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Viburnum p. t. ‘Molly Schroeder’

Salix melanostachys     (Black Pussy Willow) Tremendous winter and spring interest.  In winter, stems take on a rich purple-black color that really pops against a snowy background. In spring, the male catkins open a dramatic, deep purple-black with conspicuous red anthers. Both winter twigs and spring catkins are excellent for cutting, adding high interest to indoor arrangements. Grows 8-10' high and prefers sun an average, evenly moist soil. Fast growing and might be considered for screening purposes. If stems becomes rank, hard renewal pruning will promote fresh, new growth. Zone 4.

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’    Wispy, threadlike, dark purple, nearly black foliage. The striking color and texture combine to form a compact yet airy plant that has the appearance of a Japanese Maple. And there are flowers too! In early June, massive 10”’ wide, lightly fragrant, flattened, lacy pink flower heads contrast dramatically with the dark foliage. Grow in sun to part shade, in average or better, evenly moist soil. 5-6’ tall. Zone 5.

Spirea japonica ‘Double Play Gold’ New    A compact, low mounding beauty with vibrant golden foliage and an abundance of pure pink flowers. In side by side trials with twenty other selections, this plant outperformed all others. Blooms June into August. 18-24” tall by 24” wide. Best grown in full sun. Not fussy about soil but does not do well in wet, poorly drained places. An easy to please, attractive, small shrub that combines well with perennials and small conifers. Works very well as a larger scale groundcover and is especially useful for covering banks. If pruning is needed, it should be undertaken in early spring before new growth begins. Zone 3.

Spirea thunbergii ‘Ogon’    A beautiful japanese selection with bright yellow, willow-like leaves. This fine textured shrub shines all season long adding bright color and textural contrasting in mixed shrub plantings, as a focal point in the perennial border and as a stand-alone specimen. Attractive white flowers appear in early spring. The fall color is bronze. Grows 3-4 ft. tall. Best in full sun.. Zone 4.

Stewartia sinensis (gemmata)     The Chinese Stewartia is a small tree or large shrub, (15-20'), usually retaining branches to the ground, similar to S. pseudocamellia but smaller growing and, therefore, more useful in contemporary landscapes. Fragrant, white, cup-shaped flowers, 2" across, bloom in summer and the medium green leaves take on reddish fall color. Bark is exceptionally beautiful with a remarkably smooth texture that begs to be touched, and a color that has been described as "weathered sandstone", unrivaled for its outstanding bark. Begins exfoliating at an early age, adding to the ornamental appeal. Prefers sun and rich, evenly moist but well drained soil. Zone 5.

Stewartia pseudocamellia (Japanese Stewartia)    Distinctive multi-colored exfoliating bark and large white flowers in summer. 30-40' at maturity, fantastic fall color. No disease or insect problems. Zone 5. A gem!

Syringa (Lilac)    Lilacs are sentimental favorites with fragrant spring flowers excellent for cutting. Ideal conditions are fertile, organic rich soil with a pH close to neutral and, for best flowering, a position in full sun. It’s not a bad idea to add some lime at planting time. Every gardener has seen plants growing in conditions far from idea, and doing very well thank you very much! No question, these are resilient shrubs which, once established, seem capable of thriving in a range of conditions as demonstrated by the numerous big old plants that have survived for decades in farmsteads and churchyards throughout New England.

meyeri ‘Palibin’     A handsome smaller growing lilac with a tidy, perfectly rounded form only 5-6’ high with an equal spread. Leaves are small, spade or heart shaped, dark green, glossy and not susceptible to mildew. Flower buds form and begin opening before the leaves fully open. Rich, violet-purple flowers are tightly packed on 4” long panicles abundantly produced over the entire surface of the plant. One of the easiest Lilacs to grow, requiring no special care, in fact, the beautiful specimen in our border thrives on neglect, never failing to put on a spectacular show from late April into May and intermittently through summer. Zone 3.

vulgaris ‘Prairie Petite’    A dwarf lilac reaching only slightly more than 3ft. in height after 10 years. Blooms in May with pink flowers that fade to lavender as they age and although the panicles are less than half the size of standard lilacs they are nevertheless very showy because of their sheer numbers and because of the clean, upright manner in which they are held on the plants. This is a lilac that offers a fresh new choice for foundation plantings with its neat, small size, its showy, fragrant flowers and its carefree, dependable nature. Grow in sun in soil with a near neutral pH. Zone 2.

