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Buxus 'Green Gem'
boxwood
Broadleaf evergreen |
This is a slow growing, globose form with deep green foliage. It is easily pruned to maintain a formal look in your garden. Excellent for providing your “clipped box” hedge appearance that can be used both as a hedge and singularly. This is truly a garden gem for the formal evergreen look you desire in your garden. Deer resistant as are all Buxus species. |
Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Morris Midget'
Japanese boxwood
Broadleaf evergreen |
This is an attractive, compact evergreen shrub that is easily pruned in your garden. It is very heat tolerant, but not for wet conditions. It provides a dwarf, mounding habit in your garden and is deer resistant as are all Buxus. |
Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Wintergreen'
Korean boxwood
Broadleaf evergreen |
A good choice for a small leaved boxwood. It is evergreen and compact and has a duller green colored leaves that usually turn purplish brown in winter. It is truly cold hardy in the Midwest and takes pruning easily to maintain the plant either as a hedge or singularly in your garden. It is deer resistant as are all Buxus. |
Ilex glabra 'Compacta'
inkberry
Broadleaf evergreen |
A broad-leaved evergreen growing slowly with a compact, rounded habit. It is very tolerant of a wet planting site, heavy clay soils and pollution. Use it in a full-sun area as well as a light-shaded area. I have found it to be a tough urban plant. |
Ilex 'Mesdob' CHINA BOY
holly
Broadleaf evergreen |
A great addition to your broad-leaved evergreen choices for foundation plantings, hedges, or used singularly in your landscape. This male plant should be planted for pollination of CHINA GIRL. One of the most trouble-free evergreen hollies. A great substitute for yews. They truly have lustrous and rich green foliage. |
Ilex 'Mesog' CHINA GIRL
holly
Broadleaf evergreen |
A great addition to your broad-leaved evergreen choices for foundation plantings, hedges, or used singularly in your landscape.The female provides attractive fruits. Plant CHINA BOY as a pollinator to get fruit. One of the most trouble-free evergreen hollies. A great substitute for yews. Truly has lustrous and rich green foliage. |
Ilex x meserveae BLUE PRINCE
blue holly
Broadleaf evergreen |
I love this holly for its attractive blue-green evergreen foliage. It has a wider shaped than China Boy and China Girl. Plant this male pollinator to get fruit set on BLUE PRINCESS. A great addition for a year-round foliage interest. |
Ilex x meserveae BLUE PRINCESS
blue holly
Broadleaf evergreen |
This is a great holly for attractive blue-green evergreen foliage. It has are wider shaped than China Boy and China Girl. The red fruits produced provide a great color addition in the landscape. Plant BLUE PRINCE as a pollinator for fruiting. A great addition for year-round foliage interest. |
Rhododendron 'Girard's Rose'
evergreen azalea
Broadleaf evergreen |
The rose flowers are held against glossy green foliage in spring and in the fall it turns to deep-red tints. It has been a very vigorous grower for me and has an upright growth habit. Another in the Girard Series that is extremely hardy in St. Louis. |
Rhododendron 'Herbert'
evergreen azalea
Broadleaf evergreen |
I love the vivid purple flowers on this Gable hybrid. It is one of the most hardy for our climate. The 4’ x 4’ size fills an evergreen area in your landscape. Excellent for the cold winters in northern gardens. |
Rhododendron 'Pleasant White'
azalea
Broadleaf evergreen |
I love its reliable show of large white flowers for a spring show. The Girard Series is excellent for northern gardens since the flower buds are cold-temperature tolerant for our winters. Has a pleasant fall color and the evergreen foliage adds year-round interest. |
Rhododendron 'Stewartstonian'
azalea
Broadleaf evergreen |
The brick red color will light up your landscape. The foliage is dark green in summer and turns wine-red in winter. This azalea is a Gable Series selection and performs well in the Midwest winters. |
Abelia 'Edward Goucher'
abelia
Deciduous shrub |
This is a semi-evergreen shrub when planted in a protected area in our landscapes. The glossy foliage is a great compliment to the rose-purple flowers. This may die back to ground in northern climates, but grows back quickly. |
Abeliophyllum distichum
white forsythia
Deciduous shrub |
Very attractive shrub when in bloom in the spring. The white flowers appear before the foliage in the very early landscape. Attentive pruning needs to be addressed for the shrub's border appearance. |
Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima'
chokeberry
Deciduous shrub |
The lustrous foliage with the brilliant fall red color is the highlight of this shrub. It is highly valued for the wide range of soil conditions it can be planted in. The suckering habit grows slowly, but the spreading, upright habit makes a natural hedge. |
Aronia melanocarpa
black chokeberry
Deciduous shrub |
I find this plant very versatile because it can grow in sun or shade, wet or dry situations. The black chokeberry is smaller in habit than A. arbutifolia. You will enjoy the glossy foliage in the landscape. |
Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea
Japanese barberry
Deciduous shrub |
A widely adapted plant, but you will need to plant this purple form in full sun for best color. This is considered a barrier shrub in the landscape. The Berberis are tough shrubs for landscape situations. |
Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Atropurpurea Nana'
Japanese barberry
Deciduous shrub |
This is a dwarf form of Berberis thunbergii ‘Atropurpurea’. Plant in full sun for best purple color in the foliage. This plant is broader than high in the landscape. The purple foliage proves quite attractive. |
Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea 'Rose Glow'
Japanese barberry
Deciduous shrub |
The distinct feature is its variegated (white, pink, rose) foliage. This turns deep red-purple in full sun. It is extremely hardy and quite adaptable in full sun. |
Betula nigra 'Little King' FOX VALLEY
river birch
Deciduous shrub |
This is a large shrub form of the native river birch, which I also recommend as a tree. The multi-branching provides interest in the winter landscape. The bark is brown to pale tan and with the addition of the peeling and curling bark becomes quite intesting. |
Callicarpa americana
