CARY AWARD WINNING PLANTS (BY YEAR)
History of the Cary Award
Each year from 1997-2019, Worcester County Horticultural Society coordinated a group of the region’s best plant people to select a short list of Cary Award-winning plants. Named in honor of Shrewsbury plantsman Ed Cary, the Cary Award highlighted landscape plants with proven performance across New England. All the plants are chosen share key qualities that make them outstanding plants for New England gardens. They are reliably hardy to Zone 4, they have exceptional pest and disease resistance, they are adaptable to a range of cultural conditions, and they are generally available for home gardeners and landscape professionals to purchase from local garden centers and nurseries.
In 2020, WCHS changed the focus of the Cary Award to recognize the contributions of individuals in the field. Below, please see the complete list of Cary Award-winning plants.
1997
WEEPING ALASKA CEDAR
Callitropsis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ (syn. Xanthocyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’)
Family: Cupressaceae
Description: There is disagreement among botanists about the proper classification for this plant, which has been at times called Cupressus, Chamaecyparis, and Xanthocyparis. Both Kew and the the International Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) agree it belongs in the genus Callitropsis. Despite the challenge of classification, this is a beautiful tree in any season, but particularly in winter when the pendulous evergreen branches bring a note of grandeur to the simplest landscape.
A large tree reaching 30-45′ at maturity, the weeping Alaska cedar prefers a well-drained, acid soil in full sun. No serious pest or disease problems. Hardy to Zone 4.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Large tree
- Key season and features of interest: Year round rich green foliage and pendulous form
- Flowering period: Spring
- Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
- Pollinator plant: N/A
- Wildlife benefits: Cover for birds and other wildlife
- Site/Condition tolerance: Clay, loam or sandy soil
- Sun/Shade Preference: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Condition Preference: Rich, well-drained, moist soil; cool, damp climate
- Susceptible to blight, root rot, rust, spider mites
Growth Habit: Slow growing, narrow, pyramidal, weeping form with arching branches
Size (mature height and spread): 20-35’ tall by 8-10’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-7
Nativity: Pacific coast (Alaska to Northern California)
Suggested Uses: Specimen
Year of award: 1997
REDVEIN ENKIANTHUS
Enkianthus campanulatus
Family: Ericaceae
Description: Redvein enkianthus is an unusual and handsome addition to the home shrub border. Slowly reaching a height of 6-8′, enkianthus has a conspicuous tiered branching habit, and produces hanging, waxy flowers in May. Spectacular red autumn color extends this plant’s season of interest. A good companion for rhododendrons and azaleas in moist, acid soil in sun or part shade. Hardy to Zone 4.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Shrub
- Key season and features of interest: Creamy bell shaped, red veined flower; brilliant red fall foliage
- Flowering period: May – June
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Attracts pollinators
- Wildlife benefits: Shelter and habitat for wildlife
- Site/Condition tolerance: Clay, loam or sandy soil; wind
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to part shade
- Soil condition preference: Well drained, moist, acid soil
- Low maintenance; deer resistant; susceptibility to scale
Growth Habit: Upright, open shrub
Size (mature height and spread): 6-10’ tall by 4-6’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-7
Nativity: Japan
Suggested Uses: Specimen, border, foundation
Year of award: 1997
LARGE FOTHERGILLA
Fothergilla latifolia (syn. F. major)
Family: Hamamelidaceae
Description: Large fothergilla produces bottle-brush shaped white flowers in late spring that have the scent of honey. This deciduous shrub has grey-green leathery leaves that turn a beautiful mix of yellow, orange and red in the fall. Reaching a height of 6-10′ at maturity, it has a rounded habit and prefers a moist, acid soil. This is a trouble-free plant good for a large grouping or foundation planting. Hardy to Zone 4.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Large shrub
- Key season and features of interest: Fragrant bottle-brush flowers; yellow, orange red fall foliage
- Flowering period: April – May
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
- Wildlife benefits: Nectar food source for insects
- Site/Condition tolerance: Drought and wet soil
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to part shade
- Soil condition preference: Rich, moist, acid, well-drained soil
- Pest and disease resistant
Growth Habit: Rounded, dense, multi-stemmed shrub with some suckering
Size (mature height and spread): 6-10’ tall and wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-8
Nativity: Southeastern US
Suggested Uses: Border, accent, and foundation planting
Year of award: 1997
CENTENNIAL STAR MAGNOLIA
Magnolia stellata ‘Centennial’
Family: Magnoliaceae
Description: Centennial star magnolia originated at the Arnold Arboretum and was named to honor the Arboretum’s 100th Anniversary. It reaches 15-20′ in height with equal width, making a shrubby tree. Its early spring flowers have 28-32 petals with a light pink tinge on the outside. Fuzzy buds and dense branching extend this plant’s season of interest into winter.
Plant in a soil with plenty of organic matter and avoid a southern exposure which may cause the flowers to open before the danger of frost has past. Hardy to Zone 4.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Small tree or large shrub
- Key season and features of interest: Showy, fragrant white flower; bronze-yellow fall foliage
- Flowering period: March – April
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Attracts insect pollinators
- Wildlife benefits: Fruit is food source for wildlife
- Site/Condition tolerance: Clay soil; part shade; cold and heat tolerant
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun
- Soil condition preference: Moist, organically rich, well-drained soil
- Low maintenance, pest and disease resistant
Growth Habit: Vigorous grower with compact, twiggy upright form and rounded crown
Size (mature height and spread): 15-20’ tall by 10-15’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-8
Nativity: Japan
Suggested Uses: Specimen, accent, border, container
Year of award: 1997
JAPANESE STEWARTIA
Stewartia pseudocamellia
Family: Theaceae
Description: An extremely valuable plant for its multiple seasons of interest, Japanese stewartia is a small tree that grows to 20′-40′. Its attractively mottled bark is reminiscent of a smooth tortoise shell, and is especially noticed in winter.
This plant also puts on a show of delicate, 2″ single white flowers with orange anthers in the middle of July, when few other trees or shrubs are blooming. Hardy to Zone 5, possibly 4.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Tree
- Key season and features of interest: Mottled exfoliating bark in shades of grey, orange and brown; showy white flowers; reddish orange to burgundy fall foliage
- Flowering period: July
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Attracts insect pollinators
- Wildlife benefits: N/A
- Site/Condition tolerance: Clay, sand; shade
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to part shade
- Soil condition preference: Moist, fertile, acid, well-drained soil
- Low maintenance; pest and disease resistant
Growth Habit: Slow growing, open, rounded form
Size (mature height and spread): 30-40’ tall and 20-30’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 5-8
Nativity: Japan
Suggested Uses: Specimen, border
Year of award: 1997
1998
LEONARD MESSEL MAGNOLIA
Magnolia × loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’
Family: Magnoliaceae
Description: This plant is the result of a chance hybrid between M. kobus and M. stellata ‘Rosea’. The purple-pink flowers generally bloom in mid to late April in Boston, followed by the leaves. It is a vigorous and beautiful hybrid worthy of greater use in home landscapes. It reaches 20-30′ high with an equal or greater spread. Hardy to Zone 4.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Small tree
- Key season and features of interest: Large, fragrant, purple-pink flowers with strap-like petals in spring
- Flowering period: Mid-late April
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Beetle pollinated
- Wildlife benefits: Attracts birds
- Site/Condition tolerance: Most soil types; light shade
- Sun/Shade Preference: Full sun
- Soil Condition Preference: Moist, fertile, acid, well-drained soil
- Pest and Disease resistant; limbs prone to breakage by ice storms
Growth Habit: Dense, upright, vase to rounded form
Size (mature height and spread): 20-30’ tall by 20-30’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-9
Nativity: Hybrid origin
Suggested Uses: Specimen, screen, patio, accent, border
Year of award: 1998
RED SPRITE WINTERBERRY
Ilex verticillata ‘Nana’ (aka ‘Red Sprite’)
Family: Aquifoliaceae
Description: This little gem is a smaller form of the deciduous holly known as winterberry.
A native North American shrub, Ilex verticillata is often found growing in damp areas in the eastern United States.
Its deep green leaves, which do not change color before they fall, give way to dense clusters of intensely red berries useful for decorating around the holidays.
The berries cling to the naked stems long after the leaves drop, provided that birds do not eat them first, lending a dramatic effect to a snow-covered landscape. Hardy to Zone 4.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Small shrub
- Key season and features of interest: Large, bright red berries persisting into winter
- Flowering period: June – July
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Attracts bees and butterflies
- Wildlife benefits: Host plant for certain butterflies; cover and food source for birds
- Site/Condition tolerance: Part shade, wet conditions
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun
- Soil condition preference: Moist, acid, fertile, well-drained
- Low maintenance; pest and disease resistant
Growth Habit: Twiggy branches, compact oval to mounded form and suckering tendency
Size (mature height and spread): 3-5’ tall and wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 3-9
Nativity: Eastern North America
Suggested Uses: Borders, rain garden, mass plantings
Year of award: 1998
PINKSHELL AZALEA
Rhododendron vaseyi
Family: Ericaceae
Description: Pinkshell azalea is a native North American shrub, growing 5-10’ maximum height. These plants make a spectacular spring show with their lovely, bell-shaped flowers. A deciduous azalea, the light pink flowers bloom in May in the Boston area, and the leaves can exhibit beautiful red fall color. Hardy to Zone 4.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Shrub
- Key season and features of interest: Showy, abundant pink flowers; burgundy fall foliage
- Flowering period: May
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Attracts butterflies
- Wildlife benefits: N/A
- Site/Condition tolerance: Drought; wet and clay soils
- Sun/Shade preference: Full to part sun
- Soil condition preference: Moist, acid soil, well-drained
- Very hardy; pest and disease resistant
Growth Habit: Slow growing upright, irregular, open, spreading
Size (mature height and spread): 5-10’ tall by 4-8’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-7
Nativity: North Carolina
Suggested Uses:
Year of award: 1998
CLIMBING HYDRANGEA
Hydrangea petiolaris
Family: Hydrangeaceae
Description: This member of the genus is a climbing vine. Climbing hydrangea is valued for its late season blooms with white flowers borne in flat-topped clusters gracing this vine in summer.
