| Common Name |
Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac |
| Botanical Name |
Syringa reticulata ‘Ivory Silk’ |
| Plant Type |
Deciduous tree |
| Hardiness Zone |
3-7 (thrives in Zone 5b) |
| Mature Size |
20-25 ft tall, 15-20 ft wide |
| Sun Exposure |
Full sun (6+ hours) |
| Soil Preference |
Moist, well-drained; tolerates dry, alkaline, road salt |
| Bloom Time |
Early summer |
| Bloom Color |
Creamy white |
| Native To |
Japan (cultivar) |
| Deer Resistant |
Yes |
| Pollinator Friendly |
Yes (bees, butterflies) |
Why Ivory Silk for Wisconsin
Most lilacs bloom in spring. Ivory Silk waits until early summer, producing large creamy-white flower panicles right when the spring bloomers have faded. That timing alone makes it valuable. Add in strong branch structure, pest and disease resistance, tolerance for urban conditions including road salt, and you have a tree that performs well in places where a lot of other ornamentals struggle.
Planting Instructions
When: Spring (late April to May) or early fall (September).
Where: Full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soil types. Handles road salt, compacted soil, and urban pollution.
How: Dig a hole 2-3 times the width of the root ball. Plant at the same depth it was growing. Water deeply at planting and mulch to 3 inches, keeping mulch off the trunk.
Care Throughout the Season
Spring: New leaves emerge. No action needed unless you see crossing branches to remove.
Summer: Blooms appear in June. Enjoy them. Prune shortly after blooming if you need to shape the tree. Supplement watering during drought, especially in the first few years.
Fall: Foliage turns yellow-green before dropping. No pruning now.
Winter: The strong branch structure provides good winter interest. Cherry-like bark adds texture.
Common Problems in Wisconsin
Bacterial blight: Can affect lilacs in wet springs. Prune out affected branches. Good air circulation helps.
Borers: Stressed trees can attract borers. Keep the tree healthy with adequate water during dry spells. Avoid wounding the bark with mowers or trimmers.
Companion Planting
Daylilies bloom at the same time and fill the base. Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass adds movement and texture. Hydrangea paniculata provides follow-up summer blooms. Hosta works in the shadier spots under the canopy as it matures.
Design and Landscape Uses
Ivory Silk is perfect for small spaces. At 20-25 feet, it fits under power lines, along boulevards, and in residential front yards where larger shade trees would overwhelm the space. Works as a specimen, street tree, or focal point. The summer bloom timing fills a gap when few other trees are flowering.
Fun Fact
Like all lilacs, Ivory Silk is a member of the olive family (Oleaceae). It’s one of the most trouble-free ornamental trees you can plant in Wisconsin.
Ivory Silk is available at our nursery.
A great choice for front yards, boulevards, and anywhere you need a compact flowering tree.
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| Common Name |
Tree Peony |
| Botanical Name |
Paeonia x suffruticosa |
| Family |
Paeoniaceae |
| Plant Type |
Deciduous shrub |
| Hardiness Zone |
4-8 (thrives in Zone 5b) |
| Mature Size |
3-5 ft tall, 3-4 ft wide |
| Sun Exposure |
Full sun to part shade |
| Soil Preference |
Medium moisture, fertile, well-draining |
| Bloom Time |
Late spring to early summer |
| Bloom Color |
Varies: white, pink, red, purple, yellow |
| Native To |
China |
| Deer Resistant |
Yes |
| Pollinator Friendly |
Yes (bees) |
Why Tree Peony for Wisconsin
Unlike herbaceous peonies that die back to the ground each year, tree peonies keep their woody stems above ground year-round. That gives them structure even in winter. Hardy to Zone 4, they handle Wisconsin winters and reward you with flowers that can reach 6-10 inches across. A well-established tree peony can live for decades, sometimes over a century.
Planting Instructions
When: Fall is ideal (September-October). Spring works too if planted before growth starts.
Where: Part shade to full sun. Morning sun with afternoon shade is often best. Pick a spot protected from strong winds.
How: Plant the graft union 4-6 inches below the soil surface (deeper than most plants). This encourages the scion to develop its own roots. Space 4-5 feet from other plants.
Care Throughout the Season
Spring: New growth emerges. Do not prune. Remove spent flowers once petals drop, cutting just above a healthy bud.
Summer: Water during dry periods. A light application of balanced fertilizer in early summer can help, but don’t overdo it.
Fall: Leaves drop. Leave the woody stems standing. Apply a layer of mulch around the base for winter insulation.
