Perennials are plants that die back to their roots in winter and grow back again in the spring, year after year. Growing perennials in containers is not difficult. There are lots of beautiful perennials to choose from. Many perennials bloom for a long time. Another advantage of perennials is that they save you money over time because you don’t have to buy new plants every year.
Care of perennials is similar to that of other plants. One difference is that if growth becomes less vigorous after a few years. When your plant starts looking weaker, it needs to be divided. This means that when the plant is dormant (not in the active growing season) it should be dug up to refresh the root ball. The procedure is simple. You dig up the root ball and cut or pull apart the clump of roots. Keep the younger, healthier-looking parts of the roots and replant them in the soil. Your perennial may appear a little weaker right after division, but will bounce back with a burst of vigor.
Perennials can do very well in container gardens. If you live in a very cold climate, the delicate perennial root system can freeze over the winter. Always choose plants that are suitable for your growing zone and use large containers. The larger the container, the better chance the plant will have to survive the cold. Perennials that are more likely to survive the winter frost in containers include salvia, campanula, phlox, scabiosa, and daylilies. If you live in a warm climate, planting the perennial in the fall gives it a good chance to develop a strong root system over the winter for spring growth.
Perennials – Shade & Part Sun – Favourites:
| Names | Height/ Spread | Light | Zone | Leaf Color | Flower Color | Bloom Time | Soil Moisture | Features/Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Achillea ptarmica YARROW-SNEEZEWORT | 18/24 in. 45/60 cm |  | 2 | green | white | June to Sept. | well-drained | Similar cut flowers to those of Baby’s Breath. Inclined to spread so good for massing. |
| Aster alpinus ASTER-ALPINE | 12/12 in. 30/30 cm | | 2 | green | pink purple white | May to June | well-drained | Short plants display star-shaped daisies. Ideal for front of border or rockery. |
| Bergenia cordifolia BERGENIA-HEARTLEAF | 18/24 in. 45/60 cm |  | 2 | green | pink white | June to July | moist soil | Large glossy green leaves turn bronze in fall. Clusters of flowers rise above foliage in spring. |
| Echinacea purpurea CONEFLOWER | 48/24 in 120/60 cm | | 3 | green | purple white | July to Sept. | well-drained | Long-lasting daisies droop from brown cone. |
| Heuchera hybrid CORAL BELLS-SNOW STORM | 18/12 in. 45/30 cm |  | 3 | white/ green | cerise pink | June to July | moist, well-drained | Very bright, ruffled leaves |
| Myosotis sylvatica FORGET-ME-NOT-GARDEN | 8/8 in 20/20 cm | | 3 | green | true blue pink | May to June | moist soil | Showy spring display by self seeding biennial. Used as under-planting with spring bulbs. |
| Salvia nemerosa ‘May Night’ SALVIA-MAY NIGHT | 24/24 in. 60/60 cm | | 3 | gray-green | indigo violet | May to July | well-drained | Perennial Plant of the Year 1997. Aromatic leaves and spike-like flflowers. |
| Solidago species GOLDENROD | 36/12 in. 90/30 cm | | 2 | green | gold-yellow | Aug. | well-drained | Cultivated native wild flflower. Golden-yellow flflower plumes. |
Perennials – Shade & Part Sun- Other:
| Names | Height/ Spread | Light | Zone | Leaf Color | Flower Color | Bloom Time | Soil Moisture | Features/Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aconitum cammarum MONKSHOOD BICOLOR | 48/24 in. 120/60 cm | | 3 | green | purple white | July to Aug. | moist soil | Bicolor purple and white flower combination. Useful for cut flowers or border. |
| Aconitum napellus MONKSHOOD | 54/24 in. 135/60 cm | | 2 | green | purple | July to Aug. | moist soil | Tall sturdy perennial looks good in large border. Showy spikes of flowers good for cut flowers |
| Aegopodium podagraria SNOW-ON-THE-MOUNTAIN | 12/24 in 30/60 cm | | 1 | green white | green-white | July to Aug. | moist soil | Vigorous ground cover with variegated foliage. Too invasive for the rock garden or border. |
| Alchemilla mollis LADY’S MANTLE | 12/24 in. 30/60 cm | | 2 | silver green | yellow green | June to July | well-drained | Scalloped leaves for edging border. Sprays of flowers used in cut arrangements. |
| Ajuga species AJUGA-BUGLEWEED | 8/18 in 15/45 cm |  | 3 | bronze | purple | May to June | moist soil | Low ground cover with colored, round leaves. Used for mass planting. |
| Anemone sylvestris ANEMONE-SNOWDROP | 18/24 in. 45/60 cm | | 2 | green | white | May to June | well-drained | Spreading ground cover with nodding flowers. Good cover for spring bulbs. |
| Aquilegia x hybrida COLUMBINE-HYBRIDS | varies | | 2 | green | various | May to drained | moist & drained | Popular perennial available in various colors. Giant has long spur flowers for cutting |
| Arctostaphylos uva-ursi KINNIKINNICK-BEARBERRY | 6/6 in. 15/15 cm | | 2 | green | light pink | May to June | moist acidic | Native evergreen ground cover. Low growing plant for acid area under spruce. |
| Aruncus dioicus GOATSBEARD-GIANT | 48/56 in. 120/90 cm | | 2 | green | creamy white | June to July | moist soil | Large plant, lacy leaves. Good at waterside. |
| Aruncus aethusifolius GOATSBEARD-DWARF KOREAN | 12/12 in. 30/30 cm | | 2 | green | white | June to July | moist soil | Beautiful beside a water garden. Shorter size for a smaller garden. |
| Astilbe species ASTILBE-FALSE SPIREA | 36/30 in. 90/75 cm | | 3 | green | various | June to Aug. | moist soil | Large showy flower spikes on lacy foliage. Must have moist soil. |
| Astrantia species ASTRANTIA-MASTERWORT | 24/18 in. 60/45 cm | | 4 | green | pink, red white | June to Aug. | moist soil | Starry flowers look like Queen Anne’s lace. Use in shaded, moist area or as cut flower. |
| Bergenia cordifolia BERGENIA-HEARTLEAF | 18/24 in. 45/60 cm | | 2 | green | pink white | June to July | moist soil | Large glossy green leaves turn bronze in fall. Clusters of flowers rise above foliage in |
