Favorite Plants Descriptions
ACANTHUS
spinosus
(uh-KAN-thus spih-NOH-sis)
Bear’s breeches, Spiny bear’s breeches
Perennial, 4-5’ tall, blooms
in June and July.
Purple hood over white lipped flowers rise on stalks above a clump
of deeply cut, spiny leaves.
Mulch the first winter after planting. Difficult to move once
established.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Drought tolerant.
ACHILLEA
filipendulina
(uh-KILL-lee-uh fill-lee-PEN-dyew-lee-nuh)
Yarrow, Sneezewort, Fern-leaf yarrow
Perennial,18-36" high, blooms
late June thru August.
Cultivars come in pink, red, white, or yellow. Semi-evergreen,
gray-green fern-like foliage.
May bloom again sporadically if deadheaded.
Full sun
+ Long lasting blooms & long blooming period. Good for cutting
and drying. Drought tolerant and deer resistant.
A.filipendulina ‘Coronation
Gold’ Golden yellow 4" flowers, 30" tall
A.filipendulina ‘Gold
Plate’ Deep golden 6" flowers, 42" tall
ADIANTUM pedatum
(ad-ee-ANN-tum peh-DAY-tum)
Northern Maidenhair fern, Five-finger fern
Fern, 12 - 30" high, from
June to frost.
Fronds are arranged in a circular pattern on thin, wire-like black
stems.
Cut down in fall after first frost.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
+ or - Prefers moisture retentive soil.
AETHUSFOLIUS
(eh-thus-FOH-lee-us)
Perennial, 10- 12" high,
blooms early May.
A low plant with feathery, finely cut foliage and flowers of white
spires.
Partial sun/shade
(uh-JYEW-guh REP-tenz)
Bugleweed, Carpet bugle
Perennial, 4-12" high, blooms
in May and June.
Semi-evergreen with blue, purple, rose or white flowers.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
+ Deer resistant.
+ or - Spreads rapidly
(al-SEE-uh ROH-see-uh)
Hollyhock
(syn. ALTHAEA rosea)
**Fussy**
Short-lived Perennial or Biennial,
height
to 8’, blooms July to August.
Apricot, pink, purple, red, rose, scarlet, white or yellow flowers
are flared, funnel shaped; singles, doubles and semi-doubles.
Likes well-drained, moderately rich soil in a warm protected location.
Leaves are vulnerable to rust diseases, which should be dusted with sulfur.
Spider mites, which cause orange spots or yellow stippling on leaves, can
be controlled with an insecticidal soap spray.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
- Attracts Japanese beetles, may need to be staked.
(al-kem-ILL-uh)
Lady’s mantle
Perennial, 12 ? 18" high,
blooms June thru August.
Delicate, star-like chartreuse flowers. Use for rock garden,
front of a border or ground cover.
If leaves get brown, cut back for new growth.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Good for cutting and drying.
- May be invasive
ANEMONE x
hybrida
(uh-NEM-on-ee HY-brih-duh
or hy-BRID-ah)
Japanese anemone, Windflower
Perennial, 24-48"
high, blooms late August until frost.
Single or double, saucer-shaped, flowers are blue, pink, purple, red,
rose-red, white, or yellow with a large, central disk.
Best planted in a location protected from wind, such as next to a wall
or evergreen shrub.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Adds interesting foliage and flowers to a fall garden.
- May need staking.
+ or - Self-sowing.
(uh-NEM-on-ee pull-suh-TILL-luh)
Pasque flower
Perennial, 12-24" high,
blooms April-May.
Blue to reddish-blue flowers.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Attractive seed heads.
(uh-NEM-on-ee sill-VES-tris)
Snowdrop anemone
Perennial, 18" high, blooms
May or June.
Single, pure white solitary flowers, often nodding.
Partial sun/shade
AQUILEGIA
(ack-kwill-EE-jee-uh)
Columbine
Perennial, 12-36" high,
blooms May & June.
Blue, pink, red, white or yellow flowers above delicately divided blue-green
foliage.
Likes high filtered shade best. Deadheading extends flowering
season. Cut back to promote new growth.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
+ Native plant and deer resistant.
- Leaves are sometimes attacked by leaf-miner and may die back by mid-summer.
ARABIS caucasica
(AIR-abb-iss kah-KAS-see-uh)
Rock cress, Wall rock cress, Wall cress
Perennial, 12" high, blooms
April & May.
Gray-green tufts of leaves covered with fragrant, small white flowers.
Good for stone outcroppings, edging and a ground cover.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Very easy to grow, fragrant and grows well in poor soil.
ARUNCUS dioicus
(un-RUNK-us dye-OH-ee-kus)
Goat’s beard
Perennial, 4-7’ tall and
wide, flowers in June.
Hugh compound leaves with white feathery plumes, like a giant white
astilbe.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
+ Native plant.
+ or - Prefers moisture retentive soil.
- Short flowering season.
(as-KLEE-pee-ess tew-ber-OH-suh)
Milkweed, Butterfly weed, Butterfly flower
Perennial, 24-30" high,
blooms in June & August.
Orange or yellow flowers, best planted in masses. Foliage is
late to emerge in the spring.
Mulch first-year seedlings o prevent winter heaving.
Full Sun
+ Native plant, tolerant of drought and poor soil. Attracts butterflies
and hummingbirds. Attractive seed pods in the autumn garden
+ or - Attracts bees.
- Difficult to transplant once established.
(ASS-ter frih-KAR-tee)
Frikart’s aster
Perennial, 24-36" high,
blooms from June to frost.
Large, fragrant lavender-blue, daisy-like flowers with gold centers.
Full Sun
+ Fragrant, long blooming.
(ASS-ter noh-vee-ANJ-lee-uh)
New England aster, Fall aster
Perennial, 12-48" tall,
flowers from August to frost.
Blue, pink, purple, red, or white flowers. Many cultivars.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Native plant and attracts butterflies.
- Taller plants may need staking.
ASTER novi-belgii
(ASS-ter noh-vee-BEL-gee)
New York aster
Perennial, 8-48" tall, blooms
from September to frost.
Blue, red, violet or white flowers. Many cultivars.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Attracts butterflies.
- Taller plants may need staking.
(uh-STILL-bee)
False goatbeard, False spirea
Perennial, 6-36" high, blooms
June thru July (height and bloom time varies by cultivar).
Coral, pink, purple, red or white feathery plume flowers stand above
deeply cut foliage.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
+ Can be dried. Tolerates damp soil.
ASTRANTIA major
(as-TRAN-she-uh MAY-jer)
Great masterwort
Perennial, 28-30" high,
blooms June and July.
Large leafy clumps, with showy clusters of small star-like pink or
whitish-green umbel-shaped flowers.
Deserves to be more widely grown.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
+ Good cut flower, may reseed
+ or - Prefers moisture retentive soil.
ATHYRIUM
nipponicum 'Pictum'
(ah-thy-REE-um nih-PON-nih-kum)
(syn. A. goeringianum, A. iseanum)
Japanese painted fern
Fern, 8-20" high, from June to
frost.
Silver and green fronds with dark red stems. Slow to emerge in
spring. Attractive planted next to pink astilbes.
Prefers light shade, moist loose soil. Under the right conditions
it will send up fronds all summer and into autumn.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
AUBRIETA
deltoidea
(ah-BREE-tuh del-TOID-ee-uh)
False rockcress, Purple rockcress
Perennial, 6" high, blooms April
to May.
Purple, rose-lilac or rose-pink flowers on gray-green foliage.
Grows well in rock gardens and edge of perennial borders.
