plant descriptions

Stonecrop Angelina

Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’

This low maintenance groundcover is perfect for a sandy bed or rocky slope.  You can also use her to soften a stone wall, tucking the succulent into the cracks! Angelina is a low-growing, spreading plant, maxing out around 6” tall but spreading up to 2-3’. The attractive needle-like foliage (chartreuse to yellow), which turns to orange/burgundy in fall and winter, is a year-round pleaser! Grow in full sun in a well-drained soil. Zones 3-11.

Tag: Foliage

Thyme Mother of Thyme

Thymus serpyllum ‘Mother Of Thyme’

Also known as creeping thyme, this low maintenance and low-growing plant is best used as a groundcover (not for cooking). With trailing roots, you’ll find new shoots will occur where they come in contact with soil. Avoid wet sites. Mother of Thyme loves full sun but will tolerate some light shade.  Not to miss: the upright clusters of tiny pink flowers in Summer. Zones 4-8.

Tag: None

Cupflower Alba

Mazus reptans ‘Alba’

This fast-growing groundcover is tough, great for high-traffic areas, as well as being an ideal lawn substitute for small areas. The dense foliage grows to 2” tall and each plant can spread to 18-24”. Cupflower Alba is prolific with white blooms in spring and thrives in sun to part shade.  Plant her in a well-drained soil. Deer Resistant. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Deer Resistant

Creeping Thyme Pink Chintz

Thymus serpyllum ‘Pink Chintz’

A low, tight growing selection of creeping thyme, she’s one of the first to bloom (in mid-spring), creating a carpet of salmon-pink flowers. An excellent choice for planting between flagstones and pathways. This thyme is more durable and thrives in almost any well-drained soil in full sun. Can tolerate occasional foot traffic. Grows to 1” tall and can spread to 18” wide. Zones 4-9.

Tag: None

Cupflower

Mazus reptans

This fast-growing groundcover is tough, great for high-traffic areas, as well as being an ideal lawn substitute for small areas. The dense foliage grows to 2” tall and each plant can spread to 18-24”. Tiny, purplish-blue flowers appear in late Spring. Plant her in a moist but well-drained soil ; thrives in full sun to part shade. Deer Resistant. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Deer Resistant

Thyme Silver

Thymus argenteus ‘Silver Thyme’

Silver thyme’s leaves are edged with a thin, white line, making her a beautiful addition to your herb garden or as a decorative addition to annual container gardens. With a delicious, strong flavor and scent, this sturdy, mounding thyme can be grown in less-than-ideal conditions. Silver thyme will reach 6-12” high and wide, & thrives in full sun. Well-drained, dry to medium soils are best. Whorls of tiny, tubular, lilac flowers appear on the stem ends in late spring to early summer.  Zones 5-11.

Tag: Foliage, Attracts Pollinators

Scotch Moss

Sagina subulata aurea

Scotch Moss presents gorgeous, lush, chartreuse-to-yellow, moss-like foliage that forms a soft mat that works well along walkways and between stepping stones. Her tiny translucent white flowers add to the spring beauty. Tolerates moderate foot traffic. Will grow to 1” tall and up to 12” wide. Plant in partial to full sun, water regularly in extreme heat. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Foliage

Irish Moss

Sagina subulata

Irish Moss has a deep green lush moss-like foliage that forms a soft carpet. Tiny translucent star-shaped white flowers add to the spring beauty. Tolerates moderate foot traffic. Will grow up to 1” tall and will spread up to 12” wide in a couple of seasons. Plant in full sun to part sun/shade but may need some protection in extreme heat. Can be divided in Fall. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Foliage

Stonecrop Blue Spruce

Sedum reflexum Blue Spruce

This supremely popular sedum is a low-growing, mat-forming evergreen groundcover perennial. She is adorned with blue-green needle-like leaves for perfect year-round foliage. In summer, look out for clusters of yellow, star-shaped flowers! Grows up to 6-8” tall and spreads from 12-24”. Plant in full sun or partial shade, dry to medium moisture well-drained soil. Perfect for rock gardens!  Zones 4-9.

Tag: Evergreen, Foliage

Juniper Blue Carpet (Creeping)

Juniperus horizontalis ‘Wiltonii’

A favorite for ground-hugging junipers, this slow-growing, low-maintenance juniper is a sprawling, prostrate, evergreen shrub with a beautiful display of foliage. Her silver blue needles even take on a purplish hue in Winter. Let the ‘Wiltonii’ cascade over a wall, or plant as a groundcover in a rock garden or even as a foundation plant + more! Grows 3-6” tall and can spread up to 6ft wide. Plant in full sun in average well-drained soil. Does not like wet soil. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Evergreen, Foliage

Stonecrop Lemon Ball

Sedum rupestre Lemon Ball

A superb, fast-growing, sturdy evergreen groundcover with brilliant golden-yellow foliage that turns more bronze in late fall. With a tidy mounding, ground-hugging form, this sedum is perfect for rock gardens, containers or as edging. In early Summer, look out for stunning yellow star-shaped flowers! Reaches up to 8” tall and can spread to 10”.  For best results, plant in full sun, with average well-drained soil. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Evergreen, Foliage

Golden Creeping Jenny

Lysimachia nummularia Aurea

Creeping Jenny is a herbaceous low-growing, creeping groundcover with lime green foliage.  She forms a leafy mat not getting higher than 2-4” and spreads by rhizomes and self-seeding, in optimal conditions, to form large areas. This perennial loves damp soils and will tolerate limited foot traffic. Plant in full sun to part shade. Great for banks, along ponds, over stone walls or in hanging baskets. Less conspicuous bright yellow flowers are cup-shaped and bloom in early Summer. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Foliage

Stonecrop Mr Goodbud

Sedum Mr. Goodbud

Very large, dense heads of light purple buds contrast with the dark violet-purple flowers. The showy flower heads reach their peak in fall, and if left standing will provide winter interest and food for birds. Plant in full sun and, once established, water occasionally; more in extreme heat. This sedum is a moderate grower, forming clumps up to 18” tall and wide. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Foliage, Wildlife

Thyme Golden Lemon

Thymus x citriodorus ‘aureus’

This attractive groundcover is perfect as a herb or spreading perennial. Her small, lemon-scented, gold-edged leaves are wonderful in your home cooking (think: chicken or fish seasoning). If used as a perennial planting, Golden Lemon Thyme will tolerate light foot traffic. Plant in part to full sun, water well (but allow to dry some between watering) , will reach 6” tall and spread 12-18”.  Zones 4-10.

Tag: Foliage, Attracts Pollinators, Edible

Everbearing Strawberry

Fragaria ananassa ‘Fort Laramie’

This is an overachieving strawberry variety, producing a first crop in Spring and another crop in late summer/fall (and maybe one more if you set her in ideal conditions). The beautiful white flowers lead to a firm, bright red, juicy berry.  Buy in multiples to develop your own strawberry patch! Grows 6-9” tall, and 12-18” wide. Plant in full sun, in moist, well drained and fertile soil. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Edible, Wildlife

Weihenstephaner Gold Sedum

Sedum kamtschaticum var. floriferum ‘Weihenstephaner Gold’

This cultivar of the Kamchatka sedum features pale yellow, starry flowers that bloom in summer on silvery gray-green foliage. Wonderful as a groundcover or planted in rock gardens and rock crevices. She grows 4-6” tall and spreads 12-18”, preferring average to dry, well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid planting in wet soils. Zones 3-9.

Tags: Foliage

Orange Trumpetcreeper

Campsis radicans

A super attractive woody perennial, this southeast native clinging vine is perfect for attaching to structures with her aerial rootlets that help her to climb. Summer blooms are desirable to hummingbirds and butterflies with their long funnel shape. They are a fast grower and can reach 30-50’ tall. Perfect for woodland gardens and quick cover for fences and other structures.  Plant in full sun to part shade (best flowering in good sun).  Avoid heavy, wet soil. Keep an eye on her.  Zones 4-9.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies, Native, Attracts Hummingbirds

Thyme Lemon Variegated

Thymus x citriodorus “Variegata”

This colorful evergreen groundcover is perfect as a herb or spreading perennial. Her golden-edged green foliage  adds color to your patio containers and flower borders. The lemon-flavored leaves also add zest to your dishes in the kitchen! Plant in part to full sun, water well especially in extreme heat. This thyme will reach up to 10” tall and spreads 8-12”.  Zones 4-10.

Tag: Foliage, Attracts Pollinators, Edible

Boxwood Chicagoland Green

Buxus x ‘Glencoe’

With outstanding cold hardiness, this evergreen has a uniform oval habit, brilliant for a low hedge. Chicagoland is an excellent foundation plant or backdrop for your flowering perennials. Water weekly and more often in extreme heat. She’s a moderately slow grower, reaching 3-4ft tall in time. Plant in partial to full sun. Foliage can bronze in winter but that will disappear when Spring returns. If you are concerned about Boxwood Blight, ask our team about possible alternatives.  Zones 5-8.

Tag: Foliage

Smooth Viburnum

Viburnum nudum ‘Winterthur’

Winterthur reaches up to 10ft tall and can spread a similar distance. Expect to see creamy white, showy blooms in mid Spring on this multi-stemmed habit.  This deciduous shrub lights up the fall garden with intense red leathery leaves and blueberry-like berries. Plant in full sun to light shade. Plant in groups for a spectacular fall displays and improved fruit production. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Foliage, Attracts Hummingbirds, Wildlife

Raspberry Heritage

Rubus Heritage

For your sweet autumn fall berries, consider this ever-bearing deciduous vine. Bearing fruit first in summer and then more abundantly in fall, these raspberries stay firm and juicy with excellent flavor right off the plant or for wonderful jams.  Plant in full sun and water weekly, more in extreme heat. Intolerant of wet soils. She’s a fast grower with canes reaching 5-8ft long. Plant along a fence for support or with stakes in a freestanding garden. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Edible, Wildlife, Foliage

Juniper Skyrocket

Juniperus virginiana ‘Skyrocket’

As the name suggests, this is a narrow conical evergreen.  Once established, this popular upright juniper (a cultivar of the Eastern Red Cedar) is drought tolerant and frequently planted in groupings as a screen or in a garden as a specimen tree. Foliage is a beautiful bluish green with bird-attracting tiny blue berries in the fall. Skyrocket can reach 15-20ft tall with a spread of 2-3ft. Plant in full sun. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Wildlife

Holly Little Rascal (Male)

Ilex meserveae Little Rascal

An extremely cold hardy evergreen shrub whose beautiful foliage grows dense with an intense bright green in the summer, and a deep purple color in winter. This is the perfect choice for a low-maintenance and small garden. This male holly has a rounded shape and can be useful as a pollinizer for female blue hollies. Plant in partial to full sun, in organically rich, slightly acidic well-drained soils. Little Rascal is slow growing and will max out around 2ft tall and 3ft wide. Provides year-round interest, and exciting to see in irregular groups as a naturalistic planting scheme. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Foliage

Pepperbush Hummingbird

Clethra alnifolia ‘Hummingbird’

AKA “Summersweet”, this deciduous shrub is beautiful, compact and slowly spreading offering bottlebrush spikes of fragrant white blooms in mid to late summer. While tolerating full shade, she thrives in full sun to part shade; plant her in average, medium-to-wet, slightly acidic sandy soils. Will work in moist soils along stream banks or ponds. Reaches 2-4ft tall and 3-5ft wide. A trouble-free shrub. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Native, Wildlife, Attracts Pollinators

Ninebark Little Devil

Physocarpus opulifolius Little Devil

A unique dwarf, cold-hardy deciduous shrub, this Ninebark has an upright spreading habit with fine textured, dark burgundy-purple foliage. In early summer, look out for small purplish-white flowers. Reaching 3-4’ tall and wide, Little Devil is great for smaller gardens or to group together in larger plantings. For best foliage color, plant in full sun but will adapt to part shade also. Grows well in most well-drained soil conditions. Zones 3-7.

Tag: Foliage

Blackberry Chester Thornless

Rubus  fruticosus ‘Chester’

‘Chester’ is a semi-erect, thornless blackberry cultivar. This is a self-fruiting, free-standing, thornless shrub that produces one crop of fruit per year. Clusters of pinkish-white, 5-petaled, rose-like flowers in spring give way to firm blackberries of excellent eating quality that mature in summer. Plant in full sun to part shade, will reach 3-5ft tall and wide. If planting in groups, plant 5-6’ apart. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Edible, Wildlife

Bald Cypress

Taxodium distichum

One of our favorites to grow, this cone-bearing tree actually loses its leaves (“bald”) in Winter and grows a fresh new, bright green set in the Spring. Favored for her cinnamon-red lacy needles in Fall, as well as being a hardy tree for your landscape, you can even plant him in swampy soils! Reaching 50-75ft tall, this specimen tree is an amazing addition to any garden.  The oldest known tree is here in North Carolina and is over 600 years old! Plant in full sun in almost any soil type. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Wildlife, Foliage

Girard’s Pleasant White Azalea

Rhododendron Girard Pleasant White

‘Pleasant White’ is part of the Girard evergreen family, and that will reach 2-2.5ft tall and wide. The profusion of showy, single, white, wavy-margined blooms display themselves in late Spring. The light green foliage adds to the spectacle, making her a year-round pleaser.  Works well as an accent plant, in mass plantings or as a hedge. Plant in Part Shade in acidic, organically-rich medium moisture, well-drained soil.  (Avoid them getting wet feet.) Zones 5-8.

Tag: Wildlife, Attracts Hummingbirds

Lilac

Syringa vulgaris

The common lilac tree is an upright, multi-stemmed, suckering deciduous shrub in the Olive family. Maturing to 12-16’ tall and 8-12’ wide, she is favored particularly for her late Spring blooms of fragrant, tubular lilac to purple flowers, which bloom in large conical narrow-pyramidal panicles (6-8” long).  Plant as a specimen or in small groups. Plant in full sun in average well-drained soil. Prune after flowering. Provides an interesting cut flower! Zones 3-7.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Pepperbush Ruby Spice

Clethra alnifolia Ruby Spice

The sweet pepperbush is a deciduous shrub offering beautiful bottlebrush spikes of fragrant rose-pink blooms in mid to late summer. Plant in full sun or part shade, in average, medium to wet, slightly acidic sandy soils. Ruby spice reaches 4-6ft tall and spreads 3-5ft wide. A low maintenance shrub with showy flowers, great for rain gardens, hedges and more. Will bloom in shady locations and is fine in moist soils near stream banks or water features. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Wildlife, Attracts Pollinators

Sweetspire Merlot

Itea virginica ‘Merlot’

A dwarf, deciduous shrub, Merlot Sweetspire presents panicles of fragrant, pure white blooms in early summer, attracting butterflies and other pollinators to your gardens.  Merlot refers to the stunning deep red foliage displays in fall! Plant in part sun to full sun in moist soils (yes, Merlot  is tolerant of wetter conditions). Reaches 3-4’ tall with a 3’ spread. Prune after blooming. Deer tolerant.  Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Foliage, Attracts Pollinators

Bugleweed Chocolate Chip

Ajuga reptans ‘Valfredda’

Also known as carpet bugle, its dwarf habit makes this plant a prized groundcover perennial. With her chocolate-colored foliage and bluish-purple flower spikes in mid spring, Ajuga is a cute, low-maintenance crowd pleaser that thrives in shady areas. Planting in full sun can help her to achieve evergreen status. Over time it will form a dense mat of rosettes.  Reaches 3” tall and 6-9” wide.  Rabbit and deer resistant. Plant in average, well-drained soil. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Deer Resistant

Chocolate Mint

Mentha x piperita ‘Chocolate’

Most commonly grown as a culinary herb, this mint can reach 2’ tall and spreads by rhizomes to form an attractive groundcover.  Look out for terminal spikes of small, lavender flowers in summer.  It truly has a fragrance of chocolate. Can spread aggressively. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Edible

Raspberry Fallgold

Rubus idaeus ‘Fallgold’

An ever-bearing deciduous vine with gold-color raspberries. Fallgold produces two crops on each biennial cane (unless pruned otherwise): a fall crop on the top 1/3 of the canes and a second crop the following late spring/early summer on the bottom 2/3 of the canes . Typically grows to 4-5’ tall and spreads 1.5-2ft wide.  Best grown in organically rich, slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Intolerant of wet soils, which can cause root rot.  Zones 5-8.

Tag: Edible, Wildlife, Attracts Butterflies

Viburnum Prague

Viburnum Pragense

This broadleaf, multi-stemmed evergreen, generally grown for its attractive flowers, colorful fruit and beautiful foliage can reach 8-12’ tall and wide. Cymes of 6” slightly fragrant, creamy white flowers are delicate and cute in Spring, giving way into red then glossy black berries in fall. A year-round pleaser, plant her in full sun to part shade in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Evergreen, Foliage, Wildlife

Dr. Ruppel Clematis

Clematis are hugely popular vines that come in a variety of colors. Dr. Ruppel produces masses of large beautiful pale pink flowers. She can grow quickly and reach from 6-12ft tall. Ideal growing condition is to keep the upper part of the plant in full sun with their “feet” in the shade.  Plant deep enough to keep the roots cool while applying mulch to block heat. Prefers fertile, well-drained soil that can be kept evenly moist.  Zones 4-8.

Tag: None

Viburnum Chesapeake

Viburnum x Chesapeake

Chesapeake is a semievergreen shrub reaching up to 8ft tall x 10ft wide. With waxy, glossy, wavy-edged leaves and 2-inch clusters of fragrant white flowers (originating from pink buds) in spring, this is a great addition to any garden.  Red berries mature to black in late fall.  Plant in full sun to part shade, in moist well-drained soil. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Foliage, Wildlife

Gold Moss Stonecrop

Sedum acre ‘Golden Acre’

Create a blanket of golden, star-shaped flowers (in early to mid summer) on your garden floor with this creeping Sedum. The emerald green leaves keep their color throughout the season and this variety is extremely easy to grow. Reaching 3-4” tall and spreading 12-22” wide, this succulent perennial is perfect for groundcover. Plant in full sun in well-draining average, dry soil. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Evergreen, Foliage

Climbing Aster

Ampelaster carolinianus

This native perennial vine sends out a profusion of pale purple to lavender fragrant flowers beginning in late fall. It reaches 4-5ft tall.  Frost does not seem to impede the blooms. It attracts bees and butterflies well into November.  Plant in full sun for best results, but can withstand part shade; provide a structure for it to lean on. Grow in fertile, moist soil. A well-behaved native vine! Zones 7 -9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Pollinators

Heartleaf Peppervine

Ampelopsis cordata

A member of the grape family, this tendril-bearing perennial vine naturally climbs into trees in stream bottoms and wooded canyons. Native to the southeast, this deciduous vine has heart-shaped leaves and grape-like fruit that can be enjoyed by many of our local birds (not humans). Plant in full sun to partial shade. This plant is on the watchlist for conservation in North Carolina. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Native, Wildlife

Blue Star

Amsonia tabernaemontana ‘Grande’

This eye-catching herbaceous native perennial occurs most frequently in rich, open woods and thickets in our state. Bluestar boasts a striking growth habit, clean attractive foliage and pale blue starry flowers in late spring atop leafy stems growing 2-3′ tall. Plant in full sun to part shade, in average, medium, well-drained soil. Narrow, willow-shaped, green foliage may turn an attractive yellow in fall. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Native, Foliage, Attracts Pollinators

Solitary Pussytoes

Antennaria solitaria

The many disk flowers of this dioecious Eastern US native perennial are white to pale purplish and are tube-shaped. Reaches up to 6” tall with showy white flowers. Can be used as groundcover as it spreads by white runners. Plant in part shade to full shade with dry, well drained soil. Zones 6-8.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies, Native, Wildlife

Spiked Wild Indigo

Baptisia albescens

A bushy, leguminous herbaceous native wildflower with foliage about two feet high supporting much taller spikes of white, pea-like flowers (in late spring to summer). A very long-lived plant which can give pleasure for decades if undisturbed. Plant in sun in most well-drained soils. Host plant for several butterfly species and attracts many pollinators. Many enjoy the pods in dry flower arrangements. Zones 3-10.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies, Native, Attracts Polinators

River Birch

Betula nigra

A vigorous, fast-growing, medium-sized oval-shaped native deciduous tree, the River Birch has unique salmon-pink to reddish-brown bark, which exfoliates to reveal a much lighter inner bark. Can reach 40-70ft tall and spread 40-60ft.  Plant in full sun or part shade. One of the most disease-free birches. Add to your garden as a specimen perhaps in wet soil along a river bed or by a pond although it can be planted almost anywhere. Don’t miss: her brown and green catkins in the Spring. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Native, Wildlife

Seersucker Sedge

Carex plantaginea

Perhaps the most ornamental of the woodland sedges, this petite native perennial forms up to 1ft tall and wide clumps of lush, striking green, shaggy foliage. Blades are dimpled or puckered. In mid-spring reddish purple scaly flower spikes are displayed above the foliage. Plant in part to full shade in moist, well-drained soil. Use as a bold textural accent for your shade garden or in a grouping in a wildlife garden. Excellent native groundcover to use in lieu of Mondo Grass.  Zones 4-8.

Tag: Wildlife, Native, Attracts Pollinators

Northern Catalpa

Catalpa speciosa

With white, showy flowers, giant heart-shaped leaves, and dangling bean-like seed pods, this native fast-growing tree provides a spreading shade canopy capable of blocking sunlight! Reaching 40-60’ wide and up to 20-40’ wide, the Catalpa has added interest with its twisting trunk and branches. Plant in full sun or partial shade, in well drained soils. A wide range of conditions can be tolerated.  Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Wildlife

The Ninebark

Physocarpus opulus

This fast-growing, deciduous, native shrub is a must for your rain- or wildlife-friendly landscape. A distinguishing feature is its exfoliating bark that peels off in strips to expose layers of red to light brown inner bark. The white flowers are a nectar source for native bees and other pollinators. The fruit serve as a food source for a variety of birds and small mammals. At 5-10ft tall and with a 6-10ft spread, the Ninebark tolerates a wide range of conditions. Plant in full sun to part shade. Offers year round seasonal interest.  Zones 2-8.

Tag: Wildlife, Native, Attracts Pollinators

Pitch Pine

Pinus rigida

A 40-70ft native evergreen with an irregular, globular form; twisting, gnarled, drooping branches; and scaly, reddish-brown bark. Stiff, yellow-green needles, in clusters of three, eventually turn dark-green. A medium-sized native tree with a broad, rounded or irregular crown of horizontal branches. Cones occur in whorls of 3-5.  Plant in full sun in most soils.  A great specimen tree for your garden.  Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Wildlife

Chickasaw Plum

Prunus angustifolia

Seriously, we all need these: A self-pollinating wild, native plum reaching 12ft and up when mature, providing delicious edible fruits that you can eat right off the tree (sweet-tart flavor) or make jam like your grandma did!  The Chickasaw Plum is an excellent source of food and shelter for wildlife. She blooms with clusters of beautiful white, fragrant flowers in early Spring and even fruits at a young age. Plant in full sun to part shade. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Edible, Wildlife, Native, Attracts Pollinators

Carolina Cherry Laurel

Prunus caroliniana

A dense shrub or small tree reaching 15-36ft in height, and boasting a pyramidal to oval habit, this fast-growing hardy laurel is an evergreen and a wonderful native plant to support wildlife and pollinators in your garden. Plant in part to full sun in moist, well-drained soil. With her narrowly elliptical smooth and shiny leaves, consider planting as a fast growing hedge! Zones 7-10.

Tag: Evergreen, Attracts Pollinators, Native, Wildlife

Upright Prairie Coneflower

Ratibida columnifera

Aka “Mexican Hat”, in summer this showy native perennial wildflower has yellow rays with a dark brown, long, cylindrical disc at the center.  Flower petals range from dark red and yellow, to all red or all yellow.  Reaching from 1-3ft tall and with a spread of 1-1.5ft, plant this coneflower in full sun in dry to medium, well-draining soil. For best results, plant in groups so they stand out together. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies, Native

Virginia Mallow

Sida hermaphrodita

AKA “Virginia Fanpetals”, this hard-to-find upright perennial native can reach 6-8ft tall and has impressive broad blue-green foliage. In summer, expect to see small white mallow flowers. This plant fills in quickly, grows in full sun to light shade and will be fine planted in wet to dry soil. Use in hedging, flower beds and as a border plant. Zones 4-7.

Tag: Attracts Pollinators, Native

Fire Pink

Silene virginica

Loved by hummingbirds and voted the 2015 Wildflower of the Year, Fire Pink presents a truly unique flower: floret bases are tubular and the petals are spreading with ragged edges.  Plants thrive in partially sunny gardens with well drained moist or dry soil. Reaching 10-20” tall with a spread of 12”, with narrow lance-shaped leaves, this native beauty works wonders in small groups in your native, meadow or pollinator garden. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Butterflies, Native

Anise-Scented Goldenrod

Solidago odora

This summer-blooming native goldenrod has dense spires of golden yellow flowers that give off a licorice aroma from her leaves (when crushed, try in tea!)  Reaching 2-5ft, expect her to attract butterflies, bees and other pollinators into your landscape. A great addition of late season color to meadows and wildflower gardens.  Zones 4-10.

Tag: Attracts Pollinators, Native

Tall Meadow Rue

Thalictrum dasycarpum

Colloquially known as “Cats Paw Clover”, this native perennial can brighten your meadow scene with its yellow “paw-shaped” foliage in fall. In summer, she presents white delicate plumes of white flowers that have a fluffy effect. Planted in part to full shade, she will grow 3-7ft tall and offers an airy texture to your landscape. Plant in moist well-draining soil. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Butterflies

American Basswood

Tilia americana

Reaching from 30-70’ this majestic, rapid-growing, perfect shade tree has 5-6” long heart-shaped leaves and is commonly referred to as the “bee tree”. Her clusters of fragrant yellow flowers in spring attract bees and many other pollinators. Considered a “National Treasure”, plant this native in moist not wet soil, mulching in hot weather to keep the roots cool. Plant in partial shade.  Zones 4-8.

Tag: Wildlife, Attracts Pollinators, Native

Arborvitae ‘Firechief’

Thuja occidentalis ‘Firechief’

Don’t you love that orangish color?! Great contraster in both color and texture. Roundish shape at 3-5′ tall and wide. Full sun to part shade, plant away from winter wind that can dry and burn foliage. Average to moist soil. Use as a single specimen or border plant. Zones 6-8.

Tag: Evergreen

Arborvitae ‘Forever Goldy

Thuja plicata ‘Forever Goldy’

With her bright golden yellow foliage and upright pyramidal habit, ‘Forever Goldy’ provides year-round interest to your garden. Reaching 10-12’ high and staying within 3-3.5’ wide, this fast-grower could be used to make a brilliant and bright privacy screen. Grows best in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Will not tolerate extremely dry conditions. Plant in full sun. Zones 4-7.

Tag: Evergreen, Foliage

Sugar Maple ‘Apollo’

Acer saccharum ‘Apollo’

‘Apollo’ is a semi-dwarf columnar sugar maple with a narrow upright form and a strong, straight trunk. It will grow to only about half the size of typical sugar maples. When leaving, it is a dense pillar of green shifting in fall to a spire of orange and gold. Plant in well-drained soil for best results, but it is very tolerant of sandy and clay soils. Full sun will give the best fall color, but light shade is fine. Grows to 25′ tall and 12′ wide. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Foliage

Appalachian False Goat’s Beard

Astilbe biternata

Astilbe biternata is the only species of Astilbe that is native to North America. It is a bold, coarse-textured, 3-6′ tall plant with hundreds of small, creamy-white flowers borne in feathery pyramidal panicles. Provide rich, moist soil in partial shade, and use as a background plant. Pairs nicely with Carex and Heuchera. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers

Bottlebrush Buckeye

Aesculus parviflora var. serotina

Bottlebrush buckeye is a native noted for being one of the best summer-flowering shrubs for shade areas. Tubular white flowers have showy red anthers and pinkish filaments beloved by pollinators, and followed by those iconic nuts. Var. serotina differs from others by maturing a little larger at 20′ tall, producing much larger inflorescences (up to 30″ long), and blooming a few weeks later. Plant in medium moisture, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. Intolerant of dry soils. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators

Carolina Aster

Ampelaster carolinianus

Climbing aster utilizes the structure of other plants to scramble vertically, with side branches growing horizontally and interlacing themselves through twigs or supports. This 6ft-8ft native perennial blooms very late in the season and only stops with a very hard frost. The flowers are fragrant, lavender with yellow centers. Can be used as a groundcover or grown on a shrub like an inkberry holly. Plant in average, rich soil in full sun to filtered shade. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Polinators

Nodding Allium

Allium cernuum

Commonly called nodding wild onion, this Allium is a native that typically grows 12-18″ tall. The bell-shaped lilac or occasionally white flowers appear in loose, nodding clusters above the foliage in the summer. Once used in cooking, it is not generally considered of culinary value today, and is most notable for its flowers. Great for naturalizing areas with interesting flowers. Plant in dry to medium soil in full sun to part shade. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Sedge ‘Everoro’

Carex ‘Everoro’

‘Everoro’ is a naturally occurring mutation of Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’. It is a compact, clump-forming, evergreen sedge with golden yellow leaf centers and wide, dark green margins. It grows to 1-1.5′ tall and wide. Plant in medium to wet soils in part shade. Foliage color is richer in part shade than in sun.
Zones 5-9.

Tag: Foliage

Red Maple ‘Columnare’

Acer rubrum ‘Columnare’

Everything about red maples is red – red flowers in dense clusters in March to April, red fruit, reddish stems and twigs, red buds and, in the fall excellent orange-red foliage. ‘Columnare’ will typically grow to 40-60′ tall with a narrow, columnar form. Plant in medium to wet soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of soils, but prefers moist, slightly acid conditions. Very cold hardy. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Native, Foliage

Japanese Maple ‘Garnet’

Acer palmatum ‘Garnet’

‘Garnet’ is a dissected Japanese Maple form that matures to an upright-pendulous mound 6-9′ tall. Leaflets emerge red-orange in spring with the color remaining until mid-summer before fading to purplish-green, and red in the fall. Easy to grow in moist, organic, slightly acidic, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Plant protected from strong winds. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Foliage

Georgia Calamint

Clinopodium georgianum

Georgia savory is a low-growing native shrub with leaves that release a minty fragrance when touched. It has a compact habit, reaching on 12-18″ tall and 20-36″ wide, and the small pink flowers are very attractive to pollinators. Native to central North Carolina and warmer areas of the foothills and mountains. Grows best in sun and well-drained soil. Avoid soil that stays wet. After flowering, cut plants back by half for a neater appearance. Zones 7-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators, Edible

River Cane

Arundinaria gigantea

Giant cane is a running cane that is native to swampy areas and bogs in Eastern North America. In optimum conditions, it will naturalize to form dense canebrakes, where canes will grow to 5-12′ tall. Plant in full sun in consistently moist soils.
Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native

Gold Mop Threadleaf Cypress

Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Gold Mop’

Gold Mop’ is a mounded, slow-growing dwarf cypress that typically grows to 2-3′ tall and wide over the first ten years, maturing eventually to around 5′ tall. It has stringy, whip-like golden yellow foliage, and retains that nice yellow throughout the year. Plant in medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best in part shade and sheltered from strong winds. Zones 5-7.

