Botanical Name Cultivar Common Name Description
Annuals
Alternanthera ficoidea Partytime Joseph's Coat Brilliantly colored annual with green, white and fuchsia foliage
Alternanthera ficoidea Red Threads Joseph's CoatFine textured annual with deep red/burgundy leaves to about 6-12" tall for the
front of the border. One of the best annuals for foliage available!
Alternanthera ficoidea Thin Gold Joseph's Coat A great dash of bright yellow color from a tough and reliable sun annual
Artemisia mauiensis Makana™ Silver WormwoodBrilliant silver/blue wormwood selection with fine foliage to about 15" tall for
sunny borders or containers
Begonia Art Hodes Rhizomatous BegoniaOutstanding bold textured begonia with 8-9" diameter, leather looking leaves.
Small white flower in summer. This is an excellent container plant for shade.
Begonia Canary Wings Begonia Canary WingsStunning new annual with scarlet red flowers and bright yellow foliage. Best
protected from hot afternoon sun
Begonia Gryphon Pegasus™ BegoniaStylish tropical begonia with deep green leaves and brilliant silver spots.
Phenomenal in your shade containers!
Begonia Jolly Holly Holiday™ BegoniaDeep burgundy/green background with stunning silver blotches on the leaves,
this is a great house plant or container filler
Callianthe picta Thompsonii Variegated Parlor Maple
The parlor maples are fun and easy to grow in the garden or as a house plant -
full sun to part shade yields an upright plant with yellow flecked, maple-like
leaves
Capsicum annum Jigsaw Ornamental Pepper
Ornamental and edible! Wildly colored leaves in burgundy, green, cream and
more, they produce smallish peppers that mature to almost black with a heat
similar to jalapenos. Good for the veggie garden, mixed border or container.
The official not so complete, just about everything, might add some more stuff, and
probably added a few things too many plant list.
Yew Dell
Botanical Gardens
Spring Plant Sale 2020
Capsicum annum Purple Flash Ornamental Pepper
Tight little pepper with leaves that emerge touched with white but maturing to
deep burgundy. Tiny, burgundy peppers are insanely hot. Great for ground beds
and containers
Cenchrus purpureus Tift 8Graceful Grasses® Vertigo®
Fountain Grass
Plant it and stand back! This burgundy/deep purple colored annual grass will
grow to 6-7' tall and 3' wide in a single season. Great for a tall accent in a mixed
planting, screen, or beastly specimen in a very large container. One of our
favorites
Cleome Inncleosr Senorita Rosalita® Spider FlowerShorter (2') selection of this always dependable annual with uniform and fine
textured rose colored blooms. One of Yew Dell's best annuals of 2019.
Cochliasanthus caracalla Corkscrew Vine
Fun annual, vining member of the pea family. Plant in full sun or part shade with
something for it to climb on and it will delight with white/purple blooms through
the summer
Colocasia Tea Party Dwarf elephant ear
While all the attention goes to the giant tropical elephant ears, we like this
black, cupped form that only gets about 2-3' tall and wide. Great for large
containers or to fill in a spot in the perennial garden.
Cyperus alterniflorus Variegatus Umbrella SedgeExcellent 2' tall tropical with unique foliage texture and white/green variegated
leaves. Great for the water garden or mixed border
Cyperus papyrus Giant Egyptian Papyrus
Nothing like it! Emerald green umbrellas of fine textured foliage to 5' or more in
height. Great for the water garden or for some unique texture in the mixed
border
Dalechampia dioscoreifolia Purple Wings/Bowtie Vine
Wickedly cool tropical climber with pink/purple flowers that look like big,
colorful bowties. It takes a little while to get going but once it does, it is stunning
in bloom. A good one to overwinter inside as the second year's show is even
better
Datura metel Purple Petticoats Devil's Trumpet
Looking for something cool for the garden? This double flowering, pale purple
bloomed angel's trumpet is sure to be a conversation starter. Excellent container
plant for full sun
Euphorbia Balbrewite Breathless® White Euphorbia
Great annual for containers or edging beds. Deep green mounds of foliage with a
haze of pure white blooms above. Blooms all summer long. Fills all of the holes
in a mixed container planting without taking over!
Evolvulus USEVO1201Blue My Mind® Dwarf Morning
Glory
Tight and compact selection of this outstanding sun annual for the container or
front of the border. Sports an actual true blue flower.
Evolvulus glomeratus Blue Daze Brazilian Dwarf Morning GloryOutstanding little annual for beds or containers. 12" tall/wide mounds of deep
green foliage and royal blue flowers. Bust in full sun
Heliotropium arborescens Marine HeliotropeThis throw-back annual is an outstanding deep blue/purple and highly fragrant
annual for the sunny border or container
Impatiens hawkeri SAKIMP052 Sunpatiens® Vigorous Rose PinkImpatiens on steroids! Vigorous growing annual for full sun with electric pink
flowers all summer
Ipomoea batatas BalsolabartSolar Power™ Black Heart
Sweet Potato Vine
We love sweet potato vines but some seem to want to take over the world. This
dark burgundy variety has a tidier habit and great foliage color all season long
Lantana camara Samantha Variegated LantanaDelightful mounding annual with green/gold variegated leaves and bright yellow
flowers all summer long. Incredibly heat and drought tolerant
Manettia luteorubra Candy Corn VineExcellent hummingbird attracting annual vine with red/orange tubular flowers
and deep green leaves
Passiflora caerulea Blue Passionflower Unique and stunning tropical climber with amazing blue flowers. Best in full sun
Pelargonium Citriodorum Scented GeraniumExcellent container plant for sunny sites - fuzzy, lemon scented leaves are always
a hit in the garden
Pelargonium Snowflake Scented GeraniumThis scented geranium not only has rose scented leaves, the foliage is variegated
with flecks of creamy white
Pelargonium graveolens Old Fashioned Rose Scented GeraniumExcellent container plant for sunny sites - fuzzy, rose scented leaves are always a
hit in the garden
Petunia DCAS303 Cascadias™ Indian SummerAn absolute flower machine producing mounds of yellow blooms that fade to
terra cotta as they age all summer long. For full sun
Plectranthus Velvet™ Idol Swedish IvyStunning annual for containers or mixed borders in full sun or light shade.
Compact branching habit and brilliant light blue flowers all summer
Plectranthus Nicoletta Swedish IvyGreat tropical for containers or mixed plantings - silver/green mounds of foliage
and excellent vigor. Sun or part shade
Plectranthus scutellarioides Alabama Sunset ColeusExcellent annual foliage plant for sun or part shade - leaves splashed with green
and red and a pink look. One of our favorites
Plectranthus scutellarioides Pink Poodle Terra Nova® ColeusExcellent selection with leaves showing magenta centers and a rim of
green/burgundy. Excellent annual for full sun or part shade
Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides Mexican Flame VineUnique tropical climber with small, brilliant orange daisy-like blooms in summer.
Easy to overwinter for an even more dramatic show the second season
Salvia argentea Silver Sage
Bold textured, silver foliaged biennial for a bright accent in the sun garden or
container. Probably the coolest leaf of any plant on this list, nothing but fuzzy
awesomeness.
Salvia elegans Golden Delicious Rockin'® Pineapple Sage
Brilliant yellow, pineapple scented foliage and scarlet, late summer flowers make
this an outstanding tender perennial for the full sun garden. Excellent
hummingbird plant
Salvia leucantha Mexican Bush SageStunning tender perennial with silver foliage and bright lavender flowers in late
summer and fall. Best in full sun. Yew Dell favorite!
Senecio candicans Senaw Angel Wings Sea CabbageStunning silver foliaged perennial to about 16" tall and wide for full sun. Needs
good drainage
Strobilanthes auriculata var.
dyerianaPersian Shield
Incredibly cool annual with purple and silver leaves. Best for full sun. A better
plant than a coleus but Jacob would never tell coleus that.
Edibles
Aloysia citrodora Lemon Verbena
Delightful tender plant growing primarily for its lemony scented and flavored
leaves that are used in teas, sachets and in cooking. Good for containers in full
sun. Easy to overwinter indoors
Anethum graveolens Fernleaf Dill Great for pickles or for a host plant of the Black Swallowtail butterfly!
Artemisia dracunculus French TarragonEssential herb for any home cook. Grows well in full sun in either container or
herb garden
Basella rubra Red Malabar SpinachA succulent leaf that makes a great addition to salads and one of the most
attractive annual vines for the garden!
Capsicum annuum Yellow Monster Sweet Bell PepperOne of the biggest bell peppers out there. Commonly grows 8-10" long yellow
peppers that are thick walled and juicy.
Cerinthe major var.
purpurascensKiwi Blue Honeywort
2 - 3' tall annual with royal blue, edible flowers for the full sun garden. Great for
a wide range of pollinators and is a great cut flower as well
Coriandrum sativum Santo CilantroTaco Tuesday can't be complete without a great cilantro. Let it go to seed in the
summer and harvest some coriander too!
Cymbopogon citratus Lemon GrassEssential for chefs but not easy to find. This annual/tropical grass will make a big
(4-5' tall) arching mass of fine texture in the garden.
FIcus carica Chicago Hardy Fig An old standard and one of the most winter hardy forms available on the market
Foeniulum vulgare Purpereum Bronze FennelA tasty licorice treat in the garden for us and a host plant for swallowtail
butterflies
Lonicera KaidoYezberry Honey Bunch® Fly
Honeysuckle
Unique and easy to grow fruiting shrub that produces masses of deep blue,
sweet and juicy fruit. Great for fresh eating or baking. Best in full sun to part
shade
Melissa officinalis Lemon Balm
This 2' tall herb is commonly grown for its lemon scented leaves. Light green
mounds of foliage produce small white flowers through much of the summer.
Best in full sun and well drained soils.
Mentha spicata Kentucky Colonel Spearmint
This is THE one! Best growing in containers as in the ground it can get a little
proud of itself. The offical mint variety used by Churchill Downs in the mint
juleps.
Mentha xpiperita Chocolate Chocolate Mint Vigorous creeping perennial with unique, chocolate/mint flavor and aroma
Ocimum basilicum Caesar Sweet Italian BasilA sweet basil for your pesto that is easy to grow and much more disease
resistant than others.
Ocimum basilicum Cardinal Ornamental BasilCan be used as a sweet basil in the kitchen but best allowed to go to flower and
be a absolute stunner with deep red/purple flowers in the fall garden.
Origanum vulgare subsp. Hirtum Greek OreganoExcellent culinary oregano for the sunny border or container. Needs good
drainage
Petroselinum crispum Giant of Italy ParsleyIf you like potatoes you need a good parsley plant in the garden. This is a great
one!
Rheum Victoria RhubarbA large growing and sweet flavored rhubarb with 2' long stalks that don't need
to be peeled.
Rubus idaeus NR7 Raspberry Shortcake® Raspberry A fabulous compact growing and thornless raspberry. Need we say more?!
Salvia officinalis SageEssential herb for any home cook. Grows well in full sun in either container or
herb garden
Salvia rosmarinus Barbeque RosemaryUnique, spicy aroma and taste to this favorite herb garden plant. Excellent in
bright sunny sites in the ground or in containers. Needs good drainage.
Salvia rosmarinus Cascade RosemaryExcellent for containers or on a planter wall where its cascading branches can do
their thing
Solanum lycopersicum Get Stuffed TomatoAn unusual type of tomato. A hollow core allows you to stuff your favorite
cheese and other favorites into it before grilling or baking in the oven.
Thymus serpyllum Elfin Elfin ThymeThere are so many thymes . . . This is a delightfully diminutive form that hugs the
ground. Best in well drained soils in full sun
Thymus vulgaris English Thyme The classic! Full sun and good drainage
Thymus ×citriodorus Lemon ThymeThe classic with a citrusy twist. Like all thymes, best in sun to part shade on a
well drained site. Excellent for containers
Tropaeolum majus Alaska Red Shades NasturtiumPurple flowers that are nearly black also have the awesome taste of black
pepper. Ornamental or edible!
Tropaeolum majus Orchid Cream Nasturtium A cream colored flower with bright red coloring in the throat of the flower!
Vaccinium Corablue Blueberry Buckle® Blueberry A heavy fruiting blueberry variety selected for southern gardens.
Evergreens
Aucuba japonica Marmorata Japanese Laurel
One of the best yellow variegated forms of this evergreen shrub. Grows up to 4-
5' tall. Benefits from a protected site if outside the city. Female selection that, if
paired with an appropriate male, will produce bright red fruit in fall
Buxus microphylla Peergold GOLDEN DREAM BoxwoodTight mound of evergreen foliage with deep green centers and bright gold
margins. Great as a specimen, hedge or in a container in full sun or part shade
Buxus sempervirens Vardar Valley Common Boxwood
In a sea of boxwoods, this is a must. Broad, low growing mass up to about 4' tall,
it has larger than normal evergreen leaves and is the most cold tolerant form out
there on the market. Perfect for low hedges or a spot of evergreen foliage in the
mixed border
Callitropsis nootkatensis Green Arrow Alaska Cypress (Chamaecyparis)
Very cool and uniquely shaped evergreen for use as a specimen in the garden.
Swooping upright branches with drooping sprays of soft, deep green foliage
make this a evergreen sculpture perfect for the sun or part shade garden
Chamaecyparis obtusa Filicoides Fernspray False Cypress20' tall, sculptural evergreen for bright, sunny sites. Grows slowly but makes an
outstanding specimen all year long
Chamaecyparis obtusa Spirited Dwarf False Cypress
Cool little specimen or container evergreen for the garden. Soft and fine-
textured sprays of bright gold foliage on a slow growing plant to about 5-6' tall.
