For your gardening pleasure, here are more than 500 different perennials described for Northwest gardens. Within each genus listing, you’ll find the botanical name, common name (if the plant has one), and the plant family. Following that is a general description of the genus, and sections on cultivation (how to grow) and garden use (where and with what to grow). Next, you’ll see descriptions of specific plants and cultivars, including time of flowering, size, and hardiness. (Note: Dimensions are given in height × width; a single measurement refers to height unless noted otherwise.)
Most perennials will grow well in a variety of soils (neutral to slightly alkaline or slightly acid) as long as the soil is well drained. Of course, there are persnickety perennials—those that grow well only if particular requirements are met. Some species of Lysimachia, for example, prefer damp to wet soils, while the mint hyssop Agastache rupestris needs sharp drainage. Pay close attention to these particulars, but know that there is a wide selection of plants with accommodating natures.
Acanthus spinosus
(bear’s breeches) Acanthaceae
Bold plants with large, often glossy leaves. Spikes of subtly colored, foxglovelike flowers rise above leaves.
CULTIVATION
Sun or part shade. Provide good air circulation to keep powdery mildew at bay.
GARDEN USE
Give them plenty of room, but use some punchy colors and contrasting forms nearby, such as crocosmia and, in part shade, sword fern.
SPECIES AND CULTIVARS
A. mollis—showy foliage waxy, glossy, deeply cut with wavy edges, leaves 24 in. long; flowers hooded, funnel-shaped, white and purple. Blooms early summer. 5 ft. × 3 ft. Zones 7–10. ‘Hollard’s Gold’ foliage yellow-gold; ‘Tasmanian Angel’ foliage splashed white; ‘Whitewater’ similar, improved.
A. spinosus—spiny-tipped, wide, dark leaves like a thistle’s; flowers two-toned mauve and white. Blooms summer. 5 ft. × 3 ft. Zones 5–9.
Achillea ‘Terra Cotta’
(yarrow) Asteraceae
Summer-blooming plant known for its flat-topped clusters of tiny flowers. Most have well-cut, ferny foliage.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained, even sandy soil. Cut back after flowers begin to fade to produce more flower stems, to remove unsightly finished flowers (light-colored cultivars fade to unattractive, dirty white), and to reduce reseeding. If grown in full sun, rarely needs staking, but rather than trying to stake it if it flops, provide nearby plants to hold it up and enjoy the new combination as flower stems weave into neighboring plants. Plants increase by underground shoots; divide or decrease by chopping through and digging out.
GARDEN USE
Excellent color and form to combine with golfball flowers of globe thistle (Echinops), round mounds of lavender, and spiky flowers of hebes. Brings butterflies, ladybugs, and other beneficial insects into the garden.
SPECIES
A. filipendulina—evergreen clumps of gray-green foliage; yellow, flat-topped heads of yellow flowers 5 in. across. Blooms early summer to early autumn. 4 ft. × 1.5 ft. Zones 3–9. ‘Cloth of Gold’ mustard yellow.
A. millefolium—mats of dark green leaves; magenta flower heads 4 in. across, fading with age. Blooms all summer. 24 in. × 24 in. Zones 3–9. ‘Cerise Queen’ dark pink; ‘Moonshine’ bright yellow; ‘Paprika’ red with white eye.
A. ptarmica—lance-shaped basal leaves; best selection ‘The Pearl’ or The Pearl group for clusters of small, double, white flowers. Blooms summer. 36 in. × 24 in. Zones 3–8.
CULTIVARS
(Mid- to late summer.)
‘Apelblut’/‘Appleblossom’ pink flower clusters 3 in. wide, fading in summer heat; 36 in. × 24 in.; zones 4–8. ‘Coronation Gold’ evergreen, silver-gray foliage; golden 4-in.-wide flowers; 36 in. × 18 in.; zones 3–9. ‘Freuerland’/‘Fireland’ brick red; 30 in. × 24 in. ‘Summerwine’ dark pink-red flower clusters 3 in. wide; 24 in. × 24 in.; zones 4–8. ‘Terra Cotta’ flowers fade to bronze.
Aconitum carmichaelii
(monkshood) Ranunculaceae
Tall plants with well-divided leaves and spires of hooded, dark, menacing-looking flowers.
CULTIVATION
Full sun or part shade. Provide regular water.
GARDEN USE
Wonderful rising out of low-growing plants; good dark flower colors, as well as flowers late in season. Grow with hardy geraniums, such as bright pink ‘Patricia’, and early flowering plants, such as wallflowers ‘Julian Orchard’ and ‘Bowles Mauve’.
NOTES
All plant parts are poisonous.
SPECIES
A. carmichaelii—dark leathery leaves; indigo flowers. Blooms late summer. 5 ft. × 1 ft. Zones 3–8. ‘Arendsii’ rich blue.
CULTIVARS
‘Bressingham Spire’ deep violet; blooms midsummer to early fall; 36 in. × 12 in.; zones 3–8. ‘Spark’s Variety’ deep violet, branched panicles; blooms mid- to late summer; 4 ft. × 1.5 ft.; zones 3–8. ‘Stainless Steel’ pale violet, branched; blooms early summer; 40 in. × 12 in.; zones 3–8. ‘Ivorine’ upright, bushy, ivory flowers; blooms late spring to early summer; 36 in. × 18 in.; zones 5–8.
Actaea ‘Brunette’
including Cimicifuga (baneberry, bugbane, snakeroot) Ranunculaceae
A genus of woodland plants that now includes the genus Cimicifuga, a taxonomic change that will take years to filter down to the garden level. Baneberries are short; Cimicifuga is tall and has slender, bottlebrush-like flower heads. Actaea is also known as doll’s eyes, for its white berries with a dark spot.
CULTIVATION
Part shade and humusy soil; use a good mulch to help retain moisture. Prefers slightly acid soil, but will tolerate average pH.
GARDEN USE
Baneberries combine well with astilbes. Because woodland gardens usually have shrubs as middle story, be sure not to plant tall Cimicifuga under low-branching shrubs. White flowers, especially of late-blooming, former Cimicifuga selections, contribute greatly to shade gardens.
SPECIES
A. matsurmurae (syn. Cimicifuga) ‘White Pearl’—clump-forming with well-divided leaves; bottlebrush white flowers atop stems. Blooms late summer. Shade to part shade. 4 ft. × 3 ft. Zones 4–9.
A. pachypoda—large, toothed leaves; white flowers followed by white berries in fall. Blooms spring. Shade to part shade. 24 in. × 18 in. Zones 3–9.
A. racemosa (syn. Cimicifuga; black cohosh)—clump forming with toothed, divided leaves; fluffy white flowers with unpleasant scent. Blooms midsummer. Shade to part shade. 4–7 ft. × 2 ft. Zones 3–8.
A. simplex (syn. Cimicifuga; snakeroot)—clump-forming with purple stems; white bottlebrush flowers. Blooms early to midfall. 4 ft. × 2 ft. Zones 4–8.
CULTIVARS
Atropurpurea group ‘Black Negligee’ 24 in. ‘Brunette’ brownish-purple leaves; 8-in. racemes of tiny, purple-tinged white flowers.
Agapanthus ‘Prolific Blue’
(lily-of-the-Nile) Liliaceae
Exotic-looking plants with strappy leaves growing from central point. Bare stems rising above foliage are topped with round or slightly drooping balls of funnel-shaped blue or lavender (sometimes white) flowers.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained soil; provide summer water. Although we long thought Agapanthus were not hardy in the maritime Northwest, they can be kept out in the garden in mild areas; give potted plants some protection in winter. Deciduous selections are more hardy here.
GARDEN USE
Fabulous in pots, where they provide a bit of the tropics to the patio or deck. Combine with some Diascia trailing over the edge of the pot, or use more than one pot where neighboring plants won’t be smothered by Agapanthus foliage. Croscosmia and abutilons make colorful companions; use Kniphofia for similar form but different color.
SPECIES
A. africanus—evergreen; clumps of straplike leaves; flowers deep blue, 6–12 in. across. Blooms mid- to late summer. 36 in. × 18 in. Zones 9–10. ‘Albus’ white.
A. campanulatus—vigorously clumping, deciduous; narrow leaves; rounded flower heads 4–8 in. across. Blooms mid- to late summer. 4 ft. × 1.5 ft. Zones 7–10. Var. albidus white flowers.
CULTIVARS
Headbourne hybrids from deep violet to pale blue; deciduous. ‘Lilliput’ deciduous; deep blue; 16 in. × 16 in. ‘Mood Indigo’ deciduous; tubular, dark blue; 36 in. × 36 in. ‘Peter Pan’ evergreen; blue; 18 in. × 18 in. ‘Storm Cloud’ evergreen; dark blue; 24 in. × 24 in.
Agastache ‘Summer Breeze’
(mint hyssop) Lamiaceae
A member of the mint family, with opposite leaves and small, tubular flowers in a variety of showy colors. Many have anise-mint scent to foliage.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and ordinary soil; several require no summer water. Cut back spent flowers for more blooms.
GARDEN USE
Great for summer color. More delicately blooming cultivars (OK—small flowers) can be used in pots or out in the garden with other sun-lovers, including asters, catmint, and sedum.
SPECIES
A. aurantiaca—erect, bushy, mint-scented spikes of orange-pink flowers. Blooms all summer. 18 in. × 24 in. Zones 7–10.
A. cana—erect, branched, with bubblegum/camphor smell; loose spikes of deep violet flowers. Blooms late summer to fall. 36 in. × 18 in. Zones 5–10.
A. foeniculum (anise hyssop)—erect, leafy, with anise scent; dense cylinders of violet flowers. Blooms midsummer to early fall. Reseeds. 3–5 ft. × 1 ft. Zones 6–10.
A. rupestris—mounding, shrubby; grayish, aromatic leaves; narrow, tubular orange-and-pink flowers with prominent stamen. Blooms summer. No summer water. 24 in. × 24 in. Zones 5–8.
CULTIVARS
(Zones 6–9.)
‘Apricot Sprite’ peachy tint; 18 in. × 12 in. ‘Apricot Sunrise’ pale orange with purple tint; 36 in. × 24 in. ‘Black Adder’ lavender; 30 in. × 18 in. ‘Coronado’ orange-streaked yellow; 30 in. × 18 in. ‘Firebird’ loose spikes of copper orange; blooms midsummer to late fall; 24 in. × 24 in. ‘Summer Breeze’ peach-pink; blooms summer; 36 in. × 36 in. ‘Tutti-frutti’ raspberry red, loose spikes; 24 in. × 24 in.
Alchemilla alpina
(lady’s mantle) Rosaceae
Mounding plants with round, lobed leaves. Flowers in sprays of chartreuse or light green.
CULTIVATION
Sun or part shade and ordinary soil. Slight reseeders, but rarely annoying; cut back A. mollis after it blooms to reduce this.
GARDEN USE
Grown more for foliage than flowers. Great plants to use for form. Common lady’s mantle (A. mollis) catches drops of dew on hairy edges of its leaves; grow with ornamental onions for contrast in shape. Cultivars of A. mollis look little different from the species. Late-blooming plants such as Rudbeckia and tall asters add some color.
SPECIES
A. alpina (alpine lady’s mantle)—may or may not be A. conjuncta in the trade; lobed leaves have silver hairs along edges and underneath, giving white variegated appearance; insignificant small flower sprays. Blooms summer. Reseeds politely in cracks of pavement. 5 in. × 20 in. Zones 3–8.
A. ellenbeckii—dark green, rounded, serrated leaves, red stem; evergreen mat. 2 in. × 12 in. Zones 6–8.
A. erythropoda—like a smaller A. mollis. Blooms summer. 12 in. × 8 in. Zones 3–8.
A. mollis (lady’s mantle)—large dome of foliage; soft green, round leaves with slightly serrated edge; sprays of tiny chartreuse flowers. Blooms early summer. 24 in. × 30 in. Zones 4–8.
Allium cristophii
(ornamental onion) Alliaceae
Balls of flowers grow atop unclothed stems. Often, foliage dies back before or just as flowering begins in early to midsummer.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained soil a must for the best, most upright stems. Some reseeding.
GARDEN USE
Fabulous foil to low, mounding plant shapes such as hardy geranium. Also use later-blooming plants such as Aster ‘Mönch’. Looks good popping out of ground-cover roses. Leave flower stems to age and turn to seedheads—they’ll look good for several months.
