Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus) or “goat’s beard” is a North American perennial that produces feathery plumes of cream-colored flowers in late spring or summer. Goatsbeard is also indigenous to western Europe. This clump-forming woodland plant is hardy in zones 3-7a (?) and appears to flounder under the intense summer heat in Georgia and the Carolinas. The […]
Archive for the ‘Perennials’ Category
Bergenia Or Pigsqeak For Sun Or Shade
Bergenia (Bergenia spp), aka “pigsqeak”, is a herbaceous perennial with distinctive glossy, rounded leaves. Bergenias are native to the forest and alpine zones of China and Siberia. Eight species are available including heartleaf Bergenia (B. cordifolia), leather bergenia (B. crassifolia), and fringed bergenia (B. ciliata). Hybrid selections are also available. (USDA hardiness zones 4-8). Bergenia’s […]
Western Sunflower
Western sunflower (Helianthus occidentalis) is actually native to eastern and central North America, not western North America (USDA hardiness zones 4-8). It is one of the shortest of the many sunflowers found in the U.S. You have seen this Midwest native growing in glades, prairies, dry meadows, fields and rocky open woodlands. It grows equally […]
Native Irises
In the World of Iris, U.S. gardeners are highly partial to planting Siberian (Iris sibirica) and German (I. germanica) irises. Currently, in recent years there has been a sway to our native species called “flag irises”. Top of the list is Crested iris (I. cristata), a low-growing, rapidly spreading species that typically 3-6 inches tall. […]
Rain Lilies
Rain Lilies (Zephyranthes), aka Zephyr lily, fairy lily, Atamasco lily, et al. are small perennial bulbs that are native to the southeastern United States, Central and South America (USDA hardiness zones 7-10). In the U.S., these bulbous members of the Amaryllis Family (Amaryllidaceae) grow in low woods and wet meadows. Rain lilies bloom from spring to […]
False Solomon Seal
False Solomon’s seal (Maianthemum racemosum) is a native woodland plant. It earns its common name because it looks very similar to Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum spp.). Both are in the lily family (Liliaceae) and are often seen growing together and easy to distinguish apart by the placement of the flowers on the plants. Formerly classified Smilacina racemosa, this […]
Blue Flowering Shrubs
Most associate the color BLUE with the sky, the sea, and an endless horizon. Blue colors evoke feelings of tranquility, calm, and a peaceful state of mind. “Blue Skies” brings out happiness and smiles in people, particularly after consecutive days of dreary weather. Contrarily, a blue mood may elicit feelings of sadness and depression. The […]
2023 Triple Crown Winner: ‘American Gold Rush’ Black-eyed Susan
For 2023, three leading organizations, All-America Selections, National Garden Bureau and Perennial Plant Association, have awarded a cultivar of black-eyed Susan their highest plant award in the U.S. For the U.S plant Industry this is the first time ever. Currently, garden interest in rudbeckias is at an all-time high. All-America Selections judges evaluated ‘American Gold […]
Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year
In case you didn’t already know, Pantone Color Institute has become a worldwide color authority with identifying trendy colors consumers will crave in the New Year. Their Color of the Year selections are often featured in fashion, interior design, outdoor living products and even in landscape plants. Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year is Viva […]