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Deciduous Shrubs - Botanical A through P
Amur Maple - Shrub Form
Acer ginnala H: up to 15' W: up to 8' Zone 3 Full to Part Sun. Amur Maples are available as a small tree or in this case as a large shrub. This is determined by pruning at a young age. Absolutely beautiful fall colour which is vibrant red with hints of orange or yellow. Fast grower adaptable to a wide variety of soils. These shrubs add colour and texture to your landscape. Newer shrub varieties of Amur Maple on the market include Countryside and Blazing Elf amongst others, these selections offer more compact growth and uniformity of fall colour. An Edmonton favorite as it is the hardiest maple that turns red in fall. |
Chokeberry
Aronia melanocarpa 'Viking', 'Lowscape Mound', 'Autumn Magic' H: 2' - 4' W: 2' - 4' Zone 3 Full to Part Sun. This is a very unique and showy shrub that is very hardy to Alberta. They have dark green, glossy leaves with white flowers in the Spring and edible dark black berries in the fall that are known to have health benefits by Eastern Europeans. The vibrant red and orange fall colour makes it a must for any landscape. It is an easy shrub to keep tidy and is under used in our climate. Tolerates a variety of soil conditions and erosion (great on a hillside or slope). Could be used as an alternative to cotoneaster if you were looking to create a little more diversity in the landscape. |
Concorde Barberry
Berberis thunbergii 'Concorde' H: 2' W: 3' Zone 3 Full to Part Sun. Prefers well drained soil with consistent soil moisture (but not wet!). Slow growing (part of what keeps it so compact) with low mounded form. Foliage emerges red, maturing to glossy dark plum-purple through season. Unique texture and colour adds interest. Somewhat less thorny than other barberries but does still have them. |
Golden Nugget & Sunsation Barberry
Berberis thunbergii 'Monlers' & 'Monry' H: 1' - 2' W: 2' Zone 3 Full to Part Sun. Prefers well drained soil with consistent soil moisture (but not wet!). Slow growing (part of what keeps it so compact), mound to globe shape. Golden Nugget stays shorter while Sunsation will slowly reach the taller size range described. Good orange-gold fall foliage colour. Great for a bright contrast and for small yards. Produces small thorns and therefore barberries deer resistant. |
Cherry Bomb & Royal Burgundy Barberry
Berberis 'Monomb' & 'Gentry' H: 2' - 3' W: 3' Zone 3 Full to Part Sun. Prefers well drained soil with consistent soil moisture (but not wet!). Slow growing (part of what keeps it so compact), mound to globe shape. Royal Burgundy stays shorter while Cherry Bomb will slowly reach the taller size range described. Great for a colour contrast and for small yards. Produces small thorns and therefore barberries deer resistant. |
Rose Glow Barberry
Berberis thunbergii 'Rose Glow' H: 4' W: 3' Zone 3 Full to Part Sun. Prefers well drained soil with consistent soil moisture (but not wet!). This unique Barberry variety has a more vase shaped, upright form. The leaves of the newest branches emerge and hold a mottled pink/white/red colour on gracefully arching branches. Leaves on older parts of the plant stay reddish purple all season. Does produce thorns making it deer resistant. A tried and true barberry in Edmonton. |
Emerald Carousel Barberry
Berberis thunbergii 'Tara' H: 4' W: 4' Zone 3 Full to Part Sun. Prefers well drained soil with consistent soil moisture (but not wet!). Produces dainty yellow flowers in spring that hang from arching branches against green foliage. Tough and resistant to winter damage. Foliage turns bright yellow/orange/reds in Fall which is our favorite feature of this shrub. Produces thorns. |
Boxwood
Buxus 'Calgary Boxwood', 'Green Mountain' H: 2' - 3' W: 2' Zone 3b Full Sun to Part Shade. Prefers sheltered location. Slow growing in Alberta. Boxwoods have dark green semi-evergreen foliage with bright green new growth. It is ideal for a low hedge or border planting. This English garden looking shrub can have tip die back in particularly harsh winter winds but if it succeeds it is very rewarding. |
Common Caragana
Caragana arborescens H: 13' W: 6' Zone 2 Full Sun. Prefers very well drained & poor/sandy/rocky soils. An extremely hardy shrub! Dark green lobed foliage turns yellow in the fall. Produces yellow flowers in the spring followed by pea-shaped seed pods that can be heard popping open on a quiet day in late summer/fall. This variety is extremely fast growing and is heat and drought tolerant. It is ideal for bank stabilization or shelterbelts as it seeds and spreads by a vigorous root system readily. It will eventually fill in any area that it is given, few plant species can out compete this Caragana. Used often in hedging. Can be found naturalized widely in Edmonton's river valley, first introduced by early european arrivals. |
Globe Caragana
Caragana frutex globosa H: 3' - 4' W: 3' - 4' Zone 2 Full Sun. Prefers Well drained sandy/rocky/poor soils. A small round caragana shrub that has a mounded look with dense green lobed foliage. Very slow growing (part of what keeps it so compact) so very little if any pruning is required. This plant offers interesting texture and nice colour to any landscape. Good substitute for boxwoods in exposed areas if you have enough patience. It happens to be one of the first shrubs in the Spring to leaf out. |
Pygmy Caragana
Caragana pygmaea H 3' - 4' W: 4' - 5' Zone 2 Full Sun. Prefers Well drained sandy/rocky/poor soils. Offers a vase to large mound shape, course texture and is a great option for sites where other plants will not grow due to lack of moisture and/or poor soils. A great application is under overhangs of buildings or under large Spruce trees where there is little moisture. It has fine textured green foliage which turns yellow in the fall. Yellow flowers appear in the spring for two weeks and are bright and beautiful. Has small thorns. |
Tatarian Dogwoods
Cornus alba 'Bailhalo', 'Byboughen', 'Jefreb', 'Kesselringii', 'Prairie Fire', 'Sibirica',
Full Sun to Part Shade. This family of Dogwoods are developed from a species native to Northern Asia and Siberia. They differ very little from our native Dogwoods overall and the variety of ornamental features available in this group offer plenty of size, colour and texture options. All Tatarian Dogwoods (also sometimes referred to generally as Siberian Dogwoods) are hardy and prefer moist but free draining soils. They produce clusters of creamy white flowers in spring (not very noticable/showy) followed by berries in fall that are eaten by birds through winter. Tolerant of excess moisture but not standing water. Tip back/trim to encourage density and thin out oldest woodiest stems to encourage new growth (best stem colour) and air flow within shrub The following are the Tatarian varieties we carry:
Ivory Halo Dogwood ('Bailhalo') - Zone 3, H: 4'-5' x W: 4'-5' - Greyish green foliage with white variegation. Good red winter stem colour.
