Woody Shrubs & Trees

Weigela 'Midnight Wine'

The following small shrubs are great to incorporate into your perennial border—small enough to fit in but interesting enough to make an impact. Some will not be ready until mid-summer.

Also, we are excited to offer a large variety of larger-sized unusual (and usual!) trees and shrubs. All are either grown here at our farm or are from an area whose climate and conditions are at least as cold and challenging as ours is. For the most part, we are carrying container-grown trees and shrubs so that they will be esier for you to handle and so they won’t “stress out” during transplanting (lose massive amounts of their root system). Looking for something special, or just want some suggestions for something way-cool that will make your neighbors drool?! Call or e-mail us—we’ll give you some contrary suggestions. To follow are just a few of our selections

Be sure to check out our new section of Trees following the shrub listings, and still more fabulous Conifer choices!

A few more things: in order to comply with legal requirements, we've changed our container size descriptions. The old 1 gallon pot is a #1, 2 gallon is a #2, etc. See our Pot Size Table for exact pot capacities.

Our complete selection of HOSTAS and PEONIES are now available for mail order! However, because we sell larger, more mature plants, WE ARE UNABLE TO SHIP PLANTS ON THIS PAGE, so please come visit us our farm!

 

Plant Name
Mature Size
Price
New!Amelanchier ‘Regent’
4-6’ ht
#1
#2
$13.95
$24.00
This Juneberry has a nice mounded shape, large white flowers in late spring followed by YUMMY dark purple berries that both birds and people (and Shelties too!) LOVE and  nice fall color of yellow to red too!
Berberis ‘Cabernet’
2’ ht
#1
#2
#3
$14.95
$30.00
$40.00
This NEW, even more compact form of ‘Crimson Pygmy’ has bright crimson new growth maturing to burgundy, then purple. In the fall it turns a vivid orange scarlet!! Mentioned as a “gotta-have” in numerous magazines, get it before it’s gone! Sun to partial sun, deer resistant.
Berberis ‘Rose Glow’
3’ ht
#3
$35.00
Berberis ‘Rose Glow’This lovely Barberry has a compact mounded habit and eye-catching variegated, mottled pink and purple foliage maturing to a deep purple!! Sun to partial sun, deer resistant!
New!Berberis ‘Sunjoy Gold Beret’
6-12”ht
#1
$14.95
This adorable little dwarf Barberry has a low mounding habit and bright yellow foliage—VERY eye-catching and great texture! New growth is red and fall color is red too! Burn resistant and deer resistant too; sun to partial sun!
Berberis ‘Sunjoy Gold Pillar’
3-4’ ht
#1
#2
$14.95
$30.00
Berberis ‘Sunjoy Gold Pillar’This one is similar to ‘Helmond Pillar’ but with bright golden foliage with bright red new growth! The autumn foliage is orange red and show stopping! Is burn resistant and deer resistant—may not be ready until late summer!
New!Calycanthus floridus
4-6’ ht
#2
$28.95
This Sweetshrub  has unique brown red flowers that have a spicy fragrance and very attractive glossy dark green foliage that turns golden yellow in the fall. VERY versatile as it can grow in sun to full shade! Deer resistant too!
Caryopteris ‘Arthur J. Simmonds’
3’
#1
#2
$11.95
$16.95
Caryopteris Arthur J. SimmondsThe hardiest of the bluebeards (trialed at Chicago botanical gardens), this great sub-shrub has silver-grey foliage and powder blue flowers from July to frost. Treat it like a butterfly bush and cut back hard in spring—butterflies and pollinators flock to it (full sun)! A Contrary Mary Top 10 pick!
Caryopteris ‘Blue Mist’
3’
#1
#2
$11.95
$16.95
Caryopteris Blue MistY’all KNOW how I LUV Caryopteris, and this one is no exception! Great silvery-blue foliage is topped with a profusion of powder-blue flowers in late summer thru fall. Another butterfly magnet and also reputed to be deer resistant. GREAT for cut flowers too!
Caryopteris ‘Petit Bleu’
2-2½’
#1
#2
$11.95
$16.95
Caryopteris Blue MistI have this listed under both perennials and woodies ‘cause it really fits in anywhere! On my top ten, it’s a MUST for butterfly gardens and for later season color. Blooming July thru September, it looks great even when not in flower with its compact habit and glossy green foliage. Good drainage is a must.come see ours in our display bed to see why they’re one of our faves!
Caryopteris ‘Sunshine Blue’
3’
#1
#2
$11.95
$16.95
Caryopteris ‘Sunshine Blue’Again, I’ve listed this under both perennials and woodies cuz of its versatility.. another top ten fave! Vivid, amethyst-blue flowers over gorgeous, golden foliage makes this another “gotta have”!
Clethra ‘Ruby Spice’
3-4’
#1
#2
#3
$13.95
$26.00
$32.00
Clethra Ruby SpiceA great Summersweet with reddish-pink, fragrant flowers that do not fade to white. Great deep-green, shiny foliage turns yellow in the fall—it can take full sun to full shade and likes moist soil. Another butterfly draw!
Clethra ‘Sixteen Candles’
2-3’
#1
#2
#3
$13.95
$26.00
$32.00
Clethra Sixteen CandlesA Summersweet with a mounded habit, it has fragrant white flowers in mid-summer and dark green foliage that turns yellow in the fall.