vulgaris ‘Yankee Doodle’     With this new lilac selection we have an answer to that frequently asked question, "have you got that deep purple lilac?". The answer is yes! 'Yankee Doodle' boasts the deepest, darkest purple flowers of any other lilac, nearly covering the plants with very large, upright, cones that perfume the garden with their much-loved lilac scent. 8-10ft. high by 8-10ft. wide. Zone 3.

x hyacinthifolia ‘Purple Glory’     Bluish-purple, fragrant flowers over deep green foliage. Part of a long-cultivated strain of Lilacs, mostly vulgaris types, that share the characteristics of extreme hardiness, large size,(8-10ft. X 10-12ft. wide), and resistance to diseases that may affect other types of Lilacs. Blooms before Syringa vulgaris. Leaves sometimes take on a reddish-purple fall color. Zone 3.

x 'Josée'    A complicated cross made in France that resulted in a remarkable dwarf lilac noted for its capacity to bloom and bloom. The lavender-pink blooms first appear in May and, after a brief rest, continue blooming intermittently until frost. Grows only to 4 or 5'. Zone 2.

x 'Lilac Sunday'    New from the Arnold Arboretum. Pale purple, fragrant flowers appear in mid-May and are produced in great abundance in panicles not only at the branch tips, but also further back along the stems at lateral buds, creating an amazing flower display. We have a nice specimen growing at the nursery, so come in, take a look, and see if you don’t agree. Zone 2.

x ‘Bloomerang Purple’    A dense, compact Lilac with an intense mid-May bloom followed by more deliciously frangrant blooms throughout the summer and into the fall. The May bloom covers the plant with large, upright clusters of purple/pink flowers and then this initial show is followed-up with substantial repeat blooms through the rest of the season. It’s a one-of a kind plant, easy to grow and especially useful in smaller spaces because of its dense, compact form, growing only 4-5’ tall by 3-4’ wide. Will grow in average soil in sun, but really flourish in rich, organic, well-drained soil with a pH that’s neutral or slightly higher. Zone 4.

Taxodium distichum ‘Peve Minaret’ New       (Bald-Cypress) A real attention-grabbing, "what-is-it?" shrub. Much smaller and very differently looking than Taxodium distichum commonly seen in gardens. Short needles are thickly bunched on the closely held ascending branches that develop a neat, slender conical habit, at maturity reaching 10' in height with a width of 2-3'. Does well on a range of soils, wet, dry, sandy or heavy so long the pH is acidic. Likes sun. Offers something different for smaller gardens and is just plain fun to grow for its ability to launch garden visitors into a usually unsuccessful identification frenzy. Hardy at least through zone 5 and probably into 4.

TAXUS x media ‘Viridis’ see evergreens

Vaccinium angustifolia     (Lowbush Blueberry) Grows 6" to 2' tall and spreads by underground stolons. Dainty, bluish-green foliage turns an excellent scarlet-bronze in fall with large plantings weaving an impressionists tapestry in autumn shades of yellow, orange and red. These are mighty little berry factories, producing bushels of the very sweetest berries in summer. Thrives in dry, acid, poor soil, sun, and make an excellent groundcover for such sites, and, don't forget about the delicious berries. Zone 2.

Vaccinium vitis-idaea var. minus New     (Mountain Cranberry)  Dense low mounds of glossy green, evergeen leaves, white to pink flowers in spring followed in late summer by ¼" or larger bright red berries that are mostly ornamental due to their bitterness. All of this on a very appealing, small plant, only 4-6" high. Requires acidic, moist but well drained soil in sun. Perfect for wedging between rocks, in trough gardens and at the front of rock gardens. Makes an impression far exceeding its small size. Zone 2.

Viburnum ‘Cayuga’    A smaller growing Viburnum x carlcephalum hybd. with dark green leaves and 4-5" across flower clusters that are pink in bud, opening white, fragrant. Young plants have a distinctly upright habit and, in time, become more spreading. Unpruned, plants mature to around 8' high with a slightly wider spread. Best in full sun to part shade in fertile, evenly moist but well drained, slightly acid soil. Zone 4.