Neon Burst Dogwood ('Byboughen') - Zone 2, H: 4' x W: 4' - Bright lime-yellow foliage that turns soft purple in fall. Heat tolerant.
Little Rebel Dogwood ('Jefreb') - Zone 2, H: 3'-4' x W: 3'-4' - Compact variety. Green foliage turns burgundy in fall. Red winter stems.
Kesselring Dogwood ('Kesselringii') - Zone 2, H: 6' x W: 6' - Purple-green foliage that is deeply veined. Dark purple winter stems.
Prairie Fire Dogwood ('Prairie Fire') - Zone 2, H: 6' x W: 5' - Bright Yellow-Gold foliage. Good red winter stem colour.
Siberian Dogwood ('Sibirica') - Zone 2, H: 7' x W: 5' - Green foliage turns burgundy in fall. Great red winter stems.
Cornus alba 'Bailhalo', 'Byboughen', 'Jefreb', 'Kesselringii', 'Prairie Fire', 'Sibirica',
Full Sun to Part Shade. This family of Dogwoods are developed from a species native to Northern Asia and Siberia. They differ very little from our native Dogwoods overall and the variety of ornamental features available in this group offer plenty of size, colour and texture options. All Tatarian Dogwoods (also sometimes referred to generally as Siberian Dogwoods) are hardy and prefer moist but free draining soils. They produce clusters of creamy white flowers in spring (not very noticable/showy) followed by berries in fall that are eaten by birds through winter. Tolerant of excess moisture but not standing water. Tip back/trim to encourage density and thin out oldest woodiest stems to encourage new growth (best stem colour) and air flow within shrub The following are the Tatarian varieties we carry:
Ivory Halo Dogwood ('Bailhalo') - Zone 3, H: 4'-5' x W: 4'-5' - Greyish green foliage with white variegation. Good red winter stem colour.
Neon Burst Dogwood ('Byboughen') - Zone 2, H: 4' x W: 4' - Bright lime-yellow foliage that turns soft purple in fall. Heat tolerant.
Little Rebel Dogwood ('Jefreb') - Zone 2, H: 3'-4' x W: 3'-4' - Compact variety. Green foliage turns burgundy in fall. Red winter stems.
Kesselring Dogwood ('Kesselringii') - Zone 2, H: 6' x W: 6' - Purple-green foliage that is deeply veined. Dark purple winter stems.
Prairie Fire Dogwood ('Prairie Fire') - Zone 2, H: 6' x W: 5' - Bright Yellow-Gold foliage. Good red winter stem colour.
Siberian Dogwood ('Sibirica') - Zone 2, H: 7' x W: 5' - Green foliage turns burgundy in fall. Great red winter stems.
Red Osier Dogwoods
Cornus sericea (formerly stolonifera) 'Cardinal', 'Kelseyi', 'Flaviramea', 'Farrow'
Full Sun to Part Shade. This family of Dogwoods are developed from a species native to North America (including Alberta). In fact the native parent species Red Osier is often still available in nurseries. They differ very little from Dogwoods native to Siberia overall and the variety of ornamental features available in this group offer plenty of size, colour and texture options. All Red Osier Dogwoods (also sometimes referred to generally as Red Twig Dogwoods) are hardy and prefer moist free draining soils. They produce clusters of creamy white flowers in spring (not very noticable/showy) followed by berries in fall that are eaten by birds through winter. Tolerant of excess moisture and even some standing water. Tip back/trim to encourage density and thin out oldest woodiest stems to encourage new growth (best stem colour) and air flow within shrub The following are the Red Osier varieties we carry:
Cardinal Dogwood ('Cardinal') - Zone 2, H: 6' x W: 6' - Closest to species. Green foliage and bright red winter stems.