Should be sheared to maintain compact plant.
Full sun
(bee-GOH-nee-uh GRAN-dis)
(syn.B. evansiana)
Hardy begonia
Perennial, 18" high, blooms July
to frost.
Tuberous-rooted little begonia, with small pink or white blooms and
angel-wing shaped leaves, which emerge late spring.
Needs winter mulch.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
+ Interesting seed heads, colorful foliage in late summer.
BOCCONIA cordata
See MACLEAYA cordata
BOLTONIA
asteroides
(bowl-TOH-nee-uh ass-teh-ROY-dehs)
False chamomile, False aster
Perennial, 4’ tall, flowers
from August to frost.
Masses of small lilac, pink or white daisies on upright, spreading,
airy plants. Has grayish-green foliage.
‘Snowbank’ is a popular cultivar.
Looks best in masses.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Native plant and excellent cut flower. Has attractive blooms
during autumn season.
(BUD-lee-uh duh-VEE-dee)
Butterfly bush, Summer lilac
Deciduous flowering shrub, 5-10’
tall and wide, blooms July to frost.
Pink, purple or white flower spikes. Foliage may emerge late
in the spring.
May die down to the roots over winter. For best bloom, cut down
old branches in spring since it blooms on new wood.
Full sun
+ Attracts butterflies, good cut flower, long blooming.
CALLICARPA
dichotoma
(kal-lee-KAR-puh dye-KOT-oh-muh)
(syn. CALLICARPA purpurea)
Beauty-berry, Jewel-berry
Deciduous flowering shrub,
3-4’ tall.
Inconspicuous pink or lilac-white blossoms from June to August followed
by profuse clusters of lilac or violet berry-like fruits which are very
conspicuous in late autumn and lasting into winter.
Prune severely in spring as berries are borne on new wood.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Berries attractive to birds. Adds interest to the autumn and
winter garden.
CAMPANULA
carpatica
(kam-PAN-yew-luh kar-PAH-tih-kuh)
Bellflower, Canterbury bells, Harebell
Perennial,6-9" high, flowers
June thru August.
Blue, pink or white bell-shaped flowers and semi-evergreen foliage.
There are also many taller cultivars that are worth growing, but they
may require staking.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Good for rock gardens.
(KAIR-ex moor-ROH-ee-eye)
Morrow’s sedge
Ornamental grass, 12-15"
high.
Semi-evergreen (will brown out in January and February) dwarf grass
forms neat, drooping clumps. Some cultivars have variegated leaves.
Cut back before new growth emerges in spring.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
+ Provides winter interest.
+ or - Prefers moisture retentive soil.
(karry-OP-ter-iss
clan-DON-in-sis)
Bluebeard, Blue mist shrub, Blue spirea
Deciduous flowering shrub,
3-4’ tall and wide, blooms August to September.
Blue, lavender or white fringed-flowers on gray-green foliage.
Blooms on new wood; prune in late winter or early spring for best flowering.
Full sun
+ Drought tolerant and deer resistant. Provides interest in the
early autumn garden
+ or - Attracts bees.
CASSIA marilandica
(KASS-ee-uh mar-ee-LAN-dee-kuh)
Wild senna, Senna
Perennial, 4’ tall, blooms
July and August.
Yellow pea-like flowers with deeply-cut, attractive foliage.
Unusual and interesting looking plant.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Drought tolerant, self-seeds.
CATANANCHE
caerulea
(kat-uh-NAN-kee she-REW-lee-uh)
Cupid’s dart
Perennial, 18-30" high,
flowers June thru August.
2-inch blossoms of soft blue resemble cornflowers. White or white-margined
varieties are available.
Full sun
+ Good dried flower.
(sen-TAW-ree-uh mon-TAN-nuh)
Bachelor’s button, Cornflower, Knapweed, Mountain bluet
Perennial, 24" high, blooms
June to frost, if cut back.
Flowers are true blue.
Can be invasive but pulls easily.
Full sun
+ Long blooming.
(sen-TRANTH-us REW-ber)
Jupiter’s beard, Red valerian
Perennial, 24-36" high,
blooms late June to September, if cut back.
Red blooms, gray-green foliage. Grows in walls and rock breaks.
Reseeds. Needs good drainage.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Fragrant and long-blooming. Attractive to hummingbirds and
butterflies. Tolerant of drought and poor soil.
(ser-at-OS-tig-mah
plum-bah-jee-NOY-deez)
Plumbago, Leadwort
Perennial, 8-12" high, blooms
August to frost.
Blue phlox-like flowers. Foliage takes on reddish hue in autumn.
Good for ground cover over bulbs or around taller, leggier groundcovers.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Drought tolerant, grows in a wide variety of soils and is deer resistant.
Nice autumn foliage.
- Roots form mats which can strangle other plants.
(simmy-SIFF-yew-gah)
Bugbane, Black snakeroot, Black cohosh, Snakeroot
Perennial,3-6’ tall, blooms
July to frost (bloom time varies by cultivar.)
Spikes of white flowers, 5-6’ tall, above fanning, compound, dark green
foliage, 30-40" high. Resembles giant astilbe. C.racemosa is
a native plant.
Best planted in groups of three or more.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ or - Prefers moist soil.
- Not easily transplanted once it is established.
(klee-OH-mee)
Spider-plant, Spider-flower
Self-sowing Annual, 4’ tall,
blooms July to October.
Tall, dramatic plants with flowers in shades of pink, violet or white.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Long lasting blooms and cut flowers. Deer resistant.
CONSOLIDA
ambigua
(kohn-SOL-id-ah am-BIH-gyew-uh)
Larkspur
Self-sowing Annual, 3-5’
tall, blooms May thru June.
Tall flower spikes of blue, lavender, pink, rose or white.
Grows from seeds sown in spring and fall. Needs cool soil to
germinate. Reseeds once established.
Full sun
+ Good cut flower.
(kon-vuh-LAH-ree-uh
muh-JAL-liss)
Lily-of-the-valley
Perennial, 6" high, blooms
in May.
Broad foliage with stalks of fragrant pink or white drooping, bell-shaped
flowers.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
+ or - Spreads rapidly in moisture-retentive soil.
(koh-ree-OP-sis
ver-tick-ill-LAH-tuh)
Tickseed, Threadleaf coreopsis
Perennial, 12 - 30" high,
blooms June to frost (bloom time varies by cultivar).
Thread-like foliage with l-inch star-like yellow flowers.
Good at front of border.
Full sun
+ Native plant, drought tolerant and deer resisrant.
C. verticillata 'Moonbeam'
24" tall, pale cream to yellow blooms.
C.verticillata 'Zagreb'
12" tall, deep yellow flowers.
(koh-REE-dal-iss LEW-tee-uh)
Fumitory, Yellow foxglove
Perennial, 12" high, blooms
May to frost.
Ferny gray-green, attractive foliage with yellow tubular flowers. May
self-seed.
Partial sun/shade
+ Unusual light, delicate appearance.
+ or - Prefers moist soil.
COTINUS coggygria
(koh-TY-nus kog-JEE-gree-uh)
Smokebush, Smoke tree
Deciduous flowering tree,
8 - 15' tall, blooms June-July.
Silky mauve panicles flower on reddish-purple foliage. Has purplish-red
fruits.
Can be cut back to maintain shrub-like appearance.
Full sun
CRAMBE cordifolia
(KRAM-bee kor-dee-FOH-lee-uh)
Colewort, Sea kale, Heartleaf crambe
Perennial, 4 - 6' tall and
4 - 6' wide, blooms June or July.
