference to the fact that mature needles of this tree become glaucous (acquire a waxy white bloom) with age.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Susceptible to needle and stem rust, canker, trunk and root rot. Yellow-headed spruce sawfly, spruce budworm and eastern spruce beetle are problems in some areas. Spider mites are common.

(R. rubrifolia) is a species of rose native to the mountains of central and southern Europe, from Spanish Pyrenees east to Bulgaria, and north to Germany and Poland. It is also found as an introduced species as far north as Scandinavia and Finland.

Description

Rosa glauca is a deciduous arching shrub of sparsely bristled and thorny cinnamon-coloured arching canes 1.5–3 m tall. The most distinctive feature is its leaves, which are glaucous blue-green to coppery or purplish, and covered with a waxy bloom; they are 5–10 cm long and have 5–9 leaflets. The fragile, clear pink flowers are 2.5–4 cm in diameter, and are produced in clusters of two to five. The fruit is a dark red globose hip 10–15 mm in diameter.

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerates close to full shade, but usually at the expense of diminished fall color quality. This is an adaptable shrub that tolerates a wide range of soils except for wet, poorly-drained ones. Plants appreciate consistent moisture, particularly when grown in full sun locations.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Euonymus alatus, commonly called winged euonymus, burning bush, winged burning bush or winged spindle tree, is a dense, mounded, spreading, flat-topped, multi-stemmed shrub that is particularly noted for its fiery red fall foliage color. It is native to forests, woodlands and scrub areas in eastern Russia, Japan, China and Korea. It was introduced into the U.S. around 1860 as an ornamental, and over time has become an extremely popular shrub for homes, commercial properties and along highways. This shrub will mature over time to 15-20' tall, but is often pruned shorter. Elliptic to obovate, crenulate to serrulate, green leaves (to 3” long) turn bright red in fall. Fall color can be spectacular. Small, yellowish-green flowers appear in May but are not showy. Small fruits (1/3” red capsules) ripen in fall. Fruit capsules split open when ripe to reveal the tiny seeds (each encased in a fleshy orange-red aril). Seeds are attractive to certain birds who eat and distribute them. Greenish-brown stems have distinctive corky ridges ("wings" as used in the common name). Corky-winged stems are more noticeable in winter after leaf drop. Winged euonymus has escaped plantings and naturalized in at least 21 eastern and mid-western states. In some areas, it is now considered to be a threat to native plants because of its ability to establish itself in woodlands, forests, fields, roadsides and disturbed areas where, if conditions are favorable, it will out-compete native plants to form dense thickets.

'Compactus' is a popular burning bush cultivar. It is a deciduous shrub which is not all that "compact" since it typically grows in a mound to 10' tall with a slightly larger spread, though it can easily be kept shorter by pruning. The corky ridges are absent or very reduced in size on the stems of 'Compactus'. For a truly compact burning bush, see Euonymus alatus 'Rudy Haag' which typically grows from 3-5' tall.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Twig blight may occur, particularly in wet soil conditions. Watch for spider mites.

Information source: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org

A woody climber straight from Japan, Wisteria is a specimen known for its vigor and hardiness (it can withstand -20°C), and much appreciated for its magnificent clusters of fragrant flowers and thick foliage. Deciduous, its leaves can reach 20 to 40cm in length and are divided into fifteen light-green leaflets.

Growing wisteria

Plant your wisteria in full sun in a warm spot (near a south- or west-facing wall, for example). It needs well-drained soil that's not too rich. It lives in symbiosis with bacteria that provide the nitrogen it needs to grow. If the soil is too rich, or if you add a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, the plant will tend to produce many leaves, but few flowers. A very solid support is needed (a pergola, for example), as the thick stems of Asian species in particular can crush a small trellis. Note that all wisteria can grow to impressive heights: 10 m or even more!

Once your wisteria starts to grow well, don't be afraid to prune back its wandering branches, which could otherwise invade all nearby trees and structures. Knowing that these long "whips" won't flower (they're more like a structure for the true flower stems that will form later), cutting them back to within 15-30 cm of a main stem can even help stimulate better flowering.  Pruning can be done after flowering or during the winter.

Dense spreading habit. Dark green foliage shows good resistance to winter burn and good heat tolerance. Sun or shade
Height: 3-4 ft
Width: 4-6 ft
Soil Conditions: Moist/Well Drained
Hardiness Zone: 4 TO 8