Kelsey Dwarf Dogwood ('Kelseyi') - Zone 3, H: 2.5' x W: 2.5' - Dwarf Variety, very compact with green foliage and red stems.
Yellowtwig/Bud's Yellow Dogwood ('Flaviramea') - Zone 3, H: 4'-5' x W: 4'-5' - Lighter green foliage and lime to golden stems brightening in winter.
Arctic Fire Dogwood ('Farrow') - Zone 2, H: 5'-6' x W: 4'-5' - Proven Winners selection with great winter stem colour and relatively compact habit.
Cornus sericea (formerly stolonifera) 'Cardinal', 'Kelseyi', 'Flaviramea', 'Farrow'
Full Sun to Part Shade. This family of Dogwoods are developed from a species native to North America (including Alberta). In fact the native parent species Red Osier is often still available in nurseries. They differ very little from Dogwoods native to Siberia overall and the variety of ornamental features available in this group offer plenty of size, colour and texture options. All Red Osier Dogwoods (also sometimes referred to generally as Red Twig Dogwoods) are hardy and prefer moist free draining soils. They produce clusters of creamy white flowers in spring (not very noticable/showy) followed by berries in fall that are eaten by birds through winter. Tolerant of excess moisture and even some standing water. Tip back/trim to encourage density and thin out oldest woodiest stems to encourage new growth (best stem colour) and air flow within shrub The following are the Red Osier varieties we carry:
Cardinal Dogwood ('Cardinal') - Zone 2, H: 6' x W: 6' - Closest to species. Green foliage and bright red winter stems.
Kelsey Dwarf Dogwood ('Kelseyi') - Zone 3, H: 2.5' x W: 2.5' - Dwarf Variety, very compact with green foliage and red stems.
Yellowtwig/Bud's Yellow Dogwood ('Flaviramea') - Zone 3, H: 4'-5' x W: 4'-5' - Lighter green foliage and lime to golden stems brightening in winter.
Arctic Fire Dogwood ('Farrow') - Zone 2, H: 5'-6' x W: 4'-5' - Proven Winners selection with great winter stem colour and relatively compact habit.
Honeybee Diervilla
Diervilla rivularis 'Honeybee' H: 2.5' W: 3' Zone 3 Full Sun to Part Shade. Very adaptable and unfussy. Average growth rate. Bright yellow foliage all season and sweet smelling yellow flowers in spring that are a magnet for bees, butterflies & hummingbirds. Often referred to as Honeysuckle (it is not part of the honeysuckle family) due to the flower's similarity. A good option for tough growing sites like dry-shade. |
Nightglow Diervilla
Diervilla splendons 'El Madrigal' H: 2' - 3' W: 2' - 3' Zone 3 Full Sun to Part Shade. Fast growing shrub with purple foliage (best colour in full sun) and producing abundant small yellow flowers in spring through summer that are loved by bees and butterflies. Purple foliage brightens towards fall. Somewhat prone to suckering. Soil adaptable and easy to grow. |
Dwarf Bush Diervilla
Diervilla trifida H: 4' W: 4' Zone 3 Full Sun to Part Shade. Fast growing. A mounded shrub with yellow flowers in spring that attract bees & butterflies. Bronze to green new growth. The red-orange fall colour makes this shrub a great plant and one that you don't see everyday. The pointed long leaves add interest. This shrub is fast growing and does well in full sun to part shade exposure. |
Beaked Hazelnut
Corylus cornuta H: up to 6' W: Spreading Zone 3 Part Shade to Full Sun. Chances are you've seen this understory plant in Edmonton or Alberta forests before. Beaked Hazelnut is a native species that is widespread anywhere large trees cast some shade and cover for them to establish. While not considered ornamental, they are used often in reclamation and naturalizing and are even becoming popular among gardeners looking to add an edible nut producing shrub to their yard. Produces small hazelnuts in fuzzy husks in late summer into fall. These nuts can be roasted and taste exactly the same as hazelnuts found on the market (just much smaller). Spreading to form a stand/colony these shrubs could be allowed to fill an area particularly under other trees. |
Smokebush
Cotinus coggygria 'Grace', 'Golden Spirit', 'Royal Purple', 'Young Lady' H: 4' W: 3' Zone 3b - 4 Full to Part Sun. Prefers good to average, well-draining soil. Best performance in sheltered location. Known as Smoke Trees in warmer climates, Smokebushes do not get to be tree-size in our climate but as a shrub provide great foliage colour and interesting leaf shape. Named for the airy plume of "smoke" like blooms produced in summer on old wood. Flowering is rare when planted in our zone as they usually need to be cut back heavily in spring due to winter dieback but the new growth and beautiful foliage can reach up to 4' in a season even when cut right back to the ground. In a very sheltered location or if given extra winter protection you may get a flush of the unique blooms. |
Hedge Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster acutifolia H: up to 6' W: up to 4' Zone 2 Full to Part Sun. Usually used as a formal hedge and planted approximately 12" to 18" apart to create a nice full looking hedge. It is very easily maintained and pruned. This plant grows well in a variety of soils and is fast growing. It has a beautiful orange-red fall colour with white/pink small flowers in the spring and dark purple berries in the fall. While it Part Sun tolerant, you will get the best fall colour with increased sun. Mature size depends heavily on pruning/hedging, can be kept as low as 3'. If using as a hedge remember to thin out the oldest branches every year or second year in addition to hedge trimming. |
