A B-D E-G H-J K-R S-Z

Baccharis halimifolia (Groundsel-bush) New      A multi-stemmed, semi-evergreen to deciduous shrub with soft gray-green leaves and a distinct oval habit. Flowers are inconspicuous but the fruits are quite showy, consisting of fluffy white tassels,(pappus), that persist for many months after plants stop blooming, remaining attractive from September through October and even into November. Best considered a die-back shrub in zone 5 and cut back hard in spring in the manner of other zone 5 die-backs such as Buddleia, Ceanothus, Caryopteris, Lespedezas and Vitex. Baccharis will quickly regrow to 5-7'. Best in sun though accepting of very light shade. Very tolerant of poor, nutrient deficient soil and excess salt.

Betula Fox Valley™ (Betula nigra 'Little King')    The river Birch ranks high among the genus as a superior landscape tree with light textured foliage that beautifully captures the sunlight and flutters on even the slightest breeze, closely imitating the Quacking Aspen, (foliage is highly resistant to birch bore), plus  beautiful exfoliating bark that peels away in contrasting cinnamon and cream colored strips, and, an upright, oval structure with a light, airy quality. 'Little King' has all the above attributes, combined in a small, sturdy package, attaining only 12ft. in height in 20 yrs. This smaller size allows for group planting as well as specimen use wherever a beautiful small tree or large shrub is desired. Moist, acid soil is preferred; leaf chlorosis may develop in high pH situations. Zone 4.

Betula platyphylla ‘Royal Frost’     This special birch makes a big impression on nursery visitors with with its deep burgundy leaves that contrast so beautifully with the clean white bark. Its form is a very pleasing upright, narrow oval, 30-40’ at maturity. Foliage retains good purple color well into summer, eventually becoming dark, green-purple, ( late summer color is see in picture ). What’s more, plants have demonstrated resistance to the bronze leaf bore and, in three years, our tree has shown no signs of this pest. Foliage has the potential for displaying showy fall color in shades yellow, orange and red. Grow in rich, well-drained, evenly moist soil in full sun. In every way an especially handsome and verticle landscape tree. Zone 2.

Buddleia alternifolia 'Argentea'    Large shrub or small tree to 10-12'. Silvery leaves on graceful arching branches, bright lilac-purple flowers in dense clusters in June. Handsome and truly hardy and therefore should not be cut back hard each spring as is recommended for the dividii types. Blooms on old wood, so any pruning should be done right after flowering. Deer resistant.  Zone 5.

‘Black Knight’     Prized for its showy dark violet to dark purple flower panicles. Gray-green foliage on tall, upright stems. Full sun, good drainage. Deer resistant.  Zone 5.

Flutterby ‘Peach Cobbler’ New    Starting in July, this exciting new buddleia churns out a seemingly endless supply of hot, peach-colored, fragrant flowers that attract swarms of butterflies and hummingbird moths and brings weeks of pleasure to the gardener lucky enough to possess it. Outstanding silver, fragrant foliage provides the perfect backdrop to highlight the peach-colored flowers. Grow in hot, full sun, in average, well-drained soil. Zone 5.

Flutterby ‘Sweet Marmalade’ New    Yummy! Finally a garden friendly, orange/marmalade flowered buddleia. To begin with, the branches of this compact grower are densely clothed in outstanding silver-gray foliage. Then, in early summer, flower buds cluster at the ends of the branches and open in early to mid July to fragrant, tangerine-orange flowers. 4-6' tall with an equal spread. Grow in full sun in average, well drained soil. Zone 5.

Lo & Behold ‘Blue Chip’     The first in a series of new, miniature Butterfly Bushes, only 3 ft. high and slightly less wide and packed with blue flowers from summer through fall. This is the Buddleia we’ve all been waiting for, small and tidy, suitable for containers, for massing as a sunny ground cover, for foundation plantings and for mixing with perennials in the sunny border. Long blooming, trouble-free and deer resistant. Zone 5.