Tag: Evergreen, Foliage

Japanese Maple Burgundy Lace

Acer palmatum ‘Burgundy Lace’

Introduced in 1958, this Japanese Maple is a small tree in the Matsumurae Group, noted for its burgundy-red leaves. The leaves usually retain excellent burgundy color well into summer before turning bronze-green, and bright red in fall. Matures 8-12′ tall and 10-15′ wide. Plant in moist, rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade, and protect from winds. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Foliage

Cherokee Sedge

Carex cherokeensis

Native to our region, this small sedge forms attractive, slow-spreading clumps of fine-textured grass-like, deep green leaves. Cut foliage to the ground and remove in late winter. Grow in medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Native

Plum Yew ‘Yewtopia’

Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Yewtopia’

Plum yews are dioecious coniferous evergreens that typically reach the size of a small shrub, but can be trained as a much taller tree. This selection usually matures to about 3-4′ tall and wide. It is a compact, shrubby, vase-shaped selection introduced in 2009 as part of the Southern Living Plant Collection. Best grown in moist, sandy, well-drained soils in shady areas. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Evergreen

Porcelain Vine

Ampelopsis glandulosa

Porcelain berry is fast-growing and can be invasive if not contained. Leaves are highly lobed, but its almost iridescent pink-purple berries are what it is known for. It grows to more than 20′.

Tag: None

Red Maple ‘Red Sunset’

Acer rubrum ‘Red Sunset’

Red maples are native to Eastern North America, with emerging leaflets, leafstalks, twigs, flowers, fruit and fall foliage all red or tinged red. ‘Red Sunset’ is one of the best red maple cultivars, with amazing orange to red fall color, more reliable than the straight species. Likes medium to wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Grows to about 40-60′ tall and 30-40′ wide. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Native, Foliage

Shuttleworth Ground Ginger

Asarum shuttleworthii

Shuttleworth wild ginger is native to moist woodlands in the Appalachian Mountains and features evergreen, rounded heart-shaped aromatic leaves which are usually mottled with silvery gray markings. Jug-shaped purplish brown flowers with reddish purple spots inside appear in spring. Slower spreading. Plant in medium to wet, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. Prefers constantly moist, acidic soils. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Native

Butterfly Bush ‘Pugster Blue’

Buddleia x ‘Pugster Blue’

The Pugster series are characterized by their short, stocky frame and large, full-sized flowers. The thick and heavy stems ensure a more hardy plant compared to other small Buddleia. This variety has true blue flowers, definitely a knockout. Grows to 2′ tall and wide. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers

Beautyberry

Callicarpa americana var. lactea

This beautyberry is different from the straight species in that it has pure milky-white berries rather than the purple. It really grabs the eye when the bare branches are clothed with white berries in early fall. Grows to 6-8′ tall and 5-7′ wide. Plant in full sun to partial shade. Zones 7-9.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers, Wildlife

Paperbark Maple

Acer griseum

This Chinese maple is small, deciduous, and noted for its exfoliated copper orange bark and showy orange fall color. Bark peels into large curls that remain on the trees, contrasting with the tan to rose inner bark. Leaves are green above, frosty blue-green underneath, showing shades of orange and red in fall. Grows to 20-30′ tall and 15-25′ wide. Plant in moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Intolerant of drought. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Foliage

Kousa Dogwood ‘Mandarin Jewel’

Cornus kousa var. chinensis ‘Mandarin Jewel’

This dogwood is wonderful on all fronts, from its deep green foliage and snow white flowers to its unusual pumpkin-yellow fruits, that stand out nicely against the foliage and are beloved by birds. Grows to a maximum of 20 feet tall, and will produce flowers and fruit best in full sun. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Wildlife

Atlantic White Cedar ‘Red Star’

Chamaecyparis thyoides ‘Red Star’

This is a selection of the Atlantic white cedar, which will eventually reach 15-20′ tall. Because of its multiple leader form, it has the risk of ice or snow splitting it, so it is suggested to keep it pruned to a dwarf form, which maintains the tight, beautiful foliage as well. Widely adaptable, but best planted in moist, sandy soil and full sun. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Evergreen

Dogwood ‘Venus’

Cornus x ‘Venus’

This is a variety that was developed by Elwin Orton and released by Rutgers University. It is notable for having a vigorous habit, enormous flowers that bloom profusely, and a resistance to anthracnose and powdery mildew. It is a small tree with a dense, spreading habit that is more vigorous than most Kousa dogwoods. Matures to 14-18′ tall and 18-24′ wide. Best grown in average, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade, the best being moist, organically rich, acidic soil in part shade. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Round-Lobed Hepatica

Anemone americana

This is a wonderful native spring ephemeral, one of the first spring wildflowers to emerge. It is a stemless plant that features large basal leaves with three rounded lobes and light blue to lavender anemone-like flowers. Best grown in humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soil in part shade. Needs consistently moist soils that do not dry out.
Zones 3-8.

Tag: Native

Autumn Fern

Dryopteris erythrosora

This is an arching, semi-evergreen fern that grows in a vase-shaped clump to 2′ tall and wide. Its new fronds unfurl in striking shades of orange-red to copper-pink before maturing to deep green in summer. Grow in slightly acidic, medium to wet soils, in part to full shade.
Zones 5-8.

Tag: None

Plum Yew ‘Fritz Huber’

Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Fritz Huber’

This Japanese plum yew is little known, but has a very elegant low, prostrate form that holds its attractive foliage well through the winter. It is known for its shade tolerance. Plant in moist, well-drained soil in sun or shade. Prune to shape in summer. Grows to 2-3′ tall and 3-4′ wide. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Evergreen

Fringeleaf Bluestar

Amsonia ciliata

This native, clump-forming perennial is native to the southeast. Clusters of star-like, light blue flowers bloom in mid-spring atop erect stems clad with narrow, almost needle-like leaves that turn a pretty yellow in fall. It grows to 2-3′ tall, and can be promoted to bush further by cutting back the stems after flowering. Plant in medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers

Smooth Woodmint

Blephilia subnuda

This rare native from Alabama grows to about 2′ tall, with mint-like flowers, white with purple spots on the lower lip rising over a loose, natural stemming form. Prefers rich soil, with full sun to part shade. Zones unknown so far.

Tag: Native

Red Maple ‘Red Rocket’

Acer rubrum ‘Red Rocket’

This red maple is a great shade tree for smaller areas with a narrow upright growth habit. Early spring flowers appear before the leaves and are showy and red. New leaflets are red, and an outstanding red in the fall. The silver furrowed bark contrasts nicely with the red branches. Grows to 35′ tall and 12′ wide. Plant in a wide range of soils, but it has a preference for acidity. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Native, Foliage

Bowles’ Golden Sedge

Carex elata ‘Aurea’

This sedge is a dense, clump-forming plant rising 1-2.5′ tall and is grown for its foliage effect. Foliage turns yellow after frost. ‘Aurea’ has shimmering yellow leaves with dark green margins. Easy to grow in medium to wet soil in full sun to part shade. Thrives in shallow water of a couple inches. Tends to flop in too much shade. Cut to ground in winter. Zones 5-9.

Tag: None

Cockspur Hawthorn

Crataegus crus-galli

This species is a dense, low-branched rounded tree that grows to about 25-35′ tall. Foliage turns orange to scarlet to purple red in the fall, followed by rounded fruits that are beautiful and full, and were once used culinarily. It is best to leave them to the birds, though. Plant in average to medium moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Zones 3-7.

Tag: Wildlife, Foliage

Rose Turtlehead

Chelone obliqua

This species of turtlehead is very erect, forming clumps 2-3′ tall. It is native to moist woods, swampy areas, floodplains, alluvial forests and stream margins in our region. Hooded snapdragon-like flowers ranging from red to pink to deep rose rise in spikes from late summer into autumn. Each flower has a sparse pale yellow beard inside the lower lip. Best grown in organically rich moist to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Preference is dappled sun and consistently moist conditions. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native

Quince ‘Pink Storm’

Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Pink Storm’

This variety is a flowering quince known for its early spring bloom of double pink flowers, resembling camellias. It has a dense, broad-rounded, thornless form that typically grows to 3-4′ tall and wide. The flowers appear before leaves fully unfold in early spring. This selection does not produce fruit. Best grown in medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade, sun for best flowers. Prune to shape in spring after flowering. Zones 5-9.

Tag: None

‘Radiance’ Abelia

Abelia x grandiflora ‘Radiance’

This white variegated Abelia has beautiful silvery-green and creamy white variegated foliage on bright red stems. Beginning in late summer, they are covered in small, trumpet-shaped flowers loved by butterflies. More compact than other Abelias, reaching 2-3’x3-4′. Plant in moist, well-drained, acidic soil in full sun to part shade. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers

Sweetshrub ‘Venus’

Calycanthus x raulstonii ‘Venus’

Venus’ is a dense, rounded hybrid which typically grows to 5-7′ tall and wide. It has very fragrant magnolia-like flowers with white strap-like petals, blooming from around May to July. Each flower has contrasting purple and yellow center markings. Plant in medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerates close to full shade. Zones 5-9.

Tag: None

Pepperbush ‘Novacleein’

Clethra alnifolia ‘Einstein’

With fragrant flowers that look like Einstein’s unruly hair, this easy care shrub is sure to be a highlight. The foliage is deep green for most of the year, but then takes on a golden brown hue in the fall. Great compact form, reaching 3-4′ tall and wide, with large flowers. Happiest in full sun and good soil. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators, Wildlife

Yellowood

Cladrastis lutea

Yellowwood is a medium deciduous tree that typically grows to 30-50′ tall with upright branching and a broad crown. It is best known for its compound foliage, fragrant white spring flowers, autumn seed pods and yellow fall color. Native to the southeast and our region. The wood of the tree contains a yellow dye that colors the heartwood and gives it its name. Best grown in medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Prune it late summer. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Foliage

Dwarf Fothergilla’Blue Mist’

Fothergilla gardenii ‘Blue Mist’

This native is a compact, slow-growing cultivar with a mounded habit typically growing to 2-3′ tall. Its leaves are an attractive frosty blue-green in summer, changing to yellow, orange and red in fall. The flowers appear before the leaves in dense terminal bottlebrush-like spikes. Will spread by root suckers to form colonies. Best grown in moist, acidic, organically rich, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Native, Foliage

Appalachian Barren Strawberry

Geum fragarioides

Barren strawberry is an ornamental ground cover that resembles strawberry. It is native to eastern North America, and forms a 6″ mat which spreads by runner-like rhizomes just below the surface. The flowers are yellow in spring, and the foliage is evergreen. The name comes from the fact that, while it produces berries, they are inedible. Grow in well-drained soil in full sun to part shade, best in humusy, slightly acidic soil. Zones 4-7.

Tag: Native, Foliage

Sunburst Honey Locust

Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Suncole’

This honey Locust grows to form a broad pyramidal head, is thornless and seedless and reaches 30-35′ tall and wide. Its foliage emerges bright golden-bronze changing to green and then golden in the fall. Pollinators are attracted to the light fragrance of the bloom. Does best in full sun and dry to average soil. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Foliage

Two-Winged Silverbell

Halesia diptera

This small native tree is a winner. It grows with a rounded form to 20-30′ tall, with showy clusters of beautiful bell-shaped white flowers with deeply lobed petals appearing in spring. The flowers are followed by flattened, two-winged fruits that ripen in the fall. Leaves turn yellow in fall, and bark exfoliates in thin scales. Best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Native, Foliage

Daylily ‘Happy Returns’

Hemerocallis ‘Happy Returns’

Happy Returns’ is a repeat-blooming diploid cultivar which features ruffled lemon-yellow flowers on naked stems typically rising to 18″ tall above the leaves. Mildly fragrant. This cultivar is a ‘Stella d’Oro’ hybrid. Best grown in medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. For best performance, divide daylilies every 3-4 years.
Zones 3-9.

Tag: None

Daylily Stella d’Oro

Hemerocallis ‘Stella d’Oro’

This daylily features profuse yellow flowers with ruffled edges and deeper yellow throats borne on naked stems. It is a multiple AHS award winner and has become perhaps the most popular daylily in cultivation due to its compact size, vigorous growth, profuse blooms and extremely long bloom period. Best grown in medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. For best performance, divide daylilies every 3-4 years. Zones 3-9.

Tag: None

Daylily Stella Supreme

Hemerocallis ‘Stella Supreme’

Stella Supreme is similar in blooming behavior to ‘Stella d’Oro’, but differs in flower color and shape. It has lemon yellow flowers, that are small and have a strong citrus smell. Starts blooming in early summer and reblooms until frost.  Best grown in medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. For best performance, divide daylilies every 3-4 years. Zones 3-9.

Tag: None

Hosta ‘Appletini’

Hosta ‘Appletini’

Miniature mound of thick apple-green colored leaves, which emerge yellow before changing to green in summer. It has very smooth and waxy leaves, grows vigorously, and is a perfect addition to the miniature hosta garden, only reaching 6″ tall and 14″ wide. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 2-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Blue Angel’

Hosta ‘Blue Angel’

A giant, blue-leaved hosta that grows in a mound to 3′ tall and 4′ wide. It features thick, heavy-textured, blue-green leaves with light marginal undulations. Best blue foliage color occurs in light shade with tolerance for some morning sun. Bell-shaped, pale lavender to white flowers bloom in a dense raceme in mid-summer atop an erect, leafy, gray-green scape rising to 4′ tall. This is one of the largest of the blue-leaved hostas. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 2-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Francee’

Hosta ‘Francee’

Generally considered one of the best of the white-margined hostas. It typically matures in a dense, arching mound to 21″ tall and 36″ wide. Heart-shaped, dark green leaves have narrow white margins. Foliage holds good color throughout the growing season. Funnel-shaped, pale lavender flowers in dense racemes appear in late summer atop leafy green scapes rising to 30″ tall. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Frances Williams’

Hosta ‘Frances Williams’

This is a popular cultivar that features very large blue-green leaves variegated with irregular greenish-yellow margins. Discovered by breeder Frances Williams in the mid-1930s. It matures in a spreading mound to 24″ tall, but spreads over time to 48-60″ wide. Thick, puckered, cupped leaves have distinctive veining, deep blue-green in the center with wide but irregular greenish-yellow margins. Funnel-shaped, mostly white flowers appear in early to mid summer. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 2-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Golden Tiara’

Hosta ‘Golden Tiara’

This is a small to medium hosta that forms a spreading mound of foliage to 16″ tall and 38″ wide. Wide, medium green leaves with acute tips and heart-shaped bases have irregular golden yellow margins. Funnel-shaped, lavender to purple flowers in clusters appear in late summer atop upright scapes. It reportedly has better tolerance for dryish soils than many of the hostas commonly grown in gardens today. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 2-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Green and Gold’

Hosta ‘Green and Gold’

A large hosta, ‘Green and Gold’ reaches 2′ tall and 3-4′ wide. The leaves are dark green with cream margins turning white, ovate and pointy. Flowers are pale lavender on 30″ scapes in late summer. Tough, attractive plant, excellent in masses. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil.
Zones 2-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Munchkin Fire’

Hosta ‘Munchkin Fire’

This vigorous yellow miniature hosta is the perfect size for troughs and fairy gardens. Short and narrow leaves hold their bright yellow color all season long. Since the leaves are so narrow, there isn’t a prominent leaf base, and the leaves simply taper away. Lavender flowers appear above the petite habit in midsummer. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil.
Zones 2-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Stained Glass’

Hosta ‘Stained Glass’

American Hosta Growers Hosta of the Year in 2006. This is a wonderful sport of the beloved ‘Guacamole’ , that differs in that it has a much brighter gold center. Nice yellow leaves have a dark green margin that creates a great color contrast. Prominent veins throughout the leaf give the leaves a stained glass window effect. This Hosta will tolerate full sun more than most, but make sure the soil is good and fertile with adequate moisture in growing in full sun. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 2-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hydrangea ‘Haas Halo’

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Haas Halo’

Deep blueish-green, leathery foliage and 14″ pure white wide lacecap blooms make for a stunning shrub in any setting. This beautiful native selection stands tall and never flops. Spreads to 3-5′ tall and wide. Drought tolerant, but prefers m0oist soil in full to part sun. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers

Hydrangea ‘Wee White’

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Wee White’

This smooth Hydrangea is sturdy and compact, reaching just 1-2.5′ tall and is covered with pure white mophead flowers from summer to fall. The blooms start white and age to shades of green and pink, with fresh buds being produced through autumn. Strong stems prevent flopping. Plant in almost any well-drained soil and full sun.
Zones 3-9.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Interhydia’

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Interhydia’

This is a compact cultivar that typically grows in a rounded, upright form to 5-10′ tall and wide. It is noted for producing dense, pyramidal panicles of sterile and fertile flowers at the ends of red-stemmed branches. Flowers emerge white but mature to a rich pink. Strong stems don’t flop. Plant in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Hydrangea Hayes Starburst

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Starburst’

This is a compact cultivar that typically grows to 2-4′ tall. Unlike the straight species, this cultivar features rounded, dome-shaped flowerheads densely packed with starry, sterile, double white florets. Hayes Jackson discovered this shrub growing in his garden in Alabama. Lengthy bloom period extends from June to September. Easily grown in medium moisture, well-drained soil in part shade. Tolerates full sun if grown with consistent moisture. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Hydrangea White Diamonds

Hydrangea paniculata ‘White Diamonds’

Developed by Dr. Michael Dirr at the University of Georgia, this paniculata is smaller and more manageable for a small garden or container. Flower panicles of full glistening white are held high on stiff upright branches that don’t flop. Cut flowers work well in dried arrangements. Reaches 6-8′ tall and 3-7’wide. Best in medium moisture, well-drained soil and full sun to part shade. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Snowy Hydrangea

Hydrangea radiata

Silver-leaf Hydrangea is a deciduous shrub with outstanding flowers and a unique foliage quality during the heat of summer. It is recently gained popularity with its leaves that are a striking silver-white beneath. It also produces attractive creamy white, flat-topped flower clusters on the ends of its branches. Performs very well in part-shade as a border shrub and in masses, reaching 4-7′ tall. Prefer medium moisture, well-drained soil and filtered or partial shade. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers

Buckley’s St. Johnswort

Hypericum buckleyi

This is a rare native St. Johns Wort found only in the high southern Appalachians in the Carolinas and Georgia. This is a good candidate for the rock garden as it is quite small and blooms profusely. Best planted in well-drained soil in sun. Zones not established.

Tag: Native

Astilbe ‘Sprite’

Astilbe simplicifolia ‘Sprite’

1994 Perennial of the Year. This handsome plant could stand alone just on the merit of its foliage, which retains an incredible luster. Delicate white plumes appear in mid-summer. Plant in rich garden soil with lots of manure. Part shade, and plants decline in dry soil. Zones 4-8

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Three Lobed Coneflower

Rudbeckia triloba

1996 Georgia Gold Medal Winner. Masses of small, 1-2″ yellow flowers with a purplish-black center persist for many weeks into late summer. Plants reseed well, and should be treated like a biennial, so collect seed from dried flowers and sow in place. 2-3′ tall, likes sun to part sun. Zones 3-10.

Tag: Native, Cut Flower, Attracts Butterflies

Gayfeather ‘Kobold’

Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’

A bit shorter and more compact than the species, ‘Kobold’ grows to about 2-3′ tall with multiple spikes of lilac-mauve flowers in summer. Plant in full sun and a well-drained, good garden soil with average moisture. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Hydrangea ‘Quick Fire’

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Quick Fire’

A breakthrough plant that blooms more than a month earlier than other varieties. White blooms appear in late May and early June, turning deep pink soon thereafter. Plants do well in full to part sun and reach 6-8′ tall and wide. Plant in good garden soil. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Sweetspire ‘Little Henry’

Itea virginica ‘Little Henry’

A compact sweetspire with pure white, narrow, elongated flowers in early summer, and flaming red foliage in the fall. 3′ tall, with a suckering, colonizing habit. Very adaptable to moisture and are often used for soil stabilization in flood prone areas. Sun/medium shade, average to moist soil. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native

Cinquefoil ‘Dakota Sunspot’

Potentilla fruticosa ‘Dakota Sunspot’

A compact, spreading plant with vivid yellow flowers and fine, bright green foliage. Flowers last for many weeks in the summer and plants only reach 2-3′ tall and wide. Great for a border, and cold hardy to boot, as it was developed in North Dakota. Plant in full to part sun and well-drained garden soil. Zones 3-7.

Tag: Native

Sweetshrub ‘Hartlage Wine’

Calycanthus x raulstonii ‘Hartlage Wine’

A cross between Sinocalycanthus and Calycanthus. Large, maroon, magnolia-like flowers are very showy against superb glossy green foliage in early summer. Great for cutting. Fragrance is slight. Full to part sun. Hybridized by R. Hartlage while at NCSU. 8′ tall and wide. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Holly ‘Steeds’

Ilex crenata ‘Steeds’

A dense, pyramidal formed holly with lustrous dark green foliage. Excellent for hedging or use as a standalone accent plant. Full sun to partial shade. Reaches 8-10′ tall. A bit hardier than some of the I. crenata cultivars. Plant in good quality garden soil. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Evergreen

Bee Balm ‘Petite Delight’

Monarda fist. ‘Petite Delight’

A dwarf variety of bee balm, only reaching
12-15″, blooming lavender-pink in July and August atop deep green, shiny, fragrant foliage. Average to dry soil for this variety, sun to part sun. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Native, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Butterflies

Appalachian Sedge

Carex appalachica

A fine-textured sedge native to woodlands from Maine to South Carolina and west to Kentucky. Stays in a clump, with narrow, foot-long foliage weeping and swirling to the ground. Beautiful in drifts, good lawn substitute. Prefers partial shade in dry to average soil. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Native

Dogwood ‘Garden Glow’

Cornus hessei ‘Garden Glow’

A Garden Debut introduction, this exquisite plant emerges in spring with brilliant lime green foliage, aging to burgundy red in fall. Stems become bright in winter. Plants only reach 4-5′ tall and wide, making them perfect for mid-border or understory installations. Creamy white corymbs of blooms. Partial shade and dappled light are best. Tolerates full shade. Zone 4-6.

Tag: None

Golden Hinoki False Cypress

Chamaecyparis ‘Crippsii’

A golden beacon and elegant addition to any sunny landscape, this pyramidal evergreen sports soft, wavy green foliage with bright gold highlights. 20-25′ tall and 8-10’ wide. Best color in full sun. Easy-to-grow, prefers neutral to acid soil, and can be pruned to any size.  Zones 4-8.

Tag: Wildlife, Evergreen

Pennsylvania Sedge

Carex pensylvanica

A graceful little sedge valuable for use in woodland gardens or in shady areas. Semi-evergreen, this petite 8″ beauty flowers in May. Spreads by rhizomes and is most effective planted in masses. Drought tolerant, and can tolerate sun in moist soil. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native

Compact Bronze Hinoki Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtuse ‘Pygmaea Aurescens’

A great choice for a low border or even a bonsai specimen. Evergreen golden foliage is highlighted with bronzish-amber overtones, especially during cooler months. Plants adapt to full sun and even partial shade and bright light. Rich, well-drained soil is needed. 2′ tall and 5′ wide. Protect from harsh winter wind. Zones 5A-8B.

Tag: Evergreen

Cardinal Flower

Lobelia cardinalis

A hummingbird magnet in mid to late-summer, this plant produces bright red trumpet-shaped flowers along 2-4′ tall stems. Plants thrive in moist soil rich in organic matter, protected from the hot afternoon sun. The flowering spikes open from the bottom to the top and bloom for several weeks. Zones 2-9.

Tag: Attracts Hummingbirds, Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies, Native

Dogwood ‘Cherokee Brave’

Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Brave’

A lovely specimen for a patio space, this dogwood blooms in early spring with creamy flowers surrounded by dark pink bracts. Fall foliage is plum, and bright red seeds attract wildlife. Plant in sun or shade, in well-drained acid soil. 15′ tall average. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Wildlife

Gayfeather

Liatris spicata

A most popular cutflower, this beacon rises 3-4′ tall with mauve flowers opening along the stems in summer. Foliage is narrow and hair-like. Plant in sun and good garden soil that drains well, and cut back after blooming.  Zones 3-9.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Iris ‘Powder Blue Giant’

Iris cristata ‘Powder Blue Giant’

A native woodland perennial, this selection is considerably huskier and more vigorous than the species. 3″ flowers of delicate blue have golden crests and deep blue accents. Plants like partial to deep shade and spread along the top of the ground by rhizomes. Well-drained soil is a must. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers

Spirea ‘Goldmound’

Spiraea japonica ‘Goldmound’

A neat, compact variety, this easy-to-grow plant, with its yellow foliage, is a knockout paired with green and blue foliaged plants. Pink, fuzzy flower clusters appear in early summer. New growth has orangish tips. 2′ tall and 4′ wide. Plant in sun or part sun, and good garden soil. Zones 4-9.

Tag: None

Hydrangea ‘Incrediball’

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Incrediball’

A new and improved Annabelle Hydrangea, beefy stems hold massive blooms upright. Bred to resist flopping. In addition, each bloom has 4 times as many flowers as the standard Annabelle. Largest flowers begin to appear on plants 2-3 years old. Sun to part sun. Plant in good garden soil. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers

Coreopsis ‘Crème Brulee’

Coreopsis verticillata ‘Crème Brulee’ 

A new and improved version of ‘Moonbeam’, imagine larger Sulphur-yellow flowers and more of them. Wonderfully long-blooming, beginning in early summer. Plants like sun to part sun and a good garden soil. 18-24″ tall, stunning in masses. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Tall Garden Phlox

Phlox paniculata ‘David’s Lavender’

A new color in summer Phlox, ‘David’s Lavender’ is a selection from seedlings of ‘David’ that ItSaul Plants has produced. It has all the disease resistance of ‘David’ and flowers of deep lavender pink. Very floriferous, from mid-summer on. 3′ tall. Full to part sun, in good garden soil. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Heavenly Bamboo ‘Gulfstream’

Nandina ‘Gulfstream’

A patented variety of Nandina with fantastic winter foliage. Plants keep a mounded, compact form with upright, vertical branching. 2-4′ tall and wide. Sun to part shade. Plant in good garden soil. Less fruit than N. domestica. Zones 6-9.

Tag: None

Woodland Phlox ‘May Breeze’

Phlox divaricata ‘May Breeze’

A Piet Oudolf introduction yielding very open, small-statured, pale blue to clear white flowers. Forms a fragrant, shady woodland carpet that drives butterflies wild. 8-10″ tall. Part shade to shade. Amend soil with good compost and manure. Blooms in late spring to early summer.  Zones 3-8.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Magnolia ‘Ashei’

Magnolia macrophylla ssp. ‘Ashei’

A scaled-down version of Magnolia macrophylla for the modern garden. Ephemeral flowers are short-lived, but what a sight! A delight for their delicate scent and always tempting to touch. Blooms are creamy-white and dinner-plate sized in late spring and early summer. Grows to 30’ tall. Partial shade needed. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Native

Japanese Painted Fern ‘Pictum’

Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’

A site to behold, this lovely fern adds those elusive silver leaf tones to the shade garden. Grey-green fronds with red-purple midribs are a knockout alongside blue Hostas. 1-2′ tall and 1′ wide. Grow under high light in moist to wet soils that are rich in compost, humus and leaf mold. Zones 3-8.

Tag: None

White Woods Aster

Aster divaricatus

This lovely gem is native to the edges of woods, and can be used to grow amongst the shade created by larger plants. Dark, dainty, mahogany stems contrast nicely with rich green foliage and masses of star-like white flowers, which bloom from mid-August to September. Spreads delightfully.
Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Blue Star

Amsonia hubrichtii

A southern native with very narrow, needle-like leaves that line the stems like bottlebrushes. Produces 2-3″ clusters of small, light blue, star-shaped flowers. Valued for its golden fall color, likes sun to part sun. 3′ tall and wide. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Native

Holly ‘Honey Maid’

Ilex x meserveae ‘Honey Maid’

A sport of the excellent and well-known ‘Blue Maid’, this female clone will produce red berries in the presence of a male blue holly such as ‘Prince’, ‘Boy’, or ‘Castle Wall’. 8-10′ tall and wide, full to part sun. Site protected from drying winter winds, especially cold locations. Hardy to -15. Zones 5-7.

Tag: Berries, Evergreen

Switchgrass ‘Apache Rose’

Panicum ‘Apache Rose’

A sturdy, durable selection that withstands adverse weather conditions. Rose colored bloom panicles in late summer with grey-green foliage creates a 4′ by 4′ mass of movement and texture in the border. Sun to part sun, adapts to many soil types. Cut back in winter or early spring. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Pepperbush ‘Sixteen Candles’

Clethra alnifolia ‘Sixteen Candles’

A superior plant selected by Mike Dirr from a group of seedling ‘Hummingbird’. This one sports larger, fragrant white flowers held upright and erect. Habit is dense and mounding. Foliage is dark green. Flowers appear in late June or July, followed by yellow fall foliage. Plant in sun to part shade, in moist to average soil. 28-36″ tall and wide. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Butterflies, Native

Adam’s Needle ‘Color Guard’

Yucca filimentosa ‘Color Guard’

A totally fabulous plant! Golden variegation down the center of the foliage, blushing with a pinkish highlight during cold spells. Deer resistant foliage is covered in fine threads of angel hair during summer. 3′ wide clumps give rise to 4′ tall spikes of white flowers that hummingbirds love. Full or part sun and well-drained soil. Zones 5-9

Tag: Attracts Hummingbirds, Native, Deer Resistant

Barberry ‘Sunjoy Gold Beret’

Berberis ‘Sunjoy Gold Beret’

A unique dwarf, low-mounding golden barberry with attractive red new growth and red fall color. Golden foliage is very burn resistant, doing well in full to part sun. 12″ tall or less. Amend clay soil with good potting soil. Zones 4-8.

Tag: None

Holly ‘Sky Pencil’

Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’

A very columnar form of holly that can reach 6-10′ tall and 2-3′ wide. Dark green foliage with no red berries. Excellent for height in limited spaces. Sun or part shade. Plant in a good garden soil and protect from harsh winter wind. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Evergreen

Trumpetvine

Campsis radicans

A very fast growing and aggressive native vine that blooms throughout most of the summer with orange, trumpet-shaped flowers. Hummingbirds are very attracted to the flowers. Can reach 30-40′ tall. Full sun to medium shade. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Attracts Hummingbirds, Native

Juniper ‘All Gold’

Juniperus conferta ‘All Gold’

A whole new look in hardy groundcover junipers! Golden foliage spreads low to the ground, reaching only 6″ tall but spreading to 6′ wide. Golden foliage takes on bronze highlights in winter, changing back to gold in spring. Full sun is best and they are heat and drought tolerant once established. Zones 4-10.