Broom
Cytissus nigricans 'Cyni' , Genista lydia 'Select' H: 1' - 3' W: 3' Zone 3 Full Sun. Prefers very good drainage and poor/infertile soils. Old fashioned favorite. Cyni Broom is a bit taller and upright whereas Lydia Broom stays lower and has a more spreading form. Covered in bright yellow pea-like blooms in in spring. Tolerates poor rocky soils and is drought & heat tolerant once established. Will not tolerate overly moist soils or standing water. Looks great planted en masse, in a rock garden or growing over a wall. |
Wolf Willow
Eleagnus commutata H: up to 6' W: Spreading Zone 2 Full Sun. Prefers good drainage and very tolerant of poor/rocky soils. A native shrub that spreads to form small colonies. Will eventually fill an area so great for large yards or naturalization. Drought tolerant once established. Foliage is silvery grey and the leaf shape stands out (great texture). The small fragrant yellow flowers are followed by berries which attract birds in the winter. Not a true willow. Often used for reclaimation sites or in xeriscaping. |
Winged Burning Bush & Dwarf Winged Burning Bush
Euonymus alatus & Euonymus alatus 'Compactus' H: 3' - 6' W: 3' - 5' Zone 3 Full to Part Sun. Soil adaptable. Small white flowers in spring that appear to be 'winged' by the dark green foliage. Makes a great backdrop with its dark green serrated foliage during the growing season. Corky ridged bark adds winter interest and in fall the leaves turn brilliant scarlet hues. While tolerant of part sun and even light shade, the more sun this shrub gets during the growing season, the brighter the fall colour will be. The larger version can easily be pruned into a small tree. |
Turkestan Burning Bush
Euonymus nanus 'Turkestanicus' H: 3' W: 3' Zone 3 Full Sun to Full Shade. Soil adaptable. Great versatile shrub with fine textured foliage and a low irregular growing habit. Produces small interesting nodding pink capsule-like flowers in summer. Green needle like foliage turns reddish purple in fall (if planted in sunny location) particularly at tips. Unique shrub that requires very little care or attention and can be pruned easily to keep compact or left to fill an area as a low groundcover shrub. |
Northern Gold Forsynthia
Forsythia 'Northern Gold' H: up to 6' W: 4' - 5' Zone 3 Full Sun. Prefers well-drained soils. An absolutely beautiful shrub covered in interesting bright yellow blooms in early spring before foliage emerges. Northern Gold Forsythia is the only reliable variety for the Edmonton area. Ensure more blooms in spring by covering as much of the shrub with snow in winter to protect flower buds from drying winter winds. Takes pruning/shearing well but be sure to thin out the oldest branches every couple of years to encourage new growth. |
Sea Buckthorn (aka: Sea Berry)
Hippophae rhamnoides (Male and Female) H: 3' - 10' W: 3' to Spreading Zone 2 Full Sun. Good drainage required. Prefers infertile sandy/rocky soils. Usually large (smallest variety is called Silver Star) Female specimens produce stunning orange clusters of berries when a male pollinator planted nearby. The berries are edible and can be used for juicing, jams, jellies or fresh eating. Thin silver leaves give this shrub a unique look and texture. Can spread through suckering, particularly the larger varieties. Great for mass plantings or an informal hedge or accent shrub in large spaces. Ideal for acreages or as a wind block. Can be pruned into a small tree. An Alberta favourite! Multiple varieties available, make sure to plant at least one male for every three female plants if planting for fruit production. |
Smooth Hydrangeas
Hydrangea arborescens `Annabelle', 'Incrediball', 'Invincibelle Series', 'SMNHALR'
Part Sun to Part Shade. Prefers rich humusy soil with adequate and consistent moisture. Smooth hydrangeas have large soft green leaves that may wilt or scald in high heat. Produce large round flower clusters in summer. Very showy with many varieties being developed for flower colour, stem strength and hardiness. Usually die back quite a bit in winter emerging from the ground or lower branches fresh in spring. In sheltered locations or with some of the newer varieties new growth may sprout on the previous years branching. Blooms on new wood so cutting back heavily in very early spring/late winter will encourage new branching and abundant blooms. Late to emerge in spring so don't count it out too early. The following are some of the Smooth Hydrangea varieties we carry:
Annabelle Hydrangea ('Annabelle') - Zone 3, H: 3 x W: 3' - First selected variety of smooth hydrangea. Tried and tested. Large round white flower heads.
Incrediball Hydrangea ('Abetwo') - Zone 3, H: 3'-4' x 3'-4' - Proven Winners selection. Extra-large round white flower heads. Selected for stronger stems and improved heat/sun tolerance.
Lime Ricky Hydrangea ('SMNHALR') - Zone 3, H: 4' x W: 4' - Proven Winners Selection. Hardy & unique. Disc shaped lime-white flower heads. Very strong stems & upright habit.
Invincibelle Hydrangea Series: Proven Winners selections. All selected for sturdy stems. Require 4+ hours sunlight for best flowering.