Lo & Behold ‘Purple Haze’New    Low growing and compact with a graceful, spreading habit, with branches that arch gently as they extend outward. Lavender flowers all summer. Heat and drought tolerant. Grows only 18-24" tall by 24-30" wide. Effective when massed for ground cover on a sunny, infertile site.

‘Miss Molly’

‘White Ball’ 

Buxus sempervirens ‘Graham Blandy’    Striking, very narrow upright habit. Tremendous focal point and excellent for hedging where space is limited. Very slow growing, in 10 yrs. reaching 9ft. high by 1 1/2ft. wide. Not fussy about soil but does best when pH is 6 or higher. We’ve had our plant in the ground for many years and have experienced negligible winter burn. No special winter protection is applied. Zone 4.

Buxus x ‘Green Mountain’   A cross between the Littleleaf and Common Box displaying the best qualities of both parents, - hardiness, compact size, and good leaf color year round. 'Green Mountain' has a neat, upright, pyramidal habit, 5 ft. tall by 3 ft. wide at the base. Great for hedging. Leaves retain good green color all winter. Easy in average, alkaline soil with a pH of 6 or higher. Zone 5.

Callicarpa dichotoma ‘Early Amethyst’ (Purple Beautyberry)    A graceful and refined shrub, the best of the Beautyberries. Long, arching branches create a fountian-like form of medium green leaves borne flat, in one plane along the stems rather than circling as is true of others varieties. This attractive placement of the leaves, by itself, is reason enough to merit a spot in the garden, and then there’s the added attraction of beautiful and profuse, early ripening, purple berries that begin weighing down the stems by late August. 3-4’ tall. Zone 5.

Calluna vulgaris (Scotch Heather)  Popular dwarf flowering, evergreen shrubs for rock gardens, perennial gardens and for groundcover, beautiful in both flower and foliage. Some Callunas have especially colorful foliage, that colors best in cooler temperatures and assumes more demure shades of green in summer when flowering occurs. Callunas prefer acidic, organic but gritty soil that’s moist but very well drained. Avoid windy spots, and do not over-fertilize. All are hardy to zone 5, and even colder zones with protection.

vulgaris ‘Burnett Anley’ New     24" high by 30" wide, dark green, upright foliage and dark, lilac pink flowers July and Aug.

vulgaris ‘Hoyerhagen’ New     10" high by 14" wide with orange foliage that becomes deep red as the season progresses. Rosy red flowers July and Aug. One of the best red-leafed Heathers.

vulgaris ‘Mrs Ronald Gray’New       Very low growing forming a dense mat of dark green foliage only 2" high by 14" wide. Flowers pale purple in Aug. and Sept.

vulgaris ‘Silver Knight’    Spikes of lilac flowers over outstanding, silvery-gray, upright foliage. Overall size is 20" high by 24" wide. Blooms August-September.

Calycanthus Sweetshrub   Dense, rounded shrubs with clean, glossy, dark green foliage and 2in. wide, white flowers from mid April into mid May. Flowers may be strongly scented with sweet, fruity scent, or, they may not be. The only way to be sure is to wait until they bloom and then give them the smell test. Buying a named cultivar is another way to guarantee fragrance. 6-9ft. tall and at least as wide. Grow in rich, moist soil in sun or shade. Prune after flowering. Zone 4.

x ‘Hartlage Wine’    A new Sweetshrub that's creating quite a buzz! It's a hybrid between Sinocalycanthus chinensis and Calycanthus florida that retains the best qualities of both parents with large, maroon-red, magnolia-like flowers that begin opening wide in May and continue for many weeks, only slightly fragrant. The polished medium green foliage is disease resistant and acts as a great foil for the stunning flowers. When given the conditions it prefers of moist, well drained soil in sun to part shade, 'Hartlage Wine' will grow moderately quickly to 6-8ft. tall in 10yrs. Receives high praise from the Director of the Smith College Botanic Gardens who reported finding no winter damage over the '07'-'08' winter.

x ‘Venus’      Large, fragrant, Magnolia-like flowers, white with red centers from spring and well into summer. Grows anywhere from 5-10' tall though probably staying towards the lower range in the north, with a loose, open habit usually wider than tall. Very adaptable to soils and light, doing best in rich, moist, well-drained conditions in sun. The large, showy flowers are effectively highlighted against the large, glossy, deep green leaves. 

