A fantastic native with large, fine-textured feathery blooms in late Spring. Though closely related to Spiraea, goat's beard more closely resembles a giant Astilbe. When happy, Aruncus can be a formidable garden plant, reaching a spread of 6 feet or more. It is lovely when used at woods edge and it can provide a dense screen beneath a high canopy.
A fine-textured sedge that resembles palm fronds? How strange! Naturally occuring in moist habitats such as low, swampy woods and wet meadows, this native cool-season sedge adds textural interest to any planting.
Dryopteris x australis is a natural hybrid (D. celsa x ludoviciana) found in wild populations from Louisiana to Virginia, but is a superb garden plant as far north as Zone 5. It is taller than either parent and a formidable addition to the garden.
Another great selection for the East Coast bred by Charles Oliver of the Primrose Path. With its H. villosa heritage, it is vigorous and long-lived. Stunningly beautiful velvety purple leaves with darker veins are topped with pale pink pearl-like flowers in late spring. Definitely one of our favorites!
A bright new foliage color for shady sites! Golden yellow, oval leaves with reddish edges support 2" gold flowers with pincushion-like center clustered stamens in late spring and early summer. You will hardly notice the flowers in the sea of gold foliage. This plant is most content in cooler areas away from drying winter winds, although once established it is quite tough.
A long-hoped-for color break in garden Salvia. Ernst Pagels selected it for bluer flowers and compact habit. Insect and disease resistant, long flowered and tough as its brethren to follow. Attracts birds, butterflies and bees.
A dense mat of conifer-like blue foliage forms a tight, weed resistant groundcover in any sunny location. In June deep mauve pink stems rise to 10" and are topped with brilliant yellow flowers. 'Blue Spruce' grows quickly and is easy to maintain even in the most unwelcome of sites. Great for rock walls, green roofs, walkways and containers. Evergreen in warmer zones.