| Brunnera macrophylla FORGET-ME-NOT, SIBERIAN | 18/18 in. 45/45 cm | | 2 | green | blue | May to June | moist | A true perennial forget-me-not. Heart-shaped leaves. |
| Caltha palustris CALTHA-MARSH MARIGOLD | 12/12 in. 30/30 cm | | 2 | green | yellow | May | moist soil | Buttercup flowers, heart shaped leaves. wonderful, wet, waterside plant. |
| Cimicifuga racemosa ‘Brunette’ BUGBANE-BRUNETTE | 72/36 in. 200/90 cm | | 4 | purple | Pale pink | Aug to Sept. | moist | Lacy purple leaves and grant pale pink flowers. |
| Cimicifuga simplex BUGBANE-WHITE PEARL | 48/36 in. 120/90 cm | | 3 | light | white green | Sept to Oct | moist | White flower in the fall. |
| Names | Height/ Spread | Light | Zone | Leaf Color | Flower Color | Bloom Time | Soil Moisture | Features/Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Convallaria majalis LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY | 6/12 in. 15/30 cm | | 1 | green | white | May to June | well-drained | Old fashioned, fragrant, bell-shaped flowers. Good ground cover for shady areas. |
| Cornus canadensis BUNCHBERRY | 6/8 in. 15/20 cm | | 2 | green | white | May to June | moist acidic | Native ground cover with glossy leaves. Red berries an fall foliage. |
| Corydalis flexuosa CORYDALIS | 12/12 in. 30/30 cm | | 4 | green | yellow | June to Sep | moist & drained | Long bloomer, self-seeds. Blue species not as hardy |
| Dicentra formosa hybrids BLEEDING HEART-FERNLEAF | 18/12 in. 45/30 cm | | 3 | green | white red | June to Sep | well-drained | Compact mounds of ferny foliage. Luxuriant red variety blooms all summer. |
| Dicentra spectabilis BLEEDING HEART | 36/24 in. 90/60 cm | | 2 | green | pink white | May to June | well-drained | Drooping chains of heart-shaped flowers! Classic shade perennial/old-fashioned favorite. |
| Doronicum cordatum LEOPARD’S BANE | 16/12 in. 40/30 cm | | 2 | green | yellow | May to June | moist & drained | Heart-shaped leaves are at tractive. Showy daisy-like flowers are good for cutting. |
| Epimedium species BARRENWORT | 12/12 in. 30/30 cm |  | 4 | bronzy green | yellow pink | May to June | moist soil | Rare semi-evergreen foliage in various colors. Slow spreading ground cover for shaded area. |
| Galium odoratum SWEET WOODRUFF | 8/24 in. 20/60 cm |  | 3 | green | white | May to July | moist soil | Whorled leaves with aromatic flower clusters. Excellent ground cover for moist shady area. |
| Gaultheria procumbens WINTERGREEN | 6/12 in. 15/30 cm | | 3 | green | light pink | July to Aug. | moist acidic | Shiny aromatic leaves on this ground cover. Pink flowers followed by red edible berries. |
| Heuchera hybrid CORAL BELLS-CHOCOLATE RUFFLES | 24/18 in. 60/45 cm | | 3 | dark brown | white | June July | moist, well-drained | Leaves large and ruffled. Burgundy underneath |
| Heuchera hybrid CORAL BELLS-NORTHERN FIRE | 18/12 in. 45/30 cm | | 2 | green | scarlet red | June July | moist, well-drained | Bred in Morden Manitoba. Flowers high over low foliage. |
| Heuchera hybrid CORAL BELLS-PALACE PURPLE | 18/18 in. 45/45 cm | | 3 | deep purple | white | June July | moist, well-drained | Leaves fade to bronze in Summer. Plants vary from seed. |
| Heuchera hybrid CORAL BELLS-SNOW STORM | 18/12 in. 45/30 cm | | 3 | white/ green | cerise pink | June July | moist, well-drained | Very bright, ruffled leaves |
| Elegans HOSTA – SEIBOLDIANA | 30/48 in. 75/120 cm | | 2 | blue green | white | July | moist, well-drained | The original and one of the best large-leafed true blue hostas; leaves are heavily corrugated. |
| Hosta var. HOSTA-FRANCEE | 24/36 in. 60/90 cm | | 2 | green white | licac | July | moist, well-drained | Slow Groundcover. |
| Hosta var. HOSTA-FRANCES WILLIAMS | 24/36 in. 60/90 cm | | 2 | blue yellow | white | July | moist, well-drained | Specimen plant. Very showy. |
| Hosta var. HOSTA-GOLDEN TIARA | 14/12 in. 35/30 cm | | 2 | green yellow | purple | July | moist, well-drained | Edging plant. Fast Grower. |
| Names | Height/ Spread | Light | Zone | Leaf Color | Flower Color | Bloom Time | Soil Moisture | Features/Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hosta var. HOSTA-HONEYBELLS | 24/48 cm 60/120 cm | | 2 | light green | mauve | August | moist, well-drained | Fragrant flowers. Vigorous grower. |
| Hosta var. HOSTA-SUM & SUBSTANCE | 30/60 in 75/150 cm | | 2 | golden | lavender | August | moist, well-drained | Slug resistant. Very large leaves |
| Iris pseudacorus IRIS-YELLOW FLAG | 48/24 in. 120/60 cm | | 2 | green | yellow | May to June | moist soil | Attractive at the waterside. Similar to blue flag Iris. |
| Lamium maculatum LAMIUM-DEAD NETTLE | 12/12 in. 30/30 cm |  | 2 | green white | pink white | May to Sept. | well-drained | Attractive ground cover with variegated foliage. |
| Ligularia ‘Desdemona’ Ligularia dentata ‘Othello’ LIGULARIA-DESDEMONA | 48/18 in. 120/45 c | | 3 | purple | orange | June to July | moist soil | Huge, rounded, purple leaves. Tall spikes of orange flowers Useful for background of border. |
| Ligularia stenocephala LIGULARIA-THE ROCKET | 6/3 ft. 200/90 cm | | 3 | purple | yellow | June to July | moist soil | Large, rounded, toothed leaves.Tall background plant with yellow spikes. |
| Lysimachia nummularia CREEPING JENNY | 4/18 in. 10/45 cm | | 2 | green/ yellow | gold | May to Aug. | moist soil | Trailing stems quickly form thick carpet. Used in hanging baskets or as ground cover. |
| Myosotis sylvatica FORGET-ME-NOT-GARDEN | 8/8 in. 20/20 cm | | 3 | green | true blue pink | May to June | moist soil | Showy spring display by self seeding biennial. Used as under-planting with spring bulbs. |
| Pachistima canbyi PACHISTIMA-CANBY | 12/18 in. 30/45 cm |  | 2 | green | cidic | Low growing, broadleaf evergreen. Suitable ground cover for shady area. | ||
| Pachysandra terminalis JAPANESE SPURGE | 8/12 in. 20/30 cm | | 3 | green | white | May | moist soil | Glossy evergreen foliage for a ground cover. Needs winter protection on the Prairies. |
| Polemonium caeruleum JACOB’S LADDER | 36/12 in. 90/30 cm | | 2 | green | bluish white | May to July | moist soil | Ladder-like leaflets. Bell-like bluish flowers. Tall perennial for a shady border. |