Clouds of white star-like flowers above hugh, blue-green, heart-shaped,
deeply-lobed foliage. Foliage is 2 - 3' high but blooms may reach
heights of 4 - 6'.
Full sun
- Somewhat unpleasant odor.
(krow-KOZ-mee-uh mah-soh-NOR-um)
Perennial, 36" high, blooms
July-August.
Bright red-orange, stunning flowers with iris-like (sword-shaped) leaves.
Naturalize on slopes.
Full sun
+ Attractive to hummingbirds, good cut flower, can tolerate wet conditions.
DAPHNE
odora
(DAFF-nee oh-DOH-ruh)
Winter daphne
Evergreen flowering shrub,
4 - 6' tall, blooms March to May.
Green or variegated foliage with terminal clusters of purple buds opening
to white flowers.
Mulch well and protect from winter wind.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Very fragrant, one of the easiest to grow
- Expensive, difficult to transplant once established.
DELOSPERMA
(del-oh-SPUR-muh)
Hardy ice plant
Perennial,1 - 6" high, blooms
May or June to frost, depending on cultivar.
Fast spreading succulent foliage with rose-purple flowers.
Full sun
+ Drought-tolerant, good as ground cover for dry locations.
- Needs sharp drainage to withstand wet winter.
DENNSTAEDTIA
punctilobula
(den-STET-ee-uh punk-tee-lob-yew-luh)
Hayscented fern, Boulder fern
Fern, 15 - 30" high, from
June to frost. Emerges in April and is fully grown by June.
Sword-shaped blades with finely cut margins, fragrant when crushed.
Foliage turns soft-yellow in autumn.
Useful as a groundcover.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
+ Native plant. Once established is drought-tolerant. Adds
color to the autumn garden.
+ or - Does best in damp shade.
- Spreads vigorously.
DICENTRA
(deye-CENT-rah)
Bleeding heart
Perennial, 18 - 36" high,
blooms May thru June.
Pink, red or white flowers.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
D. spectabilis (spek-tuh-BILL-iss)Common
bleeding heart (traditional species)
Foliage disappears by midsummer, so place it next to other plants that
will fill in the space.
D. eximia (ex-ee-MEE-uh)
Fringed bleeding heart. Blooms and foliage last all summer.
D.formosa (for-MOH-suh)
Pacific bleeding heart. Blooms and foliage last all summer.
DIGlTALIS
(dih-jih-TAL-iss)
Foxglove
**Fussy**
Biennial or short-lived Perennial,depending
on the species, 18" - 5' tall, blooms June-August, the second year.
Apricot, maroon, pink, purple, white or yellow tubular flowers on a
tall stalk.
Cut flower stalks back to ground after flowering unless reseeding is
desired. To plant from seed, sow seeds in a cold frame in mid-to-late spring
and plant in ground in mid-season for blooms the next year; or lift clumps
after flowering and plant new rosettes. May need to be staked if plant
does not get enough water. Leaves may be prone to powdery mildew and leaf
spot for which a fungicide should be used. May also get mealy bugs, aphids
and Japanese beetles for which an insecticide should be used. Primary cause
of failure is from moisture around the leafy crowns in winter. If drainage
is a problem, plant in a raised area or on a slope and mix soil with sand.
Needs a moist, organic, slightly sandy, acid soil.
Partial sun/shade
+ Attracts hummingbirds and naturalizes well. Has a long blooming
season and is a good cut flower.
ECHINACEA
purpurea
(eck-ih-NAY-see-uh
pur-PYEW-ree-uh)
Coneflower, Purple coneflower
Perennial, 36 - 60" tall,
blooms July to September.
Large lavender-pink, drooping daisy-like petals surrounding an exaggerated,
domed brown center.
Shady ground cover.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Native plant, drought tolerant and deer resistant. Attracts
butterflies. Flowers good for cutting and drying.
E. purpurea 'White Swan'
-- 30" high, white with domed orange center.
EPlMEDIUM
(eppy-MEE-dee-um)
Barrenwort, Bishop's hat, Red barrenwort
Perennial, 12" high, blooms
in April. Loose sprays of subtle- red flowers above heart-shaped foliage,
which turns reddish in late summer. Other cultivars have lavender,
white or yellow flowers. Good for mass planting under trees and tall,
leggy shrubs.
Shade
ERIGERON
(eh-RIJ-er-on)
Fleabane
Perennial, 16 - 24" high,
blooms June to September.
Aster-like flowers in blue, pink or purple.
Cut back after first blooming and it will rebloom.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Easy to grow. good cut flower, long blooming.
ERYNGlUM planum
(uhr-IN-jee-um PLAN-um)
Sea holly
Perennial, 2O - 36" high,
blooms June or July to frost.
Egg-shaped blue or white flower heads surrounded by narrow, spiny bracts.
Foliage and stems are blue-gray.
Difficult to transplant once established, but will reseed.
Full sun
+ Drought tolerant, good for cutting and drying.
- May need staking.
EUPATORIUM
purpurpeum
(yew-pah-TOH-ree-um
per-PER-pee-um)
Boneset, Bluestem, Joe-Pye-weed, White snakeroot
Perennial, 4 - 5' tall, blooms
August to September.
Large, domed, dusky-rose flowers. Foliage emerges in late spring. Several
cultivars, including one with white flowers.
Can be shorter if pinched back.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Native plant. Attractive to butterflies.
+ or - Likes moist soil. Attracts bees
EUPHORBlA
epithymoides
(Yew-FOR-bee-uh ee-pith-ee-MOY-dez)
(syn. EUPHORBIA polychroma)
Cushion spurge, Milkweed spurge
Perennial,12" high, blooms
late April-early June.
Mound-shaped plant with yellowish-green bracts. Bright green foliage
turns dark red in the autumn. Many attractive cultivars grow well
in this area.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
FESTUCA
cinerea
(fess-TOO-kah sin-er-EE-ah)
(syn. FESTUCE ovina 'Glauca)
Blue fescue
Ornamental grass, 4- 18"
high (varies by cultivar),semi-evergreen
with small seedheads emerging in July.
Tufted mound of wiry-like foliage in shades of blue.
Growth may slow during summer heat, look shabby by August then revive
when temperature cools in late September.
Cut back 3 - 4" above the crown in autumn or early spring.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Drought tolerant.
F. cinerea 'Blausiber'
(fes-TOO-kah sin-er-EE-ah
BLOU-sil-ber)
Blue-silver fescue 4 - 6" high and wide, Fine-textured, blue-silver foliage.
- May burn during hot summers.
FILIPENDULA
(Fill-ih-PEN-dyew-luh)
Meadowsweet, Queen-of-the-prairie
Perennial, 5 - 7' tall,
blooms June-July or July-August.
Pink or white flowers from plumed clusters atop ornamental foliage.
Flower color and foliage vary with cultivar. There are also shorter cultivars
which do well in our area.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Drought tolerant once established.
+ or - Prefers moist soil when newly planted. Attracts bees.
GALIUM
odoratum
(GAY-lee-um oh-doh-RAH-tum)
Sweet woodruff, Bedstraw
Perennial, 6 - 8" high,
blooms April and May.
Has tiny white flowers and spreads quickly to make a neat, semi-evergreen,
hay-scented ground cover.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
+ or - Spreads quickly.
GAURA lindheimeri
(GARR-ah lend-HY-mer-ree)
Whirling butterflies, White gaura
Perennial, 36" high, blooms
May to August
Small pink or white flowers, which turn a darker pink with age, on
arching, red, wiry stems give plant a light airy look.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Drought tolerant. Easy to grow once established.