beautyberry
Deciduous shrub |
This is a native herbaceous shrub. It needs yearly pruning to perform best in the landscape. It produces large fruit which are quite showy in the landscape. Give some room for the naturalized shape it requires. |
Callicarpa dichotoma
beautyberry
Deciduous shrub |
This purple beautyberry grows gracefully and is refined. The branches eventually arch and touch the ground. I think it is best planted in groups. The fruit ripens in late August and provides late-season interest. |
Calycanthus floridus
Carolina allspice
Deciduous shrub |
Plant sweet shrub close to an entrance for the strawberry to banana to pineapple fragrance of the flowers. It has been know since Colonial days so plays a part in an heirloom restoration landscape. |
Calycanthus floridus 'Athens'
Carolina allspice
Deciduous shrub |
This is larger than the species so site it accordingly. The yellow-green flowers are extremely fragrant so it is a must to plant it by an entrance or close to a path. |
Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Longwood Blue'
bluebeard
Deciduous shrub |
I frequently use this perennial as a small shrub in a sunny location. It can be used with plants that have yellow flowers. It blooms as the monarchs migrate so sit back and enjoy this sighting. |
Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Longwood Blue'
bluebeard
Deciduous shrub |
I love this prolific bloomer. The deep blue flowers mix well with the silver-gray foliage. The long bloom time is a highly desirable trait. The branches die back in winter so prune severely in early spring. The butterflies are attracted to the plant. |
Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Worcester Gold'
bluebeard
Deciduous shrub |
Bluebeard shrubs are light and airy in the landscape so I use them often in my garden designs. This cultivar has yellow-gold foliage that is an added feature along with the blue flowers. The bluebeard shrubs bloom on new wood so cut back in spring. |
Ceanothus americanus
New Jersey tea
Deciduous shrub |
The New Jersey tea is a rather handsome plant in the landscape. I find it useful that it can perform well in poor landscape situations. The June to July flowers are white and add interest to the mid-summer scene. It has nitrogen-fixing attributes. It is a native plant for the Midwest landscape. |
Cephalanthus occidentalis
buttonbush
Deciduous shrub |
The buttonbush is best planted in wet locations, but this can be a real asset in many landscapes. The June to July rounded, white flowers are a welcome at that time of the year. Give the buttonbush room in the landscape. |
Chaenomeles x superba 'Jet Trail'
flowering quince
Deciduous shrub |
I recomment that you give the flowering quince full sun in the landscape. 'Jet Trails' is a white-flowered sport of ‘Texas Scarlet’. The 3’ by 3’ size fits smaller spaces in the landscape. |
Clethra alnifolia
sweet pepperbush
Deciduous shrub |
The spicy fragrant flowers are a bonus in the landscape. They come late in the summer and occur over a 3- to 5-week period. I recommend that you plant it in groups of three or more to make a great impact in the landscape. |
Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird'
sweet pepperbush
Deciduous shrub |
This cultivar of summersweet is 4’ by 4’ in height. This mid-size offers a unique value in the landscape. The fragrant flowers appear in July to August. |
Cornus sericea 'Cardinal'
red twig dogwood
Deciduous shrub |
Place this plant in a location that the orange-red stems are highlighted in winter months. A wet location is also desirable for this seedling to prosper. A mass planting will prove most beneficial as well as annual pruning. |
Cornus sericea 'Flaviramea'
yellow twig dogwood
Deciduous shrub |
I like to use the yellow-colored stems for a great winter accent. Use this genus singularly or massed in the landscape. The best yellow color is obtained by annual selective pruning. |
Cotinus coggygria
smoketree
Deciduous shrub |
The blue-green foliage of this plant is most attractive. It forms an open shrub in the landscape and needs ample room. The loose, open foliage mass is given a smoky appearance by the plumose hairs borne on the sterile flowers. I find it gives a great effect to late summer landscape. |
Cotinus coggygria 'Velvet Cloak'
smoketree
Deciduous shrub |
The purple foliage provides a great focal point in the landscape. You will find that these purple forms are best enhanced by yearly pruning. The smoky flowers are outstanding against the dark foliage. |
Deutzia gracilis 'Nikko'
slender deutzia
Deciduous shrub |
Best performance on this plant will be in full sun. Do regular pruning each year to remove old stems and maintain the plant’s form and vigor. This cultivar grows 2’ by 2’ and has a dense form with a purplish color in fall and wonderful white flowers in spring. |
Euonymus alatus 'Rudy Haag'
winged spindle tree
Deciduous shrub |
This is a more compact form than the cultivar ‘Compactus’. It reaches a 4’ by 5’ size so this should definitely become a staple in the landscape. The red fall color adds to the fall color scene in the landscape. |
Forsythia 'Courtasol' GOLD TIDE
forsythia
Deciduous shrub |
This is a true harbinger of spring, and only grows 3’ by 3’ in size. The smaller space in the landscape requires much less pruning compared to the larger cultivars. The mounded form is a contrast to the upright, larger cultivars. Place in a smaller space than most forsythia. |
Fothergilla gardenii
dwarf fothergilla
Deciduous shrub |
The fragrant, creamy white flowers are bottlebrush shaped. This is one of the most trouble-free shrubs I know. All four seasons are highlighted by this plant in the landscape. |
Fothergilla gardenii 'Blue Mist'
dwarf fothergilla
Deciduous shrub |
This cultivar differs from the species in having bluish foliage. The flowers are fragrant. The fothergillas are seldom in need of pruning. Great to use as a specimen or in a grouping. |
Hamamelis vernalis
Ozark witch hazel
Deciduous shrub |
This is a great native plant for winter interest. The flowers are smaller than the Asian species hybrids. A woodland garden should not be without this species. |
Hamamelis virginiana
common witch hazel
Deciduous shrub |
The common witch hazel is a favorite for the landscape for it’s late season yellow, fragrant flowers. This plant is relatively trouble-free and the late flowers occur as the foliage is falling. |
Hibiscus syriacus 'Diana'
rose of Sharon
Deciduous shrub |
