In addition to foliage changes seen in landscape trees and shrubs, a select number of perennials contribute to the autumnal leaf colors. Here is a select list of popular perennials endeared for their autumnal foliage hues. Arkansas bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) – stunning golden foliage beginning in late September. Bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum) – geranium ground […]
Archive for the ‘Native Plant’ Category
Forms of Western Arborvitae
Here is a partial listing of cultivars of Western arborvitae (Thuja plicata), as found in the U.S. nursery industry. Several are good choices for dwarf conifer collectors, in rock gardens, and in large containers. Winter hardiness of some cultivars is variable. Note: some are dwarf forms of ‘Green Giant’ arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata) which […]
Coral honeysuckle
Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), aka trumpet honeysuckle, is a vigorous twining flowering vine that is primarily native to the southeastern U.S. (USDA hardiness zones 4 -8). Cultivars are available in shades of red, orange. and yellow. The colorful flowers appear in spring and summer, and colorful berries decorate in late summer and autumn. Invite hummingbirds […]
Goldenrods
Goldenrods (Solidago spp.) represent about 100 species of perennials that grow ubiquitously alongside U.S. roadsides, prairies, open woods, and riverbanks. (USDA hardiness zones 4-9). A few species are also native in South America and Eurasia. Goldenrods are grown for their bright yellow or golden flowers that form late in the summer. They are easy to grow, […]
12 Plants With Silver Foliage
Silver King Artemisia (Artemisia ludoviciana ‘Silver King’) is an aggressive form with bushy, upright patch of fragrant silvery foliage and loose sprays of grey flowers in midsummer. Prune back hard after flowering to rejuvenate foliage. Deer and drought resistant. (z 3-7). Silver Mound Artemisia (Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’) – soft feathery leaves grow into compact, […]
Black Snakeroot (Bugbanes) For Woodland Beauty
The bugbanes (Actae spp.) represent a varied botanical genus. In my opinion, the most attractive and easy to grow perennial form is black cohosh or snakeroot (Actaea racemosa), formerly (Cimicifuga racemosa). It is a tall growing U.S woodland native (USDA hardiness zones 4 – 8). Bugbanes are beloved for their tall architectural floral spikes. Small, […]
Attracting Hummingbirds
In early spring many area gardeners rush to set out hummingbird feeders filled with a sugary solution to encourage these feathery critters to visit. However, the sugary drink also attracts ants, bees, and wasps. The solution does not furnish vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids that hummingbirds pick up from pollinating flowers and eating insects. In addition, […]

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