| Polygonatum species SOLOMON’S SEAL | 24/12 in. 60/30 cm | | 3 | green | white | May to June | moist soil | Graceful stems add exotic touch to shady area.Delicate bell flowers hang from stems. |
| Primula auricula PRIMROSE-AURICULA | 8/8 in. 20/20 cm | | 3 | green | mixed various | April to May | moist soil | Felt-like strawberry shaped leaves. Wide range of flower colors with yellow eyes. Good for rock gardens or edging borders. |
| Primula denticulata PRIMROSE-DRUMSTIC | 12/10 in. 30/25 cm | | 3 | green | mixed | April to May | moist soil | Ball shaped flowers in white and lavender shade. Needs snow cover or mulch for winter. |
| Primula vialii PRIMROSE-CHINA PAGODA | 24/12 in. 60/30 cm | | 3 | green | mauve pink | May to July | moist soil | Gorgeous rocket shaped spikes of flowers in a dazzling mauve-pink combination. |
| Primula ‘Wanda’ PRIMROSE-WANDA | 6/12 in 15/30 cm | | 2 | green | purple pink | April to May | moist soil | Double flowers for spectacular spring display. Perhaps the hardiest Primrose. |
| Pulmonaria species LUNGWORT | 18/12 in. 45/30 cm | | 3 | green silver sports | various blue pink | April to May | moist soil | Attractive spotted leaves Good for mass plantings as ground cover |
| Names | Height/ Spread | Light | Zone | Leaf Color | Flower Color | Bloom Time | Soil Moisture | Features/Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rodgersia species RODGERSIA | 4/3 ft. 120/90 cm | | 3 | purple bronze | pink white | July | moist soil | Tinted large leaves; good as tall waterside plant. Misty plumes of flowers similar to astilbe. |
| Tiarella cordifolia FOAMFLOWER | 12/12 in. 30/30 cm | | 4 | green | pink | May to July | moist soil | Evergreen with bronzy winter color. Low clumps of foliage with flower sprays. |
| Trollius x cultorum TROLLIUS-GLOBEFLOWER | 36/24 in. 90/60 cm | | 2 | green | orange yellow | May to July | moist soil | Large round, buttercup flowers and cut leaves. Popular in shady border or as cut flowers. |
| Vinca minor VINCA OR PERIWINKLE | 6/18 in. 15/45 cm | | 3 | green | violet white | May to Sept. | well-drained | Evergreen ground cover with glossy leaves. Needs mulch or snow for winter protection. |
| Viola cornuta VIOLA-JOHNNY JUMP UP | 8/12 in. 20/30 cm | | 2 | green | various | May to Sept. | moist soil | Excellent for bedding, edging or rock gardens. Needs mulch or snow for winter protection. |
| Viola labradorica VIOLA-LABRADOR VIOLET | 6/6 in. 15/15 cm | | 4 | purple | purple | May to Sept. | moist soil | Shorter rock garden violet. Purple leaves and flowers. |
| FERNS: | ||||||||
| Adiantum pedatum FERN-NORTHERN MAIDEN HAIR | 24/24 in. 60/60 cm | | 2 | light green | n/a | n/a | moist | Delicate fronds turn gold in fall. Very beautiful. |
| Athyrium filix-femina FERN-LADY | 24/24 in. 60/60 cm | | 3 | bright green | n/a | n/a | moist | Lacy-looking frond. Creeping rhizome. |
| Dryopteris filix-mas FERN-MALE | 24/24 in. 60/60 cm | | 2 | dark green | n/a | n/a | moist | Easy, elegant fern. |
| Matteucia struthiopteris FERN-FIDDLEHEAD/OSTRICH | 4/2 ft. 120/60 cm | | 1 | green | n/a | n/a | moist | Native has deciduous fronds, edible fiddle heads. Good ground cover for shady moist areas. |
| Achillea ptarmica YARROW-SNEEZEWORT | 18/24 in. 45/60 cm | | 2 | green | white | June to Sept. | well-drained | Similar cut flowers to those of Baby’s Breath. Inclined to spread so good for massing. |
| Achillea hybrids YARROW-HYBRIDS | 30/24 in. 70/60 cm | | 2 | green | various | June to Sept. | well-drained | Good for cutting fresh or dried flowers.Good for mass planting in the border. |
| Achillea tomentosa YARROW-WOOLLY | 8/12 in. 20/30 cm | | 2 | green | yellow | May to July | well-drained | Dwarf shorter, earlier blooming yarrow. Useful rock garden plant. |
| Aconitum cammarum MONKSHOOD-BICOLOR | 48/24 in. 120/60 cm | | 3 | green | purple white | July to Aug. | moist soil | Bicolor purple & white flower combination. Useful for cut flowers or border. |
| Aconitum napellus MONKSHOOD | 54/24 in. 135/60 cm | | 2 | green | purple pink | July to Aug. | moist soil | Tall sturdy perennial looks good in large border. Showy spikes of flowers good for cut flowers. |
| Aegopodium podagraria SNOW-ON-THE-MOUNTAIN | 12/24 in 30/60 cm | | 1 | green white | green white | July to Aug. | moist soil | Vigorous ground cover with variegated foliage. Too invasive for the rock garden or border. |
| Names | Height/ Spread | Light | Zone | Leaf Color | Flower Color | Bloom Time | Soil Moisture | Features/Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcea rosea HOLLYHOCKS | 84/18 in. 200/45 cm | | 2 | green | mixed | July to Aug. | well-drained | Old-fashioned favorite biennial reseeds itself. Best in back of border because of their stature. Large blooms available in double or single. |
| Alchemilla mollis LADY’S MANTLE | 12/24 in. 30/60 cm | | 2 | silver green | yellow green | June to July | well-drained | Scalloped leaves for edging border. Sprays of flowers used in cut arrangements. |
| Alyssum montanum Aurinia saxatilis ALYSSUM-BASKET OF GOLD | 8/24 in. 20/60 cm | | 3 | silver | yellow | May to June | well-drained | Good spring blooming rockery plant. Varying shades of yellow flowers. Ideal for area where cascading plant is desired. |
| Anemone sylvestris ANEMONE-SNOWDROP | 18/24 in. 45/60 cm | | 2 | green | white | May to June | well-drained | Spreading ground cover with nodding flowers. Good cover for spring bulbs. |
| Antennaria dioica ANTENNARIA-PUSSY TOES | 6/12 in. 15/30 cm | | 1 | silvery | pink | May to June | well-drained | Forms dense carpet of silvery foliage. Drought tolerant ground cover. |
| Anthemis sancti-johannis Anthemis tinctoria ANTHEMIS-MARGUERITE | 18/36 in. 45/90 cm | | 2 | green-orange | yellow | June to Aug | well-drained | Hardy, showy members of the daisy family. Excellent for cutting. Drought tolerant. Kelwayi has deep yellow flowers. |
| Aquilegia x hybrida COLUMBINE-HYBRIDS | 36/24 in. 90/60 cm | | 2 | green | various | May to June | moist & drained | Popular perennial available in various colors. McKanna Giant has long spur flowers for cutting. |
| Arabis species ARABIS-WALLCRESS | 8/24 in. 20/60 cm | | 3 | green | red, pink, white | May to June | well-drained | Spring flowering plant cascades over rocks. Dead head flowers after blooming. |