Climbing hydrangea is tolerant of a wide variety of conditions and is not troubled by pests or diseases. The foliage retains its luster throughout the season, and cinnamon colored exfoliating bark on older specimens adds to the winter interest. Hardy to Zone 4.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Flowering vine
- Key season and features of interest: Late season fragrant blooms, yellow fall foliage, exfoliating bark
- Flowering period: May – July
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Attracts bees , butterflies
- Wildlife benefits: Nesting for birds
- Site/Condition tolerance: Heavy shade
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to part shade
- Soil condition preference: Fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Low maintenance; pest and disease resistant; deer resistant
Growth Habit: Clinging woody vine
Size (mature height and spread): 60-80’ tall by 6-8’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-8
Nativity: Asia
Suggested Uses: Walls, trees, fences, rocks, groundcover
Year of award: 1998
RUSSIAN ARBORVITAE
Microbiota decussata
Family: Cupressaceae
Description: Russian arborvitae is an evergreen groundcover shrub. A native of Siberia, it is extremely cold-hardy with a graceful, layered effect tolerant of some shade.
The evergreen “fronds” resemble certain junipers, and indeed this plant is a good substitute for groundcover junipers, which generally will not grow well in shade. The green color gives way to an attractive bronze tone during the winter months. Hardy to Zone 3.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Low conifer shrub
- Key season and features of interest: Bright green feathery foliage turning bronze-burgundy in winter
- Flowering period: N/A
- Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
- Pollinator plant: N/A
- Wildlife benefits: Wildlife habitat and nesting for birds
- Site/Condition tolerance: Part shade; dry, exposed locations; alkaline soil
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun
- Soil condition preference: Average, acid, well-drained soil
- Low maintenance; pest and disease resistant; deer resistant
Growth Habit: Prostrate, spreading shrub or groundcover with flattened, spray-like branches
Size (mature height and spread): 18-24” tall by 3-12’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 3-7
Nativity: Southeastern Siberia
Suggested Uses: Ground cover, slopes, borders, foundations, erosion control
Year of award: 1998
1999
CORNELIAN CHERRY
Cornus mas
Description: Flowers in late March and early April in southern New England. While its individual, yellow flowers are tiny, the tree covers itself with them long before the leaves emerge, creating a wonderful display to chase away the winter doldrums. A dark background of evergreens or a building enhances the yellow flower display.
It reaches a maximum height of 20-25′ by 15′-20′ in width. It can be grown as a single-stemmed tree or multi-stemmed shrub. Cornus mas is quite tolerant of soil types but prefers a rich, well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded position. Pests rarely bother this tree.
This dogwood also has interesting exfoliating bark on mature specimens–a fine winter feature–and good quality foliage throughout the summer. Although hidden under the leaves, an added bonus is the small red fruits that ripen in the late summer and early fall. They are rather astringent to taste unless absolutely ripe. Squirrels and birds relish them. Best fruiting is obtained if more than one specimen is in the area.
The cornelian cherry is native to central and southern Europe and western Asia. Several cultivars are available, including ‘Golden Glory’, with heavier flowering and fruit set, ‘Aurea’ with golden yellow leaves and ‘Variegata’ with green and white variegated leaves. Cornus mas is hardy to Zone 4.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Large shrub or small tree
- Key season and features of interest: Showy yellow flowers in early spring before leaves emerge, bright red fruit olive-shaped in June and July; scaly, exfoliating bark
- Flowering period: March-April
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Attracts insect pollinators
- Wildlife benefits: Fruit is food source for birds and squirrels
- Site/Condition tolerance: Alkaline, acid, clay soil, drought
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to part shade
- Soil condition preference: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil
- Easy to grow and relatively pest resistant
Growth Habit: Suckering shrub that will colonize; can be grown as rounded tree
Size (mature height and spread): 20- 25’ tall by 15-20’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-8
Nativity: Central and Southern Europe, Western Asia
Suggested Uses: Hedge, border, specimen, container
Year of award: 1999
BLUE PRINCE and BLUE PRINCESS HOLLY
Ilex× meserveae ‘Conablu’ BLUE PRINCE and ‘Conapri’ BLUE PRINCESS
Family: Aquifoliaceae
Description: New England gardeners have embraced the BLUE PRINCE and BLUE PRINCESS hollies as being among the best evergreen hollies for our region. Bred for their hardiness by an amateur horticulturist in St. James, New York, the Meserve hybrids are also noted for their dense form, lustrous evergreen foliage, and heavy fruit set.
BLUE PRINCE and BLUE PRINCESS need to be planted near each other in order to produce fruit. One BLUE PRINCE will pollinate many female hollies. These plants need good drainage and a rich, acid soil. They are good companions for rhododendrons and azaleas, and they accept sun or partial shade. Some protection from winter winds and bright winter sun is preferred. They make a fantastic, thick hedge, growing to a maximum height of about 15′, but can easily be pruned to a lower height.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Ornamental shrub
- Key season and features of interest: Lustrous bluish green evergreen foliage; showy red berries may persist into spring
- Flowering period: April – May
- Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
- Pollinator plant: Attracts pollinators
- Wildlife benefits: Food source and shelter for birds
- Site/Condition tolerance: Most soil types; full sun and full shade
- Sun/Shade preference: Part sun to part shade
- Soil condition preference: Rich, moist, well-drained slightly acidic
- Easy to grow; relatively disease resistant
Growth Habit: Moderately slow growing, compact with upright vase or spreading-rounded form and purplish stems
Size (mature height and spread): 8-12’ tall and wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 5-8
Nativity: Hybrid origin
Suggested Uses: Foundation, specimen, hedge
Year of award: 1999
BEARBERRY
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Description: This hardy native New England plant makes a fine evergreen ground cover. Its growth rate is slow, but well worth the wait, for the bearberry’s glossy green leaves and interesting flowers and fruit make for an outstanding ground cover. The leaves turn reddish bronze in winter. Bearberry will not tolerate wet soils, and must have a sandy, infertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Bearberry prefers acid soil and will tolerate salt spray. In fact, this plant thrives on the sandy beaches of the New England coast. Several cultivars are available, including ‘Massachusetts’, which is reported to have good resistance to diseases such as leaf spot and leaf gall. Hardy to Zone 2.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Prostrate, woody, evergreen shrub
- Key season and features of interest: Bright red fruit persists into winter; white, urn-shaped flowers; glossy green foliage
- Flowering period: April – May
- Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
- Pollinator plant: Attracts bee pollinators
- Wildlife benefits: Fruit is food source for bears, birds and small mammals
- Site/Condition tolerance: Exposed, dry, rocky, sandy areas; intolerant of excessive moisture
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to light shade
- Soil condition preference: Acid, dry to medium, well-drained, sandy
- ‘Massachusetts’ cultivar is resistant to galls and rusts
Growth Habit: Slow growing, creeping groundcover that roots as it grows; forms colonies
Size (mature height and spread): 6-12″ tall by 3-6′ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 2-5
Nativity: Temperate northern hemisphere
Suggested Uses: Ground cover; erosion control; rock gardens
Year of award: 1999
2000
Syringa reticulata
Family: Oleaceae
Description: Though not as well known to northeastern gardeners as its cousin common lilac (Syringa vulgaris), Japanese tree lilac is a small, single trunk species, perfect for the home landscape. As an added bonus, it holds its floral display after most of the other shrub-type lilacs have faded. The creamy white flowers don’t have the same sweet fragrance of the traditional common varieties, but the later bloom time provides a nice way to extend the flowering season.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Large shrub or small tree
- Key season and features of interest: Abundant, creamy white flowers; small size
- Flowering period: June
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
- Wildlife benefits: Wildlife habitat
- Site/Condition tolerance: Most soil types
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun
- Soil condition preference: Moist, well-drained soil
- Low maintenance; relatively pest and disease resistant
Growth Habit: Upright with rounded crown
Size (mature height and spread): 20-30’ tall by 15-20’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 3-7
Nativity: Northern Japan
Suggested Uses: Specimen, foundations, borders, grouping, container
Year of award: 2000
RUBY SPICE SUMMERSWEET
Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’
Family: Clethraceae
Description: Devoted gardeners will recognizesummersweet, Clethra alnifolia, as an indispensable native shrub of the woodland landscape. Its beautiful white spikes of fragrant summer flowers, wet-site adaptability, and glowing yellow fall foliage have always placed this species high on the desirability list for northern gardeners.
While an impressive list of cultivars can be found in the marketplace, ‘Ruby Spice’ has distinctive pink blossoms. ‘Ruby Spice’ was selected as a sport on a plant of ‘Pink Spires’ found at Broken Arrow Nursery in Connecticut. In trials at the University of Maine, ‘Ruby Spice’ not only had the best flower color of all 12 cultivars tested, it also had the longest flowering season.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Shrub
- Key season and features of interest: dark green foliage turns yellow-green to golden brown in fall; fragrant, non-fading, deep rose flower racemes
- Flowering period: July – August
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bees
- Wildlife benefits: Nectar for pollinators; seed for birds
- Site/Condition tolerance: Erosion, heat, full sun, heavy shade, sandy and clay soil
- Sun/Shade preference: Partial shade
- Soil condition preference: Acid, moist, well-drained soil
- No known diseases
Growth Habit: Compact, erect, suckering shrub
Size (mature height and spread): 4-8’ tall by 4-6’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-9
Nativity: Eastern US
Suggested Uses: Hedge, border, edge of woodland, streams and ponds, small gardens, erosion control
Year of award: 2000
BROUWER’S BEAUTY ANDROMEDA
Pieris ‘Brouwer’s Beauty’
Family: Ericaceae
Description: This hybrid shrub (P. japonica × P. floribunda) offers New England gardeners something special through all seasons.
All year long, plants are clothed in a delightful coat of dark green foliage that holds its color well even in the coldest months of winter. In spring, that foliage forms a perfect foil for pendulous waves of pure white urn-shaped flowers. In good blooming years, the foliage is almost entirely obscured by the flower masses. Flowers have a distinct saddle-soap aroma that is curiously pleasant.
Alternate, simple, evergreen, obovate-oblong leaves are up to three and a half inches long and three-quarters of an inch wide. New growth is yellowish-green in color, maturing to lustrous dark green. Distinctive purple-red colored buds contrast with green foliage for unique winter interest. Left unpruned, ‘Brouwer’s Beauty’ will grow five to six feet in height and six feet in spread. In early April the plant bears small, white, urn-shaped flowers in panicles. Winter may be this plant’s most charming season, with red buds that are a visual delight.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Shrub
- Key season and features of interest: Glossy dark green foliage; showy, white flowers
- Flowering period: Late winter to early spring
- Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
- Pollinator plant: Attracts bees
- Wildlife benefits: Nectar is food source for bees
- Site/Condition tolerance: Acid soil
- Sun/Shade preference: Sun to partial shade with some wind protection
- Soil condition preference: Fertile, moist, acid, well-drained soil
- Low maintenance; deer resistant; some lacebug resistance
Growth Habit: Slow- growing, dense, compact, upright form
Size (mature height and spread): 5-6’ tall by 6’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 5-7
Nativity: Hybrid origin
Suggested Uses: Border, foundation, hedge, screen, specimen
Year of award: 2000
2001
DONALD WYMAN CRABAPPLE
Malus ‘Donald Wyman’
Family: Rosaceae
Description: Crabapples make a lovely addition to the home landscape, but unfortunately many of them are host to myriad diseases. However, ‘Donald Wyman’ is highly resistant to such problems.
