Featured Plants

China Snow Peking Lilac Is Fine & Graceful

patti-nhn — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:33:00 GMT

The China Snow Peking Lilac Syringa pekinensis 'Morton' is filled with fragrant bunches of white flowers that bloom in June. Its gracefulness shows in its upright rounded habit that really stands out. The bark is exfoliating and is a wonderful dark-amber color. It would be quite a lovely tree in your yard year-round.

This variety of Lilac comes from the parent tree at the Morton Arboretum in Illinois. It has done very well in the Illinois climate. It is hardy to zone 5. The height of this tree can get to 35 feet and the crown will grow to about 30 feet wide. If you are familiar with the famed plant collector Joseph Rock you will want to know that he personally harvested the seed batch from which the tree was selected. If you want something new and attractive, this would be a good choice for you.

Shadblow Serviceberry Fruits And Fall Color

patti-nhn — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:19:00 GMT

The Shadblow Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis is a large Serviceberry shrub that will grow 20 to 25 feet high and 10 to 15 feet wide. It produces a reddish purple edible fruit that is mainly used for jams or jellies but can be used in any fruit based recipe. Before the fruit, it will produce snowy white flowers and the foliage is a dark green color which turns gold in the fall. The branches grow in an upright fashion that gives it a uniform look.

The Shadblow does require full sun but is widely adaptable for soil. It is considered a deer resistant shrub. There are no guarantees that deer won't persist if hungry enough, but, in general they will keep their distance. The birds will like the fruit as well so if you want to preserve it for yourself you will want to harvest it before the birds get to it. This is a great overall shrub for your yard.

Autumn Blaze Red Maple Is A Real Winner!

patti-nhn — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:50:00 GMT

The Autumn Blaze Red Maple Acer freemanii 'Autumn Blaze' is one of the best Maple trees for fall color. It's bright, blazing red leaves stand out above all the others. It is also a very fast grower, as much as 3 feet a year in best conditions. So if you are looking for a tree that will fill in an empty spot quickly, this might be the one for you. They can grow up to 40 to 60 feet tall and spread to about 40 to 60 feet. Their shape will be rather broad and round.

Autumn Blaze Red Maples are very hardy and can grow in areas from Michigan to Central Florida, it performs well in these areas. The tree is consistent and the fall color lasts long into the season. It is tolerant of clay soils and drought. It does need full sun and will fill your needs for a shade tree or an ornamental tree. For fall color, you can't beat this tree.

Amethyst Falls American Wisteria Beautiful And Most Familiar

patti-nhn — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:00:00 GMT

The Amethyst Falls American Wisteria Wisteria frutescens 'Amethyst Falls'' is one of the best known Wisteria vines around. You will often find them delicately winding around mailboxes, lamp posts, fence posts, patio screens and the list goes on and on. There are so many uses for this awesome Wisteria. They can be trained as a ground cover as well.

Wisteria are hardy plants and long lived. Amethyst Falls American has purple/blue flowers on heads that are short and wide. They will bloom in the spring and often again in the summer. They are a very hardy species and tend to grow well in zones 6 to 9. Their light green foliage really shows off the flowers and is pretty on its own as well. For a pleasant plant to behold, this would be a great choice.

American Sentry Linden Will Stand Guard For You

patti-nhn — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 12:21:00 GMT

The American Sentry Linden tree Tilia americana 'McKSentry' is a pyramid shaped tree that will stand tall at an approximate height of 45 to 55 feet. The spread of the tree is 30 to 40 feet wide. With this form it would make a great hedge or screen. You might also consider using it to line your driveway or property as well as a wonderful main tree for your yard.

The branches are uniformly angled at the crotch which gives it the pleasant shape that is admired. The fragrance of this Linden tree is spicy and very desirable. The blooms will appear in late spring. This is a very hardy tree down to zone 3. With it's size, fragrance and uniform shape, this tree would be a great addition to your landscape. Lined up along your drive, they will look like soldiers, standing guard over your home.

Cutleaf Lilac An Unusual Shrub

patti-nhn — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 16:47:00 GMT

The Cutleaf Lilac Syringa laciniata is not your typical Lilac shrub. Unlike most Lilacs that grow in an upright form, this Cutleaf Lilac grows in a mounding form. It also tends to be a little smaller height at 6 to 8 foot tall and slower growing than some lilac shrubs. It's leaves are finely cut lobes and the flowers are fragrant, small and lavender colored.