Caryopteris (Blue Mist Shrub)    Clusters of brilliant blue to violet-blue flowers on spikes of new wood. Blooms in late summer just in time to combine with Heleniums, Rudbeckias, and Sedum for a last burst of color! Requires hot, full sun and good drainage. In our borders, all Caryopteris are cut back to within 6-12ins. of the ground in early spring. They quickly regrow, and bloom unfailingly.

 x ‘Dark Knight’    Deep blue flower clusters overspread mounds of silvery-grey foliage in late summer. Late to show new growth in spring. We treat all Caryopteris as die-back shrubs, and cut them back hard in early spring. Plants will only be happy in hot full sun, in average, well-drained soil. Combines beautifully with yellows and oranges such as the new Rudbeckia triloba ‘Prairie Glow’. Grows 1 1/2ft. tall by 2ft. wide. 

x ‘Lil Miss Sunshine’   A cross between C. ‘Sunshine Blue’ and ‘Petite Bleu’, ‘Lil Miss Sunshine’ boasts brilliant yellow foliage and a tight, dense habit, plus loads of amethyst blue flowers beginning in mid-August that really pop against the bright yellow foliage. Requires hot full sun and well drained soil. With its beautiful foliage all season long, together with outstanding, late season blue flowers, this little stunner brings three seasons of interest to the border. Zone 5.

x ‘Petit Bleu’      The grower calls it the best Caryopteris he's seen yet, and we couldn't agree more. Plants are tight and compact with deep green, glossy foliage and dark blue flowers in late summer-early fall. Internodes are closely spaced resulting in an intense floral display. 2½ft. tall. Does best with full sun in well-drained soil. We recommend cutting plants back hard every spring. Zone 5.

x ‘Sterling Silver’ New    Intense silver foliage adds landscape interest in spring and summer, and bright blue flowers heighten the appeal in late summer and fall. Very effective grouped in larger plantings and as low, seasonal hedges. Hot full sun and average, well drained soil suit it best. 2-3' tall. Zone 5.

x ‘White Surprise’    A sport of C. 'Heavenly Blue' that has very stable, green and white variegated floiage,-"very stable" is another way of saying that the leaves retain their strong variegation through the season, not fading to all green as summer progresses like so many other selections. Soft blue flowers augment the beautiful foliage in late summer. Grow in full sun, in average well drained soil. All Caryopteris are slow to leaf out in spring, so be patient. Zone 5.

Ceanothus x pallidus ‘Marie Simon’      A small, rounded shrub with glossy dark green foliage and clouds of fluffy, soft pink flower panicles that billow over the tops of the stems in late spring. Flowers put on an eye-catching show for several weeks earning lots of oohs and aahs from garden visitors, most of whom are completely unfamiliar with this obscure little gem of a shrub. Plants reach 2’ in height in our garden and spread slowly to form tight colonies. Sun loving and drought tolerant. Prospers in average to poor soil, fixes nitrogen. Here in our zone 5 garden plants behave as die-back shrubs and any stems that remain in the spring are cut back to the ground.

Ceanothus x pallidus Marie Blue™       (New Jersey Tea) A new blue flowered Ceanothus hybrid with the hardiness of ‘Marie Simon’ and loads of misty blue flower heads for many weeks in late spring. Flowers are followed by showy red seed heads that add another season of garden interest. We’ve had ‘Marie Simon’ in our border for as long as we’ve had borders, so we know it’s hardy. Here in zone 5 it’s a die-back shrub that never fails to regrow quickly each spring and garner much praise from nursery visitors. ‘Marie Blue’ is new this year and we’re really eager to see how it performs. 2-3’ tall, dying back in the winter, so should be cut to the ground in early spring. Spreads by underground stems to form dense colonies. Does well in average, dry soil in sun. A die-back in zone 5.