Tag: Evergreen

Woodland Phlox ‘Blue Moon’

Phlox divaricata ‘Blue Moon’

A wonderful edging plant for partially shaded, moist, well-drained areas. Creeping rhizomes send up stems adorned in blue, slightly fragrant flowers in spring. 12-15″ tall. Pretty with contrasting yellow Hostas or against burgundy Heucheras. Amend soil with good compost and some leaf mulch helps. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Native

Sweetshrub ‘Sweet Bubby’

Calycanthus floridus ‘Sweet Bubby’

A wonderful old fashioned heirloom plant producing fragrant, brownish-maroon flowers about May. Forms a nice, roundish shrub 6-10′ tall and 6-12′ wide. Plant in sun or partial shade, and amend soil with compost or good garden soil. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native

Queen of the Prairie ‘Venusta’

Filipendula rubra ‘Venusta’

All the rage in native plant circles, this new and exciting sweetshrub is adorned with large, magnolia-like flowers in early summer, emitting a powerful fragrance of strawberries, melons and spices. Sun to part sun. 5-6′ tall, average to moist soil. A cross with Sinocalycanthus by NC State. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native

Heuchera ‘Amber Lady’

Heuchera ‘Amber Lady’

Amber foliage is highlighted by strawberry tones above and pink below. 8″ tall and 12″ wide. Great in masses, grouped with contrasting perennials or as an understory to taller shrubs. Part sun is great, but tolerant of more and less. Amend with compost and garden soil. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Butterflies

Beautyberry ‘Pearl Glam’

Callicarpa x ‘Pearl Glam’

An advanced hybrid between C. dichotoma and C. kwangtungensis, this gorgeous plant is adorned with foliage color highlights of wine and eggplant. Tiny white flowers in summer yield heavy clusters of purple berries in fall. Sun to part sun. 4-5′ tall and 3-4′ wide. Developed by NC State. Self-pollinating, prune in March. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Wildlife

Bush Honeysuckle ‘Kodiak Orange’

Diervilla x ‘Kodiak Orange’

An eco-friendly native alternative to burning bush, this great shrub glows with orange fall foliage in sun or part shade. Drought tolerant and deer resistant, clusters of yellow flowers appear in summer and persist until fall. Plants need a well-drained soil. 3-4′ tall and wide.  Zones 4-7.

Tag: Native, Deer Resistant

Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’

Geranium x ‘Johnson’s Blue’

An excellent hybrid between G. Himalayense and G. Pratense. Appeared in English gardens around 1950 from seed originating in Holland. 2″ clear blue flowers on 15-18″ tall plants for many weeks in summer. Plant in part sun to part shade, and deep rich garden soil. Mulch in winter. Zones 4-7.

Tag: None

Fringetree

Chionanthus virginicus

An exciting early-summer bloomer, this small deciduous tree is covered in lacy, threadlike, creamy white blooms in May to June. Often develops multiple trunks. Bluish drupes of berries are apparent in September. Easy-to-grow and adapts to many sites. Sun to part sun. 12-20′ tall and wide. Prefers moist, fertile soil. Plant as a specimen or as part of a grouping for wonderful effect. A perfect addition for your native plant garden. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Wildlife, Native

Fringetree ‘Grancy Graybeard’

Chionanthus virginicus ‘Grancy Graybeard’

An exciting early-summer bloomer, this small tree is covered in lacy, threadlike blooms in May to June. Often develops multiple trunks. Bluish drupes of berries are apparent in September. Easy-to-grow and adapts to many sites. Sun to part sun. 12-20′ tall and wide. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Wildlife, Native

Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis

An heirloom plant that has passed through many generations, this tough little groundcover is swathed in fragrant white bell-shaped flowers in early spring. Plants grow 8-10″ high and spread by short rhizomes. Takes a while to get a heavy clump. Likes part sun to full shade, and moist to dry soil.
Zones 2-7.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Native

Spirea ‘White Gold’

Spiraea japonica ‘White Gold’

An outstanding new selection with pure white flowers atop bright golden foliage in early summer. Plant grows to 3′ tall and wide. Plant in sun to part sun, and amend soil with good garden compost and humus. Zones 4-9.

Tag: None

Bleeding Heart

Dicentra spectablilis

Another heirloom perennial, this dainty lovely never ceases to amaze the gardener with its rosy-pink heart-shaped blooms which dangle from arching stems in spring. 3′ tall and wide. Part to full shade and average to moist soil. Plants tend to go dormant in mid-summer. Zones 2-8.

Tag:Native

Lavender ‘Munstead’

Lavandula ‘Munstead’

Aromatic gray-green foliage is used extensively in soaps, perfumes and other body care essentials. Blueish-purple flowers sit atop 18-24″ tall stems for many weeks beginning in early summer. Plants must have well-drained soil or will rot in the cold of winter. Full sun is best. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Bitterflies

Juniper ‘Grey Owl’

Juniperus virginiana ‘Grey Owl’

Attractive aqua-blue foliage that has a soft, whispy form, creating a fantastic effect in the garden. Goes great with yellow plants such as ‘Mops’. Sun to part sun. Grows 3′ tall and 6′ wide and produces blue berries in winter. Add lime and Black Kow. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Wildlife, Evergreen

False Holly ‘Goshiki’

Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Goshiki’

Attractive cream, yellow and green holly-like evergreen foliage suits this compact shrub. 3-4′ tall by 3′ wide. Sun to medium shade. Adds a nice bright spot to a shady garden. Plant in good garden soil, in an area protected from winter wind. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Evergreen

Bugleweed ‘Black Scallop’

Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’

Attractive smaller-scale groundcover with glossy, near-black scalloped leaves. Shocking violet blue flowers appear on short spikes in spring. Stays compact without growth regulators. 3-6″ tall.
Zones 4-10.

Tag: None

Arborvitae ‘Yellow Ribbon’

Thuja occidentalis ‘Yellow Ribbon’

Attractive yellow-gold highlights on soft, evergreen foliage. Plant forms a pyramid shape reaching 8-10′ tall. Great as a hedge or as a single specimen. Plant in full to part sun and a decent grade garden soil. Great winter protection for birds. Zones 3-7.

Tag: Wildlife, Evergreen

Dwarf Fothergilla ‘Mt. Airy’

Fothergilla x ‘Mount Airy’

This rare, deciduous native shrub can reach 4-5ft tall and wide, with bottlebrush-like flowers, white with purple spots on the lower lip rising over a loose, natural stemming form. Her deep blue-green leaves turn a beautiful fall color.  Prefers rich well-draining soil, with full sun to part shade. Bird-friendly.
Zones 4-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators, Wildlife

Blueberry ‘Powderblue’

Vaccinium ‘Powderblue’

Berries ripen mid-season, and are very sweet. Growth is vigorous and upright. Plants are productive and recommended for commercial and home use. Plants grow to about 4-6′ tall and wide. Blueberries like acidic soil with lots of compost and good drainage. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Native, Edible, Wildlife

Hydrangea ‘Lime Rickey’

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Lime Rickey’

Blooming reliably every year, this native Hydrangea supports large green flowers atop strong sturdy stems for many weeks in summer. 4-5′ tall and 3-4′ wide. Full sun to part sun and average garden soil is fine. Great for cutting and drying, and as a single specimen or in groups.  Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers

Coreopsis ‘Sienna Sunset’

Coreopsis ‘Sienna Sunset’

Blooms repeatedly from early summer through fall. A host of light orange flowers fade to a rich salmon tone as the season progresses. Arching habit on finely textured foliage. Hard shearing promotes rebloom. Plant in sun and a good garden soil. 16-20″ tall. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Catmint ‘Walker’s Low’

Nepeta x fassennii ‘Walker’s Low’

Bluish-gray-green fragrant foliage on this compact grower produces bluish-purple flowers on and off, spring through fall. 18″ tall. Plant in sun to part sun and amend soil with good garden soil or compost. Great for edgings and borders. Tolerates drought once established. Zones 4-7.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies

Yarrow ‘Pomegranate’

Achillea ‘Pomegranate’

Bred in the Netherlands to be compact, long-blooming and consistently easy to grow. Pomegranate red blooms start in late spring or early summer and persist for a long season, particularly when dead-headed. Full sun and good garden soil required. 18-24″ tall and wide. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Arborvitae ‘Danica’

Thuja occidentalis ‘Danica’

Bright emerald green foliage surrounds this cute arborvitae, making it the perfect patio plant for small spaces. Only reaching 2′ tall and wide, the possibilities are endless. Plant in full to part sun, siting away from NW winter winds at high elevations. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Evergreen

Heuchera ‘Peach Flambe’

Heuchera ‘Peach Flambe’

Bright peach-colored leaves glow spring, summer and fall, turning plum in winter. A vigorous, medium plant that produces white flowers in spring on 16″ stems. Plant in part shade to shade and a good quality garden soil with adequate moisture.
Zones 4-9.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies, Native

Spirea ‘Double Play Candy Corn’

Spiraea japonica ‘Double Play Candy Corn’

Bright reddish-orange emerging spring foliage matures to orangy-yellow. Dark purple blooms sit atop foliage in spring and early summer. Plant in sun to part sun and good garden soil. Compact, reaching only 18-24″ tall and wide. Zones 4-7.

Tag: Foliage

Yarrow ‘Moonshine’

Achillea ‘Moonshine’

Broad, sulphur yellow flowers atop silver, filigreed, lacy foliage. 3′ tall and wide. Blooms over a long time in mid-summer. Tolerates drought and poor soils and makes a great tall groundcover. Zones 3-7.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Crocosmia ‘Emberglow’

Crocosmia ‘Emberglow’

Burnt-orange to red, slightly trumpet-shaped flowers are produced along narrow, whispy stems amidst a sea of fanned foliage. Great mid-summer show. Full sun is best, and amend the soil with good quality compost or garden soil. 3-4′ tall and wide. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds

Doghobble ‘Zeblid Scarletta’

Leucothoe fontanesiana ‘Zeblid Scarletta’

Cascading evergreen native to moist woodlands with shiny dark green foliage which develops burgundy overtones in cold weather. Fragrant white flowers string along stems in spring. 5′ tall and wide. Part sun or shade, in moist well-drained soil.
Zones 5-8.

Tag: Wildlife, Native, Evergreen

Inkberry Holly

Ilex glabra ‘Nigra’

Certainly underused in landscapes, this hardy and easy-to-grow evergreen holly is a great substitute for I.c. ‘Helleri’. Sun or half shade. Wet or dry soil. Acid or alkaline pH. Thick, very dark green leaves, this compact shrub reaches 30″ tall and 36″ wide. Black drupes (berries) in winter. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Wildlife, Native, Evergreen

St. John’s Wort ‘Sunburst’

Hypericum frondosum ‘Sunburst’

If you don’t have one in your garden, why not? Charming blue-green foliage is overlaid in summer with an abundance of large, bright yellow flowers. Plants grow to about 3′ tall and wide and like full to part sun. Stunning in masses or sweeps. Can tolerate any soil condition and quite resistant to deer and rabbits. It is a host plant for a variety of caterpillars and very attractive to a wide array of pollinators. Bumblebees are especially fond of the bright yellow flowers: Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators

Creeping Liriope

Liriope spicata

Cold hardy to zone 4 and used for a spreading groundcover for both sun and shade. 12-18″ tall, with leaves usually about 1/4″ wide. Foliage tends to be more yellow-green in winter. Pale lavender flowers are not as showy as Liriope muscari. Easy to grow, add mushroom compost or Black Kow. Zones 4-9.

Tag: None

Holly ‘Dwarf Burfordi’

Ilex cornuta ‘Dwarf Burfordi’

Compact and impenetrable, this shiny evergreen shrub is used extensively as a hedge or border plant. Tiny, fragrant white blooms in spring yield bright red berries in winter. 5′ tall and wide, but can be pruned to any size. Protect from harsh winter wind. Sun or part shade. Plant in well-drained soil. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Evergreen

Spirea ‘Little Princess’

Spiraea japonica ‘Little Princess’

Compact variety that is gaining popularity in the architectural circles. Mounding shrub reaches 30″ tall and wide. Deep pink flowers in early summer. Sun to part sun, amend with good garden soil. Easy to grow, looks best in groups or masses. Zones 3-8.

Tag: None

Juniper ‘Old Gold’

Juniperus x pfitzeriana ‘Old Gold’

Compact, 3-4′ tall and 5-6′ wide, this evergreen is highlighted with golden overtones that are especially evident in winter. Beautiful as a forefront planting, with Hydrangea ‘Limelight’ planted in the background. Full sun to part sun. Very tough and easy to grow. Drought tolerant once established. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Wildlife, Evergreen

Log Fern

Dryopteris celsa

Composed of 2-4′ long fronds which gradually taper at the tip, this fern is found growing along the eastern coast. Plant in medium light. Short-creeping rhizomes. Moist-wet acidic soil is best with lots of compost and leaf litter. Grows on rotted wood. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Native

Iris ‘Caprician Butterfly’

Iris ensata ‘Caprician Butterfly’

Crepe paper style, broad lilac petals with seriously purple veining and deep purple and yellow throat. Flowers are broad and showy, and foliage remains beautiful even after the late spring bloom. 30″ tall. Plant in sun to part sun and good moist garden soil. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Wand Flower ‘Whirling Butterflies’

Gaura lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’

Dainty white flowers drift above narrow, reddish-green bobbing stems throughout the summer. Tolerates heat and humidity well. Plant in a well-drained, sandy loam soil in full sun to part sun. Whispy stems reach up to 3′ or more, and blooms for late June through September.
Zones 5-9.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies

Northern Sea Oats / River Oats

Chasmanthium latifolium

Dangling clusters of “oats” will tantalize any gardener as they gently sway in the summer breeze. These garden wonders prefer a slightly moist soil in sun, part sun, or filtered light. Spikelets age to an attractive buff. Plants spread slightly by the roots and reseed. 24-48″ tall.  Zones 5-10.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Native

Viburnum ‘Alleghany’

Viburnum x rhytidophylloides ‘Alleghany’

Dark, lustrous leathery green leaves are gray to brownish underneath and considered evergreen, although they are shed a bit in cold winters. Tolerates heavy shade, best sited away from winter sun and wind. Yellowish white blooms in May, slightly fragrant. 10′ tall and wide. Provide well-drained soil. Zones 5-8.

tag: None

Anemone ‘Honorine Jobert’

Anemone x hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’

Dating back to the Civil War, this charming little worker develops many marble-sized buds which dance 3-4′ above the attractive foliage, finally opening to reveal a 3″ white flower with yellow stamens in the fall. Plant in part shade and organic, well-drained soil. Zones 5-7.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies

Echinacea ‘Wild Berry’

Echinacea purpurea ‘PowWow Wild Berry’

Deep rose berry color on this free flowering summer perennial. Plants reach a modest 22″ tall and need sun to part sun. Bred by Pan American and recipient of the 2010 AAS award. Amend ground with good garden compost. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Japanese Maple ‘Tamukeyama’

Acer pal dissectum ‘Tamukeyama’

Deep, crimson red foliage matures to purple-red in summer. Arching habit, reaching 5-8′ tall and wide. Dissected foliage creates a lacy texture. Full sun to medium shade, provide excellent, deep drainage and average moisture. Lovely amidst conifers. Zones 6-8.

Tag: Foliage

White Woods Aster ‘Eastern Star’

Aster divaricatus ‘Eastern Star’

Deep, shining mahogany stems support dainty, star-like white flowers in mid to late-summer. Likes part sun to full shade and normal, lightly amended soil. This tough plant grows to 18-24″. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers

Foamflower ‘Elizabeth Oliver’

Tiarella x ‘Elizabeth Oliver’

Deeply lobed green leaves with bold maroon veining set the stage for a massive display of soft pink, foamy flowers in late spring to early summer. Native to woodlands, they can tolerate even the deepest of shade. Plants spread by 6-12″ runners, making a dense patch. 12″ tall. Plant in humusy, rich soil. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native

Lady’s Mantle ‘Auslese’

Alchemilla mollis ‘Auslese’

Delicately scalloped grey-green foliage holds droplets of dew, appearing like tiny diamonds all around the leaf edges. Clusters of tiny bright lemon-colored flowers appear in early summer. Plants perform best in part shade and rich garden soil. ‘Auslese’ was selected for its more upright habit.
12-16″ tall and 20″ wide. Zones 3-7.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Yew ‘Densiformus’

Taxus x media ‘Densiformus’

Dense, flat-topped, evergreen shrub that grows 2-3′ tall and 4-5’ wide. Plant in sun to shade. Soil must be very well drained, no red clay. Good as a single specimen or grouped as a hedge. Shade and drought tolerant.
Zones 4-7.

Tag: Evergreen

Salvia ‘Caradonna’

Salvia x sylvestris ‘Caradonna’

Densely packed whorls of deep purple flowers on purple stems bloom for many weeks through summer. Cut back faded blooms for heavier rebloom. Plants reach 18″ tall. Plant in sun and a good quality garden soil. Drought tolerant once established. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Arborvitae ‘Green Giant’

Thuja occidentalis ‘Green Giant’

Destined to replace the Leyland Cypress in our area due to its fast rate of growth and cold hardiness. This evergreen has been grown in the Pacific northwest for years, up into Canada. Reaching 40′ tall and 20′ wide, it makes a perfect screen or hedge. Plant in sun and add compost to soil. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Wildlife, Evergreen

Hydrangea ‘Bobo’

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Bobo’

Developed by the same breeder as ‘Pinky Winky’, this delightful plant is engulfed by large white flowers held upright on strong stems. Early to bloom, it is a wonderful addition to the small garden reaching only 36″ tall and 48″ wide. Sun to part sun. Amend soil with good compost. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Stonecrop ‘Autumn Joy’

Sedum x ‘Autumn Joy’

Disc-shaped, succulent-like foliage of medium green rises stately through the progression of summer, forming thick flower heads resembling cauliflower, then blooming cinnamon-pink in late summer and fall. Dried heads provide winter interest. 2-3′ tall. Full sun and well-drained soil are essential. Zones 3-8.

Tag; Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers

Arborvitae ‘Firechief’

Thuja occidentalis ‘Firechief’

Don’t you love that orangish color?! Great contraster in both color and texture. Roundish shape at 3-5′ tall and wide. Full sun to part shade, and site away from winter wind that can dry and burn foliage. Average to moist soil. Use as a single specimen or border plant. Zones 6-8.

Tag: Evergreen

Blackberry ‘Kiowa’

Rubus ‘Kiowa’

Enormous fruit is produced on this upright-growing blackberry. Easy to pick, and sweet and juicy. Doesn’t take many of these for a blue-ribbon cobbler! Plant in full sun and average soil.
Zones 5-9.

Tag: Edible, Wildlife

Christmas Fern

Polystichum acrostichoides

Evergreen fern that produces clumps of stiff, deep green fronds from a crown forming rhizome. 12-18″ tall and wide. Easy to grow in good, rich, composty garden soil that stays moist, and under low to medium light. In winter, fronds recline to the ground. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Native, Evergreen

Astilbe ‘Radius’

Astilbe x arendsii ‘Radius’

Excellent plant for shady, moist conditions. Radius is a newer variety, boasting very bright shining red flowers above chocolate-wine colored foliage. Compact, reaching 24″ tall. Mid-season bloom compared to other Astilbes, happen for about 4-6 weeks in late spring/early summer. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Geranium ‘Espresso’

Geranium maculatum ‘Espresso’

Exciting new foliage in Geranium, this cultivar sports reddish-brown foliage complimenting loads of lavender-pink flowers in late spring/early summer. Found in open woods, clearings, wood edges and roadsides throughout the eastern US. Part sun and a well-drained soil. Drought tolerant and deer resistant, 8″ tall. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators, Deer Resistant

Artemesia ‘Silver Mound’

Artemesia schmidtiana ‘Silver Mound’

Finely cut, silver gray-green foliage forms a low, spreading mat that cascades over pot or wall edges. Full sun and drought tolerant, needs well-drained soil. Overwatering and high humidity will cause it to melt out. Great for rock or sedum gardens.
Zones 3-6.

Tag: None

Astilbe ‘Fanal’

Astilbe x arendsii ‘Fanal’

First offered in 1933, this is a popular variety due to its small stature (24″) and attractive bronze foliage. Blood red blooms arrive in mid-spring. Plant in part shade or filtered light, and amend soil with good compost. Plants decline in dry soil. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Pollinators

Geranium ‘Rozanne’

Geranium ‘Rozanne’

Flower power at its best, as bluish-purple flowers adorn her from early summer through frost. Sprawling habit allows this plant to mingle amongst others and cascade over edges. Only 15-18″ tall, it’s great for the front of a border. Deer resistant. Plant in well-drained soil in part sun to part shade.
Zones 5-8.

Tag: Deer Resistant

Goldenrod ‘Fireworks’

Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’

Forming glorious clumps, with stems uniform, rigid and erect, this attractive late-summer blooming native stands
2-4′ tall and is a mass of yellow in late summer. Full sun to part shade and will tolerate dry to moderate soil. Looks great with asters, and foliage looks great all summer. Definitely underused.  Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers

Honeysuckle ‘John Clayton’

Lonicera sempervirens ‘John Clayton’

Found on the grounds of a 17th century Abington church in Gloucester, VA, this lovely native honeysuckle is excellent for its repeat bloom from June to November. Lovely, fragrant, pale yellow flowers adorn this compact twining vine. 6′ tall. Plant in sun to part sun. Drought tolerant, great hummingbird magnet. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Hummingbirds

Sweet Azalea

Rhododendron arborescens

Found primarily along the banks of mountain streams, this lovely native bears fragrant white to light pink flowers in June and July. Grows 8-20′ tall. Deciduous, its leaves turning a lovely reddish-green in fall. Plant in amended soil with compost, but not too much lime. Zones 4-7.

Tag: Attracts Hummingbirds, Wildlife

Russian Sage

Perovskia atriplicifolia

Fragrant silver-green foliage with sky blue spikes of flowers. Blooms mid-summer through fall, and grows 4-5′ tall and wide with a medium to slow growth rate. Woody stemmed, giving it a nice winter appearance. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerates drought once established. Prune in spring. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers

Blackberry ‘Navaho’

Rubus ‘Navaho’

Fruit is medium in size, excellent flavor and an average sugar content of 11-12%. Berries ripen mid-season over a five to six week period with good yields. Fruit is very firm, making storage and handling exceptional. Plant in full sun, and can be espalliered on fence or wire. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Edible, Wildlife

Dwarf Hinoki ‘Nana Gracilis’

Chamaecyparis ‘Nana Gracilis’ Dwarf Hinoki

Growing about 3-6″ per year, this lovely evergreen sports deep green foliage with emerald highlights. Upright growth habit yields a plant about 4-6′ tall in 10 years. Plant in full sun if possible, and provide good garden soil when planting. Zones 5-7.

Tag: Evergreen

Astilbe ‘Visions in Red’

Astilbe chinesis ‘Visions in Red’

Heavy heads of deep reddish-purple flowers appear early to midseason above bronzish-green foliage for 4 to 6 weeks. Plants reach 30″ tall and prefer moist garden soil and shade to partial shade. Stunning in masses. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Butterfly Bush ‘Buzz Ivory’

Buddleia davidii ‘Buzz Ivory’

Honey-scented wands of 5-6″ long flowers lure butterflies throughout the summer. Light cream/white flowers have contrasting tiny orange eyes. Plants are perfect for perennial borders as well as summer season containers. 3′ tall and 3′ wide. Full to part sun. Trim spent flowers to encourage more. Deer resistant. Zones 6-11.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Milkweed

Asclepias syriaca

Host plant for the Monarch butterfly caterpillar! Deep pink clusters of fragrant flowers in June and July, followed by silky seeds in October. Plants are robust and spread by stolons, therefore not intended for the small formal garden. 2-5′ tall with indefinite spread. Plant this native in sun and average soil. Very important plant. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Butterflies

Witch Hazel

Hamamelis virginiana

In the wild, this attractive native tree is found as an understory plant, along stream banks and in moist places. It is quite adaptable to drier sites, however, and works along drier hillsides. Forms a multi-stemmed tree with fragrant yellow flowers in October. Yellow fall foliage. 20′ tall and 20′ wide. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Native

Japanese Stewartia

Stewartia pseudocamellia

Incredible pattern of the light peeling bark is the main attraction here, although the flowers and fall foliage are not to be ignored. Spring foliage emerges bronze-purple, followed by white, five-petaled flowers in July and reddish foliage in fall. Plant in sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil. Grows to 20-40′ tall and wide. Zones 5-7.

Tag: None

Pink Muhly Grass

Muhlenbergia capillaris

Incredible, rose-pink, cotton-candy blooms emerge in September and glow in the tilting autumn sun. Dark green foliage remains inconspicuous all summer until stiff spikes form with showy blooms emerging. Plant in full sun or very light shade, in a well-drained soil. Golden-clay winter color.
Zones 6-8.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers

Japanese Maple ‘Emperor One’

Acer palmatum ‘Emperor One’

Introduced into the trade by a nursery in Pennsylvania, this tree is two weeks later breaking bud in spring, and two weeks earlier hardening off in fall. Great timing for our climate. Spring growth is a deep purple-red. Holds its color better than some varieties. Sun or shade, in well-drained garden soil. 15′ tall. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Foliage

Abelia ‘Ed Goucher’

Abelia ‘Ed Goucher’

It is rare to find a shrub that blooms longer than a few weeks, but this one does. Delicate pink, small trumpet blooms June through to frost. Compact, 3′ tall and wide. Sun to part shade, amend soil with good garden mix. Fresh cut stems look nice in arrangements. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Calamint

Calamintha nepeta ssp. Nepeta

Just keeps on blooming, and blooming and blooming. Delicate pale blue flowers smother these light, airy plants all summer long. Can be cut back for a fresh look and more blooms around mid-summer. Plants like a well-drained soil, and sun to part sun. 12″ tall and wide.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies

Holly ‘Helleri’

Ilex crenata ‘Helleri’

Knee-high evergreen shrub, only reaching about 18″ tall and 4′ wide. Small lustrous leaves cover this compact grower. Sun or partial shade. Plant in good quality garden soil. Protect from harsh winter wind. Great as a border. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Evergreen

Astilbe ‘Ice Cream’

Astilbe ‘Ice Cream’

Lacy green foliage supporting narrow stems with large, pink plumes create a flower show for part shade or shade, in June. Plumes can reach 30″ tall. Plants enjoy a rich soil full of compost and manure, with consistent moisture. Beautiful with burgundy foliage Heuchera such as ‘Obsidian’. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Rhododendron ‘Chionoides’

Rhododendron catawbiense ‘Chionoides’

Large white blooms on a dense, 4′ tall and wide evergreen in mid-spring. Protect from afternoon sun, and plant in a well-drained soil with lots of compost. H-1 hardiness.

Tag: Wildlife, Native, Evergreen

Holly ‘Nellie R. Stevens’

Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens’

Large, attractive evergreen with broad, glossy foliage and bright red berries in winter. Grows 15-20′ tall and 8-10′ wide. Best fruit set is when a ‘Burford’ or ‘Needlepoint’ holly are present. Sun or half shade, plant in good quality garden soil, protected from harsh winter winds. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Evergreen

Blanket Flower ‘Arizona Sun’

Gaillardia x grandiflora ‘Arizona Sun’

Large, fiery-red to orange blossoms are tipped by a ring of rich flame yellow. Plants form a neat mound, compact, reaching only 12-15″ tall and wide. Full sun and sandy, loose garden soil is preferred, and plants enjoy hot and dry. Deadhead whenever possible for long, repeat bloom cycles. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Ligularia ‘Britt-Marie Crawford’

Ligularia dentata ‘Britt-Marie Crawford’

Large, rounded, glossy chocolate-maroon foliage is impressive, and very showy when golden-yellow daisy flowers appear atop thick stems. Plants thrive in very moist, rich soil and afternoon shade. 32″ tall. Zones 5-8.

Tag: None

Bottlebrush Buckeye

Aesculus parviflora

Largely ignored by the horticultural world, this native shrub is now turning heads. Bronze leaflets emerge in spring, becoming green with the summer. Spidery white flowers add spice to the dull midsummer landscape, followed by smooth-skinned fruit. Yellow autumn color. Plant in sun, part sun, or part shade, in deep, fertile soil. 10ft tall and 15ft wide. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators, Wildlife

Astilbe ‘Color Flash’

Astilbe ‘Color Flash’

Late spring and early summer bloomer with bluish-pink flower spikes 18″ tall, looming delicately over contrasting burgundy foliage. Fall foliage changes to orange, red and bronze. Loves partial to shaded sites with rich garden soil and ample moisture. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Catmint ‘Junior Walker’

Nepeta x faassenii ‘Junior Walker’

Lavender blue flowers erupt along compact stems from May to September. Aromatic bluish-green foliage is naturally deer resistant. This is a sterile dwarf cultivar of the popular ‘Walkers Low’. 16″ tall. Plant in full to part sun and a good quality garden soil. Plants perform best with a July 4th cutback of old foliage. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Deer Resistant

Spirea ‘Glowgirl’

Spiraea betulif ‘Glowgirl’

Lemon-lime foliage holds its color well through the summer, not burning, and turning a rich burgundy in fall. Cinnamon buds open to pure white flowers in late spring and early summer. Plants are compact, reaching 3-4′ tall and wide. Full to part sun and good garden soil are needed. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Native

Calico Aster

Aster lateriflorus ‘Lady in Black’

Lending a naturalizing texture to the garden, this plant is most striking in mass, but is also effective singly. Small, white flowers atop 3′ deep plum-bronze foliage in August and fall. Full to part sun and moist soil while plants are becoming established. Dark foliage is superb against mauve and pink flowering companion plants. Zones 5-7.

Tag: Native, Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers

Dwarf Lilac ‘Miss Kim’

Syringa pubescens ssp. patula ‘Miss Kim’

Lilac-purple fragrant flowers open in May and June across light green foliage. Compact, 3′ tall and wide. Sun is best, and rich garden soil with extra lime. Looks best in groups or masses. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies, Wildlife

Anise Hyssop ‘Black Adder’

Agastache ‘Black Adder’

Long spikes of smoky violet blue flowers continue to bloom from July to frost. Performs well in containers, also. Grows 23′ tall and is striking next to gold foliaged plants. Plant in full sun for best blooms, and amend soil well to avoid wet feet in winter. Zones 6-10.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds

Giant Coneflower

Rudbeckia maxima

Long, bluish-green basal leaves form a full, low mound, from which tall, narrow stems (reaching 5-8′ tall!) rise into the air. Large black cones with small yellow ray petals top the stems right up at eye level, blooming from July to frost. Plant in full sun and amend soil. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers

Foamflower ‘Brandywine’

Tiarella cordifolia ‘Brandywine’

Lovely at any time of the year, this low-growing groundcover has light green, heart-shaped leaves with bold red venation. Spikes of light pink flowers are dazzling in mid-spring. Prefers shade and moist soil. Fall foliage is terrific, and it’s great along pathways, retaining foliage in winter. Stoloniferous. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Native

Turtlehead ‘Hot Lips’

Chelone ‘Hot Lips’

Lovely with Anemones and Aconitum in the late summer garden. Rose-pink flowers on 2-3′ stems add elegance to a partial shade or filtered light space. Sun is tolerated if provided adequate moisture. Adapts well to boggy soils along stream banks. Zones 3-7.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum

Lovely, green foliage emerges in spring, forming a broad, rounded head. Trees only reach 15-25′ tall and 10-20′ wide, making them perfect for small spaces and accents near buildings. Fall foliage is a stunning mix of red, orange and yellow. Red-winged fruit in late summer. Sun or part shade. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Foliage

Cypress ‘Tempelhof’

Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Tempelhof’

Lush, deep green foliage forms broad, overlapping whorls on this attractive dwarf evergreen. Plants can be used as single specimens or grouped as an informal hedge. Full sun and good garden soil. 8′ tall and 4′ wide. Low maintenance, easy to grow. Do not spray with Miracle-Gro. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Evergreen

Lady’s Mantle ‘Thriller’

Alchemilla mollis ‘Thriller’

Making a statement in mid-spring, this elegant lady is at her best as an edging along pathways or borders. Water droplets bead up like diamonds along the toothed foliage. Chartreuse flowers emerge from deep inside to create a stunning and long-lasting effect. Part shade, and moist, well-drained soil. 12-18″ tall and wide.
Zones 4-7.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Bleeding Heart ‘White’

Dicentra ‘Alba’

Masses of little white hearts cling to arching flower stems in spring for many weeks. Plants reach 18-36″ tall and wide. Partial shade, adequate water, and compost-rich, humus-rich soil are very important for them to thrive. Plants usually go dormant in mid-summer. Zones 2-8.

