Nursery Shopping List

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’
Upright, open shrub with dark-purple lacy foliage and pink flowers in late spring
Plant in average to moist soil that is well drained
Prune as needed after flowering
Plant in full sun to partial shade; flowering and foliage are better in sun
Height: 3-6 feet; width: 4-6 feet
Hardy in USDA zones 5-7:
Zone 5: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; apply extra mulch after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt
Zone 6: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; avoid contact with salt
Zone 7: Plant in fall; plant in full sun to partial shade; mulch in fall.

Thuja plicata ‘Grovepli’

Thuja plicata ‘Grovepli’
Conifer tree with dark, glossy green foliage that does not discolor in winter
Narrow, tight pyramidal habit
Named after a Cincinnati cemetery and arboretum, which tested the variety
Fast-growing
Cold-tested, can withstand temperatures down to -25F
Size: 18 to 24 feet high by 2 to 6 feet wide
Excellent deer resistance and bagworm resistance
Hardy in USDA zones 5-7:
Zone 5: Plant in full sun; plant in moist, acid, well-drained soil
Zone 6: Plant in full sun; plant in moist, acid, well-drained soil
Zone 7: Plant in full sun; plant in moist, acid, well-drained soil.

Dianthus hybrid ‘Siskin Clock’

Dianthus hybrid ‘Siskin Clock’
Exquisite flowers of red-bordered light-pink petals with white centers
Grows 7 inches high
Hardy in USDA zones 7-9:
Zone 7: Plant in full sun; grows well in poor soil and hot sunny sites; trim lightly after first flower to promote continuous, free growing habit
Zone 8: Plant in full sun; grows well in poor soil and hot sunny sites; trim lightly after first flower to promote continuous, free growing habit
Zone 9: Plant in full sun; grows well in poor soil and hot sunny sites; trim lightly after first flower to promote continuous, free growing habit.

Cornus mas ‘Golden Glory’

Cornus mas ‘Golden Glory’
Multistemmed, low-branching, round-to-oval deciduous shrub
Erect and more vigorous than other cultivars
In the Midwest, the longest lived of all the Cornus species
Features masses of tiny, starlike yellow flowers in late winter to early spring on bare twigs before the foliage comes out; cultivar recognized for its early bloom
Flowers give way to drupes–a fruit with a thin outer skin, soft, pulpy middle and hard, stony central part that encloses a seed–that mature in the summer but are often inconspicuous because of the foliage
Leaves turn a dull purple in the fall
Also recognized for its attractive gray exfoliating bark when mature
Grows 15 to 20 feet tall
Hardy in USDA zones 4-8: plant in full sun to partial shade; water well until established but do not overwater; prune when dormant.

Cornus kousa var. Chinensis ‘Milky Way’

Cornus kousa var. Chinensis ‘Milky Way’
A good substitute for the native dogwood in many urban landscape situations; resistant to the organism that causes dogwood anthracnose
Showy white flowers in late spring; even greater flower and fruit production; star-shaped flowers appear after the foliage and provide almost a ‘milky way’ effect
All dogwoods produce clusters of green fruit that eventually turn red; birds love the fruit, which resembles raspberries
Upright, vase-shaped when young, but branches start to branch out with age; dark-green foliage turns red in the fall
Resists drought better than other dogwoods
Older bark develops an exfoliating character, revealing a mix of gray-tan and mahogany brown
Doesn’t bloom for a couple of years after it’s planted
Can grow 20 to 30 feet high
Hardy in USDA zones 5-8.

Ilex x meserveae ‘Blue Princess’

Ilex x meserveae ‘Blue Princess’
Larger dark bluish green glossy leaves
Compact habit
A female plant that produces more abundant fruit
Plant in full sun to partial shade; thrives in moist, well-drained, acidic soil in organic matter; follow a regular watering schedule during first growing season to establish deep, extensive root system; feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins.
Hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Ilex x meserveae ‘Blue Maid’

Ilex x meserveae ‘Blue Maid’
Considered one of the hardiest of broadleaf evergreen hollies
Female shrub with a fast-growing pyramidal shape
Leathery, lustrous blue-green leaves with slightly impressed veins
Can grow 10 to 15 feet high, but may be pruned to designed height
Abundant dark, red fruit
Plant in full sun to partial shade; thrives in moist, well-drained, acidic soil in organic matter; follow a regular watering schedule during first growing season to establish deep, extensive root system; feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins.
Hardy in USDA zones 6-9.

