|
|
Plants Of Merit 2009
Over 50 outstanding and
dependable plants suitable for the St. Louis region.
Emeritus Plants Of Merit - Perennials
|
| bugbane - - - Perennials |
| Actaea matsumurae 'White Pearl' |
| |
| Although the bane of bugs, this selection is a knockout in shaded areas of borders or shade gardens, blooming in October often just before the first frost. These are large, clump-forming plants that produce extremely attractive bottlebrush-like spikes of fragrant, pure white flowers on sturdy 3-4 foot tall stems. Compound fern-like foliage adds texture and color throughout the growing season. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| blue star - - - Perennials |
| Amsonia tabernaemontana |
| |
| This Missouri native features pyramidal clusters of star-like soft blue flowers in late spring atop erect leafy stems growing 2-3 feet tall. Narrow, willow-shaped leaves turn a clear yellow in fall. Though it does well in the border or shade garden, it is perhaps most impressive when massed and naturalized in informal settings such as woodland areas or native plant gardens. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| windflower - - - Perennials |
| Anemone x hybrida 'Honorine Jobert' |
| |
| Although discovered in 1858 in Verdun, France, this fall-blooming anemone remains an outstanding late-blooming selection. Ideal for naturalizing in moist soils in partially shaded borders, cottage gardens or open woodland areas. Typically grows 3-4 feet tall and features 2-3 inch diameter flowers with white sepals and contrasting yellow centers. Blooms late summer to frost atop wiry-but-graceful stems rising above an attractive mound of trifoliate dark green leaves. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| aromatic aster - - - Perennials |
| Aster oblongifolius |
| |
| When brushed with the hand, the stem-clasping, narrow-oblong, blue green leaves of this compact, shrubby, Missouri native aster release a fresh, intoxicating fragrance. Native to limestone glades and dry prairies, this aster produces an often profuse late summer to fall bloom of 1-inch diameter daisy-like flowers with purple rays and yellow centers. This is an excellent selection for wildflower gardens, naturalized areas, foundations or borders. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| Chinese astilbe - - - Perennials |
| Astilbe chinensis var. pumila |
| |
| This dwarf Chinese astilbe spreads by rhizomes to form an
attractive 6-inch tall ground cover of compound, fern-like,
dark green leaves. Tiny lilac-pink flowers densely packed
into upright, plume-like, branched flower stalks rise
above the foliage to 1 foot tall in early summer.
Foliage remains attractive throughout the growing
season as long as soils are kept consistently moist.
Mass or group this versatile perennial in shaded areas of
rock gardens, borders, shade gardens, woodland areas or
along pond/stream banks. Also effective as an edging plant. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| blue false indigo - - - Perennials |
| Baptisia australis |
| |
| Erect stalks of blue, lupine-like flowers cover this
native perennial in spring. Flowers give way to inflated
charcoal black seed capsules. Once used as toy rattles,
today they are valued in dried flower arrangements.
Plants become somewhat shrubby after bloom, displaying
attractive, clover-like blue-green leaves. Early Americans
used the plant as a substitute for true indigo in making
blue dyes. Grow as a specimen or in groups in borders,
or naturalize in cottage gardens, prairie areas, meadows
or native plant gardens. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| false aster - - - Perennials |
| Boltonia asteroides var. latisquama 'Snowbank' |
| |
| This plant produces 1-inch white daisy-like flowers with yellow centers on long, upright stems in fall that are very attractive to butterflies. Snowbank stays erect in full sun growing to 4 feet without staking and fits in well in an informal garden with other fall-blooming plants. Plant in well-drained soil. Can withstand drought. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| Siberian bugloss - - - Perennials |
| Brunnera macrophylla |
| |
| Best grown in moist, partly shaded areas of shade or woodland gardens where it can be naturalized to form a thick 12-inch tall ground cover. Slowly spreading basal clumps of large, heart-shaped, blackish-green leaves remain attractive throughout the growing season. Forget-me-not-like azure blue flowers appear above the foliage in spring in airy racemes rising to 18 inches tall. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| feather reed grass - - - Perennials |
| Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' |
| |
| This ornamental grass brings vertical accent to the landscape. Rich green leaves typically grow in a narrow clump to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, but foliage is topped in early summer with upright, feathery flower plumes which bring total clump height to 6 feet. Plumes are tinged with purple as the flowers open, turn golden beige as the seeds mature and eventually fade to light tan in fall and winter. Thrives in wet soils. Use as a specimen or group together. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| purple poppy mallow - - - Perennials |
| Callirhoe involucrata |
| |
| This low-growing, Missouri native perennial features
cup-shaped, poppy-like, bright magenta flowers and
palmately lobed, dark green leaves on stems that
scramble along the ground to 3 feet wide. Flowers
bloom primarily from late spring to mid-summer, with
some continued bloom into fall. An excellent, airy,
flowering ground cover for borders, rock gardens,
cottage gardens, naturalized areas or meadows.