The Cutleaf can tolerate many conditions including cold, heat and drought. It is hardy from zone 4 and has been known to do well from Wisconsin to Georgia and even in the Rocky Mountain states. With its height and foliage it makes this specimen stand out from the others. It would also take up less space so may fit into your landscaping where a larger shrub would not. This Cutleaf Lilac would be worth a try and might get some compliments from friend and neighbors.

Greenspire Littleleaf Linden Uniform And Beautiful

patti-nhn — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:01:00 GMT

The Greenspire Littleleaf Linden Tilia cordata is a wonderful addition to your landscaping. The tree is very uniform with its upright growth. It's shape is considered pyramidal which makes a lovely display. You will often see these trees used as shade trees in home applications as well in parks and along city sidewalks.

The Littleleaf Linden has nice dark green leaves that will turn a warm yellow hue in the fall. It is a very hardy tree tolerating urban areas and adaptable to soils although it does prefer a clay soil. They will grow to approximately 30-40 feet tall and are hardy down to zone 4. This a very reliable and beautiful tree that you can enjoy for years to come.

Twisty Baby Locust Will Twist The Night Away

patti-nhn — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Talk about an eye-catcher! The Twisty Baby Locust 'Robina pseudoacacia 'Lace Lady' twists and shouts with it's awesome shape. Each plant is unique in how it shapes its bumps and curves. If you want the full size of 15 to 20 feet in height, it would look nice as a main landscaping plant. You may want to plant it in a large container or tub which would require pruning to keep it to a smaller size or it would fit in a smaller garden as well.

The branches are a lovely charcoal gray and the leaves are a nice shade of green. There is not much flowering, if any at all, warmer climates might see some flowering. The Twisty Baby Locust is hardy from zones 3 to 9. This plant would attract attention and supply enjoyment for everyone.

Prairie Flame Shining Sumac Compact And Beautiful

patti-nhn — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:31:00 GMT

If you have been wanting to try growing a Sumac but have been held back due to the size of them then this one is right up your alley. The Prairie Flame Shining Sumac Rhus copallina var. latifolia 'Morton' is compact and will grow to only about 12 feet tall as opposed to most Sumac that are up to 25 feet tall. It would be easy to fit into your landscaping with flowers growing nearby or taller trees. The best thing about Sumac, in my opinion, is their awesome color, especially in the fall. This Sumac will fit into your area much easier than the bigger varieties.

The Prairie Flame has dark green and glossy leaves. In the fall they will turn to a fire-engine red that is most beautiful. They will have creamy-white flower spikes in late summer but they do not set fruit as this is a male clone. Prairie Flame is hardy to drought and winter cold down to zone 5 and possibly even into zone 4. You will want to make sure it is not planted where there has been verticillium wilt as it is susceptible to that. If you want a lot of pizzaz in your landscape, try this small Sumac variety.

Crimson Pointe Plum Is Highly Innovative

patti-nhn — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:45:00 GMT

The Crimson Pointe Plum Prunus cerasifera 'Cripoizam' is shaped like a tight upright column unlike most other plum trees with its branches growing almost parallel to the main trunk. Its new leaves are an orange to bronze color and the mature leaves have a wonderful deep burgundy color so there is lots of interest as its foliage grows. The tree will generally grow to about 20 feet tall and the spread is approximately 4 to five feet.

This single trunked tree could stand at attention along your driveway or sidewalk and would also make a nice screen along any border. It is definitely an interesting combination of size, shape and color. It can also be grown as a multistem tree by multiple heading cuts on the tree during the growing season. It is hardy from zones 4 to 7 and would make an excellent addition to your landscape. You might even make the neighbors jealous!

Kwanzan Flowering Cherry Is Showstopping

patti-nhn — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:12:00 GMT

If you want a showstopper in your landscape, this is one of the best trees for you. The Kwanzan Flowering Cherry Prunus Serrulata 'Kawnzan' has double pink flowers with multiple layers that will appear before the green foliage. Kwanzan Flowering Cherry trees are beautiful to behold especially when they are flowering. The foliage is a light green and will become bronze to reddish colored in the fall. This tree has also been known as a Japanese Flowering Cherry tree.