Ilex x ‘Conaf’

Ilex x ‘Conaf’
A newly introduced red hybrid holly with a tall, elegant, pyramidal form
Evergreen foliage is emerald green and similar in shape to oak leaves
This cold hardy, female variety is stunning as a tall hedge or specimen. It can also be pruned to produce formal or whimsical effects in the landscape
Fast growing to 14 feet tall and 8 feet wide
Hardy in USDA zones 6-9.

Rhododendron “P.J.M. Regal’

Rhododendron “P.J.M. Regal’
PJM is actually the name for a group of hybrids named for named after Peter J. Mezitt, founder of Weston Nurseries, Massachusetts
One of the easiest rhododendrons to grow
Beautiful bright lavender flowers in mid to late April
Evergreen, small-leaved foliage that’s dark and shiny
Evergreen leaves turn a mahogany purple in winter
Compact with a mounded, neat appearance
Grows 4 to 6 feet tall, but can grow to 10 feet with a width about two-thirds the height
Care for rhododendron:
More sun creates more foliage color in the winter
Partial shade to full sun; more sun creates more foliage color in the winter
Prefers moist, cool, acidic, well-drained organic soil
Much more adaptable than other rhododendrons
Avoid hard, dry, windy sites.

New Guinea Impatiens

New Guinea Impatiens are more elegant than the regular garden-variety impatiens – they tolerate a bit more sun.
The ‘Super Sonic’ variety produce large blooms – up to three inches across – and grow from 12 to 20 inches in height. We used the Super Salmon Ice, a deep, rich salmon, and Super Sonic White and Red.
Hardy in USDA zones 2-11:
Zones 2-9: Plant outside or in containers after danger of frost has passed; plant in light to partial shade; water freely during growing season; pinch to increase bushiness; fertilize monthly while outdoors; discard plants after frost; will sometimes reseed.
Zones 9-11: Plant in spring; plant in light to partial shade; water freely during growing season; pinch to increase bushiness; fertilize monthly while outdoors; will sometimes reseed.

‘Super Sonic’

New Guinea Impatiens are more elegant than the regular garden-variety impatiens – they tolerate a bit more sun.
The ‘Super Sonic’® variety produce large blooms – up to three inches across – and grow from 12 to 20 inches in height. We used the Super Salmon Ice, a deep, rich salmon, and Super Sonic White and Red.
Hardy in USDA zones 2-11:
Zones 2-9: Plant outside or in containers after danger of frost has passed; plant in light to partial shade; water freely during growing season; pinch to increase bushiness; fertilize monthly while outdoors; discard plants after frost; will sometimes reseed.
Zones 9-11: Plant in spring; plant in light to partial shade; water freely during growing season; pinch to increase bushiness; fertilize monthly while outdoors; will sometimes reseed.

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’
From the Greek penna, meaning “feather,” and seta, meaning “bristle”
Grown for beautiful fluffy, taupe-colored plumes that appear in late summer and early fall
Blooms earlier than other fountain grasses
A grass with finely textured dark, arched foliage that turns a russet color in the fall
Frost hardy
Grows moderate size – 2 to 3 feet in height; 1 to 2 feet in spread
Hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Digitalis purpurea ‘Excelsior’

Digitalis purpurea ‘Excelsior’
“Excelsior Hybrid’ is a hardy biennial that grows up to 5 feet
Striking hybrid, with trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of purple with purple spots in the center.
The flowers grow on all sides of the spike, rather than on one side as on other foxgloves, and face outward rather than downward.
The plant may have originally been called ‘folk’s glove’ with ‘folk’ referring to woodland fairies or little people. There are many stories about foxgloves – including ones that woodland fairies live in the flowers.
Flowers are highly toxic; the plant should not be grown in areas frequented by children
Foxglove is grown commercially as the source of heart drugs
Hardy in USDA zones 4-10, except Florida: Plant in light shade or more shade in hotter climates; prefers moist, well-drained acidic soil; divide in spring.

