New Trees & Shrubs for 2005
Deciduous Trees
Betula nigra 'Fox Valley' (Fox Valley River Birch)
Grows 20' tall and 15' wide in full sun and moist soil. Fox Valley is a slow-growing, compact river birch that is ideal for a small garden. Handsome, creamy-white bark is attractive in all seasons. Useful as a specimen in limited space applications, hedges, screens or landscape accents for perennial beds. Zone 4
Grows 20' tall and 15' wide in full sun and moist soil. Fox Valley is a slow-growing, compact river birch that is ideal for a small garden. Handsome, creamy-white bark is attractive in all seasons. Useful as a specimen in limited space applications, hedges, screens or landscape accents for perennial beds. Zone 4
Betula platyphylla 'Royal Frost' (Royal Frost Birch)
Years ago, we attempted to offer a red-leafed birch by providing a small number of Crimson Frost Birches. Unfortunately, that introduction was not successful, and we quickly discontinued it. It seems others shared this opinion, as breeding work continued in order to produce a reliable red-leaved birch. Well, folks! Here it is! Royal Frost Birch produces purple-red leaves against a chalk-white bark of mature trees. It was created by crossing the Crimson Frost Birch with the Whitespire Japanese Birch. An exciting option for those waiting for a unique color contrast! Zone 4
Years ago, we attempted to offer a red-leafed birch by providing a small number of Crimson Frost Birches. Unfortunately, that introduction was not successful, and we quickly discontinued it. It seems others shared this opinion, as breeding work continued in order to produce a reliable red-leaved birch. Well, folks! Here it is! Royal Frost Birch produces purple-red leaves against a chalk-white bark of mature trees. It was created by crossing the Crimson Frost Birch with the Whitespire Japanese Birch. An exciting option for those waiting for a unique color contrast! Zone 4
Cornus mas 'Golden Glory' (Golden Glory Cornelian Cherry)
An upright form of Cornelian cherry dogwood. 'Golden Glory' becomes a cheery mist of yellow as the masses of small flowers open on naked branches in very early spring when little else is blooming. Rich green summer foliage contrasts nicely with the bright cherry-red fruits. Wonderful as a screen or as a small upright specimen tree. Very durable, adaptable, and pest free. Grows 15' tall and 12' wide, in full sun to partial shade. Zone 4
An upright form of Cornelian cherry dogwood. 'Golden Glory' becomes a cheery mist of yellow as the masses of small flowers open on naked branches in very early spring when little else is blooming. Rich green summer foliage contrasts nicely with the bright cherry-red fruits. Wonderful as a screen or as a small upright specimen tree. Very durable, adaptable, and pest free. Grows 15' tall and 12' wide, in full sun to partial shade. Zone 4
Syringa 'Willamette' (Ivory Pillar Tree Lilac)
Very upright, pyramidal Tree Lilac with thick dark green leaves. Grows to 20' tall and 10' wide. Zone 4
Very upright, pyramidal Tree Lilac with thick dark green leaves. Grows to 20' tall and 10' wide. Zone 4
Ulmus americana 'Princeton', 'New Harmony' and 'Valley Forge' Elm
While the 'Princeton' Elm has been available for decades, its natural disease resistance has just recently been fully appreciated. Found as a natural seedling in Princeton, New Jersey, its habit is upright and arching. 'New Harmony, and 'Valley Forge' Elms were evaluated at the U.S. National Arboretum and found to be the very best disease resistant elms ever evaluated. Newly available, these two varieties, combined with 'Princeton' Elm, may provide the way for the recovery of American Elms in our landscapes! 'Valley Forge' and 'Princeton' produce the typically upright arching habit, while 'New Harmony' is more squat and spreading. All trees are listed as hardy to Zone 5, with 'New Harmony' possibly hardy to Zone 4.
While the 'Princeton' Elm has been available for decades, its natural disease resistance has just recently been fully appreciated. Found as a natural seedling in Princeton, New Jersey, its habit is upright and arching. 'New Harmony, and 'Valley Forge' Elms were evaluated at the U.S. National Arboretum and found to be the very best disease resistant elms ever evaluated. Newly available, these two varieties, combined with 'Princeton' Elm, may provide the way for the recovery of American Elms in our landscapes! 'Valley Forge' and 'Princeton' produce the typically upright arching habit, while 'New Harmony' is more squat and spreading. All trees are listed as hardy to Zone 5, with 'New Harmony' possibly hardy to Zone 4.