GERANlUM
(jer-RAY-nee-um)
Cranesbill
Perennial, 4- 24" high,
blooms June-September.
Blue, pink, purple, rose or white flowers with attractive foliage,
which turns red in autumn. Many cultivars with many different heights,
flower colors and foliage.
May be used as ground cover for small areas. (Do not confuse
with the annual geranium--Pelargonium.)
Partial sun/shade
+ Long blooming period. Autumn color.
GYPSOPHILA
elegans
(jip-SOF-ee-lah EL-eh-ganz)
Baby's breath
Perennial, 24 - 48" tall,
blooms June-August.
Airy masses of tiny flowers are single or double, pink or white.
Full sun
+ Good for cutting or drying.
HAKONECHLOA
macra
(hak-koh-neh-KLOH-ah
MAK-ra)
(syn. PHRAGMlTES macra)
Hakone grass
Ornamental grass, 12 - 24"
high.
Clump-forming, bright green with 3 - 6" long, soft, bamboo-like
leaves. Turns pinkish in autumn and bronze during winter.
Cut back before new growth emerges in spring.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
+ Not invasive. Adds interest to the autumn & winter garden.
+ or - Prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soil.
H.
macra 'Aureola' (aw-ree-OH-lah)
12 - 18" high. Similar to the species but with brilliant yellow foliage
which in autumn turns an intense pink-red.
Prefers light shade as it will burn in full hot sun but in deep shade will
lose its yellow color.
HELENIUM
autumnale
(hee-lee-NEE-um uh-TUM-nul)
Sneezeweed, Helen's flower
Perennial,36 - 60" tall,
blooms July to frost.
Daisy-like 2-inch flowers in shades of orange, red or yellow.
Many cultivars.
Full sun
+ Native plant. Tolerates drought, heat and benign neglect. Good cut
flower.
- May need staking.
HELIANTHEMUM
(hee-lee-AN-thuh-mum)
Rock rose, Sun rose
Perennial, 8 - 12"
high, blooms late May-July.
Evergreen, low-spreading, shrub-like plants useful in borders, rock
gardens and as ground covers. Many cultivars with orange, pink, red or
yellow flowers.
Reblooms if sheared back.
Full sun
HELIANTHUS
decapetalus
(hee-lee-ANTH-us dee-CAP-eh-tell-us)
Perennial sunflower, Sunflower, Thinleaf sunflower
Perennial, 3 - 5' tall,
blooms June to frost. (Note: bloom period for a particular cultivar will
extend 2 - 3 months within this period.)
Single or double deep yellow flowers.
Full sun
+ Native plant. Attracts birds and butterflies.
HELIOPSlS
helianthoides
(hee-lee-OP-sis hee-lee-ANTH-oy-deez)
False sunflower, Oxeye
Perennial, 3 - 4' tall,
blooms July to frost.
Long-lasting, showy yellow, single or double flowers.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Native plant: ultra-hardy. A good flower for cutting.
HELLEBORUS
orientalis
(hell-leh-BOR-us
oh-ree-en-TAL-is)
Lenten rose
Perennial, 13 - 18" high,
blooms March.
Long-lasting, green, pink, plum-purple, rosy-pink or white saucer-shaped
flowers on evergreen foliage.
Many attractive varieties do well in our area. Should be grown more
often. Difficult to transplant once established.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
+ or - Prefers moist soil.
- Poisonous if eaten.
HEMEROCALLIS
(hem-er-oh-KAY-lis)
Daylily
Perennial, 12 - 30" high,
blooms late June-July.
Flowers are coral, lavender-blue, orange, pink, red, white, yellow
or a combination thereof.
Makes a good ground cover for slopes and other hard-to-plant areas
as it crowds out weeds.
Bloom time may be extended by planting early and late-blooming varieties
together. May need to remove spent stalks and shear leaves, if they get
brown after blooming, in order to promote new growth. There are many different
cultivars, including some which have a long blooming period.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Easily divided.
HESPERlS
matronalis
(HESS-per-iss mah-troh-NAH-lis)
Dame's rocket, Damewort, Sweet rocket
Self-sowing Biennial, 24
- 36" high, blooms June-September.
Phlox-like flowers of lavender, magenta or white.
Plants look best in clumps or naturalized.
Cut back to ground after gathering seeds.
Partial sun/shade
+ Good cut flower.
HEUCHERA
sanguinea
(HEW-kair-uh san-GWEN-ee-uh)
Coral bells, Alumroot
Perennial, 10 - 24" high,
blooms June-July.
Airy clusters of tiny bells above mounds of low, evergreen foliage.
Flowers may be coral, pink, red or white; foliage is dark green to purple.
Deadhead to prolong flowering.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Native plant. Attractive to hummingbirds.
HOSTA
(HAHS-tuh or HOSS-tah)
Plaintain lily
Perennial, 4 - 36" high,
blooms July orAugust.
Has lavender or white flower spikes. Grown primarily for its foliage,
which ranges from blue, blue-green, green, gold and many variegated combinations.
There are many cultivars, which range in size from dwarf to giant (5-feet
across).
Partial sun/shade or Shade (varies among
cultivars).
- May be attacked by slugs.
HYDRANGEA
arborescens 'Grandiflora'
(hy-DRAN-jee-uh ar-bor-ESS-sens)
Hills-of-snow hydrangea, Smooth hydrangea
Similar to Hydrangea macrophylla.
HYDRANGEA
macrophylla
(hy-DRAN-jee-uh mak-roh-FIlL-uh)
French hydrangea, House hydrangea
**Fussy**
Deciduous flowering shrub, height to 6’, blooms June to September.
Deciduous, large green leaves with globe shaped flower heads. Colors
range from soft pink to rose or light blue to dark blue depending on acidity
of the soil.
May take several years for the plant to get established and bloom.
May not be completely hardy in our area unless placed in a protected area
If blue flowers are desired, add aluminum sulfate to acidify soil.
Needs moisture and damp rich soil. Leaves wilt quickly if soil gets too
dry.
Partial sun/shade
HYDRANGEA
quercifolia
(hy-DRAN jee-uh
kwer-kee-fOH-lee-uh)
Oakleaf hydrangea
Deciduous flowering shrub,
6' tall and wide, blooms June to September.
Has ornamental leaves 8" or larger with cream colored, cone-shaped
flowers. Leaves turn purple in autumn.
Once established, tolerant of dry conditions, although a summer mulch
is helpful.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
+ Nice autumn foliage. Good dried flower.
HYPERICUM
(hy-PER-ee-kum)
St. John's-wort
Deciduous flowering shrub,
12 - 36" high, blooms in June and sporadically thereafter.
Semi-evergreen, blue-green, oval foliage with clusters of l-inch yellow
blooms.
Cut to the ground in spring if it has been winter killed.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
H. prolificum 'Hidcote'
(pro-LIHF-ee-kum) 30" high
H. calycinum
(kal-lee-SY-num) 12" high. May be used as a ground cover.
ILEX
verticillata
(EYE-lex ver-tik-ih-LAH-tuh)
Firebush, Winterberry
Deciduous flowering shrub,
4 - 6' tall, blooms in June.
A deciduous holly that has bronze autumn foliage and abundant red berries
that persist into winter. One of the few berried plants to thrive in shade.
For female plant to produce berries, plant a male holly that blooms
at the same time.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Attracts birds. Interesting in autumn and winter.
IMPATIENS
glandulifera
(im-PAY-shee-enz
glan-DYEW-lee-fer-uh)
lndian balsam, Policeman's helmet, Touch-me-not
Self-seeding Annual, 3 -
4' tall, blooms July-September.