The flower buds, which appear in May, are initially a deep red, transitioning to pink and turning white when they are fully open. Its flowers are very showy, and the “snowstorm” that comes when the petals drop is something out of a fairy tale. The show continues into fall, as the glossy red crabapples that form persist into winter, and provide a beautiful feature.
This tree will reach an ultimate height of about 20-25’. It will grow best in a heavy loam, but again needs good drainage and slightly acid soil. Full sun produces the best flowering. Hardy to Zone 4.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Tree
- Key season and features of interest: Spring – showy red to pink buds opening to white; showy, edible glossy red fruit persists into winter; yellow fall foliage
- Flowering period: April
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Attracts birds and butterflies
- Wildlife benefits: Fruits are food source for birds and mammals; shelter
- Site/Condition tolerance: Air pollution, some drought
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun
- Soil condition preference: Loamy, acid, well-drained soil
- Highly pest and disease resistant; low maintenance
Growth Habit: Upright, spreading, rounded form
Size (mature height and spread): 20’ tall by 25’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-8
Nativity: Hybrid origin
Suggested Uses: Specimen, small groups, container, bonsai, espalier
Year of award: 2001
PALLIDA HYBRID WITCH HAZEL
Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Pallida’
Family: Hamamelidaceae
Description: Few plants can lift you out of the winter doldrums as effectively as witch hazels. Blooming in February and March, the selection known as ‘Pallida’ has beautiful and profuse sulfur-yellow flowers that are fragrant. On warm days in late winter, the petals unfold, and if it gets cold again, the petals just curl up and wait for another warm spell. This enables the plant to have a long season of bloom, before much else is out in late winter/early spring. It is particularly beautiful with an evergreen background, as the flowers emerge before the leaves, and underplanted with some early spring bulbs such as snowdrops (Galanthus spp.). The lustrous green leaves remain on the plant through summer.
‘Pallida’ will grow to about 10-15’ high and equally wide. A cousin to our native witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), it serves as a good alternative to forsythia and prefers a site in full sun or partial shade with moist, well-drained acid soil. Hardy to Zone 5.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Small tree
- Key season and features of interest: Fragrant spring flowers
- Flowering period: February – March
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Insect pollination
- Wildlife benefits: Nesting for birds
- Site/Condition tolerance: Soil erosion , clay, drought
- Sun/Shade preference: Sun to part shade
- Soil condition preference: Rich, moist, acid soil
- Low maintenance and pest resistant
Growth Habit: Slow-growing, rounded, spreading form
Size (mature height and spread): 10-15’ tall and wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 5-8
Nativity: Central China
Suggested Uses: Specimen, border
Year of award: 2001
GREEN SHEEN PACHYSANDRA
Pachysandra terminalis ‘Green Sheen’
Family: Buxaceae
Description: The ubiquitous Pachysandra terminalis is probably a plant that everybody knows. It grows vigorously in New England gardens, and is an effective evergreen ground cover, even if it is sometimes overused. ‘Green Sheen’ is an improved selection from Dale Chapman of the University of Connecticut. Its lustrous, shiny green leaves are striking in the landscape; they almost look perfect.
Like the common form, ‘Green Sheen’ will grow in deep shade, and is a good ground cover under shallow rooted trees, such as beech. Overexposure to sun may cause this plant to suffer and turn yellow. It is hardy to Zone 4, and prefers a rich, moist but well-drained soil.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Spreading groundcover
- Key season and features of interest: Glossy evergreen foliage
- Flowering period: March – April
- Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
- Pollinator plant: Attracts bees
- Wildlife benefits: Little benefit
- Site/Condition tolerance: Deep shade; heat
- Sun/Shade Preference: Part to full shade
- Soil Condition Preference: Fertile, moist, well-drained, acid soil
- Low maintenance; pest and disease resistant; deer and rabbit resistant
Growth Habit: Slow growing, dense, upright form which spread by rhizomes
Size (mature height and spread): 6– 12” tall by 12-18” wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-9
Nativity: Japan
Suggested Uses: Beneath shrubs and trees; banks & slopes; erosion control
Year of award: 2001
2002
KOUSA DOGWOOD
Cornus kousa
Family: Cornaceae
Description: Kousa dogwood is New England’s answer to a hardy, flowering dogwood, offering all the glamour of the flowering dogwood, Cornus florida, but with durability and disease resistance. Use in borders, groupings or as a specimen plant. Grown as a single-trunk tree or a multi-stemmed large shrub. Cream-colored, four-bract flowers. Maroon-purple foliage in autumn. Cream, beige and grey-colored bark. Hardy to Zone 5.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Small tree
- Key season and features of interest: Gray, tan and brown exfoliating bark on mature tree; red fall foliage; showy blooms; pink bracts of some cultivars
- Flowering period: May – June
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Attracts butterflies
- Wildlife benefits: Fruit provides food source for birds
- Site/Condition tolerance: Part shade, moderate salt, drought and alkaline soil tolerance
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun
- Soil condition preference: Acid, moist, well-drained soil
- Relatively pest free; resistant to dogwood anthracnose; some susceptibility to borer
Growth Habit: Rounded form with horizontal, layered branches
Size (mature height and spread): 15-30’ tall and wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 5-8
Nativity: Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan
Suggested Uses: Specimen, border, grouping, woodland
Year of award: 2002
SEVEN-SON FLOWER
Heptacodium miconioides
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Description: Seven-son flower was initially introduced from China in 1980 and has become quite popular in the Northeast. This plant puts on a spectacular show in autumn with its red sepal color, and in winter with its exfoliating bark, which exposes a light brown underbark. Works well as an accent, in shrub borders or in groupings.
Grows 15 to 20 feet tall, 12 to 15 feet wide with shiny, pointed, drooping foliage and small, fragrant, star-shaped white flowers produced in whorls of 7 flowers (origin of name seven sons flower). Multi-stemmed and upright spreading habit with a cloud like canopy.
Grows best in moist soils and full sun but will adapt to dry, acid soils and part-shade. Hardy to Zone 5.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Shrub
- Key season and features of interest: Fragrant late season bloom, red-purple fruit, showy rose sepal-like calyx, light color exfoliating bark
- Flowering period: August – September
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Butterflies and hummingbirds
- Wildlife benefits: Nectar for butterflies
- Site/Condition tolerance: Dry sandy or clay soils, partial shade
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun
- Soil condition preference: Organic, moist, well-drained
- Pest and disease resistant
Growth Habit: Multi-stemmed, upright, spreading shrub
Size (mature height and spread): 15-20’ tall by 12-15’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 5-9
Nativity: China
Suggested Uses: Specimen, accent, border, grouping
Year of award: 2002
KEN JANECK RHODODENDRON
Rhododendron yakushimanum ‘Ken Janeck’
Family: Ericaceae
Description: A favorite of rhododendron growers throughout the world. Colorful pink buds and abundant flowers supplement attractive white fuzz that coats the terminal buds and undersides of the foliage in winter. It has an annual growth rate of 4-6 inches and reaches an ultimate size of 3 ft. by 5 ft.
‘Ken Janeck’ grows best in rich, well-drained acid soil. Hardy to Zone 4.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Small shrub
- Key season and features of interest: Thick, evergreen leaves; showy pink blooms
- Flowering period: May
- Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
- Pollinator plant: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
- Wildlife benefits:
- Site/Condition tolerance: Full shade
- Sun/Shade preference: Part shade with wind protection
- Soil condition preference: Fertile, moist, acid, well-drained
- Moderately easy to grow and disease resistant
Growth Habit: Slow growing, dense, compact, mounding
Size (mature height and spread): 2-5’ tall by 2-5’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 5-8
Nativity: Japan
Suggested Uses: Specimen, border, hedge, foundation
Year of award: 2002
2003
PAPERBARK MAPLE
Acer griseum
Family: Sapindaceae
Description: A modest grove set among the compact, evergreen mountain laurels, in organic, well-drained soil and full sun, would be a stirring sight in mid-winter. The paperbark maple grows rather slowly to a 30’-40’ tree with a rounded form. Its trifoliate leaves turn shades of burgundy, bronze, and red in autumn. The paperbark maple combines beautifully with little leaf mountain laurels, eventually providing a high canopy of shade. The real beauty of the paperbark maple is most evident in winter when the low angle of the sun plays off the cinnamon colored, flaking, and curling bark of this splendid tree. It is pest and disease resistant and hardy in USDA Zones 4-8.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Small tree
- Key season and features of interest: Burgundy, bronze and red fall foliage; exfoliating cinnamon colored bark provides year round interest
- Flowering period: April – May
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Attracts insect pollinators
- Wildlife benefits: Habitat, shelter & food for wildlife
- Site/Condition tolerance: Acid or alkaline clay soils that are well drained
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun; tolerates partial shade
- Soil condition preference: Moist, well-drained, slightly acid
- Low maintenance
Growth Habit: Slow growing, rounded to oval form with slender, upright branches
Size (mature height and spread): 20-30’ tall and wide (can reach 40-50’ tall)
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-8
Nativity: Central China
Suggested Uses: Specimen or lawn tree in borders or groupings; shade tree; bonsai
Year of award: 2003
LITTLE LEAF MOUNTAIN LAUREL
Kalmia latifolia ‘Elf’, ‘Minuet’, ‘Tiddlywinks’, ‘Tinkerbell’, and ‘Little Linda’
Family: Ericaceae
Description: Our native mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is one of New England’s finest shrubs, bearing shining leaves year round, and clusters of pale pink cup-like flowers in late May and early June. Selections and cultivars of this native beauty introduced by Dick Jaynes of Connecticut are becoming more available, lending to a greater range of flower color, leaf size, and plant habit.
The varieties ‘Elf’, ‘Minuet’, ‘Tiddlywinks’, ‘Tinkerbell’, and ‘Little Linda’—seem to twinkle when the blossoms emerge from their candy-like buds in May. They are compact, slow-growing evergreen plants, reaching a height of 3-4’ in 10 years.