Deciduous Shrubs
Buddleia alternifolia (Alternate-leaf Butterfly Bush)
Grows 8' tall and 6' wide in full sun. In late summer, fragrant lilac-purple blooms are stunning against green to grayish foliage. This glorious variety of butterfly bush is different from the common davidii type. It blooms earlier and is hardier. Pruning should be done immediately after the flowers have faded. Branches should then be cut back by one-third. This shrub grows well in average, well-drained soil. Buddleia alternifolia can be used as a specimen plant or in a mixed border with shrubs and perennials. Zone 5
Grows 8' tall and 6' wide in full sun. In late summer, fragrant lilac-purple blooms are stunning against green to grayish foliage. This glorious variety of butterfly bush is different from the common davidii type. It blooms earlier and is hardier. Pruning should be done immediately after the flowers have faded. Branches should then be cut back by one-third. This shrub grows well in average, well-drained soil. Buddleia alternifolia can be used as a specimen plant or in a mixed border with shrubs and perennials. Zone 5
Corylus avellana 'Red Majestic' (Red Majestic Hazelnut)
Large shrub growing to 8' tall and wide in full sun to partial shade. A purple-leaved form of the much loved twisty hazel. Purple leaves create a marvelous contrast in summer and highly ornamental interesting form in winter. Zone 4
Large shrub growing to 8' tall and wide in full sun to partial shade. A purple-leaved form of the much loved twisty hazel. Purple leaves create a marvelous contrast in summer and highly ornamental interesting form in winter. Zone 4
Cotinus coggygria 'Grace' (Grace Smokebush)
The newest and best purple-leaved smokebush! Actually a cross of the American native Smoketree and the 'Velvet Cloak' Smokebush, this beauty unfurling deep red-purple foliage, is topped in summer with large pink panicles of 'smoke'. Spectacular orange-red fall color further enhances its ornamental appeal. Grows up to 15' tall, and can be used as a shrub or small tree in full sun to partial shade. Zone 4B-5
The newest and best purple-leaved smokebush! Actually a cross of the American native Smoketree and the 'Velvet Cloak' Smokebush, this beauty unfurling deep red-purple foliage, is topped in summer with large pink panicles of 'smoke'. Spectacular orange-red fall color further enhances its ornamental appeal. Grows up to 15' tall, and can be used as a shrub or small tree in full sun to partial shade. Zone 4B-5
Cytisus 'Dorothy Walpole' (Dorothy Walpole Broom)
Like other brooms, 'Dorothy Walpole' has wispy green stems with few small leaves, but the difference is the profusion of rose-pink flowers with red wings in spring. Grows up to 6' tall, providing it has a well-drained location with winter protection. We do not guarantee the winter survival of brooms in general, although some of the new forms have been selected specifically for hardiness. Zone 5
Like other brooms, 'Dorothy Walpole' has wispy green stems with few small leaves, but the difference is the profusion of rose-pink flowers with red wings in spring. Grows up to 6' tall, providing it has a well-drained location with winter protection. We do not guarantee the winter survival of brooms in general, although some of the new forms have been selected specifically for hardiness. Zone 5
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snow Queen', (Snow Queen Oakleaf Hydrangea)
While Oakleaf Hydrangeas are generally not considered hardy in Maine, except along the coastal plain, there are many reasons to make the effort required to be successful with them - Snow Queen is one of those reasons. It thrives in partial shade, growing to 6' tall and wide, its large white flower panicles turn pink in late summer, while its large, deep-lobed oak-like leaves are outstanding. Snow Queen has elegant, tapering inflorescences kept erect by its stiff branches. Spectacular fall color of burgundy red. Rough orange bark adds winter interest. Zone 5
While Oakleaf Hydrangeas are generally not considered hardy in Maine, except along the coastal plain, there are many reasons to make the effort required to be successful with them - Snow Queen is one of those reasons. It thrives in partial shade, growing to 6' tall and wide, its large white flower panicles turn pink in late summer, while its large, deep-lobed oak-like leaves are outstanding. Snow Queen has elegant, tapering inflorescences kept erect by its stiff branches. Spectacular fall color of burgundy red. Rough orange bark adds winter interest. Zone 5
Hydrangea serrata 'Miranda' (Miranda Lacecap Hydrangea)
Ahhh, Miranda! This lacecap hydrangea produces large pink or blue (depending on soil pH) dome-shaped florets with larger sterile flowers surrounding equally colorful and impressive central sterile flowers. A robust plant, which is reported to bloom on new growth each summer. A spectacular new hydrangea! Zone 4B
Ahhh, Miranda! This lacecap hydrangea produces large pink or blue (depending on soil pH) dome-shaped florets with larger sterile flowers surrounding equally colorful and impressive central sterile flowers. A robust plant, which is reported to bloom on new growth each summer. A spectacular new hydrangea! Zone 4B