Hydrangea arborescens `Annabelle', 'Incrediball', 'Invincibelle Series', 'SMNHALR'
Part Sun to Part Shade. Prefers rich humusy soil with adequate and consistent moisture. Smooth hydrangeas have large soft green leaves that may wilt or scald in high heat. Produce large round flower clusters in summer. Very showy with many varieties being developed for flower colour, stem strength and hardiness. Usually die back quite a bit in winter emerging from the ground or lower branches fresh in spring. In sheltered locations or with some of the newer varieties new growth may sprout on the previous years branching. Blooms on new wood so cutting back heavily in very early spring/late winter will encourage new branching and abundant blooms. Late to emerge in spring so don't count it out too early. The following are some of the Smooth Hydrangea varieties we carry:
Annabelle Hydrangea ('Annabelle') - Zone 3, H: 3 x W: 3' - First selected variety of smooth hydrangea. Tried and tested. Large round white flower heads.
Incrediball Hydrangea ('Abetwo') - Zone 3, H: 3'-4' x 3'-4' - Proven Winners selection. Extra-large round white flower heads. Selected for stronger stems and improved heat/sun tolerance.
Lime Ricky Hydrangea ('SMNHALR') - Zone 3, H: 4' x W: 4' - Proven Winners Selection. Hardy & unique. Disc shaped lime-white flower heads. Very strong stems & upright habit.
Invincibelle Hydrangea Series: Proven Winners selections. All selected for sturdy stems. Require 4+ hours sunlight for best flowering.
- Spirit ('NCHA2') - Zone 3, H: 4' x W: 4' - Round pink flower heads.
- Mini Mauvette ('NCHA7') - Zone 4, H: 3' x W: 3' - Large round mauve flower heads.
- Limetta ('NCHA8') - Zone 3, H: 3'-4' x W: 3'-4' - Large round lime-green flower heads.
- Ruby ('NCHA3') - Zone 3, H: 3'-4' x W: 2'-3' - Large light and dark bicolored pink flower heads.
- Wee White ('NCHA5') - Zone 3, H: 1'-2' x W: 1'-2' - Round flower heads emerge soft pink changing to pure white.
- Lace (subsp. radiata 'SMNHRLL') - Zone 3, H: 4' x W: 4' - Disc shaped flower heads open from outside to center. Unique plum-purple flower.
Panicle Hydrangeas (Assorted Varieties)
Hydrangea paniculata
Full Sun to Part Shade. Prefers rich humusy soil with adequate and consistent moisture. Panicle Hydrangeas have stronger woody stems and usually have less winter dieback of branching so you end up with larger shrubs. They produce large pointed or conical flower clusters in late summer into fall, often right until frost. Sturdy stems allow you the option of leaving leaving the dried flower heads on the plant adding winter interest and texture. These hydrangeas are more sun and heat tolerant (with adequate moisture). We recommend cutting them back by about one-third their total height in early spring, just as the new growth is beginning to emerge on the stems. This will serve to remove the spent blooms and ensure that the season's growth comes from the heavier, thicker buds further down the plant. The following are some of the Panicle Hydrangeas we carry (be sure to ask us if you don't see the variety you are after, this list is not exhaustive and there are many new varieties being developed each year):
Quickfire Hydrangea ('Bulk') - Zone 3, H: 5' x W: 5' - Earliest Blooming variety. White blooms turn to solid pink. Dwarf variety is called Little Quickfire. A favorite here at Sunstar!
Pinky Winky Hydrangea ('DVP PINKY') - Zone 3, H: 5' x W: 5' - Very pointed white flower heads turn pink from bottom to top.
Bobo Hydrangea ('Ivbobo') - Zone 3, H: 2.5' x W: 2.5' - Dwarf variety with lacy white flowerheads turning dusty pink.
Limelight Hydrangea ('Limelight') - Zone 3, H: 5' x W: 5' - Popular variety. Lime-white flowers emerge then turn dusty pink.
Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea ('Renhy') - Zone 3b, H: 5' x W: 5' - White blooms emerge then turn bright strawberry red from bottom up. Dwarf variety is called Vanilla Sundae. Sometimes marketed as Vanilla Fraise and Sundae Fraise.
Firelight Hydrangea ('SMHPFL') - Zone 3, H: 5' x W: 5' - Flower heads emerge white, quickly turning to deep solid pink. Very easy to grow. Great for beginner gardeners! Dwarf variety is called Firelight Tidbit.
Hydrangea paniculata
Full Sun to Part Shade. Prefers rich humusy soil with adequate and consistent moisture. Panicle Hydrangeas have stronger woody stems and usually have less winter dieback of branching so you end up with larger shrubs. They produce large pointed or conical flower clusters in late summer into fall, often right until frost. Sturdy stems allow you the option of leaving leaving the dried flower heads on the plant adding winter interest and texture. These hydrangeas are more sun and heat tolerant (with adequate moisture). We recommend cutting them back by about one-third their total height in early spring, just as the new growth is beginning to emerge on the stems. This will serve to remove the spent blooms and ensure that the season's growth comes from the heavier, thicker buds further down the plant. The following are some of the Panicle Hydrangeas we carry (be sure to ask us if you don't see the variety you are after, this list is not exhaustive and there are many new varieties being developed each year):
Quickfire Hydrangea ('Bulk') - Zone 3, H: 5' x W: 5' - Earliest Blooming variety. White blooms turn to solid pink. Dwarf variety is called Little Quickfire. A favorite here at Sunstar!