Has a pinkish-purple flower that looks like an upside-down English
bobby's helmet. Flowers are followed by seed capsules that explode when
touched
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
+or- Prefers moist soil. Attracts bees.
IRIS
(EYE-ris)
Bearded iris
**Fussy**
Perennial, 15 - 36" high,
blooms May or June depending on variety.
Blooms range from white to lavender, purple, brown, yellow and gold
in many different color combinations. Semi-evergreen gray-green sword-like
leaves may turn partially brown after blooming. Any part of the leaf
which has turned brown can be trimmed and flower stalks cut back to the
ground after plant has bloomed. Needs to be divided when clumps get
crowded or else it is prone to disease. Best transplanted in August
or early September with top half of rhizome above the soil in an area with
good drainage and air circulation. Grows best in neutral pH which is fertile
and high in organic matter. Should be fertilized heavily in the spring
and lightly 4 to 5 weeks after blooming. Do not place summer or winter
mulch on top of rhizomes. In the spring, irises can be infected with
bacterial soft rot, which should be treated with a water/Clorox mix (50/50)
after scraping out the mushy parts. Iris borers are also a problem. They
begin by tunneling into the leaves in late spring; watch for notched edges
and watery appearance on leaves. If borers are detected, cut
off affected leaves and remove the borer before it gets down into the rhizome.
The rhizome has been invaded if you detect soft spots that smell bad. Throw
away any infected rhizomes and keep area clean of weeds and garden debris.
Do not replant iris in any soil that has been infected by borers.
Full sun
+ Great cut flower.
IRIS sibirica
(EYE-ris sy-BER-ee-cuh)
Siberian Iris
Perennial, up to 18-36"
high, blooms in May.
Blue, lavender, purple, violet or white flowers above tall, narrow
leaves that remain attractive through frost.
Prefers moisture with good drainage. Cut foliage to the ground
in late winter.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
KALMIA
latifolia
(KAL-mee-uh lah-tee-FOH-lee-uh)
Mountain laurel
**Fussy**
Evergreen flowering shrub,
4 ? 8’ tall, blooms May-June.
Shiny green leaves with pink, red, white or variegated blooms.
May take several years for the plant to get established and to bloom.
Needs moist, well drained, acid soil and benefits from a summer mulch.
If transplanting is necessary, plant in a light sandy soil which is slightly
acidic and mulch with pine needles, well rotted oak leaves or shredded
bark and expect that it will take a year for the plant to recover.
To propagate, take soft wood cuttings, plant in peat moss and sand, winter
over and plant outside in the second year.
Partial sun/shade
+ Outstanding when in bloom.
LAVANDULA
angustifolia
(lah-VAN-dyew-lah
ann-gus-tee-FOH-lee-uh)
English lavender, True lavender
**Fussy**
Perennial, 12 ? 36" high,
blooms June-August.
Upright spikes of small, lavender, pink, purple or white, aromatic
flowers on semi-evergreen, aromatic, gray foliage. Both flowers and
leaves are fragrant and may be dried. Select varieties which are
appropriate for this area suc as ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead Dwarf’ but expect
that they may still be short-lived unless they have perfect drainage.
Plant in average to rich organic, well-drained, slightly alkaline soil.
Since good drainage is critical to the survival of the plant, it does well
on protected slopes. Trim off any areas that have been winter-killed
and periodically shear more radically to shape plant and promote more profuse
blooming.
Full sun
+ Very fragrant. Attracts butterflies, is drought tolerant and
deer resistant. Good for drying.
+ or - Attracts bees.
- Requires perfect drainage.
LIGULARIA
(lig-yew-LAH-ree-uh)
Senecio
Perennial, 3-6’ tall, blooms
June-July or July-August.
Tall spikes of profuse small yellow or orange flowers atop a mound
of toothed foliage.
Requires moisture-retentive soil.
Partial sun/shade
- Watch for slugs in spring.
LlNUM perenne
(LY-num per-REN-nee)
Blue flax
Perennial, 16- 20" high,
blooms May-June.
Delicate-looking foliage and arching flower stems
with sky-blue l-inch flowers.
Appears best when planted in groups.
Full sun
LIRIOPE
(lih-RYE-oh-pee)
Lilyturf
Perennial, 7 - 15" high,
blooms August to frost.
Evergreen, grass-like foliage with short flower spikes of lavender,
purple or white followed by tiny, black berries.
Variegated cultivars maintain color better in sunnier locations.
Old leaves can be cut back in early spring, before new growth begins.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
L.
muscari (mus-KAY-ree) Big blue lilyturf Clumping type
with more impressive flowers than
L.
spicata (spih-KAH-tuh) Creeping lilyturf A shorter, spreading
type more useful for a complete groundcover.
LYCHNIS coronaria
(LIK-nis or LIKE-niss
kor-oh-NAH-ree-uh)
Catchfly, Mullein pink, Rose campion, Campion
Self-sowing Biennial (sometimes
thought of as a short-lived Perennial), 30 - 36" high, blooms June-July.
White, woolly foliage with 1-inch bright-red flowers.
Full sun
LYSIMACHIA
clethroides
(lye-sih-MAY-kee-uh
kleth-ROY-deez)
Gooseneck loosestrife
Perennial, 30" high, blooms
July-September.
Arching spikes of tiny white flowers. Foliage emerges in late spring.
Good for ground cover or naturalizing as it spreads quickly by roots.
Partial sun/shade
+ or - Prefers moist soil.
- May be invasive.
MACLEAYA
cordata
(mack-LAY-uh kor-DAH-tuh)
(syn. Bocconia cordata)
Plume poppy
Perennial. 8' tall, blooms
in June.
Ivory plumes with large lobed blue-green leaves.
Should be planted in clusters. Good for backdrop or screen.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
- Invasive stolons.
MATTEUCCIA
struthiopteris
(mah-TOO-chee-ah strew-thy-OP-ter-iss)
(syn. M. pennsylvanica)
Ostrich fern, Shuttlecock fern
Fern. 2 - 6' tall, from
June to frost.
Vase-shaped clump of tall, graceful fronds of olive-green changing
to light brown.
Does best in shaded locations with rich, moist soil, but can tolerate
some sun.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
+ Easy to grow. Atrractive in dried arrangements. Adds interest
in the autumn and winter garden
+ or - Requires moisture retentive soil.
- Spreads readily by underground runners.
MISCANTHUS
sinensis
(mis-KAN-thus sih-NIN-sis)
Maiden grass
Ornamental grass, 4 - 6'
tall.
Pink or white panicles appear in August and are attractive through
the winter. Many cultivars with variegated or reddish foliage.
Cut down dead stalks in March. May need to be divided after several
years if clumps become too large or start to die out in the middle.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Minimum maintenance. Tolerates a wide variety of soils. Adds interest
to the winter garden.
MOLINIA
caerulea subsp. arundinacea
(moh-LIN-ee-ah
ser-OO-lee-ah ah-run-din-AH-see-ah)
Tall moor grass, Tall purple moor grass
Ornamental grass, 5 - 7'
tall.
Wiry, fountaining tufts of very tall grass. Gray-green foliage
2 - 3' high and wide. In July, purplish or brownish, delicate, wispy seedheads
rise 3 - 4' above the foliage. Both foliage and seedheads turn bright yellow
in autumn, then mature to tawny gold.
Small plants may take three to four seasons to produce good foliage
and flowers.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Drought tolerant. Good in the autumn and winter garden.
- Slow growth rate.