| Armeria juniperifolia Armeria maritima ‘Alba’ Armeria ‘Dusseldorf Pride’ ARMERIA-THRIFT | 6/12 in. 15/30 cm | | 3 | green | pink red white | May to July | well-drained | Excellent evergreen with grassy leaves. Flowers finally fade into papery everlastings. Suitable rock garden plants. Also called ‘sea pink’. |
| Artemisia stelleriana ARTEMISIA-SILVER BROCADE | 12/30 in. 30/75 cm | | 2 | silver | well-drained | Low growing leaves similar to dusty miller. Excellent for edging or as ground cover. | ||
| Artemisia ludoviciana ARTEMESIA-VALERIE FINNIS | 36/30 in. 90/75 cm | | 3 | silver | well-drained | Silver aromatic foliage. Drought tolerant plant for dry areas. | ||
| Artemisia schmidtiana ‘SILVER MOUND’ ARTEMISIA-SILVER MOUND | 12/18 in. 30/45 cm | | 1 | silver | well-drained | One of the most popular perennials! Fine feathery foliage forms compact mound. Good for color contrast. Soft t touch. | ||
| Aster alpinus ASTER-ALPINE | 12/12 in. 30/30 cm | | 2 | green | pink purple white | May to June | well-drained | Short plants display starshaped daisies. Ideal for front of border or rockery |
| Names | Height/ Spread | Light | Zone | Leaf Color | Flower Color | Bloom Time | Soil Moisture | Features/Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aster- novae-angliae Aster novi-belgi ASTER-FALL | 48/36 in. 120/90 cm | | 3 | green | red pink purple | Aug. to Sept. | well-drained | Taller varieties are excellent for cut flowers. New England Asters are best for cutting. Michaelmas Daisies are fall blooming. |
| Aubrieta hybrids AUBRIETA-ROCKCRESS | 6/24 in. 15/60 cm | | 4 | gray-green | red pink purple | May to June | well-drained | Popular rock garden plant. Foliage cascades over banks and walls. |
| Bergenia cordifolia BERGENIA-HEARTLEAF | 18/24 in. 45/60 cm | | 2 | green | pink white | June to July | moist soil | Large glossy green leaves turn bronze in fall. Clusters of flowers rise above foliage in spring. |
| Campanula medium BELLS-CANTERBURY | 36/12 in. 90/30cm | | 2 | green | purple white | May to July | well-drained | Old fashioned favorite with big bellflowers. Biennial, sometimes self-seeding. |
| Campanula carpatica BELLFLOWER-CARPATHIAN | 9/12 in. 20/30 cm | | 2 | green | purple white | May to June | well-drained | Cup-shaped flowers on compact clumps. Blue Clips’ is one of our most popular perennials. |
| Campanula cochlearifolia BELLFLOWER-FAIRY THIMBLE | 4/12 in. 10/30 cm | | 2 | green | purple | June to Aug. | well-drained | Alpine rockery plant with little bells. Fast spreading plan |
| Camp. rotundifolia‘Olympic’ BELLFLOWER-OLYMPIAN | 12/12 in. 30/30 cm | | 2 | green | lavender | June to Aug. | well-drained | Also called Blue Bell of Scotland. Good in border or as cut flower |
| Campanula persicifolia BELLFLOWER-PEACHLEAF | 36/18 in. 90/45 cm | | 2 | green | purple white | June to Aug. | well-drained | Showy, taller bellflower blooms longer. Strong stems good for cut flowers. |
| Catananche caerulea CUPID’S DART | 24/12 in. 60/30 cm | | 3 | gray | lavender green | July to Aug. | well-drained | Cut papery flower for everlasting dried flower. Drought resistant plant for hot dry area. |
| Cerastium tomentosum SNOW-IN-SUMMER | 12/24 in. 30/60 cm | | 2 | gray | white | May to June | well-drained | Popular spreading plant. Drought tolerant. One of the best ground covers for full sun light. |
| Centaurea dealbata CORNFLOWER-PERSIAN | 30/24 in. 75/60 cm | | 3 | gray-green | pink-purple | July to Aug. | well-drained | Sturdy perennial for the border. Thistle-like blooms for long lasting cut flowers |
| Centaurea macrocephala CORNFLOWER-GLOBE | 4/2 ft 120/60 cm | | 2 | gray-green | gold-yellow | July to Aug. | well-drained | Good for the back of a border. Excellent for cutting, fresh or dried. |
| Centaurea montana BACHELOR’S BUTTON | 24/24 in. 60/60 cm | | 2 | gray-green | bluish-purple | July to Aug. | well-drained | An old-fashioned favorite bluish flower. Also known as ‘Mountain Bluet’. |
| Chrysanthemum morifolium MUMS-MORDEN | 12/8 in. 30/20 cm | | 3 | green | yellow bronze | Aug. to Sept. | well-drained | Hardier series of mums produces fall flowers. |
| Chrysanthemum parthenium FEVERFEW | 24/12 in. 60/30 cm | | 3 | green | white yellow | June to Sept. | well-drained | Mum-like daisy flowers are good for cutting. Foliage is aromatic. Formerly called matricaria. |
| Clematis integrifolia CLEMATIS SOLITARY | 36/24 in. 90/60 cm | | 2 | green | indigo blue | July to Aug. | moist-well-drained | Sprawls does not vine. Dies to ground in winter. |
| Names | Height/ Spread | Light | Zone | Leaf Color | Flower Color | Bloom Time | Soil Moisture | Features/Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coreopsis verticillata COREOPSIS-TICKSEED | 36/12 in. 90/30 cm | | 4 | green | yellow gold | June to Sept. | well-drained | Bright daisy like flowers are good for cutting. Varieties with various color shades available. Moonbeam was the 1992 Perennial of the Year. |
| Delphinium grandiflorum DELPHINIUM-BLUE ELF | 12/12 in. 30/30 cm | | 3 | green | bluish-purple | June to Aug. | well-drained | Dwarf bushy mounds. Excellent for edging or massing. |
| Delphinium x elatum DELPHINIUM-MAGIC FOUNTAIN | 30/24 in. 75/60 cm | | 3 | green | mixed | June to July | well-drained | Colorful spikes of double flowers for cutting. Remove old flowers to induce repeat blooming. |
| Dephinium elatum DELPHINIUM-PACIFIC GIANTS | 6/3 ft. 1.8/.9 m | | 2 | green | bluish-violet | June to July | well-drained | Tall colorful spikes of double flowers for cutting. Remove old flowers to induce repeat blooming. Requires staking. Good background to border. |
| Dianthus gratianopolitanus DIANTHUS-TINY RUBIES | 2/6 in. 5/15 cm | | 3 | green | pink | May to June | well-drained | Dwarf rock garden plant. Grassy clumps of foliage. |
| Dianthus barbatus SWEET WILLIAM | 24/12 in. 60/30 cm | | 2 | green | red pink white | June to Aug. | well-drained | Classic cottage, self-seeding, biennial plant. Deadheading increases fragrant cut flowers |