NOTES
Because ornamental onions grow up rather than out, only height is listed here.
SPECIES
A. aflatunense—lilac flowers, 4-in. heads. 36 in. Zones 4–8.
A. cristophii (star of Persia)—short stalk; impressive lavender flower heads 8 in. across. 12 in.
A. giganteum—purple, 4-in. flower heads. 5–6 ft. Zones 6–10.
A. karataviense—broad leaves; pinkish flowers; short stems, so don’t hide it under a bushel. 10 in. Zones 5–9. ‘Ivory Queen’ white.
A. moly (golden garlic)—sunshine-yellow, small enough to fit anywhere; 2-in. flower heads. Sun to a little light shade. 10 in. Zones 3–9. ‘Jeanine’ more yellow.
A. schubertii—like a fireworks show in your garden; 12-in. lavender flowers spaced out; beautiful in garden or a vase. 12–24 in. Zones 4–10.
A. schaerocephalon—crimson purple, 2 in. wide. 30 in. Zones 5–9.
CULTIVARS
‘Firmament’ 3-in. heads of lavender flowers with silver anthers; 24 in. ‘Gladiator’ purple, 6-in. heads; 5 ft. ‘Globemaster’ 8 in. across; 32 in.; zones 6–10. ‘Lucy Ball’ 3 in. across; 36 in.; zones 6–10. ‘Purple Sensation’ 3-in. heads; 36 in.; zones 4–9.
Alstroemeria, Pacific Sunset hybrid
Alstroemeria
(Peruvian lily) Amaryllidaceae
Colorful, tall, and aggressive. Various strains and cultivars for tubular flowers in shades of yellow, apricot-pink, and orange. The lance-shaped leaves are slightly twisted.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained soil. Spreads underground by means of rhizomelike tubers—to the annoyance of some gardeners; corral by means of a root barrier (sink several inches in the ground around the plant) or give it a bed to itself. Plants die back by late summer.
GARDEN USE
Once corralled, Alstroemeria is a good companion for late-summer flowers, such as Rudbeckia. The cut flowers are wonderful for indoor arrangements.
CULTIVARS
Pacific Sunset hybrids apricot, pink, and yellow mix; blooms summer; 24 in. × 36 in.; zones 7–10.
Amsonia tabernaemontana
Amsonia
(blue star) Apocynaceae
Billowing mounds of narrow foliage. Clusters of blue flowers in early summer.
CULTIVATION
Sun and well-drained soil.
GARDEN USE
Pleasing sight with sky-blue flowers and soft texture. Grow with dark-foliaged sedum such as ‘Bertram Anderson’ and upright bronze sedge Carex buchananii ‘Red Fox’.
SPECIES
A. hubrectii—green leaves turn into bright yellow fall foliage; panicles of sky-blue flowers. Blooms late spring. 3 ft. × 4 ft. Zones 5–9.
A. tabernaemontana (willow blue star)—narrow, light green leaves; dense rounded panicles of pale blue flowers. Blooms late spring. 24 in. × 18 in. Zones 3–8. Var. salicifolia leaves more narrow; flower heads more open.
Anemone × hybrida
(windflower) Ranunculaceae
Wide variety of perennials for woodland or open border, some low-growing with ferny foliage and daisylikeflowers, others tall with lobed foliage and open flowers with broad petals. Flower color ranges from white to blue, or in shades of pink.
CULTIVATION
Light requirements according to species and cultivars, below; all prefer well-drained soil. Cultivars of hupehensis and × hybrida can take dry soil in part shade. Tall late anemones take cutting back hard rather well—sometimes the best way to keep them under control, because they tend to widen and widen and widen.
GARDEN USE
Early bloomers give gardens a boost; plant with small bulbs such as Chionodoxa and hardy geraniums that cover bare spots when anemones go dormant. Late-flowering anemones offer color and can be good fillers at back of borders.
SPECIES AND CULTIVARS
A. blanda—delicate, ferny foliage with dark stems that dies back by summer; white, blue, or pink flowers open on sunny days. Blooms early spring. Sun; grows from little knobs that look like pieces of wood. 6 in. × 6 in. Zones 4–8.
A. coronaria (poppy-flowered anemone)—bright-colored flowers in pink, purple, and red. Blooms spring. Sun; grows from knobby tubers. 18 in. × 6 in. Zones 8–10.
A. hupehensis—woody base; basal leaves and tall flower stems. Blooms late summer. Sun to part shade; grows from fibrous rootstock that suckers. 36 in. × 16 in. Zones 4–8. ‘Prinz Heinrich’/ ‘Prince Henry’ dark pink.
A. × hybrida—similar to above and common in gardens; basal leaves serrated. Blooms late summer. Sun to part shade; tall flower stems flop in too much shade. 4–5 ft. × 2 ft. Zones 4–8. ‘Honorine Jobert’ white; ‘Konigin Charloette’/‘Queen Charlotte’ semidouble, pink. ‘Wirbelwind’/‘Whirlwind’ semidouble, white. ‘September Charm’ pale pink.
A. nemorosa (wood anemone)—ferny foliage dies back in summer; star-shaped white flowers. Blooms spring. Part shade. 6 in. × 12 in. Zones 4–8. ‘Robinsoniana’ light blue.
A. sylvestris (snowdrop anemone)—low plant; toothed, lobed leaves; white flowers. Blooms late spring. Sun to part shade; spreads by rhizomes. 12 in. × 12 in. Zones 3–8.
Angelica gigas
Angelica
(archangel) Apiaceae
Tall, architectural plants with hollow stems. Terminal flower heads like big fists. Member of the carrot family; encourages beneficial insects such as butterflies, ladybugs, and hover flies in the garden.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained soil. Short-lived; can act as a biennial if let go to seed—but flower heads are fabulous, so you may want to collect seeds and start over.
GARDEN USE
Height of Angelica is good foil for a low planting of Bergenia with its big leaves. The purple stems and fist-shaped flower heads of A. gigas contrast well with the late, bright color of Rudbeckia.
NOTES
Angelica seeds are used as a culinary flavoring; make your own liqueur.
SPECIES
A. archangelica—coarse green leaves; greenish flowers 10 in. across. Blooms early to midsummer. 6 ft. × 4 ft. Zones 4–9.
A. gigas—dark purple stems; plum-colored buds open to flower heads 5 in. across. Blooms late summer. 3–6 ft. × 4 ft. Zones 4–9.
Anthemis ‘Susanna Mitchell’
Anthemis tinctoria
(golden marguerite) Asteraceae
Sunny, daisy flowers and ferny foliage. Long summer bloom time.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained soil. Zones 3–8.
GARDEN USE
Cultivar colors easy to combine with tall campanulas or dame’s rocket. Late asters can carry on the show. 36 in. × 36 in.
CULTIVARS
‘E. C. Buxton’ lemon yellow. ‘Moonlight’ light yellow fading to white. ‘Sauce Hollandaise’ pale cream. ‘Susanna Mitchell’ cream with bright yellow center.
Aquilegia, Barlow hybrid
(columbine) Ranunculaceae
A proliferation of hybrids and hybrid strains, which attests to how easily the plant crosses and changes (and how much we love spring). Tubular flowers, often with prominent spurs and sometimes two-toned. Foliage ferny and basal.
CULTIVATION
Full sun or light shade and well-drained soil. Soil moist in spring, but it helps if a good mulch is applied. Plants may seed around; cut back spent flowers if you don’t want this.
GARDEN USE
Combine with other spring flowers such as Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium) and the mourning widow geranium (G. phaeum). Later-flowering geraniums fill in columbine’s empty spaces, when all that’s left for the rest of summer is a rosette of leaves.
NOTES
Columbine sawfly is a spring pest that damages more in some years than others. Inspect foliage occasionally; if you see it eaten away, turn the leaf over to find a small green worm (the same color as the foliage) doing the damage. Wear gloves and dispatch manually. Leaf miners run roads through foliage; if you catch them in the act, do the same as for the sawfly.
SPECIES
A. caerulea—sky-blue flowers and straight spurs. Blooms late spring. 24 in. × 12 in. Zones 3–8.
A. canadensis—drooping, tubular scarlet flowers with lemon yellow petals peeking out. Blooms midspring to midsummer. 36 in. × 12 in. Zones 3–8. ‘Corbett’ light yellow.
A. chrysantha—yellow, long-spurred flowers on bushy plant. Blooms late spring. 36 in. × 24 in. Zones 3–8.
A. flabellata—short-spurred blue flowers; blue-green foliage. Blooms early summer. 12 in. × 6 in. Zones 4–9.
A. formosa—widespread orange sepals, yellow petals, and orange spurs. Blooms late spring to early summer. 36 in. × 18 in. Zones 4–8.
A. vulgaris (granny’s bonnet)—violet and other shades of slightly spurred flowers. Blooms late spring to early summer. 36 in. × 18 in. Zones 3–8. Barlow hybrids (double): black Barlow, white Barlow.
CULTIVARS
Songbird series (‘Bluebird’, ‘Chaffinch’, ‘Cardinal’, ‘Dove’, ‘Goldfinch’) have widespread sepals that look like petals, with contrasting petals. McKana hybrids have long spurs.
Armeria maritima
(thrift) Plumbaginaceae
Small clumps of plants with narrow, almost grassy foliage. Lollipop flowers, usually pink.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained soil. Deadhead to prolong flowering.
GARDEN USE
Gets lost easily but so cute that you should accommodate its small stature. Grow in rockeries, cracks in patio pavement, along the edge of a path. Grow at the base of tall ornamental onions or spiky veronica or alongside ornamental oregano at the top of a retaining wall.
SPECIES
A. juniperifolia (syn. A. caespitosa)—miniature stature; pink flowers. Blooms early summer. 3 in. × 6 in. ‘Bevan’s Variety’ rose-pink.
A. maritima—tight, grassy clumps of foliage; pink flowers. Blooms early summer. 8 in. × 12 in. ‘Alba’ white. ‘Bloodstone’ dark red-pink. ‘Dusseldorf Pride’ rose pink. ‘Rubrifolia’ dark foliage. ‘Victor Reiter’ dwarf form.
Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’
(wormwood) Asteraceae
Silver and gray foliage can be dissected and ferny or leafy. Shrubby; grows from a woody base or has a suckering habit. Flowers usually not the main show and are often barely noticeable.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained soil. Suckering species should be contained if you don’t want your mixed bed turning into a monoculture. Plants with a woody base (such as ‘Powis Castle’) resent being cut back into wood more than once or twice and will die off. Trim back dead foliage, but it’s better to replace them than try too strict a management.
GARDEN USE
Silver foliage looks fabulous with pinks and purples, so toadflax, phlox, and asters can take you through almost the entire gardening year.
SPECIES AND CULTIVARS
A. absinthium—coarse, shrubby; tiny gray flowers. Blooms summer. 36 in. × 24 in. Zones 4–8. ‘Lambrook Silver’ deeply divided silver leaves; refined look; 30 in. × 30 in. ‘Powis Castle’ feathery silver foliage; 24 in. × 36 in. Zones 7–9.
A. lactiflora—an exception to the silver-foliage/poor flower rule, this has sprays of white, fragrant flowers. Blooms late summer. Sun to part shade. 5 ft. × 2 ft. Zones 5–8. ‘Guizhou’ (Guizhou group) purple-flushed stems; white flowers.
A. ludoviciana—lance-shaped gray leaves on white stems; highly ornamental, looks great in cut-flower arrangements. Blooms summer. Runs underground. 36 in. × 24 in. Zones 4–9. ‘Silver Queen’ 30 in. × 24 in. ‘Valerie Finnis’ 24 in. × 24 in.
A. schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’—soft, silver mound of foliage (go ahead, pat it). Blooms summer. Looks best if cut back hard in June; otherwise it opens up in the middle. 12 in. × 18 in. Zones 5–8.
A. stelleriana ‘Silver Brocade’—dense, silver-felted cut leaves; yellow daisy flowers nothing remarkable; similar to but not the same as another plant called dusty miller (Senecio). Blooms summer. 6 in. × 18 in. Zones 3–8.