MONARDA didyma
(moh-NAR-duh or mohn-ARD-ah
did-EE-muh)
Beebalm, Bergamot, Oswego tea
Perennial, 24 - 36" high,
blooms June-August.
Has burgundy, pink, purple, red or white flowers.
Cut back after first flowering and may rebloom. Needs to have
plants in front to hide leafless stalks.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Fragrant foliage; attracts butterflies.
- Vulnerable to mildew.
M. didyma 'Marshall's Delight'
Cultivar which resists mildew.
MYOSOTIS
(my-oh-SOH -tiss)
Forget-me-not
Perennial, 8" high, blooms
in May.
Mound-shaped plant with intense blue flowers.
Good for naturalizing.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
+ Self-seeds, attracts birds and butterflies.
+ or - Prefers moist soil.
NEPETA
x mussinii
(NEH-pah-tah or NEP-et-uh
muh-SEE-nee)
(syn. Nepeta x faassenii)
Catmint
Perennial, 12 - 36" high,
blooms from May to frost (varies by cultivar).
Aromatic, silver-gray, bushy, small-leaved plants with lavender-blue
flowers.
Will rebloom if cut back to foliage mound after first flush.
Good border or edging pIant.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Drought tolerant and deer resistant.
+ or - Spreads quickly.
N. x mussinii 'Six Hill
Giant' -- one of the tallest cultivars.
NICOTIANA alata
(nick-oh-shee-AY-nuh
uh-LAH-tuh)
Flowering tobacco
Self-sowing Annual, 16 -
24" high, blooms June or July to frost
Large-leaved foliage with chartreuse, pink, rose or white flowers opening
in late afternoon.
Once established, tolerant of dry conditions, although a summer mulch
is helpful.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Fragrant and often reseeds.
N.
sylvestris (sil-VES-tres) Taller than N. alata, white, intensely
fragrant species.
ORIGANUM
laevigatum 'Herrenhausen'
(oh-RIG-uh-num lev-ih-GAY-tum)
Ornamental oregano, Wild marjoram
Perennial, 24 - 30" high,
blooms July to frost.
Has long bloom period with intense purple-maroon flowers. Maroon-toned
foliage deepens in color in autumn.
Full sun
+ Long blooming period and autumn color. Attracts butterflies.
Drought and heat tolerant.
PACHYSANDRA
procumbens
(pak-ih-SAN-druh pro-KUM-benz)
Alleghany spurge
Perennial, 24" high,
blooms April.
Fragrant white flower spikes with attractive variegated mottled foliage,
which turns purple in autumn.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
+ Autumn color.
PACHYSANDRA
terminalis
(pak-ih-SAN-druh ter-mih-NAL-liss)
Japanese spurge
Perennial, 10 - 12" high,
blooms May.
Creamy-white, insignificant flowers. Evergreen leaves grow in whorls
at the top of stems providing a dense ground cover. Some cultivars have
variegated leaves.
Very easy to root.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
+ Evergreen, deer resistant and almost indestructible.
PAEONIA
(pee or pay-OH-nee-uh)
Garden peony, Herbaceous peony
**Fussy"**
Perennial, 2 - 3' tall,
blooms May-June.
Large, fragrant, single or double flowers. Colors come in shades of
coral, pink, deep red, white, yellow. Provides nice foliage
backdrop for shorter flowers.
Plant may need staking prior to blooming since it flowers profusely
and may be battered by heavy rains. If foliage turns brown, it should
be cut back. Cut back all foliage in late autumn. Plant in September or
early October so that 'eyes' are no more than one inch below soil line.
Expect that it will take 2-3 years after transplanting before plant will
bloom. Keep well watered in the summer and do not plant close to shrubs,
trees or groundcovers that will compete for moisture. Since flowers may
be vulnerable to fungal disease, especially during wet weather, water from
below. Fertilize three times per year with a low nitrogen fertilizer: when
buds first break through the ground, when plant is about half its size
and again after blooming.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Breathtaking when in bloom, fragrant, durable and long living.
- Flowers may attract ants.
PAEONIA
suffruticosa
(pee or pay-OH -nee-uh
suh-frew-tee-KOH -suh)
Tree peony
Deciduous flowering shrub, 4
- 5' tall, blooms May.
Large single or double flowers in pink, purple, red. white or yellow.
Foliage is gray-green.
Plant in October. Prune only dead tips.
Partial sun/shade
- Expensive, slow growing.
PAPAVER orientale
(puh-PAY-ver or-ee-en-TAY-leh)
Oriental poppy
**Fussy"**
Perennial, 24" high, blooms
May-June.
Large delicate flowers that are either single or double flowered and
5 - 8 inches wide in shades of orange, pink, red, white and bi-colors.
The coarse light green or grayish green foliage turns brown and dies down
in June and July but may reappear in September. Position other plants
in front to cover the bare spot. The seed pods are useful for dried flower
arrangements.
Needs good drainage and soil of average fertility and may reseed under
the right conditions. When the foliage dies, the area may be cleaned, being
careful not to disturb the plant. The plant is difficult to transplant
and grows best from seed. It can be moved successfully if a large enough
clump of surrounding soil is kept around the roots and the plant is kept
well watered until it gets re-established. Small volunteer plants are more
likely to be moved successfully in late summer or early fall. If
planting from seed, sow lightly and sparingly in the early spring and do
not cover with soil since the seeds need light and cool weather to germinate.
Once established, they also need space and good air circulation to minimize
chances of bacterial blight and downy mildew. Watering from below helps
to avoid those problems.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Attracts birds
PENNISETUM
alopecuroides
(pen-ih-SEE-tum al-oh-pek-yur-OY-deez)
(syn. P. japonicum)
Fountain grass
Ornamental grass, 24 - 36"
high and wide, June to frost.
Dense, upright mound of glossy, bright green foliage. Narrow leaves
are 18 - 30" long. Stiff 4 - 10" long foxtail flowers, on arching stems,
emerge creamy white to light pink or tan August thru October. They
mature to reddish-brown. Autumn foliage becomes streaked with yellow
and brown then becomes almond-colored and finally fades to a straw color
into winter. Flower heads shatter in autumn and may reseed.
Does best in moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Use in mass planting,
groups or as a single specimen.
Full sun
+ Attractive in the summer, autumn and winter garden.
+ or - Needs a moist, well drained soil.
PENSTEMON
(PEN-stem-on)
Perennial, 12 - 48" tall,
blooms June thru August.
Orange, pink, purple, red or yellow tube-shaped flowers on spikes,
rising from semi-evergreen rosette foliage. Height varies
depending on the cultivar.
Full sun, Partial sun/shade or Shade
+ Native plant. Low maintenance, drought tolerant.
PEROVSKIA
atriplicifolia
(per-OFF-skee-uh uh-trip-lee-Sif-oh-lee-uh)
Russian sage
Perennial, 3 - 5' high,
blooms July to frost.
Small, toothed silver-gray, downy leaves with lavender flower spikes.
Good for naturalizing or mass planting.
Needs good drainage. Cut back to 6" in early spring. Spreads by roots.
Once established, is best transplanted in spring before leaves have emerged.
Full sun
+ Drought tolerant and deer resistant.
+ or - Attracts bees.
PETRORHAGIA
saxifragia
(peh-troh-HAH-gee-uh
sax-lf-rah-gee-uh)
(syn. TUNICA saxifragia)
Tunic flower
Perennial, 8 - 10" high,
blooms June to frost.
Double pink, pale purple, or white flowers (similar to short baby's
breath/ Dianthus) on evergreen foliage.
Full sun
+ Drought tolerant and deer resistant.
