The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's
GOLD MEDAL PLANT AWARD


10 Years of Gold!

PLANT PORTRAITS
1993-1998

 

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's Gold Medal Plant Award program honors little-known and underused woody plants of exceptional merit and promotes their use. Awards have been given to 61 plants since 1988. These pages describe many of the Award winners; this year's winners are highlighted. All are superb garden plants, and we hope you'll find an opportunity to use them in your garden or business.

For additional information, please feel free to contact the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society at 215-988-8800.


To view a list of suppliers for a particular plant, click the plant's name.

 

 
Abies nordmanniana , a disease and insect resistant fir, is better adapted to the warm climate of the Delaware Valley and the broader region the Gold Medal program serves than other members of the genera. Rich, dark-green and pyramidal in shape, this evergreen reaches to 50’. Hardy from zone 5 to zone 7. (1994)

 
Acer griseum is a native of China that has made itself at home in the American garden. This aristocrat is a standout in the winter landscape at 20’-30’ high with exfoliating cinnamon-red bark. Planted in rich, moist soil in full sun, the paperbark maple is a great small shade tree with no pest or disease problems. Hardy to zone 4. (1993)

 
Japanese cutleaf maples have long been garden favorites. Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Tamukeyama’ , selected in the early 18th century, remains a best choice. Growing to 6’ with a 12’ spread in 20 years, this maple is a hardy, long-lived specimen tree. Unlike many cutleaf maples, this cultivar retains its red color through the heat of summer. Its dome shape and twiggy habit provide winter interest. Hardy to zone 6. (1997)

 
Acer triflorum is a small specimen tree unrivaled for fall color. Growing to 25’ in height with a 20’ spread, this maple will consistently put on a dazzling fall display in yellow/orange to flame orange. Prefers an acidic, moist, well-drained soil in partial shade but tolerates sun, shade and neutral soils. No pest or disease problems. Hardy to zone 5. (1996)

 
space Aesculus parviflora is a low maintenance shrub whose large white summer flowers are set against a bold texture. Growing to 12’ with a width of 15’ in moist soil, Buckeye prefers partial shade and acid soil. Deer resistant. Hardy zones 4 to 8. (1998)

 
Aesculus pavia is a native buckeye that blooms in May with red to coral panicles, 3"–6" long. With no pest or disease problems, this species is far more resistant to leaf scorch than other Aesculus. Growing to 20’ with a 30’ spread, this is a great tree for residential gardens. Plant in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Hardy from zone 6a–9a. (1995)

 
Boxwood evokes images of stately gardens of yesterday. Buxus ‘Green Velvet’ is the best choice for today’s gardens. Growing to 3’ with a 3’–4’ spread, ‘Green Velvet’ is easily maintained as a short border plant. Tolerant of a broad range of soil types, grown in sun or light shade, this boxwood retains its color through the winter—a real advantage in northern gardens. Deer resistant. Disease free. Hardy to zone 5. (1997)

 
Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Prostrata’ , an evergreen shrub widely tolerant of soil types, reaches to 30" in height with a spread of 12’. No pest or disease problems. A great alternative to Japanese Yew, it’s deer resistant! Hardy to zone 6. (1994)

 
Cladrastis kentukea (C. lutea) is an American native. When planted in full sun the Yellowwood is broadly adaptable and long-lived. In late May to early June, pendulous white flowers, 8"–14" long, adorn this pest-free tree. Prune in summer to avoid excessive "bleeding." Hardy from zone 4b to zone 8. (1994)

 
Clethra alnifolia ‘Hummingbird’ is a dwarf Summersweet that displays full-size flowers on a compact 3’ plant. A fragrant, summer-blooming shrub, this American native is a vigorous spreading plant but is not drought-tolerant. Hardy from zone 3 to zone 9. (1994)