Arum italicum
Arum italicum
(arum) Araceae
Arrow-shaped leaves emerge in winter and die back in summer, leaving a surprise—upright stems with red fruit, looking as if someone had stuck the end in a bowl of berries. Flowers unnoticeable.
CULTIVATION
A great plant for shade and dry soil.
GARDEN USE
Grow with Epimedium, hardy cyclamen, wood aster, and wild ginger. Zones 6–9.
CULTIVARS
‘Pictum’, ‘Marmoratum’, or var. italicum—leaves marked with silver or cream; blooms late spring; 12 in. × 12 in.
Aruncus aethusifolius
Aruncus
(goatsbeard) Rosaceae
Divided foliage. Tiny white flowers in clusters; frothy white flowers give this genus its other common name: false astilbe.
CULTIVATION
Part shade in well-drained soil. Tall goatsbeard takes our normally dry summers but does end up looking a little on the dry side. Regular water for other species.
GARDEN USE
A. aethusifolius grows well with lungwort and Jacob’s ladder, taller species with hostas and foamflower.
SPECIES
A. aethusifolius—more delicate than its cousin; ferny green foliage turns red in fall before dying back; crooked stems of flowers reminiscent of gooseneck loosestrife. Blooms early to midsummer. Sun to part shade. 16 in. × 16 in. Zones 4–8.
A. dioicus—the more common goatsbeard; bolder foliage; sprays of flowers on taller stems. Blooms midsummer. Sun to part shade. Dry summer soil OK. 6 ft. × 4 ft. Zones 3–8.
Asarum caudatum
Asarum caudatum
(wild ginger) Aristolochiaceae
Spreading native ground cover with heart-shaped, dark evergreen leaves. Hard-to-see flowers are held under leaves in spring.
CULTIVATION
Shade with no supplemental water. Zones 4–8.
GARDEN USE
Good in the native plant garden under conifers and shrubs.
Asclepias tuberosa ‘Gay Butterflies’
Asclepias
(butterfly weed, milkweed) Asclepidaceae
Lance-shaped leaves with clusters of bright flowers atop stems. Much loved by aforesaid insects. Blooms in summer.
CULTIVATION
Full sun. Water according to species. Zones 4–9.
GARDEN USE
Grow near early spring bulbs, where butterfly weed will help cover dying foliage.
SPECIES
A. incarnata (swamp milkweed)—pink flowers; wet soil; 4 ft. × 2 ft. ‘Cinderella’ white flowers from red bracts. Regular water.
A. speciosa—wide leaves; purple-pink flowers; spreads by rhizomes; 30 in. × 24 in. Dry summer soil OK.
A. tuberosa—spiraled, lance-shaped leaves; bright orange or yellow flowers; ornamental seedpods; takes dry soil. 36 in. × 12 in. Regular water.
Aster ‘Flora’s Delight’
(aster) Asteraceae
Wide range of perennials that bloom throughout summer and into fall. Daisylike flowers range from small to wide. Plants tall and thin or short and stout. Leaves are oblong to lance-shaped.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained soil. Regular water except as noted below. Tall selections may lean over as they bloom; stake or provide supporting neighbors. Problems with powdery mildew can be ameliorated by providing good air circulation or just cutting down when flowering is finished.
GARDEN USE
No end to the combinations. Because many bloom late in the season, they can take over for early-flowering perennials. ‘Mönch’ and ‘Wunder von Stafa’ begin in midsummer and bloom for weeks and weeks; combine these with contrasting flowers and foliage of crocosmia and tall goldenrods. Tall asters benefit from some dressing at their base—for example, lady’s mantle, Geranium renardii, and sun-loving coral bells.
SPECIES AND CULTIVARS
A. cordifolius (blue wood aster)—erect stems; sprays of 1/2-in. blue flowers. Blooms late summer to early autumn. Light shade. 5 ft. × 2 ft. Zones 5–8. ‘Little Carlow’ to 4 ft.
A. divaricatus (wood aster)—a lax plant, it weaves around; small, starry white flowers brighten up tired plantings. Blooms midsummer to midautumn. An exception to the rule: likes shade to part shade; doesn’t mind dry soil in summer. 24 in. × 24 in. Zones 4–8.
A. ericoides var. prostratus ‘Snow Flurry’—forms a mat; short, dense leaves; single white flowers. Blooms late summer. 36 in. × 12 in. Zones 5–8.
A. × frikartii ‘Mönch’, ‘Wunder von Stafa’—lovely, easy plants, both in shades of lavender-blue. Bloom for weeks and weeks midsummer to early autumn. 28 in. × 16 in. Zones 5–8. ‘Flora’s Delight’ lilac; 20 in. × 24 in.
A. lateriflorus—tall and lanky; sprays of tiny flowers. Blooms midsummer. 4 ft. × 1 ft. Zones 4–8. ‘Horizontalis’ 24 in. × 12 in. ‘Lady in Black’, ‘Prince’ dark foliage and pink buds, giving flower sprays a raspberry color.
A. novae-angliae (New England aster)—blooms late summer to midautumn. 5 ft. × 2 ft. Zones 4–8. ‘Andenken an Alma Potschke’ bright pink. ‘Harrington’s Pink’ pale pink. ‘Purple Dome’ purple; 24 in. × 36 in.
A. novae-belgii (syn. A. dumosus; Michaelmas daisy)—blooms late summer to midautumn. 4 ft. × 3 ft. Zones 4–8. Shorter selections: ‘Alice Haslam’ deep, double pink; 10 in. ‘Patricia Ballard’ double pink; 30 in. ‘Prof. Anton Kippenberg’ lavender-blue; to 12 in. ‘Wood’s Pink’ deep pink; to 15 in.
Astilbe ‘Elizabeth Bloom’
(astilbe) Saxifragaceae
A group of plants known for a delicate appearance. Ferny, often bronze or red foliage. Frothy stems of pink, red, or white flowers.
CULTIVATION
Sun to shade (most grow best in shade, some do well in sun) and moist soil. All prefer regular water; if they don’t get it, they’ll look terrible. A. chinensis cultivars may take dry shade; want to try it?
GARDEN USE
Grow with like-minded plants—Rodgersia and Brunnera, for example. Astilbes can be sequenced for a long flowering time by picking early-, mid-, and late-season bloomers.
SPECIES AND CULTIVARS
A. × arendsii—blooms early summer. Part shade. 36 in. × 36 in. Zones 4–8. Early-season cultivars: ‘Deutschland’ white. ‘Fanal’ crimson. ‘Rheinland’ bright pink. Midseason cultivars: ‘Amethyst’ lilac. ‘Brautscheieler’/‘Bridal Veil’ white. ‘Bressingham Beauty’ pink. ‘Elizabeth Bloom’ pink. Late-season cultivars: ‘Cattyela’ rose-pink. ‘Snowdrift’ white.
A. chinensis var. pumila—dark green, deeply divided leaves; pink or violet flowers. Blooms late summer. Sun to part shade. 24 in. × 24 in. Zones 4–8. ‘Finale’ to 18 in. ‘Pumila’ to 12 in.
A. simplicifolia hybrids include ‘Sprite’—pink. Blooms late summer. 12 in. × 8 in. Zones 4–8.
Astrantia ‘Hadspen Blood’
(masterwort) Apiaceae
Clumping plant that increases by underground runners. Coarsely lobed and slightly serrated leaves. Small pincushion of true flowers surrounded by pointed “petals” that are really leafy structures called bracts. One-inch flowers white with green vein on bracts, occasionally with pink tinge; flowers rise above foliage on thin stalks.
CULTIVATION
Full sun to a little light shade and well-drained, evenly moist soil.
GARDEN USE
Grow with contrasting colors, such as crocosmia, or stay with cool tones and combine with Stoke’s aster and Clematis × durandii.
SPECIES AND CULTIVARS
A. major—mostly known for its cultivars, which have stretched the range of flower color. Bloom early to midsummer. 12–36 in. × 18 in. Zones 4–8. ‘Claret’ pink. ‘Hadspen Blood’ dark red. Rubra’ crimson. ‘Ruby Cloud’ pink. ‘Ruby Wedding’ ruby-red with dark stems. Subsp. involucrata ‘Shaggy’ larger flowers with white, long bracts tinged green.
A. maxima—leaves divided into three lobes; flowers white with pink tint. Blooms summer. 24 in. × 12 in. Zones 4–8.
Athyrium niponicum var. pictum
var. pictum (Japanese painted fern) Athyriaceae
Fronds emerge dark maroon and expand to reveal a pewter background with dark markings along the midrib.
CULTIVATION
Shade to part shade and evenly moist soil.
GARDEN USE
Fabulous for color and texture in shade. Combine with early-blooming lungworts. Pick up dark tones by using purple-flowering hellebores. Continue pewter theme with small Hosta ‘Blue Cadet’.
CULTIVARS
Sometimes listed as ‘Pictum’—12 in. × 24 in. Zones 5–8.
Ballota pseudodictamnus
(ballota) Lamiaceae
Small, shrubby plants with soft, silver-green, round leaves and tubular flowers.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained soil. Cut back hard in early spring for a cleaner look. Zones 7–10.
GARDEN USE
Blooms midsummer, although blooms can be sheared back for more foliage. Grow with other sun-lovers. Good with lamb’s ears (Stachys), lavender, and sun roses. 24 in. × 24 in.
Baptisia australis
(false indigo) Fabaceae
Large herbaceous plant with a mounding, not totally upright appearance. Leaves divided into three oblong leaflets held close to the stem. Pealike flowers appear on long stalks at tops of stems in early summer.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained, lean soil; a good plant for one of those hot spots with sandy soil. Give it some room or sturdy neighbors, as it will probably flop about. Seedheads are ornamental black, flat pea-pods, but once the plant sets seed it ceases to bloom; prolong flowering by deadheading, or enjoy the fruit of no action. Cut down in winter. Zones 4–9.
GARDEN USE
Grow with upright Boltonia or use in the background with penstemon, lavender, and bronze sedge. An easy-care perennial for a lovely, sunny look.
SPECIES
B. alba—leaflets divided into three; whiteflowers. 2–4 ft. × 2 ft.
B. australis—sturdy, upright plant with grayish foliage; indigo flowers. 5 ft. × 2 ft.
CULTIVARS
‘Purple Smoke’ dusky purple flowers; 4 ft. × 3 ft. ‘Solar Flare’ sunny yellow flowers; 4 ft. × 4 ft.
Begonia grandis
(hardy begonia) Begoniaceae
Hard to believe there’s a begonia—known mostly as a houseplant or summer annual—that will live over in the garden, but B. grandis is a hardy, herbaceous perennial. Leaves infused with purple-red that shows up well if you situate plant so afternoon sun is behind it. Small sprays of pink or white flowers in summer.
CULTIVATION
Shade to part shade and moist, well-drained soil with a good mulch.
GARDEN USE
Makes a dramatic statement in the shady woodland garden. Combine with ferns, Rodgersia, Omphalodes, and other shady characters.
SPECIES AND CULTIVARS
B. g. subsp. evansiana—pink flowers. Blooms summer. 24 in. × 18 in. Zones 6–9. ‘Alba’ white. ‘Heron’s Pirouette’ deep pink.
Bergenia ‘Bressingham Ruby’
(elephant ears, pig squeak) Saxifragaceae
Old-fashioned, evergreen perennial that has enjoyed a renaissance of late with an influx of selections that show colorful foliage in winter. Big, glossy leaves grow in rosettes. Bare, dark stems rise above foliage in late winter carrying clusters of small pink flowers.
CULTIVATION
Sun or part shade and well-drained soil; foliage color develops best in full sun. Cut back winter-worn leaves in early spring or before flowers appear. Plants increase by offsets; divisions are easily made by slicing through roots that connect one rosette with another.
GARDEN USE
Mostly grown in rockeries and at edges of paths where they can be seen well. Grow with evergreen bronze sedges, summer-flowering penstemon, and variegated sedges.
NOTES
Root weevils can create a well-pinked edge on the leaves; use mechanical means (go hunting at night with a flashlight) to control.
SPECIES
B. cordifolia—bronze-tinged, heart-shaped leaves; pink or white flowers. Blooms late winter to early spring. 18 in. × 24 in. Zones 4–8. ‘Winterglut’ dark foliage; deep pink flowers; 24 in. × 30 in.