New!Clethra ‘Vanilla Spice’
3-5’ ht
#1
#2
$13.95
$26.00
Clethra 'Vanilla Spice'This new Summersweet is a STANDOUT with bottle brush pure white flowers that are TWICE the size of other Clethra flowers! They smell just as AWESOME as the other cultivars too! Also has beautiful glossy deep green foliage that turn a yellow fall color; deer resistant and a butterfly attractor too! Sun to partial shade!
Cotinus ‘Golden Spirit’
6-8’
#1
#2
#3
#5
$13.95
$26.00
$32.00
$48.00
A NEW, NEW, NEW YELLOW leafed Smokebush—what a fantastic foil shrub! Its golden-yellow leaves turn glorious shades of coral, red and orange in the fall and likes full to part sun. Smokebushes may have dieback from the winter but they bounce back quickly!
New!Cotinus ‘Nordine’
8’ ht
#5
$48.00
This great Smokebush originated at the Morton Arboretum and is the hardiest purple-leaved Smokebush there is! Has the typical smoky purple plumes in mid-summer; deer resistant too! Sun to partial sun!
Cotinus ‘Royal Purple’
10-15’
#5
$48.00
Cotinus Royal PurpleA great upright Smokebush that can be trained as a small ornamental tree, it has velvety, DARK purple foliage and clouds of greenish flowers in summer.
Cotinus ‘Young Lady’
6-10’
#1
#2
#3
#5
$13.95
$26.00
$32.00
$48.00
Cotinus 'Young Lady'A gorgeous new Smokebush that “smokes” the most and longest of any out there! Even as a young plant she produce puffs of blooms from June thru August. Fall color is a stunning rainbow of bronzes, oranges, and reds. Can easily be trimmed to maintain a smaller size.
Cotoneaster ‘Tom Thumb’
2-6”
#1
#2
$15.95
$22.00
Cotoneaster 'Tom Thumb'This little cutie is another ‘gotta-have’ ‘cause he’ll fit in anywhere and makes a superb creeper or cascader! He features itty-bitty, dark green, very glossy leaves that turn a stunning red in the fall. PERFECT cascading along the edge of your pond, over a wall, or near a path. Likes full to part sun and is reputedly deer-resistant.
New!Cytisus ‘Spanish Gold’
2-3’ ht
#1
#2
$15.95
$27.00
Cytisus 'Spanish Gold'Now THIS is one cool plant—see ours on the berm if ya don’t believe me! This Broom has distinctive foliage that doesn’t even look real; it’s bright green and spiky and almost looks like it’s a conifer! Top it with bright yellow blooms May thru June, and the fact that it is semi-evergreen, and it’s a “gotta-have”!!! Sun to partial shade, drought tolerant, and VERY limited!
New!Diervilla ‘Cool Splash’
2½-4’
#1
#2
$18.95
$32.00
This is the FIRST variegated Bush Honeysuckle, and it’s a REAL standout in a shady bed with its bright green and white splashed foliage! Has yellow flowers in June and July that butterflies adore, and will colonize over time. Likes partial sun to shade!
New!Euonymus ‘Blondy’
18-24”ht
#1
$12.95
This one REALLY draws your eye with its clear yellow foliage that has deep green edges—great sprawler too! Likes sun to very bright shade!
New!Euonymus carnosis
8-10’ ht
#1
$12.95
This can be trained as a large shrub or small tree, and has deep green foliage and RED fruit in the fall and winter! Also has great red fall color and grows in sun or shade!
New!Euonymus ‘Grove Compact’
5’
#1
#2
$13.95
$24.00
This is a true DWARF burning bush with a mounded and compact growth habit and STUNNING corky bark and BRILLIANT red fall color! Sun to shade (best color in more sun)!
Forsythia ‘Fiesta’
3-5’
#1
#2
#3
#7
$12.95
$24.00
$30.00
$50.00
Forsythia 'Fiesta'A GREAT foliage plant, this Forsythia has cheerful yellow and green variegated leaves on a striking RED stem—talk about a garden-brightener! I’ve found that if it’s grown in sun it needs extra moisture. Likes partial to light shade the best!
Forsythia ‘Kumson’
4-5’
#1
#2
#5
$12.95
$24.00
$40.00
Forsythia KumsonThis one knocked my socks off when I first saw it—definitely a “gotta have”! Dark green leaves have a network of silver veins running through them. Great arching habit and typical yellow forsythia flowers—grow it in part shade to shade. A Contrary Mary Top 10 Honorable Mention!
New!Fothergilla gardenii
2-3’ ht
#1
#2
$16.95
$27.00
A darling rounded shrub that produces very fragrant white bottlebrush flowers before the blue-green foliage appears. Also gets an INTENSE orange-red-yellow fall color (one of THE BEST shows in the fall!) Full sun to bright shade (best color in more sun!). A Contrary FAVE!
Genista ‘Royal Gold’
1½-2’
#1
$10.95
Genista Royal GoldA nice dwarf Woadwaxen with bright yellow, pea-like flowers in July (just when we need some fresh blooms!) and bright green stems. Grows great in poor dry soils and heat and is a xeriscape plant.