Winter: The woody framework stays. In exposed locations, wrapping with burlap can protect flower buds from late freezes.
Common Problems in Wisconsin
Botrytis blight: Gray mold on buds and stems in wet springs. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering help.
Transplant shock: Tree peonies resent being moved. Choose your spot carefully the first time. They can sulk for a year or two after planting before settling in.
Late frost on buds: A hard freeze after buds have swollen can damage that year’s flowers. Covering with a frost blanket helps on cold nights.
Companion Planting
Hosta fills in nicely at the base. Heuchera (Coral Bells) adds foliage color in part shade. Brunnera provides blue flowers in spring nearby. Japanese Painted Fern adds texture in the same light conditions. Hellebore blooms even earlier, extending the season of interest.
Design and Landscape Uses
Tree peonies work best as specimen plants where they can be appreciated up close. Plant in groups of three for maximum flowering impact. They fit formal and cottage gardens equally well. The woody stems provide winter structure that herbaceous peonies lack.
Fun Fact
During China’s Tang and Song dynasties (618-1279 CE), tree peonies were called the “King of Flowers” and symbolized wealth and nobility. They were cultivated in imperial gardens and given as diplomatic gifts. Never prune a tree peony. It does not like being disturbed.
Tree Peonies are available at our nursery.
These are the kind of plant you want to see in person before choosing.
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| Common Name |
Spice Island Koreanspice Viburnum |
| Botanical Name |
Viburnum carlesii ‘J.N. Select A’ |
| Plant Type |
Deciduous shrub |
| Hardiness Zone |
4-8 (thrives in Zone 5b) |
| Mature Size |
4-5 ft tall, 5-6 ft wide |
| Sun Exposure |
Full sun (6+ hours) |
| Soil Preference |
Well-drained, fertile |
| Bloom Time |
Early to mid-spring |
| Bloom Color |
Pink buds opening to creamy white |
| Native To |
Japan and Korea (cultivar) |
| Deer Resistant |
Moderate |
| Pollinator Friendly |
Yes (bees, butterflies) |
Why This Shrub for Wisconsin
Koreanspice Viburnum is already popular in Zone 5b, but Spice Island improves on the original. It grows more compactly and uniformly, holding its shape without constant pruning. The fragrance is the same rich, spicy-sweet scent that made the species famous. Handles our winters without issue and bounces back reliably every spring. The deep wine-red fall foliage is a bonus most people don’t expect.
Planting Instructions
When: Spring (late April through May) or early fall (September).
Where: Full sun for best flowering. Plant near windows, patios, or walkways to enjoy the fragrance.
How: Hole twice as wide as root ball, same depth. Level with surrounding soil. Backfill, water thoroughly, 2-3 inches of mulch. Space 5-6 feet apart in groups.
Care Throughout the Season
Spring: Enjoy the show. Rounded clusters open over several weeks, pink buds maturing to creamy white.
Summer: Water during dry spells, especially first two years. Prune immediately after flowering if needed. Pruning later removes next year’s buds.
Fall: Foliage turns deep wine-red. No pruning.
Winter: Dormant and hardy. Mulch around the base for insulation.
Common Problems in Wisconsin
Viburnum leaf beetle: The biggest threat. Larvae chew holes in spring, adults feed in summer. Check twig undersides for egg sites in fall. Prune affected twigs.
Powdery mildew: Shows up in humid summers. Good air circulation helps.
Wrong pruning time: The most common mistake. Prune only right after flowering. Late pruning cuts off next spring’s blooms.
Companion Planting
Bridal Wreath Spirea blooms around the same time for a layered effect. Hosta fills ground level with texture. Daylilies provide summer color after the viburnum’s spring show. Boxwood adds evergreen structure in winter. Astilbe works in partially shaded spots nearby.
Design and Landscape Uses
One of the best shrubs for foundation plantings near windows. Plant where fragrance can drift into the house on a spring breeze. Also works in mixed borders, as a patio specimen, or along walkways. The 4-5 foot size stays manageable for smaller properties.
Fun Fact
Spice Island was developed by Johnson’s Nursery in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, in 2000. A locally bred plant selected for performance in our exact climate.
Spice Island Viburnum is available at our nursery.
Come smell it for yourself during spring bloom season.
