Velvety soft,silver-gray leaves are shaped and feel like a lamb's ear. Lavender flower on short spikes in July. Tolerates drought, heat and humidity.
Lamb's-ears are one of the most popular foliage perennials, used widely for edging along pathways and borders, but it also makes a nice inside plant as it tolerates the dry air and lower light levels inside very well.
This strain forms a dense carpet of soft and fuzzy silver leaves, bearing upright spikes of magenta-lavender flowers in early summer. Clip spent bloom stems off to tidy up the clumps for the rest of the season. If you tire of it inside, simply plant it outside in the flower garden.
Clumps are easily divided in spring or early fall. Evergreen in mild winter regions.
Zones 3-9.
LET331 Prunella Grandiflora Light Blue
Prunella is one of the longest blooming ground covers in any flower garden, and if the Prunella ground cover seeds are sown in spring, it blooms the first summer! Prunella ground cover plants feature lacy green leaves and clusters of violet-blue whorled blooms. From late spring through the middle of autumn, it sets new bloom clusters, and it just doesn't seem to know when to quit performing! Prunella uses include: ground cover, edging, bedding or container plant.
Prunella flowers attract butterflies and bees. The flower stems can reach up to 10 inches high, held above the 4-7 inch foliage of dark green. Prunella ground cover is fast growing reaching 18 inches in width, and it will handle light foot traffic. It is also resistant to rabbits and deer.
Sow Prunella seeds in late winter, indoors. Sow the ground cover seed on the surface of lightly firmed, moist seed compost in pots or trays. Lightly cover the Prunella seeds with a fine sprinkling of peat moss. Place in a warm place, and keep at a temperature of between 65-70F. After sowing keep the surface of the compost moist but not soggy. When large enough to handle, transplant the Prunella seedlings into 3 inch pots. Gradually harden the seedlings to outdoor conditions for 10 - 15 days before planting out after all risk of frost. Space plants 12 inches apart or plant in containers. Prunella care includes trimming off old flower spikes for a neater appearance and to promote further blooming. A perennial for zones 4-8.
TPF275 Texas Bluebonnet ( Lupinus texensis )
No wildflower is so well known as Texas Bluebonnet. It's easily grown from seeds, and it can transform a field of little interest into a colorful display of lovely blue wild flowers! The Texas Bluebonnet wildflower was adopted as the State Flower of Texas in 1901 and is most often seen in beautiful floral displays along road sides, in woodlands, and in pastures all over the state. They begin to bloom in March and are usually in full bloom by April. Though native to Texas, these wild flowers will grow in other areas and when planted in mass, the visual effect is stunning. A sea of blue is created!
Low growing but prolific blooming, Texas Bluebonnet requires some patience, but little maintenance, once established. The same toughness and tenacity that makes this little Lupine the perfect representation of the Lone Star state also makes it slow to germinate and bloom--but once it does you will not be disappointed!
Bluebonnet flowers are prolific bloomers in early spring and are known for attracting butterflies and a variety of bees, including honeybees.
How To Grow Texas Bluebonnet From Seed: It is recommended to soak Texas Bluebonnet seeds in tepid water over night before sowing outdoors. After soaking, sow the Texas Bluebonnet wildflower seed directly into prepared soil that is loosened and weed free. A late fall sowing is recommended.
To keep Texas Bluebonnet wildflowers year after year, allow the seed pods to form and drop their flower seeds. Texas Bluebonnet Lupine is moderately deer resistant and the flowers attract butterflies. An annual that will grow in zones 3-10.
LET708 Snow in Summer ( Cerastium tomentosum )
Cerastium tomentosum, known as snow-in-summer, is a short-lived, low-growing, mat-forming perennial which is typically massed in sunny locations as a ground cover. Tufts of narrow, gray-green leaves (each to 1" long and 1/4" wide) form a 6” tall foliage mat. Leaves are evergreen. In late spring, flower stems rise above the foliage mat (typically to 8-12”) carrying clusters of white blooms which form a snow-like carpet (hence the common name). Flowers (to 1” diameter) have 5 notched petals and are similar in appearance and closely related to several of the chickweeds.