Pinky Winky Hydrangea ('DVP PINKY') - Zone 3, H: 5' x W: 5' - Very pointed white flower heads turn pink from bottom to top.
Bobo Hydrangea ('Ivbobo') - Zone 3, H: 2.5' x W: 2.5' - Dwarf variety with lacy white flowerheads turning dusty pink.
Limelight Hydrangea ('Limelight') - Zone 3, H: 5' x W: 5' - Popular variety. Lime-white flowers emerge then turn dusty pink.
Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea ('Renhy') - Zone 3b, H: 5' x W: 5' - White blooms emerge then turn bright strawberry red from bottom up. Dwarf variety is called Vanilla Sundae. Sometimes marketed as Vanilla Fraise and Sundae Fraise.
Firelight Hydrangea ('SMHPFL') - Zone 3, H: 5' x W: 5' - Flower heads emerge white, quickly turning to deep solid pink. Very easy to grow. Great for beginner gardeners! Dwarf variety is called Firelight Tidbit.
Miniglobe & Clavey's Dwarf Honeysuckle
Lonicera xylosteoides & x xylosteoides Full to Part Sun. The honeysuckle family is large and contains many ornamental and edible cultivars from trees to shrubs to vines. Here we have two Honeysuckle varieties developed from the European Fly Honeysuckle that are known for their hardiness, dense grey-green foliage and excellent form. Hardly if any pruning is required to keep the uniform round shape of these shrubs. Flowers in spring are small and usually go unnoticed. Small attractive red jewel like berries appear in clusters (not edible). These varieties of honeysuckle do not sucker and leaf out early in spring. Miniglobe Honeysuckle (xylosteoides 'Miniglobe') - Zone 3, H: 3' x W: 3' - Very slow growing (part of what keeps it so compact) strongly uniform round shape and low maintenance. Clavey's Dwarf Honeysuckle (x xylosteoides 'Clavey's Dwarf') - Zone 3, H: 5' x W: 5' - Somewhat faster than Miniglobe but still considered average to slow grower. Dense globe shape. |
Sakhalin Honeysuckle
Lonicera maximowiczii sachalinensis H: 8' W: 8' Zone 3 Full to Part Sun. A lovely rounded shrub with smooth purplish branches that add nice winter interest. Purple/reddish flowers are followed by a bright red ornamental fruit. Small green leaves add an interesting texture to this shrub. Great shrub for attracting butterflies. The leaves turn a nice purple-yellow colour in the fall making this a beautiful four season shrub! |
Mockorange (Assorted Varieties)
Philadelphus (coronarius, lewisii, x, & virginalis)
Full Sun to Part Shade. Can tolerate Full Shade but will limit flowering. Soil adaptable but will not tolerate excessively poor drainage or standing water. Very dense branching makes Mockorange a good option for hedging. Be sure to prune/thin out oldest branches every year or 2 to encourage new growth and increase airflow within the shrub. Alternatively; cut overgrown shrubs (must be well established) all the way down during dormancy (late winter/early spring) to rejuvenate the shrub and start fresh. Named for the citrus (some say jasmine) scented white flowers produced in late spring on the last years wood. Shearing or hedging should be done right after flowers are done to avoid removing the flower buds for the following year. The following are some of the Mockorange varieties we carry:
Snowbelle Mockorange ('Snowbelle') - Zone 3, H: 4' x W: 3' - Tolerant of extreme temps. Double white flowers.
Golden Mockorange (coronarius 'Aureus') - Zone 4, H: 3' x W: 3' - Golden to lime foliage. Single white flowers.
Blizzard Mockorange (lewisii 'Blizzard') - Zone 3, H: 7' x W: 6' - Large and dense. Single white flowers.
Waterton Mockorange (lewisii 'Waterton') - Zone 3, H: 7' x W: 6' - Very similar to Blizzard. Native to Waterton Parks region. Single white flowers.
Snow Dwarf Mockorange (x 'Snow Dwarf' ) - Zone 3, H: 2' x W: 2' - Smallest variety available. Double white flowers.
Minnesota Snowflake Mockorange (x virginalis 'Minnesota Snowflake') - Zone 3, H: 4'-5' x W: 3'-4' - Upright to arching form. Double white flowers.
Philadelphus (coronarius, lewisii, x, & virginalis)
Full Sun to Part Shade. Can tolerate Full Shade but will limit flowering. Soil adaptable but will not tolerate excessively poor drainage or standing water. Very dense branching makes Mockorange a good option for hedging. Be sure to prune/thin out oldest branches every year or 2 to encourage new growth and increase airflow within the shrub. Alternatively; cut overgrown shrubs (must be well established) all the way down during dormancy (late winter/early spring) to rejuvenate the shrub and start fresh. Named for the citrus (some say jasmine) scented white flowers produced in late spring on the last years wood. Shearing or hedging should be done right after flowers are done to avoid removing the flower buds for the following year. The following are some of the Mockorange varieties we carry:
Snowbelle Mockorange ('Snowbelle') - Zone 3, H: 4' x W: 3' - Tolerant of extreme temps. Double white flowers.
