ited space, this conical evergreen tree is noted for its 

 distinctive fishhook branching and refined habit. Al- 

 though fairly adaptable as to site, this spruce does best 

 on deep, well-drained — yet moist — soils with winter 

 protection from strong winds. 



Carolina Hemlock [Tsuga caroUniana). Less well-known 

 than our native Canadian hemlock, this somewhat less 

 graceful tree is more tolerant of city conditions. More 

 compact, deeper green, and slower growing than our 

 native species, this evergreen is offered as an alterna- 

 tive to, but not as a substitute for, our Canadian hem- 

 lock. 



Bristlecone Pine (Pihms aristata]. Probably never des- 

 tined to be a mainstream commodity, this surprisingly 

 hardy and tough plant can make a picturesque, bonsai- 

 like focal point for a private patio or meditative garden. 

 Extremely slow-growing and not commonly found, this 

 would be a good choice for a distinctive specimen 

 plant. 



DECIDUOUS SHRUBS 



Brilliant Red Chokeberry {Aronia arbutifoUa 'Brilliant- 

 issima'). This six-to-eight-foot, upright, suckering shrub 

 is a terrific choice as an upright, deciduous hedging ma- 

 terial where space is at a premium. Although the white 

 flowers are not overwhelming, the summer foliage is a 

 lustrous, almost waxy, dark green which turns a brilliant 

 scarlet in the fall. The bright red fruits are favored by 

 birds. This selection, as well as the species, tends to 

 become leggy with age, and the use of a facer plant, 

 such as the Taunton yew listed below, is recommended 

 for best landscape effect. 



Cornell Pink Rhododendron [Rhododendron mucronulatum 

 Cornell Pink'). One of the first rhododendrons to 

 bloom, its true pink flowers held on naked stems are a 

 welcome harbinger of spring. This medium-sized, com- 

 pact shrub is nearly rounded in outline and has soft 

 green summer foliage which changes to shades of yel- 

 low and bronzy crimson in the fall. Winter habit is clean 

 and neat. 



Northern Lights Hybrid Azaleas {Rttododendron 'Northern 

 Lights'). Hardy to nearly -40F, this group of deciduous 

 rhododendrons blooms early in a variety of colors. 

 Flowering in white, yellow, orange, rosy pink, or lilac, 

 these plants are medium-sized and compact. Reported 

 to not be especially resistant to powdery mildew, atten- 

 tion to site selection and cultural conditions — good air 

 circulation, low humidity, and proper sanitation — is im- 

 portant. However, this group of especially hardy shrubs 

 might be a good choice where the selection of rhodo- 

 dendrons is limited. 



Compact Koreanspice Viburnum [Viburnum carlesii 

 'Compactum'). A preferred selection from a superior 

 plant group, this viburnum is attractive year-round. The 

 early, semisnowball-type white flower clusters are pink 



in bud and are very pleasantly fragrant. It is this 

 author's observation that the attractive green foliage 

 turns a more consistent red to maroon-bronze in the 

 fall than the species and then drops to reveal a clean 

 winter habit. 



Hobblebush [Viburnum alnifolium). Despite being a native 

 plant best used for naturalizing, hobblebush does have 

 several ornamental qualities of merit. The large, white, 

 flattopped flower clusters are a one of the showiest of 

 any native woody plant. The clean green foliage 

 emerges, becoming an effective deep red-to-maroon in 

 the fall. This leggy and somewhat open plant appears 

 to be hobbling around on its knees and elbows and is 

 best used when faced with greenery or a stone wall. 

 Hobblebush does best in light shade on the edge of 

 moist, deciduous woods. 



Witherod Viburnum [Viburnum cassinoides) . Another native 

 viburnum, this plant fits in well with our natural New 

 Hampshire landscape. The creamy white flower clusters 

 produce a fruiting display that passes through a se- 

 quential ripening process, changing in color from green 

 to nearly white and then to pink, rose, and blue, finally 

 becoming black. Often all stages are present together 

 on the same fruiting cluster. As unusual as this trait is, 

 the fruits are quickly enjoyed by birds. Foliage is a 

 shiny rich green followed by a brilliant and dependable 

 red. Like most viburnums, its clean winter habit is an 

 asset in the winter landscape. 



EVERGREEN SHRUBS 



Blue Star Juniper [\uniperus squamata 'Blue Star). A bril- 

 liant blue-green, this tough little shrub is well-adapted 

 for sunny, well-drained areas. Maturing to a height of 

 about two and one-half feet by about four feet in width, 

 this compact juniper is ideal for foundation planting. 



Taunton Yew [Taxus x media 'Tauntonii'). A smaller, more 

 compact Taxus that grows to a height of about three feet 

 and a width of six to eight feet, it is extremely resistant 

 to winter burn and responds well to regular clipping. 



Although expanding our New Hampshire plant palette 

 can be a slow process, dependent on careful evaluation 

 of both conventional and newly developed plant forms, 

 it is a valuable goal. As large department store chains 

 continue to offer more and more products and services 

 traditionally provided by landscapers and nurseries, it's 

 important for small businesses to remain competitive. 

 Given the incoming wave of active, affluent baby 

 boomers approaching retirement age, providing superior 

 plant choices and innovative services is only part of the 

 strategy to find one's niche in a dynamic and expanding 

 market. 



Ralph M. WiHsloif jr., is an Extension Educator, Agricultural 

 Resources and Community Development, in Belknap County. 

 He can be reached at 603-524-1737. 



JUNE & |ULY 



