Rare Unusual Shrubs and Trees: A-B at Lazy S'S Farm

Most people have never seen a shrub in a quart pot. Many garden centers don't even offer Perennials in quarts any more. In garden centers, shrubs are generally only available in much larger containers: 1-3 gallons. Please take a look at this photo of Quart Shrubs to get a sense of what shrubs in a quart pot look like and read about Plant Size and Age on this page so that you have realistic expectations. We want you to be happy! If you're not familiar with a quart size shrub you should take the time to look at these links!

Some trees on this page may incur a $4.00 Oversize Plant Surcharge

$10.99 Qt.

Abelia chinensis Chinese Abelia Zone: (6)7-9

One of the parents of our common Abelia. This is an amazing plant. Tough and dependable but with a MUCH better flower. The tiny blooms are grouped in big clusters like a lilac AND they smell like a LILAC. Wow! A major butterfly magnet. Semi-evergreen. Place in a protected spot in Zone 6. Best w/ some shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained H:5-7' W:5-7' B/M: White, FRAGRANT w/ pink sepals/7-9

$10.99 Qt

Abelia mosanensis Fragrant Abelia Zone: 5-9

A hardy fragrant Abelia! From Latvia, so we know it's hardy. Rich, bell-shaped light pink flowers are MORE FRAGRANT than a LILAC. Glossy summer foliage turns an fiery orange-red in autumn. Semi-evergreen. This will become THE ABELIA to have. Hardy to Zone 5 or colder. Dark pink buds open to light pink flowers.

Soil: Well-drained H: 5-6' W: 5-6' B/M: Light Pink/5-6

$8.99 Qt.

Abelia x grandiflora Glossy Abelia Zone: (5)6-9

A fragrant, dependable shrub with a profusion of blooms over a long season. Dislikes very windy spots. Good for textural effect, in mass, or as hedges. Handsome in bloom which is most of the time! A dependable classic that deserves a place in every garden.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, acid H: 6' W: 6' B/M: White tinged pink/5-10

$10.99 Qt.

Abelia x grandiflora 'Bobbie' Extra Fragrant, Lavender Pink Glossy Abelia Zone: (5)6-9

As above but with fragrant Lavender flowers. This fabulous Abelia is in my sister Bobby's yard and has blooms unlike any we've seen. They are definitely more Deep Lavender than pink and are VERY, VERY fragrant. (It came from an old, old homestead where she lived at one time.)

Soil: Moist but well-drained, acid H: 6' W: 6' B/M: Lavender Pink/5-10

$9.99 Qt.

Abelia x grandiflora 'Edward Goucher' Glossy Abelia Zone: (5)6-9

A long-blooming, dependable plant introduced in 1911! Excellent for textural effect, in masses or as hedges. Handsome in flower which is most of the time. This is the hard-to-find pink flowering form. Showier in flower than the common Abelia. 2006 Great Plant Picks - Miller Botanical Garden, a most prestigious award.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, acid H: 4-5' W: 4-5' B/M: Pink/5-10

$11.99 Qt.

Abelia 'x 'Mardis Gras' PP15203 Variegated Abelia Zone: 6-9

A great new introduction to the trade, 'Mardis Gras' shiny pink tinged, green and white variegated leaves flowed as soon as they leaf out by an explosion of pink tinged white flowers that literally smother the plant in fragrant blooms from summer 'til frost. Evergreen in warm areas and semi-evergreen in zone 6. It arose as a variegated sport from a seedling of Dr. Mike Dirr's crosses between A. grandiflora and A. chinensis. Best leaf color in full sun.

Soil: Well-drained H: 2-3' W: 4-5' B/M: White/Spring+

$10.99 Qt.

Abelia x grandiflora 'Rose Creek' Dwarf Hybrid Abelia Zone: (5)6-9

A wonderful Abelia selected by Michael Dirr with a low mounding habit with white flowers and crimson red stems. This is the first clone released from his breeding program at the University of Georgia. Although more floriferous early in the season, even when the white corollas are sparse or gone, the reddish-pink calyx is very showy. More restrained growth than many hybrid species clones and that can be useful. Especially rich Fall colors, becoming glossy purple green.

Soil: Well-drained H:2-3' W: 3-4' B/M: White/Spring

$9.99 Qt.

Abeliophyllum distichum White Forsythia Zone: 5-8

Multi-stemmed shrub with arching branches. Stems are covered with SHOWY, FRAGRANT white flowers before the leaves appear. (Not a true Forsythia -- it just looks like a white Forsythia, hence the common name.) *Growth rate depends on how happy it is.