| Dianthus deltoides DIANTHUS-MAIDEN PINK | 8/18 in. 20/45 cm | | 2 | green | pink red white | June to Aug. | well-drained | Low spreading mat forming ground cover. Varieties include popular Flashing Light. |
| Dianthus gratianopolitanus DIANTHUS-CHEDDAR PINK | 12/12 in. 30/30 cm | | 2 | green | pink red white | June to Aug. | well-drained | Flowers are sweet scented & good for cutting. Popular for edging and rockeries. |
| Dianthus plumarius DIANTHUS-CLOVE PINK | 12/12 in. 30/30 cm | | 3 | blue/ green | pink white mixed | May to June | well-drained | Bluish grassy-like foliage forms a wide clump. Carnation type flower is strong clove scented. |
| Diactamnus GAS PLANT | 36/24 in. 90/60 cm | | 2 | green | white, lavender | June to July | well-drained | Super plant for the sunny border. Spike-like flowers rise above the foliage. |
| Digitalis purpurea FOXGLOVE-COMMON | 48/18 in. 120/45 cm | | 4 | green | purple pink mixed | May to July | moist & drained | Large showy spikes of flowers for cutting. Biennial but self seeds. |
| Digitalis mertonensis FOXGLOVE-PINK | 48/18 in. 120/45 cm | | 4 | green | pink | June to Aug. | moist & drained | Compact foliage. Large tubular flowers. Good for cutting. True perennial habit. |
| Digitalis grandiflora FOXGLOVE-YELLOW | 36/18 in. 90/45 cm | | 2 | green | yellow | June to Aug. | moist & drained | Wind proof spikes of tubular flowers.True perennial habit. Good for cutting |
| Dodecatheon meadia SHOOTING STAR | 12/6 in. 30/15 cm | | 2 | green | pink | May to June | moist soil | Delicate flowers from a flat rosette of leaves. Mass planting in shady border. |
| Echinacea purpurea CONEFLOWER | 48/24 in 120/60 cm | | 3 | green | purple white | July to Sept. | well-drained | Long-lasting daisies droop from brown cone. |
| Echinops ritro GLOBE THISTLE | 48/24 in. 120/60 cm | | 2 | green | bluish purple | June to Sept. | well-drained | Globular blooms for cut & dried flowers. Tall thistle-like plant for the back of the border. |
| Erigeron speciosus FLEABANE | 30/24 in. 75/60 cm | | 2 | silver | pink blue | June to Aug. | well-drained | Excellent cut flower or for summer border. Pink Jewel is the prettiest variety. |
| Names | Height/ Spread | Light | Zone | Leaf Color | Flower Color | Bloom Time | Soil Moisture | Features/Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eryngium species SEA HOLLY | 24/12 in. 60/30 cm | | 2 | green | blue | June to Aug. | well-drained | Prickly flowers are good for cutting. Drought tolerant of hot dry sites. |
| Eupatorium maculatum EUPATORIUM-JOE PYE WEED | 7/3 ft. 2/1 m. | | 4 | purple | purple | Aug. to Sept. | moist soil | Large plant with purple flower heads. Attracts butterflies. |
| Euphorbia polychroma SPURGE-CUSHION | 18/18 in. 45/45 cm | | 3 | green | yellow | May to June | well-drained | Dome of leaves covered by colored bracts. Drought-tolerant for hot, dry location. |
| Filipendula purpurea MEADOWSWEET-JAPAN | 48/24 in. 120/60 cm | | 4 | green | white | Aug. to Sept. | moist soil | Fragrant flower clusters have red stamens. Elegant accent, specimen or watersid plant. |
| Filipendula rubra ‘Venusta’ MEADOWSWEET | 6/4 ft. 1.8/1.2 m | | 3 | green | pink | Aug. to Sept. | moist soil | Large flowers on this bold accent plant. Tall plumed perennial for the back of the border. |
| Fragaria frel ‘Pink Panda’ STRAWBERRY-PINK PANDA | 6/12 in. 15/30 cm | | 2 | green | bright pink | May to Sept. | well-drained | Excellent ground cover or in a hanging basket. Cross of Fragaria and Potentilla has edible fruit. |
| Gaillardia x grandiflora GAILLARDIA-BLANKET FLOWER | 36/12 in. 90/30 cm | | 2 | green | red eye gold tip | June to Sept. | well-drained | Daisy-like flowers with contrasting center eye. ‘Goblin’ & ‘Burgundy’ are two cultivars. |
| Gentiana septemfida GENTIAN-SEVEN-LOBED | 8/24 in. 20/60 cm | | 2 | green | true blue | July to Sept. | moist soil | One of the easier gentians to grow. Plants clump & are good for edging. |
| Gentiana acaulis GENTIAN-STEMLESS | 4/12 in. 10/30 cm |  | 2 | green | true blue | May | moist soil | Low growing creeping mat is good for rockery. Light blue flowers in springtime. |
| Geranium sanguineum GERANIUM-BLOOD CRANES-BILL | 18/18 in. 45/45 cm | | 3 | green | white pink red | June to Aug. | well-drained | Low spreading mound of finely cut leaves. Useful ground cover available in a few colors. |
| Geranium dalmaticum GERANIUM-DALMATIAN | 4/6 in. 10/15 cm | | 3 | green | pink | May to July | well-drained | Alpine rock garden plant. Dense mounding foliage turns red in fall. |
| Geranium macrorrhizum GERANIUM-INGWERSEN | 18/18 in. 45/45 cm | | 2 | green | pink | June to July | well-drained | Fragrant leaves form dense ground cover. Heat tolerant. Good fall foliage color. |
| Geranium x Johnson Blue GERANIUM-JOHNSON BLUE | 24/24 in. 60/60 cm | | 2 | green | blue-violet | June to Aug. | well-drained | Popular geranium with large bluish flowers. Good vigorous border plant type. |
| Geranium endressii GERANIUM-WARGRAVE PINK | 24/24 in. 60/60 cm | | 3 | green | pink-salmon | June to Aug. | well-drained | Good vigorous ground cover. Shiny evergreen leaves. |
| Geum x ‘Borisii’ GEUM-DWARF AVENS | 12/12 in. 30/30 cm | | 3 | green | orange | May to June | well-drained | Rare, bright orange flowers good for cutting. Compact plant for edging or rockery. |
| Goniolimon tataricum STATICE-GERMAN | 16/12 in. 40/30 cm | | 2 | green | light pink | July to Aug. | well-drained | Grown for cut or everlasting dried flowers. Foliage forms basal rosette of leaves. |
| Names | Height/ Spread | Light | Zone | Leaf Color | Flower Color | Bloom Time | Soil Moisture | Features/Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gypsophila paniculata BABY’S BREATH | 36/24 in. 90/60 cm | | 2 | green | white pink | June to July | well-drained | Bristol Ferry is a suggested variety. Delicate flowers for fresh or dried bouquets |
| Gypsophila repens BABY’S BREATH – CREEPING | 6/24 in. 15/60 cm | | 2 | green | white pink | June to July | well-drained | Low creeping mat for edging or rock gardens. Misty clouds of blooms. |
| Helenium autumnale HELENIUM-SNEEZEWEED | 48/24 in. 120/60 cm | | 3 | green | yellow red | July to Aug. | well-drained | Bright daisy-like flowers excellent for cutting Moisture loving plant for the summer border |