CULTIVARS
Bloom late winter to early spring; 18 in. × 24 in. unless otherwise stated; zones 2–9. ‘Abendglocken’/‘Evening Bells’ dark winter foliage; deep pink flowers. ‘Abendglut’/‘Evening Glow’ maroon foliage; magenta flowers. ‘Apple Blossom’ dark stems; pale pink flowers. ‘Baby Doll’ 8 in. × 18 in. ‘Bressingham Ruby’ dark foliage, especially in winter. ‘Ruby Elf’ to 6 in.
Boltonia asteroides ‘Snowbank’
Boltonia asteroides
(thousand-flowered aster) Asteraceae
Tall, airy plants with mostly basal foliage and large clusters of tiny, white daisy flowers.
CULTIVATION
Sun and well-drained soil.
GARDEN USE
Blooms late summer into fall, providing stature in floral clouds. Use with shrub or ground-cover roses and hardy geraniums. 6 ft. × 3 ft. Zones 4–9.
CULTIVARS
‘Pink Beauty’ light pink flowers. ‘Snowbank’ to 5 ft. Var. latisquama ‘Nana’ 4 ft. × 3 ft.
Brunnera ‘Dawson’s White’
(Siberian bugloss) Boraginaceae
Sprays of blue flowers atop large, heart-shaped leaves.
CULTIVATION
Shade to part shade and well-drained, moist soil. Zones 3–8.
GARDEN USE
Blooms early spring. A comfortable woodland companion. Cultivars that brighten up the foliage make for a longer show. Combine with more blues—Omphalodes and lungworts—and short, arching stems of starry false Solomon’s seal (Smilacina stellata). 18 in. × 24 in.
CULTIVARS
‘Dawson’s White’ (also listed as ‘Variegata’) foliage splashed creamy white. ‘Hadspen Cream’ foliage has wide creamy border. ‘Jack Frost’ foliage silver with green veins. ‘Looking Glass’ silver cast to leaves.
Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Overdam”
Calamagrostis × acutiflora
(feather reed grass) Poaceae
Herbaceous, upright grasses with two exceptional cultivars for the garden: ‘Overdam’ fine white variegation on the narrow leaves; 36 in. × 24 in. ‘Karl Foerster’ green grassy base and tall, narrow bundle of flower stems; 5 ft. × 1.5 ft. Both age to warm straw color.
CULTIVATION
Sun to part shade. Cut down in late winter. Zones 5–9.
GARDEN USE
Provides a vertical note among mounding perennials including geraniums and Rudbeckia.
Campanula poscharskyana
(bellflower, harebell) Campanulaceae
Large genus with plants of varying size and shape, but all with telltale bell-shaped flowers, usually in white or lavender-blue, occasionally pink. Foliage is variable depending on the species—some have small, round, scalloped leaves while others have long narrow leaves.
CULTIVATION
Sun and well-drained soil, except as noted below. Tall campanulas may flop if not given enough sun; pinching back tall plants in early spring can keep them from flopping. Some mat-forming species like to spread and spread.
GARDEN USE
There are campanulas to fit into any garden in sun or shade. Mat-forming species make good rock-garden or edging plants; taller varieties grow well with smaller, mounding plants. Spring-flowering campanulas should be combined with summer-blooming plants so that the garden doesn’t have a one-shot look. Many taller campanulas make good cut flowers.
SPECIES AND CULTIVARS
C. carpatica (Carpathian bellflower)—mat-forming; toothed, egg-shaped leaves; cup-shaped, upright blue flowers up to 2 in. across. Blooms early to midsummer and longer. 9 in. × 24 in. Zones 4–8. ‘Blaue Clips’ blue flowers; 6–8 in. × 24 in. ‘Weisse Clips’ white flowers.
C. cochlearifolia (fairy’s thimble)—mat-forming; small, heart-shaped leaves; loads of tiny blue flowers on thin stems held above foliage. Blooms summer. Sun to part shade. 3 in. × 12 in. Zones 5–8. ‘Elizabeth Oliver’ double.
C. garganica (Adriatic bellflower)—mat-forming; roughly serrated, heart-shaped leaves; pale blue, upward-facing, star-shaped flowers. Blooms summer. Sun to part shade; would like to take over the garden. 2 in. × 12 in. Zones 4–8. ‘Dickson’s Gold’ yellow foliage; less aggressive, needs more shade.
C. glomerata (clustered bellflower)—upright; long, pointed leaves on dark red stems; blue, upright flowers in dome-shaped clusters at tops of stems. Blooms all summer. Spreads underground; especially aggressive in wet soil. 18 in. × indef. Zones 3–8.
C. lactiflora (milky bellfower)—tall stems with long, pointed leaves topped with big, heavy clusters of flowers. Blooms early to late summer; an impressive show. Needs staking, or let it lean into neighbors. 5 ft. × 2 ft. Zones 5–8. ‘Loddon Anna’ pink flowers. ‘Pritchard’s Variety’ dark blue; 30 in. × 24 in.
C. persicifolia (peach-leaved bellflower)—upright, reedy; narrow leaves; cup-shaped, 2-in., outward-facing white or lavender-blue flowers in loose clusters on top half of stems. Blooms early to midsummer. Sun to part shade. 36 in. × 12 in. Zones 3–8. ‘Alba’ white flowers.
C. portenschlagiana (Dalmatian bellflower)—mat-forming, spreading; small, kidney-shaped leaves; open, upright, star-shaped lavender flowers in profusion; good for crevices and cracks in pavement. Blooms mid- to late summer. Sun to part shade. 6 in. × 20 in. Zones 4–8. ‘Birch Hybrid’ purple-blue flowers; less aggressive.
C. poscharskyana (Serbian bellflower)—trailing, aggressively spreading; toothed leaves; starry, lavender flowers. Blooms summer to autumn. 6 in. × 24 in. Zones 4–8.
C. punctata (spotted bellflower)—upright with stems slightly leaning; basal leaves large, oblong; 2-in., closed and drooping white or light pink (spotted inside) flowers in loose clusters atop stems. Blooms early summer. Sun to part shade. 12 in. × 16 in. Zones 4–8. ‘Cherry Bells’ deep pink flowers. ‘Hot Lips’ pink with dark rose inside. ‘Wedding Bells’ hose-in-hose (double) white flowers.
C. rotundifolia—mat-forming; heart-shaped basal leaves and taller flowering stems; 1-in. blue flowers, nodding. Blooms early to late summer. 12 in. × 18 in. Zones 5–8.
C. trachelium (nettle-leaved bellflower, bats-in-the belfry)—leafy base; pointed leaves long and wide with jagged edges; flowers lavender-blue or white. Blooms mid- to late summer. Sun to part shade. 36 in. × 12 in. Zones 5–8. ‘Bernice’ double violet-blue.
Carex flagellifera
(sedge) Cyperaceae
Grasslike plant growing from a central clump. Leaves narrow and grassy or up to 1 in. wide. Flower stems not showy and rarely rise far above foliage, so bloom times not given below.
CULTIVATION
Sun or shade, according to species below, and moist, well-drained soil. Some shade-loving selections grow well without supplemental water if mulched. Evergreen sedges do not need cutting down every year, but it helps to groom those with grassy leaves. If winter damage has left ugly foliage, cut the whole plant back. Some stay put and others spread underground.
GARDEN USE
Use to great effect in the mixed garden. Generally, sedges with bronze or warm-tinted foliage do well in sun; combine these with roses or, for low-water situations, lavender, sun roses, verbascum, globe thistle, and sea holly. Sedges for shade contrast well with the big leaves of hostas and can cover up the base of clematis well.
SPECIES AND CULTIVARS
C. buchananii (bronze sedge)—evergreen, grassy, upright, with curlicue tips. Sun to part shade. 30 in. × 36 in. Zones 6–9. ‘Red Fox’ may be more rusty red, but it’s too close to say for sure; ‘Viridis’ foliage silver-green, more lax.
C. comans (New Zealand hair sedge)—evergreen, lax. Sun to part shade. 15 in. × 36 in. Zones 7–9. ‘Bronze’ much like C. flagellifera. ‘Frosty Curls’ blue-green foliage.
C. conica ‘Snowline’ (syn. ‘Marginata’, ‘Hime-kan suge’)—evergreen; white edges to narrow leaves; brings light to dark corners. Shade. 6 in. × 10 in. Zones 5–9.
C. elata ‘Aurea’ (‘Bowles Golden’)—herbaceous, bright golden yellow foliage in a lax mound. Shade. 18 in. × 30 in. Zones 5–8.
C. flagellifera—mop of weeping brown evergreen foliage. Sun to part shade. 15 in. × 36 in. Zones 7–9.
C. morrowii ‘Variegata’—broad white stripe down middle of half-inch-wide leaves. Part shade. 20 in. × 24 in. Zones 7–9. ‘Ice Dance’ creamy edges.
C. oshimensis ‘Evergold’—narrow green leaves with a center gold stripe. Sun to part shade. 1 ft. × 2 ft.
C. testacea (orange sedge)—evergreen, grassy; warm orange tints, especially in winter. Sun to part shade. 36 in. × 24 in. Zones 8–9.
Catananche caerulea
(cupid’s dart) Asteraceae
Stiff, ridged stems and few leaves. Impressive rayed violet flowers serrated at the tips.
CULTIVATION
Sun and well-drained soil. Zones 3–8.
GARDEN USE
Blooms for long period midsummer. Grow with catmint and late asters such as pink ‘Andenken an Alma Potschke’. 36 in. × 12 in.
Centranthus ruber
Centranthus ruber
(Jupiter’s beard) Valerianaceae
Succulent, glossy foliage. Domes of tiny magenta flowers.
CULTIVATION
Sun to part shade and poor soil. Doesn’t need summer water. Old-fashioned plant that self-sows but not to excess; ultimate easy-care perennial. Likes to reseed in difficult-to-reach places, such as tops of walls. Cut back spent flowers for more blooms. Zones 5–8.
GARDEN USE
Blooms late spring to late summer. Combine with campanula, lady’s mantle, and sedum. 36 in. × 36 in.
Centaurea montana
Centaurea
(bachelor’s button; cornflowers) Asteraceae
In spring, wide, ruffly flowers with a center disc from ornamental buds.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained soil. Cut back after flowering for another round. Zones 3–9.
GARDEN USE
Grow in the dry garden with sun roses and lavender.
SPECIES AND CULTIVARS
C. hypoleuca ‘John Coutts’—leaves tri-lobed; mauve-pink flowers bloom spring and fall. 24 in. × 18 in.
C. montana ‘Black Sprite’—long, lance-shaped leaves mostly basal; 2-in.-wide spidery, purple-black flowers. 24 in. × 24 in.
Cephalaria gigantea
Cephalaria gigantea
(giant scabiosa) Dipsacaceae
Impressive, though not bulky; grows from clump of large, divided, basal foliage. Almost leafless stems rise high above almost everything else and bloom with creamy yellow, pincushion flowers.
CULTIVATION
Sun and well-drained soil. Self-sows. Zones 3–8.
GARDEN USE
Blooms summer. Can grow with just about anything except small delicate plants that the lower foliage would smother. 8 ft. × 2 ft.
Chaerophyllum hirsutum ‘Roseum’
Chaerophyllum hirsutum ‘Roseum’
(pink cow parsley) Apiaceae
A frothy delight with divided foliage like astilbe and flat-topped clusters of tiny pink flowers. Blooms spring.
CULTIVATION
Sun and well-drained soil. Regular water. Zones 6–8.
GARDEN USE
For the mixed border with hardy geraniums, veronicas, and campanulas. Let asters take over the show later. 24 in. × 24 in.
Cimicifuga—see Actaea
Clematis recta ‘Purpurea’
(clematis) Ranunculaceae
Mostly known for woody vines, a few act more as herbaceous perennials. Leaves divided. Flowers variously drooping or open.
CULTIVATION
Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil; provide a good mulch. Cut back to the ground in winter. Provide a cage for support, or grow with supporting plants.
GARDEN USE
Even upright growers look best growing in the middle of sturdy companions, such as small conifers or ground-cover roses.
SPECIES
C. × durandii—lax, twining; open, indigo flowers with a cluster of white stamen. Blooms mid- to late summer over long period. 3–6 ft. × 3 ft. Zones 5–9.