This is one of the most popular flowering trees. The shape of the tree is upright looking similar to a vase or a more rounded form giving a structural element in your landscaping. It is a small tree with a height from 15 to 25 feet and will spread from 15 to 20 feet. It does require full sun and is a moderate grower and is hardy from zone 5 to 8.

Swedish Columnar Aspen Will Ruffle In The Wind

patti-nhn — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 17:55:00 GMT

The Swedish Columnar Aspen Populus tremula 'Erecta' is the European Version of a Quaking Aspen. An attribute that you won't find in most trees is that when the wind blows the leaves of the tree will rustle with a whispering sound that is very comforting and pleasing to the ear. It is one of the most hardy trees that are available and you will often see them lining driveways, property lines and being used as screens.

Because of their upright Columnar shape, they don't take up a lot of room. The crown of the tree is only 5-10 feet and it can mature to 40 feet tall. In the fall it will sport yellow leaves. The foliage is dark green. It is hardy from zone 2 to 7 but will not do as well in hotter climates. It should be planted in partial sun and the soil kept moist and it widely adaptable to soil types. This is a beautiful aspen tree and will fill in quickly for you.

Allee Elm Makes A Great Replacement For The Old Elms

patti-nhn — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 15:50:00 GMT

Growing up, I remember the big elm trees that lined the sidewalks in most of our neighborhoods. Unfortunately, they were affected by dutch elm disease and all of the trees had to be cut down and destroyed. The Allee Elm Ulmus parvifolia 'Emer 11' is a tree that you can use to replace the old elms. They have the same wonderful canopy and vase shape of the original elms. They are disease resistant and Japanese or elm leaf beetles will not bother them. This Elm tree is hardy from zones 5/6 to 9 and can grow to 75 feet in height. It has a vase shape that will spread out to 50 feet.

One of the most interesting features of the Allee Elm is its dark green foliage that lasts throughout the whole summer season. It has colorful yellow to yellow/red fall color on the leaves. The trunk of the tree makes it interesting year round. The bark exfoliates in shapes that look similar to a jigsaw puzzle and in colors of orange, brown, green and gray. If you are looking for an awesome tree that will provide lots of shade and beauty, this would be the one to try, especially if you were a fan of the original elm trees from years ago.

Bloodgood London Planetree Most Popular

patti-nhn — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:20:00 GMT

The Bloodgood is one of the most popular of the London Planetrees. Bloodgood London Planetree Platanus x acerifolia 'Bloodgood' is the best known planetree as well. It is sometimes called a London Sycamore. One of the best assets of this tree is their exfoliating bark that is creamy white to olive green and is considered very ornamental in appearance. This is a BIG GUY! It can mature to anywhere from 70 to 100 feet tall! It will spread anywhere from 65 to 80 feet wide! Often you will find these lining streets in cities all over the world.

Bloodgood Londons are rapid growers and make an awesome shade tree. It's wood isn't prone to limb breaks like some fast growing trees can be. It's a strong tree, tolerant of anthracnose and very adaptable and forgiving to less than perfect soil or climate. It prefers full sun and a rich soil. In the fall, it will have a wonderful yellow leaf coloring. The Bloodgood London Planetree is hardy to zones 5-8 and is a great specimen for your landscaping.

Moonglow Sweet Bay Magnolia Is Hardy From Zone 5 And Up

patti-nhn — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 05:50:00 GMT

This Moonglow Sweet Bay Magnolia Magnolia virginiana 'Jim Wilson' is known for its hardiness from zones 5 and up. It has proven to be very winter hardy for the past 30 plus years. It is decorative with its dark semi-evergreen foliage. It grows upright and flowers into late spring. The height of this Magnolia can be up to 35 foot tall and will spread from 15 to 18 feet wide. The creamy white flowers frame this Magnolia and are known for their wonderful lemon scent that will appeal to all. The tree will also fruit with bright red seeds which can also attract birds and other wildlife.

It makes quite a impact as a main specimen in your front or back yard. These Magnolias have also been used to line city streets and to beautify parks. It has no serious insect or disease problems. Soil that is medium to wet is best. It can even grow in low spots or ponds and streams. This tree is very versatile for your landscaping needs.