BENEFITS
Tolerates some drought.

BLOOM SEASON & HABIT
Features pink hollyhock-like flowers (2” diameter) with five conspicuously notched petals. Flowers bloom in the upper leaf axils in summer atop stems typically rising 2-3’ (less frequently to 4’) tall. Light green stem leaves are deeply lobed into 3-5 palmate segments.

LOCATION
Best grown in medium wet, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates some drought. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage additional flowering. Cut back to basal foliage in fall, or earlier if plant appearance declines. Appreciates a site protected from strong winds. Zones 4 – 7.

SIZE
Height: 2 to 4 feet
Spread: 1 to 1.5 feet

CULTURE
Stems may be cut back in spring if shorter plants are desired. Plants may freely self-seed in the garden if spent flowers are not promptly deadheaded, however some self-seeding is desirable in order to keep this short-lived perennial in the garden.

Blooming Range:
Mid Summer to Late Summer
Width:
to 24 inches
Hardiness Zone Range:
4 to 10
Light:
Part Sun to Full Sun
Water:
Normal to Moist
Soil:
Sandy Loam to Some Clay
 

A bright pink flowered cultivar know to have mildew-resistance. Moist soil. Full sun to partial shade. Monarda's are one of the easiest perennials to grow. H 3' Z4

BENEFITS
Blooms in spring to early summer.

BLOOM SEASON & HABIT
Features loose whorls of small, abundant, two-lipped, trumpet-shaped, medium to deep violet-blue flowers in racemes atop square, leafy stems with oval, aromatic, deep green foliage. Blooms from spring to early summer.

LOCATION
Easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Intolerant of wet soils. Tolerates dry soils, but is somewhat intolerant of the heat and humidity of the deep South and appreciates some afternoon shade in hot climates. Shear flower spikes after initial flowering to promote continued bloom. Zones 3 – 8.

SIZE
Height: 1 to 1.5 feet
Spread: 1 to 1.5 feet

CULTURE
Can be rather invasive, particularly if grown in rich, moist soils. One of the most cold hardy of the catmints. Sometimes sold as 'Blue Beauty'.

Tough perennial with gray, aromatic foliage and blue flowers in loose spikes in summer. Somewhat sprawling growth is healthiest in full sun and well-drained soil. A spledid plant to accompany roses. Grows to 12-15". Z3

The largest catmint, with larger leaves & large deep blue flowers. Grows to 2 1/2'. Z3

BENEFITS
Blooms in spring, with almost continuous re-bloom into fall.

BLOOM SEASON & HABIT
Features loose whorls of small, abundant, two-lipped, trumpet-shaped, lavender-blue flowers in racemes atop square, leafy stems with oval, intricately veined, aromatic, gray-green foliage. Blooms in spring with almost continuous rebloom into fall under optimum growing conditions and proper shearing of spent flower spikes.

LOCATION
Easily grown in average, dry to medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Thrives in dry soils and is very drought tolerant. Somewhat intolerant of the heat and humidity of the deep South, however, and appreciates some afternoon shade in hot climates. Zones 4 – 8

SIZE
Height: 0.75 to 1 feet
Spread: 0.5 to 0.75 feet

CULTURE
Shear flower spikes after initial flowering to promote continued bloom. Must be propagated by division because seeds are sterile.

BENEFITS
This Nippon daisy is a shrubby perennial.

BLOOM SEASON & HABIT
Features 2-3" diameter flower heads with white rays and green center disks. Flowers appear in fall on long stalks. Thick, oblong, coarsely toothed, glossy, dark green leaves (to 3.5" long).

LOCATION
Easily grown in average, dry, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates light shade in hot climates. New growth may be cut back slightly in spring to maintain plant compactness and encourage bushy form. Zones 5 – 9.

SIZE
Height: 1.5 to 3 feet
Spread: 1.5 to 3 feet

USES
Excellent and long-lasting fresh cut flower.

CULTURE
Remove spent flower heads to promote additional bloom. Divide clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor.