Best for full sun
Chamaecyparis obtusa Tetragona Aurea Golden Fernspray CypressSlow growing specimen, accent or container evergreen with sculptural, green
and gold foliage. Excellent for full sun
Cryptomeria japonica Cristata Crested Japanese Cedar
Funky, weird and twisted . . . This 15' tall by 6' wide evergreen is for the
gardener who has everything . . . Or wants everything. Unique texture and hard
to find, it's foliage and branches are twisted, contorted and constricted into wild
shapes. Excellent specimen for garden bed or container in full sun
Cryptomeria japonica Globosa Nana Dwarf Japanese CedarThis billowy, dwarf selection forms a broad rounded, dense mass of evergreen
foliage up to about 3-4' tall and wide
Cryptomeria japonica Yoshino Japanese Cedar
Excellent formal, conical evergreen with soft, billowy foliage. Vigorous grower
that makes an excellent specimen or screen planting. 'Yoshino' is the most cold
tolerant form out there and our favorite
Ilex glabra Ilesfarrowtracey Strongbox® Inkberry
Extremely dense little native evergreen shrub for sun or part shade. Tops out at
about 2-3' tall and wide. Larger leaves than Gembox. Excellent replacement for
boxwood if you're worried about boxwood blight
Ilex glabra 'SMNIGAB17' Gembox™ Inkberry
Extremely dense little native evergreen shrub for sun or part shade. Tops out at
about 2-3' tall and wide. Excellent replacement for boxwood if you're worried
about boxwood blight
Pinus bungeana Lacebark Pine
Stunning but slow growing pine to about 30' tall with soft, delicate needles and
attractive, exfoliating bark in shades of gray, green and copper. Choice and hard
to find
Platycladus orientalis Morgan Oriental ArborvitaeDwarfish selection with planar, upright sprays of bright chartreuse/gold foliage.
Best for full sun
Sarcococca hookeriana SarSid2 Fragrant Mountain™ Sweet Box
Fabulous, low-growing groundcover/sub-shrub for shade. Makes an 8-12" tall
mass of evergreen foliage with fragrant but inconspicuous green flowers in early
spring
Sciadopitys verticillata Japanese Umbrella Tree
One of the coolest conifers out there! Slow growing, conical evergreen to about
40' eventually. But the real show is the needles. 4-6" long, lustrous green and
uniquely textured give it the informal name of plastic pine. A gem of a plant
Thuja plicata Whipcord Dwarf Western Red Cedar
Weird and funky . . . This selection of the western arborvitae produces long
strands of foliage in all directions. Unique and fun plant for a container or as a
specimen. Full sun to part shade
Thujopsis dolabrata Nana Dwarf Hiba Arborvitae
We have no idea why everyone isn't growing this plant. Broad spreading shrub
to about 3' tall and 5' wide over time, the branches are clothed in glossy, bright
green scales with distinct white stripes beneath. It is durable, long lived and
always looks great. Works well in beds or containers in full sun or light shade.
Unique and impossible to find
Ferns
Adiatum Maidenhair FernUnique native fern with ethereal fronds held 12" above the ground. Delicate
looking but tough as nails once established
Athyrium Ghost Ghost Fern
One of our absolute favorite garden ferns. Tight clumps of gray-green, fine
textured fronds on a clumping, well behaved plant to about 2' tall. One of our
best shade ferns
Athyrium filix-femina Lady Fern Classic 2-3' tall, medium green, lacey fern for the shade garden
Athyrium filix-femina Lady in Red Lady FernClassic clumping fern to 18" tall with finely textured, medium green fronds and
bright red stipes
Athyrium filix-femina Victoriae Victoria Lady Fern
Unique and choice fern with upright arching fronds of medium green that are
twisted and crested at the tips. Nice specimen in the shade garden or shady
container
Cheilanthes lanosa Hairy Lip FernCool little mounded fern to about 1' tall or less that works nicely in shade but
can actually take some sun and drought once established
Dryopteris australis Dixie Wood FernOne of our favorite tall ferns for the shade garden. Strong, upright fronds can
reach 4' tall and look almost architectural in the garden
Dryopteris erythrosora Brilliance Autumn Fern
Excellent groundcover fern with upright fronds that emerge tinged in red, turn
to deep, glossy green for summer and can remain looking good through much of
the winter
Dryopteris ludoviciana Southern Shield Fern Excellent vase shaped, semi-upright fern to about 2' tall for shade
Dryopteris tokyoensis Tokyo Wood Fern An Asian species that makes a nice, 3' tall green accent for the shade garden
Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive Fern
Spreading fern with bold, broad fronds of bright green. Turns brilliant gold at the
first hint of fall frost. Fertile fronds persist through the winter standing upright
with a deep brown color. Awesome texture for the winter garden.
Polystichum acrostichoides Christmas FernThe classic Kentucky native - evergreen fern to about 2' tall and wide for the
shade garden
Polystichum polyblepharum Tassel Fern Stunning, glossy fronds of emerald green growing wider than tall
Perennial Grasses
Acorus gramineus Ogon Japanese Sweet FlagUpright arching spikes of foliage streaked with green and gold. Best in bright
light but a little protection from the hot afternoon sun.
Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition Blue GramaFun and interesting grass with wispy, fine textured foliage to about 2' tall and
intriguing seed heads that dance above the leaves
Calamagrostis Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass
The classic architectural grass - strongly upright to about 4-5' tall with late
summer plumes of wispy flowers. Seed heads remain attractive all through the
fall and winter. Full sun
Carex oshimensis Everoro Evercolor® Variegated SedgeSuper little evergreen clumper with grass-like leaves edged in dark green and
brilliant gold centers. Perfect for sun to part shade borders or containers
Carex plantaginea Seersucker SedgeExcellent Kentucky native groundcover sedge with broad, short blades with a
crinkled texture and bright green color. Extremely durable
Cenchrus alopecuroides Hameln Fountain GrassTidy little mound of fine textured foliage to about 12-15" tall for the full sun
garden. Dainty plumes of flowers/seeds in late summer
Equisetum hyemale Scouring Rush
Cool texture plant! Upright rounded and leafless stems. Perfect for the water
garden or container - without holes! Don't want this one sneaking out into the
rest of your garden!
Hakonechloa All Gold Japanese Forest Grass
Stunning ornamental grass with brilliant yellow/gold foliage presented in arching
masses 18" tall and 3' wide. Best in light shade but surprisingly sun tolerant for a
gold foliaged grass. One of our favorites
Juncus effusus Big Twister Giant Corkscrew RushCool and unique - 2' tall masses of glossy green stems twisted and contorted to
give a fun look. Works well in the water garden or mixed containers
Juncus inflexus Blue Arrows Hard RushTough as nails, semi-evergreen perennial for full sun - forms stiff, erect masses of
bright blue/green foliage all year long
Ophiopogon japonicus Torafu Variegated Mondo GrassUnique grass-like groundcover to about 8" tall with deep green foliage striped
with cream. For sun or shade
Perennial Vines
Actinidia kolomikta Variegated Kiwi VineTremendously vigorous vine with flamboyant green and pink foliage and small,
edible fruit. Need both male and female to get fruit. Full sun
Bignonia capreolata WFHgofin Gold Finch™
This classic KY native climbing vine typically has brick red to orange flowers.
Goldfinch has clear yellow flowers. While it is typically considered a woodland
vine, all Bignonias do much better in full sun. Give it something to climb on
Clematis Arabella ClematisBeautiful non-vining clematis with bluish flowers from late spring through
summer. Full sun
Clematis alpina Stolwijk Gold Alpine Clematis Super contrasting climber with bright yellow foliage and blue flowers for full sun
Clematis fruticosa Mongolian Gold Shrub ClematisThis shrubby clematis (to about 3' tall) bears delightful golden, bell-shaped
flowers in late summer to fall. Best in full sun
Clematis integrifolia Psharlan Mongolian Bells® Clematis
Fantastic clumping clematis to 12-18" tall and wide with spring/summer blooms
that are usually blue but can also be near white or pale pink. Excellent deer
resistant plant with a tidy habit. Full sun
Clematis virginiana Virgin's Bower
Outstanding North American Native clematis for late season blooms. Vigorous
climber with deep green foliage and brilliant, white flowers with strong
fragrance. Full sun to part shade
Clematis viticellaPurpurea Plena
ElegansItalian Clematis
One of the best out there. Vigorous climbing clematis with double, violet/rose
blooms in mid/late summer and fall. Give it some sun, something to climb on
and stand back!
Humulus lupulus Aureus Common Hop
A golden version of the common hop plant - this is a vigorous herbaceous
perennial vine with palmately lobed, chartreuse leaves. Needs some support to
climb on. For full sun
Lonicera sempervirens Blanche Sandman Trumpet Honeysuckle
A Theodore Klein Plant Award Winner, this Kentucky selection of our
outstanding native honeysuckle vine has excellent red flowers in summer. Great
for hummingbirds. Full sun
Passiflora incarnata MaypopOur native passion flower. Vigorous vining plant that produces stunning blue
flowers in spring and summer.
Shade Perennials
Actaea pachypoda White BaneberrySweet native woodland wildflower to about 28" tall with lacey green foliage,
delicate white flower spike in spring followed by stunning white fruits.
Ajuga reptans Blueberry Muffin Bugleweed
Compact little groundcover for sun or part shade with dark bronze/green,
ground hugging foliage and spring spikes of blue flowers. Vigorous and durable
for container, rock garden or as an edger
Ajuga reptans Min Crispa Red BugleweedSmall leafed but vigorous growing groundcover with red/green leaves and short
spring spikes of lavender/blue. Sun or shade
Ajuga reptans Bronze Beauty Bugleweed
Glossy, bronze-leaf form of this vigorous growing groundcover with
lavender/blue spring flower spikes. Larger than Min Crispa Red but not as tall as
Caitlin's Giant
Ajuga reptans Burgundy Glow BugleweedThis groundcover Bugleweed is medium in texture but with leaves flashed in
pink, burgundy and white. With pale lavender spring flower spikes.
Alchemilla mollis Thriller Lady's Mantle
Thriller' is a larger (24") growing selection of the species. Mounds of rich green,
ruffled leaves support fresh yellow/green flowers in late spring. Nice cut flower
as well as a well-behaved garden plant
Amorphophallus konjac Voodoo Lily
It's hardy! Amaze your friends with this awesome plant. What looks like many
leaves on one stalk is actually a single leaf that emerges from the underground
corm. Once mature enough the corm will send up a flower that smells like
rotting flesh. Both beautiful and foul this plant is just too fun not to have in the
garden!
Anemone Honorine Jobert WindflowerThe classic white-flowered, fall-blooming anemone. Grows about 3' tall and is
just a doer year after year
Anemone MACANE001 Wild Swan™ Japanese AnemoneThis unique anemone hybrid produces delicate white blooms above 2-3' tall
foliage - and it blooms from late spring through fall! Great cut as well
Anemone Pocahontas Fantasy™ Japanese AnemoneChoice new selection with double, deep pink flowers in mid and late summer on
a compact, 18" tall plant. Great for garden beds and containers
Anemone September Charm Japanese AnemoneThis 3' tall, classic fall blooming anemone produces clear pink blooms with
yellow centers. Great for cutting as well as leaving in the garden.
Aquilegia Cardinal Songbird Series Columbine
The Songbird series selections are compact growers (about 2' tall and wide) with
dense foliage and large, extremely large bi-color flowers. Excellent in lightly
shaded garden beds or containers. Cardinal has red/white blooms
Aquilegia Dove Songbird Series Columbine
The Songbird series selections are compact growers (about 2' tall and wide) with
dense foliage and large, extremely large bi-color flowers. Excellent in lightly
shaded garden beds or containers. Dove has pure white blooms
Aquilegia Faye's Blue Common Columbine
Not a Theodore Klein introduction but rather a pass-along plant given to him
many years ago by a gardening friend. This tall (3') double purple selection is
completely consistent in form and color from seed. We wouldn't be without it!
Aquilegia Goldfinch Songbird Series Columbine
The Songbird series selections are compact growers (about 2' tall and wide) with
dense foliage and large, extremely large bi-color flowers. Excellent in lightly
shaded garden beds or containers. Goldfinch has yellow/white blooms
Aquilegia Nightingale Songbird Series Columbine
The Songbird series selections are compact growers (about 2' tall and wide) with
dense foliage and large, extremely large bi-color flowers. Excellent in lightly
shaded garden beds or containers. Nightingale has deep pink/white blooms
Aquilegia Robin Songbird Series Columbine
The Songbird series selections are compact growers (about 18" tall and wide)
with dense foliage and large, extremely large bi-color flowers. Excellent in lightly
shaded garden beds or containers. Robin has pink/white blooms
Aquilegia flabellataCameo Blue and
WhiteColumbine
Compact little shade clumper to about 6" tall and wide with gray green leaves
and stunning, blue/white flowers in late spring/early summer. Excellent as a
crevice plant, in containers and small masses
Aquilegia flabellataCameo Pink and
WhiteColumbine
Compact little shade clumper to about 6" tall and wide with gray green leaves
and stunning, pink/white flowers in late spring/early summer. Excellent as a
crevice plant, in containers and small masses
Aquilegia vulgaris Clementine Red Clementine Series ColumbineStunning spring bloomer to about 24" all with light, airy foliage and screaming
scarlet/white blooms.
Aralia cordata Sun King Japanese Spikenard
Perennial Plant Association plant of the year for 2020 and a Theodore Klein
Award winner as well! This stout perennial will mature to a 4-5' tall and wide
"shrub" in the garden with brilliant gold new growth fading to a soft chartreuse
later in summer. More shade, more green - more sun, more gold - but not too
much sun! Small white flowers in late summer yield glossy black fruit. Fabulous!