Hemerocallis ‘Ida’s Magic’

Hemerocallis ‘Ida’s Magic’
Large daylily with 6-inch peach-colored ruffled flowers with pale yellow centers in summer
Prune back after first frost; divide and fertilize in spring
Plant in fertile, moist but well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established
Plant in full sun to light shade
Height: 24-28 inches Width: 18 inches
Hardy in zones 5-10:
Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost to prevent winter heaving; protect from salt; pull mulch back in spring.
Zone 6: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; pull mulch back in spring.
Zone 7: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; pull mulch back in spring.
Zone 8: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; pull mulch back in spring.
Zone 9: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; pull mulch back in spring.
Zone 10: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; pull mulch back in spring.

Magnolia x stellata ‘Royal Star’

Magnolia x stellata ‘Royal Star’
Shrub or small multitrunked tree with fragrant white star-like flowers in very early spring.
Buds are pink before opening
Late frosts may damage flowers
Plant in full sun to light shade
Plant in rich, but well-drained soil
Fertilize in late spring with acid-based fertilizer
Height: 10-12 feet; Width: 10-15 feet
Hardy in USDA zones 4-8 (9):
Zone 4: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; pruning is rarely needed, but can be done after flowering; mulch heavily after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt.
Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; pruning is rarely needed, but can be done after flowering; mulch after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt.
Zone 6: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun; pruning is rarely needed, but can be done after flowering; mulch after first hard frost.
Zone 7: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun; pruning is rarely needed, but can be done after flowering; mulch after first hard frost.
Zone 8: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; pruning is rarely needed, but can be done after flowering; mulch in fall.
Zone 9: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; pruning is rarely needed, but can be done after flowering; mulch in fall; flowering may be reduced in this warmer zone.

Chasmanthium latifolium

Chasmanthium latifolium
Gardener’s Note: Although this is a native ornamental grass that tolerates a lot of shade, use caution as it seeds very quickly and aggressively.
Small to medium-sized clumping native ornamental grass; produces showy seeds that resemble clusters of oats
Warm-season grass; prune back after first frost; divide and fertilize in spring
Plant in any well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established
Plant in full sun to medium shade
Height: 24-36 inches Width: 18 inches
Hardy in zones (4) 5-9:
Zone 4: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to partial shade; mulch heavily after first hard frost to prevent winter heaving; protect from salt; pull mulch back in spring; may be marginally hardy in this zone.
Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to partial shade; mulch heavily after first hard frost to prevent winter heaving; protect from salt; pull mulch back in spring.
Zone 6: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to medium shade; mulch in fall; pull mulch back in spring.
Zone 7: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to medium shade; mulch in fall; pull mulch back in spring.
Zone 8: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to medium shade; mulch in fall; pull mulch back in spring.
Zone 9: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to medium shade; mulch in fall; pull mulch back in spring.

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Queen’

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Queen’
Deciduous shrub noted for its large oak-like leaves and large clusters of cone-shaped white flowers
Plant in full sun in cooler zones; part shade further south
Plant in rich, moist, but well-drained soil; prune after flowering
Height: 6 feet; Width: 6 feet
Hardy in USDA zones 5-9:
Zone 5: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun to partial shade; apply extra mulch after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt; blooms may be damaged in late frosts.
Zone 6: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to partial shade.
Zone 7: Plant in fall; plant in partial to moderate shade; provide supplemental water during dry spells.
Zone 8: Plant in fall; plant in partial to moderate shade with protection from hot afternoon sun; provide supplemental water during dry spells.
Zone 9: Plant in fall; plant in partial to moderate shade with protection from hot afternoon sun; provide supplemental water during dry spells.

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Tardiva’

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Tardiva’
Deciduous shrub noted for its clusters of cone-shaped white flowers in early fall (similar to, but smaller than those of Oakleaf Hydrangeas).
Extremely cold-tolerant; blooms on new growth
Plant in full sun to light shade; more sun tolerant than other hydrangeas
Plant in rich, moist, but well-drained soil; prune while dormant in fall or winter
Height: 6-8 feet; Width: 6-8 feet
Hardy in USDA zones (3) 4-9:
Zone 3: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun to partial shade; apply extra mulch after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt; may be marginally hardy in this zone.
Zone 4: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun to partial shade; apply extra mulch after first hard frost.
Zone 5: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun to partial shade; apply extra mulch after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt.
Zone 6: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun.
Zone 7: Plant in fall; plant in full sun to light shade; provide supplemental water during dry spells.
Zone 8: Plant in fall; plant in full sun to light shade; provide supplemental water during dry spells.
Zone 9: Plant in fall; plant in full sun to light shade; provide supplemental water during dry spells.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Purpurescens’