Viburnum lantanoides (Hobblebush)     Very common throughout New England woods where it thrives in damp shade. In the wild its form is irregular, upright, usually with characteristic horizontal branching, almost always found growing in large colonies. Foliage is large, up to 8" across, rounded, disk-like. Leaves color early in the season most often taking on a burgundy hue. Large, flat, white flower panicles appear before the leaves in spring and by late summer transform into showy, bright red berries that eventually turn dark purple/black. Dormant buds are large, tan colored, very furry and very appealing in the winter landscape. 5-10' high with an equal or greater spread. At least zone 4, and almost certainly into zone 3.

Viburnum nudum ‘Brandywine’      'Brandywine' delivers one of the most beautiful berry displays to be found on any plant, with loads of breathtaking berries that transform over summer from green to shades of vivid pink and blue. Foliage is lustrous green in summer and takes on gorgeous shades of dark maroon-red in autumn, always retaining a brilliant, glossy sheen. Habit is dense, compact with a relatively low height of only 5-6'. It is recommended for best fruit set that two clones be planted in close proximity. We are carrying the cultivar 'Winterthur' as well as 'Brandywine'. Grow in sun to light shade in rich, moist but well-drained soil. Zone 5.

Viburnum nudum ‘Winterthur’      Exceptionally beautiful foliage and fruit on compact, low-growing plants. Large, white, flower panicles in spring are followed by clusters of berries that begin white and evolve to hot pink and then blue. Foliage is also beautiful when in summer the large, elongated green leaves carry a glossy luster that continues to be evident in autumn on leaves that turn a brilliant wine-red. We've had 'Winterthur' here in our border for five years and it's only 5' tall, albeit it is having to deal with our silty, sandy, very well drained soil. In richer, wetter soil it would be larger. Some sources give the mature height as 5-6'. It is recommended for best fruit set that more than one cultivar be planted close together. We carry 'Brandywine', (same beautiful foliage and berries ), as well as 'Winterthur'. Grow in sun to light shade, in rich, moist but well-drained soil. Zone 5.

Viburnum opulus ‘Compactum’ New     A compact, space saving cultivar, only half the size of the species, (6' high with an equal spread), with a full, dense habit.  Large, showy, 2-3" wide, flat-topped flower clusters with an outer ring of larger sterile flowers surrounding an inner group of smaller, inconspicuous fertile flowers put on an extravagant display for several weeks in May followed by an equally showy display of bright red berries. Foliage is dark glossy green in summer often changing to red in fall. Adaptable to a range of soil types and pH levels. Soil that remains evenly moist through the season and a position in full sun yield the best plants.  With its smaller size and many ornamental features this cultivar should find a ready welcome in contemporary landscapes where space is often limited and every plant has to pull its weight. Zone 3.

Viburnum plicatum tomentosum ‘Molly Schroeder’    An outstanding pink flowering selection of the elegant Doublefile Viburnum with large, 4" wide, pink, flat-topped flower clusters lifted above the foliage on 2" pedicles. Flowers nest atop the full lengths of the horizontally positioned branches achieving a perfect balance of form and beauty. Unlike earlier pink Doublefiles, 'Molly Schroeder' is said to hold its color through the bloom period, mid to late May. Grows to 8' high with wide spreading, horizontal branching. An undemanding shrub that does well in average to rich, evenly moist, well-drained soil, in sun to part shade. If grown in sun, soil should be consistently moist. Zone 5.

Viburnum plicatum tomentosum ‘Shasta’    One of the all-time best ever shrubs and, along with Hydrangea m. ‘Blue Billow’ the most asked after shrub in our border. Habit is low,(6ft.), and wide, (12ft.), with long, gracefully arching branches held horizontally to the trunk. In June, the branches are laden from end to end with 6in. wide, pure white inflorescences. Grow in sun if ample moisture is available, otherwise place in part shade, out of the afternoon sun. Zone 5. 

Viburnum sargentii 'Onondaga'     Valued for both flowers and foliage. New leaves emerge a velvety dark maroon and retain a trace of maroon even when mature. Flowers in May with 5", flat-topped, pinwheel-like panicles with red buds opening creamy white with a trace of pink. Grows 5-7' tall and wide and does best in sun or light shade with sufficient moisture. Very hardy, to at least zone 4.