Arisaema consanguineum Himilayan Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Very cool plant alert! Our native jack-in-the-pulpit's cousin from Asia who
stands about 30" tall at maturity. A huge leaf of 12 leaflets stands above the
flower spathe (pulpit). Fantastic texture in the shade garden.
Aruncus Chantilly Lace Dwarf Goat's BeardNice little compact perennial (24") for sun or part shade with delicately textured
foliage and lacey white blooms in late spring/early summer
Asarum maximum Ling Ling Panda Face Ginger
A collector's special and conversation piece for the shade garden. Huge leaves
(for an Asarum, anyway) to 8" across are dark, leathery green with prominent
silver markings above. Flowers are typical "little brown jugs" held below the
spring foliage but are huge.
Asarum europaeum European GingerVigorous creeping groundcover with rounded to heart shaped, deep glossy green
leaves for the shade.
Asarum splendens Chinese Wild GingerClumping, semi-evergreen mound of bold, deep green leaves flecked in silver.
Slow to grow but well behaved and unique in texture
Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana Hardy Begonia
Every garden needs a few . . . We love this 12" tall wanderer in the garden with
its bold green and red-veined leaves and summer/fall pink blooms. It comes up
here and there, always filling an open spot - but at the same time, not weedy.
Easy to propagate using the aerial bulbils found in the leaf axils in fall. A smaller
selection than the straight species we acquired this plant from Gene Bush and
have been propagating it!
Beltilla striata Chinese Ground Orchid
One of the easiest terrestrial orchids to grow in the garden. Bold spikes of spring
foliage are the perfect foil for electric magenta spring flowers. Excellent cut
flower although we couldn't imagine removing them from the garden!
Beltilla striata Albostriata Chinese Ground Orchid
The easiest orchid on the planet to grow! This shade dweller produces masses of
spikey foliage in spring and screaming magenta flowers. It will multiply slowly
but is always a conversation starter in the garden. This selection has white edged
leaf margins for a little summer sizzle
Bergenia Pink Dragonfly Pigsqueak
Great little crevice or massing plant for the shade garden. Low sprays of shiny
green foliage send up a stalk of bright pink spring flowers. Great texture plant if
you find you're overloaded with fine-textured dainties
Bergenia Sakura Dragonfly™ Pigsqueak
Bergenia makes a nice plant in any lightly shaded garden, with its glossy green
basal leaves and erect shoots of bight pink flowers. This selection is a more
robust grower with heavier flowering and a distinct burgundy cast to the winter
foliage
Brunnera macrophylla Sterling Silver False Forget Me NotBombproof herbaceous perennial for full sun or shade. Low mounds of green
and white variegated foliage produce masses of tiny, pale blue blooms in spring.
Cyclamen hederifolium Persian Violet
Very cool collector's plant that's actually quite easy to grow. Summer dormant
plant that puts up leathery and mottled, heart-shaped leaves in late
summer/early fall with pale pink blooms about 3-4" high. Foliage looks good all
winter and dies down in late spring. Best for filtered light in a well-drained soil
Delphinium Dwarf Stars New Millenium™ Delphinium
Heat and humidity tolerant Delphiniums? Yup! The seed for this selection is the
result of painstaking hand crossing by the breeder in New Zealand. Three to 6'
tall spikes of white to pink to purple. May need some staking if they reach
maximum height
Disporopsis pernyi Evergreen Solomon Seal
We honestly have no idea why everyone isn't growing this plant! 12" tall, glossy
evergreen (down to about 10 degrees F) foliage with small spring bell-shaped
flowers in white/green. Spreads slowly in the shade garden. Won't say deer-
proof . . . but deer resistant!
Epimedium Akebono BarrenwortExcellent spreading shade perennial with rose spring flowers and foliage that
emerges flushed with red. Deer resistant and easy to grow
Epimedium Domino Barrenwort
Very vigorous selection from this group of excellent shade groundcovers. 12-15"
masses of light green, red flecked spring foliage support airy clouds of
white/burgundy flowers.
Epimedium Fire Dragon BarrenwortDiminutive selection of this indispensable shade groundcover with pale green
leaves and white/red flowers in spring
Epimedium Orange Queen Barrenwort
Always a favorite, 'Orange Queen' is one of the better of the orange flowered
eps. 12" tall light green spring foliage topped with clouds of yellow/orange
spring blooms.
Epimedium Pink Elf BarrenwortDiminutive selection of this indispensable shade groundcover with pale green
leaves and delightful pink spring flowers
Epimedium Merlin BarrenwortDelightful shade groundcover plant with red-flushed spring leaves that fade to
all green and purplish spring blooms that fade to almost white
Epimedium grandiflorum Lilafee BarrenwortA classic and dependable epimedium to about 12" tall with deep green leaves
and purple spring blooms
Epimedium pinnatum BarrenwortThis Caucuses native shade groundcover selection offers light green spring leaves
suffused with red, followed by bright, clear yellow flowers
Epimedium xperralchicum Frohnleiten BarrenwortExcellent shade groundcover to about 12" tall with delicate, medium green
leaves and soft yellow flowers in spring. Highly resistant to deer browse
Epimedium xwarleyense BarrenwortRobust shade groundcover with heart shaped, semi-evergreen leaves and
unique, orange spring blooms. Deer resistant
Euphorbia amygdaloides subsp.
robbiaeWood Spurge
Super tough shade groundcover with leathery and glossy deep green leaves and
bright green spring flower masses above.
Galium odoratum Sweet WoodruffClassic shade groundcover with ground-hugging, delicately dissected leaves
topped by white flowers. Easy to grow
Helleborus Romantic Getaway HelleboreRock solid evergreen shade perennial with winter blooms with deep burgundy
centers and clear white edges. Deer Proof!
Helleborus Vegas Nights HelleboreRock solid evergreen shade perennial with winter blooms of deep burgundy.
Deer Proof!
Heuchera Lava Lamp Coral Bells
This excellent H. villosa hybrid has large, slightly fuzzy leaves that emerge
coppery and quickly mature to a vivid maroon. Creamy flowers dance above on
wiry stems in late spring. Excellent heat and humidity tolerance
Heuchera Lime Marmalade Coral Bells
Like most modern Heucheras, grown for its foliage rather than its flowers - this is
no exception. A tight globe of foliage of brilliant green and chartreuse all
summer long. Best in bright, filtered light
Heuchera Mega Caramel Coral BellsA big and beastly coral bells selection with spring leaves emerging yellow to
caramel and darkening with time. Will grow up to 40" across.
Heuchera Silver Scrolls Coral Bells
This unique selection seems to have leaves with deep burgundy beneath a layer
of pewter. An interesting tone on a good, vigorous selection. Produces about an
18" mound. Great for containers
Heuchera Snow Angel Coral BellsStunning mounds of bright green foliage flecked with clear white variegation and
deep pink summer blooms. Best on a well drained soil
Heuchera Southern Comfort Coral Bells
This hybrid has become one of our favorites over the years. Mounds of new
foliage to about 18" tall emerge a vivid orangey color and mature to a bronzy
color. Good as a container plant where the leaves may hold up longer into the
winter. Seems to have excellent heat and humidity tolerance
Heuchera americana Dale's Strain Coral Bells
Excellent selection of our native heuchera with low mounds of foliage in green,
burgundy and silver. Best in filtered light and a well drained soil. Long lived and
Deer Proof
Heucherella Brass Lantern Foamy BellsBronze spring foliage and spring spikes of pale pink flowers make for a great little
shade groundcover
Heucherella Pumpkin Spice foamy Bells
This intergeneric hybrid (Heuchera x Tiarella) uses H. villosa in its background
giving it better staying power in Kentucky's heat and humidity. Foliage emerges
in spring with stunning orange/copper color and darker centers. Late spring
white flowers on 10-12" spikes
Hosta Diamond Tiara Plantain Lily
Counterpart to 'Golden Tiara', this is a delightful small (12-15") mound of
medium green leaves edged in pure white. Great edger, rock garden plant or for
small containers
Hosta Golden Tiara Plantain Lily
One of our favorite little edging hostas. A low, broad mound of medium green
foliage with clear yellow margins. Looks good all summer long. Excellent little
container plant as well.
Hosta Ice Cream Plantain LilyNo idea how it tastes but this is a nice, medium sized mound of green foliage
edged in cream. A good, dependable hosta that looks good all summer long
Hosta Praying Hands Hosta Unique hosta selection with long, lanceolate leaves held in upright mounds.
Hosta Rainbow's End Hosta
Who needs flowers . . . This wildly variegated, medium sized hosta has brilliant
streaks of deep green and bright, golden yellow with a nice gloss. Holds up well
all through the summer
Hosta Sweetheart Plantain Lily This 18" tall x 36" wide hosta is a robust grower with narrow, blue/green foliage.
Hosta Wu-La-La Plantain Lily
A big and beastly hosta up to 4' tall and 6' wide (!) with blue green centers and
pale green margins. Discovered in an Indiana garden as a sport from Empress
Wu, the largest hosta on the market. Shade to part shade
Iris cristata Dwarf Crested Iris
A classic and much-loved Kentucky spring wildflower found in light woodlands
and rocky soils. Growing only 6" tall or so, the sword-like green foliage is topped
with bluish iris blooms. Fleeting but that just makes it all the more precious!
Iris cristata Eco Bluebird Dwarf Crested Iris
This is a more robust selection of our much beloved native woodland wildflower.
Six - 8" masses of sword-like foliage and rich blue spring iris flowers on top. Grow
in filtered light on well drained soil
Lamprocapnos spectabilis Gold Heart Bleeding Heart
Take the old fashioned bleeding heart - 2-3', delicate arching stems with classic
hear-shaped pink spring blooms - and make the foliage screaming yellow! Can go
summer dormant but with that kind of spring show, who cares?!
Leptinella squalida Platt's Black Brass ButtonsFunky little container or rockery plant with segmented, zig-zag stems and green
to black scale-like foliage on a plant under 12" high.
Oxalis crassipes Rosea wood Sorrel
Fun little perennial for light shade in beds or containers. Low, clover-like foliage
is bright green and set off beautifully by rose pink blooms. If kept moist it will
bloom all spring and summer. Leaves fold up at night and reopen in the morning.
Pachysandra procumbens Allegheny Spurge
Our native Pachysandra! A great shade plant that flowers before the new foliage
emerges in the spring. Not nearly as aggressive as the Japanese species. A great
addition to your shade garden!
Phlox divaricata Blue Moon Woodland Phlox
First introduced to this plant by our friends at North Creek Nurseries, it quickly
became a favorite at Yew Dell. Vigorous growing woodland creeper, it produces
fine textured spring foliage and clouds of beautiful blue spring blooms. Excellent
selection for the lightly shaded garden
Phlox divaricata Louisiana Blue Woodland Phlox
We love all the divaricata type phlox selections . . . Creeping, understory plants
with surprising sun tolerance produce spring carpets of blue to lavender blooms.
Easy to grow
Phlox divaricata May Breeze Woodland PhloxStunning native shade perennial with fine textured foliage and delightful spring
blooms in pale blue. A gem!
Phlox stolonifera Blue Ridge Creeping Phlox
An excellent selection of a North American native woodland phlox. Forms a
loose mat of semi-evergreen foliage about 4" tall that bears loads of loosely set,
light blue/lavender blooms in spring. Does best on a moist but well drained soil
in filtered light.
Phlox stolonifera Home Fires Creeping Phlox
This one is a bright pink flowered selection of our eastern North American native
woodland phlox. Semi-evergreen foliage creeps along the grounds and is
covered with flowers in late May and June. Does best in filtered light on a moist
but well drained soil.
Phlox stolonifera Sherwood Purple Creeping Phlox
The deepest purple bloom of all the Phlox stolonifera selections we offer. This
North American native woodland creeper grows to 4" or so tall and creeps along
the ground to form semi-evergreen mats of foliage. In spring plants are covered
with billowy masses of deep purple flowers. Best in filtered light on a moist, well
drained soil
Podophyllum peltatum MayappleClassic Kentucky spring wildflower - 12" tall umbrellas of bold foliage with 1"
diameter white flowers beneath. Can go summer dormant in dry seasons.
Polygonatum humile Dwarf Solomon's Seal
While this little 6" tall creeper can get a little ragged in late summer, we still love
it for filling small niches in the spring garden. Slowly spreading masses of upright
stems are bright green with tiny white bell flowers. Nice to thread between
hostas and ferns that will cover it later in the season. A Yew Dell favorite
Polygonatum odoratum Jinguji Solomon Seal
We love this slow spreading shade clumper for the garden. Typical upright,
arching stems like most Solomon Seal types but with bright red stems. Spring
flowers are typical white bells that hang below the foliage. Choice and hard to
find. Deer Proof!
Polygonatum odoratum var.
pluriflorumVariegatum Solomon's Seal
An essential for any shade garden . . . 18-24" arching masses of erect stems
produce clean, medium green leaves edged in white. Spring blooms are small
white bells that hang from each leaf axil. Spreads slowly but is long lived,
dependable and deer resistant
Rohdea japonica Sacred Lily
Unique and hard to find evergreen perennial clumper for the shade garden.
Grows to about 12-18" tall, looking almost like a broad leafed evergreen daylily.