The Rose-of-Sharon is a late season bloomer. It can be used as a single specimen or in groups. I like this cultivar for its large pure white flowers which bloom over the summer and even into fall. It is considered a shrub or a small tree. I find there is a renewed interest in these plants with good reason. |
Hibiscus syriacus 'Diana'
rose of Sharon
Deciduous shrub |
I like to use this plant as a specimen plant in the full sun. This cultivar has very large white flowers that are long-lasting. The sterile flowers produced are welcome in the landscape and occur all summer. |
Hydrangea arborescens
smooth hydrangea
Deciduous shrub |
This native plant is relatively trouble-free in the shady landscape and woodland gardens. The white flowers are showy in early to midsummer and light up the shade. |
Hydrangea paniculata 'Tardiva'
panicle hydrangea
Deciduous shrub |
The white panicle flowers are smaller than the species which can make it useful in home landscapes. It can be planted in full sun. It flowers late with white flowers turn pinkish in summer. |
Hydrangea quercifolia
oakleaf hydrangea
Deciduous shrub |
I find the oakleaf hydrangea can be used singularly or massed. This is a four-season plant with all the seasons highlighted by this plant. The fall color is enhanced if you plant in more sunny areas of the garden. The winter interest is fulfilled with the tan-orange exfoliating bark. |
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Flemygea' SNOW QUEEN
oakleaf hydrangea
Deciduous shrub |
I like this cultivar of the oakleaf hydrangea for its beautiful white clusters or panicles of sterile flowers held erect above the foliage. The fall color is enhanced when grown in full sun. The bark is tan-orange during the winter months. A place can always be found for the oakleaf hydrangeas. |
Hypericum calycinum
St. John's wort
Deciduous shrub |
This little known perennial can make an excellent groundcover in full sun. The blue-green tinged foliage supports the yellow, round flowers. Place this perennial under trees, shrubs, or use it as another layer in filling the perennial border. Pick blue-flowered perennials for a great complimentary color scheme. |
Ilex verticillata 'Jim Dandy'
winterberry
Deciduous shrub |
This is the male selection of deciduous holly used for pollinating several early flowering cultivars. ‘Red Sprite’, ‘Cacapon’, ‘Afterglow’, ‘Aurantiaca’, and ‘Christmas Cheer’ are among those pollinated by this cultivar. Place in the background of the female deciduous hollies and one will never know it lacks berries. |
Ilex verticillata 'Nana' RED SPRITE
winterberry
Deciduous shrub |
The best small deciduous holly. The small size adds winter interest with the red berries. The fruit is extremely large and best produced when grown in full sun. Place in the landscape where winter effects are best achieved. |
Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet'
Virginia sweetspire
Deciduous shrub |
This cultivar has larger flowers than the species. The red fall color is around late into the fall as the leaves persist well into the months of November. The long arching white flowers are attractive against the foliage. A wet location is best for the plant. |
Kerria japonica 'Simplex'
Japanese rose
Deciduous shrub |
The winter interest of this plant is highlighted with the green zig-zag stems. Use these for cutting during the winter months to bring inside. The flowers are bright yellow if the plant is located in bright shaded areas. |
Lagerstroemia 'Chickasaw'
crape myrtle
Deciduous shrub |
This is a great small crape myrtle for the landscape. The compact form is a welcome addition to a perennial border. The flowers are produced on new wood each year. The new cultivars flower until frost. |
Lagerstroemia indica 'Whit II' DYNAMITE
crape myrtle
Deciduous shrub |
I find that the cherry-red color of this cultivar is brilliant in the perennial or shrub border. The flower period starts in mid summer and continues until frost. |
Lagerstroemia 'Tonto'
crape myrtle
Deciduous shrub |
I like it that the fushia-red flowers of this cultivar are around from mid summer until frost. Cut back the crape myrtles each spring to allow for flowers to form on new growth. A good fall color is an assist. Place in a full-sun or perennial shrub border. |
Ligustrum 'Vicaryi'
golden privet
Deciduous shrub |
The main feature is the golden foliage that is present when the plant is located in full sun. The small black fruit adds a fall interest. The plant can be an accent plant in the landscape. |
Lindera benzoin
spice bush
Deciduous shrub |
A great native shrub for your garden. The low maintenance characteristic of the Spicebush highlights a naturalistic landscape. All parts of the plant are aromatic when crushed. |
Lonicera fragrantissima
fragrant honeysuckle
Deciduous shrub |
The fragrant flowers appear before the foliage. It is a true harbinger of spring as it flowers late February to early March, which is reason enough to plant it. Give it some room in the shrub border. |
Myrica pensylvanica
bayberry
Deciduous shrub |
This shrub is trouble-free and requires little pruning. The gray, waxy berries add to the fall and winter interest. The plant is tolerant of roadside salt and poor soils. |
Nandina domestica 'Pygmaea'
heavenly bamboo
Deciduous shrub |
The little-branched canes of foliage make this plant appear like bamboo. I recommend that you place it in a protected area in the landscape. The new foliage emerges bronze to red in the spring. The leaves will persist if planted in a protected area. |
Paeonia suffruticosa
tree peony
Deciduous shrub |
Tree peonies are actually shrubby plants. The deeply cut, gray-green foliage is attractive all season. Plant in a protected area. Seek out good quality cultivars for longevity. |
Pyracantha angustifolia 'Gnome'
firethorn
Deciduous shrub |
The small white flowers give way to orange berries. The semi-evergreen foliage is irregular. Use in full-sun locations where a dense, barrier is wanted. |
Rhododendron yedoense var. poukhanense
Korean azalea
Deciduous shrub |
The flowers are rose colored followed by dark green summer foliage and red-purple in fall are assets of this plant that make it valuable to me. There is a slight fragrance to the 2-inch flowers. This is an extremely hard azalea for the Midwest landscape. |
Rhus aromatica
fragrant sumac
Deciduous shrub |
The species grows 4’ tall and provides large-scale groundcover addition to the landscape. The trifoliate leaves turn brilliant red in fall for added interest.