Genista tinctoria ‘Flore-Plena’
12-18”ht
#1
#2
$12.95
$22.00
This Dyers Greenwood has DOUBLE yellow flowers from mid summer to fall. Adaptable to dry conditions. May not be ready until summer.
Hamamelis Vernalis
10’
#1
#3
$12.95
$34.00
Hamamelis VernalisA great native witch hazel with ribbon-like yellow or reddish fragrant flowers in early spring and brilliant yellow fall foliage—sun or shade.
Heptacodium Miconoides
10-15’ Height, 8-12’ Spread
#2
#5
$22.00
$40.00
Heptacodium Sevon-Son FlowerThis seven-son flower is truly a plant for all seasons! It has glossy, dark green foliage with fragrant white flowers in August and September. The sepals then turn a pinkish red which continues thru autumn. Its bark is also ornamental as it exfoliates; can be grown in sun to light shade, moist or dry soil.
Hibiscus ‘Blue Satin’
6-9’
#1
#2
$14.95
$22.00
Hibiscus Blue SatinThe BEST blue Hibiscus with large, single, royal blue flowers—great grower that can be used as a large shrub or trained as a small tree. Another great plant from the Proven Winner/Color Choice series!
Hibiscus ‘Lil’ Kim’
3-4’ ht
#1
#2
$14.95
$22.00
Hibiscus ‘Lil’ Kim’This BRAND SPANKIN’ NEW Rose of Sharon is a DWARF!! She has white flowers with a showy red eye. Flowers last for THREE days as opposed to the typical one day duration! Has great foliage, likes sun, and is reputedly deer resistant
Hibiscus ‘Rose Satin’
6-10’
#1
#2
$14.95
$22.00
Hibiscus ‘Rose Satin’Another great Proven Winner/Color Choice Rose of Sharon, this one has large, single, ruffled rose-pink flowers with a red center.
Hibiscus ‘Sugar Tip’
8’ ht
#1
$14.95
Hibiscus ‘Sugar Tip’This new Rose of Sharon has brightly variegated creamy-white and blue-green foliage AND produces double clear pink flowers in late summer. Showy!
Hydrangea Arborescens ‘Annabelle’
3-5’ tall and wide
#1
#3
#5
$12.95
$34.00
$40.00
Hydrangea 'Annabelle'This is a great, reliable Hydrangea for shade to partial shade. It has huge 12” flowers that start green then turn white—provides great winter interest also.
Hydrangea ‘Blushing Bride’
3-5’ ht
8”
$22.00
Hydrangea 'Blushing Bride'A new Endless Summer family member from Bailey Nurseries, this one has 6”+ blooms of pure white that are semi-double and fast rebloomers! As they mature they develop a soft  pink blush. Lovely! Blooms on both new and old wood so she’s very reliable too! I recommend them in partial to bright shade.
Hydrangea ‘Lemon Daddy’
3-4’ ht
#3
$38.00
This sport from ‘Big Daddy’ has shiny, lemon yellow, thick foliage that glows in the shade and blooms pink in our soil. A choice new plant for partial to bright shade!
Hydrangea ‘Let’s Dance Starlight’
2-3’ ht
#1
$15.95
Hydrangea ‘Let’s Dance Starlight’This REBLOOMING Hydrangea blooms on both new and old wood and produces pink lace cap flowers in our soil. Strong stems and compact growth habit make this a festive plant! Bright shade to partial sun.
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Pinky Winky’
5-6’ ht
#1
#2
$12.95
$22.00
Hydrangea "Pinky Winky"A new Hydrangea with TWO-TONED flower heads. Incredible! The 12-16” long panicle flower heads emerge  white, then turn pink, then push white again at the bottom of the flower! Blooms mid-summer, has rich dark foliage, and color is not dependent on ph!
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Compact’
5-6’ ht
#1
#2
$12.95
$22.00
Hydrangea paniculata 'Compact'This compact PeeGee Hydrangea has conical double white flowers in July and August that turn to pink-bronze in Autumn. Nice dark green foliage. We love ours in the display bed!
Hydrangea ‘Snow Mountain’ Tree form
48” std tree form
#7
$95.00
This one has open lacy flowers of pure white that turn pick in Autumn. It’s in a tree form so makes a great specimen or focal point!
Hydrangea mac. ‘Endless Summer’
3-5’
#2
$32.00
Hydrangea Endless SummerYes, THIS is the Hydrangea that everyone’s hyped about—a mophead Hydrangea that blooms on new AND old wood! It boasts 8” blooms all summer long—removal of spent blooms encourages heavier flowering. Flower color depends on acidity of soil (pink here unless you acidify the soil). Best in part to light shade.
Hydrangea mac. ‘Light-o-Day’
3-4’
#2
#3
$28.00
$35.00
Hydrangea Light-o-DayWOW! This one’s a real beauty..a variegated form with lace cap flowers that is hardy to zone 5!! Likes partial to bright shade. Limited quantities so come and get ‘em soon!
Hydrangea pan. ‘Quick Fire’
5-6’
#1
#2
$12.95
$24.00
Hydrangea 'Quick Fire'A great Proven Winners/Color Choice selection with rich deep pink flowers that bloom earlier than other varieties..starts in late May! Best in partial to bright shade.