Cephalanthus occidentalis ‘Sputnik’     As well as being an attractive ornamental shrub, Buttonbush is a great source of food for wildlife. This upright growing selection has glossy green foliage and curiously attractive teeny white flowers bunched tightly together in 1" diameter orbs which are prominently displayed at the end of 2-3" petioles. Spent blooms become hard balls that remain attractive all winter providing valuable food for birds. Summer blooms are eagerly sought after by bees and butterflies. Height ranges anywhere from 5-10',(usually toward the lower end), with a spread of 4-7'. Requires moisture and will actually grow in water. Full sun to part shade. Zone 5.

Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud)     This is a small tree that I've always coveted in other peoples gardens, that is until last year when I finally planted a large specimen of my own. Everything about this large shrub or small tree is appealing, flowers, foliage and bark. In early April, ½" long, rosy pink flowers are held close to the stems on short petioles. At first glance the flowers appear to have burst right through the bark and nestled directly on the branches. Flowers bloom before the leaves unfurl and are effective for several weeks. Medium to large, heart-shaped, green leaves follow the flowers and often display excellent, yellow fall color. Bark is gray or gray-brown and on younger branches has a smooth, flesh-like texture. The gray color of the bark sets off the pink flowers nicely. Grow in sun to part shade and, though plants are adaptable to a range of soil types and pHs, strive to provide the best soil you can in terms of fertility and moisture. Water during periods of drought. 20-30' tall with a slightly wider spread. Zone 4. 

Chaenomeles (Flowering Quince) 'Cameo'    Lovely, double peach-colored 2" flowers bloom in late April-early May, on practically thornless branches. Will attain 4' high and wide after several years. Zone 5. 

‘Kingishi’ New  Medium growing with large, single, orange flowers. Very showy. 3-4’ tall. Zone 5.

speciosa ‘Iwai Nishiki’ New    A new, low-spreading Japanese Quince, 3-4’ high, with a spectacular spring display of camellia-like flowers of the deepest red color. A low-spreading form with exotic appeal.

‘Toyo Nishike’

Chamaedaphne calyculata ‘Tiny Tom’    (Leatherleaf) A small, under 2' tall, evergreen shrub with an open habit of thin, wiry branches. Leaves are dusty green, 1-2ins. long and half as wide. The small individual white flowers which appear in June are grouped together in 3 to 5" long terminal racemes. Requires moisture and is an ideal subject for a wet, boggy, even partially shaded area. When kayaking during times of high water I often float right over them completely submerged under three feet of water. Hardy to zone 3.

Chionanthus virginicus (Fringe Tree)    Beautiful and fragrant pendulous white flower clusters in spring. One of the finest native shrubs/small trees with medium to dark green foliage and a spreading, slightly open habit, 12-20' high and wide. Zone 4.

Clematis - see Vines for descriptions of both climbing and non-climbing types.

Clethra alnifolia ‘Compacta’     A superior, low growing, white flowered Summmersweet, dense and compact, with smaller, lustrous, dark green leaves tightly packed on the 3' stems. Stems are noticeably more upright and not given to "opening-up" as are other low growing types. Earned the highest rating in Longwood Garden Trials. Zone 4.

Clethra alnifolia Sugartina™‘Crystilina’     A dwarf Clethra only 28-30" high that, holds its tight, dense shape and does not become lax and open like other low growing selections.  Pure white, fragrant flower spikes bloom in late summer over dark, glossy foliage. Foliage turns yellow in fall. Easy and pest free with a manageable low height that commends it for use as a low hedge, for adding structure and texture in the perennial border, and for embankment stabilization and general groundcover use. Grow in sun to part shade, in average or better, evenly moist soil. Tolerates shade but flowering is much better in sun as long as the soil is reasonably moist. Zone 4.

Clethra barbinervis (Japanese Clethra)      A beautiful large shrub or small tree. Dark green leaves cluster at the ends of the branches in a whorled pattern, as do the lightly fragrant, 6" long, white flower panicles. Bloom lasts from mid July into August. An outstanding ornamental feature is its beautiful cinnamon brown, exfoliating bark. Plants will reach 15 to 20' in height and are hardy in zone 5. An excellent small tree with three season appeal. May form a multil-stemmed clump or a single trunk, either way it is attractive enough for specimen use. Not yet a household word but definitely deserves wider use.