| Heliopsis helianthoides HELIOPSIS-FALSE SUN-FLOWER | 48/24 in. 120/60 cm | | 2 | green | yellow | July to Sept. | well-drained | Large, long blooming, daisy like flowers. Strong sturdy stems are good for cutting. |
| Helianthemum nummularium ROCK OR SUN ROSE | 12/24 in. 30/60 cm | | 4 | gray-green | various | June to Sept. | well-drained | Available in single or double flowering forms. Good for edging and rockery. Mulch in winter. |
| Hesperis matronalis SWEET ROCKET | 36/12 in. 90/30 cm | | 2 | green | purple | June to July | well-drained | Fragrant flowers resemble Summer Phlox. Old-fashioned garden plant for the border |
| Hemerocallis x hybrida DAYLILY | 36/24 in. 90/60 cm | | 2 | green | various | July to Aug. | well-drained | Plants form sturdy clumps of grassy foliage. Lily shaped flowers bloom in long succession. |
| Hemerocalis var. DAYLILLY-HAPPY RETURNS | 16/16 in. 40/40 cm | | 2 | green | canary yellow | June to Sept. | well-drained | Prolific repeat bloomer. Flowers have slight fragrance |
| Hemerocallis ‘Stella D’Oro’ DAYLILY-STELLA D’ORO | 18/18 in. 45/45 cm | | 2 | green | yellow | June to Sept. | well-drained | Popular compact dwarf. Longer blooming period. |
| Heuchera hybrid CORAL BELLS-CHOCOLATE RUFFLES | 24/18 in. 60/45 cm | | 3 | dark brown | white | June to July | moist, well-drained | Leaves large and ruffled. Burgundy underneath |
| Heuchera hybrid CORAL BELLS-NORTHERN FIRE | 18/12 in. 45/30 cm | | 2 | green | scarlet red | June to July | moist, well-drained | Bred in Morden Manitoba. Flowers high over low foliage. |
| Heuchera hybrid CORAL BELLS-PALACE PURPLE | 18/18 in. 45/45 cm | | 3 | deep purple | white | June to July | moist, well-drained | Leaves fade to bronze in Summer. Plants vary from seed. |
| Heuchera hybrid CORAL BELLS-SNOW STORM | 18/12 in. 45/30 cm | | 3 | white/ green | cerise pink | June to July | moist, well-drained | Very bright, ruffled leaves |
| Iberis sempervirens IBERIS-CANDY TUFT | 10/36 in. 25/90 cm | | 3 | green | white | May to June | well-drained | Evergreen foliage forms compact ground cover. Good for rock gardens or front of border. |
| Iris setosa IRIS-ARCTIC | 8/12 in. 20/30 cm | | 2 | green | lavender | May to June | well-drained | Compact clump with narrow leaves. Hardy species for edging border. |
| Iris pumila IRIS-DWARF BEARDED | 8/12 in. 20/30 cm | | 2 | green | purple pink yellow white | May to June | well-drained | Old-fashioned favorite flower in showy display. Available in separate colors & named va-rieties. Also varieties available as bare root rhizome in the bulb department in August. |
| Names | Height/ Spread | Light | Zone | Leaf Color | Flower Color | Bloom Time | Soil Moisture | Features/Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iris germanica IRIS-GERMAN BEARDED | 30/18 in. 75/45 cm | | 3 | green | purple pink yellow bronze June | May to June | well-drained | Old-fashioned favorite flower in showy display. Available in separate colors & named varieties. Also varieties available as bare root rhizome in the bulb department in August. |
| Iris ensata IRIS-JAPANESE | 48/18 in 120/45 cm | | 4 | green | various | June to July | moist soil | Flowers appear on top of tall grassy clumps. Suitable waterside plant. |
| Iris sibirica IRIS-SIBERIAN | 36/24 in. 90/60 cm | | 2 | green | purple white | May to June | well-drained | Clumps of grassy leaves look good all summer. Delicate looking flowers for cutting. |
| Iris pallida IRIS-SWEET | 24/12 in. 60/30 cm | | 3 | gold-green | lavender | June to July | well-drained | Grown for attractive striped foliage. Edging border plant. |
| Iris pseudacorus IRIS-YELLOW FLAG | 48/24 in. 120/60 cm | | 2 | green white silver | yellow | May to June | moist soil | Attractive at the waterside. Similar to blue flag Iris. |
| Lamium maculatum LAMIUM-DEAD NETTLE | 12/12 in. 30/30 cm | | 2 | green | pink white | May to Spet. | well-drained | Attractive ground cover with variegated foliage. |
| Lathyrus latifolius PEA-SWEET-PERENNIAL | 8/1 ft. 240/30 cm | | 3 | gray | pink purple | June to Sept | well-drained | Native wildflower used as dried everlasting. Good fresh cut flower. |
| Lavandula angustifolia LAVENDER-MUNSTEAD | 16/24 in. 40/60 cm | | 4 | gray | pink purple | June to Aug. | well-drained | Fragrant flower spikes & foliage. Suitable for the herb garden. |
| Leontopodium alpinum EDELWEISS | 6/10 in. 15/25 cm | | 3 | green | white | June to July | well-drained | Well known rockery plant from Swiss alps. Woolly flowers used for dried arrangements. |
| Leucanthemum X superbum SHASTA DAISY-’ALASKA | 24/18 in. 60/45 cm | | 3 | green | white | June to Sept. | well-drained | Several cultivars available; not The Ox-eye Daisy. White Daisies with yellow centers good to cut. |
| Lewisia cotyledon LEWISIA | 12/6 in. 30/15 cm | | 3 | green | pink | May to July | well-drained | Unique alpine rockery plant requires drainage. Evergreen rosette of fleshy foliage. |
| Liatrus spicata LIATRUS-BLAZING STAR | 36/18 in. 90/45 cm | | 2 | green | white purple | July to Sept | well-drained | Popular as cut flower for tall long lasting spikes! Beautiful border plant. |
| Lilium x hybrida LILY-ASIATIC | 48/12 in. 120/30 cm | | 2 | green | wide range | June to July | well-drained | Hardier & easier to grow than Oriental or Tiger. Excellent long lasting cut flower. |
| Lilium lancifolium LILY-ORIENTAL | 72/18 in. 200/45 cm | | 4 | green | pink red white | Aug. to Sept. | well-drained | Late blooming, fragrant, star-shaped flowers. Mulching recommended for winter protection. |
| Lilium lancifolium LILY-TIGER | 60/18 in. 150/45 cm | | 2 | green | orange | June to July | well-drained | Old-fashioned favorite perennial. Superb strong stemmed cut flower. |
| Limonium latifolium STATICE-SEA LAVENDER | 30/24 in. 75/60 cm | | 2 | green | lavender | June to Aug. | well-drained | Grown for cut or everlasting dried flowers. Drought-tolerant perennial border plant. |
| Linum perenne FLAX-PERENNIAL | 18/12 in. 45/30 cm | | 2 | green | blue white | May to Aug. | well-drained | Linear leaves with continual blooms. Sapphire Blue or Diamond White. |