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Little Honey’
3-4’
#1
$13.95
A BRAND NEW dwarf Oakleaf Hydrangea with stunning bright yellow foliage which turns brilliant red in the fall. Typical conical-shaped flowers appear in mid-to-late summer. Probably will be on my next top ten list..get ‘em while they last!
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Sikes Dwarf’
3-4’
#1
#2
#3
$13.95
$24.00
$32.00
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Sikes Dwarf’A great DWARF Oakleaf Hydrangea with white, panicle flowers starting in late June and gorgeous oak-leaf shaped leaves that turn wine-red in fall. Oak-Leaf Hydrangeas are my FAVORITES, and this little guy is perfect for small gardens in partial to full shade. A Contrary Mary Top 10 Honorable Mention!
Ilex ‘Berry Heavy’
5-6’
#1
#2
#3
$14.95
$26.00
$32.00
Ilex 'Berry Heavy'A female selection of Winterberry with MASSES of bright red berries..real standouts in the winter garden (if the Cardinals don’t eat them first!) A must for a birders garden—needs a male for a pollinator. Best in sun to part shade.
Ilex ‘Jim Dandy’
4-6’
#1
#2
#3
$14.95
$26.00
$32.00
Ilex Jim DandyA compact male pollinator—can be used with up to 3 females (busy guy!)
New!Ilex ‘Red Sprite’
2-3’ ht
#1
#2
$14.95
$26.00
A VERY compact female Winterberry that gets BRIGHT red fruit the birds LOVE!
New!Ilex ‘Southern Gentleman’
6’ ht
#1
#2
$14.95
$26.00
Best boyfriend for ‘Red Sprite!’
Leptodermis Oblonga
12-18”
#1
#2
#3
$12.95
$27.00
$34.00
A little known groundcover shrub that blooms from late spring until frost with violet-purple, lilac-like fragrant blooms. Full sun.
Lespedeza ‘Pink Fountains’
3-4’
#1
#2
#3
$12.95
$22.95
$30.00
A real stunner that forms a fountain of rich pink blooms from late summer to fall—guaranteed to get noticed!! As Bush Clovers bloom late they wake up in spring late, so be patient! A Contrary Mary Top 10 honorable mention!
Myrica Pennsylvanica
6-8’ Height, 6’ Spread
#1
#2
$13.95
$24.00
Myrica PennsylvanicaThis bayberry shrub is another favorite—waxy blue-grey berries in fall and winter are used to make bayberry candles. Glossy aromatic foliage in summer—grows in sun or shade, poor soil. Birds love the berries too!
New!Philadelphus ‘Aureus’
3-5’ ht
#1
#2
$15.95
$26.00
This Mockorange has lovely golden foliage and very fragrant single pure white flowers in June. Great foliage contrast!
Philadelphus ‘Manteau d’Hermine’
2-3’
#1
#2
#3
$15.95
$24.00
$32.00
A low-growing Mock Orange that is COVERED with VERY FRAGRANT, double, creamy-white flowers in late May thru June. Reputedly deer resistant too! Likes sun or very light shade.
Philadelphus ‘Miniature Snowflake’
2’
#1
#2
#3
$15.95
$24.00
$32.00
Philadelphus Miniature SnowflakeAnother VERY fragrant cutie, this one’s covered with double white flowers on a very compact plant. Even adorable when not in bloom!
Philadelphus ‘Snow Dwarf’
2-3’
#1
#2
#3
$15.95
$24.00
$32.00
A NEW selection discovered in Canada (so you just KNOW how hardy it is!), this has large pure white flowers. Another WOW!
Philadelphus ‘Variegatus’
3-4’
#1
#2
#3
$15.95
$24.00
$32.00
The best VARIEGATED form of Mock Orange that has an even and consistent creamy-white leaf margin with all the attributes of the above (but slightly taller).
Physocarpus ‘Center Glow’
8’ ht
#1
$14.95
Physocarpus ‘Center Glow’This Ninebark has foliage that emerges a glowing chartreuse with tinges of red, maturing to a deeper copper red. Creamy white flowers are produced in spring…quite impressive! Can be trimmed to maintain shorter size; likes sun to partial sun!
Physocarpus ‘Coppertina’
6-8’
#1
#2
#3
#4
$13.95
$24.00
$30.00
$40.00
Physocarpus CoppertinaA NEW cross between ‘Dart’s Gold’ and ‘Diablo’ that has astounding copper color leaves in spring turning a rich red in summer. Can be easily trimmed to keep it more compact; likes full to part sun.
Physocarpus ‘Dart’s Gold’
4-5’
#1
#2
#3
#4
$13.95
$24.00
$30.00
$40.00
Physocarpus Dart's GoldA compact form of Golden Ninebark with excellent yellow foliage and white flowers.
Physocarpus ‘Diablo’
6’
#1
#2
#3
#4
$13.95
$24.00
$30.00
$40.00
Physocarpus DiabloThis exciting new ninebark has deep purple leaves and pinkish-white, button-like flowers in midsummer (great as cuts!). Full to part sun, butterfly attractor.