Small spring flowers in white yield bright red/orange fruit that persist through
the winter. Easy to grow and long lived
Spigelia marilandica Indian Pinks
Thoroughly underutilized Kentucky native woodland plant. Under cultivation it
can form large colonies of bright green foliage up to about 2' tall with stunning,
yellow tipped, scarlet flowers in late spring. Excellent hummingbird plant. Easy
to grow. And while it is a woodland plant, it is actually quite happy and much
more vigorous in more sun
Spigelia marilandica Little Redhead Indian Pink
A compact and heavily branched selection of our excellent native woodland
wildflower. Grown in light shade or full sun it will form 12-15" tall masses of
bright green foliage and screaming red flowers in early summer. Excellent cut
and hummingbird plant
Syneilesis palmata Shredded Umbrella
Wickedly cool shade plant with large, incredibly lacey leaves held like useless
umbrellas. Grows 1-2.5' tall with small, pink/white aster flowers in mid summer.
A choice and hard to find but easy to grow plant
Tiarella Spring Symphony foamy BellsA nice little native herbaceous groundcover for the shade garden. Star shaped
leaves with dark streaks along the midrib produce spring spikes of white blooms
Tricyrtis formosana Gilt Edge Toad Lily
Excellent, vigorous selection of this indispensable shade garden plant. Three foot
tall masses of upright stems produce lanceolate green leaves edged in bright
gold. In late summer/fall, each shoot produces ethereal masses of
white/burgundy spotted flowers
Tricyrtis hirta Moonlight Toad Lily
Excellent shade perennial to about 3' tall with leaves that emerge chartreuse in
spring and fade to green. Late summer/fall flowers are white, flecked with
burgundy. A nice and tidy selection. Deer resistant!
Trillium cuneatum Wood Lily/Sweet Betsy
Excellent Kentucky native for the woodland/shade garden. Broadly ovate leaves
are mottled green and burgundy with a single flower at the center of each 8-10"
tall stem. Flower color typically maroon but can show shades of yellow as well.
One of the easier Trilliums to grow in the garden
Trillium erectum Red TrilliumOne of the most common of the native Trilliums, this one forms nice colonies of
erect stems, uniform green leaves and deep red/mahogany, 3 petaled flowers.
Trillium grandiflorum Great White TrilliumExcellent Kentucky native for the woodland garden growing up to 12" tall with a
single clear white flower. Slow to multiply but stunning in bloom.
Trillium luteum Yellow Trillium Tall trillium with broad, green leaves and classic 3-petaled flowers in pale yellow.
Waldsteinia ternata Barren StrawberryNice little shade groundcover with glossy green leaves, small yellow spring
flowers and little (inedible) red fruit
Zingiber mioga Variegata Myoga Ginger
Stunning and unusual herbaceous perennial for the lightly shaded garden. 3' tall
masses of spikey foliage streaked in white and green produce unusual
yellow/pink flowers at ground level. Great to mix with hostas, ferns and solomon
seal. Both the flowers and foliage are edible. Best in moist but not wet soil.
Shrubs
Abelia mosanensis Bridal Bouquet Fragrant Abelia
This 8' tall, upright shrub is about as bombproof as they come. Add to that a
massive spring crop of sweetly scented flowers and killer red/orange/yellow fall
color and you have a real winner. Full sun for best flowering and fall color but it
will take a fair amount of shade as well.
Abelia xgrandiflora Kaleidoscope Glossy Abelia
Nice, variegated green and gold foliage, bright red stems and pale pink trumpet
flowers through summer and early fall, all on a compact, mounded shrub to 2.5-
3' tall and wide. Add full sun and shade tolerance and you have quite a package.
Callicarpa dichotoma Issai Beautyberry
If you have any interest in the fall garden, the beautyberries are essential. This
one tops out at about 3-4' tall with a rounded arching growth habit,
unremarkable summer green foliage and then stunning amethyst fruit along
each stem in fall. Not overly drought tolerant. For sun or light shade
Calycanthus chinensis Chinese Sweetshrub
Big beast of a shrub to 15' tall and wide with large, platter sized leaves and waxy
white flowers in late summer. This is a fun one for the back of the border. Best in
light shade
Cephalanthus occidentalis Moonlight Magical™ Button Bush
Button Bush is a quality garden plant native to Kentucky and much of the
eastern U.S. It is known for being both incredibly drought and wet site tolerant,
long lived and free from most pest and disease problems. In early summer the
plant is covered by golf ball sized white inflorescences that are honey scented
and attract scores of pollinators. Magical Moonlight is an excellent, compact
selection that matures at around 4-5' tall with quality foliage.
Chaenomeles NCCS4 Double Take Peach™ Quince
From the breeding program of Dr. Tom Ranney at NCSU, this thornless, double
flowered quince is a great garden plant and a great one for forcing cut stems in
late winter. Large, peach colored blooms are born along the stems in April.
Heavy blooming and no thorns! Full sun for best performance.
Citrus trifoliata Flying Dragon Hardy Orange
This is one tough and wildly cool orange! A true citrus that we can grow in
Kentucky. Grows to 8' or more in height with olive green stems that are
essentially a big pile of gigantic thorns. In April, the stems are covered with
white, fragrant blooms that eventually yield golf ball sized oranges that start out
fuzzy green and ripen to yellow/orange. Unique and fun plant to grow. Full sun
or part shade.
Clethra alnifolia Novacleein Einstein™ Summersweet
Nice, compact and heavy flowering selection of the North American native
summersweet. Deep green foliage and large white, fragrant flower spikes make
this a great pollinator plant for the mixed border. Full sun to part shade.
Clethra alnifolia Sixteen Candles Summersweet
A seedling selection of our native North American summersweet introduced by
UGA's Dr. Mike Dirr. Selected for compact growth to 3-4' with dark green foliage
and copious masses of white, fragrant flower spikes in early summer. Golden
yellow fall foliage color. Best in full sun or part shade. Not good for dry sites.
Cornus alternifolia Gold Bullion Alternate Leaf Dogwood
Discovered by Kris Bachtel of the Morton Arboretum as a chance seedling in his
garden, this beautiful selection offers soft yellow/chartreuse leaves through the
entire growing season. The wonderful tiered branching of this species makes it a
great understory tree for filtered light situations. Will grow up to about 12-15'
tall
Corylus avellana Red Dragon Contorted Hazelnut
Large shrub to 6-8' tall or more with twisted and contorted stems clothed in
burgundy red leaves. Foliage color is best in full sun and early in the year. Fades
a bit as the summer heats up but is still a stunning conversation piece in the
garden. Full sun or part shade.
Deutzia NCDX1 Yuki Snowflake™ Deutzia
All deutzia species are tough, durable and long lived shrubs. This one is a
diminutive offering that grows to about 24" tall and 36" wide. Its low, arching
habit is the perfect shape for showing off its late spring, double white flowers.
Mahogany fall foliage color. Great for massing or edging in full sun or light
shade.
Edgeworthia chrysantha Paperbush
A collector's favorite! Large, open and sculptural shrub to 6-8' tall and wide with
large, bold green summer foliage and stunning golden flowers in early spring.
The floral fragrance alone is worth growing this one. Likes a little TLC in the
garden. Flower buds can sometimes desiccate in winter but it's worth the
chance. This thing in bloom fills the whole neighborhood with its sweet perfume.
Eleutherococcus sieboldianus Variegata Five-leaf Aralia
This 4-6' tall colonizing shrub is great for brightening up a dark corner of the
garden. Palmately compound leaves are splashed with creamy white. Flowers
are insignificant. Tough, durable but can get a little proud of itself from time to
time. Shade or sun
Forsythia Sunny Flying Machine™ Forsythia
A new introduction from South Korea, this one will grow up to 8' tall and wide
and while the flower color and timing is similar to many forsythias, this one has
double sized flowers. Full sun on any reasonable soil
Forsythia ×intermedia Golden Times Variegated ForsythiaThis 5-6' forsythia has large crops of the expected early spring yellow flowers but
adds another dimension - yellow leaf variegation - to extend the interest season
Fothergilla xgrandiflora Mt Airy Fothergilla
Mike Dirr selection of this medium/large witchhazel relative with upright, honey
scented, white bottle brush spring flowers followed by a mix of yellow, orange
and red fall color. Excellent shrub for full sun or part shade. Original plant from
Mt Airy Arboretum in Cincinnati, OH.
Fothergilla xgrandiflora Red Licorice Forthergilla
Medium/large shrub to 6'+ tall and wide with anise scented, white bottle brush
flowers about 2.5" long in spring. Fall color is fire engine red. This witchhazel
relative is an excellent full sun or part shade shrub. Selected and introduced by
Paul Cappiello.
Hamamelis virginiana Little Prospect American Witch Hazel
The fall blooming witchhazels are a favorite last blast of flowering from the
autumn garden. Usually growing to 12-15' tall or more, they roll into fall with
bright yellow fall color and unique, strap-like petaled flowers in soft yellow. Little
Prospect adds a nice yellow variegation to the leaf edges. Choice new
introduction for full sun or light shade.
Hamamelis xintermedia Arnold Promise Witch Hazel
One of the winter/early spring blooming witchhazel hybrids that is perfect for
getting the season moving. Upright grower to 15-18' tall with bright golden
yellow flowers in March and excellent fall foliage color of yellow, orange and
red. Great plant for full sun or part shade.
Hamamelis xintermedia Jelena Witch Hazel
A broad spreading witchhazel to 8-10' tall and wide with open branching and
stunning coppery blooms in March. Fall color is golden and orange. Grows best
in full sun or part shade.
Hydrangea arborescens Abetwo Incrediball® Smooth Hydrangea
An excellent selection of our native smooth hydrangea with uber stiff stems and
large, dome shaped, white flower heads 10" in diameter. Great for full sun to
part shade. Blooms on new wood so it can be pruned in winter and will still
bloom
Hydrangea arborescens Eco Pink Puff Smooth Hydrangea
This selection of our native smooth hydrangea has mostly fertile flowers giving
more of a powder puff look than the large flower heads of 'Annabelle' and
'White Dome' but this one is more subtle and has a pink cast to the fertile
flowers. Nice in a wooded garden or mixed with perennials. Full sun to part
shade. Flowers on new growth.
Hydrangea arborescens Kolpinbel Pinkerella™ Smooth Hydrangea
An attractive pink flowered form of our native smooth hydrangea with large
flower heads of pink, mostly sterile flowers. Excellent for sun or part shade.
Blooms on new growth can be pruned in winter and will still bloom
Hydrangea arborescens NCHA7Invincibelle Mini Mauvette®
Hydrangea
From the brilliant Dr. Tom Ranney at NCSU comes this compact grower (to about
3' tall) deep rose/pink selection of our native smooth hydrangea. Good color and
stout stems. Blooms on new growth.
Hydrangea arborescens radiata Silverleaf Hydrangea
This mountain variant of our native smooth hydrangea bears modestly showy
white flowers (mostly fertile) and leaves with brilliant silver backs. A fun novelty
for the garden. Best in part shade. Blooms on new growth.
Hydrangea paniculata Dharuma Panicle Hydrangea
One of the earliest to bloom and smallest in size of all the panicle hydrangeas.
Maxing out at around 5' tall, this shrub loads up with white terminal
inflorescences in mid summer. Great pollinator plant, great cut flower. Nice and
compact for smaller gardens. For full sun or part shade
Hydrangea paniculata SMHPZIND Pillow Talk™ Panicle Hydrangea
Sturdy and robust panicle hydrangea that grows to about 8' tall with mid
summer blooms that start out lime green before they go through white and
finally, a rich pink. Good for full sun or light shade
Hydrangea paniculata Tardiva Panicle Hydrangea
One of the latest of the panicle hydrangeas to bloom, making it a great season
extender. Large shrub to 8-10' tall with an upright oval shape and mid to late
summer terminal inflorescences in white. Excellent pollinator plant. Flowers on
new growth so can handle heavy pruning and still bloom. Great cut flower. For
full sun or light shade
Hydrangea quercifolia Little Honey Oakleaf Hydrangea
Every garden needs a Little Honey! A compact selection of the North American
native oakleaf hydrangea, this one tops out at about 5'x5' with screaming yellow
leaves. White summer blooms are a little small compared to others but who
cares? In full sun it might burn a bit if not kept irrigated. The more sun the more
gold though. In shade it greens up a bit as summer progresses
Hydrangea quercifolia Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea
From the USDA breeding program in Tennessee comes this excellent compact
selection of our native oakleaf hydrangea. Topping out at about 4-5' tall, its
upright held blooms start out white and quickly turn rich pink. Happiest with a
little afternoon shade but will take full sun if given adequate moisture
Hydrangea quercifolia Snowflake Oakleaf Hydrangea
A nice compact growing oakleaf hydrangea with double flowers, this one will top
out at about 5-6' tall and wide. The early to mid summer flowers are white,
fading to pink with up to 20+ sepals per flower rather than the typical 4.
Excellent selection for full sun or part shade
Hydrangea serrata MAKD Tiny Tuff Stuff™ Hydrangea
Compact growing lace cap type hydrangea up to about 3' tall and wide with
summer flowers of pink to blue depending on soil conditions. Needs ample
moisture through the summer to keep from wilting. Blooms on both old and new
wood so a late spring frost/freeze doesn't mean no flowers for that year.
Hypericum CCFLPC-1 Blue Velvet™ St. John's Wort
Excellent medium shrub to about 4' tall with bright blue/green, fine textured
leaves all summer long and late spring/early summer yellow flowers. For full sun.
Selected and introduced by Paul Cappiello
Ilex verticillata Winter Red Winterberry Holly
The original and still hard to beat! Simpson Nurseries (Vincennes, IN)
introduction of this native shrub that grows 8' tall and wide and in fall and
winter is entirely covered with bright red fruit. Requires an appropriate male for
pollination. For full sun.
