Evergreen azalea ‘Compacta’

A long name for a short plant. The Korean azalea, Rhododendron yedoense, is one of the main sources of cold hardiness for the evergreen azaleas grown in our area. ‘Compacta’ is a dwarf selection of the otherwise large-growing species. Lavender flowers are produced... more

Rhododendron ‘Wintergreen’

Evergreen azalea ‘Wintergreen’

Polly Hill was an exceptional plantswoman from Martha’s Vineyard.  Many of Polly’s azaleas are interspecific hybrids involving an incredibly compact azalea from Taiwan called Rhododendron nakaharae. ‘Wintergreen’ has light red blooms mid-June into... more

Rhododendron vaseyi ‘Spring Spangle’

Deciduous azalea ‘Spring Spangle’

This is a deciduous azalea that produces clusters of pink flowers in mid-spring and has wonderful red-purple fall color. Can take sun or shade. An excellent azalea for our area. Only... more

Rhododendron ‘Susannah Hill’

Evergreen azalea ‘Susannah Hill’

Polly Hill was an exceptional plantswoman from Martha’s Vineyard.  Many of Polly’s azaleas are interspecific hybrids involving an incredibly compact azalea from Taiwan called Rhododendron nakaharae. ‘Susannah Hill’ is another groundcover azalea... more

Rhododendron ‘Pink Pancake’

Evergreen azalea ‘Pink Pancake’

Polly Hill was an exceptional plantswoman from Martha’s Vineyard.  Many of Polly’s azaleas are interspecific hybrids involving an incredibly compact azalea from Taiwan called Rhododendron nakaharae. ‘Pink Pancake’ is a flat grower,... more

Rhododendron ‘Mangetsu’

Evergreen azalea ‘Mangetsu’

A mounding, dwarf azalea selection. This cultivar, and another (‘Komo Kulshan’), is often attributed to a Japanese species called the Kyushu azalea, Rhododendron kiusianum. But azaleas are promiscuous, and this may be a hybrid. Flowers are white with purple... more

Rhododendron ‘Komo Kulshan’

Evergreen azalea ‘Komo Kulshan’

A favorite of the staff at the David G. Leach Research Station. This cultivar, and another offered this year (‘Mangetsu’), is often attributed to a Japanese species called the Kyushu azalea, Rhododendron kiusianum. But azaleas... more

Rhododendron ’Joseph Hill’

Evergreen azalea ’Joseph Hill’

Polly Hill was an exceptional plantswoman from Martha’s Vineyard. Many of Polly’s azaleas are interspecific hybrids involving an incredibly compact azalea from Taiwan called Rhododendron nakaharae. ‘Joseph Hill’ is a trailing, red-flowered evergreen shrub that makes an excellent... more

Rhododendron ‘Bowie’

Lepidote rhododendron

‘Bowie’, pronounced like “buoy”, is an intraspecific hybrid, scaly-leaved rhododendron, meaning it is the result of crossing the Appalachian native Rhododendron minus with the Florida Panhandle endemic Rhododendron minus var. chapmanii. Flip the leaves over and you’ll see tiny scales across the surface. A good... more

Rhododendron austrinum

Deciduous azalea

Rhododendron austrinum, the Florida flame azalea, is a deciduous azalea that produces clusters of yellow to orange, sweetly fragrant flowers in May. Though native to the Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama, and southeastern Mississippi, Rhododendron austrinum has proven... more

Rhododendron arborescens x cumberlandense ‘Camp’s Red’ Cross #13-185

Deciduous azalea ‘Camp’s Red’ Cross

Most of David Leach’s azalea hybrids have the same pedigree: Rhododendron arborescens x cumberlandense. These are some of our favorite azaleas at the David G. Leach Research Station. In 2013 Dr. Stephen Krebs remade this cross and grew out... more

Quercus shumardii

Shumard oak

Shumard oak is a medium sized, deciduous tree in the red oak group. It performs well in full sun, average soil and tolerates a variety of moisture conditions.  Pyramidal in youth but spreads to a... more

Polygonatum pubescens

Hairy Solomon’s seal

This Solomon’s seal prefers partial sun to medium shade, moist conditions, and organic soils.  It is a wonderful spring blooming plant with white tubular flowers gracing arching stems.  Flowers give way to large blue fruit... more

Polygonatum biflorum

Great Solomon’s seal

Great Solomon’s Seal has long, arching stems that dangle cream-colored flowers in early spring. It spreads slowly by rhizomes in optimal conditions. Large purple seeds and golden leaves add interest in fall.  Great Solomon’s seal can grow in full sun if provided adequate... more

Phlox stolonifera 'Blue Ridge'

Creeping phlox

Creeping phlox is a spreading, mat-forming phlox which is native to wooded areas and stream banks. Loose clusters of fragrant bluish lavender flowers appear on upright, leafy stems which rise above the foliage mat in spring. The genus... more

Phlox divaricata 'May Breeze' 

Woodland phlox

This plant feature oodles of white flowers in May that appear to float above narrow, pointed leaves which die back after blooming. In summer, new growth spreads along low stems and more rounded, dark green foliage appears. Plants will self-sow and create great drifts that blend well with other woodland native in... more

Phlox paniculata 'Laura'

Garden phlox

This garden phlox cultivar is easy to grow and purportedly mildew resistant, preferring full sun and moist, humus-rich soil. The dense flowers of phlox ‘Laura’ are deep lavender purple with a white eye and appear in later summer and will last until early fall.   ... more

Paeonia ITOH 'Canary Brilliants'

Peony ‘Canary Brilliants’

A showy mid- to late season bloomer with lush green foliage that produces long, sturdy stems of semi-double to fully double blooms with a light, spicy fragrance. Flower color ranges... more

Meehania cordata 

Creeping mint

Named for Philadelphia botanist, Thomas Meehan, creeping mint is a sturdy perennial groundcover and a great substitute for nonnative ground covers like Lamium or Ajuga. Meehania cordata has long, trailing stems run across the... more

Maianthemum stellatum 

Star-flowered Solomon’s seal

Maianthemum stellatum is a creeping rhizomatous perennial that is native to moist woods, slopes, prairies and meadows.  Each stem is topped in May-June by a 2-3″ long terminal raceme containing 6-15 white to greenish-white, 6-tepaled,... more

Magnolia ‘Galaxy’

Magnolia ‘Galaxy’

Magnolia ‘Galaxy’ is easily grown in humus-rich, neutral to slightly acidic, average to well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. It will perform best if planted in a location protected... more

Lilium canadense

Canada lily

The flowers of this species are large orange-red trumpets that hang facing downward.  There are one to five flowers at the top of the plant with petals that curve backward, but not as far... more

Bluntleaf waterleaf

Bluntleaf waterleaf

Hydrophyllum canadense is a low-growing, broad-leaved woodland perennial. Early foliage is dark green, mottled with silver, deeply lobed and very ornamental. As the growing season progresses, the leaves become solid green and maple-like, supported by bare stems... more

Geranium maculatum 

Wild geranium

The flowers of wild geranium are borne above the leaves in groupings of two to ten lavender flowers.  Each flower is one to two inches wide.  Geranium comes from the... more