Arnold Selects, the Arboretum’s newly created Plant Introduction program, has launched on the eve of our sesquicentennial. This program blends the art and science of horticulture to bring exceptional plants from our living collections to gardeners around the world. Throughout the Arboretum’s 150 years of exploration, introduction, and stewardship, staff have developed and retained stories about the origins and quirks of individual plants. Our model is to provide this unique material to nursery partners for propagation, along with cultural information and backstories, so that a new audience can feel a personal connection to what is growing in their gardens.
Arnold Select Introductions
Commencing in 2021 and continuing annually, we will offer our partners extraordinary, reliable, and valued up-and-coming selections, as well as already registered, historical Arboretum varieties that are not widely available in commercial nurseries. Arnold Selects will transform gardens by forging a link to our rich tales of global expeditions, legendary plantspeople, and horticulture research with our outstanding varieties available through the trade in the present day.
Leaves of Acer rubrum ‘Schlesingeri’ in fall color.Kyle Port
Foliage and form of Abies koreana ‘Prostrate Beauty’.Tiffany Enzenbacher
Low growing habit of Prunus pumila var. depressa 'Gus Mehlquist'.
Inflorescence of Viburnum bracteatum 'Crimson Gem' showcasing its ruby center floret.Ned Friedman
Featured Introductions
Commencing in 2021 and continuing annually, we will offer our partners extraordinary, reliable, and valued up-and-coming selections, as well as already registered, historical Arboretum varieties that are not widely available in commercial nurseries. Arnold Selects will transform gardens by forging a link to our rich tales of global expeditions, legendary plantspeople, and horticulture research with our outstanding varieties available through the trade in the present day.
‘schlesingeri’ red maple,
‘prostrate beauty’ korean fir,
‘gus mehlquist’ sprawling sand cherry,
‘Schlesingeri’ showcases the earliest fall color of all red maples. It was also one of the first cultivars that the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University introduced in the late 19th century.
‘Prostrate Beauty’ Korean fir is an extremely dwarf form of the species. This cultivar is cutting grown from a low horizontal branch off of a Korean fir.
‘Gus Mehlquist’ is an adaptable, low-growing woody groundcover. With dainty spring white flowers, blue-black fruit, crimson fall foliage, and a unique shape, it is a standout during all four seasons.