C. integrifolia—upright to sprawling; slightly nodding flowers with four reflexed petals and cluster of white stamen. Blooms midsummer to early fall. 24 in. × 24 in. Zones 3–8.
C. recta ‘Purpurea’—leaves emerge deep purple but fade slightly as summer progresses; at tops of stems, 1-in., lightly fragrant, four-petaled white flowers are reflexed with prominent cluster of white stamen. Blooms midsummer to autumn. 3–6 ft. × 2.5 ft. Zones 3–8.
CULTIVAR
‘Alionushka’ lax habit, grow through a cage or sturdy shrub; large, nodding, pink flowers, a sweet look; blooms summer to fall; 4 ft.; zones 5–9.
Convallaria majalis
Convallaria majalis
(lily-of-the-valley) Liliaceae
Broad leaves. Short stems of nodding, fragrant white flowers.
CULTIVATION
Shade to part shade and humusy, well-drained soil. Zones 2–7.
GARDEN USE
Blooms spring. Spreading ground cover. 9 in. × indef.
CULTIVARS
‘Albostriata’ yellow stripes down leaf veins. Var. rosea pink flowers.
Coreopsis rosea ‘Sweet Dreams’
Coreopsis
(tickseed) Asteraceae
Broad range of summer plants with yellow or pink daisylike flowers often serrated at tips. Foliage leafy or ferny.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained soil. Deadheading encourages more flowers. Plants easy to divide in fall or spring, but delicate-looking, dark-leaved foliage of cultivars such as ‘Moonbeam’ often hard to spot as they come out of the ground.
GARDEN USE
Grow with contrasting forms, such as small New Zealand flax ‘Jack Spratt’ or upright bronze sedge Carex buchananii. Weaving with plants such as Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’ or Potentilla ‘Miss Willmott’ can create new scenes during blooming season.
SPECIES AND CULTIVARS
C. rosea—delicate, soft, needle-shaped leaves; 1-in., single pink flowers. Blooms summer to early fall. 24 in. × 12 in. Zones 4–8. ‘American Dream’ rose pink; to 10 in. × 24 in. ‘Sweet Dreams’ bicolor white with raspberry petal base.
C. verticillata (threadleaf coreopsis)—slightly rhizotomous; green, ferny foliage; 1-in. single, yellow flowers with dark center. Blooms late spring to early fall. 24 in. × 18 in. Zones 4–9. ‘Crème Brûlée’ canary yellow. ‘Moonbeam’ pale yellow; dark foliage; 18 in. × 18 in. ‘Zagreb’ center disk dark yellow.
Corydalis lutea
Corydalis
(fumewort, fumitory) Fumariaceae
Assortment of herbaceous plants that look similar but take different culture. In general, short and mounding; foliage finely divided and ferny looking. Small and spurred blue or yellow flowers, some fragrant.
CULTIVATION
Shade, except as noted below, and well-drained, evenly moist soil.
GARDEN USE
Blue corydalis looks lovely in the woodland garden, where its delicate foliage provides great textures. Grow with spring bulbs, lungworts, and Brunnera. C. lutea is tougher and can hold its own against robust plants such as Mrs. Robb’s spurge (Euphorbium amygdalordes var. robbiae).
NOTES
Protect delicate blue corydalis from slugs.
C. cheilanthifolia (fernleaf corydalis)—evergreen; rosette with leaves that grow like long fern fronds from center of plant; yellow flowers. Blooms spring to early summer. Tuberous. 12 in. × 10 in. Zones 5–8.
C. flexuosa—divided foliage; blue flowers held on stems above leaves. Blooms early spring to early summer. Part shade. 12 in. × 8 in. Zones 6–8. ‘Blue Panda’ pale blue. ‘China Blue’ sky blue. ‘Golden Panda’ yellow foliage; blue leaves. ‘Pere David’ bright blue; spreading. ‘Purple Leaf’ bronze foliage; spreading.
C. lutea—almost evergreen; clumps of ferny foliage; practically continuous yellow flowers. Blooms midspring to fall. Sun to shade to part shade; bane of some gardeners for its reseeding ability, but truly easy-care and excellent for dry shade. 16 in. × 24 in. Zones 5–8.
CULTIVAR
‘Blackberry Wine’ wine-purple flowers; blooms midspring to summer; sun to part shade; 10 in. × 24 in.; zones 5–8.
Crambe maritima
Crambe
(sea kale) Brassicaceae
Bold plant with large leaves that give great effect. Blooms in sprays of white flowers.
CULTIVATION
Sun and well-drained soil.
GARDEN USE
Grow close-in with other plants, as sometimes foliage looks rather battered toward end of summer. Phygelius, Rudbeckia, and Phormium can all help.
NOTES
Bait for slugs with a nontoxic, phosphorus-based control.
SPECIES
C. cordifolia (giant sea kale)—large, green basal leaves 24 in. wide wrinkled with coarsely toothed edges; bare flower stems rise above, with huge clusters of small white, fragrant flowers. Blooms midsummer. 8 ft. × 5 ft. Zones 6–9.
C. maritima (sea kale)—lobed, gray-green leaves to 24 in. long; sprays of small, white, fragrant flowers. Blooms early summer. 30 in. × 24 in. Zones 6–9.
Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’
(montbretia) Iridaceae
Strappy, irislike foliage. Midsummer flowers on slightly arching stems, opening gradually from base to tip.
CULTIVATION
Sun and well-drained soil. Available as corms in fall or potted starting in spring. Garden-variety crocosmia is orange and rambunctious—it likes to spread and spread; dig out and toss oldest parts of the clump to keep it from taking over. Named cultivars increase more slowly.
GARDEN USE
Combines well in the garden with asters, lady’s mantle, and phlox. Good cut flowers, but the seedheads, looking like beads on an arched stem, are longer-lasting.
CULTIVATORS
Bloom early to midsummer; 36 in. × 36 in.; zones 6–9. ‘Bright Eyes’ orange with red eye. ‘Burnt Umber’ red foliage; red-bronze flowers. ‘Emberglow’ deep scarlet; to 4 ft. ‘Jenny Bloom’ sunny yellow. ‘Lucifer’ deep scarlet; to 4 ft. ‘Star of the East’ deep gold with dark petal spot at base. C. × crocosmiiflora ‘Emily McKenzie’ two-toned, orange with dark petal base. ‘Norwich Canary’ daffodil yellow with orange reverse. ‘Solfaterre’ foliage tinted slightly bronze; flowers lemon yellow.
Cyclamen
Cyclamen
(cyclamen) Primulaceae
Hardy cyclamen look just like the potted cylamen at the grocery store, only in miniature. They appear when we need them the most—from late summer through winter—growing from corms and carpeting the ground with pewter-patterned leaves. Flowers in white and shades of lavender and pink look as if they have been caught in a windstorm. Slowly increasing year by year. Two species: C. coum—leaves more rounded; flowers in winter; C. hederifolium—heart-shaped leaves; flowers in autumn.
CULTIVATION
Shade. Summer-dry soil OK. Zones 5–9.
GARDEN USE
Easy care and essential components of Northwest autumn and winter gardens. Plant them under deciduous shrubs, such as witch hazel, or along a well-traveled path. By late spring they disappear, only to show their leaves again at the end of August. 4 in. × 12 in.
Delphinium ‘Guinevere’
Delphinium
(delphinium) Ranunculaceae
Dramatic, tall, and elegant; the sight of a stand can cause gardeners to swoon. Flowers range from pale blue to deepest indigo (with occasional white or pink). Single stems, sometimes branching, have leafy, divided leaves halfway up and flowers covering the rest. How many cultivars are there? How many stars are there in the sky? Every real or imagined shade of blue has been slapped with a cultivar name, but they can mostly be grouped into named strains.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and rich, well-drained soil kept moderately moist. Cut back and fertilize for more flowers (one of the few perennials that needs more fertilizer than a mulch can provide). More plant stakes are bought for delphiniums than probably any other plant, because the taller they are, the more likely they are to fall. Good air circulation helps keep powdery mildew at bay.
GARDEN USE
Range of blues in summer looks good with just about anything—orange and yellow crocosmia and early asters, for instance. Position tallest plants toward the back, but within reach if you want to fuss with reblooming.
SPECIES AND CULTIVARS
D. elatum—leaves divided like a hand; blue flowers. Blooms summer. 4–6 ft. × 2 ft. Zones 3–8. A parent of many hybrids and strains: Belladonna group many-branched; airy blue flowers; 5 ft. × 2 ft. Black Knight group large, dark blue flowers with black eye; 5 ft. English hybrids sturdy stems; vigorous repeat bloomers; white with dark eye, deep blue, sky blue; 5 ft. × 2 ft. or more. Magic Fountains strain shorter, to 3 ft. New Zealand hybrids resistant to powdery mildew; 5 ft. × 2 ft. or more. Pacific Giant hybrids such as ‘Guinevere’ double flowers lavender-pink; 5–6 ft. × 2 ft. or more.
D. grandiflorum—branched, bushy plant with loose stems; sky blue flowers. Blooms all summer. Doesn’t need coddling. 24 in. × 12 in. Zones 3–9. Another parent of hybrids. ‘Blue Butterfly’ deep blue.
D. nudicaule—airy plant; red flowers. Blooms midsummer. Tender; can die off in a cold winter. 24 in. × 8 in. Zones 5–8.
Dianthus ‘Bath’s Pink’
Dianthus
(carnation, cheddar pink, pink) Caryophyllaceae
Small, hardy, often fragrant; cushiony growth and needlelike evergreen foliage. Flowers often fringed, sometimes double. Easy to hybridize—sometimes does it on its own—so selection of cultivars is large and often changing.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained, normal to slightly alkaline soil (avoid overly acid soils). Will rot out if planted in poorly drained soil. Zones 4/5-9.
GARDEN USE
Although the fragrance of some is so strong you can smell it many feet away, it’s best to plant where your nose can easily get to it, because you’ll want to sniff it every time you walk by. Enjoys the slight alkalinity near concrete, so useful near pathways and in rockeries. Good companions include thrift (matching forms) and hardy geraniums.
‘Agatha’ deep pink, semidouble with dark eye. ‘Bath’s Pink’ soft pink. ‘Dad’s Favourite’ white, semidouble, dark eye and edged in maroon. ‘Dainty Dame’ white with large maroon center. ‘Doris’ salmon-pink, semidouble. ‘Eastern Star’ bright red, dark eye. ‘Essex Witch’ rosy, semidouble. ‘Freuerhexe’/‘Firewitch’ raspberry-red. ‘Inchmery’ pale pink. ‘Little Jock’ semidouble, red eye; 4 in. high. ‘Mrs. Sinkins’ white, double. ‘Pike’s Pink’ soft pink, double; 6 in. high. ‘Sops in Wine’ white infused with wine-red. ‘Spotty’ rose, each petal with white spot; 6 in. × 6 in. ‘Tiny Rubies’ deep pink, double.
Dicentra spectabilis
(syn. Lamprocapnos; bleeding heart) Fumariaceae
Woodland plants that offer good variety in texture and form. Well divided, ferny foliage. Delicate, arching stems lined with little “purses,” usually pink.
CULTIVATION
Shade to part shade and well-drained, humusy soil. Even the Western native, D. formosa, prefers some moisture retention during the summer or it will go dormant. Many grow from tubers or rhizomes.
GARDEN USE
A herald of spring; plant with other spring flowers such as lungworts and Epimedium. Astilbe make good watering companions.
SPECIES
D. eximia (fringed bleeding heart)—blue-gray foliage divided many times; rose-pink flowers in terminal clusters instead of lined out. Blooms midspring to early summer. 24 in. × 18 in. Zones 4–8. ‘Snowdrift’ white flowers.
D. formosa—glaucous, well-divided foliage; pink flowers clustered near end of stems. Blooms mid- to late spring. Shade. 18 in. × 36 in. Zones 4–8.
D. scandens—a vine (unusual); flowers yellow elongated “hearts.” Blooms summer. Part shade. 36 in. × 36 in. Zones 6–8.
D. spectabilis—same type of ferny foliage as D. formosa, but bigger, and on large, impressive plants; arching stems lined with flowers. Blooms late spring to early summer. 4 ft. × 1.5 ft. Zones 3–9. ‘Alba’ white flowers. ‘Gold Heart’ bright yellow foliage; pink flowers.