Kerria japonica Japanese Marigold Bush
Tough, reliable and a great addition to any garden. 5-6' tall arching shrub with
bright greens stems (that look great in winter) and late spring flowers of brilliant
yellow-gold. Great for full sun or partial shade.
Lindera benzoin Spicebush
Native understory shrub with bright green leaves, chartreuse spring blooms and
bright red fall fruit that are favored by many bird species. Host plant for the
spicebush swallowtail butterfly.
Philadelphus Snowbelle Mockorange
This compact mockorange (3-4') offers tremendous masses of clear white, lemon
scented, double flowers in April. It is a tough and long lived selection that is
tolerant of light shade but does best in full sun
Physocarpus opulifolius Bert Darts G Festivus Gold® Ninebark
Looking for a tough, durable, compact shrub with screaming yellow foliage
color? This is it. Topping out at about 4' tall and wide, foliage emerges in spring
in an electric yellow color and hold fairly well through the summer. Summer
flowers are white but don't contrast much with the bright foliage. Best in full sun
but tolerant of shade - foliage color will green up though.
Physocarpus opulifolius Center Glow Ninebark
Ninebarks are all tough as nails; sun, shade, wet, dry, run over by a delivery truck
. . . Center Glow has a mahogany/bronze leaf with bright yellow/chartreuse
center. Will grow to about 6' tall. Shade tolerant but best foliage color comes
from full sun.
Rhododendron Weston's
InnocenceAzalea
From the famed Weston Nurseries outside of Boston comes this excellent hybrid
of several native deciduous azaleas. Forming an upright oval plant to about 4'
tall, its delicate frame is covered with sweetly fragrant yellow trumpet blooms in
early summer. Nice reddish fall color winds up the season. Best in full sun or
filtered light with ample moisture through the driest part of the season
Rhododendron Weston's Parade Azalea
From the famed Weston Nurseries outside of Boston comes this excellent hybrid
of several native deciduous azaleas. Forming and upright oval up to about 4' tall,
in early summer it is covered with pink, fragrant blooms. Best in full sun or light
shade with adequate moisture through the driest part of the season
Salix chaenomeloides Mt. Asama Pussy Willow
This is our favorite pussy willow. A large shrub to 6-8' tall, it is covered in
February or March with 1.5" long catkins that turn a rich, rosy red/pink. Great
for cutting and forcing or enjoying out in the garden. Great for sunny sites on
about any soil
Salix integra Hakuro-Nishiki Dappled Willow
This is one big shrub - up to 12' tall and wide - with brilliantly colored foliage of
white, pink ad green. Foliage matures to mostly green but as long as it is putting
out new growth it puts on a show. Can be cut back to the ground in winter if it
gets out of hand and will sprout back quite well. For full sun and moist soils
Salix repens Argentea Creeping Willow
Almost completely unknown but a winner of a shrub. This is a low spreader
toping out at about 3' tall with dainty, bright silver blue leaves all summer long.
Catkins are insignificant. Great for full sun. Incredibly drought tolerant once
established. Also tolerant of heavy pruning.
Sambucus Eva Black Lace® Elderberry
Fine foliage texture and deep, almost black spring growth make this elderberry a
great foliage contrast in full sun garden or container plantings. Cut back annually
or every other year for most vigorous growth and best foliage color.
Spirea thunbergii Ogon Baby's Breath Spirea
One of the most useful sun shrubs out there. 5' tall and a bit more in width, it
has delicate, fine textured foliage with a bright yellow to chartreuse color. It is
quite shade tolerant but best foliage color comes in full sun. Early white flowers
cover all the arching branches in March and early April. Tough, drought tolerant
and long lived.
Viburnum West Fragrant Viburnum
A Theodore Klein introduction. This large shrub will grow up to 8' tall and wide
with slightly tomentose, light green leaves. In spring it is completely covered
with large masses of white/pink balls of flowers with an intensely sweet and
spicy aroma. Best in full sun but will grow and flower reasonably well in part
shade.
Viburnum plicatum Kern's Pink Doublefile Viburnum
Large shrub to 8'+ with dark green foliage and white to pink snowball blooms in
two ranks along the stems in spring. Wine red fall color. Works well in full sun or
part shade. Durable and long lived.
Viburnum plicatum Molly Schroeder Doublefile Viburnum
A delicate textured doublefile viburnum to about 8' tall and wide with distinct
horizontal branching. Blooms are a mix of showy sterile and small fertile flowers
for a delicate pink lace cap presentation. Durable, pest resistant and easy to
grow in full sun or part shade. Choice selection
Vitex agnus-castus SMVACBD Blue Diddley® Chaste Tree
Chaste Tree is known for its summer spikes of blue to lavender flowers but it's
also known to be a large, best of a plant to more than 20' tall. This selection tops
out at 7-8' tall and wide with gray/green, fine textured leaves and a broad
spreading habit. Can be cut to the ground each winter as it blooms entirely on
new wood. Great drought tolerant plant for full sun. A pollinator magnet in mid
summer.
Weigela praecox April Snow White Flowering Weigela
While most weigelas flower in late spring/early summer, this one is an early
riser. Pure white flowers cover this 4' mounding shrub in late March through
April. Tough as nails and a fresh bit of color to go with your bulbs. Hard to find
but worth the hunt.
Weigela subsessilis Canary Yellow Flowering Weigela
A unique color in the Weigela world, this Korean selection offers late spring
blooms in light sulphur yellow on a plant reaching up to about 4' in height. Best
in full sun but will flower reasonably in light shade as well. Easy to grow.
Succulents
Andromischus cristatus Crinkle Leaf Plant
This mound shaped succulent has thick, gray/green leaves with a scalloped
margin. Very sensitive to water so be sure to let this one dry out between
waterings.
Astroloba spiralis (syn. Haworthia pentagona)Upright main stems covered with wedge-shaped leaves in yellow green. The 5
rows of leaves make a gentle spiral up the stem
Austrocylindropuntia subulata Eve's Needle
While the botanical name is a mouthful, this is an easy cactus to grow in a
container. Relative of the prickly pear cactus but without all the prickly, this one
is more upright with narrow growth and when it flowers, stunning orange/red
blooms. It looks like a pickle with colorful arms!
Bryophyllum daigremontianum Mother of Thousands
Fun little Madagascar native with broad green leaves that form tiny plantlets at
the margins that can be used to make . . . well . . . thousands more! Fun house
plant for kids and anyone just starting their hand on propagation of succulents
Crassula ovata Common Jade
The classic! Easy to grow succulent that can live for generations if brought inside
each winter. Deep, glossy green leaves on a stiff plant. Great container
specimen.
Crassula pellucida Variegata Calico Kitten Crassula
Fun tropical succulent with multi-colored leaves in cream, burgundy and pink.
Excellent for containers or even hanging baskets. Easy to grow in full sun and a
well drained potting medium.
Delosperma echinatum Pickle Plant
Succulent with green leaves covered in white hairs and occasional yellow, daisy
like flowers. Like most succulents, needs lots of sun, little water and good
drainage.
Dendrophorbium peregrinum String of DolphinsThis unusual hybrid makes stems covered with gray/green leaves that look like
leaping dolphins! Uncommon and hard to find.
Euphorbia milii Crown of ThornsThe classic - Thorny stems and medium green leaves with screaming scarlet
blooms. Given enough light it literally blooms ALL the time.
Euphorbia tirucalli Pencil CactusNot much to say about this one . . . It looks like a shrub made of bright green
pencils!
Hatiora salicornioides Dancing BonesThis small cactus has unique, green, segmented leaves and is easy to grow in any
well drained mix. Needs a nice, bright sunny spot for best growth.
Hoya carnosa Krinkle Kurl Wax FlowerNutty little corkscrew succulent that is great for hanging baskets. Pink, waxy
flower balls are fragrant and long lasting
Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi Lavender Scallops
A low mounding succulent with green leaves suffused with purple. Tall flower
stalks shoot up with orange/pink/lavender flowers. Cool hummingbird plant
when in bloom. Easy to grow.
Kalanchoe orygalis CopperspoonsUnique succulent with large paddle shaped leaves covered in coppery hairs. Can
grow up to about 6' tall but easy to cut back and maintain smaller in a container.
Kleinia ×kleiniiformis Spear HeadUnique blue green foliage in unusual, triangular shapes. It produces bright
yellow flowers late in the season. Great texture plant even when not in bloom
Pachyphytum bracteosum Silver BractsTight little bunch of perfectly smooth, elliptical leaves that look like polished
stones.
Peperomia columella Colunar Peperomia
Tidy little green succulent that is easy to grow indoors or outside in summer.
Likes a little more water than most succulents but doesn't like it wet by any
means.
Selenicereus anthonyanus ZigZag CactusGreat succulent/cactus for hanging baskets where the long. Leathery, and
zigzag'd leaves can strut their stuff. Fun one for kids.
Senecio crassissimus Vertical Leaf SenecioMulti-branched succulent with gray/purple stems and leaves and bright yellow
blooms. Aster family member.Senecio haworthii Wooly Sencio Fun South African species with heavily wooly silver succulent foliage.
Senecio mandraliscaea Blue Chalk Sticks
Stunning tropical succulent with 3" long, screaming silver blue succulent leaves.
Great container accent for the summer garden. We wouldn't be without this
one.
Senecio radicans Fish Hook Plant
Crazy little tropical with gray/green succulent leaves bent in a "J" shape. Great
for small hanging baskets or in a pot on a pedestal where it can ramble over the
sides.
Sun Perennials
Acanthus spinosus Bear's Breeches
We love this tough and durable perennial for its deep, glossy green foliage and
white veins and the Victorian purple/pink/white flower spikes in late spring. It
will grow in full sun or part shade in any reasonable soil. Most likely what's in the
country under this name is a hybrid but we really don't care. It's a great plant.
Deer proof, great cut, lives forever.
Ajania pacifica Silver and Gold Gold and Silver Chrysanthemum
Dense mass of deep green foliage edged with a thin silver liner, it produces large
crops of bright yellow flowers in fall on a plant that grows about 1' tall and about
2' wide. Not terribly long lived but adds a nice bit of unique foliage in summer
and a splash of flower power in fall. Full sun to light shade
Allium Millenium Ornamental Onion
Quite the rage when it was named the Perennial Plant Association's 2018
Perennial Plant of the Year. Forms a mass of fine textured, tubular foliage to
about 18" tall and dense masses of pink/purple flowers in spring. Great
pollinator plant. Deer proof. Easy to grow in just about any sunny site.
Allium senescens subsp.
glaucumMountain Garlic
Super little edger or rockery plant with flat, somewhat twisted linear leaves with
a blue/gray coloration. The whole plant in foliage only gets about 4-5" tall. Pink
spring blooms dance just above the foliage. Full sun to light shade - and we even
grow it on our green roof!
Amorpha canescens Lead Plant
Three foot tall and wide North American native plant known for drought
tolerance and unique, purple/gray flowers in summer. Takes full sun and dry
soils.
Amsonia tabernaemontana var.
salicifoliaThreadleaf Bluestar
We LOVE this selection. Forms extremely vigorous masses of fine textured
foliage up to about 4' tall and wide that are topped by sky blue flowers in spring.
Good spring pollinator plant, deer resistant and makes a good cut flower too.
Best in full sun on well drained soils. Similar to A. hubrichtii but more robust in
growth.
Asclepias incarnata Swamp Milkweed
Outstanding native that grows to about 4-5' tall and produces summer to fall
blooms of pink with an unusual cinnamon/vanilla scent. One of the very best
plants for attracting and supporting not only monarchs but a long list of native
butterflies. Likes sunny moist settings. Deadhead for repeat blooms. Makes a
great cut flower too.
Asclepias incarnata Cinderella Swamp Milkweed
Outstanding native that grows to about 4-5' tall and produces summer to fall
blooms of pink (richer pink than typical for Cinderella) with an unusual
cinnamon/vanilla scent. One of the very best plants for attracting and supporting
not only monarchs but a long list of native butterflies. Likes sunny moist settings.
Deadhead for repeat blooms. Makes a great cut flower too.
Asclepias incarnata Ice Ballet Swamp Milkweed
Outstanding native that grows to about 4-5' tall and rather than the typical pink
flowers, this one is a clear white, with an unusual cinnamon/vanilla scent. One of
the very best plants for attracting and supporting not only monarchs but a long
list of native butterflies. Likes sunny moist settings. Deadhead for repeat blooms.
Makes a great cut flower too.
Asclepias incarnata Milkmaid Swamp Milkweed
Outstanding native that grows to about 4-5' tall and produces summer to fall
blooms in white with an unusual cinnamon/vanilla scent. One of the very best
plants for attracting and supporting not only monarchs but a long list of native
butterflies. Likes sunny moist settings. Deadhead for repeat blooms. Makes a
great cut flower too.
Asclepias incarnata Soulmate Swamp Milkweed
Outstanding native that grows to about 4-5' tall and produces summer to fall
blooms of deep, vivid pink with white centers and an unusual cinnamon/vanilla
scent. One of the very best plants for attracting and supporting not only
monarchs but a long list of native butterflies. Likes sunny moist settings.
Deadhead for repeat blooms. Makes a great cut flower too.
Asclepias speciosa Showy Milkweed
Cool, western North American species of milkweed to about 3' tall with summer
blooms featuring pink, star shaped individual flowers. A showy native that's
perfect for those monarch waystation gardens. Full sun
Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly Weed
A favorite native for sunny sites. Loose masses of green foliage grow to about 2'
tall and produce late summer sprays of vivid orange flowers. Attracts monarch
butterflies (and lots of others) and loads of other pollinators as well. Good cut
flower. Deer proof. Loves hot, sunny and dry conditions.