Soil: Well-drained H: 3-5' W: 3-5' B/M: White March-April Slow to Fast *

Acanthopanax sieboldianus 'Variegatus' Now listed under it's new name

Eleutherococcus sieboldianus 'Variegatus' Variegated Five-leaf Aralia

What you're saying...

"I have received the order and the plants were in perfect condition. In fact, here's an unsolicited customer testimonial that you can put on your web site: I have ordered plants from a dozen companies over the last decade and the plant packing you do is the best I have ever seen. Really impressive. "

Ted in Rougemont, NC

New 2008

$16.99 Qt.

Acer circinatum 'Monroe' American Cutleaf Vine or Monroe's Maple Zone: 5-9

Almost never available and most folks don't even know it exists. And it's NOT a vine! It it's an elegant small tree/large shrub with purplish branches discovered in Oregon by Warner Monroe in 1965. Wonderful with shade-loving perennials and small shrubs but fine in any light from sun (with moisture) to full, deep shade. It slowly develops a wide crown with an open, graceful habit, growing about a foot a year. Beautiful 7-lobed heavily dissected leaves make it standout from the species and makes it look like a Japanese Maple.

Soil: Well-drained, (Moist if in sun) H: 12-15' W: 15' B/M: Small purple/ Spring

$9.99 Qt.

Acer ginnala Amur Maple Zone: 2-8

Native to parts of China, Manchuria and Japan. A small deciduous tree, 15-20' tall, broad, rounded and often multi-stemmed with a medium to fine texture. 3-lobed dark green leaves are out early in spring and finish in fall showy red or occasionally yellow, coloring early in the Fall and makes dense shade. Small fragrant panicles of creamy white flowers in Spring. 1" samaras (winged Maple fruit) are reddish, especially in summer and persist in winter. Nice specimen or patio tree. Tolerates wind, dry soil and drought. Slow growing.

Soil: Most any H:15-20' W:15-28' B/M: White/Spring

Potential Noxious Weed: Does self seed some like most maples so while it is not banned (2008) in any state, it is listed as a noxious weed in WI and CT. What does that mean? It means in your yard in a controlled neighborhood, it fine. If you live near a wild or native area that you can't maintain, monitor and control, then you shouldn't plant this plant.

WI and CT

$9.99 Qt.

Acer palmatum 'Our Back Yard' VERY, VERY fast Japanese Maple Zone: 5-8

Pete acquired this tree while in college working at a garden center. It's long since lost (or never had) a proper ID. What's unique about it is that in the world of Japanese Maples, it's in a class by itself for speed. 4-6 feet a year is not unusual! Because of that, it lends itself to being pruned to multiple stems -- our has two main branches up to 2 feet, then each of those breaks of in two and so forth. The structure of our tree due to excellent pruning is absolutely superb -- even if it never had a leaf! But it does -- tiny, tiny stars that look fabulous when they fall and carpet the ground beneath them -- like star shaped confetti! It turns a brilliant red in LATE fall when most everything else is done and turning brown. Also, very self-branching so you get a wonderful structure for winter. Also, it takes FULL SUN! There is a downside -- it does self seed some (not crazy like a silver maple) but if you mow under it, no problem or they can be pulled out if you have a garden beneath it as we do. You should NOT plant this near any area where you can't control unwanted seedlings.

Soil: Well-drained H: 25' W: 25' B/M: na

$10.99 Qt.

Acer palmatum 'Versicolor' Three Color Japanese Maple Zone: 5-8

A heat tolerant upright Japanese maple with fresh green leaves which are speckled with varying amounts of white streaks, blotches and fleck, which start out pink and slowly change to white. Tolerates shade but loses much of the variegation. 'Versicolor' is a strong-growing, hardy form which can reach 25' feet, although 15-20' is typical. Fabulous Fall color starts bright gold changing to strong red.

Soil: Well-drained H:15-20' W: B/M: na

Actinidias are on the Vines Page

$17.99 Qt.

Aesculus parviflora Bottlebrush Buckeye Zone: 4-8

If I live to be a hundred, I will never forget walking behind the office of Bluebird Wholesale Nursery and coming face to face with a mature, blooming Aesculus parviflora. I had no idea what it was (a novice to shrubs then) and I thought it was the most beautiful, magnificent thing I had ever seen. I seen it since at MOBOT, Ginter and the National Cathedral -- grand gardens all have it! And every time, when in bloom, it takes my breath away. Giant fluffy, white candelabra blooms with red anthers. If you have the room, you gotta have it! East Coast Native.

Soil: Moist (especially when young) but well-drained H: 8-12' W: 8-15' B/M: White/6-7

$11.99 Qt.