Like our wild mountain laurels, these cultivars will thrive in full sun to partial shade. In sunny situations it is best to locate them where they are sheltered from drying winds and winter sun. They prefer well-drained, but not excessively dry, acid soils and benefit from organic mulch to moderate soil temperatures and moisture. Given the right conditions mountain laurels are hardy in USDA Zones 4-9.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Multi-stemmed woody shrub
- Key season and features of interest: Glossy green leaves; attractive spring flower clusters
- Flowering period: May – June
- Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
- Pollinator plant: Attracts pollinators
- Wildlife benefits: Cover for wildlife
- Site/Condition tolerance: Heavy shade
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil condition preference: Moist, organic, well-drained, acid soil
- Requires attention to cultural needs; susceptible to leaf spot, blight, borers, and scale
Growth Habit: Slow growing, compact, dwarf to miniature form
Size (mature height and spread): 3-4’ tall and wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-9
Nativity: Eastern N. America
Suggested Uses: Border, mass planting, hedge, foundation, woodland areas
Year of award: 2003
2004
ELIZABETH MAGNOLIA
Magnolia ‘Elizabeth’
Family: Magnoliaceae
Description: Magnolia ‘Elizabeth’ boasts large, fragrant, golden yellow flowers, occurring here in late April and continuing through most of May. This is a very hardy tree, but the blooms, like those of most early blooming magnolias are susceptible to late frosts. ‘Elizabeth’ is a robust grower and will reach heights of 30’, a product of her parentage as she is the result of a cross between the cucumber magnolia (M. acuminata) and the Yulan magnolia (M. denudata).
Large glossy green leaves, of heavy texture, unfurl after the flowers have faded and obscure the smooth gray bark. The bark is revealed again in late autumn when the leaves have carpeted the ground. The smooth bark is pleasing enough in the winter but furry flower buds add to the winter silhouette. This was one of the first yellow magnolias to hit the horticultural market, introduced by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in 1978, and named after Elizabeth Scholz, former BBG director.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Ornamental tree
- Key season and features of interest: Showy, fragrant, golden flowers; cone-shaped red fruit
- Flowering period: April – May
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Beetle pollinated
- Wildlife benefits: Bird nesting
- Site/Condition tolerance: Air pollution; most soil types
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to part shade
- Soil condition preference: Fertile, moist, slightly acid, well-drained soil
- Low maintenance; pest and disease resistant
Growth Habit: Vigorous grower; upright, pyramidal form
Size (mature height and spread): 20-35’ tall by 12-20’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 5-8
Nativity: Hybrid Origin
Suggested Uses: Specimen, shade tree
Year of award: 2004
SOFT TOUCH EASTERN WHITE PINE
Pinus strobus ‘Soft Touch’
Family: Pinaceae
Description: Pinus strobus ‘Soft Touch’ beckons in all seasons – demanding a pat to its soft, tousled head. Soft blue needles, five per bundle, with a slight twist, grace this 3’ tall dwarf conifer. It is a slow grower and will attain its mature height after 15-20 years.
‘Soft Touch’ is a selection of our native white pine made by Dr. Sidney Waxman, famous for his selections of dwarf conifers. Dr. Waxman collected seeds and cuttings from many witch’s brooms, and particularly those from white pines. Numerous cultivars have come from his careful selections and ‘Soft Touch’ is one of the best.
It is appropriate in both large and small landscapes, and provides solid beauty year round.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Dwarf conifer shrub
- Key season and features of interest: Soft blue, twisted needles; dwarf form
- Flowering period: N/A
- Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
- Pollinator plant: N/A
- Wildlife benefits: Food and shelter for wildlife
- Site/Condition tolerance: Light shade; dry and/or rocky soil; wet soil
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun
- Soil condition preference: Fertile, moist, well-drained
- Low maintenance; deer resistant; susceptibility to white pine blister and white pine weevil
Growth Habit: Slow growing, compact, spreading and irregular mounded form
Size (mature height and spread): 3’ tall by 5’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 3-7
Nativity: Northeast US, Canada
Suggested Uses: Ornamental specimen, rock garden, border, foundation
Year of award: 2004
THREE-TOOTHED CINQUEFOIL
Sibbaldiopsis tridentata
Family: Rosaceae
Description: A fine native plant formerly called Potentilla tridentata. While the name has changed, the beauty of the plant certainly has not. This lovely little cinquefoil makes a superb groundcover, 4-6” tall, in full sun or partial shade. In late May and early June the glossy leaves, divided into three leaflets, are topped by small, white, five-petaled flowers. Like all potentillas, this is a member of the rose family, but unlike so many members of that family it is generally trouble-free. In autumn the foliage turns deep burgundy, and sometimes bright red, and remains throughout the winter.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Sub-shrub
- Key season and features of interest: Glossy green foliage turning burgundy-red in fall; small white spring flowers
- Flowering period: May-June
- Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
- Pollinator plant: Attracts butterflies and bees
- Wildlife benefits: N/A
- Site/Condition tolerance: Gravelly , rocky soil; salt; exposure; dryness
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil condition preference: Acid, well-drained
- Low maintenance; pest and disease resistant
Growth Habit: Low growing, mounding, slow spreading groundcover
Size (mature height and spread): 4-6” tall
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 2-8
Nativity: Canada, Greenland, Northern and Northeastern US
Suggested Uses: Groundcover, border, rock garden, erosion control
Year of award: 2004
2005
KOREAN FIR
Abies koreana
Family: Pinaceae
Description: A loosely pyramidal evergreen tree identified by its short, plump, thickly set, curved tip needles that are green on top with a silver-lined underside. Small dark-violet cones appearing in spring are highly showy and produced at a young age. Korean fir is generally believed to be more heat-tolerant than other plants in this genus. It is useful as a screen, but deserves a prominent position as a specimen or accent tree. Grows to 25’H x 10’W in acid soil. Prefers full sun but will tolerate light shade.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Evergreen tree
- Key season and features of interest: 2-3” dark-violet cones in spring
- Flowering period: N/A
- Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
- Pollinator plant: N/A
- Wildlife benefits: Habitat for birds
- Site/Condition tolerance: Prefers cold climate; sensitive to urban pollution
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun, light shade
- Soil condition preference: Rich, moist, slightly acid, well-drained soil
- No serious disease or insect problems
Growth Habit: Slow growing, compact, conical shape
Size (mature height and spread): 15-30’ tall by 10’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 5-7
Nativity: North and South Korea
Suggested Uses: Specimen, accent tree, screen
Year of award: 2005
MISS KIM MANCHURIAN LILAC
Syringa pubescens subsp. patula ‘Miss Kim’
LOWBUSH BLUEBERRY
Vaccinium angustifolium
2006
WEEPING KATSURA TREE
Cercidiphyllum japonicum ‘Morioka Weeping’
Family: Cercidiphyllaceae
Description: This deciduous tree is beautiful year-round. The 2-4” bluish-green leaves are reminiscent of redbud (Cercis canadensis) hence the botanical name Cercidiphyllum, meaning “leaves like Cercis.” The leaves flutter in the slightest breeze, giving the effect on this weeping form of a shimmering waterfall. Native to China and Japan, this cultivar will reach an ultimate height and width of about 25-30’. Its leaves turn a beautiful, earthy shade of orange and yellow in the fall, and exude a sweet scent as they fall. Some describe the fragrance as reminiscent of cotton candy. Best used as a specimen, the weeping katsura tree prefers rich soil and plenty of water when getting established. Not commonly bothered by pests or diseases. Hardy to USDA Zone 4.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Tree
- Key season and features of interest: Colorful, sweetly fragrant fall foliage; shaggy bark; reddish purple new leaves that mature to bluish green; fragrant flowers
- Flowering period: March – April before leaves emerge
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: N/AF
- Wildlife benefits: Bird habitat
- Site/Condition tolerance: Clay soil
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to part shade
- Soil condition preference: Rich, moist, well-drained
- Low maintenance having no serious insect or disease; resistant to Verticillium wilt
Growth Habit: Dense, arching, cascading form
Size (mature height and spread): 15-30’ tall by 20-30’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-8
Nativity: Japan, China
Suggested Uses: Specimen, large lawns, parks
Year of award: 2006
WINTERGREEN JAPANESE UMBRELLA-PINE
Sciadopitys verticillata ‘Wintergreen‘
Family: Sciadopityaceae
Description: The thick, waxy needles of this unusual tree are reminiscent of the spokes of an umbrella, hence the common name. It is an evergreen conifer, native to Japan, where it is considered a sacred tree. It has survived for many thousands of years. In fact, coal miners in Japan sometimes find “grass coal,” which is the result of the compression of umbrella-pine needles. It is slow-growing and elegant, ultimately reaching a height of 30’-60’ in cultivation. It forms a dense, sometimes multi-stemmed, pyramid, and prefers a rich, acid soil, protected from winter winds.
The ‘Wintergreen’ cultivar, named by the late Dr. Sydney Waxman of the University of Connecticut, was chosen because it retains its lustrous green color through the winter months. Hardy in USDA Zones 4-8.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Tree
- Key season and features of interest: Elegant form; thick, glossy green needles
- Flowering period: N/A
- Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
- Pollinator plant: N/A
- Wildlife benefits: Wildlife habitat
- Site/Condition tolerance: Poor, dry, sandy soils; urban pollution
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to part shade with some wind protection
- Soil condition preference: Fertile, moist, acid, well-drained
- Low maintenance; pest and disease resistant
Growth Habit: Slow growing, dense pyramidal to conical form
Size (mature height and spread): 20-30’ tall by 15-20’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-8
Nativity: Japan
Suggested Uses: Specimen, border, rock garden
Year of award: 2006
2007
LITTLE KING RIVER BIRCH
Betula nigra ‘Little King’
Family: Betulaceae
Description: Also known by its trade name, Fox Valley™, ‘Little King’ is a compact version of our native river birch. Introduced by King Nursery in Oswego, Illinois in 1991, this shrubby birch grows 10 to 12 feet tall and 9 to 12 feet wide, making it perfect for smaller gardens. It also can be used as a deciduous hedge. The bark features colorful patches of cream and apricot that gracefully peel, revealing hues of salmon and brown. The species grows in eastern North America in moist to wet soil, but can adapt to most soil types as long as it receives adequate moisture until it is well established. Hardy to Zone 4, it prefers full sun/partial shade.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Small compact tree
- Key season and features of interest: Attractive, cinnamon brown, exfoliating bark; yellow fall foliage
- Flowering period: April – May
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Flowers are cross pollinated by wind
- Wildlife benefits: Moth and butterfly larvae feed on its leaves and become a food source for birds. Grouse, wild turkey and various bird species feed on its seeds. It provides bird habitat.