Tag: Native

Magnolia ‘Ann’

Magnolia kobus ‘Ann’

Medium growing rounded deciduous Magnolia, bearing purple to pink flowers in mid-spring on a multi-stemmed form. 15-20′ tall and hardy to about -20°F. Plant in sun to part shade, and protect from harsh winter winds. Zones 6-9.

Tag: None

Dogwood ‘Cherokee Princess’

Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Princess’

Medium growing small tree growing to 15-20′. Likes sun to part shade, and is hardy to -15°F. Heavy bloomer with white flowers on naked stems in April. Great fall foliage with red berry clusters around September to December. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Wildlife, Native

Blueberry ‘Delite’

Vaccinium ‘Delite’

Medium to large fruit ripens mid-season to late, and is very sweet. Growth is upright and multi-stemmed. Good for home and pick-your-own, because the fruit can be eaten greener than most varieties. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Native, Edible, Wildlife

Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’

Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’

Mid-summer sizzle with bright orange blooms with red centers produced along arching stems about 24-30″ long. Foliage resembles that of Gladiolus. Plant in small masses for best effect, and amend soil with good compost. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds

Bee Balm ‘Gardenview Scarlet’

Monarda didyma ‘Gardenview Scarlet’

Mildew-resistant cultivar. This lovely garden perennial is a showy mass of large, scarlet blooms in early summer. Blooms sit atop narrow stems 24-36″ tall. Full sun or afternoon shade is recommended. Plants prefer a slightly moist but well-drained soil, and ample fertilizer. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Native, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Butterflies

Cattails

Typha latifolia

Native to all states except Hawaii, this plant is considered an “obligate wetland species”, meaning it is always found in or near water, primarily fresh water. It can grow in depths of 2.5′ or more. Height varies from 5-10′ tall. Plants are used as biomediators and to absorb pollutants.

Tag: Native

Gray’s Sedge

Carex grayi

Native to North American fields and woods, this interesting sedge is known for its unique pale green spiked seed heads that look like stars. Clump forming with foliage that can reach 3′ tall. Prefers moist soil and light shade to part sun. Seed heads make great dried flowers. Blooms in May. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers

Feather Reed Grass

Calamagrostis brachytricha

Naturally occurring along the edges of moist woodlands, this September bloomer puts forth soft, erect, rose colored plumage which ages to silver-gray. Clump-forming and upright. Likes part sun and a range of soils. 4′ tall. Cut back in late winter. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Spirea ‘Magic Carpet’

Spiraea japonica ‘Magic Carpet’

Neat, compact mound of vibrant new red leaves mature to a bright gold, while forming clusters of pink flowers in spring and early summer. Plants reach 18-24″ tall and 24″ wide. A mid-summer searing will often provide a new round of blooms for fall. Plant in sun to part shade. Easy to grow. Zones 4-9.

Tag: None

Sweetshrub ‘Aphrodite’

Calycanthus x ‘Aphrodite’

New and improved Calycanthus with large, bright red magnolia-like flowers. Unlike ‘Hartlage Wine’, it is very fragrant, a sweet apple scent. It reblooms, as well, blooming on old wood. Sun to part sun. Prune to shape immediately after first flowering. 6-8′ tall and 5-6′ wide. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Wildlife

Ninebark ‘Diabolo’

Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diabolo’

This purple Ninebark selection is all the craze. Pinkish-white, button-like flowers appear in mid-summer and make great cut flowers. Foliage makes a wonderful contrast in the landscape, great with red, mauve, yellow or white flowers. Plants reach 6-8′ tall and wide. Plant in sun to part sun. Adapts to many soil conditions. Zones 3-7.

Tag: Foliage, Cut Flowers, Native

Spirea ‘Ogon’

Spiraea thunbergii ‘Ogon’

New yellow foliage emerges in spring from slender, delicate stems. White flowers appear in March and April before leaves. Yellow new growth continues throughout growing season. Overall appearance is lime-green, contrasting nicely with other shrubs. 4′ tall and wide. Sun to part sun, amend planting site. Zones 4-8.

Tag: None

Astilbe ‘Color Flash Lime’

Astilbe x arendsii ‘Color Flash Lime’

On the heels of the popular Astilbe ‘Color Flash’ comes ‘Color Flash Lime’. Foliage emerges light green deepening to an intense yellow/chartreuse. Pale lavender bloom spikes appear in early summer. Mounds are 10″ tall and 16″ wide, with spikes extending 15″ above the foliage. Part shade/shade and moist, rich garden soil with lots of manure. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Tall Verbena

Verbena bonariensis

One of our all-time favorites, this South American native is able to withstand drought once established and will reseed. Round purple flower clusters are suspended above see-through stems, spring to fall. Plant in sun, great in masses, beloved by gold finches. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Wildlife, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Butterflies

Crocosmia ‘George Davidson’

Crocosmia ‘George Davidson’

One of our favorites, this late summer bloomer is spectacular with Solidago (Goldenrod) and Rudbeckia. Unique apricot yellow flowers along wiry, arching stems. Plant in sun to part sun and good quality garden soil. Nice, sword-like foliage. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds

Foamflower ‘Oakleaf’

Tiarella cordifolia ‘Oakleaf’

One of the first, and still one of the best of the new generation of foamflowers. A very long blooming, clumping plant with light pink flowers and bronze new spring growth. Burgundy winter color. 10-12″ tall. Part shade to shade, in average moisture, humus-rich soil. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native

Bee Balm ‘Jacob Cline’

Monarda didyma ‘Jacob Cline’

One of the most mildew-resistant varieties, producing deep red flowers atop 3′ tall narrow stems. Bees and hummingbirds love the blooms, which appear in early summer. Plant in sun to part sun in moist soil, and but back after blooming. Stems and leaves are fragrant. Zones 3-7.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Native, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Butterflies

Japanese Maple ‘Bloodgood’

Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’

One of the most popular maples, retaining its reddish-purple color better through the hot summer. Grey bark and naked stems make an interesting silhouette in winter. 15′ tall and wide. Plant in organic-rich soil, clay must be amended. Plant in sun, part sun, or shade. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Foliage

Viburnum ‘Molly Schroder’

Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum  ‘Molly Schroder’

Outstanding new pink-flowering selection obtained from New Zealand. Consistently pink from year to year, and is an excellent re-bloomer. Forms an upright, rounded shrub about 5-8′ tall and wide. Plant in sun to part sun and a good quality garden soil. Zones 5-8.

Tag: None

Echinacea ‘Magnus’

Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’

Perennial Plant of the Year in 1998, and deservedly so. A staple for any sunny perennial garden. Tough and easy to grow. Rosy daisies with an orangish-brown cone, from late June through September. Sun to part sun, in a well-drained garden soil. 2-3′ tall and wide, more compact than the species. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Pincushion ‘Butterfly Blue’

Scabiosa ‘Butterfly Blue’

Perennial plant of the Year in 2000. This little workhorse churns out loads of 1″ pincushion-like flowers over a long period during the summer. Trim up old bloom stems for a tidy appearance. Full sun is best, in well-drained, good quality garden soil. 18″ tall and wide. Zones 3-7.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies

Tall Garden Phlox ‘David’

Phlox paniculata ‘David’

Perennial Plant of the Year in 2002. Fragrant bright white flowers are held 3-4′ aloft above clean green foliage that is highly resistant to mildew. Blooms for many weeks in mid-summer. Full sun in best. Amend soil with a good quality garden soil and normal moisture. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers

Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’

Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’

Perhaps the most popular Crocosmia, this hummingbird magnet produces swarms of bright red trumpet-shaped flowers amidst a mass of fanned foliage in mid-summer. 3-4′ tall and wide. Plant in sun to part sun and amend with good garden soil. Zones 5-8.

tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds

Yarrow ‘Terra Cotta’

Achillea ‘Terra Cotta’

Pronounced silvery foliage below sturdy stems of bright peach-colored flowers, which turn slowly into rich hues of earthy reds and oranges. Plants bloom in June and July, and grow to 2′ tall. Great for cut flowers. Plant in full sun and a quality draining garden soil. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Ostrich Fern

Matteuccia struthiopteris

Reaching 5′ tall, this elegant, soft-textured fern creates a majestic backdrop to any shady garden, spreading slowly from stolons, with new plantlets forming 8″ from the parent. Happy in medium light in moist to wet soils rich in manure and leaf mold. Fiddleheads are edible. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Native, Edible

Red Hot Poker ‘Echo Rojo’

Kniphofia uvaria ‘Echo Rojo’

Rebloomer! This poker has glowing orange blooms that attract hummingbirds and are perfect for cutting. Foliage is long and narrow as well as the stems, but sturdy and strong. Flowers begin in early summer and repeat sporadically. Full sun is best, planted in quality garden soil. 4′ tall and 3′ wide. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Attracts Hummingbirds, Cut Flowers

Juniper ‘Angelica Blue’

Juniperus chinensis ‘Angelica Blue’

Recently introduced, this low spreading juniper sports a silvery, powder-blue foliage, very fine and quite different from most. The exact size eludes us, as information is still limited. We suspect 2-3′ tall and 6-8′ wide. Plant in sun. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Evergreen

Yew ‘Prostrata’

Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Prostrata’

Rich, dark green needle-like foliage makes this a great evergreen foundation shrub for sites with partial sun to shade. A slow spreader, typically reaching 2-3′ tall and 3-4′ wide. Must be planted in good garden soil with adequate moisture until established, at which time it becomes drought tolerant. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Evergreen

Blueberry ‘Climax’

Vaccinium ‘Climax’ (Rabbiteye)

Ripens early over a short period. Growth is upright and spreading. Recommended for commercial and home use. Probably the best variety adapted to mechanical harvesting. Good pollinator. Medium dark blue berries. Great fall foliage. Berries are juicy and sweet. Grows 4-6′ tall and wide. Requires a pollinator (suggested: Tifblue, Premier). Zones 6-9.

Tag: Native, Edible, Wildlife

Blueberry ‘Premier’

Vaccinium ‘Premier’ (rabbiteye)

Ripens early to mid-season. Fruit is large and of good quality. Growth is vigorous and upright. Plants are very productive and recommended for commercial and home use. Blueberries like acidic soil with lots of compost and good drainage. 4-6′ tall and wide. Plant in full sun. Requires a pollinator (suggested: Climax). Zones 6-9.

Tag: Native, Edible, Wildlife

Blueberry ‘Brightwell’

Vaccinium ‘Brightwell’

Ripens mid-season over a long period. Tolerant of spring freezes. Berries are large, sweet and light blue in color. Plants are very productive. Growth is vigorous and upright. Excellent for commercial and home use. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Native, Edible, Wildlife

Blueberry ‘Tifblue’

Vaccinium ‘Tifblue’

Ripens mid-season to late. The most cold-hardy variety. Firm berries with excellent flavor, tart until completely ripe. Berries are light blue. One of the best for commercial production, and great for home use. Growth is vigorous and upright. Reaching a height and width of 6-8 feet, it has the potential to produce a huge abundance of blueberries. Plant in full sun in acidic soil. Requires a pollinator (suggested: Climax, Premier). Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Edible, Wildlife

Coreopsis ‘PermaThread Red Satin’

Coreopsis ‘PermaThread Red Satin’

Satiny wine-red flowers with cheerful gold centers won’t “frost” in heat. Clean, elegant foliage forms strong erect clumps. Shear for rebloom into fall. Height 16-18″ tall. Full sun and a well-drained garden soil. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Bee Balm ‘Raspberry Wine’

Monarda didyma ‘Raspberry Wine’

Scented leaves produce whorled clusters of wine-red flowers in early summer. 2-4′ tall. Plant in sun, part sun with average to moist soil. Mildew resistant, spreads by stolons. Zones 3-7.

Tag: Native, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds

Sweet Bay Magnolia ‘Moonglow’

Magnolia virginiana ‘Jim Wilson’

Selected by the same man who selected the ‘Heritage’ river birch, this Magnolia grows 3-4′ per year. Lemon-scented spring blooms yield bright red seed clusters. 35′ tall and 18′ wide. Green leaves have white undersides. Evergreen in the South, deciduous in the North. Sun to medium shade, moist to average soil, has withstood -33°F. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Wildlife, Native

Oakleaf Hydrangea ‘Munchkin’

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Munchkin’

Selected from a US National Arboretum breeding program, this compact cultivar is similar to ‘Ruby Slippers’. Very compact habit with upright flowers beginning in early to mid-summer. White blooms turn soft pink, and foliage turns burgundy in late summer. Part sun to part shade is best, but can tolerate limited full sun. Amend clay, needs well-drained soil. Zones 6-8.

Tag: Wildlife, Native

Chokeberry ‘Viking’

Aronia melancarpa ‘Viking’

Selected in Europe for use in orchards, gardeners quickly discovered its many attributes as a landscape plant. Masses of fragrant white flowers in spring forming large edible black fruit in late summer. Red fall foliage. Can be used in bogs and moist locations. Sun to part sun. 4-6′ tall. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Wildlife, Native

Variegated Sweetflag ‘Ogon’

Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’

Semi-evergreen, this is a perfect groundcover for an area with ample moisture and part sun or filtered light. Spreads slowly by fan-shaped, near-surface rhizomes. Maintains bright gold striped foliage throughout the season. 10″ tall. Zones 5-10.

Tag: Native

Redbud ‘Forest Pansy’

Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’

Small, rosy-purple flowers appear along stems in spring before foliage. Heart-shaped leaves emerge blushed reddish-purple, aging through summer to a purplish green. 20′ tall and 25′ wide. Full sun to woodland’s edge sun. Fall foliage is a mix of red, green and orange. Plant in good garden soil. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Foliage

Arborvitae ‘Emerald’

Thuja occidentalis ‘Emerald’

Soft and rich in appearance, this functional evergreen is used as a corner accent plant as well as a hedge or windbreak. 10-15′ tall and 3-4′ wide. Sun to medium shade. Easy to grow. Amend soil with Black Kow and lime, or mushroom compost. Zones 2-8.

Tag: Wildlife, Eevergreen

Red Buckeye

Aesculus pavia

Spending its life in the shadows of large trees, this handsome tree with dark green, glossy leaves is covered in rich, rosy-red flower panicles in May. Great for moist sites, where there is a little shade. Plants tend to leaf scorch in dry soil. 15′ tall and 15′ wide, deciduous with a rounded, shrub-like appearance. Huge wildlife value from hummingbirds and insects to squirrels.
Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators

Juniper ‘Parson’s’

Juniperus davurica ‘Parson’s’

Spreading groundcover juniper which carries just above ground level, reaching 2′ tall and 4-6′ wide. Medium green, slightly shade tolerant for a juniper. Amend soil with Black Kow and lime or mushroom compost. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Evergreen

Juniper ‘Blue Rug’

Juniperus horizontalis ‘Blue Rug’

Spreading like an outdoor carpet, this ground-hugging juniper barely reaches 4″ in height but can spread 4-6′ wide. Sun to part sun. Used extensively in difficult sites such as embankments. Drought tolerant once established. Foliage turns a steel blue in winter. Amend soil with Black Kow and lime. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Evergreen

Switchgrass ‘Northwind’

Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’

Stiff, vase-shaped blue-green foliage creates a nice vertical backdrop to a natural garden. Narrow bloom panicles create the effect of a haze in August and September. Fast growing and tolerates dry to boggy soils. 4-5′ tall.  Zones 4-9.

Tag: Wildlife, Native

Iris ‘Variegata’

Iris ensata ‘Variegata’

Striking vertical foliage is accentuated with broad bands of white, which add a rich contrast. Large blue flowers appear in early summer for several weeks. Plant in full sun or afternoon shade. Soil should be rich in organics, acidic, and consistently moist. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Viburnum ‘Shasta’

Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Shasta’

Stunning show of flat-topped flowers blooming along horizontal stems, reflecting off a sea of green foliage in May and June. Flowers are followed in July by red then black fruits. Burgundy to mahogany fall foliage. Sun to medium shade. 6′ tall and 10′ wide. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Wildlife

Japanese Painted Fern ‘Ghost’

Athyrium ‘Ghost’

Stunning silver-white fronds grow tall and broad. Leaves age to green, providing a backdrop for brighter new growth. Clumps are rigid and upright. Lovely with blue Hostas and burgundy Heucheras. Plant in moist to wet soil under high light. 18-24″ tall. Plants spread slowly by short, creeping rhizomes. Zones 4-8.

Cypress Sawara

Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Filifera Aurea’

Superb evergreen shrub sporting loose, dangling, golden thread-like needles that seem to increase in color during the cold winter months. Full sun. Drought tolerant once established. Easy to keep small, but if not pruned, can reach 8-10′ tall and have a shape like a gumdrop. Medium-slow growing. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Evergreen

Gayfeather ‘Alba’

Liatris spicata ‘Alba’

Tall spires rise up 3-4′ in the summer garden, yielding white flowers down the stems. Foliage is narrow and thread-like. Cut back after blooming. Plant in sun and a well-drained garden soil with average moisture. Adds great texture to a garden. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Butterfly Bush ‘Black Knight’

Buddleia davidii ‘Black Knight’

The darkest purple of all butterfly bushes, this popular plant blooms from June through to frost. Easy to grow and requiring little maintenance, it will reach a size of about 6-9′ tall and wide. Prune back hard in late spring. Semi-evergreen wood perennial. Plant in sun and good garden soil. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Butterfly Bush ‘Buzz Midnight’

Buddleia davidii ‘Buzz Midnight’

The darkest, richest purple on the market yet this everblooming Buddleia is perfect for small spaces, growing to just 1/3 the size of regular Buddleia. Full sun and good garden soil is best. Old flowers can be removed all season for heavier bloom. Mulch heavily in cold winters and prune in late spring. Zones 6-11.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies

Shasta Daisy ‘Snow Cap’

Leucanthemum x superbum ‘Snow Cap’

The ever-so-popular shasta daisy in a dwarf form, reaching only 12-15″ tall, bearing 2″ wide, pure white flowers. Blooms appear for many weeks in summer, and deadheading spent blooms may push a second bloom cycle. Provide full sun and a well-drained garden soil. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Viburnum ‘Mohawk’

Viburnum x burkwoodii ‘Mohawk’

The fragrance of the bloom will permeate the entire yard with its sweet essence. Pink buds open to white flowers in a globe form in midspring. Dark, leathery green foliage turns deep shades of red and plum in fall. Open form, reaching 7′ tall and wide. Sun to medium shade, in well-drained soil.
Zones 4-8.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies, Wildlife

Toad Lily ‘Samurai’

Tricyrtis ‘Samurai’

The gold and green variegated foliage of this plant is exciting, as it looks great all summer, slowly rising in stature as blooms begin to form along the tips. 1.5″ lily-like flowers open in late summer to fall, and are purplish-pink and dotted with freckles. 12-18″ tall. Spreads by rhizomes. Part shade to shade, in moist compost. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Azalea ‘Poukhanense’

Rhododendron yedoense ‘Poukhanense’

The hardiest evergreen azalea on the market, this lovely gem produces 2″ lavender fragrant flowers in May. Orange to red-purple foliage in fall. Grows 3-6′ tall and wide. Quite shade tolerant. Plant in well-drained soil with lots of compost. Zones 4-7.

Tag: Evergreen

Rose of Sharon ‘Blue Chiffon’

Hibiscus syriacus ‘Blue Chiffon’

The latest addition to the Chiffon series from Dr. R. Woods of England. Exquisite blue flowers with a lacy center appear profusely from July to September, making this a great plant for a hedgerow or as a single patio specimen. 8-12′ tall, full to part sun. Amend soil with compost. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Weigela ‘Fine Wine’

Weigela florida ‘Fine Wine’

The next generation of W. Wine and Roses, with the smaller burgundy foliage and a more compact mounded habit, giving it a more refined quality. Abundant pink trumpet flowers in spring. 2′ wide and tall. Plant in full sun for best color. Amend soil with good quality planting soil. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Attracts Hummingbirds

Arborvitae ‘American Pillar’

Thuja occidentalis ‘American Pillar’

The perfect hedge or screening plant! Very rapid growth, 34′ per year after first year of transplant. 4′ wide at base and 25-30′ tall, this great evergreen does not require real estate, yet creates a gorgeous dense hedge. Resistant to ice and wind damage. Disease, insect and deer resistant. Plant in sun or part sun. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Evergreen, Deer Resistant

Dwarf Ninebark ‘Little Devil’

Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Little Devil’

The perfect low-maintenance shrub, with attractive dark foliage, button-like white-pink flowers in June, and a compact habit reaching only 3-4′ tall and wide. Pest and disease free. Great for contrasting against greens, as well as against bright flower colors, such as orange, pink, and gold. Plant in full to part sun. Zones 3-7.

Tag: Native

Hydrangea ‘Mak20’

Hydrangea serrata ‘Mak20’

The result of a new breeding goal to try and produce a plant with improved bud and stem hardiness, as well as the ability to bloom on both new and old wood. Reddish-pink lacecap flowers adorn this Hydrangea till frost. Compact, 23′ tall and wide. Part sun or part shade. Zones 5-9.

Tag: None

Astilbe ‘Purple Rain’

Astilbe chinensis ‘Purple Rain’

Thick, hefty, lavender to magenta plumes adorn this compact plant for many weeks beginning in early summer. Lacy green foliage persists until fall. 18-21″ tall and 24″ wide. Plants love part shade to shade and amply moist, rich garden soil with lots of manure compost. Pretty with lime foliage Hostas. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Weeping Blue Spruce ‘Slenderina’

Picea pungens ‘Slenderina Pendula’

Thick, rich weeping stems are laden with sky-blue foliage in spring, darkening slightly in fall and winter. Plants reach 12′ in 20 years. Plant in full sun and a rich garden soil. Zones 3-7.

Tag: Evergreen

Calamint ‘White Cloud’

Calamintha nepatoides ‘White Cloud’

This aromatic mint favors oregano in fragrance. Large, bright white blooms cover this plant through most of the summer. Pick an average to dry location with at least five hours of sun. 12-24″ tall and wide. Goes great with Scabiosa. Zones 4-7.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies

Arborvitae ‘Anna’s Magic Ball’

Thuja occidentalis ‘Anna’s Magic Ball’

This bright golden evergreen arborvitae is a sport of ‘Danica’, and is a delightful addition to the border or patio. Good, burn-resistant foliage and holds its color well in winter. 12-24″ tall and wide. Full sun to part sun, in good garden soil. Stunning with dark blue Salvia and Phlox ‘Coral Flame’. Zones 3-7

Tag: Evergreen

Dwarf Gingko ‘Mariken’

Gingko biloba ‘Mariken’

This charming dwarf cultivar is perfect for patios and small accent spaces, as it grows a mere 3′ tall and in time may achieve 6′ wide. Unusual fan-shaped foliage adds a nice texture to the landscape, as does the brilliant golden fall foliage. Full sun, part sun and well-drained garden soil.
Zones 4-8.

Tag: Foliage

False Hydrangea Vine ‘Moonlight’

Schizophragma hydrangeoides ‘Moonlight’

This clinging vine attaches itself to wood, stone, masonry and the like. It climbs 20-30′ tall and sports bluish-green foliage with a pewter cast. Flowers appear summer to fall and resemble lacecap hydrangeas, white. Sun, part sun or shade. Plant in good garden soil. Zones 5-9.

Tag: None

Coreopsis ‘Route 66’

Coreopsis verticillata ‘Route 66’ ppaf

This compact threadleaf coreopsis is covered in yellow flowers with a bold red eye throughout the summer. With the approach of fall, the red streaks begin to blush throughout the entire flower. 24″ tall. Plant in full sun and good garden soil. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Lily Magnolia ‘Jane’

Magnolia lilliflora ‘Jane’

This deciduous Magnolia grows into a large shrub or small tree. Dark, naked branches yield 6″ tulip-shaped flowers in late winter or early spring. Flowers are reddish-purple on the outside and white on the inside. 8-10′ tall and 6-8′ wide. Plant in sun to part sun. Zones 5-9.

Tag: None

Arrowood Viburnum

Viburnum dentatum

This deciduous viburnum is native from New Brunswick to Minnesota, south to Georgia. Grows to 6-10′ tall and wide. Cream-colored flowers in late spring are followed by blue-black, 1/4″ fruit. Autumn foliage is yellow, orange, and red. Plants tolerate heat, cold and alkaline soil. Use as a screen or hedge. Zones 4-7.

Tag: Wildlife, Native

Holly ‘Oosterwijk’

Ilex verticillata ‘Oosterwijk’

This female selection of holly produces blooms in spring followed by bright red fruits in fall. The fruits maintain their appearance throughout winter and become bird seed for spring. Plant in sun to part sun and moist soil. Adaptable to wet areas and heavy soil. Pollinate with I. vert. ‘Southern Gentleman’. 4-6′ tall and 4-6′ wide. Zones 3-9.

Tag: None

Creeping Phlox ‘Sherwood Purple’

Phlox stolonifera ‘Sherwood Purple’

This fine groundcover adapts to dry sites (once established) in part shade or filtered light. Many fragrant blue-purple flowers appear atop 6″ stems in spring. Amend soil well with lots of leaf litter, compost, or good garden soil. Plants spread by stolons. Zones 2-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Butterflies

Rose of Sharon ‘Orchid Satin’

Hibiscus syriacus ‘Orchid Satin’

This gorgeous Rose of Sharon will attract Hummingbirds, with its bright red eyezone bleeding into pastel lavender petals in midsummer. 8-12′ tall and 6′ wide, plant in full to part sun. Sterile, so no seeds or seedlings. Prune in late winter or early spring. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Humming Birds

Weeping Cherry

Prunus x ‘Snofazam Snow Fountain’

This gorgeous tree appears like a bridal veil of white in spring, with masses of blossoms trailing down the stems. The effect can be breathtaking when allowed to cascade over a stone wall or embankment. Height can vary, with average 8-10′ when staked. Plant in full sun and good soil for best flower production. Zones 4-8.

Tag: None

Black-Eyed Susan ‘Goldsturm’

Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’

This immensely popular perennial bears signature 3-4″ deep yellow flowers with a black cone, in mid to late summer. The native can adapt to many soil types and is a tough plant for tough sites, but prefers full sun to part shade. 2′ tall and wide.
Zones 3-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers

Viburnum ‘Summer Snowflake’

Viburnum plicatum ‘Summer Snowflake’

This lovely doublefile Viburnum blooms from spring through fall with clusters of flat, white fertile flowers, yielding reddish fruit in fall, which ages to black. 5-8′ tall and wide. Plant in sun to part shade, and amend soil with compost and manure. Makes a lovely backdrop. Zones 6-8.

Tag: Wildlife

Hydrangea ‘Star Gazer’

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Star Gazer’

This macrophylla Hydrangea features fully double blooms with extra powerful stems to hold them. Lavender blush over white creates a picotee effect on the blooms. Rounded form, about 4′ tall and wide. Plants repeat bloom in many cases. Morning sun or filtered light preferred.  Zones 6-9.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers

Witch Hazel ‘Arnold’s Promise’

Hamamelis mollis ‘Arnold’s Promise’

This medium vase-shaped deciduous tree has fragrant, bright yellow flowers in winter when there isn’t any other color. Grows to about 25-35′, with good fall colors and nutlike brown pods in the fall.

Tag: None

Hydrangea ‘Makd’

Hydrangea serrata ‘Makd’

This mountain Hydrangea produces abundant delicate, lacecap flowers on extremely bud-hardy stems. Flower color can range from blue to pink to white. Prune only after first bloom of the season. Part sun or part shade, in moist humus-rich soil is best. 24″ tall and wide. Zones 5-9.

Tag: None

Tall Garden Phlox ‘Blue Paradise’

Phlox paniculata ‘Blue Paradise’

This native garden Phlox rises 2-3′ in mid to late summer and opens with pale blue flowers, which darken to a deep violet blue, with red violet edges as blooms age. Very mildew resistant. Plant in sun and amend soil with good garden compost. Stunning accompanied by yellow foliage shrubs. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers

Kentucky Wisteria ‘Blue Moon’

Wisteria macrostachya ‘Blue Moon’

This native selection has 12″ long racemes of blue-purple fragrant flowers beginning in late spring and repeating up to three times throughout the summer. Requires a sturdy structure as plant becomes heavy with age. Full sun is best for blooming. Likes moist soil. 15-25′ tall and 4-8′ wide. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Native

Serviceberry

Amelanchier canadensis

A bird magnet, this native shrub ranges in height from 6-20′, with erect stems and a suckering growth habit at the base. Plants naturally occur in bogs and swamps from Maine to South Carolina. White blooms in late winter or early spring. Yield black, sweet fruit before yellow-gold fall foliage. Plant in sun to part sun. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Native, Edible, Wildlife

Bush Honeysuckle

Diervilla lonicera

This native suckering shrub has green foliage that takes on a reddish blush in fall. Yellow trumpet-shaped flowers appear in early summer, and if pollinated by a neighboring plant, will form fruits. Native to dry, rocky woodlands and thickets. 3′ tall and 4′ wide. Full sun to part shade. Often called Northern Bush Honeysuckle. Zones 3-7.

Tag: Native, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds

False Indigo ‘Screaming Yellow’

Baptisia sphaerocarpa ‘Screaming Yellow’

This North American native plant is well-adapted to drier sites and poor soil that drains well. Strong stems emerge in early spring, coming into bloom in April/May with lupine-like flower clusters of bright yellow. 2-3′ tall and wide. Full sun is best, shear after blooming for a more tidy habit. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators

Great Blue Cardinal Flower

Lobelia siphilitica

This perennial sports coarsely, dull textured medium green foliage, and gives rise to sky-blue trumpet-shaped flowers along upright stems in late summer. Plant in filtered light or partial shade. Plants love constant moisture and rich, compost garden soil. 2-3′ tall and 1-2′ wide. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Quince ‘Scarlet Storm’

Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Scarlet Storm’

This quince plant is sterile, and therefor does not produce fruit. It is thornless, as well. Bright red, double-petaled blooms adorn this shrub for many weeks in spring. Plants can be trimmed immediately after pruning. Full sun to part sun. 4-5′ tall and 3-4′ wide. Zones 5-9.

Tag: None

Red Switchgrass ‘Rotstrahlbusch’

Panicum virgatum ‘Rotstrahlbusch’

This red switchgrass gets its name from its burgundy-tipped leaves. Grows in an upright clump 3-4′ with red-tinted, airy seed heads. Fall foliage turns deep red before turning tan for the winter. Plant in sun to part sun and well-drained soil bordering on dry. Zones 4-10.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers, Wildlife

Orange Flame Azalea

Rhododendron calendulaceum ‘Orange’

This robust deciduous shrub blooms in late spring, with colors ranging from yellow to scarlet. Native to the mountain regions of Pennsylvania through Georgia. 8′ tall and wide. Plant in sun to part sun and a leafy, humus-rich soil with moisture. Don’t plant too deep. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators, Wildlife

Yellow Flame Azalea

Rhododendron calendulaceum ‘Yellow’

This robust deciduous shrub blooms in late spring, with colors ranging from yellow to scarlet. Native to the mountain regions of Pennsylvania through Georgia. 8′ tall and wide. Plant in sun to part sun and a leafy, humus-rich soil with moisture. Don’t plant too deep. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators, Wildlife

Royal Fern ‘Spectabilis’

Osmunda regalis ‘Spectabilis’

This royal treasure sports purple stems and new growth. Fronds are broad and develop a translucent green tone by the onset of summer. Grows to a huge 4-6′ tall. Sun tolerant if immersed in moisture, but part shade is fine. Zones 4-7.

