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Latest NewsGarden Conservancy Open Day10:00am to 4:00pm, June 8th at Digging Dog Unique opportunity to view 3-1/2 acre Private Garden. Nursery open for plant sales Saturday Stroll & Plant Chat2:00 to 4:30pm, June 22nd Digging Dog Nurserya retail and mail order plant nursery specializing in unusual and hard to find perennials, ornamental grasses, shrubs, trees, and vines.
31101 Middle Ridge Rd. Visit Us! Fall/Winter Hours: Mon. & Wed. 8:30–1 2013 CatalogOrder the 2013 Catalog printed on genuine paper for $4. Free with plant order. Customer Comment:“All the plants were in excellent condition when I received them...and all were a wonderful size....I couldn't be happier! Digging Dog Nursery is going to be **my** nursery from now on!” ~Karen in Pennsylvania view Digging Dog's comments with Dave’s Garden (The Garden Watchdog) |
Shrubs at Digging Dog
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It was a fortuitous moment when Hydrangea enthusiast Eddie Aldridge and his father happened upon this sumptuous Hydrangea in the woodlands of Jefferson County, Alabama. Premiering enormous 15 in. long white panicles that can extend upward, outward or pendulously, the coarse textured, leathery anchor of large, oaklike foliage burnishes deep burgundy come fall and holds its handsome leaves well into December. The unique, two-toned double flowered effect is created when numerous tiered sepals first emerge white, while older ones below develop dark dusty pink shades with age. Considered by Michael Dirr to be the most beautiful of the sterile flowering cultivars, ‘Snowflake’s blooms open a little later, seem to last longer than the single quercifolias, and should be showcased in a favored location. Blooms late July–September. Size: 6'–8' high x 6'–8' wide; hardy to zone 5. Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snowflake’ (s-0124) Hydrangea serrata ‘Beni’ |
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This truly elegant Hypericum is covered with an abundance of large, bright yellow, pointed buds, followed by golden yellow flowers whose prominent long stamens seem to sparkle. Against a background of smooth blue-hued leaves, the bright red berries and starlike calyxes make a colorful late season display. Though deciduous elsewhere, along our coast the aromatic leaves fill the garden with their scent all year round. Blooms June–September. Size: 3' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 5. Hypericum kouytchense (S-0417) IsoplexisIsoplexis canariensis
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Forging a bold impression, this architectural beauty combines winsome, dark evergreen foliage on thick red-hued stems and foot long, noble spires in enticing autumn shades. Beneath a floral glow of gold, copper and orange, the large, downward-curving leaves are pointed, leathery and toothed, achieving an open, yet stiffly erect shrublike foundation that eventually becomes woody. Densely arranged, arching hooded flowers with three lower petals garnish the long blooming torches, casting their uniquely warm chroma on Melianthus major’s icy blue profile to great effect. Related to Digitalis and endemic to the Canary Islands, Isoplexis canariensis is a stately, medium-sized specimen for the mixed border requiring protection right around 25° and judicious trimming as it regenerates very slowly. Blooms late May–October. Size: 3'–4' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 9. Isoplexis canariensis (S-0641) KerriaKerriaKerria japonica ‘Albiflora’ |
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Tall slender stems rise from a mound of elegant sword-shaped gray-green foliage, the longest leaves of any angustifolia cultivar. Abundant green buds tinted with purple open into dark violet blooms held by light purple calyxes, and make excellent cut flowers, fresh or dried. Blooms June–July. Size: 2-1/2'–3' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 5. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Graves’ (S-0422) Lavandula angustifolia ‘Imperial Gem’ |
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One of the fattest budded Lavenders, purple-violet ‘Grosso’ is especially strong and vigorous. Its growth habit is a tight and tidy, green-gray mound even when not in bloom, always appearing to have just been trimmed. A great choice for the natural setting, or try it with Rockrose or Rosemary. Blooms June–October. Size: 3'–3-1/2' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 6. Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso’ (S-0055) Lavandula x intermedia ‘Hidcote Giant’ |
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It’s hard to feel anything other than tickled pink by the pretty showing of large, frilly pink bracts that gather in prominent tufts atop plump egg-shaped, dark plum-colored flowers. A compact and well-groomed bushy shrub, ‘Tickled Pink’s aromatic sage-green leaves are graced by a splendid repeat bloom come autumn. Zone 7/8. Blooms April – August. Size: 2-1/2' high x 2-1/2' wide; hardy to zone 8. AVAILABLE LATE JUNE 2013 Lavandula stoechas ssp. luisieri ‘Tickled Pink’ (S-0696) Lavandula stoechas ‘Willow Vale’ |
