Author: Kirby Kalbaugh
Posts by Kirby Kalbaugh
Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’
Though the straight species of Magnolia gradiflora is not hardy in Indiana, ‘Little Gem’ can be hardy up to zone 6(7). If planted, place in an area that is protected from winter winds and extreme temperature drops, such as an enclosed courtyard. ‘Little Gem’ is a dwarf cultivar of the Southern Magnolia, ranging from 15′ […]
Aronia melanocarpa ‘Morton’ [sold as Iroquis Beauty™]
Cultivar ‘Morton’, sold as Iroquois Beauty, is a compact shrub that reaches 5 to 6 feet. The flowering and fruiting are similar to that of the straight species, but the compact form allows this shrub to e better utilized in a mass planting. Great for rain gardens, bioswales, and lowlands that collect water in the […]
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Spiraea × bumalda ‘Anthony Waterer’
‘Anthony Waterer’ Japanese Spirea is a cultivar of Spiraea japonica that originated from the original cultivar of Spiraea x bumalda (hybrid of S. albiflora and S. japonica), as many other cultivars of Spiraea. This condensed shrub reached 3 to 4′ in height and roughly 4-5′ in width at maturity. Flowers reach 4 to 6″ in […]
Cornus kousa ‘Greensleeves’
Greensleeves Kousa Dogwood is fast growing, has symmetrical branching, and its flowers remain green, rather than the creamy white of the straight species. Great exfloiating bark, and waxy, dark green leaves also adds interest to this small tree. Greensleeves flowers later in the spring than the Indiana native Flowering Dogwood (C. florida). […]
Nyssa sylvatica ‘WFH1’ [sold as Tupelo Tower™]
Tupelo Tower is one of the only upright, of columnar habit, unlike the straight species. Its tight habit, brilliant fall color, and urban tolerances make this cultivar highly saught after. Typically, a slightly acidic soil is needed for this species to perform well. Difficult to transplant, so best purchase as container grown. Wet soils tolerant. […]
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Schizophragma hydrangeoides
The Japanese Hydrangea-vine is a shade tolerant vine within the Hydrangea family. Root-like fixtures, or adhesive rootlets, allow this vine to grow vertically up masonry walls, trellis structures, and sides of buildings. Its flowers are lace-cap hydrangea-like clusters that bloom in mid-June through July. […]
Thuja plicata ‘Green Giant’
Green Giant Arborvitae is one of the best plants for screening when grown in wet, but not in saturated soils. The straight species was an important timber tree in the western US. Subject to several pests (especially bagworms), all of which usually can be controlled with timely spraying. […]
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Robert’ [sold as Let’s Dance Moonlight™]
Let’s Dance Moonlight Bigleaf Hydrangea is a mophead cultivar that reblooms throughout the late summer months (July-September). Slightly more compact than the straight species, Let’s Dance Moonlight cultivar typically grows 2 to 3′ in height and in width. Like most of hydrangeas, flower color depends on the acidity of the soil (blue for more acidic […]
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Frangula alnus ‘Ron Williams’ [sold as Fine Line®]
Though the name buckthorn is forever a synonym of invasiveness, this cultivar gives the species a round of redemption. Fine Line is a hybrid of the cultivars of R. frangula ‘Aspleniifolia’ and ‘Columnaris’, giving its distinct upright habit and the glossy dark green leaves. Though Fine Line will flower and fruit, the seed viability extremely […]
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