CULTIVARS
‘Bacchanal’ deep red; 15 in. × 15 in. ‘Burning Heart’ deep red with white accent. ‘Langtrees’ blue-gray foliage; white flowers; summer dormant; 12 in. × 18 in. ‘Luxuriant’ cherry red; 15 in. × 15 in.
Dierama pulcherrimum
Dierama
(angel’s fishing rod) Iridaceae
Mounds of grassy foliage produce long, thin, elegantly arching stems from which dangle pink, bell-shaped flowers in summer. The sight of a slight breeze stirring them touches a gardener’s heart.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained, continually moist soil. Grows from corms.
GARDEN USE
Two species in cultivation; the larger comes in varying hues. Grow pondside to see its reflection in the water or in an uncrowded bed where its form can be admired. Easy to cross, and so named cultivars, in a range of pink, red, and peach shades, change often.
SPECIES
D. dracomontanum (syn. D. pumila)—blooms summer. 24 in. × 24 in. Zones 8–9.
D. pulcherrimum—blooms summer. 3–5 ft. × 3–5 ft. Zones 8–9. Var. album white flowers.
Digitalis ferruginea
Digitalis
(foxglove) Scrophulariaceae
Tall, with mostly basal, long, oval, pointed leaves. Spikes of funnel-shaped pendant flowers held close to the stem; often a jaunty nod at tip-tops of stems. Grows a rosette of leaves in fall, ready to send up flower stalks come spring.
CULTIVATION
Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. Common foxglove (D. purpurea) can be a biennial (lasting two years) or a short-lived perennial; either way, let it go to seed and you’ll have it for a long time, which isn’t necessarily bad, as long as you know about it.
GARDEN USE
Good foil to usual mounds of color, especially hardy geraniums for early summer accompaniment; include Rudbeckia and aster ‘Mönch’ to fill in gaps left after foxgloves finish.
NOTES
Patrol for cutworms in spring. Common foxglove is the source of the drug digitalis.
D. ferruginea (rusty foxglove)—evergreen leaf base; rusty copper flowers. Blooms early to midsummer. 4 ft. × 1.5 ft. Zones 4–8.
D. grandiflora (yellow foxglove)—basal foliage; stems of yellow flowers with brown-speckled throats. Blooms early to midsummer. 36 in. × 18 in. Zones 3–8.
D. × mertonensis (strawberry foxglove)—basal foliage; bright pink flowers. Blooms summer. 36 in. × 12 in. Zones 3–8.
D. obscura—narrow leaves; orange-brown flowers. Blooms late spring. Sun; not a woodland plant. 4 ft. × 1.5 ft. Zones 4–8.
D. purpurea—basal leaves; spikes of flowers in white, pink, lavender, or purple. Blooms early summer. 3–6 ft. × 2 ft. Zones 4–8. Foxy group to 30 in. high. ‘Sutton’s Apricot’.
Disporum hookeri
Disporum
(syn. Prosartes; fairy bells) Convallariaceae
Woodland plant with dark green foliage. Small, white, pendant flowers appear in leaf axils. Yellow or orange fruit later.
CULTIVATION
Shade to part shade and well-drained soil. Takes summer-dry soils well. Zones 4–9.
GARDEN USE
Good companion to hostas, wild ginger, and epimediums. All species bloom in late spring and early summer.
SPECIES AND CULTIVARS
D. hookeri—oblong leaves; greenish-white flowers. 36 in. × 18 in.
D. sessile—leaves grow directly attached to branch, with no leaf stem. 24 in. × 24 in. ‘Variegatum’ white streaked edges.
D. smithii—large leaves. 24 in. × 12 in.
Dryopteris erythrosora
Dryopteris erythrosora
(autumn fern) Dryopteridaceae
Deeply cut fronds begin copper-red in spring and age to green with still a tinge of color. Ferns are nonflowering plants.
CULTIVATION
Part shade and well-drained soil. Zones 6–9.
GARDEN USE
Combines to great effect in shade with hostas or under limbed-up shrubs. 24 in. × 15 in.
Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea
(coneflower) Asteraceae
Magenta daisy flowers that sit face-up atop tall, dark stems. Many selections have a prominent brown center and ray flowers (the petals) that point down. Leaves oblong, pointed at ends, and somewhat hairy or sticky to the touch.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained soil. Not totally drought tolerant plants; may need supplemental summer water. Cut back by a third in spring to shorten flower stems (or just select a short cultivar). Deadhead for continuous flowers, or leave seedheads for finches to snack on.
GARDEN USE
Use in middle of island planting or parking strip or toward back of one-sided beds. Summer-flowering partners include garden penstemon and verbascum.
NOTES
The number of cultivars increases exponentially every year, and not all stand the test of time. Be your own judge as to their worthiness.
E. angustifolia—narrow basal leaves; purple-pink flowers with high brown center. Blooms early summer. 4 ft. × 1.5 ft. Zones 4–9.
E. pallida—similar to E. angustifolia but with fewer, strappier petals. Blooms summer. 4 ft. × 2 ft. Zones 4–8.
E. paradoxa (yellow coneflower)—smooth, lance-shaped leaves; yellow flowers with drooping petals and high brown center. Blooms late spring to early summer. 36 in. × 24 in. Zones 5–8.
E. purpurea (purple coneflower)—lance-shaped, toothed leaves; purple flowers with drooping petals and high brown center. Blooms midsummer to early fall. 36 in. × 36 in. Zones 3–9.
CULTIVARS
Pink/red: ‘Doppelganger’ second-story tuft of petals appears on top of center disk, but possibly not until second season. ‘Magnus’ flowers 7 in. across. ‘Pica Bella’ watermelon pink; 2 ft. ‘Rubinstern’ shorter petals horizontal. White: ‘Green Jewel’. ‘White Swan’. Yellow/orange: ‘Aloha’ bright yellow. ‘Harvest Moon’ pale gold. ‘Hot Papaya’ double orange-red.
Echinops ritro
Echinops
(globe thistle) Asteraceae
Large basal leaves deeply divided and rather spiny on tips. Sturdy stems rise above foliage, topped with balls of tiny blue flowers.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained, lean soil. Grow in a hot, sunny situation; summer dry soil is fine. Cut back after flowers finish, and in mild weather another flush of leaves will emerge. A few flower stems may show, but fall is too late for them to develop well.
GARDEN USE
Architectural plant for the dry, sunny garden. Blooms midsummer. Garden penstemon, ornamental grasses such as bronze sedge, and salvias all make good companions. Don’t plant a small, delicate thing near globe thistle, as its leaves will smother it.
NOTES
Bees love globe thistle.
E. bannaticus—4 ft. × 2 ft. Zones 5–9. ‘Blue Globe’ balls of blue 2.5 in. across. ‘Taplow Blue’ pale blue.
E. ritro—golfball-sized flower heads. 4 ft. × 4 ft. ‘Veitch’s Blue’ smaller, to 36 in. high.
E. sphaerocephalus ‘Arctic Glow’ (white globe thistle)—white flowers; red stems to 36 in. × 36 in. Zones 3–9.
Epimedium × perralchicum
Epimedium
(barrenwort, bishop’s hat) Berberidaceae
Usually evergreen clumping plants, some spreading gradually by underground rhizomes. Leaf stems all arise from the ground (not a central stem); compound leaves have heart-shaped leaflets, some with slightly spiny tips around edges. New growth is often bronze or red-tinted, and some color remains for a few species. Sprays of small, spurred flowers on wiry stems are held above foliage.
CULTIVATION
Shade to part shade and well-drained soil. Does not need supplemental water with a good mulch. Although most epimediums are evergreen in our climate, many gardeners tidy them up by cutting leaves back to the ground in late winter before flower stems emerge. Do not plant under a small, new tree that throws no shade; wait until the tree is big enough to create shade—otherwise you will fry the epimediums. Zones 5–9.
GARDEN USE
Invaluable for dry shade, including under shrubs and trees, for foliage as much (or sometimes even more than) for flowers. Blooms early to midspring, then followed by new foliage. Wood aster, hellebores, hostas, and London pride saxifrage all make good companions.
SPECIES AND CULTIVARS
E. grandiflorum—‘Lilafee’ violet; 15 in. × 15 in. ‘Rose Queen’ strawberry pink; 12 in. × 12 in.
E. × perralchicum—bronze new growth; flowers pale yellow. 16 in. × 24 in. ‘Frohnleiten’ flowers deeper yellow.
E. pinnatum subsp. colchicum—fewer spines on leaves; yellow flowers. 12 in. × 12 in.
E. pubigerum—flowers creamy white, pink inside. 18 in. × 18 in.
E. × rubrum—new growth tinged red, copper in fall; flowers rose with white spurs. 12 in. × 12 in.
E. × versicolor—spiny, toothed foliage red in spring. 12 in. × 12 in. ‘Sulphureum’ bright yellow. ‘Versicolor’ rose and pale yellow.
E. × warleyense—bright orange-yellow flowers. Large plant; 20 in. × 30 in. ‘Oranje Koningin’/‘Orange Queen’ deeper orange.
E. × youngianum—reddish new growth; pink flowers. 12 in. × 12 in. ‘Niveum’ white flowers. ‘Roseum’ rose flowers. ‘Yenomoto’ white.
Erigeron karvinskianus
Erigeron
(fleabane) Asteraceae
Small, clumping plants with lobed leaves and daisy flowers in white or pink.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained soil. Zones 5–8.
GARDEN USE
Looks fabulous at the base of a fountain or birdbath, at the top of a wall, or growing in cracks in concrete steps. Blooms early to midsummer and longer. Charmers.
SPECIES AND CULTIVARS
E. karvinskianus (syn. ‘Profusion’)—flowers in pink or white on same plant. 12 in. × 36 in. ‘Rosa Juwel’/‘Pink Jewel’ semidouble, bright pink; 24 in. × 18 in.
Erodium chrysanthum
Erodium
(heron’s bill) Geraniaceae
Similar to hardy geraniums with ferny foliage and small flowers.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained soil. Zones 6–8.
GARDEN USE
Small plants big on charm are best seen at the front edge of the border, in rockeries, and tumbling out of containers. Good for the dry garden. Blooms late spring.
SPECIES AND CULTIVARS
E. cheilanthefolium—green-gray foliage; pale pink flowers. ‘White Pearls’ white flowers.
E. chrysanthum—soft mound of silver, ferny foliage; short stems of butter-yellow, single, open flowers above foliage. Good dry garden plant. 5 in. × 12 in. ‘Pickering Pink’ bicolor pink flowers.
Eryngium amethystinum ‘Sapphire Blue’
(sea holly) Apiaceae
Plant with coarse texture, spiny leaves, and thistlelike flower heads makes an impression in the garden. Foliage often steel-colored. Flowers—which look like knobs of silver-blue—often surrounded by large, showy bracts resembling Elizabethan collars.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained soil. Summer dry soil is good. Wear protection in winter when it’s time to cut it back.
GARDEN USE
Use in middle of plantings seen from all sides or at back of borders. Most bloom mid- to late summer. Most do well combined with plants of other colors, similar to globe thistle.
SPECIES AND CULTIVARS
E. agavifolium—thick, wide, swordlike leaves from a central point, leaves lined with spiny tips; flowers green-white on tall stems. 5 ft. × 2 ft. Zones 6–9.
E. alpinum—heart-shaped leaves, gray stems; flowers steel-blue. Blooms midsummer. 28 in. × 18 in. Zones 5–8.
E. amethystinum—violet-blue flowers. 28 in. × 28 in. Zones 3–8. ‘Sapphire Blue’ more steel blue.
E. bourgatii—slightly more refined; white veins on leaves; silver-blue flowers. 18 in. × 12 in. Zones 5–9.
E. planum (flat sea holly)—dark green, lobed leaves; steel-blue flowers. 36 in. × 18 in. Zones 5–9. ‘Blue Hobbit’ 12 in. × 10 in.
E. varifolium (Moroccan sea holly)—dark, marbled foliage; evergreen. 16 in. × 10 in. Zones 5–9. ‘Miss Marble’ foliage variegated white.
E. yuccifolium (rattlesnake master)—bristly, sword-shaped, spiny leaves. 4 ft. × 2 ft. Zones 4–8.
E. × zabelii ‘Big Blue’—intense blue flowers. 30 in. × 20 in.
Erysimum ‘Julian Orchard’
Erysimum
(wallflower) Brassicaceae
Evergreen mounding plants with green or gray-green foliage. Most have clusters of fragrant, four-petaled flowers.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained soil. Zones 7–9.