Aesculus pavia Red Buckeye, Scarlet Buckeye Zone: 4-8

Clump-forming small tree w/ spectacular salmon to medium red flowers on 6-8" panicles in spring. (Our form is near red.) Always brings ooh's and ahh's when it blooms. Seldom seen in the trade. Eastern Native. Attractive brownish red berries released from tan capsules. There are really no words that can adequately describe this tree's Beauty. Attracts hummingbirds (which is rare for a tree) as does the Mimosa below. Blooms at an early age. Dislikes dry soil. Plants of Merit - Missouri Botanical Garden.

Soil: Moist but Well Drained H: 10-20' W: 10-20' B/M: Red blooms/4-5

$23.99 Qt.

Aesculus x carnea 'Briotti' Red Horse Chestnut Zone: (3)4-8

Magnificent. One word says it. I won't stop at that one word but I probably could! Distinctive palmate leaves, enormous, rich rose-red candle like flowers are spectacular in Spring. Large but still more compact than common Horse Chestnut. Grows about 12" per year. In bloom these tree is the most amazing things you've ever seen. Stunning, Gorgeous, Amazing and yes, Magnificent! Tolerant of most soils but prefers deep, well-drained. Most sources say Zone 5 on this plant but Missouri Botanical Garden says Zone 4. Missouri State Univ. says Zone 3.

Soil: Average H: 25-35' W: 25-35' B/M: Rose Red/5-6

Agarista populifolia and

Agarista populifolia 'Taylor's Treasure' are still listed under their old name

Leucothoe populifolia on the J-L Shrub Page

$11.99 Qt.

Albizia julibrissin Mimosa or Silktree Zone: 6-9

Sure, it's messy and you don't want it over your patio. But if you can find a prettier tree in bloom I'd love to know what it is! Just place it in a grassy spot where the sticky sap isn't a problem. (My son's favorite tree!) It's naturalized over Virginia and elsewhere but was originally from China. The Pink Powder-Puff flowers are very distinctive and beautiful over fine-textured foliage. And, how many other trees bloom all summer? I think the answer is 'None'. Like the Buckeye above, it attracts Hummingbirds, another rare attribute. Unlike the Buckeye, however, it drought tolerant.

Soil: Most any H: 20-35' W: 25-30' B/M: Pink/June through Fall

Potential Noxious Weed: Does self seed some so while it is not banned (2008) in any state, it is listed as a noxious weed in TN and FL. What does that mean? It means in your yard in a controlled neighborhood, it's fine. If you live near a wild or native area that you can't maintain, monitor and control, then you shouldn't plant this plant.

TN and FL

New 2008

$11.99 Qt.

Amelanchier x grandiflora 'Autumn Brilliance' Apple Serviceberry, June Berry Zone: 4-9

A Royal Horticulture Society Plant of Merit. A deciduous, early-flowering large shrub or small trees with showy, slighty fragrant white blooms in drooping clusters called racemes which appear before the leaves emerge. Oval cut leaves are bluish-green 2-5" long and change to brilliant orange-red in Fall (hence the name). Flowers are followed by green berries which turn red, then dark purplish black in early summer. The edible berries resembling blueberries. Particularly effective in the woodland border or against a dark background.

Soil: H: 15-25' W: 14-25' B/M: White/5

$8.99 Qt.

Amorpha canescens Lead Plant Zone: 5-9

Usually densely white-hairy leaflets; terminal flower spikes to 6" long. A small shrub belonging to the Bean Family! The foliage is fine & fernlike, turning beautiful yellow in fall. More drought tolerant than most shrubs. Prune hard in early spring.

Soil: Well-drained H: 24-48" W: 18" B/M: Purple/6-7

$8.99 Qt.

Amorpha fruticosa Indigobush, False Indigo, Desert Indigo Zone: 4-9

Deep violet purple corolla, exserted stamens and yellow orange anthers are a lot of technical terms that translate into "an astounding bloom"! The 8-20" long slender, upright flowers spikes are on a woody shrub to 10' loved by a variety of Butterflies. The fruit looks like a tiny cucumber!

Soil: Any even poorly drained, moist or dry H: 6-10' W: 6-10' B/M: Burgundy & Yellow/5-6

$8.99 Qt.

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Massachusetts' Bearberry Zone: 2-6(7)

Prostrate branches thickly covered with small, dark green, leathery leaves. Small, pendulous white blossoms make way for glossy, bright red, pea-sized berries which remain thru winter. Use in rock gardens, draping over walls, under dwarf conifers. Best in part shade here. Massachusetts has good resistance to gall & leaf spot. Established plants don't move well. Oddly enough, it's also a Hummingbird plant -- I guess for the really low flying Red-Throated Hummers on the East Coast.

Soil: Moist but well-drained H: 12" W: Indef. B/M: Waxy Pink/4-5

$9.99 Qt.