Comptonia peregrina (Sweetfern)    2-4' high and wide with colonizing, mostly upright branches that form a fairly rounded mass. The deciduous leaves are long and narrow and wonderfully fragrant. Grows in full sun to light shade in the most infertile, driest locations, and also in more favorable spots. Has the ability to fix nitrogen. This shrub is a delight to bushwhack through in the wild, as one becomes completely enveloped in its pungent aroma. Especially good for difficult, more naturalistic areas. Hardy to Zone 2.

Cornus controversa ‘Janine’ New     A small tree to large shrub developing a beautiful, horizontal, tiered branching structure clothed in variegated leaves, green centered with a glowing gold margin. Flowers develop in flat-topped, creamy white clusters in early spring, followed by dark blue to black fruit in late summer.  An arresting sight with its beautiful variegated foliage distributed over the exquisite, architecturally formed branches. Can grow to 30-35’ high by 20-25’ wide. Prefers organic, acidic, moist but well drained soil, in sun to light shade. Zone 5, possibly 4.

kousa ‘Everbloom’      This unique C. kousa displays the special ability to hold its bloom all summer long and into September. A chance seedling discovered at a Conn. nursery where it is enjoyed by the owner who says, "all summer long I drive in the driveway looking at Cornus kousa in full bloom". Fast growing, in a relatively short time reaching a height and width of 20' with a wide, rounded habit with branches becoming attractively horizontal with maturity. Fruit is a 1" round, red drupe, copiously produced and gracefully suspended at the ends of 2" long petioles; very showy and a food source for wildlife. Fruits from August into October. Older stems develop attractive exfoliating bark that sloughs away revealing beige, gray and cream patches. Resistent to many of the diseases that plague Cornus florida. Grow in full sun to light in average or better, acid soil. Zone 5.

kousa ‘Heart Throb’ New     Like all Kousa Dogwoods, 'Heart Throb' has a landscape pleasing, rounded shape with deep green, trouble free foliage. What other kousa varieties don't have are the deep red, 4in. wide flowers of 'Heart Throb' that begin opening in June and continuing for 4-6 weeks. Flowers are followed in late Aug. into Oct. by ½-1in. diameter, red drupes attractively suspended at the ends of 2½in. pendulous stalks. Full fruited trees are a dazzling sight. Requires acidic, well drained soil in full sun. Mature trees are 20-30ft. high with a wide, rounded habit. Zone 5.

kousa ‘Wolf Eyes’    A very handsome shrub that has graced the Bay State boarders for many years providing spring through fall interest with never a hint of trouble. Green leaves are strongly variegated with generous white margins. Leaves become attractively rippled along their edges and are very resistant to sun burn. Fall color is outstanding as leaves begin early to take on pink to red color which mingles with the white margin so that all three colors are present at the same time. Form is unusually shrubby with our ten year old plant measuring 6’ high by 5-6’ wide. Organic, acid soil. Zone 5.

mas ‘Golden Glory’       A sturdy mulit-stemmed large shrub or small tree with many attributes to its credit. Yellow, ¾" wide flowers are borne on last year's wood beginning in May, before the leaves, and continue for 3 weeks or more.  Flowers are followed in July by bright red, ½" or larger drupes which add a delightful element of whimsy as they poke through the glossy green leaves.  Attractive exfoliating bark adds interest, especially in winter, as it peels away revealing swaths of inner bark in shades of brown and gray. Easy and trouble free, preferring decent, well-drained soil in sun to part shade. Can be made into an attractive tree form if the lower branches are pruned away accentuating a length of trunk. Zone 4.

sericea (stolonifera) ‘Artic Fire’   A compact shrub dogwood with dark red winter twigs and a smaller, ( 3-4 ft. tall ), nonsuckering habit. A handsome shrub year-round, but especially effective in the winter landscape against a snowy background. Prefers moist soil but plants are very adaptable to a wide range of conditions. Its extensive fibrous root system and ease of culture make it a good choice where erosion control is needed. Zone 3.