- Site/Condition tolerance: Heat; clay, dry or wet soils; air pollution
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to part shade
- Soil condition preference: Moist to wet, acid; adaptable to wide range of soil conditions
- Resistant to birch bronze borer and leaf spot
Growth Habit: Dense, compact, broad oval form
Size (mature height and spread): 8-10’ tall by 9-12’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-9
Nativity: Eastern and Central US
Suggested Uses: Specimen, groupings, wet areas, rain garden
Year of award: 2007
FRINGE TREE
Chionanthus virginicus
Family: Oleaceae
Description: This large shrub or small tree often reaches 15-20′ tall with a similar spread. It’s usually multi-stemmed, broad, and spreading. Large oblong leaves to 8” are borne on coarse twigs and branches. While its winter aspect can be a bit coarse, its spring appearance is anything but – in late May and early June it is covered in delicate clouds of fragrant white flowers borne in long panicles. As the blooms fade the petals drop like snow underneath.
Most often dioecious – that is the male and female flowers occur on separate plants, male flowers bear slightly longer petals than female flowers and so are showier. Female plants are endowed with lovely blue fruit in late summer and early fall. This sturdy, pest and disease resistant native plant, occurs in the eastern United States. Hardy in zones 3-9. Plant in full sun or partial shade in a rich, moisture retentive soil.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Large shrub or small tree
- Key season and features of interest: Fragrant flowers; fall foliage
- Flowering period: May to early June
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Attracts bees
- Wildlife benefits: Berries provide food source for wildlife
- Site/Condition tolerance: Air pollution, clay
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to part shade
- Soil condition preference: Rich, moist, acid soil
- Low maintenance with some susceptibility to scale, borer, leaf spots, powdery mildew
Growth Habit: Slow growing, multi-stemmed, rounded and spreading
Size (mature height and spread): 12-20’ tall and wide but can grow larger
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 3-9
Nativity: Eastern US
Suggested Uses: Specimen, borders, lawn
Year of award: 2007
OLGA MEZITT RHODODENDRON
Rhododendron ‘Olga Mezitt’
2008
THREE-FLOWERED MAPLE
Acer triflorum
Family: Sapindaceae
Description: Three-flowered maple is a small tree well suited to modern landscapes. Among its attributes are outstanding bark, disease and pest resistance, and intense fall color. Hailing from northeast China and Korea, this compact tree makes a distinctive rounded specimen growing 20-30′ tall and wide. Its common name comes from the clusters of three greenish-yellow flowers which occur in spring. The flowers, which are inconspicuous, are followed by typical maple-like winged samaras. The clean green foliage, in leaflets of three, is pest and disease free and casts a dense shade. Autumn and winter bring on the attributes for which the tree is usually grown – leaves turn brilliant hues of orange, red, yellow, and purple.
Unlike most trees and shrubs, three-flowered maple will exhibit beautiful, though slightly subdued, autumn color even in the shade. In the winter months the warm glowing tan and umber bark flakes and peels in vertical strips, providing an interesting winter aspect. Full sun and rich, well-drained soil will contribute to the best growth and fall color; plant in full sun or filtered shade. Avoid excessively wet conditions. First introduced into cultivation in 1923, this unusual maple is still under-used, perhaps because propagation is challenging.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Small tree
- Key season and features of interest: Brilliant yellow, orange and red fall foliage; vertically exfoliating ash brown bark
- Flowering period: April
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Attracts insect pollinators
- Wildlife benefits: Habitat, shelter and food for wildlife
- Site/Condition tolerance: Moderate drought and salt tolerance; intolerant of soil compaction or long periods of wet soil
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to part shade
- Soil condition preference: Moist, acid and well-drained
- Easy to grow
Growth Habit: Slow growing upright, spreading tree; becomes dense and rounded in open areas
Size (mature height and spread): 20-30’ tall and wide (up to 45’ tall in the wild)
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-7
Nativity: Manchuria, Northern China, Korea
Suggested Uses: Specimen for border, lawn or street
Year of award: 2008
GOLDEN HINOKI FALSECYPRESS
Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Crippsii’
Family: Cupressaceae
Description: A remarkably beautiful tree in any season, but particularly in winter when the yellow tint of the evergreen branches brings a note of grandeur to the simplest landscape. A large tree reaching 30-45′ at maturity, the golden hinoki falsecypress prefers a well-drained, acid soil in full sun. No serious pest or disease problems. Hardy to Zone 5.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Tree
- Key season and features of interest: Winter; yellow foliage; shedding reddish brown bark on older species
- Flowering period: N/A
- Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
- Pollinator plant: N/A
- Wildlife benefits: N/A
- Site/Condition tolerance: Tolerates partial shade
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun with wind protection
- Soil condition preference: Moist, neutral to acid, well drained soil; moist climate
- Relatively low maintenance with some susceptibility to juniper scale and blight
Growth Habit: Upright, broadly pyramidal; drooping branch tips
Size (mature height and spread): 30-45’ tall by 10-30’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 5-8
Nativity: Japan and Taiwan
Suggested Uses: Specimen, bonsai
Year of award: 2008
GRO-LOW FRAGRANT SUMAC
Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’
Family: Anacardiaceae
Description: A low-growing ground cover with pest and disease resistance, fruit for birds, and fabulous fall color. In leaf it looks similar to poison ivy with its glossy trifoliate leaves, but it is non-vining and (fortunately!) without the irritating oil that causes blistering and itching. Mature plants grow 18-24″ high and up to 8′ across. Spreading by rooting suckers, it eventually forms large colonies making it suitable for holding steep slopes. Fragrant sumac is native to eastern North America.
The cultivar ‘Gro-Low’ was introduced by Synnesvedt Nursery in Glenview, Illinois. Yellowish flowers occur in May. In the species, male catkins and female flower clusters may occur on the same or separate plants and unfurl before the shrub leafs out. ‘Gro-Low’ is a female cultivar and is graced with clusters of red berries which may hold well into the winter if not devoured by birds and small mammals. Plant ‘Gro-Low’ in full sun and well drained soil to bring about the best growth. Hardy to Zone 3.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Groundcover shrub
- Key season and features of interest: Showy fruit; glossy green leaves turning red, orange and yellow in fall
- Flowering period: April – May
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Attracts butterflies
- Wildlife benefits: Fruit is food source for birds and small mammals
- Site/Condition tolerance: Dry, hot sites; clay and rocky soils
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to part shade
- Soil condition preference: Well drained, acid, average soil
- Low maintenance; pest and disease resistant; rabbit resistant
Growth Habit: Vigorous, low growing, dense; spreads by root suckers and colonizes
Size (mature height and spread): 18-24” tall by 6-8’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 3-9
Nativity: Eastern North America
Suggested Uses: Slopes, groundcover, erosion control
Year of award: 2008
2009
TUPELO
Nyssa sylvatica
Family: Nyssaceae
Description: Tupelo or blackgum is an attractive native tree with brilliant autumn color, an interesting silhouette, and the ability to endure adverse conditions. It often occurs in moist environments but tolerates moderately well-drained upland soils equally well – though it is not considered drought tolerant. Deep glossy green leaves emerge with a slight purple cast in spring. Leaves are elliptical and entire and pleasantly non-descript until autumn when they become flaming demons of fiery red, orange, and occasionally verging towards yellow. It is for this flamboyant show the tupelo is most prized.
Inconspicuous green flowers occur in tight clusters in spring. If female flowers are successfully pollinated then blue to black fruit will follow, ripening in late summer and providing tasty morsels for songbirds.
Another noteworthy feature is the fine form of this 90′ tall native–it ultimately forms a pyramid, with slender branches in elegant horizontal tiers, lower ones often drooping to the ground. Its ultimate height is reached at a moderate pace–reaching perhaps 30′ after 20 years. Most importantly the tupelo is resistant to pests and diseases. Hardy to Zone 4.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Large tree
- Key season and features of interest: Brilliant red to orange fall foliage
- Flowering period: May – June
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Attracts bees
- Wildlife benefits: Nectar is food source for bees; fruits are food source for birds and wildlife
- Site/Condition tolerance: Wet, clay, dry or rocky soils; standing water
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to partial sun
- Soil condition preference: Moist, acid, average soil
- Low maintenance; pest and disease resistant
Growth Habit: Slow growing, pyramidal form becoming rounded to flat-topped with age
Size (mature height and spread): 30-50’ tall by 20-30’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 3-9
Nativity: Eastern United States
Suggested Uses: Specimen, shade tree
Year of award: 2009
SHERIDAN HYBRID BOXWOODS
Buxus Sheridan hybrids (‘Green Gem’, ‘Green Mountain’, and ‘Green Velvet’)
Family: Buxaceae
Description: The boxwoods remain consistently green throughout the year. They can be trained as a hedge, topiary, or a specimen that you can rely upon to stand up to winter conditions, shrug off deer, and provide decorative greens during the holiday season.
The Sheridan hybrids, selected by Sheridan Nursery in Canada, are especially admired for their compact, sturdy growth habit in Zone 5, never burning or discoloring. They are the result of crossing Buxus microphylla var. koreana (known for compact form and hardiness) with B. sempervirens. ‘Green Mountain’ forms an elegant pyramid, 3-4′ wide by 5’+ tall. ‘Green Gem’ is a very slow growing compact form well suited to low hedges. It will slowly reach 2′ tall and 2′ wide. ‘Green Velvet’ is intermediate between the two, topping off at 3’ tall, forming a nice green globe.
Like most boxwood, the Sheridan hybrids are not immune to boxwood psyllid, a tiny insect that causes cupping in the leaves. The psyllid eggs overwinter under the protection of the bud scales. When they hatch in early spring they feed on young leaves resulting in the cupped effect. Since the damage is strictly cosmetic, control is unnecessary in most situations. Hardy in Zones 4-8.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Evergreen shrub
- Key season and features of interest: Winter; compact , green foliage
- Flowering period: March – April
- Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
- Pollinator plant: Attracts insect pollinators
- Wildlife benefits: Cover for birds and other wildlife
- Site/Condition tolerance: Cold hardiness; drought
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to part shade to full shade
- Soil condition preference: Loamy, loose, well-drained
- Low maintenance; deer resistant; susceptibility to boxwood psyllid, boxwood blight, leaf miner, mites and nematodes varies by species.