May need protection from rabbits. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| bluebeard - - - Perennials |
| Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Longwood Blue' |
| |
| Valued for its profuse late summer to fall bloom of tiny violet-blue flowers that appear in showy clusters along the stems. Flowers contrast nicely with the freshly aromatic silver-gray foliage. Although technically a woody shrub, it is best pruned back hard in early spring each year. Typically grows 2-4 feet tall and as wide. A wonderful late-blooming addition to the sunny border. Flowers are very attractive to butterflies and bees. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| bishop's hat - - - Perennials |
| Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum' |
| |
| This hybrid epimedium will spread over time to form an attractive ground cover for dry shaded areas in the landscape. It typically grows to 8-12 inches tall. Short-spurred, columbine-like, two-tone yellow flowers bloom in spring. Compound leaves with heart-shaped leaflets on wiry stems form attractive foliage mounds throughout the growing season. New leaves emerge in spring with attractive red tinting. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| willow-leaved sunflower - - - Perennials |
| Helianthus salicifolius |
| |
| The late season floral display of bright yellow sunflowers with brown centers makes this plant one of the most spectacular fall blooming plants. The stems will grow to over 10 feet in part sun, but only half this height in full sun. They respond well to a variety of moisture and soil conditions. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| ox eye - - - Perennials |
| Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Sommersonne' SUMMER SUN |
| |
| A compact, clump-forming, sunflower-like perennial that typically grows 2-4 feet tall. Features 2-3 inch diameter single to double daisy-like flowers with yellow rays and orange-yellow center disks on stiff stems. Profuse and lengthy mid-to late-summer bloom will brighten up any border. Mass in borders or cutting gardens. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| hellebore - - - Perennials |
| Helleborus orientalis |
| |
| A winter-flowering shade plant that possesses the unique ability to bloom in sub-freezing temperatures, often when snow is on the ground. Grows to 18 inches tall and features cup-shaped, 2 inch diameter, rose-like flowers ranging in color from white to rose-purple with center crowns of contrasting bushy yellow stamens. Blooms in February for 6-8 weeks. Palmate dark green leaves are evergreen. When massed, plants form an attractive ground cover. Locate near a kitchen window, patio or sidewalk for a therapeutic pick-me-up on dreary late winter days. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| coral bells - - - Perennials |
| Heuchera 'Chocolate Ruffles' |
| |
| Known for its purple-brown young foliage that adds contrast to the perennial border, this plant does well in part shade and tolerates more full sun conditions than other coral bells. Mounding to 12 inches, the basal leaves persist through fall and early spring. Delicate flower spikes are a plus. Truly a low maintenance perennial. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| hosta - - - Perennials |
| Hosta (Tardiana Group) 'Halcyon' |
| |
| Amongst all the hostas, this selection develops the most beautiful oval-shaped, blue leaves. Blue-lilac flowers are produced over the 20-inch mounding clump of foliage in mid-summer. Use in the shaded front border where moisture is good. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| hosta - - - Perennials |
| Hosta (Tardiana Group) 'June' |
| |
| Large variegated leaves with gold centers and blue-green margins form a dense foliage mound that is attractive throughout the growing season. Bell-shaped, pale lavender flowers appear above the foliage atop 20-inch scapes in summer. The striking foliage adds bright color and contrast to shade and woodland gardens. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| Spanish bluebell - - - Perennials |
| Hyacinthoides hispanica |
| |
| Each bulb produces a clump of strap-shaped leaves from which rise rigid flowering stems bearing 12 or more pendant, bell-shaped, blue to lavender flowers. This is a terrific mid- to late-spring bloomer for borders or for naturalizing under trees or in open woodland areas. Plants form large spreading clumps through offsets and self seeding. Plants go dormant in summer. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| St. John's wort - - - Perennials |