PHLOX paniculata
(FLOKS or FLOX
pan-ik-yew-LAH-tuh)
Tall garden phlox
Perennial,24 - 42" high,
blooms July thru September, then sporadically until frost.
Crimson, magenta, pink, purple, scarlet or white blooms.
Plant benefits from being planted where it will have good air circulation
but protection from winds. Phlox leaves are vulnerable to mildew, but some
cultivars are more mildew-resistant. Requires soil which is deep, moist,
well drained, very fertile. Add superphosphate to soil when planting. Needs
to be watered early in the day, from below to keep the leaves dry. Remove
flower heads, snapping off below last flower, to encourage reblooming.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Attracts butterflies, will reseed.
+ or - Attracts bees.
- May require staking.
PHYSOSTEGIA
virginiana
(fye-soh-STEE-jee-uh
ver-jin-ee-AY-nuh)
Faise dragonhead, Obedient plant
Perennial, 18 - 36"
high, blooms July or August to frost.
Pink, rose or white tube-shaped flowers on 8 - 10" spikes.
Good for naturalizing.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Good cut flower.
+ or - Inclined to spread.
PLATYCODON
grandiflorus
(plat-ee-KOH-don
gran-dee-FLOH-rus)
Balloonflower, Chinese bellflower
Perennial,12 - 36" high,
blooms July-August.
Bell-shaped buds open to star-shaped blue, purple or white flowers
on compact foliage. Many good cultivars.
Deadhead spent flowers to promote long blooming; cut back to encourage
second bloom after flowering ceases.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Drought tolerant, likes rock breaks and alkaline soil, a good cut
flower
- Taller plants may need staking.
POLYGONATUM
(poh-lig-oh-NAY-tum)
Solomon's seal
Perennial,24 - 48" high,
blooms in May.
Nodding greenish-white bell-shaped flowers, followed by blue-black
berries, hang from each leaf axil. Arching stems with green or variegated
foliage which tums yellow in autumn.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
+ Native plant. Long-lived and not invasive. Autumn color.
+ or - Likes dry shade.
POLYGONUM affine
(poh-LYE-goh-num uh-FEE-nuh)
Knotweed, Fleeceflower, Smartweed
Perennial, 10 - 12" high,
blooms in May.
Pink flower spikes mature to crimson on 3-inch mats of glossy foliage
that turns bright red in autumn.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Adds color to the autumn garden.
+ or - Prefers moist soil.
- May be invasive.
POTENTILLA
(poh-ten-TILL-uh)
Cinquefoil
Perennial, 12-30" high,
blooms June-July.
Deep green, strawberry-like leaves; very profuse branching sprays of
single orange, rose-red or yellow flowers. Some
hybrid colors are salmon, cherry-pink and rosy-orange.
Good for border and ground cover. There is also a shrub form
which blooms throughout the summer.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Drought tolerant.
PULMONARlA
(pul-moh-NAY-ree-uh)
Lungwort
Perennial, 8 - 12" high,
blooms April-May.
Spreading clumps of attractive, hairy spotted leaves with clusters
of drooping blue, lavender, pink or white flowers.
Useful for rock gardens or ground cover.
Full sun, Partial sun/shade or Shade
+ or - Is lush with moist soil.
RATIBIDA
(rah-tee-BlD-uh)
Prairie coneflower, Gray-headed coneflower, Yellow coneflower
Perennial, 30 - 36"
high, blooms June to frost.
Yellow, daisy-like flower. Drooping rays with grayish cones.
Full sun
RHODODENDRON
(roh-doh-DEN-drun)
Azalea (Azaleas are included under the genus Rhododendron
but are botanically distinct from the shrubs commonly called "rhododendrons".)
**Fussy"* *
Evergreen flowering shrub.
2 - 8' tall, blooms April-June, depending on the species.
Flowers are shades of lavender, orange, pink, red or white. Although
the shrub's native form is deciduous and it can sometimes be grown here,
the following information applies to the evergreen azalea which is somewhat
easier to grow in this area.
Azaleas require acid soil (ph 4.5-6.5) which is loose, organic and
well drained in a protected site with good air circulation. They shouId
be grown where they do not get afternoon sun. Since their roots are shallow,
they require frequent moisture but will not tolerate poor drainage. Once
established under the right conditions. they can be relatively carefree.
In selecting azaleas, purchase only those in pots which have allowed the
roots to expand. Reject any which are rootbound since they are unlikely
to ever root properly. Similarly when transplanting, make a wide circle
to get as many of the smaller feeder roots as possible, plant shallowly
and use a mulch which will add acid to the soil (hard wood bark, pine needles,
decomposed oak leaves, etc.). Although they need both, they are more often
harmed by too much fertilizer and mulch rather than too little. They should
be mulched (about 1 inch) and fed lightly. Use an organic or balanced
light fertilizer (no more than 10-10-10) which contains iron sulfate and
aluminum sulfate in early spring, just before blooming and in late fall.
For more information on how to grow azaleas, see the revised and enlarged
edition of Azaleas by Frcd C. Galie and/or Success with Rhododendrons and
Azaleas by H. Edward Reiley.
Partial sun/shade
RUDBECKIA
fulgida 'Goldsturm'
(rudd or rood-BECK-ee-uh
ful-JEE-duh)
Black-eyed susan, Yellow coneflower, Coneflower
Perennial, 24-30" high,
blooms July to September.
Golden yellow flowers with black central cones; cones may be left on
stems after frost for winter interest.
Spreads by reseeding and by expansion of clumps.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Attracts birds, drought tolerant and deer resistant. Has a long bloom
time and is a good cut flower.
SALVIA
farinacea
(SAL-vee-uh falr-ee-NAY-see-uh)
Mealycup sage, Annual sage
Self-sowing Annual, 24 -
36" high, blooms July to frost if cut back.
Showy violet-blue or white blossoms. Sometimes winters over.
Full sun
+ Long bloom time and deer resistant.
SALVIA nemerosa
(SAL-vee-uh
nee-mer-OH-suh)
Meadow sage
Perennial,18 - 36" high,
blooms June to frost.
Dense spikes of flowers that range from light blue to purple.
Will continue to bloom until frost if deadheaded.
Full sun
+ Attracts butterflies. Is drought tolerant and deer resistant.
+ or - Attracts bees
- Taller plants may need staking, watch for slugs.
S. nemerosa least Friesland'
18 - 36" high, purple flowers with gray-green foliage, blooms June-July.
S. x sylvestris 'May
Night' (sil-VES-tris) 18 - 24" high, violet-blue, blooms from June
into August
SAMBUCUS
canadensis
(sam-BYEW-kus kan-uh-DEN-sis)
American elder, Bore tree, Elderberry
Deciduous flowering shrub,
8 - 12' tall, blooms June-July.
Flat clusters of small white flowers, 8-inches across, followed by
small blue to black berries in September.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Native plant. Berries attract birds.
+or- Likes moist soil.
S. canadensis 'Aurea'
Golden Elder Yellow foliage and red berries.
SCABIOSA
caucasica
(scab-bee-OH-suh or skay-bee-OH-suh
kah-KAS-ee-kuh)
Pincushion flower, Mourning bride
Perennial, 18 - 24" high,
blooms June to frost.
Showy, pale blue, lavender or white flowers on ferny, grayish foliage.
Best planted in masses.
Deadheading encourages rebooming.
Full sun
+ Attracts butterflies, good cut flower.
SEDUM x
'Autumn Joy'
(SEE-dum)
Stonecrop
Perennial,18 - 24" high,
blooms August to frost. (Hybrid between S. spectsabile and S. telephium.)