Tag: Native

Gingko ‘Autumn Gold’

Ginkgo biloba ‘Autumn Gold’

This seedless male selection grows to 40-50′. Leaves turn a beautiful golden yellow in fall and drop from the tree almost all at once. There are no serious disease or pest problems, making them perfect for lawns, streets and commercial settings. Sun to part sun. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Foliage

Heartleaf Aster

Aster cordifolius ‘Avondale’

This shade-loving aster is a good naturalizer under trees, at the edge of woods, or as a filler among Hosta and Astilbe. Upper foliage is lance-shaped, and lower foliage is heart-shaped (cordate). Many small ray flowers with yellow eyes appear in late summer, making excellent cutflowers. Likes normal to dry soil. 2′ tall and wide. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers

Heuchera ‘Citronelle’

Heuchera villosa ‘Citronelle’

This species is commonly referred to as Hairy Alumroot. New breeding has produced a great color of light green or chartreuse foliage, perfect for brightening a shady garden spot. Consistent moisture and good garden soil will reward you. Neat with blue Hosta, or Ajuga. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Butterflies

Alumroot ‘Caramel’

Heuchera x ‘Caramel’

This species of Heuchera has been referred to as Hairy Alumroot, and recent breeding has enhanced foliage color. Apricot to caramel leaves adorn a rounded form with wiry bloom stems appearing mid-summer. Nice with Autumn fern. 24-30″ tall, part shade to shade. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Butterflies

Chocolate Vine

Akebia quinata

This twining vine grows medium to rapid, and climbs an average of 15-20′. Dainty leaves are deep green and each leaf is deeply divided. There are 5 leaves per stem. Dull purple flowers appear in spring, with edible fruit that looks like and small Polish sausage ripening later. Benefits from annual pruning. Sun or shade, evergreen to the south. Zones 5-9.

Tag: None

Buttonbush

Cephalanthus occidentalis

This underappreciated, easy-to-grow native only requires a little moisture and you will have a show of curious-looking, creamy, button-like flowers adding to the beauty of a late-summer garden. Round, black, cherry-like fruit follows and persists through winter. Deciduous, 3-6′ tall and wide. Full sun, hates dry soil. Zones 5-10.

Tag: None

Sedge ‘Aurea Bowles’ Golden’

Carex elata ‘Aurea Bowles’ Golden’

This unique golden sedge thrives in up to two inches of water. Can tolerate dry soil if planted in shade, but color is best in full sun in moist to wet soil. Fine-textured leaves are striped sporadically with bright green lines that turn lime green in shade. 2′ tall. Zones 5-8.

Tag: None

Sweetspire ‘Henry’s Garnet’

Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’

This versatile and beautiful garden shrub bears 6″ long fragrant, white flower spikes in June. Foliage and stems take on a deep burgundy in fall. Spreads a bit, particularly in moist soil. 3-4′ tall and 6′ wide. Plant in sun or shade, in moist or dry soil. Easy to grow. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Butterflies

Wand Flower ‘Rosy Jane’

Gaura lindheimeri ‘Rosy Jane’

This wandflower dances in the breeze with white and pink picotee flowers atop wiry stems. Introduced in the UK, this plant is supercharged with all-summer blooms. Full sun and very well-drained garden soil, plants rot in clay soil in winter. 24-30″ tall. Zones 6-8.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies

Chokeberry ‘Brilliantissima’

Aronia arbutifolia ‘Brilliantissima’

This wonderful bird magnet is covered in lustrous green leaves which turn to a brilliant scarlet in fall. White flowers in early spring are followed by glossy red fruit in fall and winter. Bears more flowers and glossier, larger, more abundant fruit than the species. 6-8′ tall and ide. Sun to part shade, normal or boggy soil. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Wildlife, Native

Juniper ‘Blue Star’

Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’

This wonderful evergreen has great potential for many applications. Its short stature of 12-18″ tall is perfect for the front of a border or as a groundcover. Steel gray in winter and powder blue in summer. Plant in sun, and add lime and manure to soil.
Zones 4-7.

Tag: Evergreen

Weeping Cherry ‘Plena Rosea’

Prunus subhirtella pendula ‘Plena Rosea’

This wonderful specimen has been grafted twice, having a cherry rootstock, the trunkstock of a Kwanzan cherry, and the weeping top stock of a flowering cherry, giving it an umbrella effect. Blooms appear in April. The trunk gains girth but not height. Plant in full sun for best flowering.
Zones 4-8.

Tag: None

Dwarf Alberta Spruce

Picea glauca ‘Conica’

Tight, compact growth on this pyramidal tree, sporting bright green needles with a growth rate of about 2″ per year. Birds love to nest in these. 8-12′ tall and 4-6′ wide. Sun to part sun, moist but well-drained soil. No pruning needed. Zones 2-6.

Tag: Wildlife, Evergreen

Holly ‘Soft Touch’

Ilex crenata ‘Soft Touch’

Tiny green foliage on this compact evergreen gives it a unique texture in the garden. 4′ tall and 4′ wide, can be pruned. Sun or part shade. Plant in a good quality garden soil and protect from harsh winter wind. Nice in masses or as a single specimen. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Evergreen

Ninebark ‘Summer Wine’

Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Summer Wine’

Totally new and exciting! Deep burgundy foliage that never melts, with finely cut leaves, adorns this compact shrub spring through fall. Pinkish-white, button-like flowers appear in mid-summer. Branching is more compact than ‘Diabolo’, and plant reaches 5′ tall if not pruned. Cutting edge garden plant. Plant in good soil. Zones 3-7.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers

Dwarf Burning Bush

Euonymus alatus ‘Compactus’

True to its name, this is the shrub for magnificent red fall color. Planted extensively along roadways, this easy to grow shrub reaches 4-8′ tall and wide. Not fussy about soil, but it prefers sun for best color, but will tolerate shade. Orangish seeds dangle from stems in winter, often producing seedlings beneath plant, which should be removed. Zones 4-8.

Tag: None

Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick

Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’

Twisted, contorted stems make beautiful cut stems for dried arrangements. This slow-medium growing shrub can reach 8′ tall and wide. Male catkins dangle from stems like ornaments. Sun is best. Discovered in a hedgerow in England in the 1800s. Zones 4-8.

Tag: None

Variegated Liriope

Liriope muscari ‘Variegata’

Used extensively as an edger to paved surfaces and walkways, this evergreen sports long leaves that resemble thick grass, with creamy elongated stripes. 6″ purple spikes rise above 12″ foliage in September. Plant in sun or shade, cut back old foliage in late winter. Zones 6-9.

Tag: None

Wintercreeper

Euonymus fortunei var. coloratus

Used mainly as a groundcover on steep slopes, it can also climb a stone wall or tree trunk to a height of 3′. Deep green summer foliage turns a burgundy red in fall and winter. Sun or shade. Prefers moist soil, yet drought tolerant once established. 24-30″ tall and 4′ wide. Orange berries in fall. Easy to grow, very tough groundcover.

Tag: None

Arborvitae ‘Hetz Midget’

Thuja occidentalis ‘Hetz Midget’

Very compact, this bright little evergreen requires no pruning to achieve its spherical shape. 30″ tall and wide. Tolerates a good deal of shade, as well as sun. Amend soil with Black Kow and lime, or mushroom compost. Zones 2-7.

Tag: Evergreen

Climbing Hydrangea

Hydrangea anomala ‘Petiolaris’

Very slow at first, but becoming much more vigorous with age, this clinging vine can attach itself to stone walls, trees, etc. Fragrant, broad-topped flowers appear in late June. It does well on north exposures in tough climates. Sun or shade. Can reach 30-60′ if not pruned. Plant in rich, moist garden soil. Zones 4-7.

Tag: None

Porcelain Vine ‘Elegans’

Ampelopsis brevipedunculata ‘Elegans’

Very vigorous vine that climbs by twining and tendrils. White marbling in the leaf frames greenish flowers which bloom in midsummer, bearing marble-sized fruit that resembles blue porcelain in September. Full sun for best fruiting. Grows to 10-20′. Zones 4-8.

Tag: None

Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’

Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’

Voted Perennial Plant of the Year in 1992, this winner provides a nearly continual supply of lemon-yellow, 1″ flowers through the summer. Likes sun and good garden soil that drains well. 12-18″ tall. Cut back hard in mid-summer for a rebloom. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Juniper ‘Gold Lace’

Juniperus ‘Gold Lace’

We’re excited about this golden nugget. Excellent gold highlights year-round on a nice, disease-resistant plant. Plants grow low and spreading, reaching 2-3′ tall and 3-5′ wide with time, but they are easily pruned to keep compact. Stunning when massed. Plant in sun to part sun. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Evergreen

Geranium ‘Album’

Geranium sangiuneum ‘Album’

White flowers adorn this mounding perennial from late spring through early summer. Great tucked in amongst Heuchera and ferns. 12-18″ tall and wide. Plants prefer a quality garden soil with compost and excellent drainage. They do not like wet roots. Part sun or morning sun, afternoon filtered is best.
Zone 4-8.

Tag: None

Serviceberry ‘Standing Ovation’

Amelanchier alnifolia ‘Standing Ovation’

White flowers cover the upright stems in spring, yielding to dark green, circular leaves. Bright red sweet, edible berries ripen around June, attracting birds. Fall foliage is red and orange. Easy to grow and only reaches 15′ tall and 4′ wide. Sun to part sun. Zones 4-6.

Tag: Wildlife, Native

Stokes Aster ‘Peachie’s Pick’

Stokesia laevisa ‘Peachie’s Pick’

Wonderful and adaptive native summer bloomer, boasting large quantities of very blue flowers. Flower petals have a shredded, rag-like appearance and plants are compact and upright, 20″ tall. Full sun to part shade and drought tolerant once established. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Butterflies

Hydrangea ‘Endless Summer’

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Endless Summer’ PP15,298

A breakthrough Hydrangea! Finally, a macrophylla that blooms on both new and old wood reliably, ensuring reliable and continual blooms all summer despite cold winters. 3-5′ tall and wide, sun to part shade preferred. 8″ diameter blooms appear blue in acidic soil, and pink in alkaline soil. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Pawpaw

Asimina triloba

This unique native fruit tree produces the largest edible fruit in North America. They have droopy three-lobed 6-12″ leaves and oblong 3-5″ fruit, which taste like a cross between mango and banana. Grows to 15-20′ tall and wide. Likes cool, shady, moist soil (e.g., along streams). Can colonize in time. Young pawpaw trees can be sensitive to full sunlight and require filtered sun for the first year or two.  Needs two trees for cross pollination. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Native, Edible

Miss Satomi Kousa Dogwood

Cornus kousa ‘Miss Satomi’

A pink version of the Kousa, these small ornamental trees are similar to the white Kousa except for the bloom. Large, pink flowers bloom after the spring foliage has clothed the tree. Large red fruits in fall. Plant in sun to part sun. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Wildlife

Heritage Birch

Betula nigra ‘Heritage’

A rapid growing, outstanding residential or commercial shade tree, this beauty has an extreme heat tolerance as well as resistance to borers. It is able to grow in normal to boggy soil. Outstanding, white-cream peeling bark in winter. 35-60′ tall. Full sun or dappled light. Do not prune in early spring. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native

Hydrangea ‘Little Lime’

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Little Lime’

A superb dwarf form of the ever-popular ‘Limelight’ Hydrangea. Showy, tightly-formed heads of lime green blooms persist throughout the summer on a plant that only reaches 3-5′ tall and wide. Great in masses or as a single specimen. Plant in full to part sun and a good garden soil. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Cutflowers

Hydrangea ‘Vanilla Strawberry’

Hydrangea paniculata ‘First Editions Vanilla Strawberry’

A triple dip of delight, this variety starts out with large, creamy vanilla blooms in mid-summer, flowers blushing to soft pink and aging to strawberry red. A blend of all colors at once is quite delicious. Sun to part sun. 6-7′ tall and 4-5′ wide. Makes great cut flowers. Prune in February or March. Amend soil with good compost. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Eastern Redbud

Cercis canadensis

A truly lovely sight in early spring, with purplish-pink flower clusters blooming down the dark mahogany naked stems. Upright and spreading, 20′ tall and wide. Thrives along the edges of woods, but will tolerate full sun. Does well in all soils except wet ones. Heart-shaped leaves turn a golden color before dropping off in fall. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Native, Foliage

Yellow Coneflower

Echinacea paradoxa

An interesting plant native to the Ozark Mountains, the yellow purple coneflower (thus the paradox species name) is a hot item, with its recurved, drooping yellow petals. 2-3′ tall. Plant in sun and good garden soil. Long bloomer for mid-summer. Zones 4-7.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers

Ruby Falls Redbud

Cercis canadensis ‘Ruby Falls’

An NCSU introduction in 2009, this gorgeous specimen is growing in popularity. Bred from C. ‘Covey’ and C. ‘Forest Pansy’, this dwarf tree has a graceful, weeping habit, reaching a mere 6-8′ tall and 6′ wide. Deep lavender flowers in spring are followed by glossy, maroon foliage, which turns a deeper near black through the summer. Plant in sun in good garden soil. Zones 6-8.

Tag: Native, Foliage

False Holly ‘Goshiki’

Osmanthus ‘Goshiki’

Attractive cream, yellow and green holly-like evergreen foliage suits this compact shrub. 3-4′ tall by 3′ wide. Sun to medium shade. Adds a nice bright spot to a shady garden. Plant in good garden soil, in an area protected from winter wind. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Evergreen, Foliage

Serviceberry ‘Autumn Brilliance’

Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’

Birds will have these picked clean of their black fruit in summer. Small, deciduous tree that blooms with masses of white flowers in early spring. 20′ tall. Grow in slightly acidic, fertile soil. Brilliant red foliage in fall and nice grey bark in winter. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Native, Wildlife, Foliage

Japanese Maple ‘Tamukeyama’

Acer palmatum ‘Tamukeyama’

Deep, crimson red foliage matures to purple-red in summer. Arching habit, reaching 5-8′ tall and wide. Dissected foliage creates a lacy texture. Full sun to medium shade, provide excellent, deep drainage and average moisture. Lovely amidst conifers. Zones 6-8.

Tag: Foliage

Hazelnut

Corylus americana

Easy to grow, this wonderful nut tree produces nuts immediately. It forms a multi-stemmed shrub, with a medium to fast growth rate. Does well in sun or part shade. Male catkins are attractive in early spring, and nuts form in fall, encased in a fuzzy shell. Yellow-green fall color. 10-15′ tall. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Native, Wildlife, Edible

Blue Holly ‘Blue Princess’

Ilex x meserveae ‘Blue Princess’

Erect stems sport a striking plum-burgundy color that contrasts nicely with dark, bluish-green foliage and mases of bright red berries in fall and winter. This lovely evergreen can be pruned to any height, but may reach 6-10′ tall if unchecked. Plant in sun or part sun. Needs male pollinator for berries. Zones 5-7.

Tag: Wildlife, Evergreen, Berries

Geranium ‘Espresso’

Geranium maculatum ‘Espresso’

Exciting new foliage in Geranium, this cultivar sports reddish-brown foliage complimenting loads of lavender-pink flowers in late spring/early summer. Found in open woods, clearings, wood edges and roadsides throughout the eastern US. Part sun and a well-drained soil. Drought tolerant and deer resistant, 8″ tall. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators

Hydrangea ‘Limelight’

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’

Exquisite lime-green flowers form large, conical heads, adding much needed color to the late summer landscape. Excellent vigor and heavy blooming. Plant in sun to part sun. Plants reach 6-8′ tall and wide. Prune in late winter. Lovely with burgundy foliaged shrubs and blue ornamental grasses. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Sweet Azalea

Rhododendron arborescens ‘Pink’

Found primarily along the banks of mountain streams, this lovely native bears fragrant white to light pink flowers in June and July. Grows 8-20′ tall. Deciduous, its leaves turning a lovely reddish-green in fall. Plant in amended soil with compost, but not too much lime. Zones 4-7.

Tag: Native, Attracts Hummingbirds, Wildlife

Kousa Dogwood

Cornus kousa chinensis

Great ornamental tree for commercial as well as residential planting. Large white flowers cover this small tree in early summer, as it blooms after it has flushed out with spring foliage. Large, red raspberry looking fruits appear in late summer. Plant in sun to part shade and amend soil with good garden compost. Anthracnose resistant. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Wildlife

Japanese Maple ‘Crimson Queen’

Acer palmatum ‘Crimson Queen’

Handsome, cascading branches are adorned with bright, crimson red new growth in spring. Leaves are delicately filigreed, creating a lacy effect. Fall foliage is deep scarlet. 5-8′ tall and wide. Needs sun to medium shade and deep drainage. Site away from harsh winter winds. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Foliage

Butterfly Bush ‘Pink Delight’

Buddleia davidii ‘Pink Delight’

Large, pink, spike-like flowers consume this plant from June to frost. Semi-evergreen, woody perennial, it is easy to grow and maintain. 6-9′ tall and wide. Blooms best in sun, and planted in good garden soil. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Blue Holly ‘Blue Prince’

Ilex x meserveae ‘Blue Prince’

Male pollinator for ‘Blue Princess’ as well as ‘Blue Girl’ hollies. This lovely evergreen blooms spring and fall, but does not produce berries. Dark green foliage shines against the wine-colored stems. Plant in sun to part sun, amend soil with compost. Zones 5-7.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Evergreen

Sugar Maple

Acer saccarhum

Medium to slow growth rate compared to some maples, but the incredible fall leaf display compensates for any tardiness. Brilliant yellow to orange tones swathe the 40-60′ tree. Plant in sun or part shade and add lime to soil. This tree is the source of maple syrup. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Edible, Native, Foliage

Rosy Sedge

Carex rosea

Native to eastern North America from Nova Scotia to Florida, this sedge is indigenous to bottomlands, deciduous upland forests, dry to mesic oak woods, rich ravines, wood edges, moist stream banks and pond margins. 12″ mounds of narrow, shaggy foliage, semi-evergreen. Blooms in late spring. Plant in shade to part shade, wet to dry soil. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native

Franklin Tree

Franklinia alatamaha

Originally found by John Bartram along the banks of the Altamaha River in Florida, this very rare small tree produces fragrant white flowers at the same time as its fall foliage. Its upright spreading branches give it an airy look. Must have well-drained acid soil and prefers sun. Grows to 10-20′ tall and 6-15′ wide. Temperamental, but incredible and rare.  Zones 5-8.

Tag: Native

Dawn Redwood

Metasequoia glyptostroboides

Rapid growing, conical, upright tree where 2-3′ growth per year is not uncommon. Bright green needles turn a cinnamon-peach in fall before dropping off. Plant in sun and with lots of space, as it reaches 70′ tall and 25′ wide. Wet to normal soil, tolerating drought once established. Once thought to be extinct, and rediscovered in the 1940s.
Zones 5-8.

Tag: None

Plum Yew ‘Prostrata’

Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Prostrata’

Rich, dark green needle-like foliage makes this a great evergreen foundation shrub for sites with partial sun to shade. A slow spreader, typically reaching 2-3′ tall and 3-4′ wide. Must be planted in good garden soil with adequate moisture until established, at which time it becomes drought tolerant. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Evergreen

Rattlesnake Master

Eryngium yuccifolium

Stiff, narrow, Yucca-like foliage reaches 3-4′ tall and wide, with creamy-white button-like flowers along narrow stems in summer. Flowers dry on stems, and the texture of this plant is terrific. Plant in sun and good, well-drained garden soil.  Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers

Wolf Eyes Japanese Dogwood

Cornus kousa ‘Wolf Eyes’

Striking, variegated form of the Kousa dogwood, with creamy white edging on grey-green foliage. An abundance of white flowers cover the foliage in early summer. Bohly-marble-sized red seeds follow in fall. A Manor View Farm introduction. Trees reach about 20′ tall and 15′ wide. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Wildlife

Freeman Maple ‘Autumn Blaze’

Acer x freemanii ‘Autumn Blaze’

Stunning in all of its fall glory, this is a superior maple for autumn color. Large leaves are deeply divided, and persist longer than most other maples. Rate of growth is fast, maturing at about 50′ tall and 40′ wide. Plant in sunny areas with average to moist soil. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Native, Evergreen

Hydrangea ‘Twist-n-Shout’

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Endless Summer Twist-n-Shout’

Sturdy red stems and glossy deep green leaves give rise to lacecap-style blooms, all summer long. Blooms on both old and new wood. Lacy deep pink centers are surrounded by pink or blue flowers (pH adjustable). Burgundy red fall foliage. 3-5′ tall and 3-4′ wide. Plant in afternoon shade or part shade, and rich, moist garden soil. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Hydrangea ‘Tuff Stuff’

Hydrangea macrophylla serrata ‘Tuff Stuff’

The result of a new breeding goal to try and produce a plant with improved bud and stem hardiness, as well as the ability to bloom on both new and old wood. Reddish-pink lace cap flowers adorn this Hydrangea till frost. Compact, 2-3′ tall and wide. Part sun or part shade. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native

Hydrangea ‘Bloomstruck’

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Endless Summer Bloomstruck’

This exciting new introduction boasts purplish-violet-blue blooms on reblooming, mahogany colored stems. Blooms are about 5″ wide and are great for cutting and drying. Plants reach about 4′ tall and wide. Plant in part sun or part shade and moist garden soil. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Slender Hinoki Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Gracilis’

This is an upright evergreen with a broad, conical form and coarse landscape texture. Grows to 8-10′ tall and 4-5′ wide with a medium to slow growth habit. Plant in sun to part sun and build soil with mushroom compost. Great as a single specimen or in groups. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Evergreen

Hydrangea ‘Tiny Tuff Stuff’

Hydrangea macrophylla serrata ‘Tiny Tuff Stuff’

This mountain Hydrangea produces abundant delicate, lace cap flowers on extremely bud-hardy stems. Flower color can range from blue to pink to white. Prune only after first bloom of the season. Part sun or part shade, in moist humus-rich soil is best. 24″ tall and wide. Zones 5-9.

Tag: None

Pagoda Dogwood

Cornus alternifolia

This excellent native (found in the NC mountains) makes a wonderful 4-season, deciduous, small tree.  Reaching 15-20ft tall and 20-25ft wide with pale yellow flowers that contrast against the deep green foliage, they also have blue-black fruits loved by birds. Branches grow in irregular tiers with a beautiful horizontal layered effect. Plant in sun to part sun. Lovely red fall foliage. Makes an outstanding specimen in a select location in the landscape.  Zones 4-7.

Tag: Native, Wildlife, Foliage

Holly ‘Centennial Girl’

Ilex x meserveae ‘Centennial Girl’

This variety resulted from a cross between I. centrochinensis and I. aquifolium. Having a pyramidal form, plants reach 12-15′ tall and 5-8′ wide. This female selection will produce winter red berries if pollinated in spring with another male blue holly. Protect from winter wind.
Zones 5-7.

Tag: Wildlife, Berries

Strawberry ‘Ft. Laramie’

Fragaria ‘Ft. Laramie’

This wonderful, cold-hardy variety is an everbearing variety, producing a spring crop and continuing to bear through the growing season. Berries are large, sweet and a good texture. Self-fruitful. Plants multiply by producing runners in late summer. Good choice. Zones 3-10.

Tag: Edible

Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba

Unique, fan-shaped foliage is like no other. Light green leaves take on a deep gold in fall. Tree is sparse in youth, but fills in and becomes thicker with age. 50′ tall and 30′ wide. Female trees produce 1″ seeds in fall. Plant in sun, will tolerate most soils except permanently wet ones. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Foliage

American Beech

Fagus grandiflora americana

Very noble and underused in the American landscape, this versatile tree grows in sun or shade, wet or dry soil, limey or acidic. Golden fall foliage turns a dry nutmeg in winter, and the withered foliage clings to the tree until spring, adding subtle color to the grey landscape. Silvery-grey trunks and branches are outstanding. 50′ tall and 30′ wide. Medium to slow growing, but worth it. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Native, Foliage

Japanese Maple ‘Bloodgood’

Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’

One of the most popular maples, retaining its reddish-purple color better through the hot summer. Grey bark and naked stems make an interesting silhouette in winter. 15′ tall and wide. Plant in organic-rich soil, clay must be amended. Plant in sun, part sun, or shade.
Zones 6-9.

Tag: Foliage

Cinquefoil ‘Dakota Sunspot’

Potentilla fruticosa ‘Dakota Sunspot’

A compact, spreading plant with vivid yellow flowers and fine, bright green foliage. Flowers last for many weeks in the summer and plants only reach 2-3′ tall and wide. Great for a border, and cold hardy to boot, as it was developed in North Dakota. Plant in full to part sun and well-drained garden soil. Zones 3-7.

Tag: Native

Blueberry ‘Bluebelle’

Vaccinium Ashei ‘Bluebelle’ (rabbiteye)

Ripens early to mid-season. Large dark berries with excellent flavor. With upright growth, these deciduous plants are very productive and recommended for home use. Blueberries like acidic soil with lots of compost and good drainage. 6-8ft tall and wide. Plant in full sun. Requires another rabbiteye for pollination. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Native, Edible, Wildlife

Abbotswood Cinquefoil

Potentilla fruticosa ‘Abbotswood’

An excellent dwarf shrub that will provide brilliant summer interest with masses of bright white blooms that cover the fine green foliage, long after many plants have stopped flowering.  She grows at a moderate pace and will reach 2ft in height with a spread of 3ft. Plant in full to part sun and well-drained garden soil. Zones 3-7.

Tag: Native

Freeman Maple ‘Autumn Blaze’

Acer x freemanii ‘Autumn Blaze’

Stunning in all of its fall glory, this is a superior maple for autumn color. Large leaves are deeply divided, and persist longer than most other maples. Rate of growth is fast, maturing at about 50′ tall and 40′ wide. Plant in sunny areas with average to moist soil. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Native, Evergreen

Dwarf Alberta Spruce

Picea glauca ‘Conica’

Tight, compact growth on this pyramidal tree, sporting bright green needles with a growth rate of about 2″ per year. Birds love to nest in these. 8-12′ tall and 4-6′ wide. Sun to part sun, moist but well-drained soil. No pruning needed. Zones 2-6.

Tag: Wildlife, Everegreen

Blueberry ‘Pink Lemonade’

Vaccinium ‘Pink Lemonade’

Ripens in mid-summer. This easy-to-grow plant has a unique hot pink fruit, which is a delicious, sweet and all-round crowd pleaser. Reaching 4-5ft both tall and wide, plant in full to part sun in well-drained acidic soil (for best results). Amazing red fall foliage makes this a good show throughout the year. Also recommended as a container plant. She is self-fertile. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Edible, Wildlife

Boxwood ‘Wintergreen’

Buxus sinica var. insularis ‘Wintergreen’

An excellent foundation plant, hedge or backdrop for your flowering perennials, this low maintenance and hardy shrub will tolerate regular (and significant pruning). A broadleaf evergreen, she will reach up to 4ft tall with a spread of 4-5ft. Growing best in full sun, plant in well drained soil with moderate moisture (if planted in shade, do not overwater).  Said to maintain her green color in cold weather. Grows 4-8” per year. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Foliage

Boxwood ‘Green Beauty’

Buxus microphylla var. japonica ‘Green Beauty’

Commonly planted as a small hedge, this broadleaf evergreen is suitable for pruning into formal shapes. A hardy variety, she will reach 4-6ft tall and wide. Plant in part to full sun and consider use as a border, container, hedge, privacy screen or topiary. Thrives in rich, well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soils. Mulch root zone to conserve moisture and to keep roots cool Moderate grower.  Zones 5-9.