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Seward', (Summer Wine Ninebark)
A more compact (6' tall and wide), purple ninebark hybrid that resulted from a cross between Physocarpus o. 'Nana' and Diabolo. Use it next to yellow and bright green plants, or against a light background to get the best effect. Full sun will give Summer Wine its best foliage color. Adds color and vibrancy to any garden, especially in the spring when it blooms with white button-like flowers. Zone 3
A more compact (6' tall and wide), purple ninebark hybrid that resulted from a cross between Physocarpus o. 'Nana' and Diabolo. Use it next to yellow and bright green plants, or against a light background to get the best effect. Full sun will give Summer Wine its best foliage color. Adds color and vibrancy to any garden, especially in the spring when it blooms with white button-like flowers. Zone 3
Rhododendron kaempheri 'Brick Red' (Brick Red Azalea)
A deciduous azalea growing 6' tall and 4' wide; prefering morning sun and afternoon shade. The plant was selected for its vivid red bloom and shiny foliage. Zone 5
A deciduous azalea growing 6' tall and 4' wide; prefering morning sun and afternoon shade. The plant was selected for its vivid red bloom and shiny foliage. Zone 5
Rhododendron prinophyllum x mollis 'Jane Abbott' (Jane Abbott Azalea)
A deciduous azalea, growing to 8' in time. Prefers morning sun coupled with afternoon shade, or dappled sun all day. Flowers are pink and very fragrant in mid to late spring. Zone 4
A deciduous azalea, growing to 8' in time. Prefers morning sun coupled with afternoon shade, or dappled sun all day. Flowers are pink and very fragrant in mid to late spring. Zone 4
Rhus typhina 'Tiger Eyes' (Tiger Eyes Sumac)
Those crazy people at Bailey's Nurseries are at it again! After turning the plant industry upside down last year with the Endless Summer Hydrangea, they present a completely different, but just as amazing, cutleaf sumac. 'Tiger Eyes' Sumac leafs out with chartreuse-green foliage that turns bright golden yellow for the summer. The stems angle up and out, while the deeply-cut leaves hang slightly, giving the plant an elegant oriental appearance. The show continues in the fall, when the leaves turn bright combinations of yellow, orange and scarlet! The thick, fuzzy stems contribute to its ornamental interest. If this wasn't enough already, 'Tiger Eyes' is of further interest as its compact size, 6-8' tall and wide, allows its use in many small yards. Also,it spreads very slowly, so it is not considered invasive. Very drought tolerant once established. Zone 3B-4
Those crazy people at Bailey's Nurseries are at it again! After turning the plant industry upside down last year with the Endless Summer Hydrangea, they present a completely different, but just as amazing, cutleaf sumac. 'Tiger Eyes' Sumac leafs out with chartreuse-green foliage that turns bright golden yellow for the summer. The stems angle up and out, while the deeply-cut leaves hang slightly, giving the plant an elegant oriental appearance. The show continues in the fall, when the leaves turn bright combinations of yellow, orange and scarlet! The thick, fuzzy stems contribute to its ornamental interest. If this wasn't enough already, 'Tiger Eyes' is of further interest as its compact size, 6-8' tall and wide, allows its use in many small yards. Also,it spreads very slowly, so it is not considered invasive. Very drought tolerant once established. Zone 3B-4
Schizophragma hydrangeoides 'Roseum' (Japanese False Hydrangea Vine)
A vine that can cling to just about anything (has root-hair hold-fasts). Prefers partial sun or dappled sun. Slow-growing by vine standards, it might even need a little help getting started on its climb. Once it gets going, it can climb up the better part of a good-sized tree. The soft-pink sepals are nothing short of magnificent. They start deep pink and rather small, over the course of a week or so, they seem to slowly inflate to their full extent, while fading to a softer hue. Thick, leathery, green leaves turn a delicate yellow in the fall. Zone 5
A vine that can cling to just about anything (has root-hair hold-fasts). Prefers partial sun or dappled sun. Slow-growing by vine standards, it might even need a little help getting started on its climb. Once it gets going, it can climb up the better part of a good-sized tree. The soft-pink sepals are nothing short of magnificent. They start deep pink and rather small, over the course of a week or so, they seem to slowly inflate to their full extent, while fading to a softer hue. Thick, leathery, green leaves turn a delicate yellow in the fall. Zone 5
Syringa x josiflexa 'Royalty', (Royalty Lilac)
Prized for its showy clusters of large, fragrant purple blooms in late summer, as well as its disease resistance. After most other lilacs are done for the year, Royalty is going strong. Produces fragrant, long lasting blooms that are perfect for fresh cut arrangements. Excellent for use as hedge, background or specimen. Grows 10' tall and 8' wide. Full sun. Zone 2