| Hypericum calycinum |
| |
| Large, saucer-shaped, 5-petaled, bright yellow flowers
with distinctively protruding bushy stamens cover this
dense shrubby ground cover with spectacular bloom in
summer. It typically grows 12–15 inches tall and spreads
indefinitely by creeping stems clad with leathery, rich
green leaves. Foliage often survives winter, but established
plantings are best sheared/pruned annually in early
spring to encourage vigorous new foliage growth. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| Siberian iris - - - Perennials |
| Iris 'Caesar's Brother' |
| |
| Violet blue flowers appear in May on upright slender stems rising to 3 feet tall above a clump of arching, narrow, grass-like leaves. Mass plants for a spectacular wave of bloom. Graceful foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season. Clumps grow together to snuff out most weeds. A moisture-loving plant that thrives in moist to boggy garden areas. Siberian iris is much less susceptible to iris borer and bacterial soft rot than bearded iris. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| cardinal flower - - - Perennials |
| Lobelia cardinalis |
| |
| This Missouri native is noted for its intense red flowers, late summer bloom and ability to thrive in moist, shady locations. Densely packed two-lipped cardinal red flowers bloom in erect flowering spikes typically growing 2-4 feet tall from July to September. A must for open shady border areas, wildflower gardens, shade/woodland gardens or stream/pond margins. Flowers are very attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| mazus - - - Perennials |
| Mazus reptans |
| |
| An outstanding ground cover to only 2 inches tall that spreads by creeping stems. An excellent selection for rock gardens, border fronts or between stepping stones. Tolerates limited foot traffic and infrequent mowing. Tiny purplish-blue or white tubular flowers cover the foliage mat in late spring to early summer. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| eulalia - - - Perennials |
| Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio' |
| |
| This compact eulalia grass cultivar forms a dense rounded clump to 3-4 foot tall and as wide. Its pink-tinged, tassel-like flower plumes gracefully waft above the narrow silver-green foliage in late summer, gradually turning creamy white as the seeds mature. Foliage turns yellowish in fall. Excellent accent for sunny areas of the landscape. Superb winter interest. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| nepeta - - - Perennials |
| Nepeta racemosa 'Blue Wonder' |
| |
| The gray-green foliage of many catmints blends well with other plants. Combined with the long lasting, dark blue flowers developing in mid-summer, this is an excellent edging plant for the front border. This cultivar does not self-seed. It grows 12 to 15 inches tall, remains compact and can be cut back to re-bloom in the fall. Foliage remains attractive in hot weather. Plant in full sun to part-shade. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| ophiopogon - - - Perennials |
| Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' |
| |
| Leaves of this plant are nearly black and therefore contrast well with light-colored foliage plants like ferns and hostas. Spikes of pinkish flowers are produced in mid to late summer rising just above the 6-inch tall foliage. A good shade plant that develops slowly as a ground cover. May need a protected site. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
|
| Russian sage - - - Perennials |
| Perovskia atriplicifolia |
| |
| This woody-based perennial of the mint family features handsome, fern-like, silvery-green foliage topped by clouds of tiny blue flowers. Blooms mid-summer to fall. Brings cool beauty, grace and airiness to full sun areas of the garden. Grows to 4 feet tall and contrasts well with the yellows, pinks and greens of summer borders. The foliage is aromatic when bruised and provides continuing color and interest in winter. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| Christmas fern - - - Perennials |
| Polystichum acrostichoides |
| |
| The fronds are green at Christmas and each individual
leaflet suggests the shape of a Christmas stocking.
This Missouri native evergreen fern forms a distinctive
fountain-like clump of leathery, lance-shaped fronds.