Growth Habit: Slow growing and compact; mounded, globe, upright oval or wide pyramidal shape depending on cultivar
Size (mature height and spread): 2-5’ tall by 2-4’ wide depending on cultivar
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-8
Nativity: Hybrid origin
Suggested Uses: Hedge, topiary, specimen, rock gardens, foundations
Year of award: 2009
2010
PANICLE HYDRANGEA AND CULTIVARS
Hydrangea paniculata and cultivars
2011
ORIENTAL SPRUCE
Picea orientalis ‘Skylands’
Family: Pinaceae
Description: Oriental spruce is an elegant and underused conifer with many qualities that make it ideal for the modern landscape. Hailing from the Caucasus and northern Turkey, this tree is hardy to zone 4, unattractive to deer and other pests, and grows at a moderate rate to 50 or 60’ tall. Its width can be as much as 20 feet, but selections and cultivars offer moderate size and vibrant color.
One of the most remarkable conifers in the winter season is Picea orientalis ‘Skylands’, a slow-growing, yellow-needled form named after the famed New Jersey Botanical Garden known as “Skylands.” The yellow needles glow year round but truly stand out in winter. Severe, wind-whipped winters can cause the upper surface of the needles to burn a bit in the late winter, so plant it out of winter winds.
The cultivar ‘Gowdy’ develops a particularly narrow form. Look for other dwarf cultivars such as ‘Shadow’s Broom’, ‘Nana’, ‘Weeping Dwarf’ (Pendula), and ‘Tom Thumb’.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Tree
- Key season and features of interest: Year round – evergreen foliage, elegant stature
- Flowering period: Spring
- Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
- Pollinator plant: N/A
- Wildlife benefits: Attracts birds and small mammals
- Site/Condition tolerance: Clay, rocky and poor soils; partial shade
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun with wind protection
- Soil condition preference: Fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Low maintenance; pest and disease resistant; deer resistant
Growth Habit: Dense and compact with narrow, pyramidal form
Size (mature height and spread): 50-60’ tall by 10-15’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-7
Nativity: Caucasus, Asia Minor
Suggested Uses: Specimen, accent, screen
Year of award: 2011
WESTON’S SPARKLER AZALEA
Rhododendron ‘Weston’s Sparkler’
2012
KNOCK OUT® ROSE
Rosa Knock Out® cultivars
Family: Rosaceae
Description: This group of hardy, long blooming and disease resistant roses has made rose growing a more practical endeavor for busy home gardeners. Prior to the introduction of the first Knock Out® rose, easy, disease resistant roses were hard to find. Roses commonly available required extensive maintenance for meager rewards of bloom.
The family of Knock Out® roses now includes more than ten distinct selections. These undemanding shrubs will grow 3-4′ tall, but can be maintained smaller. Blooming will occur off and on all summer until hard frost.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Shrub rose
- Key season and features of interest: Abundant, colorful blossoms with long bloom season and light fragrance
- Flowering period: July thru frost
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Attracts bees
- Wildlife benefits: N/A
- Site/Condition tolerance: Drought and heat; light shade
- Sun/Shade Preference: Full sun
- Soil Condition Preference: Loose, organic, well drained, moist, slightly acid soil; good air circulation
- Easy to grow; black spot resistant; powdery mildew tolerant
Growth Habit: Vigorous, compact, bushy habit; flowers tend to self-clean preventing rose hip formation
Size (mature height and spread): 3-5’ tall and wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 5-9
Nativity: Hybrid origin
Suggested Uses: Hedge, border, masses, accent, foundation
Year of award: 2012
ADAM’S NEEDLE
Yucca filamentosa
Family: Asparagaceae
Description: Adam’s needle (Yucca filamentosa) is a hardy evergreen sub-shrub. In addition to being a highly regarded ornamental, it is known for its ethno-botanical uses (fiber, medicine, soap, food, fish-stunning, etc.). At some point, it fell from favor for the ornamental landscape until variegated leaf forms began to appear and drew notice.
The brightest selection is ‘ColorGuard’ with a brilliant yellow center to the 18” sword-like leaves which are tinged with pink and rose during the winter months. The cultivar ‘Gold Sword’ is similar – punctuated with streaks of gold and green at the center of the leaves, while ‘Gold Edge’ is, as you would expect, rimmed with creamy yellow. No matter the hue present in these cultivars, all have wiry threads at the margins of the leaves, hence the specific epithet “filamentosa.”
Though the yuccas perform best in full sun in well-drained soils, they are tolerant of a few hours of shade, and rich soils. In the best situations they will reward gardeners not only with beautiful foliage (deep green in the species) but also dramatic 7’ spikes of large creamy white bells in June and July. Yucca is native to the Southeast United States.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Sub-shrub
- Key season and features of interest: Showy, creamy white bell-shaped blooms on 5-7’ stalk; foliage
- Flowering period: June-July
- Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
- Pollinator plant: Insect pollinated
- Wildlife benefits: Attracts hummingbirds and bees; hosts yucca moth larvae which consume the seeds
- Site/Condition tolerance: Rocky or fertile soil; part shade; drought; air pollution
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun
- Soil condition preference: Infertile, sandy soil; medium to dry moisture
- Easy to grow; pest and disease resistant; rabbit and deer resistant
Growth Habit: Slow-growing, erect, fibrous, sword-like and spine-tipped, stemless leaves in a rosette formation
Size (mature height and spread): 2-3’ tall by 2-3’ wide (with flower stem up to 7’ tall)
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 5-9
Nativity: Eastern and Midwestern US
Suggested Uses: Dry border or slope, specimen, accent, container
Year of award: 2012
2013
VEITCH’S SILVER FIR
Abies veitchii
Family: Pinaceae
Description: Veitch’s silver fir (Abies veitchii) is a decidedly rugged and very handsome fir for modern gardens. Hardy to Zone 3, it grows slowly into a pyramidal form reaching 35-40′ in as many years. In its native range in central and southern Japan it can attain heights of up to 75′, with a spread of 30-35′ with age. The needles are deep green on top and sport a showy white band beneath. It happily grows in good garden soil that is neither wet nor droughty, in full sun or partial shade. Veitch’s silver fir provides cover and nesting sites for a variety of birds adding to the liveliness of any garden.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Evergreen tree
- Key season and features of interest: 2-3” cones, bluish-purple when young, brown with age
- Flowering period: N/A
- Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
- Pollinator plant: N/A
- Wildlife benefits: Bird habitat
- Site/Condition tolerance: Semi-urban tolerant
- Sun/Shade preference: Sun or partial shade
- Soil condition preference: Moist, well-drained, acid soil
- Very hardy but susceptible to spruce budworm, woolly adelgid and certain canker diseases
Growth Habit: Slow to medium growth rate; pyramidal form with horizontal branches
Size (mature height and spread): 50-75’ tall by 25-30’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 3-6
Nativity: Central and Southern Japan
Suggested Uses: Specimen tree
Year of award: 2013
THREADLEAF FALSECYPRESS
Chamaecyparis pisifera and cultivars
Family: Cupressaceae
Description: The many golden cultivars of the threadleaf falsecypress indicate its popularity in the landscape. The species is a very hardy evergreen, hailing from Japan and introduced into cultivation in this country in 1861. The threadleaf forms have mop-like drooping branchlets that add an unusual texture in the garden. Golden versions, like Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Filifera Aurea’, and C. ‘Golden Mop’, add bright yellow color which draws attention and serves as a beacon, particularly in the winter landscape. ‘Filifera Aurea’ will grow to 20′ tall, whereas ‘Golden Mop’ remains much shorter. ‘Sungold’ reaches 5-6′ tall and a foot or two wider with age. All of the cultivars grow well in rich, slightly acid garden soil with adequate moisture, but not wet. Full sun heightens the color of the golden forms. They can provide glowing material for holiday decorations and containers! Hardy to Zone 4.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Shrub
- Key season and features of interest: Fern-like green or golden foliage; peeling reddish-brown bark
- Flowering period: N/A
- Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
- Pollinator plant: N/A
- Wildlife benefits: N/A
- Site/Condition tolerance: Tolerates drought
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to part shade
- Soil condition preference: Moist, fertile, well-drained, acid
- Easy to grow; low maintenance
Growth Habit: Upright, dense, open, pyramidal to irregular
Size (mature height and spread): 5-20’ tall by 6-20’ (varies by cultivar)
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-8
Nativity: Japan
Suggested Uses: Specimen, accent
Year of award: 2013
2014
AMERICAN WISTERIA
Wisteria frutescens
Family: Fabaceae
Description: American wisteria is a North American species found in southern states, but hardy to Zone 5. Pendant racemes (6-8” in length) of purple and white flowers occur in May and June on young plants and perfume the air with light, sweet fragrance.
Vines grow 10-12’ per year up to 30’ and are less aggressive than their more familiar Asian cousins – both of which climb 65-100’ and can run rampant over desirable plants and large tracts of land.
Prune American wisteria right after flowering, since it flowers on the current season’s growth it will re-bloom sporadically throughout the summer. Look for cultivars ‘Amethyst Falls’ or the beautiful white flowered ‘Nivea’.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Vine
- Key season and features of interest: Showy, fragrant purple and white flowers; woody structure
- Flowering period: April-May (and sporadically through summer on new growth)
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Attracts butterflies
- Wildlife benefits: Insect nectar; butterfly larvae host
- Site/Condition tolerance: Wet soils; average soil; deer resistant; shade
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to part shade
- Soil condition preference: Fertile, organic, moist, well-drained
- Relatively pest and disease resistant; pruning needed for optimal bloom
Growth Habit: Woody, twining vine
Size (mature height and spread): 20-30’ tall by 4-8’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 5-9
Nativity: Southern US, Texas
Suggested Uses: Arbor, fence, wall, pergola
Year of award: 2014
BETTY CORNING CLEMATIS
Clematis ‘Betty Corning’
Family: Ranunculaceae
Description: Long-blooming, this easily grown clematis is resistant to clematis wilt. Named for famed plants woman, Elizabeth ’Betty’ Corning, who noticed it in the garden of a neighbor, secured a cutting, and saw to it that the plant was introduced to the world of horticulture.