Visit Us in Cedarburg
| Common Name |
Contender Peach |
| Botanical Name |
Prunus persica ‘Contender’ |
| Plant Type |
Deciduous fruit tree |
| Hardiness Zone |
4b-8b (thrives in Zone 5b) |
| Mature Size |
10 ft tall, 10 ft wide |
| Sun Exposure |
Full sun (6+ hours) |
| Soil Preference |
Evenly moist, well-drained |
| Bloom Time |
Early spring |
| Bloom Color |
Showy pink |
| Native To |
North America |
| Deer Resistant |
No |
| Pollinator Friendly |
Yes (bees) |
Why Contender Peach for Wisconsin
Most peach varieties struggle in Wisconsin. Late spring frosts wipe out blossoms before fruit can develop. Contender was bred to handle exactly that problem. It blooms later than most peaches, which gives the flowers a better chance of surviving those unpredictable April and May cold snaps.
The tree is hardy to Zone 4b, so our Zone 5b winters are well within its range. We’ve seen Contender produce reliable crops in years when other peach varieties came up empty.
Planting Instructions
When: Early spring after the ground thaws, typically late April to mid-May in Zone 5b.
Where: Full sun with good air circulation. Avoid low-lying frost pockets. South-facing slopes are ideal.
How: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. Set the graft union 2-3 inches above the soil line. Backfill with native soil, water deeply, and mulch to the drip line. Keep mulch away from the trunk.
Care Throughout the Season
Spring: Apply a copper fungicide spray while dormant to prevent peach leaf curl. Prune dead, crossing, or inward-growing branches to open up the canopy.
Summer: Keep soil evenly moist while fruit develops. Thin peaches to 6-8 inches apart for larger, sweeter fruit. Harvest when skin shows golden-yellow with a red blush.
Fall: Clean up dropped fruit to reduce pest and disease pressure. Apply balanced fertilizer if growth was weak.
Winter: Dormant, no attention needed. Late winter (February-March) is the best time for major pruning.
Common Problems in Wisconsin
Peach leaf curl: The most common issue. Prevent it with a dormant copper spray before buds swell.
Brown rot: Fungal disease hitting ripening fruit in wet summers. Good air circulation and cleanup help.
Late frost: Contender handles this better than most, but cover with a sheet if frost is forecast during bloom.
Japanese beetles: Show up June-July. Hand-pick in morning or use targeted treatments for heavy infestations.
Companion Planting
Lavender attracts pollinators and its scent may deter some pests. Comfrey works as a living mulch under fruit trees. Chives planted around the base can discourage borers. Coneflower and Black-eyed Susan attract beneficial insects that prey on common peach pests.
Design and Landscape Uses
Contender earns its spot even if you never eat a peach. The spring bloom covers branches in soft pink flowers before leaves emerge. Works as a specimen tree, in a mixed edible landscape, or along a fence line. At 10 feet tall and wide, it stays manageable for residential lots.
Fun Fact
Contender produces freestone fruit, meaning the pit separates cleanly from the flesh. Much easier to slice for pies and preserves than clingstone varieties. The tree is self-pollinating, so a single tree will produce fruit, but planting a second peach variety within 50 feet increases yield noticeably.
Contender Peach is available at our nursery in Cedarburg.
Stop by to see it in person and talk with our team about the best spot in your yard.
Visit Us in Cedarburg
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Accent Plant: Use as a vertical highlight in mixed borders.
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Foundation Plantings: Brightens corners and entryways.
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Rock Gardens: Perfect for smaller spaces with well-drained soils.
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Containers: Excellent for year-round interest in patio pots.
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Companions: Pairs beautifully with dark evergreens like spruce, broadleaf shrubs like hydrangea, or perennials such as coneflowers and ornamental grasses.
Seasonal Calendar (Wisconsin)
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Spring: Golden new growth emerges. Fertilize lightly if needed.
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Summer: Color remains strong in full sun. Water during extended droughts.
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Fall: Golden tones fade slightly, but upright form remains neat.
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Winter: Columnar shape and evergreen color add structure against snow.
Troubleshooting
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Fading Color: Usually caused by insufficient sunlight. Relocate to a sunnier site for brighter gold tones.
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Browning Branches: Can result from poor drainage. Ensure soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering.
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Sparse Growth: May occur in heavy shade or overcrowded plantings. Provide open space and sunlight.
Ecological & Garden Value
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Wildlife Shelter: Dense foliage offers cover for small birds.
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Low Maintenance: A “set-and-forget” shrub that requires minimal pruning or care.
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Year-Round Interest: Provides vertical form and golden highlights even in the dull winter months.
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Small-Space Friendly: Perfect for compact landscapes where larger conifers won’t fit.
Ready to Plant?
Bring bright, golden foliage and a neat vertical accent to your garden with the Gold Cone Juniper. Cold-hardy, low-maintenance, and space-saving, it’s an excellent addition to Wisconsin landscapes.
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