Tag: Foliage

Boxwood ‘Big Leaf Gordo’

Buxus x ‘Conrowe’ 

This very compact evergreen shrub has large rounded leaves that keep green even during the winter. Reaching 3-4ft tall and wide, you can plant her in full sun and part shade. A medium to slow grower, consider planting ‘Gordo’ to help build structure in your landscape, creating a relatively low maintenance focal point among your other plantings. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Foliage

Shamrock Holly

Ilex Glabra ‘Shamrock’

Shamrock holly has a compact habit and produces, bright green new leaves in the spring. An excellent female inkberry holly, she makes a wonderful privacy hedge or screening plant. The dense evergreen leaves and black berries in winter make this an excellent landscape plant. Tolerates moist to wet soils, plant in full sun / part shade. Reaches 3-4ft tall and wide. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Foliage, Wildlife, Native

‘Gem Box’ Inkberry Holly

Ilex glabra ‘Gem Box’ 

This dwarf, mounded broadleaf evergreen looks more like a boxwood than an inkberry. A dense, ball-shaped plant, Gem Box has small, dark green leaves with attractive red tips during the spring. It’s great as a small hedge, border or edging plant or as a specimen.  Reaching 2-3ft tall and wide, plant her in full to part sun. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Foliage, Wildlife

Shamrock Holly

Ilex Glabra ‘Shamrock’

Shamrock holly has a compact habit and produces, bright green new leaves in the spring. An excellent female inkberry holly, she makes a wonderful privacy hedge or screening plant. The dense evergreen leaves and black berries in winter make this an excellent landscape plant. Tolerates moist to wet soils, plant in full sun / part shade. Reaches 3-4ft tall and wide. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Foliage, Wildlife

Large-Flowered Bellwort

Uvularia Grandiflora

This drop-dead gorgeous native perennial is an early-blooming lily; a lover of shade, perfect for your woodland or native wildflower garden.  We love these for their attractive almost dramatically droopy pale yellow flowers.  Spreading by rhizomes, you can expect a mass planting over time. Plant in partial to full shade in medium soil, they will reach around 12” tall.  Zones 3-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators

Indian Physic

Porteranthus stipulatus

Admired for her subtle beauty, Indian Physic is a perennial native wildflower who loves being in full sun. Blooming in late spring, Indian Physic has flowers reminiscent of apple blooms, which will attract pollinators to your garden. Great in mass plantings, especially alongside the native Columbine.  Reaching up to 2ft tall, plant in partial to full sun in medium soil. She will return for many years to come. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators

Zagreb Whorled Tickseed

Coreopsis verticillata ‘Zagreb’

A North American native perennial, Zagreb grows in clumps, which reach 12-18” tall. Her upright stems feature thread-like leaves and are topped, in summer, by a profusion of 1” bright yellow blooms. Known for drought resistance and compact size, this is a rhizomatous flower. Attracting native pollinators and butterflies, plant her in full sun in average soil. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Butterflies

Red Grape Spiderwort

Tradescantia andersonia ‘Red Grape’

With jewel-toned, sparkling red-violet flowers and feathery coordinating stamens tipped with a bright dot of golden yellow, this native is excellent for providing color in difficult locations. Prefers moist to wet, fertile soil, will reach up to 15” and is happiest in full sun but will tolerate part shade. Can be divided every 2-3 years in spring or autumn. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators

White Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

An attractive native, perennial wildflower, Yarrow produces an abundance of huge, flat white clusters of creamy white flowers. Both the flowers and foliage are long-lasting throughout the season. A great choice for a prairie or meadow planting. She reaches 24-36” tall, prefers full sun, and does great in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers, Attracts Buttreflies

Zigzag Iris

Iris brevicaulis ‘Zigzag’

A spectacular native perennial, this showy flower will bloom in early summer and impress all who see her with her large, deep-bluish purple flowers. Flowers are borne on low-growing, sprawling stems which typically zig-zag to a height of no more than 5″. Plant in full sun to part shade in medium to wet soil. Perfect for a rain garden or alongside a stream or pond. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Wildlife

Dwarf Crested Iris ‘Tennessee White’

Iris cristata ‘Tennessee White’

This delightful native cultivar of the crested iris is a vigorous spreader and prolific bloomer, covering the fan-like foliage with brilliant white flowers in spring.  Each bloom is accented with delicate yellow crests. Prefers rich, well-drained soils in full to partial shade. If grown in full sun, the soil must remain consistently moist, will reach 6-10” tall and spread 12-24”.  Irises are rhizomatous and can be propagated by division after flowering. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Native

Sharp-Lobed Hepatica

Hepatica acutiloba

One of the first spring ephemerals, this native is a delightful sight in the wild or in your garden.  Hepatica is recognizable by distinctive mottled leaves, named for their perceived similarity in shape to the human liver.  Reaching up to 8” tall, plant in partial to full shade, in medium to medium-dry soil.  You can’t help but love their Lavender-to-white flowers bloom bobbing about in the wind on slender stems.
Zones 3-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators

Broadleaf Barbara’s Buttons

Marshallia trinervia

How could you NOT fall in love with this spectacular but rare native perennial wildflower? I mean, come on: With flattened round clusters of tiny light lavender tubular disc flowers that are held 12” or so above rich green foliage. Her blooms begin in mid to late spring and last well into summer, attracting butterflies and other pollinators. Plant in dappled shade in average moisture, well-drained soil. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Butterflies

Goat’s Beard

Astilbe biternata

Similar but much larger than the cultivated Astilbe, this is a 3-6 ft. native perennial with huge, white, feathery flower clusters and large, showy, fern-like leaves. Small, white or yellowish flowers in elongated clusters branch off a hairy stalk. Plant in part to full shade in average moist soil. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers

Wild Bergamot

Monarda fistulosa

A popular native perennial wildflower with beautiful showy blooms.  Clusters of lavender, pink or white flowers, looking like ragged pompoms flower atop 3-5 ft, open-branched stems. The aromatic leaves can be used to make a mint tea (but this is not the same bergamot used in Earl Grey tea, alas). Plant in part shade to sun in average soil; less tolerant of flooding. Sit back and enjoy! Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Wildlife, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Butterflies

Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum muticum

This rhizomatous perennial native has a compact growth, broad lustrous leaves, silvery bracts and aromatic flowers, making her a popular addition to wildflower landscapes.  While a vigorous grower, ‘Blue’ is not as aggressive as true mints. Try planting alongside Bergamot, Goldenrod or Purple Coneflowers. Plant in partial to full sun in average soil, reaches 2-3ft tall. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Butterflies

Mcdowell’s Sunflower

Helianthus occidentalis

This “few-leafed” sunflower is one of the shortest of the many sunflowers that are native to the United States.  Perfect for dry soil and full sun, she blooms for an extended period from mid summer to fall.  Grows 2-4ft and will spread by rhizomes. Divide every 3-4 years.
Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Butterflies

Carolina Spiderlily

Hymenocallis caroliniana

A gorgeous native reminding one of a white spidery daffodil, long leaves clump directly from a bulb. The fragrant and showy flowers on long thin scapes reach close to 2ft. These wildflower perennials are very rare in the wild. Plant in full sun to part shade in medium to wet soil. Consider as a water plant or for use in a rain garden. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators

Limber Honeysuckle

Lonicera dioica

This low-climbing perennial native honeysuckle vine has attractive red tubular flowers in the spring followed by really quite adorable red berries in summer. Stand back and wait for the humming birds! Branches can arch and twine from 3-6ft.  Plant full to part sun in moist soil. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Hummingbirds

Castle Spire Holly

Ilex x meserveae ‘Castle Spire’

A regal accent for your landscape, this female variety holly has dark glossy leaves, superior vigor and branching. Her narrow habit is ideal for hedges, foundation plantings, or even as a dramatic specimen. Lustrous evergreen foliage provides year-round interest. She will produce bright red berries (inedible) if planted near a male pollinator like Castle Wall. Reaches 6-10ft tall and 3-4ft wide. Plant in part to full sun. Prefers acidic soils with average moisture. Zones 5-7.

Tag: Evergreen, Wildlife, Berries

Castle Wall  Holly

Ilex x meserveae ‘Castle Wall

A regal accent for your landscape, this male variety holly has dark glossy leaves, superior vigor and branching. His narrow habit is ideal for hedges, foundation plantings, or even as a dramatic specimen. As a  male variety, Castle Wall will pollinate Castle Spire holly, but it does not produce fruit itself.  Lustrous evergreen foliage provides year-round interest. He Reaches 5-8ft tall and 3-4ft wide. Plant in part to full sun. Prefers acidic soils with average moisture.
Zones 5-7.

Tag: Evergreen, Wildlife

Mariesii Variegated Lacecap Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Mariesii Variegata’

Spectacular lacecap blossoms tend to be blue when planted in acidic soils, and more pink in more alkaline soils. Large green leaves with creamy-white edges. This deciduous fast-growing hydrangea reaches 4-6ft tall and wide. Plant as a specimen in your garden or group together for a more broad flowering display.  Plant in part sun in evenly moist, well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. Water regularly and more so in extreme heat. Zones  5-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Mountain Laurel

Kalmia latifolia

A shade-loving evergreen native shrub with beautiful spring blooms—A favorite around here! Her elliptical, glossy deep-green leaves (resembling those of rhododendrons) and gnarled stems make her attractive selection year-round.  Usually growing as a dense, rounded shrub, consider pairing her with rhododendron and azaleas.  Can reach 5ft in maturity (and up to 15ft over much time) with a similar spread. Thrives in cool, rich, acidic soil; moist but well drained. Do not plant too deeply. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Evergreen, Native, Attracts Hummingbirds

Pink Poppet Weigela

Weigela florida ‘Plangen’

This dwarf, dense, rounded, deciduous shrub produces funnel shaped shell-pink flowers that are born in profusion in late spring, and then with a lighter re-bloom again in late summer. Her emerald green foliage contrasts perfectly with the flowers. Plant in medium moisture, well drained soils in full sun. Matures at 1-2ft tall and 2-3 ft wide. n excellent choice for foundation planting where their lush foliage is a good cover up for footings, vents and utilities during the growing season. Zones 3-7.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Calendula 

Calendula officinalis

Native to southern Europe, flowering to 18 inches tall. Traditional usage: antiseptic, inhibits inflammation, and promotes healing. Flowers can be harvested and dried for use. The flowers when boiled yield a bright yellow-orange natural dye. Grows well in a container. Space plants 6 inches apart in the garden. Flowers are edible raw, making beautiful additions to salads, soups, etc. Requires dead heading to promote new blooms.  Plant in full sun. Annual.

Tag: None

Mullein

Vebascum thapsus

Biennial to 6 feet, native to Eurasia but naturalized worldwide.  The plant has 2 growth phases, making a large and downy rosette in the first year, rising to an impressive flowering wand in the spring to summer of the second year. Leaves and flowers can be harvested for use. Traditional: soothes of the mucous membranes, and is antitussive (anti-cough remedy). Plant prefers disturbed soil, will grow in clay, gravel or loam, likes full sun and requires only moderate water. Plant 2-3 feet apart in full sun.  Zones 3-8

Tag: None

Roselle

Hibiscus sabdiriffa

Tropical perennial native to West Africa, introduced to the tropics worldwide, grown as an annual in temperate climates.  The papery blooms give way to the bright red, fleshy calyces, which may be made into jelly, syrup or wine.  Dried, the calyces are widely used in herbal teas, imparting a bright red color and a tart flavor. The dried leaves are also good in tea.  The plant prefers full sun and fertile, fast-draining soils. Typically grown as an annual.

Tag: None

Holy Basil (Vana)

Ocimum gatissimum

Perennial tea basil from India. Bushy, small leaves, purple flowers. Wonderful pollinator. Traditional uses are for anxiety and stress.  Plant 2 to 3 feet apart. Will self seed.  Grown as a potted plant and brought in for the winter

Tag: None

Stinging Nettle

Urtica dioica

Herbaceous perennial. Native to temperate climates world-wide.  Wait until the little Nettles are four inches high or so, and snip them off. They must be lightly steamed to disarm their stinging hairs. Eat the Nettles, and drink the water in which they were steamed.   Traditional usage (TWM): Allergies, builds blood.  Source of trace minerals, potassium and chlorophyll. Plant prefers moist soil in sun or shade.  Thin or transplant to 1 to 2 feet apart.  Nettles grows best in a Nitrogen-rich soil.  Flowers to 4 feet tall.  Zones 4-9.

Tag: None

Indian Grass Indian Steel

Sorghastrum nutans ‘Indian Steel’

This ornamental clump-falling grass blooms August to September, reaches between 3-5ft and is delighted to be planted in full sun.  Steel-blue foliage with hints of light green, 5’ spikes topped with yellow flowers, and beautiful bronze fall color. With these attributes, she is one of the most attractive native grass cultivars.  Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils Zones 4-9.

Tag: Foliage

Fakahatchee Grass

Tripsacum dactyloides

AKA Eastern Gamagrass, this very popular North-American native ornamental clump-forming grass  has nodding light green wide blades with slender deep red whips rise that above the foliage, bearing red blooms with pink female spikelets. Plant in full sun. Reaches 4-8ft tall and wide. Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Does very well in shady locations near water. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Native

Karley Rose Fountain Grass

Pennisetum orientale

Uniform, upright clumps of gracefully arching, deep green foliage erupt into soft rose-purple plumes from early summer until frost. This grass will be a focal point wherever it is planted, but is especially beautiful when the plumes are backlit by the sun. It is also quick to establish in the landscape and is considered drought tolerant. Will reach 36-4-” tall with a 24-36” spread. Plant in full sun in average soil. Deer are not fans. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Gracillimus Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’

A beautiful selection of maiden grass, when Gracillimus blooms stand back and enjoy her massive display of copper-colored flowers (late summer). A must for fall and winter landscapes as the seedheads age to white. Reaching 5-6ft tall and spreading to 3ft, plant in full sun and water frequently. Also does great in a container.
Zones 4-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Adagio Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Adagio’

An outstanding dwarf maiden grass so worthy of being in your landscape, her silvery green foliage in the spring and summer turns to a bronze-pink in the fall. In autumn, plumed seed heads emerge, and retain their shape throughout the winter.  This low maintenance beauty will reach 3-4 ft wide and tall. Plant in part shade (6 or more hours of sun) to full sun. Plant in a moist location. Divide plants when dormant, Zones 5-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Black Mountain Bluestem

Andropogon ternarius ‘Black Mountain’

A tough native grass, discovered on Black Mountain, NC. With a compact stature and attractive blue-green foliage, ‘Black Mountain’ is showy especially in the fall when the stems have a reddish hue.  Plant in full sun with minimal irrigation, once established, she will reach 36” tall and spread up to 18” wide. Often used as cut flowers or as a showpiece in winter container gardens. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Cinnamon Fern

Osmundastrum cinnamomeum

Naturally occurring in moist, boggy ground along streams, this tall, stately fern grows in clumps to 2-3ft tall but can reach up to 5ft. Set in the middle of her base, the plant erects sentinels of fertile cinnamon-colored frond-spikes. These hold spores lasting well into the season and remain long after the spores are shed. Pairs nicely with hostas! Plant in partial to full shade in moist soil; consider locating her in a water garden. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Native

Black Scale Fern (Male)

Dryopteris filix-mas

A beautiful deciduous woodland fern, native across the Northern Hemisphere. The large light-green triangular fronds form a good-sized clump with a well behaved, non-spreading habit. Well suited to use in any moist, shady situation. Combines well in the garden with Hosta and most other shade-loving perennials. Plant in partial to full shade in average to moist soil. Will reach 2-3ft tall and wide. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Native

Narrow-leaved Glade Fern

Diplazium pycnocarpon

A deciduous fern that typically grows 2-3’ tall and wide in a circular clump of 5-6 attractive, shiny fronds per rootstock. Planted in partial to full shade in medium moisture soil, this fern will grow rapidly, with new fronds developing throughout the summer. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Native

Mophead Hydrangea 

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Merritt’s Supreme’

A magnificent and showy macrophylla cultivar, Meritt’s Supreme is compact (4ft high and wide), and blooms for up to 2 months. Her blooms are rosy pink to purple (in high acid soil). Plant this fine lady in your butterfly garden!  Shade from the mid-afternoon sun is preferable and plant her in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soil.  Water regularly especially in dry periods. Zones  5-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

All Summer Beauty Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘All Summer Beauty’

A prolific flowering deciduous shrub, this macrophylla cultivar bears large, ball-shaped flower clusters in pink to blue in neutral soil and rich blue in acid soil. Handsome green foliage provides a lush background to the opulent blooms. Shade from the mid-afternoon sun is preferable and plant her in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soil.  Water regularly especially in dry periods. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Cavatine Pieris

Pieris japonica ‘Cavatine’

This gorgeous, multi-stemmed, dwarf, evergreen shrub is a year-round pleaser. In early spring, watch her green buds open to chains of dainty white bell-shaped showy flowers that hang below the branches. Glossy ornamental leaves remain dark green during winter. Reaches 3ft tall and wide at maturity. Plant part sun to part shade in moist well-drained soil (avoid planting in standing water areas). Zones 5-8.

Tag: Foliage, Attracts Butterflies

Katsura Pieris

Pieris japonica ‘Katsura’

This moderate-growing multi-stemmed evergreen shrub has dramatic red-wine foliage after blooming and throughout the summer, returning to glossy green for the winter. The elegant flowers, born on rose-colored racemes are lilac-white with a lilac skirt. Reaches 4-5ft tall and wide at maturity. Plant part sun/part shade in moist well-drained soil (avoid standing water). Zones 5-7.

Tag: Foliage, Attracts Butterflies

Temple Bells Pieris

Pieris japonica ‘Temple Bells’

This medium-sized winter-flowering evergreen shrub is a crowd pleaser. In early spring, enjoy her large, drooping clusters of creamy white, bell-shaped flowers, followed soon after by the stunning red new stems and foliage. Reaching 4-8ft tall and wide over time, plant in well-draining, humus-rich acidic soil in part shade to part sun.  Zones 6-9.

Tag: Foliage, Attracts Pollinators

Purity Pieris

Pieris japonica ‘Purity’

With clusters of pure white dainty flowers, she is a striking Pieris cultivar. Showy red buds form in summer to fall and persist through winter, creating multi-season interest. A compact, rounded, evergreen shrub grown for its early display of spring flowers, she’s perfect for growing in a shrub border or woodland area. Reaching 3-4ft, plant her in rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil in part sun. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Foliage, Attracts Pollinators

Mountain Fire Pieris

Pieris japonica ‘Mountain Fire’

‘Mountain Fire’ is a popular cultivar of the broadleaf evergreen shrub, enjoyed for the fiery red color of her newly emerging foliage and heavy clusters of showy chains of small white bell-shaped flowers.  Typically maturing in a spreading mound of 4’ tall and 3’ wide, she can reach 6-8ft tall over time. Consider as an accent piece or in a mass planting for stunning color. Prefers slightly acidic soil with good drainage with full sun to part shade. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Foliage, Attracts Pollinators

Fothergilla ‘Blue Shadow’

Fothergilla × intermedia ‘Blue Shadow’

A hybrid Fothergilla, this multi-stemmed deciduous shrub has prolific April to May blooms of bottlebrush-like spikes of fragrant flowers. This cultivar has striking powder-blue foliage through spring and summer which change to brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow in the fall. Makes an interesting specimen or accent shrubbery. Reaches 3-5ft tall and wide; best grown in acidic, very well drained soils in full sun to part shade. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Foliage, Wildlife

Vintage Jade Distylium

Distylium ‘Vintage Jade’

A neat, mounding, fast-growing, evergreen shrub. This adaptable and versatile plant grows in full sun or part shade, tolerates drought, heat and wet soil. Beautiful dark blue-green color year round with small maroon-colored flowers blooming on arching stems during the winter.  Reaches 2ft high and has a mature spread of 4-5ft. Plant in full sun in wet or dry soil. Will do great in lower areas near Franklin, but avoid taking her to too high of an elevation. Zones 7-9.

Tag: Foliage, Evergreen

Lace Shrub ‘Crispa’

Stephanandra incisa ‘Crispa’

A dense, mounding, low-growing, deciduous shrub which typically grows 1-2ft tall and spreads to 4ft wide.  ‘Crispa’ is enjoyed for her bright green, maple-like leaves that turn yellow to orange in the fall. Diminutive star-shaped white flowers appear in late spring. Plant as a low hedge or groundcover or for erosion control on banks/slopes. Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Zones 4-7.

Tag: Foliage, Evergreen

Sargent’s Weeping Hemlock

Tsuga canadensis ‘Pendula’

OMG! A ridiculously graceful ,dense, mounding evergreen shrub with broad spreading branches that will weep down to the ground. Prized for its dark green, finely textured foliage.  Will thrive anywhere from full sun to part shade. Typically reaches up to 5ft tall with a spread of 8-10ft. Grows more breath-taking with age. Showcase this specimen plant in the border or in the middle of your landscape. Appreciates some organic content, such as mulch, in the soil, water regularly when first planted. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Foliage, Evergreen

Gro-Low Fragrant Sumac

Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’

A tough, fast-growing, US-native, deciduous groundcover shrub for slopes or banks, and areas with poor, dry soil. The glossy, green foliage displays an excellent red fall color and is fragrant when brushed against or leaves are crushed.  Reaches 2-3 ft tall and will spread 6-8ft wide. Will tolerate dry, poor soil, plant in part to full sun. Works well in border plantings, backed by taller shrubs and perennials. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Native, Wildlife, Foliage

Tree Form Hydrangea Phantom

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Phantom’ 

If it’s huge long-lasting blooms you want, then Phantom is what you need! Mammoth dense white conical flower clusters can reach up to 15” long. Blooming summer and into fall, plant this tree-form hydrangea in full sun or part shade. Plant in a grouping for the best show or as an accent piece. Grow in average to moist conditions, don’t allow soil to dry out. Requires care and upkeep including pruning and winter mulching. Reaches 10ft tall and wide. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Tree-Form Hydrangea ‘Limelight’

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’

Uniquely grown as a deciduous, dwarf tree to raise the exquisite lime-green flowers to eye-level. A massive bloomer, her flowers have large, conical heads add much needed color to the late summer landscape. Excellent vigor and heavy blooming. Plant in sun to part sun. Plants reach 6-7′ tall and wide. Prune in late winter/early spring. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Nantucket Blue Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘GRENAN’

Selected for prolific blooming, vibrant bloom color and compact growth habit, this repeat blooming Hydrangea features an abundance of summertime flower clusters until frost. Flowers are blue in acidic soil and pink in alkaline soil. Blooms on both old and new wood. This vigorous grower reaches 4-6ft tall and wide. Beautiful in a mass planting or as a specimen. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Tree-Form Hydrangea ‘Pinky Winky’

Hydrangea paniculata ‘DVPpinky’

Pinky Winky has huge pink and white cone blooms on a hardy hydrangea in tree form! Large bloom clusters emerge pure white in summer and deepen to rosy pink while the top remains white. This two-toned look gives this showy, accent tree an element of excitement and flare. Planted in full sun to part shade, she is adaptable to any moist, well-drained soil. If needed, prune in late winter. Provide a deep watering once per week. Brighten up your landscape! Zones 3-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Slender Silhouette Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Slender Silhouette’

Looking for height with barely any width? Slender Silhouette has all the regular traits of the native Sweetgum: a low maintenance deciduous native tree with glossy, star-shaped, deep green leaves that turn a brilliant mixture of yellow, orange, purple and red. “Gumballs” remain on the tree through winter. However, this cultivar gets no wider than 6 ft while still reaching up to 60ft. This lesser diameter also ensures the gum balls don’t fall far!  Plant in full sun in average well-drained soil. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Wildlife, Foliage

Elm ‘Accolade’

Ulmus ‘Morton’ Accolade

A graceful, vase-shaped deciduous tree with arching limbs and attractive glossy dark-green foliage. A nice option for a shade tree in your landscape, the Elm hybrid ‘Accolade’ will reach 50-60ft tall with a spread of 25-40ft. Plant in full sun in average medium-moisture soil. Has excellent resistance to Dutch elm disease. Noted for her vigorous growth, don’t miss superb yellow fall foliage! Zones 4-9.

Tag: Foliage

Rosy Teacups Dogwood

Cornus kousa x Rosy Teacups

This dogwood will warm up your landscape with breathtaking deep rose pink, overlapping flower bracts with red toned edges that bloom in late spring to early summer, after the typical dogwood has finished, and lasting 3+ weeks.  Bright burgundy autumn foliage will continue to provide joy for another blast of color in the fall. Plant in full to part sun in well-drained soil.  Rosy Teacups reaches 15-20ft tall with a spread of 20-25ft. Zones 6-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Snow Tower Dogwood

Cornus kousa ‘Snow Tower’

Kousa dogwoods are small, deciduous flowering trees (or multi-stemmed shrubs) that have showy blooms in late spring. Snow Tower reaches 10-15ft with a spread of 4-8ft wide. The showy part of the bloom are actually the bracts (a beautiful white) and the flower itself is the tiny cluster of yellow blooms in the center. Dark green foliage turns a gorgeous red color in fall! Plant her in full sun to part shade in humusy, organically rich well-drained soil.
Zones 5-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies

Falling Waters Baldcypress

Taxodium distichum ‘Falling Waters’

Unbelievably spectacular! A straight up leader distinguishes itself from the dropping branches below. This cone-bearing weeping tree actually loses its leaves (hence “bald”) in winter and grows a fresh new, bright green set in the spring. Favored for her bronze lacy needles in Fall, as well as being a hardy tree for your landscape, you can even plant in swampy soils! Reaching 10-15ft tall and wide, this specimen tree is an amazing addition to any garden.  Plant in full sun in almost any soil type. Not sure? Ask to see our specimen here at our nursery!!
Zones 5-10.

Tag: Wildlife, Foliage

Shawnee Brave Baldcypress

Taxodium distichum ‘Mickelson’

A narrow pyramidal cultivar, Shawnee Brave has denser foliage than the straight species. This cone-bearing tree actually loses its leaves (hence “bald”) in winter and grows a fresh new, bright green set in the spring. Favored for her orange/cinnamon needles in fall, as well as being a hardy tree for your landscape. Reaching 50-75ft tall and just 15-20ft wide, this specimen tree is an amazing addition to any garden.  Plant in full sun in almost any soil type. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Wildlife, Foliage

Spice Bush

Lindera benzoin

This native deciduous shrub reaches 6-12ft tall and wide and displays showy yellow bloom clusters in early spring. Leaves are aromatic when crushed.  The larva (caterpillar) of the spicebush swallowtail butterfly feeds on the leaves of this shrub. Plant in full sun to part shade in average, well-drained soils. Fall color is best hen planted in full sun. Can tolerate full shade. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Native, Wildlife, Attracts Butterflies

Sweetheart Redbud

Cercis canadensis ‘Carolina Sweetheart’

A lovely redbud, full of color and whimsy! Her early to mid-spring blooms are a rosy-purple color and open up along stems before the leaves even appear. The show continues when the heart-shaped foliage emerges, variegated in shades of pink, red, white, purple and green. This cultivar exists because of the work done at North Carolina State University. Plant in full sun to part shade, will reach 20-30ft tall with a 25-30ft spread. Plant as a specimen in your landscape or group with other woodland plants. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Wildlife, Foliage

European Hornbeam

Carpinus betulus

European hornbeam has densely textured foliage and handsome, slate-gray smooth to fluted bark. The dark green leaves turn an attractive yellow in the fall, and the bark and buds are ornamental in winter.  They are excellent in groupings and can be pruned for screens, hedges, and windbreak trees or as a single specimen tree. . It Reaches 40-60ft and 30-40ft wide. Plant in moist, well-drained soil in light shade to full sun. Zones 5-7.

Tag: Wildlife

Lavender Twist Redbud

Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’

Just try to resist the charm of this tiny, adorable deciduous tree. With her amazing spring and fall color, and a unique umbrella-shape, this Redbud packs a lot of interest into a small plant. In spring the weeping, twisting, bare branches have electric lavender bloom clusters along them. Large, dark, heart-shaped leaves cover the plant all through the growing season which turn to brilliant yellow in the autumn. A captivating small specimen tree for a focal point in a shrub border or entryway.  Zones 5-9.

Tag: Wildlife, Foliage

Magnolia ‘Butterflies’

Magnolia ‘Butterflies’

These deciduous trees let you know that spring has officially arrived by covering themselves with non-fading bright yellow blossoms that glow in the landscape like miniature orbs of sunlight. Each flower petal points upwards, giving them the look of butterfly wings. Plant in sun to part shade in organically rich, medium moisture well-draining soil. Consider protecting this tree from strong winds.  Reaches 18-20ft tall. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Wildlife

Japanese Falsecypress

Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Boulevard’

A dense pyramidal semi-dwarf evergreen shrub with soft billowing mounds of silvery blue-gray foliage. Will reach 5-6ft at a slow growth rate (~10 years).  Plant in full sun to part shade in average soil. Avoid wet feet. A fine specimen (you can even grow in a container while young)! A great contrasting color for your landscape!  Zones 4-8.

Tag: Foliage, Eevergreen

Degroot’s Spire Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis ‘Degroot’s Spire’

This arborvitae has a beautiful, tall, narrow form, perfect to plant between buildings or at either side of an entryway. The rich green foliage takes on a purple cast in winter. Its twisted texture on the pyramidal form tolerates shearing nicely, for a more tailored column. Cold hardy and reliable. Ideal as matched pairs or planted in multiples for an attractive screen. This columnar evergreen reaches up to 20ft tall with a spread of 4-5ft. Plant in full to part sun in deep, evenly moist, well-drained soil; dislikes dry conditions. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Wildlife, Evergreen

Nootka Cypress

Chamaecyparis nootkatensis Green Arrow

A whimsical and majestic fast-growing native-cultivar favorite: Nootka is a medium-sized evergreen conifer can reach a significant height (18-35ft) while maintaining a narrow growth habit (2-5ft wide). Weeping-like branches hang closely from the trunk often creating intriguing figures in your landscape. A great choice for small gardens or tight spaces, or as a specimen. Plant in full sun (or light sun) in average well-draining soil; once established, he is very drought tolerant. Zones 4-8. Enjoy!

Tag: Evergreen

Weeping Norway Spruce

Picea abies ‘Pendula’

With a natural, dramatical pendulous form, plant this year-round pleasing, choice evergreen as a garden specimen. Especially magical in winter in snow-covered gardens. This naturally low-growing weeper will slowly reach 3-4ft tall with a spread of 12-15ft (without pruning). Plant in partial to full sun, preferably in slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Avoid a wet, shady site. Train and prune to desired taste!
Zones 2-8.

Tag: Wildlife, Evergreen

Hinoki Cypress Fernspray Gold

Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Fernspray Gold’

A graceful yet irregular pyramidal-formed evergreen shrub, Fernspray Gold has arching sprays of bright yellow fern-like foliage with each flattened branch tapering to a point. Plant this medium-sized shrub in a mixed border or rockery. A slow grower, she’ll reach 6-12ft over time with a spread of 7-9ft. Select a site that is protected from hot afternoon sun and plant in moist but well-drained soil. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Evergreen

Upright Plum Yew

Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Fastigiata’

This carefree Plum Yew has a vertical growth habit displaying exceptional, dense, finely textured, shiny dark green foliage. Perfect for a Southern garden! Heat and shade tolerant and resistant to deer, consider this slow-growing evergreen for a bold statement, or plant in formal groupings. Plant in part shade to part sun in well-drained soil. Reaches 10ft tall and 6-8ft wide; prune as desired. Zones 2-8.

Tag: Evergreen, Deer Resistant

Japanese Cedar

Cryptomeria Japonica ‘Yoshino’

A symmetrical pyramidal evergreen conifer with tiered horizontal branches, which are slightly pendulous at their tips. Yoshino, reaching 30-40ft and 20-30ft wide, has lime-green to blue-green needles, which have a bronze hue in winter. Plant in full sun in moist, rich, acidic, well-drained soils for best results. Tolerates deer. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Evergreen

Dwarf Japanese Cedar

Cryptomeria japonica ‘Globosa Nana’

This is a beautiful yet quirky Japanese evergreen that retails a natural, dense dome form, offering year-round interest. Her finely textured foliage change to a rusty red in winter then return to green the following season. Can reach, with time, 4-8ft tall and wide. Many choose this Cedar as a specimen in their landscape, while others enjoy them in a larger group.  Plant in part to full sun in well-draining, rich and preferably slightly-acidic soil. Zones 5-7.

Tag: Evergreen

Carolina Sapphire Arizona Cypress

Cupressus arizonica ‘Carolina Sapphire’

A conical, broadly pyramidal, fast-growing conifer with beautiful silvery-blue/teal foliage year round (aromatic when crushed). Consider her as a great privacy screen or wind barrier.  Mature heights reach 35-45ft with a width of 10-14ft. Plant in full to part sun in average slightly acidic, well drained soil. A very interesting specimen tree. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Evergreen

Skylands Oriental Spruce

Picea orientalis ‘Skylands’

A slow-growing, bold, upright, conical-pyramidal, densely-branched evergreen conifer.  Its fine, spiky needles emerge electric yellow in spring and gradually soften to a rich gold that stands out against the dark green, interior foliage. Foliage may burn if sited in full afternoon sun. Don’t miss the attractive red pollen cones in Spring! Reaches 8-10ft in the first 10 years but can eventually reach 35ft. A gorgeous specimen evergreen. Zones 4-7.

Tag: Evergreen

Arrowwood Viburnum

Viburnum dentatum

A native, upright, rounded, multi-stemmed, winter-hardy, deciduous shrub, Arrowwood reaches 6-10ft (sometimes taller in perfect conditions) with a similar spread. She has white blooms in spring that develop into blue-black berry-like drupes that are loved by birds and other wildlife.  Glossy, toothed, dark green leaves turn yellow, orange or red in the Fall. Plant her in full sun to part shade in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Zones 2-8.

Tag: Native, Wildlife, Attracts Butterflies

Judd viburnum 

Viburnum × juddii

A rounded, semi-snowball hybrid deciduous shrub, Judd matures to 6-8ft tall and 6-10ft wide. Popular for her fragrant butterfly-attracting white flowers in spring, dark-green foliage (which turn red to purple in fall), and black fruit, which turns a beautiful purple-red in the fall. Prune, as needed, after blooming. Plant in full sun to part shade in average yet well-drained soils. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Foliage, Wildlife, Attracts Butterflies

Eastern Snowball Viburnum

 Viburnum opulus ‘Sterile’

This hardy and super impressive deciduous shrub is a show-stopper with a long blooming period! With huge, white mophead blooms and gorgeous glossy green foliage and impressive fall color, this is a must for your landscape. Planted in full sun to part shade conditions, in average, moist, well-draining soil, sha can reach 8-12ft tall and 10-15ft wide. Perfect as a foundation plant or hedge as she will tolerate pruning. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies

Blue Muffin Viburnum

Viburnum dentatum ‘Blue Muffin’

A compact, easy-t0-grow deciduous shrub, consider planting as a hedge, foundation plant or in a grouping.  Clean white flowers make for a crisp contrast with the glossy green leaves in early to mid-summer. The remarkably intense blue fruit that inspired her name appear in late summer and fall. The fruit add interest to the fall landscape, and attract songbirds to the garden. Berries are not edible. Cross-pollinate with another Arrowwood Viburnum of a different cultivar. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies, Wildlife, Berries

Chicago Lustre Arrowwood Viburnum

Viburnum dentatum ‘Synnestvedt’

Durable and super hardy with attractive and glossy foliage yet often overlooked, Chicago Lustre was introduced in 1967 at the Morton Arboretum. With lustrous green foliage (glossy and toothed) and abundant wildlife-friendly berries, this deciduous shrub is a great addition with showy flowers in the spring. Reaches 6-12ft tall ad wide, and happy in part shade to full sun. Plant with another Arrowwood viburnum to ensure fruit. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Wildife, Berries

Rozannie Aucuba

Aucuba japonica ‘Rozannie’

Bright red fruit grow on this neat, compact evergreen shrub without a pollinizer in sight!  The glossy, dark green leaves have a slight holly-like appearance. The Aucuba, however, will grow well in shade, even deep shade and needs little water. Reaching 4ft tall and wide, plant this beauty in well-drained soil. Avoid sun as it will cause the leaves to yellow and burn. An ideal foundation plant or low hedge in shade. Zones 6-10.