Flower starts rosy-pink, deepens to salmon, then to rust and finally
turns a rich brown. Gray-green succulent foliage. Plants make
a neat mound when planted in masses. There are many other cultivars
which do well in this area, including some for ground covers, rock breaks
and perennial borders. Prefers soil on the poor side; rich soil results
in flopping of the top-heay flower heads.
Full sun
+ Drought tolerant and deer resistant. Attracts butterflies
and provides winter interest
+ or - Attracts bees
S. spectabile (spek-TAB-ee-luh)
Showy stonecrop - Pale pink flowers.
S. spectabile 'Brilliant'
- Strong pink flowers.
S. spectabile 'Star Dust'
-
White with a touch of pink
S. spectabile 'Iceberg'
-
White flowers
SOLIDAGO
(sol-ee-DAY-goh)
Goldenrod
Perennial,12 - 60" high, blooms
September to frost.
Domes or plumes of golden yellow flowers. A native plant with
many showier cultivars. Does not cause hayfever.
Full sun
+ Attracts butterflies, provides interest in the autumn garden.
SPIRAEA japonica
(spy-REE-uh jun-PON-nee-kuh)
Japanese spirea
Deciduous flowering shrub, blooms
June.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Very hardy, not fussy about soil.
S. japonica 'Little Princes'
12-24" high and 36" wide, with pink flowers.
S. japonica 'Shirobana'
12-30" high and 36" wide, with pink, red and white flowers on the same
plan
SPIRAEA
x vanhouttei
(spy-REE-uh van-HOO-tee)
Vanhoutte spirea
Deciduous flowering shrub, 6-8'
tall and wide, blooms May-June.
White flowers.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Very hardy, not fussy about soil.
STACHYS byzantina
'Silver Carpet'
(STAY-kiss or STACK-iss
biz-an-TEE-nuh)
(syns. S. olympica and S. lanata)
Betony, Lamb's ears
Perennial, 8" high. Semi-evergreen
with no flower.
Soft, woolly silver-gray, 6-inch leaves, which attract small children.
Flowering cultivars require deadheading.
Full sun
+ Good for edging and deer resistant.
- May be invasive
S. byzantina 'Olympica'
Has silvery-white leaves with pinkish flowers.
+ or - Highly attractive to bees.
S. byzantina Cotton Boll'
Flowers resemble white cotton balls.
+ or - Highly attractive to bees.
STOKESIA laevis
(sto-KEE-zee-uh LAY-vis)
Stoke's aster
Perennial, 15" high,
blooms July to August.
Large blue, violet or white cornflower-Iike blossoms.
Full sun
+ Drought tolerant, attracts butterflies, good cut flower.
TEUCRIUM
chamaedrys
(TYEW-kree-um kam-EE-dreez)
Wall germander
Perennial, 12 - 15" high,
blooms July-August.
Rose-colored flowers on evergreen foliage, resembles a dwarf boxwood.
Good low hedge for formaI gardens, can be clipped or sheared.
Full sun
- May be short-lived.
THALICTRUM
rochebrunianum
(thah- LICK-trum
roh- kee- BREW-nee-u h -n um)
Lavender mist, Meadow rue
Perennial, 6 - 8' tall,
blooms June-July.
Misty lavender plume flowers.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
TlARELLA
cordifolia
(tyuh-REL-uh kor-dee-fOH-lee-uh)
Foam flower
Perennial,, 8 - 15" high,
blooms April or May-June.
Frothy pink or white flowers on everereen, maple-shaped leaves. There
are a number of cultivars.
Some spread quickly by runners.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
+ Native plant.
- Does best in moist soil.
TRADESCANTIA
virginiana
(trad-ess-KAN-tee-uh
vir-JIN-ee-ay-nuh)
Virginia spiderwort
Perennial, 14 -'24" high,
blooms June-September. S
hades of blue, red or white flowers. Has long bloom period although
each flower lasts only one day.
Prefers a boggy soil. If planted in rich soil the foliage growth will
be lush at the expense of the flowers. Cut back for longer bloom time.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Native plant
- May be invasive in damp areas.
TRICYRTIS hirta
(try-SER-tis HER-tuh)
Hairy toad lily, Japanese toad lily
Perennial, 24 - 36" high,
blooms September to frost.
Orchid-like white flowers with purple spots. Leaves grow ladder-like
on long, graceful arching stems.
Best in large groups.
Needs moist, humus-rich soil.
Shade. Dappled woodland light
TUNICA saxifragia see PETRORHAGIA saxifragia
VERBENA
bonariensis
(ver-BEE-nuh bon-NAIR-ree-ens-us)
Vervain
Short-lived Perennial, (2-3
years). 3 - 4' tall, blooms July to frost.
Small, bright purple flowers bloom in clusters on wiry stems.
Best in groups of three or more. May be planted in the middle or front
of the border since its almost leafless stems do not obscure plants behind
it. Self-seeds.
Full sun
+ Attracts butterflies and is drought tolerant.
VERBENA
canadensis 'Homestead Purple'
(ver-BEE-nuh ka-nah-DEN-sis)
Vervain
Perennial, 6 - 10" high,
blooms June to frost.
Deep violet purple flower clusters on vigorous ground cover with dark
green foliage.
Tender perennial; a pine bough winter mulch is recommended. Spreads
4 - 6' per season. Deadheading increases bloom time.
Full sun
VERNONIA
(ver-NOH-nee-uh)
lronweed
Perennial, 3 - 7' tall,
blooms August to frost.
Heads of pink or purple aster-like flowers.
Full sun
+ Native plant and attracts butterflies.
+ or - Prefers damp soil.
VERONICA spicata
(veh-RON-ih-kuh or ver-ON-ick-ah
spee-KAH-tah)
Spike speedwell
Perennial, 4 - 18" high,
blooms June-September.
Blue, pink, red or white flower spikes.
Deadhead to promote re-blooming.
Full sun
V. spicata 'Sunny Border
Blue' A cultivar with attractive foliage, blue flowers and a long bloom
time.
VERONICASTRUM
virginicum
(ver-on-ee-KAS-trum
vir-JIN-ee-kum)
(syn. VERONICA virginiana)
Culver's root, Culver's physic
Perennial, 8 - 15" high,
blooms July-August
Tall pale blue. lavender or white flower spikes.
Does best in moderately acid soil.
Full sun
VlBURNUM
setigerum
(vy-BER-num seh-TIJ-er-um)
Tea viburnum, Arrowwood
Deciduous flowering shrub,
8-12’ tall, blooms in June.
Fragrant white flowers followed by red berries which provide winter
interest. Blue green leaves become maroon in autumn. Many attractive
viburnums do well in our area if they get enough moisture.
Full sun
+ Native plant. Berries attract birds. Autumn and winter interest.
VIOLA odorata
(VEE-oh-luh or VY-oh-lah
oh-doh-RAY-tuh)
Johnny jump-up, Sweet violet, Violet, English violet
Perennial, 6" high, blooms
in May.
Lavender, pink, purple or white flowers.
Partial sun/shade or Shade
+ Fragrant.
+ or - Prefers moist soil.
YUCCA
filamentosa
(YUK-uh fil-uh-men-TOH-suh)
Adam's needle, Desert candle
Perennial, foliage 2 - 3'
high and flower stalk rising 3 - 4' above the foliage, blooms in June.
Creamy white bell-shaped flowers above green or variegated sword-like
evergreen leaves. Transplanting is difficult once established. Prefers
a sandy soil.
Full sun or Partial sun/shade
+ Drought tolerant and deer resistant.
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