x ‘Celestial Shadow’ New    A Cornus Kousa/Florida cross with exceptionally attractive foliage consisting of bright green leaves neatly outlined with a clean yellow margin. Leaf color holds up well through summer. Considered by many to be the best looking variegated Kousa dogwood. Large, white, four-petaled flowers open in early May and persist for many weeks. Habit is upright, more or less consistently wide from base to top, maturing at 18-20' high by 14-16' wide. Pest and disease free. C. kousa exhibits a strong preference for acid soil and flowers better in ful sun. Becomes more drought tolerant with age. Zone 5.

CORYLUS avellana 'Contorta' (Harry Lauder's Walking Stick)    A fascinating tangle of twisted, coiled and swirled branches 8-10ft. tall. Always a curiosity, but especially effective in winter when twigs are clearly discernable. Plant in full sun to light shade in all but the worst soils. Important to remove suckers as they develop. Zone 4.

Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple    Prized for its showy 6-8in. plumes that change from grayish to pink from June into August and for its rich, maroon to purplish red foliage that retains its color through the season. I had under appreciated this plant until seeing a beautifully positioned, (and properly pruned), specimen in a Conway MA. garden and being reminded of what an impressive shrub it can be. Tolerates heavy pruning which should be done as needed to keep plants from becoming too large and rangy and to promote fresh new growth which always shows the best, deepest color. Easy and adaptable, tolerant of poor, dry, rocky soil. Full sun. Zone 4.

obovatus (American Smoketree)  This native Smoketree develops into either a large shrub or a small tree that possesses what is unanimously acclaimed as some of the most beautifully colored foliage of any native shrub. Foliage emerges pinkish bronze in spring and matures to a 5-6" long, lush, dark blue-green leaf. Fall color is a show-stopper when leaves turn to brilliant shades of yellow, red. orange and purple with color persisting for 3-4 weeks.  Bark is attractive for its gray-brown color and interesting texture and 12" fruit clusters, (smoke plumes), though sparingly produced in spring, are an added feature.  20-30' tall with an oval, rounded outline. Well adapted to average, even dry, alkaline soils in sun. Worthy of specimen use and, where space allows, for massing in groups to create an unforgettable fall pageant. Zone 4.

Cotoneaster horiz. ‘Perpusillus’     A spreading habit, 1-1½ft. high by 5-7ft. wide. Plants flow outward through a series of tiered, horizontal branches clothed in tiny, lustrous, ½in. dark green leaves. Leaves are tightly packed, forming a solid, billowing mat. Flowers appear in late May into June, ¼in. wide, light pink. Though small, they are profuse and create a nice show. The same can be said of the fruit which are ¼in. bright red pomes, smallish but profuse enough to make a pleasing display. Excellent in rock gardens, for hanging over walls or trained to splay up and across a wall, or, as a specimen anywhere a broad swath of uninterrupted foliage is wanted. Best in full sun in good to average, fertile soil, and, while they appreciate moisture, they need to be well drained. Zone 5. Based on our experience it is quite drought tolerant. Our plant has thrived in dry soil for many years, has never received a drop of supplimental watering, and gets more bodaciously beautiful each year.

Cytisus (Scotchbroom)    5-6ft. tall, green stems, sparsely dotted with modest protrusions passing for leaves. As plants mature, stems open out and arch over. Flowering occurs in May with a fantastic burst of color unrivalled by many other shrubs. Should be pruned after flowering, limiting cuts to newer, outer growth, avoiding any trespass into older, larger stems. Another pruning method embraced by seasoned, no-nonsense gardeners is to hack plants half way back and have done with it. Both methods work. Any expectations of having a show quality specimen through the entire season should be lowered. After flowering and pruning, most of us end up with a subject of mere passing interest which is best concealed with more attractive plants. Nevertheless, definitely worth growing for the terrific spring show, and for their tolerance of sandy, infertile, soil. Full sun. Zone 5.

scoparius ‘Burkwoodii’    An upright form with pink-red flowers. Flowers open bright red with whispers of yellow and then darken to maroon and purple-bundy.  Zone 5.