GARDEN USE
Blooms midspring into early summer. Combine wallflowers in the sunny border with potentilla, crocosmia, and other summer bloomers.
SPECIES
E. cheiri (syn. Cheirianthus cheiri)—yellow, orange, and brown; more flower colors available now in hybrids. Short-lived. 18 in. × 12 in.
E. linifolium—linear leaves, forming a shrubby mound. 28 in. × 10 in. ‘Variegatum’ creamy variegation to leaves.
CULTIVARS
‘Apricot Twist’ apricot and orange; 18 in. × 18 in. ‘Bowles Mauve’ blooms forever, does not set seed), and dies of exhaustion in three years; 30 in. × 24 in. ‘Constant Cheer’ copper-red; 24 in. × 24 in. ‘Julian Orchard’ rose, lavender, and purple; 18 in. × 18 in. ‘Fragrant Star’ yellow leaf margins; yellow flowers; 24 in. × 24 in. ‘Wenlock Beauty’ multicolored shades of mauve, red, and apricot; 18 in. × 18 in.
Eupatorium purpureum subsp. maculatum ‘Gateway’
Eupatorium
(joe-pye weed) Asteraceae
Tall plants with dark stems. Flowers, usually pink, in tight, domed clusters at tops of stems.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained soil. Zones 4–9.
GARDEN USE
Midsummer flowers on tall plants. Surround with mounds of ‘Mönch’ or ‘Wunder von Stafa’ asters and small, spikey Phormium ‘Jack Spratt’.
SPECIES AND CULTIVARS
E. cannabinum ‘Flore Pleno’—leaves coarsely toothed and divided into five parts; double form sterile, doesn’t become weedy, plus flowers more showy. 4 ft. × 2 ft.
E. maculatum—Atropurpureum group dark stems; pink domes of flowers; 8 ft. × 3 ft. ‘Gateway’ dark stems; mauve-pink domes of flowers; 7 ft. × 3 ft.
E. rugosum ‘Chocolate’—a different take on Eupatorium; foliage flushed dark purple-brown; clusters of white flowers. Part shade. 5 ft. × 2 ft.
Euphorbia griffithii ‘Fireglow’
(spurge) Euphorbiaceae
Distinctive collection of plants with green or blue-green foliage and eye-catching stems of flowers—although showiest parts of floral stems are chartreuse bracts that cup the tiny flowers. Mostly herbaceous. Lots of Euphorbia hybridizing is being done—by people or the plants—so it’s getting difficult to set cultivars straight according to where they belong.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained soil. Some can be pests if given too much tender care, so keep the hose away in summer. Cut back flower stems after bloom to tidy up the plants and keep them from reseeding. Be aware of the plants that come up from running roots, so that you can put them where both you and the plant are happy.
GARDEN USE
Useful for almost every garden situation, for architecture, color, and form. Mostly spring blooming; brings a certain zing to a garden full of pink rhododendrons and azaleas. Large species should be given the room they need, so consider size and appearance of the plant and your garden.
NOTES
The milky sap in Euphorbia stems is caustic. Wear gloves and goggles when cutting.
SPECIES
E. amygdaloides (wood spurge)—orange-tinted foliage. Sun to part shade. 36 in. × 12 in. Zones 6–9. ‘Purpurea’, ‘Rubra’ purple-flushed foliage. Var. robbiae (Mrs. Robb’s spurge) evergreen, glossy foliage, shrubby appearance; great for dry shade; 36 in. × 36 in.
E. characias—architectural stems like pillars; gray-green foliage. Blooms early spring. 4 ft. × 4 ft. Zones 7–10. ‘Glacier Blue’ leaves edged in cream. ‘Lambrook Gold’ flowers/bracts more yellow.
E. griffithii—blue-green leaves, dark stems. Blooms midspring. Stoloniferous. 36 in. × 24 in. Zones 4–9. ‘Dixter’ red bracts, stems, foliage. ‘Fireglow’ orange bracts and stems.
E. × martinii—red stems, purple new growth; red eyes (the real flowers) to floral stems. 36 in. × 36 in. Zones 7–10. ‘Ascot Rainbow’ green, gold, and lime variegation with pink tints.
E. myrsinites (myrtle spurge)—prostrate plant with short blue leaves; stems snake around. Blooms midspring. 4 in. × 24 in. Zones 5–8.
E. polychroma—sulfur yellow floral stems. Blooms mid- to late spring. Takes low summer water. 16 in. × 24 in. Zones 4–9.
CULTIVARS
‘Blue Haze’ bushy evergreen, blue-green; 24 in. × 24 in.; zones 5–9. ‘Jade Dragon’ evergreen, blue-green leaves with some purple; blooms late winter; sun to part shade; 30 in. × 30 in. ‘Redwing’ red-tinged new growth, red stems and buds; 24 in. × 24 in.; zones 7–10.
Filipendula rubra
Filipendula
(meadow sweet, queen of the prairie) Rosaceae
Elegant plants with divided foliage similar to astilbe or goatsbeard. Flowers a frothy plume of pink.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained soil. Most prefer full sun, especially in the maritime Northwest. Provide regular water during dry summer weeks.
GARDEN USE
Good summer bloomer, but needs to be sited with other plants that need regular water. Lysimachia and cardinal flowers make good companions.
SPECIES
F. purpurea—divided leaves; terminal carmine flowers in flat clusters on red stems. Blooms midsummer. Part shade. 4 ft. × 2 ft. Zones 4–9. ‘Elegans’ magenta pink, frothy. ‘Nana’ 10 in. high.
F. rubra (queen of the prairie)—divided leaves; large pink plumes of flowers. Blooms early to midsummer. Sun to part shade. 6 ft. × 4 ft. Zones 3–9. ‘Venusta’ purple-pink; 4 ft. × 4 ft.
F. ulmaria—divided, coarsely toothed leaves; creamy white, fragrant flowers in flat clusters. Blooms midsummer. 6 ft. × 2 ft. Zones 3–9. ‘Aurea’ yellow spring foliage turns green. ‘Flore Pleno’ double flowers. ‘Variegata’ foliage irregularly splashed creamy white.
F. vulgaris (dropwort)—ferny foliage; white flowers. Blooms early summer. Requires less water than most. 24 in. × 18 in. Zones 4–9. ‘Flore Pleno’ double. ‘Multiplex’ double flowers; smaller than species, 15 in. × 18 in.
CULTIVAR
‘Kahome’ ferny foliage; fragrant, rose-pink flowers; blooms early summer; 18 in. × 12 in.; zones 3–8.
Gaillardia ‘Fanfare’
(blanket flower) Asteraceae
Daisy flowers in warm shades of yellow, orange, maroon, and brown. Patterns of colors on flowers led to its common name. Leaves are gray-green and lance-shaped.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained soil. Zones 3–8.
GARDEN USE
Gaillardia speaks of summer. Looks good against a sunny wall or among red penstemon and salvias. Blooms early summer to fall.
CULTIVARS
Amber Wheels’ golden fringed petals; 36 in. × 24 in. ‘Burgunder’ wine red. ‘Fanfare’ each petal a quill, red base, yellow tip. ‘Kobold’/‘Goblin’ deep red, yellow border; 12 in. × 18 in. ‘Oranges and Lemons’ orange centers with yellow tips; 30 in. × 18 in.
Gaura lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’
(gaura) Onagraceae
Long, lax flowering stems from a central rosette of leaves. Four-petaled, white flowers that keep coming all summer.
CULTIVATION
Sun and well-drained soil. From sunny Texas, it comes looking for what it’s difficult for us to give—heat. Hardy, yet probably uncomfortable with heavy, wet winter soils, so don’t be surprised if you have to replace it every couple of years. Once established, it needs no summer water. Cut flower stems back in winter without disturbing the clump of foliage. Zones 6–9.
GARDEN USE
Plant on a slope to take advantage of its sprawling nature. Often blooms all summer. 5 ft. × 3 ft.
CULTIVARS
‘Corrie’s Gold’ gold variegation; white flowers. ‘Crimson Butterflies’ dark pink. ‘Passionate Rainbow’ green, pink, and cream foliage; dark pink flowers. ‘Pink Cloud’ more upright. ‘Whirling Butterflies’ red stems; pink buds, white flowers; to 36 in. × 36 in.
Gentiana asclepiadea
(gentian) Gentianaceae
Specialty plants of small stature and picky culture. Trumpet-shaped, incredibly blue flowers are the lure, but be prepared to wait a couple of years for plants to settle in before you see the show.
CULTIVATION
Warm but shady placement and moist, well-drained soil. Regular water.
GARDEN USE
Plant in the shady border with astilbes and Rodgersia.
SPECIES
G. asclepiadea (willow gentian)—elegantly upright to arching stems, long narrow leaves; deep blue, bell-shaped flowers. Blooms late summer. 36 in. × 18 in. Zones 6–9. Var. alba white.
Geranium cinereum ‘Laurence Flatman’
(cranesbill) Geraniaceae
Often called “hardy geraniums” to distinguish the genus from Pelargonium, which consists of mostly tender plants grown in summer. Obvious difference is growth habit: Geranium grows a rosette of leaves; Pelargonium grows from a stem. Five-petaled, open-faced flowers. Wide variety of plants with flowers in shades of pink, blue, purple, or white; mostly herbaceous.
CULTIVATION
Sun to shade and moist to dry soil, depending on species. Cut back once-flowering, herbaceous plants after they bloom to produce new flush of foliage and tidy things up. Cut down herbaceous plants in late winter. Zones 5–8, except as noted below.
GARDEN USE
Indispensable, easy-care genus that provides shots of color from early summer into fall and a variety of forms and textures—from perfect mounds to weavers that knit together a garden. Good with roses, ornamental grasses, and hebes in sun; hostas, sedges (Carex), and Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium) in part shade. A few selections—such as G. endressii ‘Wargrave Pink’—make good evergreen ground covers in difficult situations, such as under trees where its persistence is appreciated.
SPECIES
G. × cantabrigiense—mat-forming, deeply divided leaves; red fall color. Blooms early to midsummer. Sun or dry shade. 10 in. × 36 in. ‘Biokovo’ white with pink center. ‘Cambridge’ violet. ‘Karmina’ magenta. ‘St. Ola’ white.
G. cinereum—compact rosette of small, deeply cut, gray-green leaves; 1-in. pink flowers with darker netting; could get lost—keep it near a path. Blooms late spring to summer. Sun to part shade. 6 in. × 12 in. ‘Ballerina’ light pink. ‘Laurence Flatman’ rose with dark eye.
G. clarkei—mound of dissected foliage; 2-in. open flowers all summer. Sun to part shade. 20 in. × 20 in. ‘Kashmir Blue’ blue. ‘Kashmir Pink’ pink. ‘Kashmir Purple’ purple. ‘Kashmir White’ white.
G. dalmaticum—small, trailing; divided leaves less than half in. across; small flowers pink; sweet appearance; good for rockery. Blooms late spring. 4 in. × 8 in.
G. harveyi—mat-forming or trailing; tiny silver, cut leaves; small, soft pink flowers; use as ground cover or at top of a wall. Blooms summer. 6 in. × 36 in. or more. Zones 7–9.
G. himalayense—dense mound of broad, glossy leaves up to 8 in. across, deeply divided; open, flat, 2-in.-wide flowers. Blooms late spring to summer. Sun to dry shade. 18 in. × 24 in. ‘Baby Blue’ pale blue with dark veining. ‘Gravetye’ light blue. ‘Irish Blue’ pale blue with purple center. ‘Plenum’ double; violet.
G. macrorrhizum (bigroot geranium)—evergreen; broad leaves deeply lobed, felted, apple-green with claret tones in winter; small clusters of pink or magenta flowers. Blooms late spring. Excellent in dry shade, such as under trees; spreads by thick rhizomes, but not invasive. 24 in. × 36 in. ‘Album’ white. ‘Bevan’s Variety’ magenta. ‘Ingwersen’s Variety’ light pink. ‘Spessart’ dark pink. ‘Variegatum’ foliage with irregular creamy variegation.