Tag: Evergreen, Berries

Dappled Willow

Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nishiki’

A compact, variegated cultivar of the willow, Hakuro-nishiki grows to a neat 4-6ft tall. Her attractive foliage emerges pink in spring, maturing to shades of pink, creamy white and green. Red stems brighten your winter garden. We like this as a specimen tree or planted in small groups in your landscape.  Excellent on the edge of a pond or stream, or even in a rain garden.  Plant in full sun to part shade in moist, fertile, well-drained soil.  Zones 5-7.

Tag: Foliage

Golden Seal

Hydrastis canadensis

This herbaceous, woodland, perennial native is a member of the buttercup family and is considered an endangered species by many.  AKA Yellow Root (due to its underground yellow rhizome with golden sap), this beauty is well know for its history as a medicinal herb. It’s solitary yellowish green flower gives way to an attractive (but inedible) red berry. Reaching 8-12” in height and spread, plant this showy native in average, medium, well-draining soil in part shade. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Native, Berries

Mayapple

Podophyllum peltatum

Perfect for your woodland or native shade landscape, this rhizomatous native wildflower perennial has a single stem with either one or two umbrella-like leaves (up to 12” in size). Those with one leaf do not flower, but from the “crotch” of the 2-leafed plants, you can get down and find (in mid spring) a single, nodding white flower, quite beautiful. That flower gives way to a small edible green fruit (don’t eat the plant or roots though). Plant in part to full shade in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil. This can form a large colony over time. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Native, Wildlife, Edible

Wild Ginger

Asarum candense

This shade-loving spring wildflower native perennial can be used in the garden as a groundcover. As a stemless beauty with two downy, heart-shaped dark green leaves, she boasts mid to late spring blooms of cup-shaped purplish brown blooms. They appear between the crotch of the 2 leaves. Not edible, but root smell is reminiscent of the culinary ginger. Reaching 6”-12” and spreading a little more, plant her in part to full shade in medium to wet soil. Zones 4-6.

Tag: Native

Hydrangea ‘Pinky Winky’

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Pinky’ Winky

Pinky Winky has huge pink and white cone blooms  that can reach up to 16” long. Large bloom clusters emerge pure white in summer and deepen to rosy pink while the top remains white. Reaches up to 8ft tall and wide. This two-toned look gives this showy, accent tree an element of excitement and flare. Planted in full sun to part shade, she is adaptable to any moist, well-drained soil. If needed, prune in late winter. Provide a deep watering once per week.
Zones 3-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Swamp Milkweed

Asclepias incarnata

True to her name this milkweed will do great in wet conditions but does not require it. Prized for her brilliant clusters of vanilla-esque fragrant, lilac-pink blooms which persist through summer, attracts many species of butterfly to lay eggs (especially the female monarch). Unlike other milkweeds, this native perennial does not spread aggressively. Reaching 3-4ft tall, plant in full to part sun in wet to medium soil (will tolerate poor drainage). Zones 3-9.

Tag: Deer resistant, Attracts Butterflies, Native

Koto no ito Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum ‘Koto no ito’

This slow-growing, upright, green Japanese maple has a wide variety of leaf lobe widths from narrow and strap-like to hardly more than a leaf vein, producing an elegant, soft look.  The new leaves unfold with crimson tones, but quickly turn green and then take on spectacular shades of orange and gold for fall. Grows anywhere from full sun to shade. Will reach 8-12ft tall with a 4-6ft spread after 10 years, and more with time. Plant in rich, well-drained soil. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Foliage

Viridis Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum ‘Viridis’

This dwarf, multi-stemmed, Japanese Maple has strongly cascading branches with delicate lace-leaf foliage. Her graceful dome of bright green leaves turns to golden yellow in the fall. Twisted branches provide winter interest. A wonderful specimen tree, reaches 6-10ft tall and wide. Plant in full sun to part shade in moist, organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Foliage

Coral Bark Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’

With attractive (brilliant coral-red) bark, dramatic foliage, year-round interest and being an easy-to-care-for deciduous tree, I’m surprised you don’t already have this specimen in your garden! A moderate grower, she will reach up to 25ft tall and 20ft wide, over time, with her pale green leaves that turn a vibrant golden yellow in fall. Plant in filtered to full sun in slightly acidic, well drained soil. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Foliage

Little Gem Vine Maple

Acer circinatum ‘Little Gem’

This dwarf, globe “hedge” shrub is a hard-to-find deciduous, mounding form of the Vine Maple. Producing a thicket of candy red stems with bright green with burgundy edged leaves, Little Gem reaches around 3ft tall and 6ft wide. Plant sun and shade in average, well drained soil, she will tolerate drought and humidity. Fall colors are orange and red! Zones 5-9.

Tag: Foliage

Traveller Redbud

Cercis canadensis var. texensis ‘Traveller’

This wonderful multi-stemmed deciduous tree is sure to delight with showy, vibrant fuchsia flower which clutch tightly to the bare branches before much of any color is out. “Traveller” refers to the tree’s weeping form, placing her firmly in the specimen tree category. With a medium growth rate, it will reach 5-6ft  with a spread of 9-12ft. Plant full sun to partial shade in average to moist soil. A selection of a native North American species. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Wildlife, Foliage

Brown Turkey Fig

Ficus carica ‘Brown Turkey’

Favored for winter hardiness, this attractive, deciduous shrub has a spreading habit with attractive lobed leaves. The fig develops from a non-showy green flower and ripens in late summer or fall on new wood. Figs are purple-brown with pink-amber flesh. Plant in full sun to part shade in a protected location (e.g., against a south facing wall) in organically rich, moist, well-draining soil. Will reach 15-25ft tall and wide at a moderate growth rate. A great specimen with a beautiful winter silhouette. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Edible, Wildlife, Foliage

Grace Smoke Tree

Cotinus ‘Grace’

This hybrid smoke tree is enjoyed for her enormous clusters of flowers and dark red foliage (gorgeous in fall). Big feathery plumes of large pink panicles are quite unique and super stunning in early summer. Providing multi-season interest, plant in part to full sun in average, very-well drained soil. Wonderful as a mass planting or a specimen tree. Fast growing, reaches 12-15ft tall.
Zones 4-8.

Tag: Foliage, Cut Flowers

Jersey Belle Silverbell

Halesia Carolina ‘Jersey Belle’

With large, white, bell-shaped flowers hanging plentifully beneath her branches in mid spring, consider this under story tree for your native or woodland garden. Will reach 20-25ft with a neat spread of 15-20ft. Plant in part to full shade in moist but well-drained sandy loam. Zones 4-8.

Tag: None

Japanese Snowbell

Styrax japonicus

Perfect, slightly fragrant, white, bell-shaped flowers drip from strongly horizontal side branches with dark green foliage in early summer. A splendid small deciduous tree with an upright pyramidal form. Grows 20-25ft tall and wide. Plant full sun to part shade in organically rich, acidic, medium moisture, well drained soil. Gray bark fissures make attractive winter interest.  Plant in a woodland garden or as a specimen. Zones 5-9.

Tag: None

Fragrant Olive

Osmanthus fragrans f. aurantiacus

A medium-sized evergreen shrub prized for her fragrant bright tangerine flowers that bloom profusely in autumn. Oval leathery dark green foliage is attractive year round. Reaches 10-15ft and 6-8ft wide. Plant in full sun to part shade, easily grown in average well-drained soil. Can also be grown in a container. Will do great in lower areas near Franklin, but avoid taking to too high of an elevation. Zones 7-10.

Tag: Evergreen

Dogwood ‘Cloud 9’

Cornus florida ‘Cloud Nine’

Admired for her showy overlapping white bracts (what we interpret as flowers) and abundant flowering, Cloud 9 is a member of the flowering dogwood family: small, deciduous, typically under story trees that grow 15-30ft tall, easily argued by many as one of the finest trees in the southeast. Has bright red fruits that are attractive to wildlife in early fall as well as orange to purple-red foliage. Plant as a spectacular ornamental tree for all-season delight. Plant in medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Wildlife

Fragrant Tea Olive

Osmanthus fragrans

Part of the Olive family, this evergreen has glossy leaves and small but profuse white flowers from spring to summer. In our climate, she is ideal for container planting in our part of the world as this plant will not survive our winters.  Place container in full to part sun, plant in loamy, acidic, well-draining soil and water regularly (weekly and more in hot weather).  Enjoy her apricot-like sweet scent!  Zones 8-11.

Tag: Evergreen

Eastern Prickly Pear

Opuntia humifusa

With excellent heat and cold tolerance, the Prickly Pear is an attractive yet whimsical native plant addition to your garden. The pollinators adore them in late spring /early summer and you’ll find humans to be quite partial too! Will not tolerate wet soils, so plant in sandy or well-draining coils. It’s fruits are great on salads! Reaches 12-18” tall with a 24” spread.  Plant in full sun.
Zones 4-9.

Tag: Edible, Native, Attracts Pollinators

Bug Bat Pitcher Plants

Sarracenia x Bug Bat

Bug Bat is a perfect fun specimen for a bog garden. Foraging, flying or crawling insects are attracted to the cavity and become trapped in the slippery “pitcher” for this carnivore to enjoy.  Meanwhile, the colors and shapes are delightful in your landscape, with plants reaching 16” tall. Best grown in a container on a sunny deck. underneath. Allow to go dormant in winter. Place container in a tray to allow soil to stay wet. Zones 6-8.

Tag: None

Partridge Berry

Mitchella repens

A wonderful native, evergreen, spreading groundcover, often sighted on trails in the Franklin area, Partridge Berry stays low to the ground (2” tall) but reaches far (up to 12”) with her trailing stems. Glossy oval to round leaves wow the keen observer of your native landscape. Not to Miss: bright red berries that appear in late summer, brightening the scene! Plant in part to full shade, in organically rich, medium, well-drained soil. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Native, Foliage, Berries

Hosta ‘Blue Angel’

Hosta ‘Blue Angel’

A giant, blue-leaved hosta that grows in a mound to 3′ tall and 4′ wide. It features thick, heavy-textured, blue-green leaves with light marginal undulations. Best blue foliage color occurs in light shade with tolerance for some morning sun. Bell-shaped, pale lavender to white flowers bloom in a dense raceme in mid-summer atop an erect, leafy, gray-green scape rising to 4′ tall. This is one of the largest of the blue-leaved hostas. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 2-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Rainbow’s End’

Hosta ‘Rainbow’s End’

A medium-sized hosta that grows in a mound to 1’ tall and nearly 2’ wide.  She exhibits incredibly variegated, shiny foliage. The bright yellow leaves of good substance have dark green margins that jet into the center, and the center brightens to creamy white in summer. In late summer, showy red scapes carry the dark lavender, tubular flowers. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Francee’

Hosta ‘Francee’

Generally considered one of the best of the white-margined hostas. It typically matures in a dense, arching mound to 21″ tall and 36″ wide. Heart-shaped, dark green leaves have narrow white margins. Foliage holds good color throughout the growing season. Funnel-shaped, pale lavender flowers in dense racemes appear in late summer atop leafy green scapes rising to 30″ tall. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Frances Williams’

Hosta ‘Frances Williams’

This is a popular cultivar that features very large blue-green leaves variegated with irregular greenish-yellow margins. Discovered by breeder Frances Williams in the mid-1930s. It matures in a spreading mound to 24″ tall, but spreads over time to 48-60″ wide. Thick, puckered, cupped leaves have distinctive veining, deep blue-green in the center with wide but irregular greenish-yellow margins. Funnel-shaped, mostly white flowers appear in early to mid summer. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 2-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Green and Gold’

Hosta ‘Green and Gold’

A large hosta, ‘Green and Gold’ reaches 2′ tall and 3-4′ wide. The leaves are dark green with cream margins turning white, ovate and pointy. Flowers are pale lavender on 30″ scapes in late summer. Tough, attractive plant, excellent in masses. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 2-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Church Mouse’

This mini hosta is a  favorite in many a shade garden. Church mouse hosta has distinctively wavy leaves in a blue-green color with lighter green margins.  She’s perfect for borders and containers. Flowers are short and lavender, blooming in early summer. 8” tall x 14” wide, or slightly smaller.  Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Blue Mouse Ears’

A symmetrical mound of small, heart-shaped leaves with a slight curl that resemble mouse ears. The soft blue-gray foliage has a faint white edge in early spring. Lavender flowers stand above the foliage clumps. An herbaceous perennial. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Stained Glass’

Hosta ‘Stained Glass’

American Hosta Growers Hosta of the Year in 2006. This is a wonderful sport of the beloved ‘Guacamole’ , that differs in that it has a much brighter gold center. Nice yellow leaves have a dark green margin that creates a great color contrast. Prominent veins throughout the leaf give the leaves a stained glass window effect. This hosta will tolerate full sun more than most, but make sure the soil is good and fertile with adequate moisture in growing in full sun. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 2-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Honeybells’

‘Honeybells’ has large light green widely oval leaves and forms a 48” wide mound around mid-season. Her fragrant flowers are white and bell-shaped, and reach up to 60” tall. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Patriot’

The Patriot’s leaves are ovate to heart-shaped, cupped and puckered with a dark-green center.  They have an irregular white margin.  The funnel-shaped bloom, in lavender-blue, reaches 30”.  The mound itself can range from 22”-32”. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Albo Marginata’

This compact variety has perfect pointed, rich green leaves with brushed white margins with lavender flowers. Can reach 16-20” tall and 12-18” wide. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Blue Cadet’

This beautiful hosta has bluish-green heart-shaped leaves 5” long to 4” wide. Her lavender flowers bloom in early to mid July and can reach 20”. The mound averages 15” tall and up to 38” wide.  Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Wavy Leaf’

This stunning hosta (’undulata’) can be used in garden borders or as a specimen plant. She has showy green leaves with wavy margins bringing bright color to shady areas; plus, don’t miss the funnel shaped, mauve flowers. Mound size reaches 36” tall and 18” wide. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil.
Zones 3-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Snow Crust’

Large heart-shaped slightly arching leaves with a rippled creamy white margin.  This medium hosta has a mature mound size of 23” tall and up to 50” wide.  Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘El Nino’

This mid-sized specimen has very thick, pointy powder-blue leaves with streaky white margins. Pale lavender flowers appear in July. Excellent slug resistance. Reaches 16-18” tall with a spread of 38-35”. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 2-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Halcyon’

This hosta forms a perfect mound of thick blue ribbed foliage that keeps on looking great, all season long.  Leaves are heart-shaped gray-blue. Mounds reach 16” tall x 30-40” wide. Has lavender-grey blooms up to 18” tall in late summer. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Earth Angel’

A hosta giant! Heart-shaped blue-green leaves are bordered by a creamy white margin. The cream margin gets much wider as it matures and often streaks towards the midrib. Leaves emerge blue-green with yellow margins.  A mature clump (averaging 25” tall and 50” wide) is hard to beat in appearance! Pale lavender flowers in early summer! Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Gold Drop’

This relatively small hosta has heart-shaped leaves that change from light green to chartreuse to gold.  It will form a mound around 12” high and 24” wide.  Flowers are pale lavender, bell-shaped, and stand at 15”. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Katie Q’

Katie Q’s slightly wavy heart-shaped leaves are typically 7” long and 4” wide, medium to dark green with a bright gold margin. She is noted for her vivid colors! This medium hosta averages 18” in height and can spread up to 45” wide. Pale lavender flowers around July. On a 18-30” scape. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Lakeside Paisley Print’

This specimen has thick substanced heart-shaped wide wavy leaves with creamy markings in the center and wide green margins: a perfect setting for the cream scapes with light lavender flowers in Summer. Average height is 10” with a 20” spread. Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Abiqua Drinking Gourd’

Heavily textured, nearly round, upright & puckered leaves in a glaucous dark blue-green. Blooms are pale lavender and reach 22”. The mound is typically 16” tall with a 14” spread. Named 2014 Hosta of the Year by the American Hosta Growers Association! Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Wiggles and Squiggles’

One of the most unique looking hostas, she has bright leaves, long and thing with incredibly wavy margins! Forms a low, wide habit that showcases the “wigglyness”. 8-10” high with a 24” spread.  Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Rainforest Sunshine’

With dramatic leaves (dark green border with radiant gold center), this hosta is a must-have. The leaves are heavily corrugated and cupped in shape. If planted in heavy shade, colors can be less vivid. Grows 8-10” tall with up to 25” spread. This sun-tolerant and slug-resistant hosta prefers average to moist soil. Zones 4-7.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Empress Wu’

This jumbo hosta has an impressive mound of thick, corrugated green leaves with wavy edges (said to be the largest ever). Mature size in perfect conditions, expect 48” tall x 70” wide.  It can take 5-8 years to reach mature size.  Plant in full to part shade in normal, average to moist soil. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Foliage

Crusader Hosta

Emerging in spring with blue-green leaves and a nice yellow margin, foliage changes to a shiny dark green and the margins fade to creamy-white come summer.  Leaves are slightly cupped with wavy margins and some good corrugation. A mature clump is quite attractive with the leaves twisting and rolling in all directions, reaching 18” tall and 42” wide.  Zones 4-8.

Tag: Foliage

Christmas Tree Hosta

This slug-damage-resistant has large, heavily textured leaves with a creamy-white edge, which creates a showy plant for shady borders and woodland gardens. Foliage will reach 20” tall and 40” with 30” scape in summer.  Lavender flowers are followed by curious red-purple seed pods. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta Elegans

Famed for her huge, heart-shaped blue leaves and heavy ribbing, this is a gorgeous addition to the shade garden, providing plenty of texture and a solid backdrop of deep color for brighter blooms to play off of.  ‘Elegans’ sends up delicate white flowers in early spring. Prized for its ability to tolerate dry shade. Reaches 24-36” tall and wide. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Foliage

Grand Prize Hosta

Hosta ‘Grand Prize’ boasts a very wide gold margin that quickly brightens to a creamy white. Leaves are rounded and heart-shaped.  This dazzling clump is a “must” in all shade gardens. In midsummer, a 2-ft wide Hosta ‘Grand Prize’ clump is topped with 2-ft tall spikes of dark lavender flowers!  Zones 4-8.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta Leola Fraim

This gorgeous, large, clumping hosta has medium green, cupped and puckered leaves with a yellow or white edging. At maturity, in full summer, she reaches up to 2ft tall and 3ft wide. Light lavender flowers adorn Leola Fraim in summer.  Plant in shade, filtered shade or morning sun. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Neat and Tidy’

This medium to large hosta is ironically named due to her large, unruly foliage– wrinked, dark green and thick, growing vigorously throughout the season. No two leaves are alike! Reaches up to 20” high and up to 45” wide. Scapes reach up to 3ft tall with white to pale lavender flowers. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Wide Brim’

This medium height hosta (16” high and spreading 24-20”) has nicely mounded dark green leaves (8” x 6”) with a wide, irregular margin of buttery yellow. Pale lavender funnel-shaped flowers on 24” scapes in summer. Plant her in part to full shade in evenly moist soil.  Zones 3-8.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Little Lemon Drop’

A small hosta reaching just 6-10” tall and wide, plant her in part to full shade. We love her adorable narrow lemon-colored mass of foliage, topped with scapes showcasing stunning lavender blooms. This color will change your shade landscape! Zones 3-9.

Tag: Foliage

Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’

A former winner of the title “American Hosta Growers Hosta of the Year”, ‘Sum and Substance’ forms a giant mound of wavy chartreuse foliage with corrugated, cupped leaves. At full maturity, this hosta can spread to 9’ and reach a height of 36”.  Plant in fertile, moisture retaining soil for best results. This sun-tolerant and slug-resistant hosta is low maintenance once established.  Zones 3-8.

Tag: Foliage

Japanese Hardy Orange

Poncirus trifoliata ‘Flying Dragon’

Not only pest and disease resistant, this unique and pointy fruit tree is heat and drought tolerant too! A popular tree for the whimsical garden, her twisted stems are contorted in different directions with curved, claw-like thorns, giving the illusion of dragons in flight. Will do great in a container and has year-round interest.
The fruit is edible but quite sour. 8ft tall, 5-8ft wide, plant in full to partial sun; and enjoy. Beautiful spring blooms. Zones 6-10.

Tag: None

Deutzia ‘Nikko’

Deutzia gracilis ‘Nikko’

This low growing, mound-forming, dwarf shrub (or woody perennial?) becomes inundated with fragrant, white double blossoms in late spring. Buds set on previous year growth, so prune just after flowering has ended. Reaches 2ft tall and wide. Her bright green leaves on arching branches turn a deep burgundy fall color. Easy to grow; plant in full sun to part shade in average, medium, well-drained soil.  For best flowering, plant in full sun.
Zones 5-8.

Tag: Foliage, Attracts Butterflies

Winterberry ‘Winter Red’

Ilex verticillata ‘Winter Red’

Winterberry is a deciduous, slow-growing holly, native to the eastern US.  ‘Winter Red’ is a female cultivar who will eventually reach 6-8ft tall. She is cherished for heavy fruiting of bright red berries, which will stay throughout winter when her leaves have fallen (hence the name). Be sure to get a male pollenizer, such as the ‘Southern Gentleman’. She’s striking as a mass planting for a showy winter display (birds love her too). Popular for natural holiday decorations! Plant in full sun to part shade in medium to wet soil. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Wildife, Berries, Native

Southern Gentleman Winterberry

Ilex verticillata ‘Southern Gentleman’

An extremely hardy late-blooming, male, deciduous holly with dense, rich green foliage on an upright, rounded form. Foliage turns yellow-green to purple-bronze in fall. Serves as an excellent pollenizer for late-flowering female southern hollies, such as Winter Red and Winter Gold. Plant one male for every 5-6 female plants. Plant this fella in partial to full sun in medium to wet soil. Reaches 6-8ft tall and wide. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Foliage

Winterberry ‘Winter Gold’

Ilex verticillata ‘Winter Red’

Winterberry is a deciduous, slow-growing holly, native to the eastern US.  ‘Winter Gold’ is a female cultivar who will eventually reach 5-8ft tall. She is noted for heavy fruiting of ornamental orange-red berries, with good fruit retention throughout winter. Be sure to get a male pollenizer, such as the ‘Southern Gentleman’. She’s striking as a mass planting for a showy winter display (birds love her too). Popular for natural holiday decorations! Plant in full sun to part shade in medium to wet soil. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Native, Wildlife, Berries

Hosta ‘Royal Standard’

An absolute favorite, Royal Standard is a large hosta who bears sweetly scented white flowers (highly fragrant) on 30–40″ stems in August and September above cool, pale green foliage. Narrow, oval, bright medium green leaves (to 9″ by 5″) with a satiny sheen have faint marginal undulations. Mound will reach up to 26” tall with a spread of 62”. Zones 3-9.

Tag: None

Snowmound Spirea

Spiraea nipponica ‘Snowmound’

Her graceful, spreading branches, dark green foliage, and abundance of white flower clusters provide a spectacular show in mid-to-late spring. Use at the back of the border or as a showy spring accent. Cut stems with blossoms create stunning flower arrangements. Easy to grow! Deciduous. Reaches 3-5ft tall and wide at a moderate growth rate. Plant in part to full sun in average, well draining soil. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Mango Tango Cinquefoil

Potentilla fruticosa Mango Tango

A dense, rounded, compact deciduous shrub with petite, deep green foliage that really comes to life in summer when masses of  1” red-centered golden yellow blooms cover the plant. Plant in full to partial sun. Will reach 2ft tall and wide at a moderate growing pace. Will thrive in light, well drained, sandy soils. You can prune lightly after blooming, if desired. Zones 3-8.

Tag: None

Japanese Sakaki

Cleyera japonica

This broadleaf evergreen, slow-growing shrub (or small tree) typically grows 10-15ft tall by 8-10ft wide and sports fragrant, bell-shaped, downward-facing, creamy white flowers in late spring. The lustrous dark green foliage is glossy with a reddish mid-rib. Flowers are followed by a shiny black berry that last through winter. A wonderful addition for borders, hedges, screens and foundations. Plant in full sun to part shade, sheltered from wind in moist, humusy, well drained soil. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Foliage

Purple Smoke False Indigo

Baptisia x ‘Purple Smoke’

A striking bushy perennial, this Baptisia has elegant spikes of dusky purple lupine-like flowers atop abundant, blue-green foliage. Excellent for back of the border. Attractive seed pods in early summer. Combines well with most native species and blends well with grasses for meadow gardens. Great as a cut flower. Reaches 3-4ft tall and wide. Plant in part to full sun. Does well in poor soils. Cut to 4” or so when foliage dies back in winter. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Pollinators

Columnar Tallhedge Buckthorn

Rhamnus frangula ‘Columnaris’

A tall, narrow, very fast-growing, deciduous shrub that is ideal for creating a privacy screen where space is limited. Dense with glossy, dark green, oblong leaves. Tiny greenish-white flower clusters in late spring produce red fruit turning black in late summer. The fall color is yellow to gold. Birds love the berries, but they should not be eaten by humans.  Will reach 12-14ft tall and 3-4ft wide. Prefers well drained soil and full sun to part shade. Plant with care, seeds may spread to unwanted areas. Zones 2-7.

Tag: None

Boxleaf Honeysuckle

Lonicera nitida

Selected for its ability to become an “instant hedge”, this is a fast-growing, broadleaf evergreen shrub with attractive, glossy leaves that can be sheared over and over to create a dense screen with a beautiful texture. Plant in full sun to part shade. Can reach up to 9ft tall and wide, if not pruned. Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Great as a border or foundation plant. Often used as a boxwood alternative if concerned about blight. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Evergreen

Bayberry Shrub

Myrica pensylvanica

A dense-branching, deciduous, upright shrub with a rounded habit, Bayberry has leathery, glossy gray-green leaves, which are aromatic when crushed. Late summer fruits will attract birds to your garden, and the scent is used in candle making. To ensure berries, you need a male and female. Typically reaches 6-10ft tall and wide and can be used to create a hedge. Easily grown in average, dry-to medium moisture, well drained soil in part shade to full sun.  Zones 3-7.

Tag: Native, Wildlife

Red Twig Dogwood

Cornus sericea Baileyi

You can’t help but fall in love with this upright-spreading, suckering, fast-growing deciduous shrub’s stems that turn bright red in winter, creating a showy display against a snowy landscape!  Reaching 6-10ft tall and wide, plant in full sun to part shade. Excellent in mass plantings, especially with evergreens for great contrasting colors. Performs best in consistently moist soil, organically rich and fertile. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Attracts Buttreflies, Wildlife

Camellia Winter’s Star

Camellia ‘Winter’s Star’

A cold-hardy, upright, evergreen camellia that typically grows 4-6′ tall and is enjoyed for her leathery, slightly glossy, dark green foliage and showy autumn flowers. The soft-pink to fuchsia large, single-petaled flowers are a beautiful sight when very little else is in bloom! Plant in part to full shade in moist, acidic, well-drained soil in a location protected from cold winds.
Zones 6-9.

Tag: Evergreen, Cut Flowers

Vintage Gold False Cypress

Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Vintage Gold’

A beautiful, slow-growing, mounded, dwarf evergreen shrub that is sure to provide your garden with year-round interest! Her bright gold foliage is a wonderful contrast to conifers with dark green colors. Works well as a mass planting, specimen, a low hedge or foundation plant. Plant in full sun in amended, evenly moist, well-drained soil (slightly acidic is preferable). Prune lightly in summer. Reaches 4 ft tall and wide. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Evergreen, Foliage

Perfumed Spider Lily

Hymenocallis latifolia

With her pristine, large, tubular white, delightfully fragran flowers consisting of 6 narrow petals and dangling “legs” (like spider legs), the Perfumed Spider Lily is a show-stopper! Reaching 4ft tall, this member of the Amaryllis family loves water throughout the growing season as well as a spot with bright filtered light. Bring this plant inside when temperatures drop to 55°F at night. A wonderful container plant! She blooms well when she is rootbound, so only repot every 4 years or so.
Zones 9-11.

Tag: None

Starry Campion (Widow’s Frill)

Silene stellata

A native member of the carnation family, her flowers have frilled white petals, enclosed by a green, bell-shaped calyx. Pollinated by butterflies and moths, this hardy, drought-tolerant native will reseed herself.  Plant in full to partial sun in medium soil. Blooms late summer to early fall and reaches 2-3ft tall. Plant in your native wildflower garden! Zones 4-9.

Tag: None

Lizard’s Tail

Saururus cernuus

Native to the Eastern US, this perennial is perfect for water gardens, or in sandy, muddy pond margins or boggy soils. With heart-shaped leaves and tiny fragrant flowers packed on to a slender, tapered, fragrant, drooping flower spike (resembling a lizard’s tail), she reaches 1-2ft tall and wide. Plant in full sun to part shade. Zones 3-9.

Tag:None

McDowell’s Sunflower

Helianthus occidentalis

Commonly called western sunflower, this native is one of the shortest sunflowers, and much more delicate than others. Her elegant star-like flowers are held aloft leafless stalks, 2-3ft tall. Late summer seeds attract migrating birds! Plant in full sun in medium to dry soil. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Wildlife, Attracts Pollinators

Tall Sunflower

Helianthus giganteus

Reaching up to 8ft tall, this sunflower actually has relatively small flowers, rarely exceeding 3”. The daisy-like blooms have yellow rays and brown central discs. Plant in full sun in moist to wet well-draining soil. Blooms July—October and is enjoyed by many pollinators! Zones 3-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators

Wild Bergamot ‘Claire Grace’

Monarda fistulosa ‘Claire Grace’

Covered in deep lavender blooms all through summer, this native will attract butterflies, hummingbirds and more to your garden scene! Reaches 3’ high, plant in full sun to part shade in moist well-draining soil, although she will tolerate dry conditions also once established.  Zones 3-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Pollinators

Butterfly Weed

Asclepias tuberosa

This native perennial is the perfect choice for a wildlife and pollinator garden, and is a known as a host plant for the Monarch butterfly’s caterpillars as well as others. Reaches 1-3ft tall and spreads 1-2 ft with a bright orange bloom in mid summer. Plant in full sun in average, well-drained soil. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Butterflies

Green and Gold

Chrysogonum virginianum ‘Superstar’

Deep green, semi-evergreen foliage is topped with golden flowers in mid to late spring. It’s an easy native groundcover that blooms well and is a vigorous clump grower. Reaches 6-8” tall and spreads up to 2ft. Plant part sun to full shade in moist, well-draining soil. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Native

Pyeweed ‘Little Joe’

Eutrochium dubium ‘Little Joe’

Little Joe is a dwarf form of the native perennial, with her clumps reaching only 3-4ft tall and 1-3ft wide. Beautiful pink flowers attract wildlife and pollinators and are fabulous for cut flowers. Plant in full sun to part shade in moist soil, blooms in late summer. A good option for your rain garden.
Zones 4-10.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers

Beetleweed/Wandflower

Galax urceolata 

An evergreen groundcover native treasure with dark green glossy leaves that turn a maroon color in the winter if they are exposed to some sun. Her attractive white spike bloom rises on a long flower stalk. A slow grower, will reach 1-1.5ft tall. Plant in part to full shade in regular soil.  Zones 5-8.