Baptisia American
GoldfinchFalse Indigo
Brilliant yellow flower spikes in spring top 24-36" gray/green foliage. Black/gray
seed pods persist through the fall and into winter. Good pollinator plant. Good
cut flower. Deer proof. Easy to grow and long lived on sunny sites
Baptisia Carolina Moonlight False Indigo
This selection forms 36" tall masses of gray/green foliage and pale yellow flower
spikes in spring. Great cut flower and pollinator plant. Tough, long lived, deer
proof and a joy to grow. Full sun.
Baptisia Lemon Meringue False Indigo
A very nice selection of our native Baptisia with rich, butter yellow flowers on
strong, upright stems. Excellent for the sunny garden. Good pollinator plant, cut
flower and long lived performer.
Betonica officinalis Hummelo Betony
Tough, durable and attractive sun perennial to 24-30" tall topped with
rose/purple mid summer blooms. The highest rated selection in a Chicago
Botanic Garden multi-year trial.
Campanula Pink Octopus Spreading Bellflower
This stunning campanula forms mounded mass of fine textured foliage about 10"
tall and 2' wide. In mid summer it sends up erect stems covered with rosy pink
flowers with long, string-like petals. Heat tolerant perennial for the sun garden.
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides Plumbago
This selection just plain gets it done, year after year. Dense mass of glossy, deep
green foliage to about 8" tall spreads to form an excellent groundcover with
intense blue blooms in spring and sporadically through the summer and fall.
Easy to grow in any reasonable soil in sun or part shade.
Chelone glabra Black Ace Turtlehead
An outstanding species in its own right, this native will grow to 5-6' tall in a
sunny spot with ample moisture. In fall it is topped with clear white flowers.
Black Ace adds foliage that starts out the season almost black and fades
gradually to very dark green. Great cut flower. Good late season pollinator plant.
Chrysanthemum Clara Curtis Hardy Chrysanthemum
Excellent garden mum with mounded foliage to about 2' tall and 3' wide topped
in fall with clear pink flowers. Fantastic late season pollinator plant and way
better than those silly pot mums from the grocery store!
Chrysanthemum Mary Stoker Hardy Chrysanthemum
Excellent garden mum with mounded foliage to about 2' tall and 3' wide topped
in fall with peach to yellow flowers. Fantastic late season pollinator plant and
way better than those silly pot mums from the grocery store!
Chrysanthemum weyrichii Pink Bomb Hardy Chrysanthemum
One of the outstanding garden mums that makes a great garden plant, comes
back year after year and is just so much better than those silly grocery store pot
mums. Low mounds of gray/green foliage to about2' tall and 3' wide cover in fall
with cheerful pink flowers. Nice fragrance and excellent late season pollinator
plant. Best in full sun or light shade and any reasonable soy. One pinch in late
spring helps keep the plant nice and tidy.
Clinopodium nepeta White Cloud Lesser Calaminth
Super little, fine textured plant with gray/green, minty scented foliage and white
flowers from spring to frost. Excellent for the dry garden, front of the border or
pretty much anywhere else you have sun and well drained soil.
Clinopodium nepeta subsp.
nepetaLesser Calaminth
Fantastic, incredibly drought tolerant sun perennial to about 2-2.5' tall with fine,
gray/green minty scented foliage and dainty pale purple flowers summer to fall.
Coreopsis Jethro Tull Tickseed
Excellent selection of tickseed to about 2' tall with fine textured foliage and
cheerful yellow flowers with unusual tubular ray flowers. Best in full sun and well
drained soil - quite adaptable. Good cut, pollinator and all around great bloomer
for the summer garden
Coreopsis tripteris Gold Standard Tall Coreopsis
One of our favorite late season composites. A North American native that will
grow to 6-8' tall and 4-6' wide that starts to show its bright yellow blooms in late
May or early June and doesn't stop until some time in fall. Drought tolerant,
deer proof, good cut and pollinator plant, this one does it all. Loves full sun and
dry-ish soil. Actually, too much irrigation can lead to flop. A Mt Cuba
introduction
Delosperma P001S Fire Spinner™ Ice PlantCold hardy, semi-succulent creeper with vivid red to red/orange blooms in
spring. Great for the rock garden or container in full, screaming sun.
Echinacea Cheyenne Spirit Coneflower
A yellow to orange flowering seed strain of this amazing group of sun plants.
Foliage up to about 2' tall with cheerful flowers above, this one is great for
attracting butterflies and other pollinators during the summer season. Full sun
and well drained soil
Echinacea Prairie Giant Coneflower
A purple coneflower on steroids! Larger than normal summer flowers of rich,
rosy purple, oversized leaves and a plant that reaches a bit more than 3' tall.
Wonderful native for the sun garden, as a cut flower and, of course, a great
pollinator plant.
Echinacea purpurea Green Twister ConeflowerFun coneflower selection with petals that are vivid rose purple in the center and
bright green at the edges.
Echinacea purpurea Magnus Purple ConeflowerLarge flowered form of the classic native coneflower with rich and vivid
purple/magenta petals in mid summer. Great pollinator plant. Sun, sun sun.
Echinacea purpurea Pow Wow White ConeflowerClear white petaled selection of the classic cone flower with strong upright
stems. Good fragrance.
Echinacea purpureaPow Wow Wild
BerryConeflower
Classic coneflower architecture with screaming purple/pink/red (we really don’t
know what to call the color) flowers.
Echinacea purpurea Prairie Splendor Coneflower
A slightly shorter grower and longer bloomer than typical for the species. Like all
Echinaceas, outstanding pollinator plant and cut flower. Full sun and well
drained soil.
Echinacea purpurea Ruby Star Coneflower
One that's been around a long time and is still an excellent performer. Brilliant
rose/magenta petals and orange/brown centers on a 30" tall plant that blooms
mid summer. Great pollinator and cut flower for full sun.
Echinops ritro Globe Thistle
Durable and long flowering masses of spiny looking foliage to about 3-4' tall
produce mid and late summer globes of sky blue flowers. Excellent cut flower.
Super pollinator plant for the summer border. Deer proof. Sun and well drained
soil.
Eryngium planum Blue Sea Holly
What a cool plant for the hot, sunny, dry garden! 3' tall masses of spiny-looking
foliage produces mid summer masses of bright blue flowers. It is a great cut
flower, excellent pollinator plant, deer proof . . . Even great as a dried flower.
Oh, and it's great if just left to bloom in the garden too.
Eryngium planum Blue Glitter Sea Holly
What a cool plant for the hot, sunny, dry garden! 3' tall masses of spiny-looking
foliage produces mid summer masses of bright blue flowers with 'Blue Glitter'
being brighter blue than normal. It is a great cut flower, excellent pollinator
plant, deer proof . . . Even great as a dried flower. Oh, and it's great if just left to
bloom in the garden too.
Eryngium planum Blue Hobbit Sea Holly
A more compact (2' tall) version of an outstanding plant. 24" tall masses of spiny-
looking foliage produces mid summer masses of bright blue flowers. It is a great
cut flower, excellent pollinator plant, deer proof . . . Even great as a dried flower.
Oh, and it's great if just left to bloom in the garden too.
Eupatorium fortunei Pink Frost Variegated Joe Pye Weed
This 4'-tall sun plant offers creamy yellow edge variegation around gray green
centers. It produces late summer/fall masses of medium pink flowers that are
excellent for late season pollinators. Fun sun on well drained soils.
Eutrochium maculatum Gateway Joe Pye Weed
The original and still hard to beat! This native perennial grows to about 6' tall
with deep green foliage that is topped with dusty pink flower heads in late
summer. Outstanding pollinator plant. Excellent cut flower. Deer proof. Just give
it sun and stand back!
Fragaria vesca Alexandra Ornamental Strawberry
One of the better alpine strawberries for the garden. Runnerless plants form
clumps of foliage to about 8" tall and small, deep red, sweet fruit throughout the
season. Don't crowd these plants and you'll get way more fruit. Full sun and any
reasonable soil.
Fragaria vesca Golden Alexandra Ornamental Strawberry
Bright little yellow to white strawberries (oh so sweet!) make this a nice wild
strawberry for containers, rock gardens or as a bed edger. Likes full sun and a
rich soil but easy to grow. Does not produce runners so stays in place.
Gentiana PP20433 True Blue™ Gentian
Can't beat blue in the garden! This 18' tall perennial produces vivid, royal blue
flowers late summer and fall. It grows best in sun or light shade - especially a
little shade from the hottest part of the afternoon summer sun. Moist, well
drained soil. One of our favorites for the late season garden. Deer resistant too!
Geranium pratense Dark Reiter Cranesbill
So many perennial geraniums out there . . . This one forms 18" tall masses of fine
textured foliage suffused with dark burgundy and topped by bright pink flowers
in May and sporadically through the summer. Great for full sun or part shade.
Geranium ×cantabrigiense Biokovo Cranesbill
This Theodore Klein Award Winner forms tight, dense masses of dark green
foliage with cheerful, deep purple flowers in late spring. Growing to about 10"
tall, it makes a great edger, crevice plant and is outstanding in containers (we've
had one in the same container for about 10 years!) Easy to grow anywhere in full
sun or part shade. Creates a great groundcover in the shade but few flowers.
Deer resistant.
Geranium ×cantabrigiense Karmina CranesbillMat forming foliage topped with bright pink flowers. Great groundcover
perennial with a floral display to knock your eyes out. Deer resistant
Helenium autumnale Balsalulow Salud Yellow™ Sneeze Weed
This compact grower will reach about 18" tall with masses of upright stems that
produce a mass of bright, clear yellow blooms in late summer and fall. Great for
full sun on just about any middle of the road soil. Good cut flower.
Helianthus salicifolius Autumn Gold Willowleaf Sunflower
Outstanding 2' sun perennial with super fine textured foliage and dense masses
of cheerful yellow flowers that start opening in late summer and bloom though
the fall. Great pollinator plant for the late season. Deer resistant. Easy to grow.
Heliopsis helianthoides Summer Sun False Sunflower
Outstanding 2-3' sun perennial that produces masses of clear yellow, double
flowers in late summer and fall. Great pollinator plant, cut flower and
tremendously adaptable to dry sites. Theodore Klein Plant Award Winner.
Heliopsis helianthoides USPP 11270Bressingham Doubloon™ False
Sunflower
Excellent selection of this late summer and fall blooming sun perennial. Grows to
4-5' tall with an upright growth habit and is covered with vivid yellow/gold
double blooms to close out the season. Tough and durable plant.
Hemerocallis Autumn Minaret Day Lily
We simply love this daylily. Given to us by one of our Sunken Rock Garden
volunteers, we love the 6' tall, wiry stems with golden yellow flowers that don't
bloom until late summer. It's a great multiplier and looks great in large masses.
Full sun and any soil
Hemerocallis Marque Moon Day Lily
Everybody wants the white daylily . . . and this is almost it . . . Creamy white,
highly reflexed and ruffled flowers with yellow rims grace this 24" sun perennial.
A delightful addition to the sun garden.
Hemerocallis Monterrey Jack Day LilyThere are so many . . . How do you pick one? This daylily is as tough as typical
and produces June flowers of a chiffon yellow and deep red/burgundy center.
Hylotelephium sieboldii Siebold's Stonecrop
Low, mat forming succulent with rounded, blue/gray leaves and bright pink
blooms in fall. Works well in the sunny rock garden, containers or even in
hanging baskets.
Hylotelephium telephium Autumn Joy Stonecrop
The classic! 2-3' mounds of thick, succulent, gray/green foliage offer up stout
masses of pink blooms late in the season. Deer proof and long lived. Works best
in full sun and good drainage. Good cut. Great paired with fall asters and
autumn sunflowers.
Hylotelephium telephium Vera Jameson Stonecrop
If I say "Sedum" will you know what I mean? This one grows less than 12" tall
with dusty gray/purple foliage and bright pink blooms in fall. Good for full sun on
well drained sites.
Indigofera heterantha Himalayan Indigo
Fantastic summer blooming shrub! Growing up to about 4' tall and wide with
fine, gray/green foliage, this one starts blooming (on new wood) in late May and
continues right up until fall with rose/pink blooms. Deer proof. Disease resistant.
Tolerant of full sun to part shade. Can be grown as a cut back shrub as well. One
of our favorites!
Iris domestica Hello YellowDwarf Blackberry Lily
(Belamcanda)
A fun one to grow in the sunny garden. Architectural, upright and sword-like
leaves are topped in mid summer with clear yellow flowers. The black seeds can
be harvested to grow more next year.
Iris ensata Variegata Variegated Japanese Iris
Excellent iris for moist conditions and even at pond's edge. 24" tall, sword-like
foliage with bold cream streaks offers up bright blue/purple blooms in late
spring through mid summer. Good cut flower. Loves the sun.
Iris sibirica Lady Vanessa Siberian Iris
One of our favorite iris varieties, hands down! 2.5-3' tall, sword-like foliage is
excellent quality in its own right. In mid spring plants are covered with the most
electric rosy pink/purple color on the planet. A strong grower and strong
multiplier means you'll have plenty to divide and share. Full sun and well drained
soil.
Kniphofia Flamenco Torch Lily
20-30" tall masses of arching green foliage bear summer spikes of screaming
orange and yellow flowers. Great plant for hummingbirds, butterflies and other
pollinators, an excellent cut flower and deer resistant to boot! Plant in full sun
and well drained soil
Lavandula angustifolia ScholaBlue Cushion Dwarf English
Lavender
Several years ago we trialed about 15 different lavenders in our nursery. After 3
years of growth, Blue Cushion was one of only 2 that not only survived but
thrived. Low masses of fragrant, gray foliage with spring bloom spikes colored . .