Small, lightly fragrant lavender bells appear in June and bloom continuously into September. This cultivar flowers on new wood so pruning to control vigorous growth in late winter or early spring will not inhibit flowering. Site in good garden soil, with shade for the lower 1/4 of the plant to keep the root system cool, and provide support for the 6-8’ stems to climb on.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Semi-woody climbing vine
- Key season and features of interest: Pale lilac flowers
- Flowering period: June – September
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Attracts insect pollinators
- Wildlife benefits: Shelter for wildlife
- Site/Condition tolerance: Drought tolerant
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Condition reference: Cool, moist, acid or neutral, loamy, well-drained soil with roots sited in cool shade and stems in the sun
- Low maintenance; some susceptibility to powdery mildew, leaf spots, rust, viruses, aphids, weevil, slugs, scale, earwigs
Growth Habit: Twining vine
Size (mature height and spread): 5-6’ tall by 2-4’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-9
Nativity: Hybrid origin
Suggested Uses: Trellis, fence, arbor or wall
Year of award: 2014
ARCTIC BEAUTY HARDY KIWI
Actinidia kolomikta ‘Arctic Beauty’
Family: Actinidiaceae
Description: A beautiful vine in all seasons but especially in spring when leaves are splattered in cream, pink and white. Leaves revert to all green in summer, and male plants are reputed to be more colorful than female. Small, fragrant white flowers are hidden among the leaves in spring, and beautiful flaking cinnamon bark is prominent in winter. Hardy to Zone 4, vigorous and adaptable. Grow in rich soil, in full sun or partial shade and give a strong support or trellis to twine around.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Woody vine
- Key season and features of interest: Young leaves open as purple then mature to pink, cream and white; flaking cinnamon bark; fragrant spring flower
- Flowering period: May-June
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Insect pollinators
- Wildlife benefits: Habitat for birds
- Site/Condition tolerance: Shade tolerant
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to part shade
- Soil condition preference: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained
- Low maintenance, no serious diseases or insects
Growth Habit: Vigorous, fast-growing, twining vine
Size (mature height and spread): 15-20’ long (can get up to 50’)
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-8
Nativity: Manchuria, Japan, Central China
Suggested Uses: Trellises, arbors, patio overheads, fences and walls
Year of award: 2014
2015
ROHAN OBELISK EUROPEAN BEECH
Fagus sylvatica ‘Rohan Obelisk’
Family: Fagaceae
Description: Rohan obelisk European beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Rohan Obelisk’) is an upright, enduring tree of great beauty and form, creating a dramatic focal point in the landscape. They are upright and narrow, eventually reaching 50’ tall and 10-15’ wide, and are adorned with beautiful, deep maroon leaves throughout the growing season. Hardy to zone 4, these durable trees are seldom bothered by pests or disease and increase in beauty as they mature. The richly colored leaves with undulating edges are superb spring through fall. In winter the smooth gray bark and columnar form bring a satisfying beauty to the winter landscape.
Use this plant to draw the eye to a particularly beautiful point in your garden; to flank and define a path or entry; or simply to provide lush color in the summer or dramatic structure in the winter season. Plant in full sun and a good garden soil for strongest leaf color and best performance.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Large tree
- Key season and features of interest: Lush maroon foliage; columnar form; gray bark
- Flowering period: April-May
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: N/A
- Wildlife benefits: Nuts eaten by birds and other wildlife
- Site/Condition tolerance: Part shade
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun
- Soil condition preference: Moist, well-drained, acidic soil
- Pest and Disease resistant
Growth Habit: Upright, dense columnar form
Size (mature height and spread): 20- 50’ tall by 10-15’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-7
Nativity: Garden origin
Suggested Uses: Focal point, hedge, windbreak
Year of award: 2015
JAPANESE CLETHRA
Clethra barbinervis
Family: Clethraceae
Description: This lovely shrub is seldom seen in landscapes but deserves much wider appreciation in all seasons. In the stark winter season Japanese clethra adds warm notes of copper and cinnamon to the landscape through its smooth, sensuous bark. Unlike our native Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) which forms a shrubby thicket, the Japanese clethra forms a large shrub or small tree up to 20’ tall.
In summer it is clothed in rich green foliage which forms the perfect backdrop for clusters of creamy white flowers which open in July and August. These flowers, held in drooping racemes at the tips of the branches, are lightly fragrant and attractive to a variety of pollinators. In autumn the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow and burgundy adding yet another season of pleasure. Hailing from Japan and Korea this exceptional shrub is hardy to zone 5 and prefers a good garden soil in full sun or partial shade.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Large shrub or small tree
- Key season and features of interest: Smooth grey to coppery cinnamon-toned bark in winter; yellow to reddish bronze and maroon foliage in fall
- Flowering period: July – August
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Attracts butterflies and bees
- Wildlife benefits: Fruit is food source for birds
- Site/Condition tolerance: Tolerates salt spray, very wet soil and some drought
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to part shade
- Soil condition preference: Fertile, moist, slightly acidic and well-drained soil
- Low maintenance and relatively pest-free with susceptibility to spider mites
Growth Habit: Large shrub or small tree with rounded form
Size (mature height and spread): 10-20’ tall by 10-15’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 5-7
Nativity: Japan, Korea, Eastern China
Suggested Uses: Specimen, borders, lawn, woodland
Year of award: 2015
ARCTIC BEAUTY HARDY KIWI
Actinidia kolomikta ‘Arctic Beauty’
Family: Actinidiaceae
Description: A beautiful vine in all seasons but especially in spring when leaves are splattered in cream, pink and white. Leaves revert to all green in summer, and male plants are reputed to be more colorful than female. Small, fragrant white flowers are hidden among the leaves in spring, and beautiful flaking cinnamon bark is prominent in winter. Hardy to Zone 4, vigorous and adaptable. Grow in rich soil, in full sun or partial shade and give a strong support or trellis to twine around.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Woody vine
- Key season and features of interest: Young leaves open as purple then mature to pink, cream and white; flaking cinnamon bark; fragrant spring flower
- Flowering period: May-June
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Insect pollinators
- Wildlife benefits: Habitat for birds
- Site/Condition tolerance: Shade tolerant
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to part shade
- Soil condition preference: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained
- Low maintenance, no serious diseases or insects
Growth Habit: Vigorous, fast-growing, twining vine
Size (mature height and spread): 15-20’ long (can get up to 50’)
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-8
Nativity: Manchuria, Japan, Central China
Suggested Uses: Trellises, arbors, patio overheads, fences and walls
Year of award: 2014
2016
DAWN REDWOOD
MetasequoIa glyptostroboides
Family: Cupressaceae
Description: Dawn redwood is an ancient plant that was long thought to be extinct – the only evidence of its existence was from fossil remains dating back from as long as 50-100 million years ago. To the world’s surprise and delight a remote population was found in the 1940’s in China. In the mid-1940’s the Arnold Arboretum sponsored a seed collecting expedition to China and subsequently shared seed of this ancient species with botanic gardens around the world. While the species remains critically endangered in the wild it is now more commonly available in the nursery trade and accessible to the gardening public. A rapid grower, this deciduous conifer has become well established in gardens, and has quickly grown to 100’ or more. Soft, sensuous, bright green needles emerge in spring and deepen to a rich green for the summer months. In autumn, as the feathery branchlets prepare to drop, the needles turn lovely shades of rusty orange, providing yet another season of interest. In winter the muscular, fluted trunk, with peeling bark of warm tan and orange-brown, stands out against the snow and the soaring conical form, defined by slender twigs, is a welcome sight against the winter sky.
A colorful cultivar, ‘Ogon’, bears eye-catching yellow needles that hold their color throughout summer and create a strong, vibrant focal point. Both the species and cultivar require room to flourish – the buttressed trunk and superficial roots are wide spreading. A couple of neat and trim cultivars (‘National’ and ‘Sheridan Spire’) are more columnar than the species but remain difficult to locate. Dawn redwood thrives in organic, evenly moist soil but will tolerate seasonally wet conditions, making it a great choice for our changing climate.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Large tree
- Key season and features of interest: Deep fissured bark; feathery foliage turning bronze in fall
- Flowering period: May
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: N/A
- Wildlife benefits: Nesting for birds
- Site/Condition tolerance: Seasonally wet or dry conditions; air pollution; clay or sandy soil
- Sun/Shade Preference: Full sun
- Soil Condition Preference: Organic, evenly moist, acid soil
- Pest and disease resistant; low maintenance
Growth Habit: Fast growing, pyramidal form
Size (mature height and spread): 70-100’ tall by 15-25’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-8
Nativity: China
Suggested Uses: Specimen, grove, focal point
Year of award: 2016
JAPANESE WHITE PINE
Pinus parviflora (Glauca Group)
Family: Pinaceae
Description: Japanese white pine provides a smaller alternative to the eastern white pine – growing slowly to 30-50’ feet tall and 25-30’ feet wide. The slow growth and irregular form give mature specimens great character and distinction in the landscape. Lovely blue-green needles are present throughout the winter, and radiate out in bundles of five from slender stems. In spring, as the candles of new growth are elongating, pink pollen-bearing (male) cones create an attractive scene. Later compact deep brown seed bearing (female) cones ripen, and remain on the tree providing interest in all seasons.
Plants included in the Glauca Group bear particularly silvery-blue needles which, when combined with the exfoliating bark and persistent cones, make this a brilliant choice for winter landscapes. Hardy from zones 4-7, this conifer prefers full sun.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Large tree
- Key season and features of interest: Fine, blue-green foliage; distinctive, irregular form
- Flowering period: N/A
- Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
- Pollinator plant: N/A
- Wildlife benefits: Attracts birds & small mammals
- Site/Condition tolerance: Salt; drought; most soils; urban conditions
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun
- Soil condition preference: Well-drained with average fertility and moisture
- Low maintenance; pest and disease resistant
Growth Habit: Slow growing, conical form; spreading and becoming flat-topped and irregular with age
Size (mature height and spread): 20-40’ tall by 20-50’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-7
Nativity: Japan
Suggested Uses: Specimen, accent, bonsai
Year of award: 2016
2017
GOLD CONE JUNIPER
Juniperus communis ‘Gold Cone’
Family: Cupressaceae
Description: ‘Gold Cone’ juniper (Juniperis communis ‘Gold Cone’) adds a wonderful, colorful accent to northern landscapes. This evergreen conifer forms a tight spire which reaches to 8’-10’ tall, and remains a mere 18”-20” across. When the new growth emerges in the spring it is a lovely bright yellow green, a color which settles into a soft green as the summer wears on. Use in full sun positions where its tight form can be used to draw the eye to it. It needs very little fussing to maintain its tight form though it can splay open in heavy snow, exposing the twiggy and brown interior. In order to avoid this issue, plant it away from overhangs or rooflines where sliding snow could impact it.
