Pollinator Week 2025 is coming right up, June 16-22. In recognition of the event, we’re highlighting several pollinator-friendly trees of small stature. The nationwide event is sponsored by the Pollinator Partnership, an organization whose mission is “to promote the health of pollinators, critical to food and ecosystems, through conservation, education, and research.” Check out the Pollinator Week Map to discover events that will take place near you.
What pollinator (or person) can resist the flowers of the Hardy Hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus) that will be beginning to bloom in late June and will continue the show into autumn. Three rising stars among the tree-form cultivars we grow were developed by Minier Nursery of France and brought to market in the United States as ‘First Editions®’ plants. Each is named for exotic islands of the tropics – Bali, Tahiti and Fiji. The “Chiffon” series of Rose of Sharon, presented by Proven Winners®, offers a choice of pink, white, lavender and blue flowers that bloom throughout the summer months.
Panicle hydrangeas (PeeGee and its cultivars) are among the bee friendly trees and shrubs listed on a chart developed by researchers at the University of Kentucky: Plants Bees Like Best. This hydrangea species is high on the chart’s list of trees and shrubs that are arranged by bloom sequence through the growing season. It’s a helpful guide to providing a season-long buffet of tree and shrub-borne pollen and nectar. Supplemental tables identify plants preferred by bumblebees, as well as plants that are of little interest to bees.
Bali™ Hibiscus – First Editions®
Hibiscus syriacus ‘Minfren’
Pure white petals unfurl to reveal a ruffled white center that’s backed by a contrasting deep red starburst that flows from the center onto the white outer petals. Blooming profusely from July through September, the tree form of this exotic plant brings high-impact beauty to containers and small space gardens.
Tahiti™ Hibiscus – First Editions®
Hibiscus syriacus ‘Mineru’
Exotic purplish pink flowers as large as four inches in diameter smother the dark green leaves of this small tree from July to late autumn. Drought resistant and tolerant of alkaline soils, this 12’ x 8’ tree is as tough as it is beautiful.
Fiji™ Hibiscus – First Editions®
Hibiscus syriacus ‘Minspot’
Pink buds perched atop green foliage open to white flowers as large as four inches in diameter. Showy, semi-double blooms have ruffled edges, pink centers and distinctive pink veins. Blooming from July through September, its “wow factor” is off the charts. Height and spread are approximately 12’ x 8’.
Pink Chiffon® Rose of Sharon
Hibiscus syriacus ‘Jwnwood4’ PP 24336
This small tree packs a lot of flower power, thanks to its elegant, clear pink, double blooms that appear throughout the summer months. An excellent specimen or background plant, it’s a perfect fit for patios and small space gardens as it matures to a height and spread of about 12’ x 8’.
White Chiffon® Rose of Sharon
Hibiscus syriacus ‘Notwoodtwo’
Large white flowers, embellished with ruffled edges and fluffy centers, bloom throughout the summer months in bright contrast to its green leaves. They’re a perfect choice for moonlight gardens where these small, flower laden trees deliver a luminous glow to evening strolls. Height and spread are approximately 12’ x 8’.
Blue Chiffon® Rose of Sharon
Hibiscus syriacus ‘Notwoodthree’ PP 20574
Blue blooms with ruffled centers brighten the landscape with cool color in a continuous parade from mid-summer to late fall. Vigorous growth and adaptability to varied soils, heat and drought make this diminutive tree a great choice for patios and small space gardens. Height and spread are approximately 12’ x 8’.
Lavender Chiffon® Rose of Sharon
Hydrangea syriacus ‘Notwoodone’
Large, frilly lavender flowers, adorned with lacy centers, provide bright color throughout the summer months while attracting butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators. You’ll also appreciate this plant’s strong growth as it matures to a height and spread of about 12’ x 8’, along with its ability to thrive in varied growing conditions. Tolerant of heat, drought and salty soils.
Vanilla Strawberry™ Hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Renhy’
Creamy white blooms mature to pink and then strawberry red. As new flowers emerge, they join the more mature blooms to form a frothy blend of vanilla and strawberry red colors in late summer and early fall. Cone-shaped flower heads are excellent for fresh and dried arrangements. Hardy through USDA Zone 3, this cultivar grows to a height and spread of 10’ x 7’.
Quick Fire™ Hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Bulk’ PP 16812
Unique for its color-changing blooms, this breakthrough cultivar begins to flower a month prior to others of the species. Blooms change quickly from white to a rich pinkish-red, color that lasts through the summer months and deepens to dark rosy-pink in the fall. Reddish-orange fall color complements the pink autumn tones and extends its season of beauty. Flowers are produced on new wood, and their color is not affected by soil pH. Height and spread of this early-season bloomer are approximately 10’ x 8’.
Limelight® Hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’
This ever-popular cultivar rises above other varieties with a delightful explosion of flowers that occurs in mid-summer. Continuously blooming lime green flowers are held upright on strong stems above rich green foliage. In an ever-changing color medley, these conical blooms mature to white and eventually to shades of pink and burgundy in autumn, presenting a medley of green, pink and burgundy tones. Height and spread is approximately 10’ x 7’.
Gardeners! Please note that our nursery is strictly wholesale. To purchase these and other trees grown by our nursery, please use our Retailer Locator to find sources of JFS trees near you.