Physocarpus ‘Summer Wine’
5’
#1
#2
#3
#4
$13.95
$24.00
$30.00
$40.00
Physocarpus ‘Summer Wine’A great compact ninebark that’s like a dwarf ‘Diablo’ with intense crimson-red leaves and pinkish-white, button flowers in midsummer. Takes well to pruning so you can keep it as compact as you’d like.
Rhamnus ‘Fine Line’
5-6’
#2
#5
$24.00
$40.00
Rhamnus Fine LineThis is a REAL “Seussian” plant!! This non-invasive shrub has fern-like foliage and a narrow, upright, columnar habit—PERFECT for use as a narrow hedge or screen or as a vertical accent in your perennial bed or shrub border. It’s a Proven Winner/Color Choice plant so ya KNOW how great it’s thought of!! Full to part sun, reputedly deer-resistant.
Rhus ‘Tiger Eyes’
5-6‘
#2
#7
$22.00
$52.00
Rhus Tiger EyesA great Bailey Nurseries intro, it is a golden-leafed form of the Staghorn Sumac! Chartreuse and yellow foliage contrasts with the rosy-pink leaf stems—the leaf then turns yellow orange and scarlet in the fall. If you‘re looking for a fall stunner, you‘ve found it!!
Salix alba ‘Flame’
8-12’ ht
#1
#2
#3
$13.95
$24.00
$30.00
Salix FlameThis Willow has BRILLIANT red stems in winter. Great as a replacement for red-twigged Dogwood! MUST be cut back every couple of years but can be cut annually to keep the size you want! Full to partial sun.
Salix elaegnos
10’
#2
#5
#7
$24.00
$40.00
$50.00
Called the Rosemary Willow, this is a FABULOUS plant for texture!! It has narrow leaves that emerge gray, then turn a dark green and remain silvery-white underneath. Great effect when ruffled by the breeze! Can be trimmed to be kept smaller and great in a moist area. Likes sun to part sun, reputedly deer-resistant.
Salix ‘Hakura Nishiki’ (Dwarf Dappled Willow)
3-5’
#1
#2
#7
$13.95
$24.00
$45.00
Salix 'Hakuro Kishiki'A 3-5’ willow with striking white, green, and pink foliage. Shear it during the season to maintain its leaf variegation. Its gorgeous leaves look like they’re shimmering in the breeze!
Salix purpurea ‘Nana’
3-4’
#1
#2
$13.95
$24.00
Salix Purpurea NanaThis dwarf arctic willow has fantabulous grey-green foliage and a fine-textured, compact habit. Grow in sun to part shade.
Sambucus ‘Black Lace’
5’
#1
#2
#3
$17.95
$28.00
$35.00
Sambucus 'Black Lace'A brand new Proven Winners selection, with lacy deep purple foliage some say can be a replacement for a Japanese Maple! Very limited quantities and not available until late summer.
Sambucus ‘Laciniata’
8’
#1
#3
$12.95
$30.00
This has incredible lacy foliage that is deeply cut and resembles a giant fern! Creamy white flowers in June—cut back each year for best effect (sun to part shade).
Sambucus ‘Madonna’
8’
#1
#3
$12.95
$30.00
This one has brightly variegated yellow and green foliage and 6-9” white flowers—wow!
Sorbaria Sorbifolia
5-7’
#3
#5
$30.00
$40.00
This false spirea looks like a giant white astilbe with bold, 6-10” white flowers in July and August and tropical-looking leaves. Sun to part sun.
Spirea ‘Alpine’
12”
#1
#2
$12.95
$22.00
A cute little spirea that fits perfectly in a perennial bed or as a short-spreading woody groundcover, it has tiny blue-green foliage and dainty pink powder-puff flowers!
Spirea betulifolia ‘Tor’
2-3’
#1
#2
$12.95
$24.00
Spirea 'Tor'An unusual Spirea with grey-green birch-like leaves and TONS of tiny white flowers that COVER the plant mid to late spring—longer if you remove the spent blooms! Great fall color in shades of oranges, reds and purples.
Spirea Decumbens
8-12”
#2
#3
$22.00
$30.00
This dwarf, groundcover spirea has frothy white flowers from June to September—sun.
New!Spirea ‘Double Play Artist’
24-30”ht
#1
$13.95
This stunning new spirea is grown not only for its pure pink flowers but also for its foliage that emerges purple red, eventually maturing to blue-green. A great mounder; sun to partial sun!
New!Spirea ‘Double Play Gold’
16-24”ht
#1
$13.95
Like her brother above, this one has magnificent pure pink flowers, but it adorns pure GOLDEN foliage!
Spirea ‘Snowstorm’
3-4’ ht
#3
$30.00
Spirea ‘Snowstorm’Spirea ‘Snowstorm’THIS Spirea has one of the BEST fall coloring on any plant that I’ve ever seen! It BLAZES orange-red in the Autumn, after having produced a literally flurry of fluffy white flowers in late spring and early summer! AWESOME! Sun to partial shade.