Prostrate variety suitable in a rock garden or front border. Fragrant pink flowers persist all summer. Tolerates dry soils. Full sun. Grows to 10". To 2-3". Z5

A splendid plant for many uses. Mats of dark foliage give rise to 2' flower stems that bear clusters of dark pink flowers from mid summer on, followed by maroon seed hearts that carry color into the fall. Can be dried. Drought tolerant. Spreads, but not an invasive nuisance. Z5

Smaller flowers in deeper, bright colors. Stunning bedders and cut flowers. TO 12'. Z3

Truly deep red flowers. Full sun and good drainage. Z4

BENEFITS
Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year (1996).

BLOOM SEASON & HABIT
Features white (sometimes with a pink blush), two-lipped, tubular flowers borne in panicles atop erect, rigid stems. Flowers bloom mid-spring to early summer. Leaves are maroon (hence the cultivar name). Basal leaves are elliptic and stem leaves are lance-shaped to oblong.

LOCATION
Grow in average, dry to medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun. Needs full sun for best foliage color. Avoid wet, poorly-drained soils. Zones 3 – 8.

SIZE
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Spread: 1 to 2 feet

USES
Mass in sunny borders. Also effective as accent or specimen.

CULTURE
Penstemon in Greek means five stamens (four are fertile and one is sterile). Penstemon is sometimes commonly called beard tongue because the sterile stamen has a tuft of small hairs.

BENEFITS
This penstemon cultivar is a small, clump-forming perennial.

BLOOM SEASON & HABIT
Features pink, two-lipped, tubular flowers borne in well-spaced, terminal spikes atop erect, rigid stems. Flowers bloom mid-spring to early summer. Lance-shaped to ovate, medium green leaves. Penstemon in Greek means five stamens (four are fertile and one is sterile).

LOCATION
Grow in average, dry to medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid wet, poorly drained soils. Zones 3 – 8.

SIZE
Height: 0.75 to 1 feet
Spread: 0.5 to 0.75 feet

USES
Sunny border fronts, and rock gardens.

CULTURE
Penstemon is sometimes commonly called beard tongue because the sterile stamen has a tuft of small hairs.

BENEFITS
Plants are long-lived, do not need to be divided and can be left undisturbed for years.

BLOOM SEASON & HABIT
This herbaceous (soft stemmed) peony cultivar is a shrubby plant that, each year, will typically grow to 3' tall by mid-spring, bloom, display attractive foliage throughout the summer and early fall, and then die to the ground after frost. An old standard that features mildly fragrant, bright crimson, double flowers (semi-rose form). Blooms in mid-season. Glossy green foliage is divided into oval to lance-shaped leaflets

LOCATION
Easily grown in rich, fertile, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Add compost as needed before planting. Each plant will flower for approximately 7-10 days. Plant other cultivars with staggered bloom times to extend the total peony bloom period to approximately 6 weeks during May and June. Zones 3 – 8.

SIZE
Height: 2.5 to 3 feet
Spread: 2.5 to 3 feet

USES
Excellent cut flower.

CULTURE
Remove spent flowers after blooming. Cut foliage to the ground and remove from the garden in fall after frost.

BENEFITS
Plants are long-lived, do not need to be divided and can be left undisturbed for years.

BLOOM SEASON & HABIT
An old standard that features very large, very fragrant, rose-pink double flowers. Blooms in late season. Glossy green foliage is divided into oval to lance-shaped leaflets.

LOCATION
Easily grown in rich, fertile, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Add compost as needed before planting. Each plant will flower for approximately 7-10 days. Plant other cultivars with staggered bloom times to extend the total peony bloom period to approximately 6 weeks during May and June. Zones 3 – 8.

SIZE
Height: 2.5 to 3 feet
Spread: 2.5 to 3 feet

USES
Excellent cut flower.

CULTURE
Remove spent flowers after blooming. Cut foliage to the ground and remove from the garden in fall after frost. Plants are long-lived, do not need to be divided and can be left undisturbed for years.