Vigorous spreading groundcover for walls or rockery, white
flowers, silver foliage, late spring. Perennial, best suited for zones 3-7.
Sow seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before setting out. Use small pots and sterile starter mix. Sow Cerastium seeds lightly on the surface of the starter mix, and press the seeds into the mix. This ground cover seed needs light to germinate. Keep the seeds moist until germination, harden the seedlings for 10-14 days before planting plants into their permanent location. Space plants about 8" apart.
SF330 Blue Sea Holly ( Eryngium planum )
Unique and stately, Eryngium Planum, commonly called Sea Holly, has been grown from flower seeds in America since the 1800's. Almost all Eryngium make excellent cut flowers as well as flowers used for drying. The flowers keep their beautiful blue color after drying indoors. Harvest flowers when the entire flower heads and bracts turn blue.
Sea Holly self-sows readily by dropping its flower seeds on the ground, but it is not invasive. If the Sea Holly seeds are started indoors, transplant the seedlings where you want them to grow when they are quite small. The Eryngium plants have taproots, so they won't transplant well once mature. Sea Holly plants attract bees and butterflies, and they are a great plant for a low water garden. Eryngium seeds can be started directly outside in the spring after frost season has passed. Grows about 48" tall, a perennial for zones 4-9.
JB277 Rainbow Mix Lewisia ( Lewisia Hybrid Mix )
Lewisia Rainbow Hybrids mix will grow approximately 10 inches tall from flower seeds. This award winning mix features many colors and forms, the widest color range in Lewisia to date. Round, wide, petalled flowers include some semi-doubles. Colors range white, yellow, pink, red/orange, blue/red. Use this wonderful Lewisia plant for borders, perennial containers, rockeries, and xeriscape gardening. Lewisia will typically begin blooming in May and continue to put on a display of flower clusters clear in to early Fall.
These blooming clusters grown from flower seeds are held atop sturdy 8 - 12 inch stems of the Lewisia plant. These larger flowers are held in radiating clusters above an attractive succulent five inch green rosette that develops into a considerable mound with time. Lewisia plants are deeply tap-rooted so they do not require a lot of water. Lewisia benefits from some dryness, so all you have to do is plant the flower seeds in a clay pot with some gravel added or stick them in the cracks of a rock wall or enjoy them in a well-drained rock garden. Perennial for zones 4-9.
LET712 Elsie Mix Lewisia ( Lewisia Elsie Mix )
If you have an alpine or rock garden, Lewisia seeds are a great addition and will provide continued color from May through the fall. The Lewisia Elise mix includes shades of purple, coral, pink, yellow, and white with many bicolor markings. Lewisia plants are succulents and are very drought tolerant. Lewisia cotyledon is an evergreen plant. It grows from a rosette with long, wavy, succulent leaves, and the flowers form on stems that rise up from the rosette. The Lewisia flowers are solids or striped and provide wonderful beauty in the sunny landscape setting. This species is commonly known as Siskiyou Lewisia. Lewisia care includes providing sharply draining, deep soil. Provide good air-circulation to prevent any fungal diseases. Grows 8-12 inches tall. Perennial for zones 4-9.
LET714 Sunset Strain Lewisia ( Lewisia )
I One of the prettiest flowers you will find, this perennial flowering plant is also extremely hardy, long blooming and low maintenance. This above image from perennials.com illustrates how beautiful this flower is. Lewisia will typically begin blooming in May and continue to put on a display of flower clusters clear in to early Fall. Flower colors range from apricot, light pink, dark pink, pale tangerine, and light yellow.