Golden Mockorange (coronarius 'Aureus') - Zone 4, H: 3' x W: 3' - Golden to lime foliage. Single white flowers.
Blizzard Mockorange (lewisii 'Blizzard') - Zone 3, H: 7' x W: 6' - Large and dense. Single white flowers.
Waterton Mockorange (lewisii 'Waterton') - Zone 3, H: 7' x W: 6' - Very similar to Blizzard. Native to Waterton Parks region. Single white flowers.
Snow Dwarf Mockorange (x 'Snow Dwarf' ) - Zone 3, H: 2' x W: 2' - Smallest variety available. Double white flowers.
Minnesota Snowflake Mockorange (x virginalis 'Minnesota Snowflake') - Zone 3, H: 4'-5' x W: 3'-4' - Upright to arching form. Double white flowers.
Ninebark (Assorted Varieties)
Physocarpus opulifolius
Zone 3 (Varieties listed)
Full to Part Sun. The name Ninebark refers to the interesting exfoliating bark that identifies this species. Somewhat adaptable to soil conditions and exposure put generally prefers sunny sites with adequate drainage. Fast growing with finely toothed colourful foliage that add texture and great fall colours. Produces clusters of small white flowers in spring followed by small red fruit capsules. Larger varieties are great as backdrop plants to make smaller shrubs and perennials planted in front pop. Humidity and powdery mildew can be a problem for ninebarks when too dense so be sure to prune/thin out oldest branches every year or 2 to encourage new growth and increase airflow within the shrub. Many size and colour choices available depending on variety, the following are some of the Ninebark varieties we carry:
Physocarpus opulifolius
Zone 3 (Varieties listed)
Full to Part Sun. The name Ninebark refers to the interesting exfoliating bark that identifies this species. Somewhat adaptable to soil conditions and exposure put generally prefers sunny sites with adequate drainage. Fast growing with finely toothed colourful foliage that add texture and great fall colours. Produces clusters of small white flowers in spring followed by small red fruit capsules. Larger varieties are great as backdrop plants to make smaller shrubs and perennials planted in front pop. Humidity and powdery mildew can be a problem for ninebarks when too dense so be sure to prune/thin out oldest branches every year or 2 to encourage new growth and increase airflow within the shrub. Many size and colour choices available depending on variety, the following are some of the Ninebark varieties we carry:
- Darts Gold Ninebark ('Dart's Gold') - H: 5’ x W: 4' - One of the first varieties on the market. Bright gold to lime green foliage.
- Diablo Ninebark ('Diabolo') - H: 5' x W: 4' - One of the first varieties on the market. Dark purple foliage and a great track record.
- Amber Jubilee Ninebark ('Jefam') - H: 5' x W: 4’ - Beautiful gold to amber to bronze foliage often all at the same time. Great fall colour.
- Panther Ninebark ('N5') - H: 5' x W: 3’ - Newer selection with very dark almost black purple foliage.
- Summer Wine Ninebark ('Seward') - H: 5' x W: 5’ - Dark wine-purple foliage that brightens to showy burgundy in fall.
- Ginger Wine Ninebark ('SMNPOBLR') - H: 5' x W: 3’ - Foliage emerges sunny orange maturing to burgundy.
- Tiny Wine & Tiny Wine Gold ('SMNPOTW' & 'SMNPOTW') - H: 3' x W: 3’ - Dwarf varieties with smaller finer foliage and smaller mature size. Foliage is dark purple (Tiny Wine) or Gold (Tiny Wine Gold).
Potentilla (Assorted Varieties)
Potentilla fruticosa
Zone 2 (All varieties listed)
Full Sun. Prefers well drained soil. Potentiallas are very popular shrubs for their hardiness and durability. They are easy to grow and dependable coming in a vaierty of shapes and flower colour. Blooms from spring all the way into the fall. Can be used as a hedge or accent plant. Shearing can be done after flowering or before it leafs out in the spring. Be sure to prune/thin out oldest branches every year or 2 to encourage new growth (better flowering) and increase airflow within the shrub. Alternatively; cut overgrown shrubs (must be well established) all the way down during dormancy (late winter/early spring) to rejuvenate the shrub and start fresh.
Abbotswood Potentilla ('Abbotswood') - H: 3' x W: 3' - Abundant white blooms
Goldfinger Potentilla ('Goldfinger') - H: 5’ x W: 3' - Upright rounded form. Abundant yellow blooms.
Goldstar Potentilla ('Gold Star') - H: 3’ x W: 3' - Uniform rounded form. Abundant classic potentilla yellow blooms.
Orange Whisper Potentilla ('Orange Whisper') - H: 3' x W: 3' - Low rounded form. Blooms emerge peachy orange maturing to pale yellow.
Pink Beauty Potentilla ('Pink Beauty') - H: 3' x W: 3' - Uniform rounded form. Abundant blooms emerge bright pink maturing to pale pink.
Mango Tango Potentilla ('Mango Tango') - H: 3’ x W: 2' - Upright rounded form. Abundant orange/peach/yellow blooms that hold their colour well.