Viburnum x juddii (Judd Viburnum)   Grows 6-8' tall and in late April-May produces masses of 3" panicles with the most intoxicating fragrance. When compared with V. carlesii, juddii is judged equal in flower size and fragrance and superior in disease resistance. We've had a mature specimen here at the nursery for years, and every year it perfumes the entire square acre of the sales yard! Grow in sun in good soil that is moist but well drained. Zone 4. At left, early bloom. To the right, full, fragrant bloom.

Viburnum x ‘Summer Hill’     From Summer Hill nursery, a V. carlesii hybd. of unknown origin. Retains the characteristic, 3" wide, fragrant, "snowball" flower of V. carlesii, though with slightly less fragrance, and develops an improved, compact habit that shows none of the ranginess that V. carlesii may exhibits as it ages. The shiny leaves are a marked improvement over the dull green leaves of carlesii. 3-5’ high with rounded, densely branched habit. Fifteen year old plants may reach 8'. All and all, a handsome shrub with a dense, compact habit, shiny green leaves and large, "snowball" flowers in April-May.  'Summer Hill' offers all the excellent features of ‘Carlesii’ but in a smaller package. How great to have the choice of two very fine landscape Viburnums! Both appreciate slightly acid, evenly moist soil with best flowering in full sun, thougth not much bloom is lost in light shade. Zone 5, and almost certainly into zone 4.

VITEX agnus-castus ‘Abbeville Blue’ (Chastetree)      Deep blue, fragrant, flower spikes at the ends of 4-5ft. stems starting in early August and continuing into September. The compound leaves are large, deep green with a clean, sleek look. In the north, stems die back to the ground and should be removed in late winter, early spring. Does best when grown in sun to light shade, in average, well-drained soil. A seldom encountered and easy to grow shrub valued for its attractive foliage and flowers; the flowers being especially appreciated for their late season blue color. Zone 5.

Weigela Spilled Wine™ New     Dark red, wavy leaves form the background for hot-magenta flowers. At only 2' high by 3' wide, Spilled Wine™ is smaller than W. Wine & Roses and very useful for tucking into foundation plantings, for mixing with perennials and for use as ground cover to cover larger areas. Heaviest bloom occurs in May-June on last years wood with some bloom through summer on new growth. With its ornamental foliage and hummingbird attracting flowers, Spilled Wine™ delivers season long interest. Plant in full sun, average soil. Zone 4.

Wikstroemia trichotoma     A choice little gem with a very clean, neat appearance. Leaves are ½" -¾" long, narrow-ovate, olive green lightly suffused with the merest hint of yellow, abundant, yet adaquatly spaced so as not to interfere with the play of light through the branches. Habit is a tidy, rounded form with stems carried somewhat horizontally creating an airy, delicate impression.  Flowers are small, sulfur yellow trumpets profusely borne throughout the branches starting in mid August and continuing until frost. Not having a clue as to its cultural preferences I placed it in full sun in average to good, well drained soil where it has thrived. Grows 3' tall, possibly to 4', with an equal spread. Its debut in our border created quite a buzz. It has the effect of drawing you back for a second look and I've made it one of the plants that I revisit every day on my morning rounds before opening for business.

Xanthoceras sorbifolium (Yellowhorn)    A striking shrub, one that when seen for the first time leads one to ask, where has this gem been hiding all these years! It’s big, really a small tree or large shrub, 18-20ft. tall with a somewhat stiff, irregular habit, but it’s the flowers that really get your attention. In May, beautiful white flowers, 1in. wide, in large,10in. long clusters occur throughout the plant. The edges of the flowers are delicately ruffled and each petal is dabbed at the base with a yellow splotch that changes to red, (flowers remind me of Catalpa flowers). Grow in full sun, not fussy about soil though at least average moisture should be maintained. Native to northern China. Zone 3.

Zenobia pulverulenta Blue Form     An interesting, smaller growing shrub with striking, dusty blue foliage that brings loads of color and textural contrast to shrub and perennial borders and even to foundation plantings. It's all about foliage with this shrub. Leaves are 2-3" long, narrow-oblong, somewhat willow-like with a light, airy quality that allows a gentle rustling on the slightest breeze. Color is decidedly silvery blue-green throughout the season, turning yellow suffused with red in fall. White, fragrant, bell-shaped, ⅜" wide flowers occur in nodding clusters, May-June. Requires acid, evenly moist, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. Grows 2-3,(6)' high with a round, graceful form. Zone 5..

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