Clumps typically grow to 2 feet tall and slowly spread
by rhizomes to provide excellent evergreen color for
shaded garden areas. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| pincushion flower - - - Perennials |
| Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue' |
| |
| The flowers look like lavender blue pincushions and butterflies love them. Bloom runs continuously from late spring well past first frost, often into December if the weather stays mild. Flowers bloom singly atop slender stems rising to 12 inches tall. Finely-cut, grayish-green basal leaves. An excellent selection for massing in sunny borders and rock gardens. Well-drained soil is a must for these prolific bloomers. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| compass plant - - - Perennials |
| Silphium laciniatum |
| |
| The deeply cut basal leaves of this Missouri native of the tallgrass prairie orient themselves on a north-south axis to minimize moisture loss from exposure to the hot overhead sun. Broken stems exude a gummy resin that Native Americans once used as a mouth-cleansing chewing gum. This is a coarse, bristly perennial that grows to 9 feet tall and features 5-inch diameter sunflower-like flowers from July to September. Excellent for naturalizing in cottage gardens, wildflower gardens and borders. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| goldenrod - - - Perennials |
| Solidago sphacelata 'Golden Fleece' |
| |
| This compact spreading goldenrod only grows to 18 inches tall. Heart-shaped leaves often in whorls form an attractive mat when plants are not in bloom. Narrow cylindrical plumes of tiny bright yellow flowers arc in all directions in a spectacular, fountain-like, late summer to fall bloom. Flowers add considerable color and contrast to the sunny fall border, and no, this plant does not cause hay fever. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| prairie dropseed - - - Perennials |
| Sporobolus heterolepis |
| |
| This clump-forming, Missouri native, prairie grass features
fine-textured, hair-like, medium green leaves that grow
in arching foliage mounds to 15 inches tall. Foliage turns
copper-gold in fall, gradually fading to light beige by winter.
Late summer flowers bloom in airy panicles above the
foliage. Flowers are noted for their coriander-like fragrance.
This grass grows exceedingly well in prairie areas and
drops its ripe seed directly to the ground. Spectacular
accent or ground cover for the landscape. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| lamb's ear - - - Perennials |
| Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears' |
| |
| The velvety, silver-green leaves of this superb ground cover look and feel like a lamb’s ears. Leaves appear in spreading rosettes that expand by creeping stems to form a dense 8-inch tall carpet of foliage which chokes out most weeds. Rarely flowers so doesn't require deadheading. Needs a well-drained soil. This ground cover or edger brings unique texture, color and contrast to sunny areas in the landscape. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| big betony - - - Perennials |
| Stachys macrantha 'Superba' |
| |
| Basal rosettes of wrinkled, scalloped-edged, dark green leaves spread to form an attractive ground cover. But it is the magnificent bloom of hooded, 2-lipped, deep pinkish-purple flowers in late spring that really distinguishes this plant from other species of Stachys that are best known for having fuzzy leaves. Flowers appear in evenly spaced whorls on erect spikes rising well above the foliage to as much as 24 inches tall. Plants prefer consistently moist, well-drained soils in full sun with some light afternoon shade. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| meadow rue - - - Perennials |
| Thalictrum rochebruneanum |
| |
| Native to Japan, this meadow rue is a slender, clump-forming perennial that grows 4-6 feet tall on purplish stems. Lacy, bluish-green, columbine-like foliage is topped in mid-to late-summer with a cloud of tiny lavender-purple flowers. Plants are tall and airy, but stems are strong and typically do not require staking. Excellent for borders or open woodland areas. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| toad lily - - - Perennials |
| Tricyrtis formosana |
| |
| Toad lily is best noted for its unique flowers and its
ability to bloom well in shade late summer to early fall.
Small, delicate white lily-like flowers with heavy
reddish-purple spotting and yellowish throats bloom in
branched clusters atop generally erect 2–3 foot tall
stems clad with broadly lance-shaped medium green
leaves. Flowers must be observed close up to appreciate
their true beauty. Plants are superb additions to shaded
borders, woodland or shade gardens where they will
slowly naturalize by rhizomes to form colonies. |
| (More information). . .(Plant Sources) |
| |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2009
|