Yellow Gem Potentilla ('Yellow Gem') - H: 1' x W: 3' - Low to spreading form. Abundant lemon yellow blooms. An old favorite on the prairies.
Bella Potentilla Series: Selected varieties from Bloomin' Easy
Potentilla fruticosa
Zone 2 (All varieties listed)
Full Sun. Prefers well drained soil. Potentiallas are very popular shrubs for their hardiness and durability. They are easy to grow and dependable coming in a vaierty of shapes and flower colour. Blooms from spring all the way into the fall. Can be used as a hedge or accent plant. Shearing can be done after flowering or before it leafs out in the spring. Be sure to prune/thin out oldest branches every year or 2 to encourage new growth (better flowering) and increase airflow within the shrub. Alternatively; cut overgrown shrubs (must be well established) all the way down during dormancy (late winter/early spring) to rejuvenate the shrub and start fresh.
Abbotswood Potentilla ('Abbotswood') - H: 3' x W: 3' - Abundant white blooms
Goldfinger Potentilla ('Goldfinger') - H: 5’ x W: 3' - Upright rounded form. Abundant yellow blooms.
Goldstar Potentilla ('Gold Star') - H: 3’ x W: 3' - Uniform rounded form. Abundant classic potentilla yellow blooms.
Orange Whisper Potentilla ('Orange Whisper') - H: 3' x W: 3' - Low rounded form. Blooms emerge peachy orange maturing to pale yellow.
Pink Beauty Potentilla ('Pink Beauty') - H: 3' x W: 3' - Uniform rounded form. Abundant blooms emerge bright pink maturing to pale pink.
Mango Tango Potentilla ('Mango Tango') - H: 3’ x W: 2' - Upright rounded form. Abundant orange/peach/yellow blooms that hold their colour well.
Yellow Gem Potentilla ('Yellow Gem') - H: 1' x W: 3' - Low to spreading form. Abundant lemon yellow blooms. An old favorite on the prairies.
Bella Potentilla Series: Selected varieties from Bloomin' Easy
- Bellisima (‘Hachliss’) - H: 2'-3' x W: 2'-3' - Low mounded form with rich pink blooms all season.
- Bianca (‘Hachbianca’) - H: 1'-2' x W: 1'-2' - Tidy mounded form producing abundant snow white blooms all season
- Sol (‘Hachdon’) - H: 2'-3' x W: 2'-3' - Low mounded form with orange blooms all season. Tends to bloom yellow for a period mid summer.
Western Sandcherry
Prunus besseyi H: 4' W: 3' Zone 2 Full Sun. Prefers well drained poor/sandy soils. An Alberta native. This shrub is most often planted as a pollinator for plum and cherry trees due to its extreme hardiness and early and long lasting bloom period. It has long somewhat shiny green/gray leaves and reddish/purple fall colour. Sporadic white flowers in the early spring followed by small purple berries. |
Purple Leaf Sandcherry (AKA: Purple Leaf Plum)
Prunus x cistena H: 4' W: 4' Zone 2 Full sun. Prefers well drained poor/sandy soils. A beautiful contrast shrub! Dark purple leaves make this shrub absolutely spectacular. Vase shaped form but can be easily pruned to maintain a more rounded shape. White/pink soft flowers in the spring before purple leaves emerge. Prune back/out dead wood when new growth emerges in spring and winterkill is easy to spot for best shape and denser growth throughout season. |
Russian Almond
Prunus tenella H: 5' W: 5' Zone 2 Full Sun. Prefers well drained poor/sandy soils. Salt tolerant. Bright single pink flowers in early spring before foliage followed by an interesting fuzzy nut (not edible). Bright orange fall foliage colour. Flowers on buds set the previous growing season so prune tip die back or to maintain shape immediately after flowers have fallen. Exceptional winter hardiness. Ensure more blooms in spring by covering as much of the shrub with snow in winter to protect flower buds from drying winter winds. Often substituted for double flowering plum when salt may be an issue. |
Nanking Cherry
Prunus tomentosa H: 5' W: 5' Zone 2 Full Sun. Prefers well drained soil. A beautiful fruit bearing shrub that is easy to grow and is self-pollinating. Rounded form with beautiful pinkish white flowers in early spring (before foliage emerges) followed by abundant small bright red cherries mid summer. Cherries are tart but good for fresh eating, pies, wines or jellies. A beautiful shrub! Also can be used to pollinate certain plums. Pictured is a specimen than has been pruned into a small tree. Pruning/shearing should be done immediately after harvest as to allow it time to set flower/fruit buds for the following season. Good substitute for Double Flowering Plum. Pictured is a specimen than has been pruned into a small tree. |
Double Flowering Plum
Prunus triloba multiplex H: 5' W: 5' Zone 3 Full Sun. Prefers well drained poor/sandy soils. An old prairie favorite with showy double pink flowers emerging early spring before foliage. One of the first blooms to come out in the spring. Medium green leaves turn a nice yellow colour in fall. A great shrub for a spring accent, can be pruned or grafted to create a small tree. A great shrub that is easy to grow, drought tolerant and very hardy. Flowers on buds set the previous growing season so prune tip die back or to maintain shape immediately after flowers have fallen. Ensure more blooms in spring by covering as much of the shrub with snow in winter to protect flower buds from drying winter winds. |