A wonderful perennial plant for zones 4-10 for cutting gardens, flower beds and mass plantings. Grows 24-36 inches tall and blooms all summer through fall.
Native to China and Japan. Also called Leopard Lily the plant has iris-like medium-green foliage with tall upright lives. This lily is long blooming and blooms with very showy deep-orange flowers 2 inches in diameter. The 6 petal flowers are spotted profoundly with red dots. Blackberry Lily features distinctive seed pods that look like blackberry seed clusters.
Normally planted in cutting gardens and shrub borders. When mass planted, Blackberry Lilies makes a remarkable display in any landscape. Leopard Lily is drought tolerant and likes to grow in full sun or light shade. The well-drained soil is preferable for the best performance. This variety of Blackberry Lily calls Freckle Face, and it is pest and disease resistant. The plant is an exceptional cut flower and can be dried too.
The Asparagus Fern features trailing bright glossy foliage. When planted in containers, the unique feathery foliage makes a lovely complement to flowers. It makes an excellent house plant and works well in hanging baskets. Asparagus Fern is a slightly woody evergreen plant with upright or trailing branches. It is easily established from flower seed, and it is easy to grow and drought-tolerant. This fern-like perennial develops into a fast-growing, sprawling ground cover, or a nice-sized houseplant that requires minimal care.
Grows 24 inches in height and 24 - 36 inches wide in full to part sun. Grown in some shade, the foliage will maintain a deeper green color. It likes moist but well-drained soil.
Asparagus Fern produces a flower. The flowering time lasts for roughly two weeks during the summer. Bright red berries follow the inconspicuous, fragrant white or pale pink flowers. Birds are highly attracted to the fruit and aid in the dispersal of the flower seed. Sow Asparagus Fern seeds in potting mix indoors. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost.
IP186 Fuzzy Wuzzy Lambs Ear ( Stachys byzantina )
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.
JB163 Red Yucca ( Hesperaloe parviflora )
Also known as red yucca, hummingbird yucca, redflower false yucca and samandoque, is a plant that is native to Chihuahuan desert of west Texas east and south into central and south Texas and northeastern Mexico around Coahuila.
Hesperaloe parviflora has narrow evergreen leaves with a fringe of white threadlike hairs along their edges and grows in clumps 3–6 feet high and wide. Red or yellow tubular flowers are borne on branching flower stalks (inflorescences) up to 5 feet tall from late spring to mid-summer.
This species has become popular in xeriscape landscape design for public and private gardens in California and the Southwestern United States. The plant's qualities include drought tolerance, heat resistance, low maintenance needs, hummingbird attracting flowers, and an architectural form. It also is a spineless alternative to Agave and Yucca horticultural species.
Hardy to well below 0°F some say as low as -20°F (USDA zone 5). It is a good clean plant for desert and succulent gardens, planted in masses or used in pots.
JB197 Chinese Foxglove ( Rehmannia elata )
Winner of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Commonly called Chinese foxglove because the tubular flowers bear a resemblance to digitalis ( foxglove ). Pollinators love the trumpet-shaped flowers, which are a lovely shade of rose-pink with speckled yellow throats. The blooms dangle from slender stems that rise above a basal rosette of scalloped gray-green foliage. The airy and delicate blossoms of combine grace and color with a long season of bloom.
Easy to grow, it is a perennial but might not survive above zone 7 so grow it there as an annual. Blooms prolifically first year from seed if sown the previous fall. No garden should be without this lovely plant, it looks both dainty and really exotic.
Although Chinese foxglove is not as hardy as its lookalike, digitalis, it is more versatile, growing well in shade and is even fairly drought-tolerant. Mature Height: 24-36", Spacing: 12-18". Zones 7-10.
3335 Billy Buttons ( Craspedia Globosa )
For gardeners who are looking for rare and new flower varieties to add to their summer display, look no further than Billy Buttons, a very unique blooming plant that is a perennial wildflower native to New Zealand, Australia and Tasmania but is considered an annual here.
The brilliant yellow hue of these 1 inch globes make them a striking addition to the flower garden. Commonly known as Billy Button or Drumstick, Craspedia is considered a half-hardy annual here in the United States. It generally blooms all summer long, and is very popular for cutting and drying. The flower heads are tough and durable making an exceptional dried flower.
Sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost is expected. Sow the flower seeds on the surface and lightly cover with peat moss or sand. The flower seeds need light for germination. Transplant seedlings when there are at least 2 sets of true leaves. They prefer full sun and gritty, well-drained soil. Plants are tolerant of poor soil and drought.
Seed can also be sown directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Prepare a seed bed with loosed soil and weed free, sow the seeds directly on the surface and lightly sprinkle peat moss or sand on top. Keep the flower seeds moist until germination. 24 inches tall. Annual.
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.
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.
LET982 Rattlesnake Master ( Eryngium yuccifolium )
A very nice plant to match with Blue Sea Holly in cutflower arrangements. Rattlesnake master is a native prairie plant primarily known for attracting a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, wasps, and other beneficial insects, and also has some historical medicinal uses.
The plant's white, spherical flower heads are rich in nectar and pollen, making them highly attractive to various pollinators. It is a magnet for bees and butterflies.
Native Americans used the plant's sap and roots for various medicinal purposes, including treating snakebites, venereal diseases, impotence, and expelling worms.
The plant's common name, "rattlesnake master," stems from the misconception that it could be used as an antidote for rattlesnake venom. 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.
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.
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.