First Editions® Shrubs and Trees

First Editions® Trees and Shrubs

There's nothing quite like stepping into your garden for the first time each spring. All that space, all those possibilities. With new plant introductions arriving every year, you could create something completely different each season.

Maybe you'll coordinate a sophisticated color palette or pack every shade of the rainbow into your little slice of paradise. Perhaps you're dreaming of a perennial cottage garden or a layered evergreen backdrop of arborvitae in every size. Most likely, it's some beautiful combination of everything.

Whatever your vision, the smartest approach is building a foundation of dependable trees and shrubs that deliver year after year without demanding constant attention. That's exactly what First Editions® plants are bred to do.

Build Your Landscape Around First Editions®

The First Editions® collection features tested, hardy, and genuinely unique plants that bring gardens to life across the country. These aren't generic varieties. They're carefully selected cultivars with proven performance in real landscapes and containers.

Use them as anchor trees, layer them as foundation shrubs, or add flowering specimens for seasonal color. Each plant in the collection has earned its place through rigorous evaluation, so you're not gambling on untested genetics.

Plants That Perform

First Editions® is committed to getting it right before a plant ever reaches your yard. Their network of in-ground and container test sites spans multiple climate zones, with plant scientists tracking performance data throughout the entire evaluation process.

When you see the First Editions® label, you can trust that gardeners in similar growing zones have already proven that variety works. No guesswork required.

Collection Highlights

Vanilla Strawberry™ Hydrangea puts on a show from summer into fall. Cone-shaped panicles open creamy white, blush to soft pink, then deepen to strawberry rose as the season progresses. Grow it as a multi-stemmed shrub or try the tree form for an elegant single-trunk statement piece. Plant one where you can watch the color transformation unfold from your patio or kitchen window.

Why Nature Hills Carries First Editions®

We're selective about the brands we represent, and First Editions® consistently delivers for our customers. Their plants succeed whether you're gardening in the Pacific Northwest, the humid Southeast, or anywhere in between.

Adding First Editions® to your landscape is the first step toward a garden that looks incredible without demanding your every weekend. Browse the collection and start imagining what a few strategic additions could do for your outdoor space.

FAQ's for Buying First Editions® Shrubs and Trees Online

What sets First Editions® shrubs and trees apart from other branded plant collections?

Plant breeders working with Bailey Nurseries select each First Editions® introduction for unique color, compact habit, or exceptional disease resistance, then trial it for three‑to‑five years in multiple U.S. regions. Only cultivars that consistently perform—without special pampering—make the cut. This rigorous screening means homeowners get 100 + “rock‑star” varieties that transplant easily, establish quickly, and deliver the advertised flower, foliage, or form benefits with minimal maintenance. The result is lower replacement cost, higher landscape success, and more confidence for new gardeners before any buying decision.

Which USDA hardiness zones do First Editions® plants cover, and how do I pick varieties that will thrive in my climate?

The collection spans Zones 2 through 9, so gardeners from the Upper Midwest to the Deep South can find options that overwinter reliably. Start by confirming your zone, then filter the lineup (or Nature Hills’ site) by zone to see matching cultivars. Next, check micro‑climates—wind exposure, reflected heat, or frost pockets—around your planting site. Finally, match moisture and sun requirements (full‑sun hydrangeas vs. part‑shade azaleas, for instance). By layering zone, micro‑climate, and site conditions, you can narrow 100 + choices to the two or three most climate‑resilient stars for your yard.

What are the key planting and care steps to ensure my First Editions® shrub or tree establishes quickly and grows vigorously?

1) Site prep: Work 2–6 in. of compost into the top 8–12 in. of soil to boost drainage and nutrient holding. 2) Dig & loosen: Excavate a hole twice the root‑ball width, tease circling roots so they can grow outward. 3) Plant high: Set the crown slightly above finished grade to prevent waterlogging. 4) Water & mulch: Back‑fill, firm, then water deeply; add a 2 in. organic mulch ring (keep it off the trunk). 5) First‑year care: Irrigate when the top 2 in. of soil is dry; withhold fertilizer until the second spring, then apply a slow‑release, balanced formula. 6) Pruning: Shape after flowering or in late winter, depending on bloom time, to maintain form without sacrificing next season’s buds. Following this step‑by‑step routine encourages rapid root growth, reduces transplant shock, and sets the plant up for long‑term vigor.

Can First Editions® plants succeed in containers or small urban gardens, and which varieties work best?

Yes. Many cultivars were bred specifically for compact spaces. Choose a container at least twice the diameter of the nursery pot, with drainage holes. Fill with a high‑quality peat‑based mix amended with compost for moisture control. Position sun‑lovers (e.g., Vanilla Brandy™ Abelia) where they receive 6 + hrs of light; tuck shade‑adaptable picks (e.g., Standing Ovation™ Serviceberry) onto balconies with part‑day sun. Water whenever the top inch feels dry, feed lightly each spring, and move pots to a sheltered spot or wrap them when winter lows dip below the variety’s tolerance. Compact forms stay under 4 ft, making them ideal for patios, entryways, and rooftop gardens without crowding walkways.

Are any First Editions® shrubs considered invasive or restricted, and how can I plant responsibly?

A few First Editions® selections belong to the Berberis (barberry) group. While many modern barberries are sterile, several states—including New York, Pennsylvania, Maine, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Indiana—restrict or ban Japanese barberry sales because older seed‑producing types spread into woodlands. Before purchasing, check your state’s invasive‑species list or ask Nature Hills customer service for cultivar compliance. If barberry is allowed, maintain a 2 – 3 ft mulch gap around the base, remove any volunteer seedlings promptly, and never dump pruning debris into natural areas. This ensures you enjoy the plant’s color and deer resistance without compromising local ecosystems.

Hydrangea Shrubs

Rose of Sharon Bushes

Groundcovers

Perennials

Flowering Groundcovers