Prized for its showy clusters of large, fragrant purple blooms in late summer, as well as its disease resistance. After most other lilacs are done for the year, Royalty is going strong. Produces fragrant, long lasting blooms that are perfect for fresh cut arrangements. Excellent for use as hedge, background or specimen. Grows 10' tall and 8' wide. Full sun. Zone 2
Needled Evergreens
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Torulosa' (Twisted Hinoki False Cypress)
A small evergreen shrub forming an irregular, squat pyramid 4' tall and 3' wide. Performs well in full sun or partial shade, but with some winter shade when possible. Has twisted coral-like foliage. Zone 5
A small evergreen shrub forming an irregular, squat pyramid 4' tall and 3' wide. Performs well in full sun or partial shade, but with some winter shade when possible. Has twisted coral-like foliage. Zone 5
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Compacta Nana' (Dwarf Thread Falsecypress)
A slow-growing evergreen to 18" tall and 30" wide. Full sun to partial shade. This low and mounding plant is great for edges of landscaped beds, rock gardens, alpine gardens, and perennial beds. Zone 4
A slow-growing evergreen to 18" tall and 30" wide. Full sun to partial shade. This low and mounding plant is great for edges of landscaped beds, rock gardens, alpine gardens, and perennial beds. Zone 4
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Compacta Variegata' (Dwarf Variegated Thread Falsecypress)
A slow-growing evergreen to 3' tall and wide. Has a rounded dwarf form with grayish-blue foliage speckled with cream. Full sun to partial shade. Zone 4
A slow-growing evergreen to 3' tall and wide. Has a rounded dwarf form with grayish-blue foliage speckled with cream. Full sun to partial shade. Zone 4
Picea pungens 'Bakeri' (Bakers Blue Spruce)
Grows 60' tall and 20' wide. People often inquire as to why some Blue Spruce are bluer than others. Well, this shiny blue grafted hybrid will provide icy-blue color.
Grows 60' tall and 20' wide. People often inquire as to why some Blue Spruce are bluer than others. Well, this shiny blue grafted hybrid will provide icy-blue color.
Pinus banksiana 'Uncle Fogy' (Uncle Fogy Pine)
A pendulous form of Jack pine found growing in a garden in Richfield, Minnesota. Has wildly undulating, pendulous branches, and the winter buds are densely covered with resin. A bizarrely attractive collector's plant. Height determined by staking. Zone 3
A pendulous form of Jack pine found growing in a garden in Richfield, Minnesota. Has wildly undulating, pendulous branches, and the winter buds are densely covered with resin. A bizarrely attractive collector's plant. Height determined by staking. Zone 3
Thuja occidentalis 'Gold Tuffet' (Golden Tuffet Arborvitae)
A small, spready, golden evergreen, similar to Gold Mop Falsecypress, grows to 12" tall and about 2' wide. Very slow growing; full sun brings out its best color, and thick foliage forms a pillow-shaped, golden orange shrub – a low focal point! Zone 3
A small, spready, golden evergreen, similar to Gold Mop Falsecypress, grows to 12" tall and about 2' wide. Very slow growing; full sun brings out its best color, and thick foliage forms a pillow-shaped, golden orange shrub – a low focal point! Zone 3
Thuja plicata 'Spring Grove' (Spring Grove Arborvitae)
A fast-growing, pyramidal evergreen to 25' tall and 15' wide. Considered to be the same plant as Green Giant Arborvitae. The deep green, glossy, fan-shaped foliage shows some resistance to deer browsing in winter. Does well in full sun to part shade. Zone 4
A fast-growing, pyramidal evergreen to 25' tall and 15' wide. Considered to be the same plant as Green Giant Arborvitae. The deep green, glossy, fan-shaped foliage shows some resistance to deer browsing in winter. Does well in full sun to part shade. Zone 4
Broad-Leaved Evergreens
Buxus microphylla 'Green Gem' (Green Gem Boxwood)
This squat and mounded form is great for a low foundation planting or neat hedge surrounding an herb or perennial garden. Grows to 18" tall and 2' wide. Prefers morning sun and afternoon shade. Zone 5
This squat and mounded form is great for a low foundation planting or neat hedge surrounding an herb or perennial garden. Grows to 18" tall and 2' wide. Prefers morning sun and afternoon shade. Zone 5
Ilex m. 'Honey Maid', (Honey Maid Holly)
Interesting female holly with deep green foliage edged with deep yellow. Grows 6' tall and wide in morning sun and afternoon shade. Zone 5
Interesting female holly with deep green foliage edged with deep yellow. Grows 6' tall and wide in morning sun and afternoon shade. Zone 5
Rhododendron multimaculatum, (Western Rhododendron)
A highly prized hardy hybrid since 1860; has white flowers with orange-red spots. Grows 5' tall and 6' wide in morning sun and afternoon shade. Zone 4
A highly prized hardy hybrid since 1860; has white flowers with orange-red spots. Grows 5' tall and 6' wide in morning sun and afternoon shade. Zone 4