| Names | Height/ Spread | Light | Zone | Leaf Color | Flower Color | Bloom Time | Soil Moisture | Features/Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lupinus x ‘Russell Hybrid’ Lupinus x ‘Gallery Series’ LUPINE | 36/24 in. 90/60 cm | | 3 | green | purple pink yellow | June to Aug. | well-drained | Tall spikes of flowers are good for cutting. Old-fashioned favorite perennial. Dwarf series available in mix of various colors. |
| Lysimachia clethroides LOOSESTRIFE-GOOSENECK | 36/36 in. 90/90 cm | | 2 | green | white | July to Aug. | moist soil | Unique flower spikes bend like a gooseneck. Foliage has good fall color. |
| Lychnis species CAMPION-ARCTIC, MOSS, ROSE | 15/12 in. 38/30 cm | | 3 | gray-green | pink | May to Sept | well-drained | Self-seeding alpine rockery plants. All arctic, moss & rose species need drainage. |
| Lychnis chalcedonica MALTESE CROSS | 48/12 in. 120/30 cm | | 2 | green | red | June to Aug. | well-drained | Old fashioned, long-lived, hardy tall plant. Red flower clusters for cutting or in border. |
| Lysimachia punctata LOOSESTRIFE-YELLOW | 36/24 in. 90/60 cm | | 2 | green | yellow | June to Aug. | well-drained | Upright bushy clumps form a large patch. Star shaped flowers appear in leafy spikes. |
| Macleaya cordata POPPY-PLUME | 6/2 ft. 200/60 cm | | 2 | blue-green | cream | July to Aug. | moist soil | Colorful lobed leaves with cream flower plumes. Giant unique back-ground plant. |
| Malva moschata MALLOW-MUSK | 36/18 in. 90/45 cm | | 3 | green | pink | July to Sept. | well-drained | Satiny pink flowers like little Hollyhock. Musky scented leaves for back of border. |
| Monarda didyma BEEBALM-BERGAMOT | 36/18 in. 90/45 cm | | 3 | green | purple pink red white | June to July | moist soil | Tall plants with aromatic mint-like foliage. Thistle-flowers attract bees and butterflies. Plants are good in border or for cutting. |
| Myosotis sylvatica FORGET-ME-NOT-GARDEN | 8/8 in 20/20 cm | | 3 | green | true blue pink | May to June | moist soil | Showy spring display by self seeding biennial. Used as under-planting with spring bulbs. |
| Oenothera missourensis Oenothera fruticosa SUNDROPS/EVENING PRIM-ROSE | 12/12 in. 30/30 cm | | 3 | green | yellow | June to Aug. | well-drained | Papery flowers open during daytime. Drought tolerant of hot dry areas. Fruticosa has red stems and buds. |
| Paeonia hybrids PEONY-DOUBLE | 36/36 in 90/90 cm | | 2 | green | pink red white | June | well-drained | Old-fashioned favorite with double flowers. Use rings or hoops to support large flowers. Longest lived & largest flowering perennial! |
| Paeonia tenuifolia ‘Pena PEONY-FERNLEAF’ | 18/12 in. 45/30 cm | | 2 | green | red | June | well-drained | Rare plant with finely cut leaves. Delicate double flowers |
| Papaver alpinum POPPY-ALPINE | 8/6 in. 20/15 cm | | 3 | green | mixed | May to Aug. | well-drained | Dainty poppies with lacy leaves for the rockery. Yellow, orange, pink & white flowers shades. |
| Meconopsis sp. POPPY-BLUE HIMALAYAN | 48/24 in. 120/60 cm | | 5 | green | blue | July | Moist, well-drained | Needs winter protection. Prefers shelter from wind. |
| Papaver nudicaule POPPY-ICELAND | 18/12 in. 45/30 cm | | 2 | green | mixed | May to Sept. | well-drained | Papery yellow, orange, pink & white flowers! Short lived plants but they reseed readily. |
| Names | Height/ Spread | Light | Zone | Leaf Color | Flower Color | Bloom Time | Soil Moisture | Features/Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Papaver orientale POPPY-ORIENTAL | 36/24 in. 90/60 cm | | 2 | green | pink red orange | May to July | well-drained | Huge flowers and hairy foliage are showy. Excellent border perennial or cut flower! |
| Penstemon hybrids PENSTEMON-BEARD-TONGUE | 36/24 in. 90/60 cm | | 4 | green | various | May to Aug | well-drained | Showy tubular flower spikes like snapdragon Taller varieties make good cut flowers. |
| Persicaria affine FLEECEFLOWER-DWARF | 8/24 in. 20/60 cm | | 3 | green | red-pink | June to Aug. | well-drained | Low mat of leathery leaves turn red in fall. Short spikes of flowers fade to pink. |
| Physostegia virginiana OBEDIENT PLANT | 48/24 in. 120/60 cm | | 2 | green | pink white | July to Sept. | moist soil | Tubular flower spikes make great cut flowers. Useful background plant. |
| Platycodon grandiflorus BALLOON FLOWER | 30/24 in. 75/60 cm | | 3 | green | purple white | June to Aug. | well-drained | Inflated buds pop into balloon-like flowers! Similar to Campanula (Bellflower) |
| Phlox douglasii Phlox subulata PHLOX-CREEPING OR MOSS | 5/18 in 12/45 cm | | 2 | green | pink red white lavender | May | well-drained | Exotic woody shrub with spectacular flowers. Excellent edging & rockery plant. Crackerjack is a very popular variety. |
| Phlox maculata PHLOX-MEADOW | 36/24 in. 90/60 cm | | 3 | green | pink white | June to Aug. | moist & drained | Evergreen ground cover with spring flowers. Flowers are fragrant and good for cutting. |
| Phlox paniculata PHLOX-TALL OR GARDEN | 48/30 in. 120/75 cm | | 3 | green | various | July to Sept. | moist & drained | Showy clusters of spectacular flowers. Wide range of colors for the border. Excellent fragrant cut flowers. |
| Potentilla neum ‘Nana’ POTENTILLA-ALPINE | 4/2 ft. 10/30 cm | | 3 | green | yellow | May to June | well-drained | Low non-spreading alpine rockery plant. Buttercup flowers on compact mound. |
| Potentilla nepalensis POTENTILLA-MISS WILLMOTT | 12/12 in. 30/30 cm | | 2 | green | red pink | June to Sept. | well-drained | Melon red flowers with darker pink centre. Shear plants back after first flush of flowers. |
| Perovskia atriplicifolia RUSSIAN SAGE | 4/2 ft. 120/60 cm | | 4 | gray-green | blue-violet | July to Sept. | well-drained | Long bloomers with Black-eyed Susan flowers. Perennial Plant of the Year in 1995. |
| Pulsatilla vulgaris ANEMONE-PASQUE FLOWER | 12/12 in. 30/30 cm | | 2 | green | purple red | April to May | well-drained | Early bloomer with a prairie crocus type bloom. |
| Rheum X hybridum RHUBARB | 3/3 ft. 1/1 m. | | 2 | green | white | May to Sept. | well-drained | Hardy perennial vegetable with large leaves. Sour edible stalks for pies or wine. |
