These are some of the most unusual new plants in our offering. For years we have avoided the golden foliaged plants thinking that they look chlorotic or scorched. New introductions have proven us wrong- the golden hues are much more rich and vibrant, adding an exciting contrast to any planting. Don’t miss out! Quantities are limited, so hurry in for best selection!
Wintergold Concolor Fir
Abies concolor ‘Wintergold’
This is a very unusual form of concolor fir in that the foliage is bright gold, especially through the winter months. New growth in spring is a soft yellow-green. The tree is very slow growing at first, but will eventually develop a leader and grow into a rounded pyramid. Firs require moist but well-drained soils and full sun for best needle coloration. Grows 6 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide in 20 years.
Golden Spreader Nordmann Fir **Limited Quantity**
Abies nordmanniana ‘Golden Spreader’
Nordmann (a.k.a. Caucasian) firs are a rare in Midwestern gardens, and this gold foliaged form is even more rare. The bright foliage adds a splash of color to any shady border, especially in the winter when the color intensifies. Its form is a flat-topped globe, but after many years it may develop a leader and become more tree-like. This fir requires moist but well-drained soils and part shade for best needle coloration. Grows 4 to 5 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide in 10 years.
Variegated Alaska-cedar
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Variegata’
Alaska-cedar is one of the most hardy of the chamaecyparis and this variegated variety is no exception. The blue-green foliage is mottled with creamy white areas giving it a shimmering sparkling appearance when viewed from a distance. Occasionally an all-green branch will appear and these should be pruned out. This tree will grow in sun or part shade, but requires well-drained soil. After 20 years the tree will be 15 to 25 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide.
Gold Rush Dawn Redwood
Metasequoia glyptostroboides ‘Gold Rush’
In spring, the needles of this deciduous conifer emerge a chartreuse yellow and keep the coloring well into summer. The needles then turn orange-brown in fall before shedding them. The bark is interesting on this deciduous tree, with deep fissures, giving it winter interest. It thrives in many kinds of soil except compacted clay. It is not drought tolerant and this particular cultivar will benefit from some shade in the afternoon. Give it plenty of room as it can grow 40 to 50 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide.
Perry’s Gold Norway Spruce
Picea abies ‘Perry’s Gold’
This is a fairly new selection to the nursery trade in general. It has brilliant yellow foliage in the spring that fades to a darker green color with the heat of summer. Though it tolerates full sun, it will hold the golden color longer in the spring if it is given a bit of shade in the afternoon. It is a slow-growing tree that will brighten your landscape without becoming over-grown. After 20 years it will be 8 to 10 feet high and 5 to 6 feet wide.
Skylands Oriental Spruce
Picea orientalis ‘Skylands’
Bold, but not gaudy, this full, upright spruce is an excellent choice for adding bright, year-round color to a large garden. Its fine, spiky needles emerge electric yellow in spring and gradually soften to a rich gold that stands out against the dark green, interior foliage. Trees develop slowly in the early years, but achieve a habit typical of the species in time. Color is most vibrant is full sun, but the plant will benefit with a bit of shade in the afternoon. Will grow 20 to 25 feet high and 10 to 15 feet wide after 20 years.
Cesarini Blue Limber Pine
Picea flexilis ‘Cesarini Blue’
This is a magnificent form of the Rocky Mountain Limber Pine. Its needles are a brilliant powder-blue color, and are most intense from mid-summer through winter. In fact, it is said to be the bluest selection of Limber pine available. It prefers drier sites and requires full sun. ’Cesarini Blue’ is slow growing, reaching only 10 to 15 feet tall by 4 to 5 feet wide in twenty years.
Capistrano Rhododendron
Rhododendron x ‘Capistrano’
Yellow rhododendrons are rare no matter where you live, much more so in zone 5. Noted rhododendron breeder David Leech has introduced a pale yellow cultivar called ‘Capistrano’ that is hardy to –20 F! Add to that resistance to common rhododendron diseases and this plant could soon become a classic. Rhododendrons are a plant for the dedicated gardener, however. They require rich, loamy, well-drained soil but should never be allowed to dry out. Provide a thick layer of mulch and site them in full shade. Slow growing to 4 to 5 feet high and 5 to 6 feet wide.
Whip Cord Western Arborvitae ***Limited Availability***
Thuja plicata ‘Whip Cord’
The unusual foliage on this low, mop-head-like plant consists of long, thick, glossy tendrils that suggest Independence Day fireworks. Unlike the species, which is a giant forest tree, the many branches seem to explode upward and send sparks cascading in all directions. Green in summer, the foliage changes to bronze in winter for seasonal interest. Every garden can accommodate the small, dynamic conifer as it is 3 to 4 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide. Western arborvitae is much more robust and easier to grow than the more common eastern arborvitae.
Blue Tear Drop Black Spruce
Picea mariana ‘Blue Tear Drop’
Blue Tear Drop is a new dwarf spruce with short blue-green needles. It is compact and slow growing making it ideal for small spaces and rock gardens alike. Like the species, this selection will tolerate moist soil better than most spruce, but it will not grow in compacted clay. Use this cute little tree to anchor a perennial border or add a vertical accent to a small yard. Expect it to be 6 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide after 20 years.
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