BENEFITS
This Russian sage cultivar is a woody-based perennial of the mint family.

BLOOM SEASON & HABIT
Features finely-dissected, lacy (or filigreed as the cultivar name suggests), aromatic, silvery foliage on stiff, upright, square stems and whorls of two-lipped, tubular, light blue flowers tiered in branched, terminal panicles (12-15" high).

LOCATION
Easily grown in average, dry to medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun. Drought tolerant.

SIZE
Height: 2 to 4 feet
Spread: 2 to 3 feet

USES
Provides long summer bloom for the perennial border. Contrasts well with both pink and yellow perennials.

CULTURE
Cut back plants almost to the ground in early spring before new growth begins.

BENEFITS
Russian sage is a woody-based perennial of the mint family. Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year (1995).

BLOOM SEASON & HABIT
Features finely-dissected, aromatic (when crushed), gray-green leaves on stiff, upright, square stems and whorls of two-lipped, tubular, light blue flowers tiered in branched, terminal panicles (12-15" high). Long summer bloom period.

LOCATION
Easily grown in average, dry to medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun. Tendency to flop is greatly increased by growing this plant in anything less than full sun. Drought tolerant. Zones 5 - 9

SIZE
Height: 3 to 5 feet
Spread: 2 to 4 feet

USES
Provides long summer bloom for the perennial border. Contrasts well with both pink and yellow perennials.

CULTURE
Cut back plants almost to the ground in early spring before new growth begins.

CULTURE
Thrives in cool, moist areas. Provide extra moisture in warmer zones. Divide in spring or early fall when desired.

CULTURE
Thrives in cool, moist areas. Provide extra moisture in warmer zones. Shear plants in fall if desired to remove spent flowers. Divide in spring if needed.

CULTURE
Prefers moist, well-drained soils. Provide shade and extra moisture for better performance in warmer zones. Shear in fall if desired to remove spent flowers. Divide in spring as needed.

BENEFITS
This Persicaria is a vigorous perennial, which is grown primarily for its attractive, variegated foliage.

BLOOM SEASON & HABIT
Broad, oval, medium green leaves (to 10" long) are marbled and splashed with creamy white, yellow and a touch of pink, with each leaf having a large central chocolate-red chevron. Tiny, dark red, beady, jump seed-like flowers on long, slender, wand-like stems appear in mid to late summer, but are not particularly showy.



LOCATION
Best grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in part shade. Will grow in both sun and shade as long as soils are kept consistently moist. In optimum growing conditions, this plant can spread aggressively in the garden by both rhizomes and self-seeding. Best sited in a location protected from wind. Zones 4-8

SIZE
Height: 1.5 to 2 feet
Spread: 1.5 to 2 feet

USES
Mass in shade, woodland or cottage gardens. Also may be used in borders.

CULTURE
No serious insect or disease problems. Can be invasive.

A native phlox with lustrous, thick, mildew-resistant foliage & white flowers that last three weeks at mid-summer. Full sun to partial shade and rich, moist soil. Grows to 4'. Z3

BENEFITS
Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

BLOOM SEASON & HABIT
Features large, conical-shaped, terminal clusters of 5-lobed, bicolor pink/white flowers with long corolla tubes atop stiff, spotted stems. A compact plant that typically grows to 2' tall (lower than the species) and seldom needs staking. Thick, lance-shaped to linear, glossy, dark green leaves (2-4" long). Also sometimes commonly called wild sweet William. A good cut flower which is very fragrant.

LOCATION
Best grown in fertile, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Needs good air circulation to help combat potential mildew problems. Avoid overhead watering. Intolerant of drought. Faded flower clusters should be removed to prolong bloom period and to prevent unwanted self-seeding (plants of this cultivar do not come true from seed). Zones 3-8.

SIZE
Height: 1.5 to 2 feet
Spread: 1 to 1.5 feet

USES
A staple of the perennial border, which mixes well with other flowers and provides excellent color and a long summer bloom.