The native shrub is best used for a large naturalized setting. |
Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low'
fragrant sumac
Deciduous shrub |
This cultivar is excellent to use as a mass planting in a groundcover situation. Full sun is required for the red fall color. Erosion control is one reason to use this cultivar. |
Rhus glabra
smooth sumac
Deciduous shrub |
This species has smooth twigs and brighter fruit than R. typhina. It requires room in the landscape to form naturalized colonies. Excellent fall color. |
Rhus typhina 'Dissecta'
staghorn sumac
Deciduous shrub |
This species has dissected foliage and needs large areas to accommodate it’s size. Select some root suckers and eliminate some to get the best colonization effect. Fall colors are excellent. |
Sambucus canadensis 'Aurea'
American elder
Deciduous shrub |
Locate elderberry in a wet area. The yellow foliage is easily seen in the bright shade location. I find the graceful cut-leaf foliage is a real added bonus. |
Spiraea japonica 'Lemon Princess'
Japanese spirea
Deciduous shrub |
This dense, summer-blooming shrub has green foliage that turns deep red in fall. It has a compact form in the landscape that blooms best in full sun. A very nice small shrub. |
Spiraea japonica 'Limemound'
Japanese spiraea
Deciduous shrub |
Full sun will provide the new foliage a reddish-tinge in early spring. Then lemon-yellow foliage follows up during the summer and turns lime-green in the landscape. All wrapped up in a neat mounding habit--a winner in my book. |
Spiraea japonica 'Norman'
Japanese spirea
Deciduous shrub |
This cultivar is larger than 'Little Princess' in the landscape but still very useful and attractive. These summer-flowering spireas are carefree. |
Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound'
spirea
Deciduous shrub |
This spirea flowers earlier than the japonica cultivars. The white flowers are umbel-like and appear on upright, spreading foliage. The clean foliage is highly desired. This is a neat compact form and extremely floriferous. |
Staphylea trifolia
bladdernut
Deciduous shrub |
The American bladdernut is great to use in your shade garden. It is a native plant perfect for a dry location in a woodlawn garden. |
Symphoricarpos x chenaultii 'Hancock'
snowberry
Deciduous shrub |
This is an outstanding selection to use in the landscape in a sunny location. The arching habit is great for groundcover, massing sites. |
Syringa pubescens subsp. patula 'Miss Kim'
Manchurian lilac
Deciduous shrub |
This selection is compact and the foliage turns a dull-purple in fall. The pale purple panicle flowers are welcomed in spring. The foliage does not get powdery mildew, which is a real asset. Place in full sun in a shrub border. |
Syringa vulgaris 'Charles Joly'
common lilac
Deciduous shrub |
This spring selection has double deep-red-purple flowers. The lilacs play an important roll in a full sun border. This selection needs room to develop. |
Syringa vulgaris 'Sensation'
common lilac
Deciduous shrub |
This selection from the 1930’s has deep red-purple flowers with clear white petal margins. This is considered an heirloom plant in your garden and is an asset in the full-sun border. |
Viburnum carlesii 'Aurora'
Koreanspice viburnum
Deciduous shrub |
These fragrant flowers are a must for the garden. The clove-like pink buds open to white flowers thus giving a two-toned flower. The 5’ height gives a mid-size superior plant for the landscape. |
Viburnum carlesii 'Compactum'
Koreanspice viburnum
Deciduous shrub |
This is a compact form that can fill a space unique to it’s size. The fragrance of the flowers are best enjoyed by a patio or window. |
Viburnum dentatum
arrowwood viburnum
Deciduous shrub |
This is one of the most trouble-free of the viburnums. This native viburnum can be used in the shrub border or as a hedge. The fruits are edible by the wildlife. It is one of the viburnums to use in a woodland garden. |
Viburnum dentatum 'Ralph Senior' AUTUMN JAZZ
arrowwood viburnum
Deciduous shrub |
The metallic blue fruits are a standout feature. I find it grows well in either sun or shade. This is an outstanding cultivar. |
Viburnum lentago
nannyberry viburnum
Deciduous shrub |
This is a native viburnum that attains a tree height in the landscape so site it appropriately. It has glossy, red foliage in the fall. The fruits are highly sought after by the birds. |
Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum 'Shasta'
doublefile viburnum
Deciduous shrub |
I find that the horizontal form of this viburnum is best suited at building corners to contrast with the vertical building lines. Give plenty of room for this graceful branching habit. A single plant or use as a hedge. |
Viburnum plicatum 'Summer Snowflake'
Japanese snowball
Deciduous shrub |
This flowering viburnum is noted for it’s repeated flowering habit from spring through summer. It has an upright habit and can find a good use in the full sun border. |
Viburnum prunifolium
blackhaw viburnum
Deciduous shrub |
This can be a small specimen tree in the landscape. The shiny, green foliage turns deep purple to scarlet in fall and the accompanying blue-black fruit is a wildlife magnet. It needs room in the landscape to use as a single tree or as a hedge. |
Viburnum x rhytidophylloides 'Alleghany'
lantanaphyllum viburnum
Deciduous shrub |
The foliage is held on this viburnum in the Midwest. This matures at 8’ to 10’ so allow plenty of room for this plant in full sun. It can be used as a hedge if given sufficient room. |
Acanthus spinosus
bear's breeches
Herbaceous perennial |
A bold architectural statement is made with the use of Acanthus. I like to place it in the shade garden for the best results. The foliage stands alone and commands attention. |
Achillea 'Coronation Gold'
yarrow
Herbaceous perennial |
My sunny perennial gardens always have a place for yarrow. The flowers are landing pads for butterflies and also can be used for a cutting garden. This cultivar holds up well in the summer. |
Achillea millefolium 'Paprika'
yarrow
Herbaceous perennial |
Achilleas are excellent in a sunny perennial border. The feathery leaves are a nice contrast to the bright red blooms held up on sturdy stems. This cultivar will quickly form a dense mound with flat-topped flowers that will attract butterflies. |
Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum'
bishop's weed
Herbaceous perennial |
The variegated foliage brightens the shade gardens. This old-fashioned perennial that is very much in style today always has a place in the gardens I design. It has a long life span and is very low maintenance. |