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This Nepalese woodland shrub is adorned first with clusters of white-tipped, tubular pink flowers surrounded by beet red bracts. Later, its fruit matures into shiny chocolate- brown berries that taste like caramel-flavored raisins. Its pointed, heart-shaped leaves extend stiffly from bamboolike, sea-green stems. We plant it as a specimen next to walkways so that we can enjoy the colorful details. Blooms August – October. Size: 6' high x 4' wide; hardy to zone 7. Leycesteria formosa (S-0274) Leycesteria formosa ‘Golden Lanterns’ |
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Late Dutch HoneysuckleSamuel Pepys called it the trumpet flower and wrote, “The bugles blow scent instead of sound.” ‘Serotina’ bears multitudes of spidery-looking, fuchsia-colored buds, which open into pink, sweet-smelling bugles that later fade to a creamy salmon color. You can prune this vigorous semideciduous vine to make it more shrublike or let its bluish green foliage climb into the branches of a Cercidiphyllum. Blooms June–September. Size: 6'–8' high x 4' wide; hardy to zone 6. Lonicera periclymenum ‘Serotina’ (S-0350) MahoniaMahonia gracilipes |
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Maroon Tree Peony
Named after Pierre Jean Marie Delavay, a French missionary and avid plant collector who resided in China during the late 1800s, this gorgeous, rarely cultivated Peony showcases lavish burgundy blossoms amid splendid foliage. The slightly nodding, dark shiny flowers are fragrant and brightened by a large central cluster of yellow stamens. Strong, red-tinted upright stems and deciduous, deeply cut glaucous green leaves sculpt an undemanding, long-lived elegant shrub. The Maroon Tree Peony handles spring frosts, needs a pruning to maintain its bushy habit and appreciates a cool, moist sheltered site with a generous helping of well rotted manure. Blooms May. Size: 5'–6' high x 2'–3' wide; hardy to zone 6. Paeonia delavayi (S-0715) ParahebeParahebe catarractae (lavender form) |
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In Tudor times, to dream of the ripe fruit of a flowering currant was said to herald great fortune, many children and the accomplishment of your dreams. This choice woodland shrub is a vigorous and hardy cross between Ribes odoratum and Ribes sanguineum. Its clusters of raspberry-red flowers, highlighted with creamy yellow throats, appear a salmon color at first glance and cascade gracefully amidst the lobed, toothed foliage. Plant atop a stone wall with an understory of Brunnera ‘Langtrees’, and watch the birds enjoy its black berries. Blooms March. Size: 5' high x 2'–3' wide; hardy to zone 4. AVAILABLE AUGUST 2013 Ribes x gordonianum (S-0419) Ribes sanguineum ‘King Edward VII’ |
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Sambucus nigra Black Beauty™ Set apart by its intense purple-black leaves, this Sambucus comes to us from a special breeding program in Kent, England. The passionate hue of the foliage remains all season, darkening as autumn approaches. Superbly displayed against the dramatic leaves, unique, deep pink, lemon-scented umbels develop to almost 10 in. across. Partner this thoroughbred with the golden foliage of Spiraea ‘Ogon’ or let her stand as an alluring backdrop for the silvery inflorescences of the late blooming grasses. Minimal pruning will easily maintain ‘Black Beauty’s smaller silhouette for gardens short on space. (PP#12,305) Blooms May–June. Size: 10'–12' high x 6'–8' wide; hardy to zone 4. Sambucus nigra ‘Gerda’ (S-0595) Sambucus racemosa ‘Sutherland Gold’ |
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Lavender Cotton
Botanicals first mentioned Santolina in 1550, when its dense filigree foliage and white felted stems made it the star player of that Elizabethan rage, the formal knot garden. This dwarf cultivar presents golden yellow button flowers borne profusely on a tight evergreen mound of aromatic silver-gray. It’s deer and pest proof, extremely drought tolerant, and is still the perfect choice for edging the herb garden or tucking into the rockery or a small sunny nook. Blooms July–August. Size: 12" high x 12" wide; hardy to zone 6. Santolina chamaecyparissus var. nana (S-0579) SarcococcaSweetboxSarcococca hookeriana var. humilis
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Dwarf SweetboxThis superb Himalayan denizen brings evergreen elegance and heavenly winter fragrance to a shady locale. Crafting a low well-groomed textural ground cover, slowly creeping stolons sprout 18 in. stems clad in lustrous dark green narrow leaves. Copious, tiny white flowers and round blue-black fruit heighten allure. Tailor-made for hedging, entrance ways or the woodland garden, Dwarf Sweetbox keeps deer at bay, appreciates regular watering, and an annual shearing to maintain its dashing appearance. Blooms March – April. Size: 18"–2' high x 3'–4' wide; hardy to zone 6. Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis (S-0751) SorbariaSorbaria sorbifolia