CULTURE
Phlox is a medium maintenance plant to grow. Powdery mildew and root rot can be problems. However, this species has better mildew resistance than some other species of phlox, such as garden phlox (P. paniculata), and is a good alternative to garden phlox in areas where powdery mildew thrives. Spider mites can also be a problem, particularly in hot, dry conditions.

BENEFITS
2002 perennial Plant of the Year

BLOOM SEASON & HABIT
Fragrant, tubular flowers (1/2" to 1" diameter) with long corolla tubes and five flat petal-like lobes are pure white. Individual flowers are densely arranged in large, terminal, pyramidal clusters (panicles to 6-12" long) in summer atop stiff, upright stems which seldom need staking. Long mid to late summer bloom sometimes extends into early fall. Narrow, opposite, pointed, lance-shaped leaves (to 5" long). Good fresh cut flower.

LOCATION
Grow in moderately fertile, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. Best in full sun. Prefers rich, moist, organic soils. Needs good air circulation (space well and thin out stems as needed) to help combat potential powdery mildew problems. Intolerant of drought and needs to be watered in dry spells. Avoid overhead watering however. Appreciates a summer mulch which helps keep the root zone cool. Remove faded flower panicles to prolong bloom period and to prevent unwanted self-seeding (cultivars generally do not come true from seed). Zones 3-8

SIZE
Height: 2 to 4 feet
Spread: 2 to 3 feet

USES
Garden phlox is a staple of the perennial border. Mixes well with other perennials and provides long summer bloom. Regardless of flower color, garden phlox is attractive to hummingbirds and is a good selection for inclusion in a bird garden.

CULTURE
Phlox is not always an easy plant to grow. Powdery mildew and root rot can be serious problems. Spider mites and plant bugs can also be a problem, particularly in hot, dry conditions. By reputation, 'David' has excellent resistance to powdery mildew.

CULTURE
Best in rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soils. Plant in an area of the garden which has good air movement. Keep well-watered and fertilized in summer for best flowering. Remove faded flower heads to extend blooming. Divide in spring or fall every 3 to 4 years.

Blooming Range:
Mid Summer to Early Fall
Width:
24 to 36 inches
Height:
36 to 48 inches
Hardiness Zone Range:
4 to 8
Heat Zone Range:
4 to 9
Light:
Part Sun to Full Sun
Water:
Normal to Moist
Soil:
Sandy Loam to Clay Loam
 

Blooming Range:
Mid Summer to Early Fall
Width:
24 to 36 inches
Height:
24 to 36 inches
Hardiness Zone Range:
4 to 8
Heat Zone Range:
4 to 9
Light:
Part Sun to Full Sun
Water:
Normal to Moist
Soil:
Sandy Loam to Clay Loam
 

CULTURE
Prefers rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil and site with good air movement. Keep well-watered and fertilized. Remove spent flowers to promote re-blooming and prevent self-seeding, as seedlings are not true-to-type. Divide in spring or fall every 3 to 4 years.

BENEFITS
'Starfire' is a garden phlox cultivar, which typically grows in an upright clump to 2-3' tall.

BLOOM SEASON & HABIT
Fragrant, tubular flowers (1/2" to 1 inch diameter) with long corolla tubes and five flat petal-like lobes are bright deep red. Individual flowers are densely arranged in large, terminal, pyramidal clusters (panicles to 6-12" long) atop stiff, upright stems which seldom need staking. Long mid to late summer bloom sometimes extends into early fall. Narrow, opposite, pointed, lance-shaped leaves (to 5" long). Foliage emerges with maroon tinting but matures green. Good fresh cut flower. The name phlox is derived from the Greek word for flame.

LOCATION
Grow in moderately fertile, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. Best in full sun. Prefers rich, moist, organic soils. Needs good air circulation (space well and thin out stems as needed) to help combat potential powdery mildew problems. Intolerant of drought and needs to be watered in dry spells. Avoid overhead watering however. Appreciates a summer mulch which helps keep the root zone cool. Zones 4-8

SIZE
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Spread: 1.5 to 2 feet

USES
Garden phlox is a staple of the perennial border. Mixes well with other perennials and provides long summer bloom. Regardless of flower color, garden phlox is attractive to hummingbirds and is a good selection for inclusion in a bird garden.