These blooming clusters are held atop sturdy six inch stems of the Lewisia plant. The one inch flowers are held in radiating clusters above an attractive succulent five inch green rosette that develops into a considerable mound with time. Lewisia plants are deeply tap-rooted so they do not require a lot of water. Lewisia benefits from some dryness, so all you have to do is plant them in a clay pot with some gravel added or stick them in the cracks of a rock wall or enjoy them in a well-drained rock garden. Perennial for zones 4-9.
LET719 Vesuvius Lychnis ( Lychnis Arkwrightii )
Grow this attractive plant and have both gorgeous orange-red blooms and purple colored foliage. The combination is striking! This flowering Lychnis plant commands attention when it's in bloom during the summer months, and hummingbirds cannot stay away from the brightly colored flowers! Commonly, this perennial is called Arkwright's Campion.
This Arkwright's Campion plant grows 16 - 20 inches tall, with erect stems and is hardy in zones 3 - 10 in normal environmental conditions. Arkwright's Campion flowers are a brilliant orange-scarlet color like molten lava flowing from the volcano, Mt. Vesuvius (hence the name), and they are simple in form with 5 deeply notched petals measuring 1 1/4 - 2 inches across.
Sow Lychnis seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last frost is expected. Use well-draining starter soil. Sow the Lychnis seeds on the surface, lightly covered. Keep seed continuously moist until germination. Some gardeners will cover with plastic wrap to keep humidity high. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost. Lychnis care includes watering deeply throughout the growing season, mulching around the base to keep the roots cool, and deadheading spent blooms to prolong the blooming season. Let the last blooms go to seed so that Lychnis can re-seed itself. If re-seeding is not desired, cut the stems back down to basal growth after blooming. Perennial for zones 3-10.
LET762 White Jacobs Ladder ( Polemonium Caeruleum White )
This perennial is a cottage garden favorite grown from Polemonium seeds. It is also known as white Jacob's Ladder, and it is a hardy herb that was used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It is a very attractive plant for a border or bed with moist but well-drained soil. The leaves give the plant its name as they are divided like ladder rungs, and the blooms are cup-shaped and white. White Jacob's Ladder plants are native to Europe growing in damp grasslands, woodlands, meadows and rocky areas. Polemonium Caeruleum Jacob's Ladder usually reaches a height of 28 inches, but occasionally will grow taller. Many people believe the Jacob's Ladder herb can be used as a remedy for several common health ailments, and the herb seeds are grown for medicinal use. A perennial for zones 3-8.
LET763 Blue Jacobs Ladder ( Polemonium Caeruleum White )
his perennial flower can be grown from Polemonium seeds and has the common name of Jacob's Ladder. The name was inspired by the leaves on the plant which are in successive pairs opposite each other resembling a ladder. It has attractive fern-like foliage that is arched and creates dense mounds from which blue flower spikes protrude upwards. The Jacob's Ladder flowers are in clusters and are bell-shaped in various shades of blue with contrasting bright yellow stamens. Very striking!
Jacob's Ladder requires good soil drainage as well as full sun to partial shade. The foliage blends well with hostas, bleeding hearts and lilies. Many people believe that the Jacob's Ladder herb can be used for a remedy for headaches, nervousness, and heart irregularities. More research is needed in this area. A perennial for zones 3-8.
LET743 Hardy Gloxinia Rose ( Incarvillea Delavayi Rose )
Hardy Gloxinia is a lovely, showy flower that is excellent for beds and containers. It grows readily from Incarvillea Delavayi seeds and can be wintered over indoors in cold climates. Has dark green, fern-like leaves that accentuate the trumpet-shaped, rosy-purple flowers. Hardy Gloxinia is especially well-suited to the West Coast climates. Gardeners that live in regions with hot, humid summers may have difficulty growing Hardy Gloxinia plants. Grows about 16 inches tall, perennial for zones 5-8.