. well . . . lavender! Like all lavenders, needs good drainage. We like to lay the
root ball on the surface of the soil and mound up around it to insure good
drainage around the crown.
Lavandula angustifolia Thumbelina Leigh Dwarf English Lavender
Several years ago we trialed about 15 different lavenders in our nursery. After 3
years of growth, Thumbelina Leigh was one of only 2 that not only survived but
thrived. Low masses of fragrant, gray foliage with spring bloom spikes colored . .
. well . . . lavender! Like all lavenders, needs good drainage. We like to lay the
root ball on the surface of the soil and mound up around it to insure good
drainage around the crown.
Leptodermis oblonga Leptodermis
This plant needs a serious common name upgrade. Typically growing to a large
shrub to about 8' tall, its claims to fame are: 1) absolute bombproof constitution -
It will grow about anywhere it gets at least half a day of sun, and 2) it blooms
and blooms and blooms. Starting in late spring and continuing through a good
chunk of the summer it forms delicate masses of pale purple/lilac flowers that
attract loads of pollinators. We grow it as a cut back shrub, wicking it to the
ground in winter, and it grows back to form about a 3-4' shrub in a single season.
Deer proof. Adaptable.
Lespedeza bicolor Yakushima Bush Clover
A small version of the related L. thunbergii, this one only grows 1-2' tall with fine
textured foliage and rosy/lilac terminal flowers in late summer. Excellent for sun
or light shade. Non invasive
Lespedeza thunbergii Gempei Bush Clover
Great, fountain-like woody shrub to about 6' tall known for its dramatic growth
habit and late summer/early fall flowers. Gempei has both white and rosy pink
blooms at the same time! We grow this as a cutback shrub, cutting it to the
ground each winter. Quite drought tolerant but is happier with ample moisture
in the heat of the summer. Best for full sun or light shade. Non invasive.
Lespedeza thunbergii Gibraltar Bush Clover
The most common of the Lespedezas, this one grows to 6' tall with broad,
arching growth that can reach 10' in spread. Deep, gray green foliage produces
vivid purple/rose blooms in late summer. A good cut back shrub and incredibly
durable. Full sun to light shade. Quite drought tolerant but happier with ample
moisture in the heat of the summer. Non invasive.
Leucanthemum Becky Daisy
Classic shasta daisy growing to about 3' tall with pure white flower petals and
bright yellow centers. Deadhead for extended bloom. Good cut flower. Sun and
any reasonable soil.
Lilium Tiny Crystal Lily Looks™ Dwarf Asiatic LilyCompact growing, clear white flowered lily up to about 24" all. Great for the sun
or lightly shaded garden.
Lilium Tiny Diamond Lily Looks™ Dwarf Asiatic Lily
Super little Asiatic lily with clear white centered, vivid pink flowers on 24" stems.
Best for full sun. Fragrant and great for cutting but we don’t know why anyone
would take them out of the garden!
Lobelia cardinalis Queen Victoria Cardinal Flower
Stunning selection of our native cardinal flower with screaming red summer
flowers and dark, burgundy foliage. Works best in full sun with plenty of
moisture. Outstanding pollinator plant.
Lobelia ×speciosa Starship Deep Rose Cardinal Flower
This hybrid cardinal flower grows to 24" tall with deep burgundy foliage and late
summer masses of screaming fuchsia/red flowers. Strong upright shape.
Excellent hummingbird plant for the late season border. Sun and ample
moisture.
Lycoris squamigera Naked Lady
The classic! Spring sprays of long, strap-like upright foliage melts away by early
to mid summer when the bare, naked lady stems shoot up from the ground to
offer their huge pink trumpets. Will grow just about anywhere you can get a
spade in the ground!
Lysmachia cilata Firecracker Loosestrife
Vigorous growing spreader that grows to about 2-3' tall with intense burgundy
foliage and gleaming yellow flowers. Loves full sun. Can get a little proud of itself
so give it some room and keep an eye on it! Holds excellent foliage color all
through the season.
Manfreda virginiana Rattlesnake Master
Interesting Kentucky native that can't decide if it's a herbaceous perennial, hardy
succulent or . . . According to some, actually an Agave! Low rosette of thick
green and sometimes deep red spotted foliage gives rise to 4' summer flowering
stalks topped with yellow to pink flowers. Pollinated by sphynx moths, bumble
bees and hummingbirds. Great for the rock garden in full sun. We've even grown
some in containers/troughs. Fun plant
Mazus reptans Creeping Mazus
Dainty little mat forming spreader that's great for threading through stepping
stones, rock gardens or among taller plants. Ground hugging green foliage yields
yellow/purple flowers in spring. Great for sun or light shade
Nepeta Balneplud' Blue Prelude™ Catmint
This big, robust growing catmint will form a mound of fine textured foliage to
about 3' tall and wide with spring-early summer bloom spikes in deep blue.
Great pollinator plant, cut flower and all around sun performer. Shear back after
blooming for possible rebloom later in the summer.
Oenothera fruticosa Sundrops
This classic garden plant is one of those pass-along plants that pops up
everywhere, and for good reason. Low mats of semi-evergreen foliage send up
18-24" vertical blooming stalks topped with glowing yellow flowers in late spring.
Grows just about anywhere you have bright sun and reasonable soil.
Opuntia humifusa Prickly Pear
The only cactus native to Kentucky! Low spreading mass of oval succulent pads
covered with long spines. Produces stunning orange to yellow flowers in early
summer. Great for hot, sunny sites on well drained soil. A real conversation
piece!
Opuntia polycantha Plains Prickly Pear
A North American native cactus that ranges from deserts of Texas all the way to
the Pacific Northwest and western Canada! Cold hardy cactus with thick,
succulent pads of foliage that creep along the ground and produce yellow
(occasionally purple) flowers in early summer. Good for bright sunny spots and
well drained soil
Origanum Amethyst Falls Ornamental Oregano
A delightful creeping and cascading ornamental oregano for containers,
rockeries or the sunny mixed border. In spring, the 10" foliage is covered with
masses of pink/purple blooms set off by bright lemon/lime bracts. Loves full sun
and well drained soils.
Origanum Kent Beauty Ornamental Oregano
This hybrid oregano forms a low mass of spicy, aromatic, gray foliage and
beautiful rosy pink floral bracts about 6-8" high and up to 3' wide. It is excellent
in containers and well drained soils in full sun. Short lived perennial that can be
grown as an annual for color and texture. Can be used for cooking but the flavor
is not as intense as culinary oreganos.
Paeonia Butter Bowl Herbaceous PeonyNice strong-stemmed herbaceous peony with rich pink outer petals and a mass
of strong yellow/gold ruffly petaloids in the center. Great cut for the sun garden.
Paeonia Cherry Charm Herbaceous PeonyThis excellent Roy Klehm selection has vivid red petals and a bright yellow
center. Strong stems and high flower production. Great cut flower for bright sun
Paeonia Coral and Gold Herbaceous PeonyStrong stemmed selection with brilliant coral petals and a cheerful yellow
center. Great cut flower for bright sun
Paeonia Honey and Cream Herbaceous Peony
An excellent and very fragrant selection from famed breeder Roy Klehm, this one
has clear white petals and a bright golden center. Strong stems and mid season
bloom time. Great cut flower for full sun
Paeonia Miss Congeniality Herbaceous PeonyAn anemone type herbaceous peony with a pale pink, ruffled center and rich,
dark pink outer petals. Great cut flower for bright sun
Penstemon digitalis PPAF Onyx and Pearls Beardtongue
There are thousands of Penstemons out there but this one is outstanding. Deep
burgundy stems and leaves topped with white summer blooms. It is a strong
grower, heavy bloomer and as reliable as they come. Full sun and well drained
soil.
Perovskia atriplicifolia PP27526 Rocketman™ Russian Sage
Russian Sage is a useful, tremendously drought tolerant sun perennial with
silvery stems and purple blooms in summer. The knock on it is that it can get
floppy and disorganized looking. Rocketman was selected to be a tad shorter
(2.5-3' tall) with stronger, upright stems and heavy crops of flowers.
Phlox paniculata David Garden PhloxThe classic, white flowered and mildew resistant tall phlox for the sunny,
summer garden. Fragrant. Great pollinator plant. Excellent cut flower.
Phlox paniculata USPP 12070Goldmine Variegated Garden
Phlox
This is a rare find in the garden world . . . A tall garden phlox with gold
variegated leaves and bright magenta flowers that isn't a complete mildew trap!
Good heat and humidity tolerance and excellent disease resistance make this
eye-catching plant worthy of a spot in any sunny or lightly shaded garden.
Phlox xprocumbens Pink Profusion Creeping Phlox
Outstanding hybrid phlox from our friend Dr. Jim Ault at the Chicago Botanic
Garden. This spreading sun perennial forms an evergreen mat 3-4" tall with
brilliant pink spring blooms. Vigorous grower and heavy flowerer.
Physostegia virginiana Variegata Obedient Plant
Three foot tall sun perennial (can take a touch of shade too) that offers
white/green variegated foliage that looks good all summer long. In summer the
stems are topped with 3" spikes of rosy pink flowers. Good summer pollinator
plant and cut flower. It is obedient in that when in flower, the flower stems can
be bent over and they will stay that way . . . sort of . . .
Platycodon grandiflorus Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower
A classic for the minded border or vase - 24" tall masses of loose, deep green
foliage produce deep purple "balloon" buds bursting open in late spring. Full sun
or light shade.
Ratibida columnifera Yellow Prairie Coneflower
This North American native grows to 2-3' tall and produces summer/fall masses
of yellow to yellow/orange flowers with elongated brown central discs. Works
great in full sun and it tremendously drought tolerant, deer resistant and
adaptable.
Rudbeckia American Gold
RushBlack-Eyed Susan
One of the better black eyed Susan's on the market today. Growing up to 24-30"
tall, it explodes in mid summer with huge masses of classic black eyed Susan
flowers in mid summer. Good cut flower and pollinator plant for full sun.
Rudbeckia maxima Giant Coneflower
This is one big honkin' coneflower! A basal mass of bright, blue/green foliage
yields an 8-9' tall stalk with multiple yellow flowers with dark brown centers in
mid to late summer. Makes a huge statement in the summer garden. Loves hot,
sunny sites with dervish soil once established
Ruta graveolens Blue Mound Rue
Grown primarily for its fine textured, bright blue/green foliage and gleaming
yellow spring flowers, this selection is great for the sunny border. Deer resistant,
butterfly attracting and easy to grow. Makes a good cut flower also. Butterfly
host plant!
Salvia forsskaolei Balkan Sage
We still can't figure out how to pronounce the name but we love the plant! Low
mounds of bright green, leathery leaves produce 8"-12" tall masses of sky blue
flowers off and on through the late spring and summer. Not like anything else
we've ever grown. Full sun.
Scabiosa superba Mongolian Mist Pincushion Plant
A stunner! 12-15" mounds of deep green foliage support spring masses of rich
blue/purple pincushion flowers. Loves the sun and good drainage, it a great cut
flower, deer proof and, heck, how many plants do you already have from the
haunts of inner Mongolia?!
Sedum Lime Zinger Sunsparkler® Sedum
From the Sedum man himself, Chris Hansen, comes this fun little creeping
Sedum with glossy, succulent green leaves edged in bright chartreuse. Forms a
dense mound to a mat to about 8" tall. Sun and well drained soil. Great for rock
gardens, troughs or as an edger.
Sedum kamtschaticum Kamchatka SedumA good, all green foliaged groundcover sedum for full sun or part shade. Glossy
green carpet to about 6" tall with bright yellow flowers. Easy to grow.
Sedum rupestre Angelina Stonecrop
Vigorous, creeping cold hardy succulent foliage that is screaming gold in spring
and brilliant orange in winter. Great in green roofs, containers, troughs and the
sunny border. Well drained soil.
Sedum sexangulare Tasteless Stonecrop
Low growing and super fine textured cold hardy succulent for troughs, rock
garden or containers. Best in full sun and well drained soil. Never too sure about
the "tasteless" thing . . . Never actually tried it!
Sempervivum Commander Hay Hen and Chicks
Low growing mat of tight, spiral rosettes with deep burgundy leaves tipped in
green. For the sunny trough, container or rock garden. Full sun and well drained
soil.
Sempervivum Silverine Hen and Chicks
The classic! This cold hardy succulent forms low mats of silver/green foliage
rosettes. Can be grown in ground beds, rock gardens, containers, troughs, green
roofs and just about anywhere else you can provide good drainage and lots of
sun.
Sempervivum globiferum
subsp.arenariumRollers
Fun little hardy succulent from the mountains of Austria. Tight, almost spherical
masses of overlapping succulent scale-like leaves on a low mass to about 2" tall.
Loves sun and well drained soils
Senna hebecarpa Wild Senna
This large, shrub-like sun perennial grows up to 5' tall and wide with bold,
gray/green foliage topped by bright yellow flowers in summer. It is a great
pollinator plant, attracting honeybees and a wide list of butterflies. Black seed
pods in fall are favored by turkeys. This is a tough and durable native for the sun
garden
Silphium lacinatium Compass Plant
For those of us who like big, honkin' plants! This tallgrass prairie native forms a
mass of highly dissected, deep green leaves and a 6-9' flowering stalk topped
with small, sunflower like blooms in late summer. Loves sun and dry soils and
has a massive tap root - so put it where you want it!