CULTURE
Phlox is not always an easy plant to grow well. Powdery mildew and root rot can be serious problems. Spider mites and plant bugs can also be a problem, particularly in hot, dry conditions. Remove faded flower panicles to prolong bloom period and to prevent unwanted self-seeding (cultivars generally do not come true from seed).

A profuse bloomer producing masses of pink flowers in spring. This long bloomer forms a mat of narrow leafy foliage. Performs well in full sun and shade. H 10" Z4

BENEFITS
Blooms most of the summer.

BLOOM SEASON & HABIT
This balloon flower cultivar is a dwarf selection that typically grows to only 6-12" tall. Features unique, puffy flower buds shaped like hot air balloons, which open into 3" diameter, single, blue, upward-facing, bell-shaped flowers with five pointed lobes. Oval, dentate leaves to 3" long. Blooms most of the summer.

LOCATION
Easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Division and transplanting are possible but tricky because of the stringy root system, and it may be best to leave the plants undisturbed. Zones 3-8

SIZE
Height: 0.5 to 1 feet
Spread: 1 to 1.5 feet

USES
Mixes well with other perennials and provides good color and long summer bloom to the border front or rock garden

CULTURE
No serious disease or insect problems. Emerges very late in the spring, so gardeners must be careful not to damage the crowns in early cultivation.

BENEFITS
Highly decorative fernlike leaves are neat, uniform and symmetrical, like most varieties of Jacob's Ladder, but with a colorful twist: The foliage takes on a rich, dark purple hue in spring and again in fall. In between, the leaves turn somewhat greener or even fully green in summer, depending on light intensity.

BLOOM SEASON & HABIT
Beautiful flowers of deep electric lavender-blue appear in late spring/early summer, rising in elegant clusters on graceful, sturdy burgundy stems above the attractive mounds of foliage.

LOCATION
Light shade. USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9; AHS Heat Zones 8 to 1.

USE
'Bressingham Purple' makes a lovely companion for an earlier Blooms introduction, the highly popular variegated Polemonium 'Brise d'Anjou'.

SIZE
Flowers 15" tall, foliage 8" tall. 11" spread in 2 years.

CULTURE
It can handle some sun in much of the Northern U.S. and Canada, but will be happiest in light shade, especially in very hot climates.

CULTURE
Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil. Divide in spring or fall every 3 to 4 years.

BENEFITS
Variegated foliage is attractive in flower arrangements even if stems are not in flower.

BLOOM SEASON & HABIT
Pairs of small, bell-shaped, white flowers on short pedicels dangle in spring from the leaf axils along and underneath the arching stems. Flowers are sweetly fragrant. Young stems are tinged with maroon. Flowers are followed by blue-black berries in autumn. Ovate, conspicuously parallel-veined, variegated leaves (to 4" long) are soft green with white tips and margins. Leaves turn an attractive yellow in autumn. The common name is usually considered to be in reference to the large, circular seals (leaf stalk scars) located on the rhizomes

LOCATION
Easily grown in average, medium wet, to wet, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. Prefers moist, hummusy soils. Slowly spreads by rhizomes to form colonies in optimum growing conditions. Zones 3-8.

SIZE
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Spread: 0.75 to 1 feet

USES
Best in woodland gardens, wild gardens or naturalized areas. May be used in partially shaded borders or rock gardens. Creamy white foliage variegation can be striking in shady areas. Good with Astilbe and ferns.

CULTURE
No serious insect or disease problems.

CULTURE
Prefers moist, organic soils. In warmer regions, provide extra moisture and protect from hot afternoon sun. In northern regions, use protective mulch if snow cover is unreliable. Divide overgrown clumps after flowering when desired.