Ardisia japonica Japanese Ardisia or Marlberry Zone: 7B-10

A fairly rare evergreen groundcover with 1/2" pink star-shaped flowers in spring followed by abundant red berries in the fall. The dark green leaves are heavily serrated on the edges. Spreads by underground runners. Prefers to not have foot traffic. Beautiful!

Soil: Moist, rich but well-drained H: 8-10" W: Indef. B/M: Pink&White/Spring

What you're saying...

(The plants) Arrived safe and sound. Can't wait 'til next year.

Thanks, Joyce One happy planter!

Key to symbols

$9.99 Qt.

Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima' 'Brilliantissima' Red Chokeberry Zone: 4-9

Easy to grow, adapts to any soil after being established, even dry or wet. Variable in size depending on growth conditions. May occasionally sucker. Stupendous Fall berries and leaf color. A favorite of Finches, Jays, Juncos, and Grosbeaks. Brilliantissima is more compact, with shinier foliage and more, larger berries. AKA, Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliant'.

Soil: Most any H:6-10' W: 5-7' B/M: White w/ black anthers/Spring

$8.99 Qt.

Aronia melanocarpa Black Chokeberry Zone: 3A-9

A spreading Chokeberry that will take any soil. Great for erosion control in a 'hateful' place. Beautiful black berries. Good for massing. Fall color can be a good wine red and the purplish black, 1/2" berries are also handsome. Native and while spreading by suckers, not invasive.

Soil: Any - wet to sandy; doesn't like chalky H: 5-6' W: Indef. B/M: White/April

$9.99 Qt.

Aronia melanocarpa 'Viking' Black Chokeberry Zone: 3A-9

This Award-Winning shrub was developed in Europe as an orchard plant but a gardener couldn't ask for more in a shrub for the border: Masses of fragrant white spring flowers, earlier than the species, glossy summer foliage, gorgeous red fall foliage and extra-large 3/4", persistent purplish black berries (used like currants) for the orchard or for the birds, often lasting 'til spring when robins eat them! Well, gosh, did we miss anything? :-)

Soil: Any - wet to sandy; doesn't like chalky H:3-5' W: 5'+ B/M: White/April

New 6/11

$9.99 Qt.

Aronia melanocarpa 'Autumn Magic' Black Chokeberry Zone: 3A-9

If ever a plant was aptly named, this is! The magical mix of purple and red autumn hues is just that - magical. Dark green, waxy foliage in summer with white spring flowers followed by black berries just adds to the Magic. Amazing in mass. Fragrant.

Soil: Any - wet to sandy; doesn't like chalky H:5-7' W: 5'+ B/M: White/April

but

MA, CT Berberis thunbergii is listed as a Noxious Weed in Connecticut and banned in Massachusetts and yet numerous cultivars have received the prestigious Great Plant Picks Award - Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden . Plants selected for this award meet very high standards. In states other than MA, this shouldn't be planted where seeding could be a problem -- near natural areas for instance - where you couldn't remove the occasional seedling. In controlled yards and neighborhoods, it's fine.

$9.99 Qt.

No ship to MA

Berberis thunbergii 'Aurea' Barberry, Gold Leaf Best Tolerates Z: 4-8

A dwarf golden form of the species. Nothing has quite the eye appeal of a golden shrub mixed with other green and/or blue shrubs. Just an excellent, easy care accent. Will take some shade but will lose some of the gold.

Soil: Any but wet H: 4' W: 4' B/M: Insig. Yellow/Spring

MA, CT

$9.99 Qt.

No ship to MA

Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea 'Bagatelle' Very Dwarf Barberry Best Tolerates Z: 4-8

Deep burgundy red foliage turns somewhat more green in the heat of summer. This is an extremely tidy, compact form of Barberry. One of the most dwarf forms. Like all of this species, produces yellow flowers in spring, bright red, oblong fruit in autumn which is loved by birds. Forms a perfect, tight little mound and in Fall develops a color described by someone as a "screaming scarlet"! 2006 Great Plant Picks from Elisabeth Botanical Garden, a most prestigious award.

Soil: Any but wet H: 12-16" W: 12-16" B/M: Insig. Yellow/4-5

MA, CT

$10.99 Qt.

No ship to MA

Berberis thunbergii 'Bonanza Gold' ^TM ('Bogozam' #PP8215) Japanese Barberry Best ok Z: 4-8

This compact form has golden yellow foliage with eye-catching bright red fruit and is scorch resistant. Holds color well. Deciduous but leafs out early in the spring. Orange, red and purplish Fall color. Dense mounding habit. Best color in full sun.

Soil: Any but wet H:18" W: 36" B/M: Insig. Yellow/4-5

MA, CT

$9.99 Qt.

No ship to MA