Spirea nipponica ‘Snowmound’
3-4’
#1
#3
$11.95
$28.00
Spirea Snowmound
The following are some great varieties of Lilacs—I just love them ‘cause they are such an easy, old-fashioned plant (plus the fragrance..absolutely fabulous!). I would strongly suggest mixing the varieties in order to extend your season of bloom. A couple of cultural reminders—1) Lilacs like lots of sun and a nice well-drained soil; 2) When you need to prune them, do so RIGHT AFTER they are done blooming.wait too long and they begin developing flower buds for the next year (and people wonder why they have non-blooming Lilacs!); 3) Some info about 3 of the groups of Lilacs—vulgaris hybrids such as ‘Monge’, ‘Sensation’, and ‘Wedgwood Blue’ are what we think of when we think of the old-fashioned, “real” Lilacs. They form large shrubs and produce great flowers starting in mid- May;  x. hyacinthiflora cultivars such as ‘Mt. Baker’ start flowering a week to ten days prior to vulgaris and form a rounded shrub that is full to the base; x. prestoniae such as ‘Donald Wyman’ are late blooming (about 2 weeks after vulgaris) and also form a dense shrub. Plant some and enjoy—they also make great hedges!!
New!Syringa ‘Beauty of Moscow’
10-12’ ht
#1
#2
$15.95
$26.00
This vulgaris hybrid has masses of fragrant panicles of pale pink; great contrast to blue or purple flowering lilacs (think what your bouquets will look like!)
Syringa ‘Donald Wyman’
8-10’
#5
$42.00
Lilac Donald WymanThis guy’s great to extend your Lilac blooming time as he blooms 2 weeks later than many other lilacs (mid to late June) but earlier than the vulgaris types like ‘Monge’, ‘Sensation’ and ‘Wedgwood Blue’. It is considered the best of the Preston hybrids with single reddish-purple, very fragrant flowers with an upright dense habit (great as a hedge).
Syringa ‘Miss Kim’
4-5’
#1
#3
$12.95
$32.00
Lilac Miss KimA great Dwarf Lilac with single, fragrant, pale lilac flowers, later than most Lilacs. It also has a great burgundy fall color..an easy, low-care, reliable shrub!
Syringa ‘Monge’
10-12’
#5
$42.00
Lilac 'Monge'A great French Hybrid with an upright shape and single, very fragrant, reddish-purple flowers. GREAT for cut flowers!
Syringa ‘Mt. Baker’
10-12’
#1
#2
#5
$12.95
$26.95
$42.00
Syringa Mt. BakerVery mildew resistant, this early bloomer produces COPIUOS amounts of single, fragrant, pure WHITE flowers—great contrast!
Syringa ‘Palibin’
3-5’
#1
#3
$12.95
$32.00
Dwarf Korean Lilac PalibinThis Lilac, AKA Dwarf Korean Lilac, is very popular and great as a foundation plant! It produces single, fragrant, pale lilac-colored flowers in profusions and has nice looking foliage all season long.
Syringa ‘Sensation’
8’
#1
#3
$12.95
$32.00
Syringa SensationThis upright lilac has single purple florets with a pure white border-yum!
Syringa ‘Wedgwood Blue’
6’
#5
$42.00
Lilac Wedgwood BlueA Father Fiala intro, this excellent, mildew-resistant plant has lilac-pink buds and a blue, fragrant flower—very unique color!
New!Syringa ‘Wonderblue’
4-5’ ht
#1
#2
$15.95
$26.00
A Father Fiala intro with sky blue flowers and a very compact habit!
Tamarix ‘Pink Cascade’
8-9’
#1
#2
#3
$13.95
$26.00
$35.00
Tamarix Pink CascadeThis is an AWESOME plant!!! It has light green, Juiper-ish, feathery foliage and produces MASSES of deep pink flowers in summer that create an ostrich-plume effect! It is best if you cut it way back in late winter (also keeps it shorter—more like the 3-5’ range) and is tolerant even of poor dry soils. Come see ours in our display bed and you’ll see why it is awe-inspiring!!
Viburnum ‘Blue Muffin’
5-7’
#1
#2
#5
$13.95
$26.00
$40.00
Viburnum Blue MuffinAnother great Arrowwood, this one has glossy leaves, great white flowers in late spring, and OUTSTANDING intense blue fruit late summer—really stands out! Full sun to shade.
Viburnum nudum ‘Brandywine’
5-6’ ht
#1
#2
$13.95
$26.00
Viburnum BrandywineViburnum nudum ‘Brandywine’This attractive new Viburnum has glossy foliage that turns dark maroon-red in fall! It also has nice white flowers that turn into breathtaking berries in shades of pink and blue. Sun to bright shade.
New!Viburnum ‘Cardinal Candy’
6-7’ ht
#1
#2
$13.95
$26.00
This one has TONS of creamy white flowers followed by scads of shiny scarlet fruit—no pollinator required! A bird and butterfly fave and deer resistant!
Viburnum ‘Emerald Triumph’
5’ Height, 5’ Spread
#1
#2
#5
$13.95
$26.00
$40.00
Viburnum Emerald TriumphThis hybrid viburnum has glossy foliage, creamy-white flat topped flowers, red fruit, and deep purple fall color. Birds love it! Sun to part shade.
New!Viburnum ‘Onandaga’
5-6’ ht
#1
#2
$13.95
$26.00
Viburnum 'Onandaga'We brought back this one due to the attention ours on the berm gets! Foliage emerges a velvety deep maroon, maturing to dark green tinged with purple. Flowers are very unusual as they are bi-color almost pinwheel looking! Ours is in full sun on the berm which causes it to stress in the heat, so I would site it in partial to very bright shade!