| Rudbeckia nitida RUDBECKIA-GLORIOSA DAISY | 6/3 ft. 200/90 cm | | 2 | green | yellow | July to Sept. | well-drained | Enormous plant suitable for back of border. Herbstonne has drooping daisies. |
| Sagina subulata Sagina subulata ‘Aurea’ MOSS-IRISH & SCOTCH | 2/12 in. 5/30 cm | | 4 | green | white gold | May to June | moist & well-drained | Creeping moss-like ground cover forms carpet. Good between paving stones. Tiny white, star-like flowers. Mulch in winter. |
| Salvia nemerosa SALVIA-SAGE | 24/24 in. 60/60 cm | | 3 | gray-green | pink violet | June to Aug | well-drained | Scented spikes of flowers. Drought tolerant. |
| Names | Height/ Spread | Light | Zone | Leaf Color | Flower Color | Bloom Time | Soil Moisture | Features/Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salvia nemerosa ‘May Night’ SALVIA-MAY NIGHT | 24/24 in. 60/60 cm | | 3 | gray-green | indigo-violet | May to July | well-drained | Perennial Plant of the Year 1997. Aromatic leaves and spike-like flowers. |
| Saponaria ocymoides SOAPWORT-ROCK | 8/18 in. 20/45 cm | | 2 | green | pink | May to June | well-drained | Most vigorous trailing rockery or edging plant. Useful for cascading over rocks and slopes. |
| Saxifraga arendsii SAXIFRAGE-MOSSY | 8/12 in. 20/30 cm | | 4 | green | red pink white | May to June | moist & drained | Cup shaped flowers on short stems. Excellent evergreen rock garden plant. |
| Saxifraga urbium SAXIFRAGE-LONDON PRIDE | 6/12 in. 15/30 cm | | 4 | green pink | light | May to June | moist & drained | Low growing alpine rockery plant. Short stems of small light pink flowers in spring. |
| Scabiosa caucasia PINCUSHION FLOWER-DWARF | 30/18 in. 75/45 cm | | 2 | green | white | June to Aug | well-drained | Ideal for edging along a shady border. Strong stems for long lasting cut flowers. |
| Scabiosa columbaria PINCUSHION FLOWER | 18/12 in. 45/30 cm | | 3 | green | lavender blue | June to Aug | well-drained | Large globe shaped continuous flowers. Perennial of the Year 2000. |
| Sedum x species SEDUM-DWARF STONECROP | 6/18 in. 15/45 cm | | 3 | green purple | various yellow | June to Aug | well-drained | Fleshy succulent plants with various colors. Spreading, drought tolerant ground covers. |
| Sedum spectabile SEDUM-TALL STONECROP | 24/24 in. 60/60 cm | | 3 | green | pink | Aug. to Sept. | well-drained | Succulent plants with upright growth habit. Autumn Joy and Brilliant provide pink fall color. |
| Sedum spurium SEDUM-DRAGON’S BLOOD | 6/18 in. 15/45 cm | | 3 | green | various red | June to Aug | well-drained | Succulent evergreen ground cover. Various colored flowers and foliage. |
| Sempervivum x Hybrids HENS AND CHICKS | 6/12 in. 15/30 cm | | 2 | green purple | pink red gray | June to Aug | well-drained | Succulents with evergreen rosettes of leaves. Useful for edging & rock gardens. Star shaped flowers rise up on stalks. |
| Sidalcea malviflora x cultorum MALLOW-PRAIRIE/CHECKER | 36/18 in. 90/45 cm | | 4 | green | pink | June to Aug | well-drained | Elegant long spikes of satiny flowers for cutting. Party Girl is a mixture of various pink shades. |
| Solidago species GOLDENROD | 36/12 in. 90/30 cm | | 2 | green | gold-yellow | Aug. | well-drained | Cultivated native wild flower. Golden-yellow flower plumes. |
| Stachys byzantina LAMB’S EAR | 18/12 in. 45/30 cm | | 3 | silver | pink | June | well-drained | Spreading mat of silver woolly leaves. Drought tolerant edging plant or ground cover. |
| Tanacetum coccineum PAINTED DAISY/PYRETHRUM | 30/18 in. 75/45 cm | | 2 | green | rose pink | June to July | well-drained | Old-fashioned cut flower with ferny foliage. Deadhead regularly to increase flowering. |
| Thalictrum aquilegifoLIUM MEADOW RUE | 36/24 in. 90/60 cm | | 3 | green | mauve white | May to June | moist soil | Cut leaves closely resemble Columbine. Fluffy flower sprays are used for cutting. |
| Thalictrum delavayi MEADOW RUE-DOUBLE | 60/24 in. 150/60 cm | | 3 | green | purple | June to Aug | moist soil | Airy sprays of double flowers & lacy foliage. Tall background plant for cutting. |
| Thymus x citriodorus Thymus praecox Thymus pseudolanuginosus Thymus serpyllum THYMUS-THYME | 6/12 in. 15/30 cm | | 3 | gold silver green gray green | red lavender white pink purple | June to July | well-drained | Aromatic, excellent edging or rockery plants. It has lemon scented leaves. Creeping thyme is a good ground cover. Woolly thyme forms a vigorous mat. Mother-of-thyme is a much loved carpeter. |
| Tradescantia X andersoniana SPIDERWORT | 24/24 in. 60/60 cm | | 3 | green | various | June to Aug | moist soil | Grassy foliage with showy triangular flowers. Plant in diagonal drifts in the border. |
| Verbascum phoeniceum MULLEIN-PURPLE | 48/12 in. 120/30 cm | | 4 | silver | mixed | June to Aug | well-drained | Unique daisy flowers with red on the back. Suitable for grouping in the border. |
| Veronica allioni VERONICA-ALPINE | 6/12 in. 15/30 cm | | 2 | green | blue-violet | June to Aug | well-drained | Attractive compact flower spikes. Excellent edging or alpine rockery plant. |
| Veronica repens VERONICA-CREEPING | 2/12 in. 5/30 cm | | 2 | gray-green | white | May to June | well-drained | Low creeping carpet with spring flowers. Good ground cover or rock garden plant. |
| Veronica spicata VERONICA-SPIKE SPEED-WELL | 24/12 in. 60/30 cm | | 2 | green | blue pink | June to Aug | well-drained | Border plant with long-lasting flower spikes. Red Fox is good for cut flowers. |
| Veronica spicata incana VERONICA-WOOLLY | 18/18 in. 45/45 cm | | 2 | silver | blue violet | June to July | well-drained | Silver woolly foliage with flower spikes. Excellent for edging or mass planting in border. |
| Veronica ‘Sunny Border Blue’ VERONICA-SUN. BORDER BLUE | 24/12 in. 60/30 cm | | 3 | green | blue | June to Sept. | well-drained | 1993 Perennial Plant of the Year. Long blooming spikes for cut flowers. |
| Yucca glauca YUCCA | 24/18 in. 60/45 cm | | 3 | green | white | July | well-drained | Succulent, evergreen, narrow, stiff leaves. Native. Extremely drought tolerant in hot, dry, sun area. |
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