Ajania pacifica
ajania
Herbaceous perennial |
This is a very attractive plant with extremely ornamental foliage. I find the elegant silver-edged foliage is a very nice compliment to the yellow, late flowers. |
Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant'
bugleweed
Herbaceous perennial |
The foliage is the largest of this species. It is a deep purple-leaved foliage that is highlighted by the spike blue flowers. I find it makes a great groundcover or very nice container plant. |
Alcea rosea (single)
hollyhock
Herbaceous perennial |
This is an heirloom plant for the full sun perennial border. I love them as a focal point in the background in your landscape. The single or double cultivars will perform for years. Use lower growing perennials to hide the bare lower stems as the season progresses. |
Alchemilla mollis
lady's mantle
Herbaceous perennial |
This makes an excellent groundcover with densely hairy scalloped foliage for the shady border. The blue-green foliage is accented with lime-green flowers and combines well with blue foliage hostas. |
Amsonia hubrichtii
blue star
Herbaceous perennial |
I love the thin linear foliage of this plant that gives an airy appearance to the perennial border. The blue-star flowers are held up above the foliage. Although Amsonia is slow to establish, it is well worth the wait. This perennial is one of the few that has an autumn color of light, golden yellow. |
Amsonia tabernaemontana
blue star
Herbaceous perennial |
This is a tough plant for the perennial border. You'll fall in love with the numerous blue star-shaped flowers in late spring are great to combine with other full sun perennials. There is a nice light, golden yellow fall color to extend the gardening season. Be patient to get the plant established in your garden. |
Anemone hupehensis var. japonica 'Pamina'
Japanese anemone
Herbaceous perennial |
The late fall flowers are held on wiry stems. It is a pleasure to see the elegance this plant brings to the shade borders late into the season. This anemone will brighten your woodland gardens and the late flowers are delightful. |
Aquilegia (Songbird Series) 'Cardinal'
columbine
Herbaceous perennial |
You'll find that the vibrant red color of this columbine is a treat for the landscape. The funnel shaped flowers are a delight in the woodland garden. Use this columbine planted among other woodland plants for the best show. |
Aquilegia flabellata var. pumila
fan columbine
Herbaceous perennial |
If your're looking for blue flowers to add to your landscape this columbine will provide the solution. The thicker foliage is blue-green and is rather short. Use this columbine up close to appreciate the rather small size. |
Artemisia ludoviciana 'Valerie Finnis'
western mugwort
Herbaceous perennial |
I love the aromatic, silver-gray foliage of this is attractive plant. I like to place it in an area where I want to reflect the light foliage as this is an accent plant in the landscape. The gray foliage can be a filler to place between other plants. A must for a dry, well-drained area. |
Asarum canadense
wild ginger
Herbaceous perennial |
This plant has wonderful, shiny, kidney-shaped foliage. I find it makes a great groundcover for the shady garden. It is a native plant that is underused in the woodland garden. The small size can be used under most shade loving plants to add another dimension in the layering of plants. |
Asclepias tuberosa
butterfly weed
Herbaceous perennial |
Don't miss this plant for a great native plant for attracting butterflies. It needs to be located in a dry area and left alone. The bright orange, umbel flowers are a landing pad for butterflies. They are slow to emerge in the spring so don’t be overzealous with cultivation in spring. |
Aster novae-angliae 'Andenken an Alma Pötschke'
New England aster
Herbaceous perennial |
The New England aster is a native plant. I love this cultivar for its vivid, hot-pink blooms that occur late into the fall. Use this aster in the mid to back sun perennial border. Combine it with Caryopteris or Solidago for a nice color combination. |
Aster novae-angliae 'Purple Dome'
New England aster
Herbaceous perennial |
The New England aster is a native plant. 'Purple Dome' has a mounding form that can be used in the sun perennial border. I like that it grows only 18 inch height and does not need pinching to keep its shape. The late flowers are a delight to enjoy into the cool autumn days. |
Aster oblongifolius
aromatic aster
Herbaceous perennial |
This native plant has a nice mint scent to the foliage. Place this in full sun and be prepared for late color to the garden. I like to mix it with Solidago, grasses, Anemones, Boltonia and sedums. |
Astilbe 'Deutschland'
astilbe
Herbaceous perennial |
The shade garden is enhanced with the addition of any astilbe. This one is particularly fine. Provide moisture to avoid crispy, curled leaves. Combine with other ferns, hostas, lady’s mantle, bleeding hearts and lungworts. |
Astilbe x arendsii 'Fanal'
astilbe
Herbaceous perennial |
I love the blood-red panicle flowers of this astilbe, which are showcased againts its fernlike foliage. Plant this cultivar in a moist, woodland area with ferns, hostas, and even some annual impatiens, begonias or caladiums. |
Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana
hardy begonia
Herbaceous perennial |
This late blooming perennial begonia should be a welcome sight in any woodland garden. The red veins on the undersides of the foliage become an interesting accent. More comments will be made with this plant in your woodland garden than most others. It is ideal to see this in mass planting. |
Bergenia cordifolia
pigsqueak
Herbaceous perennial |
This is a long-lived undemanding shade perennial that has a place in any shady garden. The bold foliage should be grouped together to add a sharp contrast to fine textured plants. The flowers are not significant so the bold foliage provides companion planting. |
Brunnera macrophylla
Siberian bugloss
Herbaceous perennial |
The heart-shaped foliage is bold when compared to the blue forget-me-not flowers. I like to combine it with other shade loving perennials. Ferns, hostas, and epimedium are happy companions. |
Centranthus ruber
red valerian
Herbaceous perennial |
I use this heirloom full sun perennial frequently in garden designs. It is found in dry soils and found in walls in most of Europe. It makes a long lasting cut flower and a good source for butterfly nectar. |