Daphne mesereum (February Daphne) New    This Daphne emerges from winter ready to flood the early spring garden with flowers and fragrance. Starting as early as late March, rosy-purple flowers crowd the stems emitting a strong, heady fragrance, with flowers and fragrance continuing well into April. Plants are densely branched with stout, upright stems that form a shrub 4-5' high by 3-4' wide. Flowers are followed by maroon, pea-sized fruit which, if allowed to drop and remain undisturbed through winter, will germinate the following spring. Grow in sun to light shade, in rich, neutral, evenly moist, well-drained soil. We've had our plant for many years and it never fails to delight each spring. It's in 50% shade and thriving. Zone 5 and colder.

Daphne mesereum ‘Alba’ New     Same as above except with white flowers.

Daphne tangutica New      A semi-evergreen shrub that delivers fragrant spring flowers and attractive glossy foliage. Rose-purple flower buds unfurl to white with a purple throat and flowers continue from early spring to early summer with occasional rebloom thereafter. Attractive orange/red fruits follow the flowers. Grow in sun, in rich, evenly moist but well drained soil. 2-3' tall. Zone 6.

DAPHNE x burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie'    One of the finest compact shrubs, with fragrant pink June blooms. Grows into a perfect, dense 3-4' mound of blue-green fine-textured foliage edged with a creamy white band. Zone 5.

Deutzia ‘Chardonnay Pearls’     Valued especially for its bright yellow foliage that holds up without burning even in the sunniest part of the garden. Adding to the appeal are the fragrant, pure-white, pearl-like flowers that bloom for several weeks in May. Grows 3-4ft. tall with a slightly wider spread. Zone 5.

Diervilla sessilifolia ‘Cool Splash’     A breakthrough variegated form of this tough-as-nails landscape staple. Vivid green leaf centers are banded with wide, snowy white margins creating a striking contrast that holds fast even in part shade. Grows 3-4' tall by 4-6' wide with a suckering habit. Leaf color is brightest in full sun, with rich, moist, but well drained soil, however, once established, plants will tolerant more dryness. Strong visual impact anywhere in the landscape. The combination of exceptional beauty with a rugged constitution provides numerous landscape possibilities such as large groupings on banks, at the front of shrub borders and as stand-alone plantings in lawn areas. Zone 4.

Dirca palustris New     An obscure but increasingly popular small, native shrub that thrives in shade. ½" pale yellow flowers in small clusters bloom at nodes all along the stems just before and coinciding with leaf emergence in late March. Attractive light tan colored trigs develop an intricate branching network which supports attractive light green leaves that reward by turning clear yellow in fall, in the shade.  A small shrub with a neat upright-rounded form, 3-6' tall and wide. Ideally it should be planted in rich, organic soil that's moist but drained, part to full shade. Zone 4.

Disanthus cercidifolius    A multi-stemmed, medium to large shrub valued for its beautiful 4½”, rounded, heart-shaped leaves that are dark bluish green in color and resemble the leaves of Redbuds. Flowers are not showy. Fall foliage color is spectacular in shade of claret red and purple. Height is anywhere from 6-10’, possibly higher when plants are given optimal growing conditions of rich, organic, evenly moist but well drained soil, in light to moderate shade. Not common in gardens but highly regarded by gardeners who know of it. See Dirrs’, “Manual of Woody Landscape Plants” for a glowing description. Hardy to Zone 5b, 5, especially when properly sited.

Disanthus cercidifolius ‘Ena Nishiki New     While the straight species is uncommon in gardens, this cultivar is as scarce as hen’s teeth and is truly rare and collectable. It’s steely-blue and white variegated leaves resemble those of Cercis and are a breath of fresh air in the shade garden. May grow to 6’ high with a somewhat taller than wide outline. Requires rich, organic soil, moist but drained, in shade. Zone 5.

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