Sow seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before planting outdoors. The flower seed benefits from light, so cover the Incarvillea seeds very lightly. Transplant the Incarvillea seedlings outdoors when it has at least 2 sets of true leaves. Hardy Gloxinia care includes regular watering and deadheading the spent blooms to encourage continued flowering.
SF037 Blue Moon Dragon's Head ( Dracocephalum )
A beautiful perennial plant with violet-blue flowers in erect
spikes and delightfully scented foliage growing to 12 inches
tall.
Color: Violet Blue Zone: 4-8 Spacing:18" Height: 12" Start Seeds: Anytime of year inside, for
transplanting outside in Spring.
JB091 Blue Steel ( Perovskia atriplicifolia )
Shorter, bulkier version of Taiga, this perovskia's Silvery green foliage contrasts w/tiny blue flowers. Also known as Russian Sage, this is a perennial staple, and now there are seed produced varieties! Sky blue flower spikes beautifully set off slivery green foliage. Hardy in zone 5 and higher, Russian Sage is both heat and drought tolerant, perfect for landscaping and accent plants! Perennial zone 5-9.
LET392 Little Kiss Lilac ( Cheiranthus linifolium )
A rather delightful and showy plant for the front of the border or rock garden. Easily grown, it bears dense racemes of lilac-mauve flowers in early summer.
Lilac mauve flowers are fragrant, flowers 16 weeks from seed, basal branching, spreading habit, but growing only about 12 inches tall. Usually grown as an annual as it blooms heavily in about 16 weeks from seed, will come back in zones 7 and higher.
LET393 Fragrant Wallflower ( Cheiranthus allionii )
Adds a delightful fragrance to any floral arrangement.
A wonderful flower for beds, backgrounds and floral gardens.
A bushy biennial or perennial variety native to the Canary islands, but has naturalized throughout much of northern North America. A charming species with an abundance of vivid orange flowers occurring on short, compact plants.
The leaves are narrow 2-4 inches in length. Can withstand dry or moist conditions once established. Prefers partial shade or full sun in well drained soils.
Seedman Basic Info:
Grows about 12 to 18 inches tall, will germinate in about 20-40 days depending on soil and weather conditions, germinates best if soil temperature is in the 65-75°F range.
Cover seeds about 1/16" deep, blooms from April to May.
LET410 Purple Knight ( Alternanthera denata )
This highly reliable performer requires little in the way of care, and rewards you with an eye-catching display of royal purple foliage that deepens in color under full sun. Striking leaves on long stems arch outward, lending a graceful accent to mixed containers, beds and borders. Height: 16-20" Spread: 24-36". Annual.
JF870 Jackpot Gold ( Melampodium )
A fantastic bedding plant for hot and humid areas with almost non-stop 2" flowers.
Bushy plant, highly weather tolerant, compact mound, brilliant gold flowers, blooms continuously all season. Annual growing 12" tall, blooming in 10 weeks from seed.
SF324 Chinese Houses ( Collinsia heterophylla )
Snapdragon-like flowers in tiers resembling pagodas give this lavender-white West Coast American native its name. Great for cutting. A charming wildflower that is not as well known as it should be. A native of California, it produces lovely purple and white spires, one stacked on top of the other. Chinese Houses seeds are quite easy to establish, and can be planted in both sun or shade.
The Chinese Houses plant is a good choice for a wild life or butterfly garden as the Checkerspot Butterfly will use it as a host plant for its larva. An annual for almost all zones. Grows about 12 inches tall.
3001 Duchesse Mix ( Aster )
You cannot go wrong with this incredible mix of colors! This Aster seed mix offers colors of yellow, scarlet, apricot, dark blue and more. Duchess Asters have huge, double blooms with incurved petals that grow on tall, upright plants with 5 to 8 floral stems. Aster Callistephus is an excellent cutting flower and has a long vase-life. Their flowers are similar to autumn chrysanthemums, but they bloom so much earlier in the season. Annual.