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
plumbago
Herbaceous perennial |
This late, blue-flowered perennial is slow to emerge in the spring so do not disturb it with early season cultivation. Plant this as a ground cover under shrubs or trees. I like to plant early spring bulbs with this late-to-emerge perennial. |
Chelone lyonii
shellflower
Herbaceous perennial |
This perennial is a favorite of mine for moist, shaded areas. The snapdragon-like flowers resemble the head of a turtle. This is a great addition for late flowers in the woodland garden. Use with ferns and astilbes. |
Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam'
threadleaf coreopsis
Herbaceous perennial |
This coreopsis is very long blooming in the sun garden. The flowers appear from June to October. Since it is so long blooming, it can easily be combined with many other sun-loving perennials. |
Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb'
threadleaf coreopsis
Herbaceous perennial |
This cultivar has deeper yellow flowers than the ever popular cultivar ‘Moonbeam’. This deeper yellow is a golden color addition to the perennial border. I find it is easily maintained in the border and it is long-lived. |
Dalea purpurea
purple prairie clover
Herbaceous perennial |
This is a native sun-loving perennial. It was noted in the Journals of Lewis and Clark, which is reason enough to grow it in your garden. The fern-like foliage is highlighted with deep purple dome-shaped flowers. It is a great lover of dry landscape areas. |
Dicentra spectabilis
bleeding heart
Herbaceous perennial |
I love this popular cottage garden plant. It goes go dormant in your shade garden and one should leave a void or plant ferns as a filler. |
Echinacea purpurea
purple coneflower
Herbaceous perennial |
No native sun garden should be without this coneflower. The erect flowers are held up by sturdy stems and they are a welcome addition to a native garden, wildflower border or a sunny border. The dried seedheads are sought after by birds. Don’t deadhead the flowers to interfere with this feeding habit. |
Echinacea tennesseensis
Tennessee coneflower
Herbaceous perennial |
This Tennessee coneflower has deep pink ray flowers that are up-turned. I find it is a delight for the sunny perennial border. It was once on the endangered species list, but is now found in numbers and deseerves a prominent place in the home landscape. |
Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum'
bishop's hat
Herbaceous perennial |
No woodland garden should be without this genus. It is easily combined with hostas, ferns, bleeding hearts and Brunnera. It can be useful as a groundcover and is invaluable as a delicate addition to your shade garden. |
Epimedium x youngianum 'Niveum'
bishop's hat
Herbaceous perennial |
This is smaller in habit than other epimediums. It is a welcome addition to the woodland garden with the young foliage beginning reddish and turning mid-green in summer. The flowers are delicate and appear on wiry stems. It can be used as a groundcover under trees or shrubs. |
Eryngium yuccifolium
rattlesnake master
Herbaceous perennial |
The native rattlesnake master provides a bold texture in the sunny border. It is found in the wildflower meadow, but can be at home in the sunny perennial border. I love the swordlike, spiny foliage with blue-gray coloration that offers a strong texture to the garden. |
Eupatorium purpureum
Joe Pye weed
Herbaceous perennial |
This is a native Eastern North American plant. It needs to be placed in the back of the border to allow for its 6’ to 8’ bold character. It is attractive to butterflies and good for cutting. I like to use it in a meadow garden, wild garden or herbaceous border. |
Gaura lindheimeri
gaura
Herbaceous perennial |
This is a good choice for a long-flowering plant for a sunny border. It can be considered a “see-though” plant since it has the flowers arranged on airy stems. It loves a dry location, thought, and hot weather is its friend. |
Geranium maculatum
wild geranium
Herbaceous perennial |
Geraniums are a long time favorite for perennial borders I design. This species is native and is best placed in the shade garden. It can be used as a groundcover most effectively. It is truly at home in a woodland garden. |
Helleborus orientalis
hellebore
Herbaceous perennial |
The hellebores is finally getting the attention it so deserves. It certainly rates high in my book. The leathery foliage is a delight in the woodland garden. It is great to use under trees, shrubs or among other bold leaved perennials. |
Heuchera micrantha var. diversifolia 'Palace Purple'
coral bells
Herbaceous perennial |
The genus Heuchera should play a vital roll in your herbaceous borders. Generally, I find that the foliage is more important than the flowers in design work. The strong purple foliage combines well with both blue and golden foliaged hosta. |
Hibiscus 'Blue River II'
hardy hibiscus
Herbaceous perennial |
The tropical-looking foliage compliments the large white flowers spaced along stems that don’t need staking. I think it is best placed at the back of the border or used as a single specimen in the sunny border.You could use Eupatorium or ornamental/native grasses to compete with the large bold space this hibiscus occupies in the sunny garden. |
Hibiscus coccineus
scarlet rose mallow
Herbaceous perennial |
This selection has multiple branching up and down the stems. I find that this tropical looking plant can be at home in the sunny border with ample moisture. The palmately lobed leaves are distinctive and showy. The plant is dominant in the garden so let it be a standout. |
Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude' AUTUMN JOY
stonecrop
Herbaceous perennial |
This is an old-time garden favorite and with good reason. It has thick, fleshy foliage and the flowers attract butterflies. The flowers actually change colors and progress from greenish-white to light pink to burgundy to brown. This sequence is a delight to follow. Combine it with other perennials that will compliment this changing color scheme. |
Hylotelephium 'Vera Jameson'
stonecrop
Herbaceous perennial |
A very worthy sedum for you to know about is 'Vera Jameson.'. The blue-green foliage is tinged with purple and is complimented with pink flowers. A dry, sunny location is a welcome home for this long-lived performer. |
Leucanthemum x superbum 'Alaska'
shasta daisy
Herbaceous perennial |