 
Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ is the only pink blooming summersweet that will not fade to white. Grown in moist soil, ‘Ruby Spice’ tolerates sun or shade. A stoloniferous shrub, growing to 8’ in 10 years, this Clethra works well as a specimen or in mass. No serious pest or disease problems, it will delight gardeners with rich pink flowers in July. Hardy to zone 4. (1998)

 
Cornus kousa ×C. florida ‘Rutban’ AuroraTM is a vigorous hybrid that offers hope for dogwood lovers. A white-flowering selection from Rutgers University’s breeding program, this cross is more resistant to leaf spot, canker, and borer than Cornus florida. Aurora is highly adaptable to many garden situations. Its upright habit supports a multitude of large white blooms in mid-May. Grows to 19’ in 20 years. Hardy to zone 6a. (1993)

 
Cornus kousa ×C. Florida ‘Rutlan’ Ruth EllenTM is another product of the Rutgers University’s breeding program. The flowering bracts are more distinct than Aurora’s and rest on a low-spreading C. florida-type tree. Early in May a profusion of bloom begins that will last up to two weeks. Like all the Rutgers hybrids, Ruth Ellen has to date shown resistance to dogwood anthracnose. Grows to 19’ in height by 22’ spread in 20 years. Hardy to zone 6a. (1993)

 
Cryptomeria japonica ‘Yoshino’ is by far the best of the Cryptomeria species. Planted in light shade with adequate moisture, ‘Yoshino’ overcomes the winter browning and loss of lower branches from which other Cryptomeria suffer. A conical-shaped evergreen, it grows to 30’ in height by 18’ wide in 30 years. It is resistant to fungal problems and no pest problems have been reported. This Cryptomeria makes a great evergreen screen with a wonderful texture. Hardy in zone 6 to zone 9. (1993)

 
Halesia diptera var. magniflora grows to 25’–30’ in open, wooded, or full-sun conditions. A heavy and prolonged flowering variety, this Halesia will dazzle you with large white flowers. Plant in the spring in any moist, well-drained soil. A real show stopper! Hardy to zone 6. (1995)

 
Heptacodium miconioides is a large shrub, growing to 20’, which will delight from an early age. In autumn red buds open to a fragrant profusion of white flowers. Once the petals drop, red flower-stems continue interest until red fruit appears. Broad soil type and pH tolerance makes this a great plant. Exfoliating bark. No pest or disease problems. Can be trained into tree form. Hardy to zone 4. (1995)

 
Ilex ×meserveae ‘Mesid’ Blue MaidTM , the best of the blue hollies, keeps lustrous green foliage year round. Bright red berries attract birds from October through December. Reliably hardy and far more heat tolerant than her sisters, Blue MaidTM is a great evergreen shrub. Reaching to 15’, slightly broader than tall at maturity, Blue MaidTM takes well to pruning. No disease problems. Male pollinator needed. Hardy to zone 5. (1996)

 
Ilex glabra ‘Densa’ , an upright and compact holly, tolerates heat, drought, sun, shade, and transplanting without missing a beat. Suited to problem and urban sites, ‘Densa’ grows to 4’ with a 4½’ spread in 9 years. Pest and disease resistant, this broadleaf evergreen is a great alternative to boxwood. Hardy to zone 4. (1994)

 
Ilex verticillata ‘Scarlett O’Hara ’, growing to 10’ with a 12’ spread in 11 years, extends garden interest into the winter. An abundance of small clear-red fruit persist through the cold months. Clay-soil tolerance, with no pest or disease problems, makes this an ideal plant for the home garden. ‘Rhett Butler’ is her preferred pollinator. Hardy in zones 3 to 9. (1996)

 
Ilex verticillata ‘Winter Red’ is a deciduous holly, laden with red fruit through the winter. Growing to 10’ with an 8’ spread, ‘Winter Red’ performs best in moist, well-drained, acidic soils. Male pollinator necessary. Hardy to zone 4. (1995)