Silphium perfoliatum Cup Plant
A big beast of a plant for the sun garden. Starting with a low mound of coarse
foliage, this North American native sends up a huge stalk up to 8-9' tall that
produces several bright, cheerful, small sunflower-like flowers in mid to late
summer. Its seeds are favored by a wide range of birds in late fall and early
winter. Makes quite a statement in the garden but make sure you put it where
you want it. Cup plant has a huge tap root system and is difficult to move once
established.
Solidago Crown of Rays Goldenrod
Excellent goldenrod for the sun garden. It grows to 2-3' tall and produces large,
yellow inflorescences in mid summer and into early fall. Great pollinator plant.
Excellent cut flower. Deer proof.
Solidago shortii Solar Cascade Goldenrod
Selected by our good friend Steve Foltz of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical
Gardens, this cascading goldenrod as a great summer/fall bloomer to plant
above a wall or on a slope. Brilliant yellow flowers and deep green foliage. Full
sun and well drained soil.
Stokesia laevis Honeysong Purple Stoke's Aster
Great selection that forms a 1-2' tall mound of strong and ferny foliage topped in
late spring by vivid purple flowers. Attracts scads of butterflies and other
pollinators. Great cut flower. Long bloom time and just a great overall performer
for the sun garden.
Stokesia laevis Mel's Blue Stokes' Aster
Improved selection of this incredibly useful sun perennial. Growing 12-18" all, it
produces vivid lavender/blue pin cushion flowers in mid spring and then
continuing off and on through the summer. Great cut flower and butterfly plant.
Needs good drainage.
Stokesia laevis Peachie's Pick Stoke's Aster
Stoke's aster is known as a great, low mounding perennial with excellent spring
to early summer purple flowers. 'Peachie's Pick' blooms later and longer than
normal making it a great season extender. Excellent pollinator plant, cut flower
and deer proof winner.
Symphyotrichum laeve Bluebird Smooth Aster
This Mt Cuba Center introduction makes an outstanding garden plant. Strong
upright growth to about 3' tall, the dark green foliage is covered with
blue/lavender flowers in late summer and fall. Foliage remains good looking all
summer and doesn’t get hammered by disease as happens to so many asters out
there. Great pollinator plant for the end of the season.
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae Purple Dome New England AsterShort and compact version to about 24" with a tight mounded shape and almost
iridescent purple flowers in fall. Good late season pollinator plant.
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii Alert New York Aster
A very nice and compact selection of New York aster growing to 1' tall with good
branching and deep red flowers in late summer and fall. Good late season
pollinator plant. Deer resistant. Loves sun and well drained sites.
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium Raydon's Favorite Fragrant Aster
The fragrant asters are about as tough as they come. Locally native, it can be
found growing out of rocky crevices in gravel and clay. Forms a dense mound of
fine textured foliage about 2' tall and 3' wide. Leaves have a minty aroma when
crushed. Lavender/blue flowers cover every inch of the plant in fall. While this is
a dense grower and really doesn't need pinching, one pinch back in May makes
it even more dense and compact.
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium October Skies Fragrant Aster
The fragrant asters are about as tough as they come. Locally native, if can be
found growing out of rocky crevices in gravel and clay. Forms a dense mound of
fine textured foliage about 2' tall and 3' wide. Leaves have a minty aroma when
crushed. Purple/blue flowers cover every inch of the plant in fall. While this is a
dense grower and really doesn't need pinching, one pinch back in May makes it
even more dense and compact.
Symphytum grandiflorum Comfrey
Forming a spreading mass of 24" tall, deep, leathery green foliage, it sends out
delicate masses of creamy yellow to white flowers in early to mid spring. Makes
an impenetrable groundcover in sun or filtered light.
Tetraneuris scaposa Prairie Sunshine
We have no idea why everyone isn't growing this plant. A small sunflower
relative, it grows to only about 8" tall with fine textured foliage and delightful,
clear yellow flowers in spring and summer. It's a great plant for the rock garden,
or the front of a mixed border. Loves full sun and well drained soil.
Thalictrum TNTNP Nimbus™ Pink Meadow Rue
A compact growing mass of fine, ferny foliage topped with large clouds of
lavender/pink blooms from May to July. Grows up to about 2.5' tall and works
well in full sun or light shade
Valeriana rubra Coccineus Red ValerianUseful little sun perennial to about 2' tall with fine textured foliage and terminal
masses of rich pink/red flowers in late spring/early summer.
Vernonia lettermannii Narrowleaf Ironweed
Sometimes you just stumble on a plant that turns out to be a favorite. We
received this one by mistake a number of years ago and it turned out to be one
of our favorites. Low dense masses of thread-fine dark green foliage to about
18" tall produces deep and vivid violet summer blooms. Excellent pollinator
plant. Loves hot and dry sun. Deer proof. Easy to grow.
Veronicastrum virginicum Alboroseum Culver's Root
A tall and somewhat ethereal and airy large perennial to about 5' or so tall with
upright stems topped by summer spikes of white to pale pink flowers. Great for
full sun or part shade on average soils. Good cut flower and pollinator plant.
Trees
Acer carpinifolium Hornbeam Maple
Very cool and uncommon maple that looks like anything but a maple. A medium
tree to about 35' tall or so with an upright rounded growth habit, it has opposite
leaves like a maple but unlike typical maple leaves these are long, narrow ovals.
Gun metal gray bark and rusty red fall color. This is a strong grower, highly
disease resistant and quite drought tolerant once established.
Acer palmatum Hubb's Red Willow Japanese Maple
Very finely dissected leaves of vivid burgundy color in spring, fading a bit in the
heat of the summer, this is a great texture tree to about 20' tall. Brilliant
red/burgundy fall color. For full sun or light shade and adequate moisture.
Acer palmatum Tsukasa Silhouette Columnar Japanese MapleA loosely columnar selection that will grow 18' tall and half that in width over
time with bright green early foliage changing to scarlet in fall.
Acer palmatum var. dissectum Red DragonLaceleaf Weeping Japanese
Maple
A dwarf and cutleaf selection with intense burgundy/red foliage that holds its
color quite well through the summer. Mature height of 4-6' with a bit more
width. Bright light with a little protection from the hot afternoon summer sun
works best.
Acer tegmentosum Joe Witt Snakebark Maple
An outstanding striped maple for the lightly shaded garden. Upright oval to
about 25' tall over time, it has fairly bold textured, light green leaves that turn
bright yellow in fall. Bark, particularly on branches under about 5" in diameter, is
striped with white, green and gray. Likes a little shade and even moisture.
Aesculus parviflora Bottlebrush Buckeye
Large, suckering shrub for light shade, it will reach 10-18' tall and wide over
time. Deep green foliage and early summer spikes of white are great for
attracting butterflies and bumble bees. Easy to grow
Aesculus parviflora Rogers Bottlebrush Buckeye
Large, suckering shrub for light shade, it will reach 10-18' tall and wide over
time. Deep green foliage and early summer spikes of white are great for
attracting butterflies and bumble bees. 'Rogers' is a later blooming form with
flower spikes that can reach a full 3' in length!
Albizia julibrissin Summer Chocolate Mimosa
This burgundy foliaged mimosa makes quite a statement in the summer garden.
Vigorous and retaining its color all through the summer, we cut it back to the
ground each winter to keep if from flowering (and then producing tons of
seedlings!) Full sun
Amelanchier alnifolia Obelisk Serviceberry
This nice, upright selection will produce a 12-15' tall, multi-trunked tree with
fresh green leaves and cheerful white spring blooms. Small, blueberry-like fruit
form in summer and are edible - good for eating or attracting birds. Nice
orange/yellow fall color. Good for full sun or light shade in a reasonably moist
soil.
Asimina triloba Pawpaw
Unique Kentucky native understory tree with long, somewhat drooping deep
green leaves that turn bright golden yellow in fall. Unusual mahogany flowers in
April produce large lumpy green fruits that have a great flavor that falls
somewhere between a mango and a banana. Grows and fruits best in full sun
but is quite shade tolerant.
Cercis canadensis Alley Cat Variegated Eastern Redbud
Discovered by Louisville's own Allen Bush as a chance seedling in the alley
behind his Louisville garden, this variant of our native redbud produces
substantial leaves of dark green, splashed with white. A good, stable variegation
and strong growth with the typical rosy/pink spring blooms. Great selection for
the sunny garden.
Cercis canadensis Pink Heartbreaker Eastern Redbud
A weeping version of our native flowering redbud, this one will form an informal
weeping mass to about 12' tall and wide. Nice specimen plant for the sunny
garden.
Chionanthus retusus Tokyo Tower Chinese Fringe Tree
Excellent broad columnar selection of this outstanding medium sized tree.
Glossy, bright green leaves are the perfect foil for gleaming white and fragrant
flowers in May/June. Tough and adaptable tree for the sun garden.
Cornus kousa Samzam Chinese Dogwood
This white variegated form is an open grower that will reach about 18' tall and
wide with time. It produces early summer blooms of white and red, raspberry
like fruit in autumn. Excellent choice for brightening up a dark corner of the
garden. More tree like than 'Wolf Eyes'
Cornus alba Regnzam Red Gnome™ Dogwood
This 3-4' tall version of the red stemmed dogwood is more compact than typical
for the species. It is primarily grown for its bright red stems in winter. June
flower heads are white and produce white fruit in late summer and fall that are
great for attracting birds. Best to prune to the ground every year or so to keep
the young stems brightly colored. Full sun
Cornus kousaLustgarten
WeepingWeeping Chinese Dogwood
This weeping version of the Chinese dogwood makes quite a conversation piece.
Maturing at about 8-10' tall, it is a stiff weeper that is useful as a specimen or
focal point in the garden. Best in full sun or part shade with ample moisture.
White blooms in late spring produce raspberry like fruit in fall.
Corylopsis spicata Golden Spring Spike Winterhazel
Delicate and somewhat ethereal spring bloomer to about 8' tall and wide.
Chartreuse colored flowers cover the branches in April followed by similarly
colored leaves. Excellent for the lightly shaded garden. Difficult to find!
Cotinus coggygria NCCO1 Winecraft Black® Smoketree
Smoketree forms a large shrub or small tree to about 15' tall or a bit more. It is a
full sun/part shade plant that is amazingly drought tolerant and known for its
"smoke" like clouds of summer flowers. This selection has incredibly dark
burgundy/black leaves that hold their color better than most. We like to grow
the Cotinus varieties as cut back specimens. You get a smaller plant and don't
get the flowers but you get much more intense foliage color through the season.
Ginkgo biloba Blagon Gold Spire™ Maiden Hair Tree
A columnar/upright form of this durable and attractive tree. Bright green, fan
shaped leaves turn brilliant gold all at once in fall. Will grow in any reasonable
soil to form a narrow, columnar specimen.
Ginkgo biloba Jade Butterflies Maiden Hair Tree
Slow growing, dwarf selection of the venerable ginkgo. Will reach about 12-15'
after many years of growth. Upright oval and densely branched. Makes an
excellent container specimen or highlight in a small garden. Can take lots of
pruning so you can almost treat it as an in-ground bonsai. Bright golden fall
color.
Ginkgo biloba Weeping Wonder Dwarf Weeping Ginkgo
Funky and informal small weeping selection of ginkgo. We're not entirely sure
how tall this one will grow but you can prune and train it about any way you
want. For full sun. Fun container or specimen tree.
Gymnocladus dioicus Kentucky Coffee Tree
One of our best and most adaptable Kentucky native shade trees. Growing to
about 80' tall and 35' wide with an open branching habit, Coffee Tree has clean,
blue/green summer foliage that turns a beautiful yellow in fall. Extremely
drought tolerant and pest free.
Heptacodium miconioides Seven Son Flower
This tough as nails, large shrub/small tree forms a mass of green in summer with
stringy, exfoliating bark. In late summer and early fall it is covered with lightly
fragrant white blooms and, if the season cooperates, brilling red sepals that
persist for several weeks. Excellent bee plant for full sun or part shade.
Magnolia Lois Yellow Magnolia
This yellow flowering hybrid flowers later than many of the deciduous spring
bloomers, helping it to avoid late spring frosts. Rich yellow flower color and
about a 40' upright oval frame make this an amazingly useful garden tree for full
sun.
Magnolia macrophylla Big Leaf Magnolia
Stunner of a Kentucky native tree with gigantic leaves to 3' long with silver
undersides. Late May flowers of creamy white can reach 12" in diameter! Grows
into a medium tree to about 25' tall or so. Outstanding and hard to find.
Nyssa sylvatica Zydeco Twist Tupelo
As fun as the name implies . . . This black tupelo selection has branches that are
twisted and twirled to give the plant a unique texture. Will grow 40' tall in an
upright oval shape with deep green summer leaves and red/burgundy fall color.
Tolerant of clay and damp soils.
Parrotia subaequalis Chinese Ironwood
Outstanding Chinese native only recently discovered in the wild. It will form a
medium tree up to about 35' tall with a somewhat open habit, deep green
foliage and intense burgundy fall foliage color. Drought and clay tolerant and
quite disease resistant. Choice and extremely hard to find.
Prunus Okame Hybrid Ornamental Cherry
One of the most serviceable and attractive cherry selections on the market.
Blooms in March and April with clear pink flowers that are amazingly freeze
tolerant down to the low 20s! Upright in growth habit it will reach 25-30' tall.
One of our favorites.
Styrax americanus American Snowbell
Impossible to find North American native member of the styrax family, this will
grow to form a 12' tall shrub/tree for understory conditions. Fresh green foliage
and dainty white flowers in late spring. Likes a little TLC in the soil department.
Styrax japonicus Japanese Snowbell
Delightful small tree to about 12' tall and wide with fine textured, dark green
leaves and pendant white blooms. Likes a little protection from hot afternoon
summer sun and a good supply of moisture through the driest part of the
season.