Viburnum lantana ‘Variegata’
??6-8’
#1
#2
#5
$13.95
$26.00
$40.00
Liburnum lantanaA tie-dyed Viburnum!!! This has fuzzy gold and green leaves and creamy white flowers. I question the mature size—I don’t think it will get nearly that tall (and it’s quite trimmable!)
Weigela ‘Canary’
4’
#1
#2
#5
$12.95
$24.00
$40.00
I love Weigelas (even if I don’t know how to pronounce them), and this one has soft YELLOW flowers that the hummers love almost as much as the standard pink ones.
Weigela ‘Dark Horse’
2-3’ ht
#1
$13.95
This low mounder has bronze foliage with lime venation and magenta pink flowers early to mid summer. Adored by hummers and butterflies alike!
Weigela ‘Eye Catcher’
2’ ht
#1
#2
$15.95
$24.00
Weigela ‘Eye Catcher’This new plant really lives up to its name with brilliant yellow variegated foliage and dark red flowers in spring that attract Hummers. Nice compact growth too! Sun to part sun.
Weigela ‘Fine Wine’
2’
#1
#2
#5
$12.95
$24.00
$40.00
Weigela ‘Fine Wine’A new Proven Winner/Color Choice selection that has a great mounding habit with pink flowers and superb texture. This is the one you’ve been reading about!
Weigela ‘French Lace’
4-5’
#2
#3
#5
$24.00
$30.00
$40.00
Weigela French LaceA dramatic VARIEGATED Weigela with bright yellow leaf margins and dark red flowers that hummingbirds and butterflies LOVE! Weigelas are reputedly deer-resistant too! This variety has a naturally rounded shape—any trimming to be done to any Weigela must be done right after they finish flowering in order to prevent cutting off next year’s flower buds. Full to part sun.
Weigela ‘Ghost’
4-5’ ht
#1
$15.95
Weigela ‘Ghost’This ethereal creature has foliage that turns an iridescent, glowing buttercream color as the summer progresses and produces dark red flowers in late spring and early summer (will rebloom if pruned lightly). Haunting!
Weigela ‘Midnight Wine’
18-24”
#1
#2
#5
$12.95
$24.00
$40.00
Weigela 'Midnight Wine'A great new DWARF version of ‘Wine & Roses’! This beauty only gets 18-24”...a perfect, absolutely STUNNING shrub with dark metallic-burgundy foliage and deep pink flowers.
Weigela ‘My Monet’
12-18”ht
#1
#2
$17.95
$35.00
Weigela 'My Monet'This piece of garden art has brightly variegated green and white foliage and pink blossoms..Great mounding habit fits in anywhere and is a standout!
Weigela ‘Pink Poppet’
2’
#1
#2
#5
$12.95
$24.00
$40.00
Weigela Pink PoppetAn absolutely adorable DWARF Weigela that is a ball-shaped plant with bright green leaves and tons of diminutive light pink flowers. She’ll fit in anywhere!
Weigela ‘Ruby Queen’
2’
#2
#3
#5
$24.00
$30.00
$40.00
Weigela 'Ruby Queen'This is the Weigela that fits in size between ‘Midnight Wine’ and ‘Wine & Roses’—a nice semi-dwarf with a more rounded shape than ‘Midnight Wine’ but with the same reddish burgundy foliage. Nice!
Weigela ‘Wine & Roses’
4-5’ tall
#1
#2
#3
#5

$12.95
$24.00
$30.00
$40.00

Weigela 'Wine and Roses'FANTASTIC dark burgundy/purple foliage and intense, rosy pink flowers which contrast gorgeously with the foliage. Full sun for best color, although it will take some shade. A KNOCKOUT!! (see flower closeup below) Weigela 'Wine and Roses'

Trees

The following are just some of the specimen trees we have at the farm—just enough to wet your appetite for the plethora of picturesque plants to peruse at our place (phew!!) We also have some great examples planted in our display beds (although some are very young yet!)
Plant Name
Size
Container
Price
Amelanchier ‘Autumn Brilliance’
20-22’ clump
#10
$140.00
Amelanchier 'Autumn Brilliance'When customers come in and want a nice clumper to go by their house, I steer them to this great Serviceberry instead of the River Birch they think they want. This one stays in bounds and in proportion to its space..usually only 15’ wide. It has great white flowers in spring followed by yummy berries that you’ll have to fight the birds (and Shelties) for! It also has brilliant scarlet fall color and attractive bark in the winter. What’s not to love! Likes full sun to light shade. Recommended by the Morton Arboretum for our area!
Amelanchier ‘Princess Diana’
18-20’ Clump form
#15
$140.00
Same as above only slightly more compact (and more queenly??!) Also recommended by Morton!
Betula ‘Crimson Frost’
30’ Clump and Single Stem forms
#10
$155.00
Betula 'Crimson Frost'A breathtaking Birch with a white tinted, cinnamon, peeling bark and dark purple to burgundy tinted foliage. It is birch-borer resistant and adaptable to clay soils. We have an awesome one in our display bed!