G. × magnificum—mound of medium green foliage, leaves 3 in. wide, shallowly cut; intense violet flowers. Blooms early summer. 24 in. × 24 in.
G. phaeum (mourning widow)—leaves with dark spots, sometimes splashed with white; flowers dark purple, small. Blooms late spring. Part shade. 18 in. × 12 in. ‘Album’ white. ‘Lily Lovell’ larger flowers. ‘Samobor’ dark spots join to form ring on leaves.
G. pratense—mounding; lavender-blue flowers; known mostly from its cultivars. Blooms all summer. 24 in. × 24 in. Midnight Reiter strain dusky, dark foliage. ‘Mrs. Kendall Clark’ lavender flowers with veining.
G. renardii—rounded, slightly lobed leaves with thick, slightly rough texture; light mauve veined flowers; makes a tidy mound. Blooms late spring. Sun. 24 in. × 24 in. ‘Phillipe Vapelle’ (hybrid) lavender. ‘Whiteknights’ white.
G. × riversleaianum—gray-green leaves; flowers pink with darker veins. Blooms for extended period into late summer. Sun. 12 in. × 36 in. ‘Mavis Simpson’ shell pink, dark veins. ‘Russell Pritchard’ magenta.
G. sanguineum—small, well-cut leaves; small red flowers; dainty look. Blooms all summer. 10 in. × 10 in. ‘Album’ white. ‘Alpenglow’ red. ‘Cedric Morris’ carmine. ‘Glenluce’ pink. ‘Max Frei’ red. ‘New Hampshire Purple’ purple.
G. wallichianum ‘Buxton’s Variety’ (‘Buxton’s Blue’)—marbled foliage; large blue flowers with white center. Blooms late summer. Sun to part shade. 12 in. × 36 in.
CULTIVARS
‘Ann Folkard’ lax weaver; chartreuse foliage; 1-in. bright magenta flowers with dark eye; blooms all summer; full sun or part shade; 24 in. × 36 in. ‘Brookside’ deeply cut leaves; large blue flowers with white eye; sterile; blooms summer; 18 in. × 18 in. ‘Confetti’ spreading mound of foliage splashed with white; small pink flowers; blooms summer; 8 in. × 30 in. ‘Johnson’s Blue’ large lobed leaves; big blue flowers with red veining; blooms summer; 18 in. × 24 in. ‘Nimbus’ loose mound of dissected foliage; flowers lavender with dark veining; blooms all summer; 24 in. × 36 in. ‘Orion’ big blue saucer flowers with red veins; blooms summer; 18 in. × 18 in. ‘Patricia’ large magenta flowers; blooms all summer; 36 in. × 36 in. ‘Rozanne’ big blue flowers with wide white eye; blooms many months; sterile; 18 in. × 18 in. ‘Salome’ dark veined pink flowers with deep violet center; blooms summer; 18 in. × 24 in. ‘Spinners’ blue flowers; blooms much of summer; don’t let it smother neighbors; 36 in. × 36 in. ‘Stanhoe’ dark cast to foliage; small, light pink flowers; blooms over long period in summer; although large, stays compact; 18 in. × 36 in.
Geum ‘Mango Lassi’
(avens, old man’s whiskers, prairie smoke) Rosaceae
Single or double, small, roselike flowers on tall stems; usually only once-blooming. Basal foliage—long, lobed, slightly hairy leaves growing from a central rosette—remains as a placeholder in the garden.
CULTIVATION
Full sun (except as noted) and well-drained soil. Cutting back stems of spent flowers may encourage reblooming. Divide in fall by digging out and separating new rosettes from main plant.
GARDEN USE
Cottage garden plant. Most bloom in mid- to late spring, so combining them with later-flowering plants, such as veronicas, helps extend the show in a particular bed. Keep small plants near paths or at tops of walls; larger plants can go deeper in beds, where long flower stems may bob and weave among other plants.
SPECIES AND CULTIVARS
G. coccineum ‘Eos’—orange flowers against golden foliage; blooms late spring. 14 in. × 18 in. Zones 5–8.
G. rivale (water avens)—glossy leaves more round, tidy rosettes; flowers nod and do not fully open; flower covering is red, which contrasts with apricot flowers. Blooms late spring to midsummer. Part shade. 8 in. × 24 in. Zones 3–8. ‘Coppertone’ tawny apricot. ‘Leonard’s Variety’ copper.
G. triflorum (old man’s whiskers, prairie smoke)—small plants used to hardships of high altitudes; flowers nod, then turn upright as whispy seedheads develop. Blooms summer. 10 in. × 12 in. Zones 1–8.
CULTIVARS
Flowers 1.5 in. across; all generally 24 in. × 24 in. ‘Beech House Apricot’ apricot. ‘Blazing Sunset’ orange flowers 2 in. wide throughout summer. ‘Mango Lassi’ shades of apricot, pink, orange. ‘Red Wings’ scarlet. ‘Starkers Magnificum’ double orange. ‘Totally Tangerine’ single orange throughout summer.
Gypsophila paniculata ‘Pink Fairy’
Gypsophila
(baby’s breath) Caryophyllaceae
Airy growth. Small leaves and wiry stems. Small pink or white flowers.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained soil.
GARDEN USE
Known mostly as an ingredient in floral arrangements; comes as a surprise to many gardeners that there are selections good for the garden. Good contrast to other plants’ large flowers and heavy foliage.
SPECIES AND CULTIVARS
G. paniculata—basal foliage stays in background; stems heavy with clusters of small white flowers rise up. Blooms midsummer. Stake or grow with supporting neighbors. 4 ft. × 4 ft. Zones 4–9. ‘Bristol Fairy’ double white. ‘Pink Fairy’ double pink flowers; 18 in.
G. repens—creeping; looks best growing in or at top of a wall where it can spill over; pink flowers. Blooms all summer. 8 in. × 20 in. Zones 4–8. ‘Alba’ white. ‘Rosea’ deep pink.
Hakonechloa macra ‘Beni Kaze’
Hakonechloa macra
(Japanese forest grass) Poaceae
Deciduous, low-growing grass with a soft, shaggy texture. Most noted for its cultivars with colorful foliage that turns taupe in winter.
CULTIVATION
Part shade in well-drained, evenly moist soil. Shear back at end of winter. Zones 6–9.
GARDEN USE
Create your own Hakonechloa waterfall by planting several of the same selection down a slope. Combine with other shade-lovers such as hostas and Polystichum. 12 in. × 18 in.
CULTIVARS
‘Albovariegata’ creamy white stripes along leaves. ‘All Gold’ intense chartreuse. ‘Aureola’ leaves heavily striped with bright yellow. ‘Beni Kaze’ leaves turn reddish in autumn.
Helenium ‘Coppelia’
(sneezeweed; Helen’s flower) Asteraceae
Clump-forming plants with lance-shaped leaves. Daisy flowers have wide petals that are pinked at tips and a prominent brown cone in the middle (where, as with all daisy flowers, the true flowers reside). The common name of sneezeweed is misleading; it doesn’t make you sneeze.
CULTIVATION
Full sun, well-drained soil, regular summer water. Zones 4–8.
GARDEN USE
Sunny flowers bloom midsummer to fall. Grow with Bergenia and ornamental grasses. Deadhead for longer bloom time.
CULTIVARS
Most selections are hybrids that grow 36 in. × 24 in. ‘Butterpat’ yellow. ‘Coppelia’ copper-red. ‘Moerheim Beauty’ deep red; begins blooming early. ‘Sahin’s Early Flowerer’ burnt orange with yellow edges.
Helianthus ‘Lemon Queen’
(sunflower) Asteraceae
Perennial sunflowers are news to many, although these selections have been around awhile. Tall. Leaves have a rough feel. Flowers are typical of sunflowers, although smaller than annual Helianthus.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained soil. Not drought tolerant; needs water during dry weeks of summer. Shows off what a little warmth and sun can do. Zones 6–9.
GARDEN USE
Blooms mid- to late summer. Position at back of the border or in middle of an island bed.
SPECIES AND CULTIVARS
H. angustifolius (swamp sunflower)—narrow, lance-shaped leaves and hairy stems; clusters of 3-in. yellow flowers with brown center. 5–7 ft. × 4 ft. ‘Gold Lace’ more floriferous, shorter stature.
H. salicifolius (willowleaf sunflower)—similar to H. angustifolius, but will take some dryness. 8 ft. × 3 ft. ‘First Light’ to only 36 in. high. ‘Lemon Queen’ light yellow; 5 ft. × 3 ft. ‘Table Mountain’ 18 in. × 18 in.
Helictotrichon sempervirens
(blue oat grass) Poaceae
Evergreen grass with steel blue foliage, creating fountain effect. Flowers in early summer with tan stalks held above foliage.
CULTIVATION
Full sun and well-drained soil. No supplemental water once established. Do not cut down; instead “comb” out dead foliage with a small leaf rake in late winter. Reseeds modestly. Zones 4–9.
GARDEN USE
Use with hebes, sea holly, and small conifers. 36 in. × 36 in.
Heliopsis (false sunflower) Asteraceae
Yellow daisy flowers. Leaves are lance-shaped and have toothed edges.
CULTIVATION
Grow in full sun and well-drained, not overly fertile, soil. Will also take some summer dryness. Zones 4–9.
GARDEN USE
Sunflower relative that blooms beginning in midsummer and over a long period. Good late color.
SPECIES AND CULTIVARS
H. helianthoides—‘Loraine Sunshine’ leaves almost white with green veins; 30 in. × 16 in. Var. scabra ‘Summer Sun’ double flowers with light brown disk; to 36 in. × 36 in.
Helleborus × hybridus
(Christmas rose, hellebore, Lenten rose) Ranunculaceae
Mostly evergreen and shrubby. Leaves usually divided; some have slightly spiny edges. Flowers range from single, nodding “roses” in white or purple to greenish-white clusters on strong stems. Breeding is ongoing, for gardeners have fallen in love with hellebores. Now there are flowers double purple, single apricot, and yellow, as well as flowers that look like pompons.
CULTIVATION
Part shade (except as noted) and well-drained soil. Prefers slightly alkaline soil; many gardeners now apply a mulch of limestone chips (bought from a quarry or stonemason). Although it is not drought tolerant, a good mulch helps keep watering at a minimum in the summer. Old leaves of H. × hybridus plants often cut off entirely before flower stems emerge in winter for a tidy look.
GARDEN USE
Provides colors and texture in the garden, especially fall through early spring. Use in containers, in the woodland garden, at edges of paths (especially concrete paths, to help with alkalinity), and as landscape features—pick your need and there’s a hellebore for you (as long as you meet the plant’s cultural needs).
SPECIES
H. argutifolius (syn. H. corsicus; Corsican hellebore)—shrubby plant with thick, light-colored stems and divided leaves with soft, spiny edges; green-white flowers emerge like a fist. Blooms late winter to early spring. 36 in. × 36 in. Zones 6–9. Janet Starnes strain white speckled foliage.
H. foetidus (stinking hellebore)—dark green leaves divided into narrow leaflets, like palm of your hand, often with a red spot at center point (foliage is fabulous feature); clusters of pale green, cup-shaped flowers. Blooms midwinter to spring. 32 in. × 18 in. Zones 6–9. Wester Flisk group deeper and more red to leaves and stems.
H. × hybridus (Lenten rose)—dark leaves divided into threes; nodding flowers in greenish-white. Blooms winter to early spring. 18 in. × 18 in. Zones 6–9. Formerly known as Orientalis group and H. orientalis. Myriad strains and groups, ranging from pure white to dusky purple, deep black-purple, slate blue, and even reddish purple; doubles, too; seed-grown and many without established cultivar names; buy them in bloom to select desired color.
H. niger (Christmas rose)—dark green, divided leaves; pure white flowers emerge just above foliage. Blooms midwinter. 12 in. × 1 in. Zones 4–8.
H. × sternii—mound of dark, blue-green foliage; white flowers often blushed with pink. Blooms late winter to early spring. 14 in. × 12 in. Zones 6–9.
CULTIVARS
From crosses involving H. niger, breeding hardy, winter-blooming plants with outward-facing, long-lasting flowers. White: ‘Ivory Prince’, ‘Jacob’, ‘Josef Lemper’; pink: ‘Cinnamon Snow’, ‘Pink Frost’.