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False Spiraea
Ushering bold grandeur into the backdrop of a large shrubby planting or a woodland’s edge, this dramatic Spiraea cousin hails from eastern Asia. Stiff, thick suckering stems spawn tropical-looking, elegantly chiseled pinnate foliage with serrated and pleated deciduous leaflets beneath a creamy white explosion of giant Astilbe-like plumes. Tiny individual flowers feature cupped calyxes, prominent stamens and reflexed petals for starry appeal. Reputed to contain valuable antioxidants, the lush growing Sorbaria sorbifolia favors rich, moist soil in cooler climates, while regular pruning and cane removal will keep its spreading nature curbed. Blooms June–July. Size: 5'–10' high x 5'–10' wide; hardy to zone 2. Sorbaria sorbifolia (S-0662) Spiraea
With attractive foliage and a graceful habit, these hardy, deciduous flowering shrubs belong to the Rose family, and are easily grown in any fertile, somewhat moisture-retentive garden soil. Spiraea betulifolia ‘Tor’ |
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When you’ve got a trouble spot, ‘Azureum’ comes to the rescue. Half the size of Teucrium fruticans, and more of a shrubby ground cover, this vigorous, ruggedly charming cultivar bears eye catching lavender-blue flowers and evergreen foliage that’s gray-green above and silver-white beneath. Blooms January–July. Size: 3'–4' high x 6' wide; hardy to zone 8. Teucrium fruticans ‘Azureum’ (s-0068) UlmusElmUlmus parvifolia ‘Seiju’
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Seiju Chinese ElmThis dwarf Chinese Elm presents an array of ornamental attributes: fissured corklike bark, delicate branches uniquely arranged in somewhat flattened sprays, petite dark green foliage—elliptic, toothed and lustrous—and bright new growth. Unsurpassed in a trough, a rock garden or as a bonsai subject, it is a stellar, disease resistant sport of the ultraminiature Ulmus ‘Hokkaido’ with small reddish flowers, slightly larger deciduous leaves and a faster growth rate. Bred by Carl Young of Lodi, California, ‘Seiju’s no-fuss nature loves sun and ample moisture, while abiding an array of soils. Blooms August. Size: 2'–10' high x 2'–10' wide; hardy to zone 4. Ulmus parvifolia ‘Seiju’ (S-0728) Viburnum
Viburnum, whether evergreen or deciduous, is certainly a shrub for all seasons: there’s ‘Aurora’ to usher in spring and ‘Watanabei’ adorning graduation and June weddings. Blazing with autumn color, and all bearing lustrous fruit through winter to attract feathered visitors, these graceful shrubs exhibit an enduring cold hardiness. They prefer rich, moist soil and bloom best in full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. Viburnum x burkwoodii ‘Anne Russell’ |
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Chaste TreeWith cannabis-style palmate foliage and a virtuous history of helping both European monks and Demeter devoted Greek women remain chaste, this woody Verbena relative is anything but modest. Late in the spring, young downy wood and numerous branching stems forge a broad swath clothed in 5-fingered, lancelike leaflets brightened by silver felted undersides. Beat-the-heat colors distinguish the refreshing summer display as upright and spiky, nearly foot long panicles of dense, lilac-blue tubular flowers extend out from a stout rounded shrub or small tree. The aromatic, easy-to-grow Chaste Tree is a deciduous, sun-loving Mediterranean native whose stature depends on how severe the winters are or how far back its been trimmed. Enticing to hummingbirds and gardeners alike, it appreciates well drained soil and a hard cut in early spring, endures some drought once established and bestows a restful grace note to the mixed border. Blooms August – September. Size: 8'–12' high x 8'–12' wide; hardy to zone 6. Vitex agnus-castus ‘Shoal Creek’ (S-0679) WeigelaWeigela ‘Wine and Roses’ |
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Yellowhorn
A hardy and versatile deciduous member of a mostly tropical family, this choice northern Chinese native headlines shiny, deep green pinnate leaves, defined by 9 to 17 serrated leaflets and lovely, white cupped flowers held in large Horse Chestnut-style clusters. A saffron-colored eye deepening to carmine-pink inscribes each sweetly scented, 5-petaled blossom. Come autumn, oval-shaped leathery capsules produce numerous, edible, large black seeds that supposedly taste like macadamia nuts. Preferring a warm sunny locale, but also abiding a moist shady one, Yellowhorn’s upright and lacy silhouette possesses exceptional drought tolerance. Blooms May. Size: 12'–18' high x 8'–10' wide; hardy to zone 4. Xanthoceras sorbifolium (s-0721) |
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