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Purpurescens’
Gardener’s Note: Miscanthus sinensis is a nonnative invasive grass from Asia. It has escaped cultivation and invaded natural areas throughout the Midwest and South.
Upright ornamental grass with reddish-green foliage that turns bright red in the fall
Plant in full sun to light shade
Can be invasive
Tolerant of a wide range of soil
Prune back to ground in late winter to early spring; fertilize in spring
Divide every few years in early spring
Height: 4-6 feet Width: 3-4 feet
Hardy in zones 4-9:
Zone 4: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch after first frost to prevent winter heaving; remove mulch in spring; avoid exposure to salt; plant may flop over in heavy snow or ice.
Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch after first frost to prevent winter heaving; remove mulch in spring; avoid exposure to salt; plant may flop over in heavy snow or ice.
Zone 6: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring; plant may flop over in heavy snow or ice.
Zone 7: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring; plant may flop over in heavy snow or ice.
Zone 8: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring.
Zone 9: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring.

Leucothoe fontanesiana ‘Girard’s Rainbow’

Leucothoe fontanesiana ‘Girard’s Rainbow’
Gardener’s Note: Gardeners in warmer zones can try Leucothoe axillaris, which grows in zones 6-9.
Arching, variegated evergreen shrub with cream and pink coloration to the leaves
Small, almost inconspicuous bell-shaped clusters of white flowers in May
Plant in partial to medium shade; prune lightly as needed in summer.
Plant in rich, organic, acidic, but well-drained soil
Height: 3-6 feet; Width: 3-6 feet
Hardy in USDA zones 5-8:
Zone 5: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; water regularly in dry spells during growing season; apply mulch after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt.
Zone 6: Plant in spring or very early fall; apply mulch after first hard frost; water regularly in dry spells during growing season.
Zone 7: Plant in early fall; apply mulch in fall; water regularly in dry spells during growing season.
Zone 8: Plant in early fall; water regularly in dry spells during growing season.

Taxus x media ‘Densiformis’

Taxus x media ‘Densiformis’
Dwarf, spreading evergreen shrub that grows in a mound
One of most popular forms of yew – grows nearly twice as wide as tall – 3 to 4 feet tall with a 5 to 7 feet spread
Needled evergreen foliage
Produces red fruit in the fall
Hardy in USDA zones 4-7: Plant in full sun to partial shade. Water moderately. Prune in spring before new growth appears. The yew is tolerant of considerable pruning.

Care Tips :

Dogwoods:
Low maintenance
May need pruning to show more of the trunk; prune when tree is dormant.

Rhododendrons:
Feed an acid fertilizer after they bloom
Add an extra layer of mulch to keep the roots cool.

Hydrangeas:
Water regularly; if the leaves are drooping, get out the hose.

Impatiens:
Water regularly; do not tolerate drought well.
New Guinea Impatiens
Feed with a balanced fertilizer once a month; more often can stunt blooms.

Impatiens walleriana:
Fertilize twice a month with water-soluble fertilizer.

These plants would make sensible selections in a year-round garden:

Japanese Barberry:
Berberis thunbergii ‘Monry’ – Sunsation?
A new golden barberry with a compact, dwarf form.
Displays attractive golden foliage with an orange cast most of the season.
Provides an excellent color contrast with green-leaved plants.
A slow grower to 3 to 4 feet tall, spreading to 4 feet wide.
Thunbergii, native to Japan, is named for Carl Peter Thunberg, a Swedish botanist, zoologist and medical doctor (1743-1828) who had to masquerade as a Dutch doctor to be allowed into Japan to hunt plants. He introduced many Japanese plants to the western world.
The ancient Egyptians used barberry to prevent the plague, and for centuries it was touted as a treatment for just about everything from cholera to diseases of the liver.
Hardy in USDA zones 4-9: plant in full sun; water regularly after planting to establish a healthy root system.