I find they don't get any easier to grow than the Shasta daisies. Plant in full sun with good drainage and have a cut flower garden before your eyes. The long bloom time is an asset. Use the daisies with yarrows, iris, sedum, coreopsis and coneflowers. |
Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona'
leopard plant
Herbaceous perennial |
Find a cool and moist area in your garden and you have the best home for the Ligularias.This plant would be great to use in combination with ferns and astilbes. The foliage is bold and the plant will be at home for a lengthy stay when well sited. |
Liriope muscari 'Big Blue'
lily turf
Herbaceous perennial |
A great clump-forming ground cover that retains the green foliage late into the winter. It is so versatile because it can take full sun or bright shade. You only have to cut it back once a year so it stays in place. It is great to edge walkways, mass planting on hillsides or plant under trees and shrubs. |
Liriope muscari 'Variegata'
lily turf
Herbaceous perennial |
This variety has variegated foliage with stripes of green and cream coloration. It is clump forming and can be planted in both sun and bright shade. Cut it back once a year for easy maintenance. I use it often along walkways, in mass plantings on hillsides, or under trees and shrubs. |
Liriope spicata
lily turf
Herbaceous perennial |
This lilyturf lives up to its names and spreads rapidly in a creeping form, not clump forming. It resembles unmowed grass and is a plant for a massed planting area. It is more aggressive than the species muscari so chose your site carefully. Use where you want no competition. |
Lobelia cardinalis
cardinal flower
Herbaceous perennial |
This plant is a hummingbird magnet. The scarlet-red flowers appear in late summer and are absolutely striking. Plant it in a moist, shade location with ferns, and bugbanes as companions. Make sure ample organic matter is also a companion. A native that all should place in their woodland stream areas. For an added location place L. cardinalis in a pot and place it in the water garden. |
Lobelia siphilitica
blue cardinal flower
Herbaceous perennial |
The blue flowers appear a little later than those of L. cardinalis. It needs to be in a moist, shady location in the woodland garden. If it is happy where you locate the plant, it will set seeds and spread. I like to site it with ferns and bugbanes as happy neighbors. |
Lychnis coronaria
rose campion
Herbaceous perennial |
This plant needs a well drained, dry location to be happy. The silver-gray foliage allows the flowers to play a major hit with their bright magenta color. I find that it has to be combined with care, though, as this color is a show on its own; don't over-shadow it. |
Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea'
creeping Jenny
Herbaceous perennial |
This low trailing yellow-foliaged groundcover lights up the area. It is a great vigorous groundcover that will creep under most perennials. It is not a shy member in your garden. |
Lysimachia punctata 'Alexander'
loosestrife
Herbaceous perennial |
Yellow loosestrife is a sturdy perennial with golden-yellow flowers in July and August. It is very vigorous and can be useful in the full sun. I like to plant it with Monarda, Butterflybush and Coneflowers. |
Mazus reptans
mazus
Herbaceous perennial |
This low growing groundcover is a “steppable”. Plant it among your flagstone walkways. It can take the foot-traffic. You'll treasure it for its 3-inch height and ability to creep among most perennials. |
Mertensia virginica
Virginia bluebells
Herbaceous perennial |
A great native plant for the moist, shady areas. It appears in early spring with pink buds that open to delicate blue bells. You will want to combine this harbinger of spring with ferns, columbines, hostas, and wild ginger. These will fill in since Mertensia goes dormant as summer sets in only to re-emerge the following spring. |
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
ophiopogon
Herbaceous perennial |
In my bood, the striking black foliage of this plant should have a place in the garden. In like to use it as a groundcover or in containers for the bold color. The light lilac-pink flowers are a compliment to the black foliage. |
Pachysandra terminalis
Japanese pachysandra
Herbaceous perennial |
This groundcover will be at home under trees and shrubs. Use it in large drifts with hostas, ferns, mayapples and most shade-loving perennials. I like the fact that the foliage remains into the winter months. Plant tall, large-flowering daffodils among it to announce spring. |
Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'
beard tongue
Herbaceous perennial |
The narrow pointed foliage of Penstemon sets off many green-leaved plants in the perennial garden. I recommend plant it with blue-flowering plants such as Peroviska, Caryopteris, and some new blue-flowering butterfly bushes. All penstemons are attractive to hummingbirds. |
Perovskia atriplicifolia
Russian sage
Herbaceous perennial |
This is a beautiful blue flowering, long-flowering sun loving perennial that I know you will come to love as much as I do. Use it with monardas, daylilies, coneflowers, rudbeckias. Russian sage is fragrant when the foliage is crushed. Use it for the airy appearance it can provide among other sun loving perennials. |
Perovskia 'Filigran'
Russian sage
Herbaceous perennial |
This Perovskia has a finer texture foliage than the species. I love its gray-green foliage with white undersides that is fragrant when crushed. Use this perennial in a full sun, dry location and enjoy the 10 weeks of flowers. It combines well with monardas, daylilies, coneflowers, rudbeckia. Blue flowers are a cooling effect in a garden. |
Phlox paniculata 'David'
garden phlox
Herbaceous perennial |
I find that summer flowering phlox is an exclamation point in the perennial border. Every garden deserves a form of the heirloom summer phlox. The white flowers of this recommended cultivar combines well with daylilies, rudbeckias, grasses, butterfly bushes and coneflowers. The summer phlox can be a cut flower. |
Phlox paniculata 'Mount Fuji'
garden phlox
Herbaceous perennial |
The summer phlox is an heirloom perennial plant. The white flowers will combine well with perovskia, daylilies, coneflowers, rudbeckias, and grasses since the stems are sturdy. I have found this cultivar good for the St. Louis area. |
Podophyllum peltatum
may-apple
Herbaceous perennial |
The native mayapple is at home in a colonized formation in a dry woodland garden location. I love to watch the foliage unfolds like small umbrellas in the early spring. It makes a good neighbor for hostas, ferns and epimediums. |
Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum 'Variegatum'
Solomon's seal
Herbaceous perennial |
The graceful arching variegated foliage is a highlight in the shade garden. It is easily seen in the woodland garden. The stems usually all bend in the same direction. I like to combine it with ferns, astilbes, hostas, epimediums, and wild ginger. |
Rudbeckia missouriensis
Missouri coneflower
Herbaceous perennial |
This native sun-loving rudbeckia is little known; I want to change that. Find a full sun location and add this tough, delightful native to your garden. The ray-like petals are smaller and play a delicate role. |
Sedum kamtschaticum var. ellacombeanum
orange stonecrop
Herbaceous perennial |
This sedum is an easy ground cover to grow in a sunny location. Its short, 6-inch height makes it a neat placement around not only perennials, but also shrubs. Place it in an area that you want some mass plantings. |
Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks'
rough goldenrod
Herbaceous perennial |
The autumn season is announced when this Solidago comes into bloom. I find the arching yellow flowers of this cultivar are a great treat to see. The plant actually “explodes” in your garden. Try late flowering Asters as a good companion. |
Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears'
lamb's ear
Herbaceous perennial |
This white, wooly foliage perennial is a good front-border plant. Place it in a full sun, dry situation. The light, pale silver foliage truly lights up the border. The foliage is large, but I find it mixes easily with most perennials. |
Stokesia laevis 'Purple Parasols'
Stokes' aster
Herbaceous perennial |
The Stokes’ aster should be placed up-close for the best view of the exquisite blooms. They are a long-flowering perennial and make excellent cut flowers with a long life indoors. Plant with other sun loving perennials, such as, daylilies, monardas, echinacea, and sedums. It is definitely long-lived and easy-care. |
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Sungold'
Japanese falsecypress
Needled evergreen |
A very good choice for a golden-yellow evergreen that will become a specimen plant in the landscape. Put it in full sun for best results. |
Juniperus horizontalis 'Prince of Wales'
creeping juniper
Needled evergreen |
A good choice for an evergreen juniper that provides a low, mat-forming groundcover in full sun. This cultivar is extremely hardy grown in full sun and adaptable to dry area location. |
Juniperus procumbens 'Green Mound'
Japanese garden juniper
Needled evergreen |
This juniper provides a slight mounding habit in full sun locations. It does not brown out in the landscape, which makes it valuable in my designs. The green foliage stays a good color all season long. |
Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star'
singleseed juniper
Needled evergreen |
I like this plant's excellent blue foliage, which adds to the landscape color scheme. The foliage is dense in the 3’-tall plants. It does best in full sun and dry areas of the landscape. |
Juniperus virginiana 'Grey Owl'
red cedar
Needled evergreen |
A good choice for a neat, 4’ spreading, blue foliage juniper that has medium height in the landscape. The soft feathery foliage is excellent. This mid-size juniper is a background for many deciduous shrubs. |
Juniperus x pfitzeriana 'Sea Green'
Chinese juniper
Needled evergreen |
This juniper has green fountain-like foliage. I like to use the feathery, dark green, foliage as screening and background for other deciduous plant material in the landscape. |
Picea pungens 'Fat Albert'
Colorado spruce
Needled evergreen |
A great blue 12- to 15-foot tall evergreen tree for the landscape. The rigid, incurved prickly foliage provides a nesting site for our feathered friends. Great for full-sun areas. The tight pyramidal shape is a strong accent. Its small size is a big asset in many locations. |
Pinus strobus (Nana Group)
eastern white pine
Needled evergreen |
I like to use this dwarf conifer to provide a reliable, evergreen, green color to the landscape. The soft needles add a texture element to the landscape. Gives a nice winter character to the landscape. |
Pinus strobus 'Blue Shag'
eastern white pine
Needled evergreen |
This is a very good dwarf conifer for the landscape scene. It has short, bluish needles and remains mounding, 3’ to 5’ height. Provide full sun and dry area for best results. |
Taxus x media 'Densiformis'
yew
Needled evergreen |
This is a fairly fast growing yew, yet compact form for the landscape. Easily pruned and provides a hardy evergreen plant for our winters. I use it often in my designs. |
Taxus x media 'Everlow'
yew
Needled evergreen |
This evergreen yew is low growing, and low mounding habit. The branches provide an arching habit. I like to use it for a foundation planting since the height is 3’ to 4’ and spreading. |
Taxus x media 'Hicksii'
yew
Needled evergreen |
The upright and columnar habit is great to use for screens and hedges but not as good as 'Densiformis' for a foundation planting. It can attain 8’ heights in the Midwest. |
Taxus x media 'Nigra'
yew
Needled evergreen |
This cultivar has darker green foliage and is rather wide spreading in the landscape. I use it to provide an evergreen, dark contrast in the yard to highlight deciduous plants. |
Taxus x media 'Smokestack'
yew
Needled evergreen |
This medium green yew is extremely narrow so it can be used in tight locations in the landscape. No area is too small for this narrow delight in the landscape. It has gotten me out of many design tight spots. |
Taxus x media 'Taunton'
yew
Needled evergreen |
This yew is noted for it’s winter hardiness and wide spreading shape. Provide a wide area for this yew to spread to it’s full potential. |
Thuja occidentalis 'Degroot's Spire'
American arborvitae
Needled evergreen |
This spiral evergreen arborvitae should be used as a specimen plant in the landscape. Provide excellent drainage and full sun for best results. |
Thuja occidentalis 'Tiny Tim'
American arborvitae
Needled evergreen |
This arborvitae is globose in shape and makes neat, small rounded forms in the landscape. Provide full sun and dry locations for best results. |
Tsuga canadensis 'Pendula'
Canadian hemlock
Needled evergreen |
This hemlock needs to be in shaded locations. Provide moist growing conditions. The soft texture provided by hemlocks is a treat for the landscape. The pendulous form this plant takes adds an architectural shape in the landscape. This is one of the most striking evergreen forms. |