 
The native juniper is available in every size and shape. Juniperus virginiana ‘Corcorcor’ Emerald SentinelTM , well-suited for a tall screen, is upright and grows to 25’ with a spread of 6’. Junipers tolerate a broad range of climatic and site conditions. Host to cedar-apple rust. Pest-resistant. Hardy to zone 4. (1997)

 
The bright yellow flowers of Koelreuteria paniculata ‘September’ provide this tree its common name—Goldenraintree. The glory of ‘September’ is its late August through September bloom period, when few other trees are in flower. In October the leaves turn yellow and blooms are replaced by rose-pink fruits that persist for 5 to 6 weeks. Koelreuteria is sparingly branched and forms a rounded tree at 30’–40’ by 30’–40’. No pest or disease. Hardy to zone 5. (1997)

 
Magnolia kobus var. stellata ‘Centennial’ blooms late in April, giving it a better chance of escaping frost damage to its flowers than other magnolias. Starting with a pink tinge, 5½" flowers fade to white. Growing to 15’–20’ with a spread of 10’–15’, this floriferous cultivar prefers full sun. Disease and pest resistant. Hardy to zone 4. (1997)

 
Mahonia bealei is a striking evergreen shrub, adding a bold textural statement to any garden. Deer resistant, Mahonia will grow to 5’ in part shade and prefers a moist, well-drained soil. Older plants bloom with chains of yellow flowers followed by blue berries. Hardy to zone 5. (1998)

 
Prunus ‘Hally Jolivette’ has pink buds that open to white blooms over a succession of 10–20 days in early spring. A small bushy tree, growing to 15’ with an equal spread, ‘Hally Jolivette’ starts blooming in its second year! Ideal for small properties, the fine twiggy habit even adds winter interest. Plant in full sun. Hardy to zone 5. (1994)

 
Schizophragma hydrangeoides ‘Moonlight’ is a noninvasive vine. Displaying a silver variegation it will attach itself with no mechanical supports. ‘Moonlight’ will tolerate sun or shade and grow to 40’. A wonderful accent plant, white flowers bloom in June and July. Hardy to zone 5. (1998)

 
Syringa reticulata ‘Ivory Silk’ blooms reliably in midsummer with large creamy-white panicles. Flowering begins at a young age on this sturdy, compact tree. Grows to 20’ with 12’ spread in 15 years. Drought-resistant; no pest or disease problems reported in the Gold Medal region. A great street tree. Hardy in zones 1b through 9. (1996)

 
Thuja ‘Green Giant’ has a wonderful habit for use as an evergreen screen or specimen plant. Reaching an ultimate height of 75’ with a spread of 12 - 20’, this tree has a graceful texture and no pest or disease problems. A vigorous grower in any soil condition. Hardy in zones 5 to 7. (1998)

 
Viburnum × burkwoodii ‘Conoy’ displays a branching habit ideal for foundation plantings and the small garden. This evergreen shrub, the last selection of Dr. Egolf’s breeding program at the U.S. National Arboretum, withstands pruning and shearing. Growing to 5’, with a spread of 7’, ‘Conoy’ prefers sun but will tolerate part-shade. In May red buds open to white flowers. Red fruit ripens to black each autumn. Pest and disease resistant. Hardy to zone 6. (1997)

 
Viburnum × burkwoodii ‘Mohawk’ is another deciduous Viburnum, slightly smaller at 8’ with a spread of 10’. In late April red buds open to fragrant white blossoms for a splendid addition to any garden. Plant in full sun for most flowers or in partial shade for more persistent flowers. ‘Mohawk’ is notably resistant to powdery mildew and bacterial leaf spot and is hardy to zone 5b. (1993)

 
Viburnum dilatatum ‘Erie’ is a large, deciduous shrub worth the space in your garden as it grows to 10’–12’. With frost, the abundant and well-displayed fruit turns from red to coral and lasts long into winter. Mid-May brings creamy white flowers, and fall color ranges from yellow to orange-red. ‘Erie’ flowers best in full sun but grows well in many exposures and soil types; it is pest and disease resistant. Hardy to zone 5b. (1993)