Japanese Forest Grass:
Hakonechloa macra
Deciduous, shade-tolerant, clump-forming perennial grass
Variegated foliage with bright yellow/cream and green stripes tinged with bronze
Plant in rich, organic soil
Plant in partial to full shade
Height: to 10 inches; Width: to 18 inches
Hardy in USDA zones 5-8 (South); 5-10 (West):
Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in partial to full shade; protect with mulch in fall.
Zone 6: Plant in spring; plant in partial to full shade; protect with mulch in fall.
Zone 7: Plant in spring; plant in partial to full shade; protect with mulch in fall.
Zone 8: Plant in spring; plant in partial to full shade; protect with mulch in fall.
Zone 9: Plant in spring; plant in partial to full shade; protect with mulch in fall; plant may languish in this zone in the Southern United States.
Zone 10: Plant in spring; plant in partial to full shade; protect with mulch in fall; plant may languish in this zone in the Southern United States.

Butterfly Weed:
Asclepias tuberose
Native, upright perennial with showy clusters of tiny shocking orange flowers in late spring through summer; host plant for Monarch Butterflies.
Prune back after first frost; spreads easily from seed
Plant in any well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established
Plant in full sun
Height: 12-24 inches Width: 12-18 inches
Hardy in USDA zones 4-10:
Zone 4: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost to prevent winter heaving; protect from salt; pull mulch back in spring.
Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost to prevent winter heaving; protect from salt; pull mulch back in spring.
Zone 6: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; pull mulch back in spring.
Zone 7: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; pull mulch back in spring.
Zone 8: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; pull mulch back in spring.
Zone 9: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full; mulch in fall; pull mulch back in spring.
Zone 10: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; pull mulch back in spring.

Blue Rye Grass:
Elymus glaucus
Perennial, cool season grass with blue foliage, tends to be short-lived
Plant in organic soil, well-drained soil
Plant in full sun; prune while dormant in winter
Height: 3-4 feet; Width: 3-4 feet
Hardy in USDA zones 4-9:
Zone 4: Plant in spring to avoid winter heaving; plant in full sun; mulch after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt; fertilize in spring with balanced fertilizer.
Zone 5: Plant in spring to avoid winter heaving; plant in full sun; mulch after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt; fertilize in spring with balanced fertilizer.
Zone 6: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch after first hard frost; fertilize in spring with balanced fertilizer.
Zone 7: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch after first hard frost; fertilize in spring with balanced fertilizer.
Zone 8: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; fertilize in spring with balanced fertilizer.
Zone 9: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; fertilize in spring with balanced fertilizer.

Skyrocket Juniper:
Juniperus virginiana ‘Skyrocket’
Columnar, evergreen conifer with gray-green foliage that turns purple in winter
Very narrow and upright
Plant in full sun to light shade
Fertilize in early spring; prune if needed in late winter
Plant in average, moist but well-drained soil
Height: 8-12 feet Width: 2-3 feet
Hardy in USDA zones (3) 4-9:
Zone 3: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost to prevent winter heaving; protect from salt; pull mulch back in spring; plant may be marginally hardy in this zone.
Zone 4: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost to prevent winter heaving; protect from salt; pull mulch back in spring.
Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost to prevent winter heaving; protect from salt.
Zone 6: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall.
Zone 7: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall.
Zone 8: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall.
Zone 9: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall.

New Guinea Impatiens – Celebration ‘Electric Rose’:
New Guinea Impatiens are more elegant than the regular garden-variety impatiens – they tolerate a bit more sun.
The ‘Super Sonic’® variety produce large blooms – up to three inches across – and grow from 12 to 20 inches in height.
Celebration Electric Rose is a dark pink and another series; it’s a smaller version of the Super Sonic and grows 8 to 10 inches high.
Hardy in USDA zones 2-11:
Zones 2-9: Plant outside or in containers after danger of frost has passed; plant in light to partial shade; water freely during growing season; pinch to increase bushiness; fertilize monthly while outdoors; discard plants after frost; will sometimes reseed.
Zones 9-11: Plant in spring; plant in light to partial shade; water freely during growing season; pinch to increase bushiness; fertilize monthly while outdoors; will sometimes reseed.