This species of juniper occurs around the world in northern regions, and is generally tolerant of tough conditions once established. Its short, sharp needles bear a single white stripe, which is a challenge to see on this more colorful version. Small blue cones occur on female plants (there’s no way to know if you have a boy or girl ‘til you see cones). The fruit, often called juniper “berries”, is not enormously showy but interesting, and useful. Because the cone has been used to flavor gin, as a seasoning for strongly flavored meats and for medicinal purposes, this plant can become part of your utilitarian landscape and be viewed as more than just a pretty face.
‘Gold Cone’ was discovered in New Zealand and introduced into the nursery trade in 1980 by Kordes Nursery, Bilsen, Germany. Hardy to USDA Zone 3.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Small shrub
- Key season and features of interest: Bright yellow-green foliage
- Flowering period: N/A
- Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
- Pollinator plant: Wind pollinated
- Wildlife benefits: Shelter and food for birds
- Site/Condition tolerance: Heat and humidity; rocky soil; air pollution
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun
- Soil condition preference: Average, well-drained soil
- Low maintenance; relatively pest and disease resistant; deer resistant
Growth Habit: Slow growing, compact, upright and columnar form
Size (mature height and spread): 8-10’ tall by 1-2’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 3-6
Nativity: New Zealand
Suggested Uses: Hedge, accent, erosion control
Year of award: 2017
FRAGRANT OR KOREAN ABELIA
Abelia mosanensis
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Description: Fragrant or Korean abelia (Abelia mosanensis) is a hardy member of this otherwise rather tender group of plants. Most abelias are grown in warmer climates, usually only hardy to zone 7 or higher. The Korean abelia is grown for its pest and disease resistance, tolerance of shade, hardiness and, most of all, its delightfully fragrant, soft pink flowers. In late May and early June, over a 2-3 week period, terminal clusters of rosy-pink tubular buds open to reveal soft pink to white interiors. The trumpet-shaped corolla is divided into 5 lobes and is perfectly suited to the long proboscis of butterflies and hummingbirds. The sweet and spicy fragrance of the flowers is strong and lovely and suggests a position near sitting areas or windows. This 4-6’ tall shrub will demand little attention – it is tolerant of dry conditions and its glossy, ovate foliage seems impervious to fungal disease, deer, or serious insect problems. At the end of the season it will reward you with a foliar display which includes hints of red and orange. Korean abelia is fully deciduous so will drop its leaves at the end of the season.
Native to South Korea (its specific epithet is derived from the S. Korean town of Mosan), this multi-stemmed shrub is hardy to Zone 4. As a member of the Caprifoliaceae family it shares close ties with beautybush (Kolkwitzia amabilis) and our native twinflower (Linnaea borealis), seven-son flower (Heptacodium miconioides), honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.), snowberry (Symphoricarpos sp.), and Weigela spp.. Flowers are formed on the previous year’s wood so do your shaping and pruning right after flowering to allow time for buds to form for next year.
Key features:
- Type/habit: Multi-stemmed shrub
- Key season and features of interest: Very fragrant pinkish-white flowers; red fall foliage
- Flowering period: May-June
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Attracts butterflies & hummingbirds
- Wildlife benefits: Nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds
- Site/Condition tolerance: Part shade, dry conditions
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun
- Soil condition preference: Average, moist, acid, well-drained
- Low maintenance; disease resistant
Growth Habit: Rounded shrub, arching stems
Size (mature height and spread): 4-6’ tall by 4-6’ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-9
Nativity: Korea
Suggested Uses: Borders, foundation, hedge
Year of award: 2017
2018
ATLANTIC WHITE CEDAR
Chamaecyparis thyoides
Family: Cupressaceae
Description: Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) is a wonderful evergreen tree, native to the eastern seaboard and known for its elegant blue-green foliage, beautiful winter presence, and decay resistant wood. Numerous cultivars give the discerning gardener many size options and foliar hues to choose from. Diminutive cultivars like ‘Versent’ Blue Rock® grow slowly to 20’ in 10 years and turn plum in the winter, while the straight species can reach 50’ or more. This pest-resistant conifer can be found in moist soils throughout its range, but it is well suited to average soils. Site in full sun and grow in hardiness zones 4-8. With such adaptability, and so many cultivars to choose from, it’s easy to see why this species and its cultivars are considered winners.
Key features:
- Type/Habit: Tree
- Key season and features of interest: Beautiful upright shape and form adds interest to the dormant winter landscape
- Flowering Period: N/A
- Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
- Pollinator plant: N/A
- Wildlife benefits: Provides cover for birds and small mammals
- Site/condition tolerance: Tolerant of moist soils with average fertility; shelter from winter winds is recommended in colder zones
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun
- Soil condition preference: Fertile, moist, well-drained
- Low maintenance; pest and disease resistant
Growth Habit: Species is an upright tree growing to 50’ or more at maturity. Cultivars provide a variety of sizes, shapes, wind tolerance and winter coloration.
Size (mature height and spread): 50’ tall by 35-40’ wide (smaller cultivars available)
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-8
Nativity: Eastern United States
Suggested Uses: Can be used as a single specimen, screen or in areas with moist soils. Blue-green foliage adds winter interest and nice contrast to other evergreen plants.
Year of award: 2018
BOTTLEBRUSH BUCKEYE
Aesculus parviflora
Family: Sapindaceae
Description: Bottlebrush buckeye (Aesculus parviflora) is an exuberant North American shrub, well suited to woodland edges, or expansive shrub borders. Palmately compound leaves are tinged with red as they unfurl in spring, then settle into deep green with a tropical texture. In mid-July, when few other shrubs are in bloom, this shrub covers itself in upright panicles of tubular white flowers that sport enticing red anthers. Individual flowers are small but the effect of numerous 12” panicles over an 8-12’ shrub is a cloud of white. It is beloved by pollinators and grows best in full sun in good garden soil. Allow plenty of room for it to sucker and spread. It is hardy in zones 4-8.
Key features:
- Type/Habit: Multi-stemmed shrub
- Key season and features of interest: Large, summer blooming shrub suited to woodland edges, woodland gardens and large shrub borders; showy panicles of white flowers
- Flowering Period: July
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Hummingbirds, honey and other bees
- Wildlife benefits: Nectar plant for bees and hummingbirds
- Site/condition tolerance: Average and wet soils; drought tolerant once established
- Sun/Shade preference: Shade to partial shade
- Soil condition preference: Moist, rich, well-drained
- Pest and disease resistant, easily grown
Growth Habit: Multi-stemmed shrub which forms large thickets with time
Size (mature height and spread): 8’-12’ tall by 12’ or more wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-8
Nativity: Southeastern United States
Suggested Uses: Shrub border, native plant garden, naturalizing, rain garden
Year of award: 2018
2019
INCENSE CEDAR
Calocedrus decurrens
Family: Cupressaceae
Description: Incense cedar is a tall upright evergreen tree, growing to 150′ in the wild, where it is found in California, Oregon, and parts of Washington. In the ornamental landscape, it is a narrow tree, reaching 30-50′ tall and 8-10′ wide. The common name, incense cedar, comes from the pleasing fragrance of the foliage when crushed.
Key features:
- Type/Habit: Tree
- Key season and features of interest: Upright shape and form adds interest to the dormant winter landscape
- Flowering Period: N/A
- Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
- Pollinator plant: N/A
- Wildlife benefits: Provides cover for birds and small mammals
- Site/condition tolerance: Tolerant of moist soils with average fertility; shelter from winter winds is recommended in colder zones
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun to part shade
- Soil condition preference: Fertile, moist, well-drained
- Low maintenance; pest and disease resistant
Growth Habit: Species is an upright tree growing to 150’ at maturity in the wild.
Size (mature height and spread): 50’ tall by 8-10’ wide is typical in the ornamental landscape
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 5-8
Nativity: Eastern United States
Suggested Uses: Can be used as a single specimen, screen or in areas with moist soils.
Year of award: 2019
AMERICAN SMOKE TREE
Cotinus obovatus
Family: Anacardiaceae
Description: American smoke tree is an unusual, but beautiful small tree for the ornamental landscape. Like its European cousin, American smoke tree features cloud-like wispy flower clusters in spring that lead to its common name. Native to a small region of the southeastern United States, American smoke tree is not a common ornamental tree. Because it is easy to grow, suitable for a variety of site conditions, hardy to zones 4-8, and exploding with color in fall, it should make its way into more gardens.
Key features:
- Type/Habit: Small tree or large multi-stemmed shrub
- Key season and features of interest: Unusual, wispy panicles that appear like puffs of smoke in spring; brilliant fall color from orange to light purple
- Flowering Period: May/June
- Evergreen or deciduous: Deciduous
- Pollinator plant: Supports bees
- Wildlife benefits: Nectar plant for bees and butterflies
- Site/condition tolerance: Average to dry soils; drought tolerant once established
- Sun/Shade preference: Sun to shade
- Soil condition preference: Variable
- Pest and disease resistant, easily grown
Growth Habit: Small tree or large multi-stemmed shrub
Size (mature height and spread): 20-30’ tall by 12’ or more wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 4-8
Nativity: Southeastern United States
Suggested Uses: Specimen tree
Year of award: 2019
WESTERN RED CEDAR
Thuja plicata
Family: Cupressaceae
Description: Like many Pacific Northwest native evergreen trees, western red cedar is long-lived and massive in the wild, reaching heights in excess of 300′ and living for hundreds if not thousands of years. In our region, western red cedar is a moderately-growing evergreen with beautiful year-round interest and relatively pest and disease-free. Hardy to zones 5-7, and tolerant of a range of soil conditions, this tree works well as a specimen, growing 40-50′ high and 10-15′ wide, or as a tall hedge for screening.
Key features:
- Type/Habit: Tall, conical evergreen tree
- Key season and features of interest: Evergreen foliage
- Flowering Period: N/A
- Evergreen or deciduous: Evergreen
- Pollinator plant: N/A
- Wildlife benefits: Cover for birds and other wildlife
- Site/condition tolerance: Tolerant of a range of soil types and soil moisture
- Sun/Shade preference: Full sun
- Soil condition preference: Moist, well-drained soils, but will tolerate drier soils once established
- Pest and disease resistant, easily grown
Growth Habit: Tall, conical evergreen tree
Size (mature height and spread): 40-50′ high and 10-15′ wide
Hardiness (USDA Zones): 5-7
Nativity: Pacific Northwest
Suggested Uses: Specimen, screening
Year of award: 2019