Betula ‘Little King’ (Fox Valley Dwarf River Birch)
8-10’ clump form
#5
$60.00
A great DWARF River Birch with the same cinnamon and cream exfoliating bark and birch-borer resistance..we have a nice one by our display pond at the farm!
Betula ‘Royal Frost’
30’ clump form
#7
#15
$70.00
$140.00
Betula Royal FrostA great new hybrid with purple foliage that turns crimson red to dark orange. Bark is very distinctive—an unusual specimen tree!
Cercis canadensis
25’ clump and single stem forms
#15
$120.00
Cercis canadensisThis Eastern Redbud has distinctive purplish-pink flowers in April prior to its blue-green heart shaped foliage emerges. Can take sun with adequate watering up to light shade. Native to the Midwest and recommended by the Morton Arboretum!
Chionanthus virginicus
12-15’ ht
#15
$140.00
Chionanthus virginicusThis Fringe Tree is tied for Contrary Mary’s FAVORITE tree, and once you see (and smell!) ours in the display bed you’ll know why! It produces fringe-like bright white flowers in the late spring that are so fragrant it makes Lilacs blush with embarrassment! Female trees then produce near black showy drupes (grape like fruits). An open, graceful tree that has a slow growth rate and grows in sun to bright shade…what’s not to love!
Cornus alternifolia
15’
#10
$95.00
Cornus alternifoliaThis Pagoda Dogwood is one of my very FAVORITE specimen trees. I’ve got a gorgeous one I took from my other house that is now planted on our peninsula by the display pond at the farm. It has a natural vase (pagoda) shape and small white flowers in spring turning to attractive bluish-black berries borne in clusters in July-August. It also has reddish fall color and its shape is attractive even in winter! Best in some shade although mine’s doing fine in almost full sun! It is also native to the Midwest and is recommended by the Morton Arboretum for our area. Also a bird-attractor as woodpeckers, catbirds, and thrashers love the fruit!
Cornus kousa ‘Samzan’
15-20’ ht
#7
$100.00
This Samaritan Chinese Dogwood has variegated cream and green foliage that turns pink and burgundy in the fall! Perfect specimen tree; sun to bright shade!
Cornus ‘Venus’
20’ ht
#7
$100.00
This amazing plant has huge (6”+!!!) flowers in June, a moderate growth habit, and highly disease resistant/mildew resistant foliage. VERY, VERY limited!
Euonymus alatus—Tree Form
4’ standard
#7
$150.00
Euonymus alatus—Tree FormThis burning bush has been trained to a tree form! Attractive corky bark all season and fire engine red fall foliage; you can keep it as short as you like it! Sun to bright shade.
Magnolia ‘Ann’
8’ ht x 8’ w
#5
#15
$70.00
$150.00
Magnolia 'Ann'This compact Magnolia has a slightly more compact habit than ‘Betty’ and blooms slightly earlier. In late April, large 7-9”, showy, scented, reddish-purple flowers appear, usually late enough to avoid frost damage. Full to partial sun, a site that is sheltered from strong winds is best for good flower show. All Magnolias are best planted in the spring. Recommended by the Morton Arboretum for our area.
Magnolia ‘Betty’
10’ ht x 8-12’ w
#6
$95.00
This is a more upright grower than ‘Ann’ and has deep purple flowers. Recommended by the Morton Arboretum for our area!
Magnolia ‘Butterflies’
15-20’ ht x 12-18’ w
#15
$150.00
This small tree has an upright, pyramidal shape and has deep yellow flowers that appear before the leaves in late May. Another one recommended for our area by the Morton Arboretum.
Magnolia ‘Jane’
8’ ht x 8’ w
#3
$35.00
New!Magnolia ‘Leonard Messel’
15’ ht
#5
$70.00
This Magnolia bear VERY fragrant  5-6”fuchsia to purple flowers. Great specimen tree with a rounded habit!
New!Magnolia ‘Merrill’
30-35’ ht
#5
$70.00
This lovely produces starry white flowers in April and forms a large specimen tree!
New!Magnolia ‘Royal Star’
8-10’ ht
#5
$70.00
I think our gorgeous specimen in our display bed has sold tons of these! This one has pink buds that burst into masses of double white fragrant flowers; foliage turns bronze in fall. Great compact, rounded shape too!
Salix ‘Curly Locks’
6’ ht x 4’ w
#10
$115.00
A darling specimen contorted weeping pussy willow on a standard whose branched first grow upward, then weep downward! Sun to part shade
Salix caprea ‘Pendula’
7’ ht x 7’ w
#15 on standard
$125.00
Salix caprea Weeping WillowBefore leaves appear in early spring, delightful wooly grey catkins appear. Graceful arching branches weep all the way to the ground...looks great in every season! We have one by the display pond at the farm and it is one of my very favorite plants.I highly recommend them, so you know we sell out early!
Salix purpurea ‘Pendula’
8’ ht x 5’ w
#15 on Standard
$125.00
Another favorite of mine, we have a gorgeous one in a display bed at the farm. It has bluish-green foliage on a weeping graceful specimen that always attracts attention!

 

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Contrary Mary’s Plants and Designs
2735 Route 52
Minooka, IL 60447
Ponds and Water Gardens
(815) 577-7800
Perennials, Shrubs, and Trees
(815) 521-9535