Tag: Native

New Jersey Tea

Ceanothus americanus

An upright, deciduous, compact native shrub adorned in summer with tiny white fragrant flower panicles that attract pollinators in droves! Plant in full sun in average to dry soil. Reach around 3ft tall and wide. Perfect for a wildlife and pollinator garden and people love her too! Zones 4-10.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators

Annabelle Hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’

In summer, expect huge (8–12″”) round heads of pure white blooms that remain attractive into September and can be cut for fresh or dried arrangements. Plant this native cultivar in part shade in evenly moist, well-drained soil. Can tolerate full sun with ample moisture.  Prune in later winter. Can reach up to 5ft tall and wide. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers

American Black Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

A sprawling deciduous native shrub that produces tiny, lemon-scented white flowers in large flat-topped clusters in early Summer.  In late summer, black elderberry fruits arrive, which are not only attractive to wildlife, but also to humans (think: jams, pie fillings, wines). Reaches 5-12ft tall and wide. Plant in full sun to part shade  Zones 3-9.

Tag: Native, Edible, Attracts Pollinators

Bloodroot

Sanguinaria canadensis

An early blooming perennial wildflower, native to Eastern US, this beauty stands out February through April by first producing a solitary flower wrapped in a in an attractive shaped leaf that unfurls and persists long into summer. Named from the roots that have blood like juice on the inside. Likes moist, well draining soil and part to full shade. Will spread to create large colonies over time and reaches 6-9” tall. Reproduces with the help of ants. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Native

Persimmon

Diospyros virginiana

The beautiful, fruit-bearing low-maintenance native Persimmon is a deciduous, slow-growing tree that will reach 15-25ft tall and wide. Persimmon fruit are thick-skinned and waxy until they soften after a hard frost. Often grown as an ornamental. Plant in full sun to part shade in moist, well-draining soil. Plant to attract deer and wildlife into your garden. Plant in multiples for best chance of fruit. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators, Edible

Eastern Red Cedar

Juniperus virginiana

Actually part of the juniper family, this native evergreen has a dense pyramidal form, can be used for windbreaks and screens. With a medium growth rate, the Eastern Red Cedar will reach 40-50ft tall and 10-20ft wide. Plant in full sun in almost all soil types. Her bluish-green fruits (similar to berries) will attract birds and other wildlife to your garden. Evergreen foliage provides nesting and roosting cover for various birds. Do not plant near apple trees. Zones 2-9.

Tag: Wildlife, Native

American Holly ‘Satyr Hill‘

Ilex opaca ‘Satyr Hill’

This female selection of the native American Holly delivers a bumper crop of red berries for the holidays. With lush and green leaves, she can happily grow as fast as 4ft per year . Will reach up to 35ft tall and 20ft wide and thrives under large deciduous trees. Plant ‘Satyr Hill’ in full sun or part shade, will tolerate most soils but prefers rich, moist, well drained with some acidity. Ignored by deer! Robins love the berries.
Zones 5-9.

Tag: Natove, Deer Resistant, Wildlife

Dog Hobble

Leucothoe fontanesiana 

A native, low-growing, evergreen shrub, Dog Hobble has arching branches that can create dense thickets along rivers and stream banks, primarily here in the Appalachian mountains. The drooping spikes of creamy white flowers hang below the leathery, shiny leaves. Use to stabilize banks, as a natural hedges or in your shade garden. Reaches 2-3ft tall and wide, prefers part to full shade and will form colonies over time. Attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Attracts Pollinators, Native

Coral Honeysuckle ‘Magnifica’

Lonicera sempervirens

Clusters of deep orange 2″ tubular flowers with yellow throats are held above the rich blue-green foliage of this selection of the tame native Coral Honeysuckle. The abundant clusters of sweetly scented tubular flowers bloom from spring to frost attracting and feeding hummingbirds all season long. Flowers are followed by bright red fruits that are attractive to birds.  Zones 5-9.

Tag: Attracts Pollinators, Native, Wildlife, Attracts Hummingbirds

Apalachee Sweetbay Magnolia

Magnolia virginiana ‘Apalachee’

This native, slender, slow-growing tree typically reaches 15-20ft tall with multiple upright trunks. Solitary fragrant flowers are 4-6″ across and develop into aggregate fruits with bright red seeds (which attract birds). Popular for her fragrant flowers, the Apalachee variety has smaller leaves than the straight species (1-3”). Blooms from April to July, plant in part shade in most soil conditions. Zones 5-10.

Tag: Wildlife, Attracts Pollinators, Native

Stoke’s Aster

Stokesia laevis

A southeastern native, Stokesia blooms late spring through fall. A favorite of many pollinators and as a cut flower for humans. With lavender, pink or white “cornflower-like” blooms, this perennial is a showy crowd pleaser. Planted in part to full sun and well-drained soil, she’ll reach 1-3ft tall. Can tolerate drought conditions and is resistant to the attentions of deer, but do watch out for rabbits. Plant in multiples for a grand effect. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Attracts Pollinators, Native, Deer Resistant, Cut Flowers

False Indigo

Amorpha fruticosa

Southeastern native deciduous shrub that can range from 4-12ft tall with a wider spread. Tubular purplish blue flowers  bloom late spring to early summer in dense, spike-shaped clusters up to 8″ long. Fruit follows the flowers. Along with enjoying the attractive flowers, plant this shrub for erosion control or a screen, she can also tolerate poor soil conditions. Plant full sun to part shade. Can be invasive outside of its native range. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Wildlife, Attracts Pollinators, Native

Ground Nut

Apios americana

A must-have, hard-to-find native edible vining, perennial tuber, Groundnut produces both edible tubers and podded beans. The vines can extend up to 10ft with multi-colored flowers from Summer to early Fall. Tubers have 3 times more protein than a standard potato! Best to plant with a trellis to avoid choking other plants. Plant in a sunny, damp soil location. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Edible, Native, Wildlife

Aster ‘Wood’s Purple’

Aster ‘Wood’s Purple’

Asters are the mainstay of any fall garden, extending the pollinator season considerably as well as adding superb fall color.  This aster is a compact form which grows in mounded clumps 12-18″ tall. The flowers are small, semi-double, blue violet to purple making them a showstopper for people and butterflies alike. Plant in full sun, will tolerate drought and clay soil. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers, Attracts Pollinators, Native

Golden Aster

Chrysopsis mariana

Extending the fall pollinator season well into October, this aster has tall
(1-2.5ft) silky stems that give rise to clusters of yellow daisy-like flowers (1″ diameter). Best grown in moist, well-drained soil in full sun but will tolerate some shade. Spreads slowly and tends to reseed. A wonderful choice for a wildflower, pollinator-friendly garden. Zones 4-8.

Tag; Attracts Butterflies, Cut Flowers, Attracts Pollinators, Native

Tangerine Beauty Crossvine

Bignonia capreolata ‘Tangerine Beauty’

A selection of a semi-evergreen native perennial vine. With glossy dark green leaves (which turn more red after a frost) and an abundance of stunning tangerine-colored blooms (that last for a long season), this relatively low maintenance plant attracts hummingbirds and other birds. Can grow up to 50ft long, perfect to cover a fence or trellis, less vigorous than the trumpet vine. Plant in average soil. Can tolerate heavy shade. zones 6-9.

Tag: Attracts Hummingbirds, Wildlife, Native

White Beautyberry

Callicarpa americana var. lactea

A cool and unique native shrub for your landscape, instead of the usual mauve berries, this form bears compact clusters of snow white berries through the autumn months, and often into winter for an interest end-of-season addition. Its light lavender blossoms attract birds and butterflies through summer. Plant in full to part sun in moist, well-drained soil. Reaches 3-5ft tall, Zones 6-10.

Tag: Wildlife, Cut Flowers, Native

Mistflower

Conoclinium coelestinum

Covered with an abundance of fuzzy tufts of blue-violet flowers from late summer until frost. Around 2-ft tall, the native Mistflower spreads to form a large patch, in part shade with moist ,well-drained soils. It also does well in full sun, given adequate moisture. Plant with Goldenrod and Aster for a wonderful fall pollinator buffet. Enjoys most soil types. Great for wildflower gardens, meadows or along streams and ponds. Loved by bees and butterflies. Zones 5-10.

Tag: Attracts Pollinators, Native

Hearts-a-bustin’ / Strawberry Bush

Euonymus americanus

This intriguing fast-growing native has a conspicuous greenish-yellow bloom whose fruit is the real show-stopper: a red capsule that splits (busts open) when ripe to expose orange-red seeds for fall interest. This fruit is popular with our local birds. Plant in full to part shade in well drained soil. Forms a colony over time.  Green stems provide year round interest. Will reach up to 6f tall. Hard to find, don’t pass this one by. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Wildlife

Narrowleaf Sunflower

Helianthus angustifolius

With special value to our native bees (power to the bees!), this upright clumping perennial has attractive lance-shaped glossy, green leaves and (come fall) hosts of golden daisies that also provide food for migrating butterflies. Golden brown seed clusters offer winter sustenance for the birds. Deer resistant. Reaches 5-7ft tall with a 4-6ft spread. Plant in well drained, moist soils in full sun. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Deer Resistant, Native, Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Wildlife

Silverleaf hydrangea

Hydrangea radiata

An attractive fast-growing shrub, native to Appalachia, this Hydrangea has lace cap clusters of flowers that emerge in a small snowball like cluster, first green then white. The leaves have a characteristic silvery underside. Somewhat sensitive to drought, plant in moist soil. They say it’s difficult to find. Try as a foundation plant or specimen. 5-8ft tall and wide, plant in full sun to part shade. Has mid summer to late fall interest. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Native, Attracts Pollinators, Wildlife

Purple Lanceleaf Loosestrife

Lysimachia lanceolata var. purpurea

A little known subtle but tough native perennial groundcover, spreading by rhizomes and enjoying both full sun and light shade. The expanding patches of Lance-leaved Loosestrife function as weed suppressors. With abundant lovely nodding yellow flowers from early spring through summer, she is great for erosion control, groundcover, wildflower gardens, attracts butterflies and other pollinators. Fall foliage is a nice burgundy. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators, Deer Resistant

Allegheny Spurge

Pachysandra procumbens

Southeastern Native ornamental perennial groundcover that grows up to 1ft tall and spreads up to 2ft wide. Grows slowly in part to full shade in medium moisture well-draining soils. Plant spreads by rhizomes to form a dense carpet. Its semi-evergreen matte blue-green mottled leaves are of particular interest, as is the tiny yet fragrant greenish white flowers which appear in early spring. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Attracts Pollinators, Wildilfe, Native

Passionflower

Passiflora incarnata

A southeast US native, this low-maintenance perennial vine can reach anywhere from 6-30ft tall and 3-6ft wide. Easy to grow, plant in full sun to part shade in average well-draining soil. Fertilize heavily in early spring. Features three-lobed, dark green leaves and showy, 2.5″ diameter, fringed flowers having white petals and sepals and a central crown of pinkish-purple filaments. Flowers bloom in summer and are fragrant. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators

Appalachian Mock Orange

Philadelphus inodorus

A deciduous shrub native to mountains of NC, this easy-to-grow plant has an upright rounded habit with branches that arch more as it ages. Attractive cup-shaped white flowers with yellow centers bloom in small groups in late spring. Plant in full sun to light shade, in medium moisture soil. Will reach up 10ft tall and wide. Plant as a screen or border plant or to stabilize a slope/bank. Zones 5-10.

Tag: Native, Wildlife

Dart’s Gold Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Dart’s Gold’

This Ninebark selection of the native, deciduous shrub is named for its quite beautiful chartreuse  foliage. As with all ninebarks, she has attractive exfoliating bark, flowers which turn to berries and wonderful fall foliage, all adding to year round interest. Also noted for its wide arching branches and  pinky white flowers, which bloom in early summer. Plant as a background to a native perennial bed or in larger plantings for a dramatic color. Plant in full sun to light shade, will reach 4-5ft tall and wide.
Zones 3-7.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators, Foliage

American Wild Plum

Prunus Americana

Eastern native reaching 15-25ft tall and wide, the American plum produces very showy, fragrant white blooms in March before the foliage. Its dark green leaves warm up to brilliant red to pale yellow in the fall. The fruits are edible and round and ripen in early Summer. Birds and other wildlife love them. People typically like them for making jams, pies, and preserves. Often grown for ornamental value alone. Plant in full sun to part shade in dry to medium moisture, well drained soil. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Wildlife, Edible, Native

Coppertina® Ninebark

Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Mindia’ 

Coppertina is a native selection (nativar) of the already amazing deciduous shrub, Ninebark, which offers a warm color in spring as maple-like leaves emerge a shiny copper color. The leaves change to red in summer right as the blooms appear in a pinky white. Foliage darkens to red for summer and fall. Will reach 8-10ft tall and 5-6ft wide with an arching shape. Plant in full to part sun in any soil with good drainage and good air circulation. Also noted for its attractive peeling bark and bright red seed capsules in fall. An adaptable native plant that is easy-to-grow and well-suited for difficult sites.
Zones 3-8.

Tag: Native, Foliage

Cutleaf Elderberry

Sambucus nigra f. laciniata

Known for graceful, airy and finely dissected “cut leaf” deep green foliage. Large flat topped sprays of white flowers become black shiny berries. Will grow easily to 10 ft. or more. Prune to desired height. Plant in sun to light shade with moderate to occasional watering. Flowers enjoyed by pollinators, berries relished by birds. Group in naturalized areas where suckering spread may be appreciated. Attractive flowers and interesting fruits (used for preserves and more).  Zones 3-9.

Tag: Wildlife, Edible, Native

Gray (Dwarf) Goldenrod

Solidago Nemoralis

Short- and long-tongued bees, Ants, Flies, Butterflies, Moths, Beetles and Plant Bugs all enjoy the nectar and pollen from this low maintenance, clump forming native perennial. Blooming from Summer through October, Goldenrods extend the season for pollinators in your garden and provide support for migrating butterflies, like the Monarch. Reaches up to 2ft tall. Plant in full sun, actually thrives in sand, clay and gravel soils and doesn’t live as long in fertile soil. Not only is this a beautiful wildflower selection but also good for erosion control on banks and for native, wildflower or butterfly gardens and meadow plantings. The seeds can be  enjoyed by the Goldfinch and other birds. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Wildlife, Native, Attracts Pollinators

Hoary Vervain

Verbena stricta

This native is a clump-forming, vigorous perennial reaching 2-4ft tall with purple-lavender  flowers that rise up in long panicles. The summer-blooming flowers appear only a few at a time from the bottom up to the top but persist for 4-6 weeks. Plant in full sun, preferably in dry soil and wait for the butterflies and other friendly pollinators (including hummingbirds) to stop by. Quite short-lived but will self-seed readily.
Deer Resistant. Zones 4-7.

Tag: Attracts Pollinators, Deer Resistant, Native

Stiff Goldenrod

Solidago rigida

Widely adaptable, this native wildflower perennial thrives in the most inhospitable soils and tolerates a range of conditions from clay to dry sand. An important source of nectar for many pollinators, the flowers are favorite of Monarch butterflies as they fuel-up for their fall migration. The stems serve as perches for songbirds, and the seeds are an important late season bird food. Forming an important part of any ecosystem, this species is low maintenance, quite beautiful – oh, and deer resistant. Blooms August to Sept. and will reach 3-5ft tall. Zones 3-9.

Test: Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Native

Rockcastle Aster

Eurybia saxicastelli

This SE native is considered critically imperiled! The flowers appear in late summer and into fall thus extending the availability of pollen and nectar to insects who desire it. Originally, only found on a short stretch of the Rockcastle River in KY and TN. The ray florets are pale blue to white with a yellow disc that turns purplish with time. Reaches 4ft tall. Plant full sun and enjoy!

Test: Attracts Pollinators, Native

Shining Fetterbush

Lyonia Lucida

A southern native, long living,  flowering, evergreen shrub, look out for sweetly fragrant spring flowers, urn-shaped, pink and white, hanging below the shiny bright leaves and stems. Thrives in part sun to shade, has a preference for wet locations, including bogs. Great for a rain garden, shrub border or to create a hedge with interest. Slowly reaches 3-5 ft tall and wide and attracts bees, butterflies and some other insects. Zones 7-9, so avoid taking this one too far up the mountain.

Tag: Attracts Pollinators, Native

Lead Plant / Downy False Indigo

Amorpha canescens

This wee deciduous native shrub displays tall spikes of tiny purple flowers. Reaching just 1-3 ft tall, she actually has surprisingly deep roots (4ft or more), making for an attractive groundcover and choice for sunny slopes/banks. Prefers full sun it will tolerate some light shade. Not picky about soil conditions. The flowers are great for pollinators and the brown fruit are a treat for visiting wildlife. Zones 2-9.

Tag: Attracts Pollinators, Native

Bird’s Foot Violet

Viola pedata

Plant this beauty while you can. This rare native violet stands just 3″ tall but can take your breath away with a single glance. Blooming April through June, the flowers are purple with orange centers and the fine leaves are shaped like bird’s feet. Soil must be well-drained and kept free of weeds or other space invaders. But with space and care, self seeding will occur readily. Host to various Fritillary butterflies. Plant in full sun to partial shade. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies, Native

Ozark Witch Hazel

Hamamelis vernalis

A superior early-flowering native deciduous shrub (or small tree) for woodland gardens, borders, or as a specimen plant. Displays dense clusters of extremely fragrant orange to red-orange flowers in late winter. Reaches 6-10ft tall with a wider spread, plant in full sun in moist soil (loamy or sandy preferable). Deer resistant.
A delight. Zones 4-8

Tag: Attracts Pollinators, Wildlife, Native

Grape Honeysuckle

Lonicera reticulata

This rapid-growing native perennial vine can be kept as a deciduous shrub (with pruning) or allowed to twine around other plants or structures.  It can grow in sun to part shade and prefers an average to moist soil.  Showy late spring fragrant flowers  are followed by large, showy silver bracts that cover the plant all summer long. Reaches 10-15ft, fantastic in both form and flower—and the birds will love  the berries! Zones 4-8.

Tag: Deer Resistant, Native, Attracts Butterflies, Wildlife, Attracts Hummingbirds

Southern Bush Honeysuckle

Diervilla sessilifolia

A native deciduous shrub reaching 3-5ft tall and wide. Grows well in full sun and part shade and tolerates most well-draining soils. Trumpet-shaped yellow flowers group together at the end of arching stems. Blooms mid summer to early fall.  An ideal groundcover for difficult locations such as stabilizing a steep, sunny bank, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds and bees and providing cover for small animals and birds. Native to the southern Appalachians and the Smokies. Zones 4-7

Tag: Attracts Pollinators, Native, Wildlife

Flame Azalea

Rhododendron calendulaceum

This spectacular deciduous native shrub blooms in late spring, with colors so vivid you can’t help but stop and enjoy.. Native to the mountain regions of Pennsylvania through Georgia. 8′ tall and wide. Plant in full sun to part shade and a leafy, humus-rich soil with moisture. Don’t plant too deep. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators, Wildilfe, Attracts Hummingbirds

Plumleaf Azalea

Rhododendron prunifolium

A late-blooming, deciduous native azalea, this large and graceful shrub will delight with bright orange to vivid red, funnel-shaped blooms. A delicious nectar source for swallowtail butterflies and hummingbirds. Blooms contrast beautifully with the dark shiny leaves, which turn yellow in fall. Reaches 8=10ft tall and 6-8ft wide. Plant in part shade in moist, acidic, well drained soils as a specimen or a border plant or for any mixed native plant landscape.
Zones 5-9

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators, Wildlife, Attracts Hummingbirds

Mountain Bush Honeysuckle

Diervilla rivularis

Also known as Hairy Bush Honeysuckle, this compact deciduous shrub will reach 3-6ft tall and 4-8ft wide. In nature you’d find it on bluffs, banks and moist rocky areas wight here in WNC in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Flowers are showy, trumpet-shaped, pale yellow to greenish yellow and followed by oblong fruits with yellow-red fall foliage. A good groundcover in woodland gardens or slopes. Plant in full sun to part shade in average medium-moisture soil.  Will spread over time. Zones 5-7.

Tag: Foliage, Attracts Pollinators, Native

Spotted Beebalm

Monarda punctata 

Spotted beebalm, or horsemint, is a drought-tolerant native perennial with eccentric beauty, perfect for use in pollinator and rain gardens as well as meadows. Purplish stems are topped by showy round clusters of creamy purple, spotted tubular flowers that draw pollinators in droves. Host plant for some native butterflies. Reaches 2-3ft tall and 2ft wide. Prefers sandy and well-draining soils in full sun to part shade. Readily self-seeds. Zones 4-9

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators

Girard’s Rose Azalea

Azalea x ‘Girard’s Rose’

This showy, hardy azalea displays a profusion of deep rose-red, single flowers making for a thrilling spring specimen which attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Bright, lush, semi-evergreen leaves that develop a red tint in the fall. Best grown in acidic, organically rich, medium moisture soil. Roots must never be allowed to dry out. Do not plant in a deep hole. Part shade, grows to 2-3ft tall, and 2-3ft wide. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Attracts Hummingbirds

Black Dragon Japanese Cedar

Cryptomeria japonica ‘Black Dragon’

This is a dramatic, upright, slightly pyramidal, evergreen cedar with dark foliage and swirling branches that will rear up, just like the dragon of its name. Grows 8-10ft tall and 3-4ft wide. Plant in a sunny or lightly-shaded location, in any well-drained soil. Although mature plants will tolerate some drought, this plant does best with regular watering. Unlike other types of Japanese cedar, it will not turn brown in winter, but instead it retains its deep black-green foliage throughout the colder months. Plant as an attention-drawing specimen tree. Slow to moderate grower. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Evergreen

Royal Purple Smoke Tree

Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’

This shrub or small tree has stunning dark red-purple foliage that turns scarlet in autumn. It has soft plume-like seed clusters, which appear after the flowers and give a long-lasting, smoky haze to branch tips. Grows best in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, but is tolerant of other soils, and drought.  Plant height 10-15ft, width 10-15ft. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Foliage

Chinese Snowball Viburnum

Viburnum Macrocephalum

If you like hydrangeas, you are going to love this flowering shrub. In April and May, it is adorned with hydrangea-like blooms that can reach up to 6-8 inches across, the largest of the viburnum varieties. Can tolerate full sun to part shade; however, for optimal flower production it requires at least 6 hours of full sun a day. Too much shade will cause the blooms to become sparse and the shrub to become leggy. Prefers moist, well-draining soil, reaches a mature height of 15-20ft and 12ft wide. Zones 6-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers

Gold Cone Common Juniper

Juniperus communis ‘Gold Cone’ 

An upright, narrow, columnar, evergreen shrub forming a splendid exclamation point in the garden. Emerging bright gold in the spring, the foliage of tightly packed needles retains its warm color in summer and fall, before changing to blue-green in winter. Best grown in medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soils, including poor, often rocky soils. Established plants have good drought tolerance. Mature height 3-5ft, width 1-2ft. Slow growing, a wonderful specimen! Zones 5-7.

Tag: Evergreen, Foliage

Judd Viburnum

Viburnum x juddii

Wonderfully fragrant white blooms in spring and a full rounded form make this deciduous shrub a standout in the landscape. Large, rounded blooms are followed by highly ornamental berries. Needs regular watering – weekly, or more often in extreme heat. Full to partial sun. Moderate grower to 6-8 ft. tall and wide. Zones 4-8.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Pollinators

Emerald Green Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis ‘Emerald Green’

Shimmering emerald green foliage with a classic narrow, pyramidal form make the emerald arborvitae attractive in all seasons. And unlike other arborvitaes, this cultivar keeps its lustrous color even in the cold winter months.  Reaches a height of 10–15ft and a spread of 3–4ft at maturity. Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree, minimum of four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. Grows well in acidic, loamy, rich, sandy, silty loam and well-drained soils. Pinch leaves for a wonderful aroma. Zones 3-7.

Tag: Wildlife, Evergreen

Canadian Hemlock

Tsuga canadensis

This handsome and graceful evergreen is ideal for screening, groupings, and foundation plantings. Provides excellent cover for deer and songbirds. Nesting site for several warblers. Seeds are eaten by juncos, chickadees, and siskins. May be sheared to any height or shape and likes a minimum of 6–8 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. Grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy and well-drained soils. Not drought-tolerant. Medium grower, up to 40-70ft. Plant 2ft apart for hedge. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Wiildlife, Evergreen, Native

Golden Hinoki Cypress ‘Crippsii’

Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Crippsii’

A top-rated evergreen, with spectacular golden foliage, that rapidly grows into a small tree ideal as a specimen, hedge or privacy screen. Displays a graceful column of fern-like foliage that emerges in spring bright gold, and it remains gold on the tips all year round. In winter it glows with a dusting of sunlight that brightens every part of your garden.  grows best in moist, rich, well-drained soil. Once established it is moderately drought-tolerant, but it grows best with a steady supply of water. Do not plant in wet, soggy places.  Mature height 30-50ft, width 10-20ft. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Wildife, Evergreen

George Peabody Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis ‘Lutea’

Considered to be one of the very best yellow-foliaged arborvitaes available. Develops a broad, pyramidal growth habit with bright golden yellow foliage sprays that are a light yellowish green on their undersides. Holds color better than most yellow varieties, with minimal bronzing through the winter. Slow to moderate growth, loves full sun. Slightly acidic soil is best, but will tolerate most soil conditions as long as the soil drains well. Mature height 10-12ft, width 5-8ft. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Wildife, Evergreen, Foliage

Deodar Cedar

Cedrus deodara

This elegant evergreen has pendulous branches (very interesting branch patterns), attractive coloring and a pleasing shape. An evergreen tree born to be a landscape specimen. Grows to a height of 40–70ft and a spread of 20–40ft at maturity. Full sun is the ideal condition, meaning it should get at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. Grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained and clay soils. It prefers moist soil but has good drought tolerance. Will do great in lower areas near Franklin, but avoid taking her to too high of an elevation. Zones 7-9.

Tag: Evergreen, Foliage

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar

Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca Pendula’

One very dramatic weeping evergreen that makes a stunning addition to any landscape. Superb specimen for minimal-care gardens. Naturally slow-growing with a sprawling horizontal habit, though often trained into an upright, serpentine form. Pendant branchlets display icy-blue needles, creating a graceful, waterfall-like effect. Reaches 15 to 20 ft. tall and wide, in natural form. Once established, water occasionally; more in extreme heat. Full sun.  Zones 6-9.

Tag: Evergreen, Foliage

Carolina Allspice

Calycanthus floridus

This Southeastern native deciduous shrub has showy, browny-red, fragrant flowers which bloom at the end of short branchlets in mid Spring. The lustrous green foliage turns golden yellow in fall and has a spicy aroma when scratched. AKA Sweetshrub. Plant near an entry way to enjoy that fragrant flower aroma. Great as a foundation or border plant. Sun to part shade. 6-10ft tall and 6-12ft wide. Zones 4-9.

Tag: Native, Cut Flowers, Foliage

Piedmont Azalea

Rhododendron canescens

Also known as Mountain Azalea, this native deciduous shrub will reach from 6–8ft tall and 6-10ft wide and commonly found along moist woods and along the banks of swamps and streams. Features clusters of fragrant, funnel-shaped pink (occasionally white) blooms. Plant in a grouping for an effective display of color and beauty. Plant in part shade in acidic, organically rich, well-draining soils. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Attracts Pollinators, Native

Coastal Azalea

Rhododendron atlanticum

This loosely-branched, suckering deciduous azalea is native to coastal plains along the Eastern United States. Maturing around 2-3ft tall and wide with blue green leaves and white and sometimes pink blooms, this azalea emits a very fragrant aroma. Best grown in acidic, sandy, well-draining soil in part shade. Keep soil uniformly moist but it must still drain well.  Attracts butterflies in droves.
Zones 6-8

Tag: Attracts Pollinators, Native

Royal Fern

Osmunda regalis

Royal Ferns add both wonderful color and texture to your shaded areas. They are large ferns (Reaching 2-3ft tall and wide, and more if they’re adorably happy) that offer a layer of elegance when planted with contrasting plants. The spore-producing spike resembles a cluster of flowers hence why it’s also known as Flowering Fern. Slow-spreader, plant in bogs and wet areas in part to full shade. Zones 3-10.

Tag: Native, Deer Resistant

Boneset

Eupatorium perfoliatum

A native to the southeastern US, Boneset is a large, hairy, clump-forming perennial native. Naturally occurring in wet soils and along stream banks. Prized for her flat-topped clusters of small, fluffy white flowers which appear above the foliage. Hard to find. Reaches 4-6ft tall and 3-4ft wide. Plant in full sun to part shade in average, medium to wet, soil. Great for a rain garden. Zones 3-8

Tag: Attracts Pollinators, Native

Winterberry ‘Winter Sprite’

Ilex verticillata ‘Winter Sprite’

Winterberry is a deciduous, slow-growing dwarf holly.  ‘Winter Sprite is a female cultivar who maxes out at 3-5ft tall and wide. She is cherished for a profusion of bright red berries in fall and winter.  Be sure to get a male pollinizer, such as the ‘Southern Gentleman’.  Her modest size makes an ideal small garden shrub. Plant in full sun to part shade in average, medium to wet, well-draining, acidic soils. Wonderful in mass plantings (one male will pollinize 9-10 females!). Berry branches make wonderful holiday decorations.

Tag: Wildlife, Berries, Native

Red Chokeberry

Aronia arbutifolia

This deciduous, multi-stemmed eastern US native shrub is an all-round crowd pleaser. Grows in a natural vase shape, reaching 6-10ft wide and 3-6ft wide with white to light pink flowers that are followed by abundant glossy red fruit (loved by the birds, but also can be used to make tasty jams and jellies). Has excellent fall color—a wonderful native alternative to the invasive burning bush. Plant in full sun to part shade in average, medium moisture, well draining soil. Zones 4-9

Tag: Berries, Wildlife, Native

Winterberry ‘Winter Sprite’

Ilex verticillata ‘Winter Sprite’

Winterberry is a deciduous, slow-growing dwarf holly.  ‘Winter Sprite is a female cultivar who maxes out at 3-5ft tall and wide. She is cherished for a profusion of bright red berries in fall and winter.  Be sure to get a male pollinizer, such as the ‘Southern Gentleman’.  Her modest size makes an ideal small garden shrub. Plant in full sun to part shade in average, medium to wet, well-draining, acidic soils. Wonderful in mass plantings (one male will pollinize 9-10 females!). Berry branches make wonderful holiday decorations.

Tag: Wildlife, Berries, Native

Snow Queen Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Queen’

Named after the shape of their quite awesome leaves, the deciduous Oakleaf Hydrangea is native to the southeast US. With an upright broad and rounded habit, she typically reaches 4-6ft tall and 6-8ft wide with rather showy 4-12 in long white flowers, which turn pinkish with age. Deep red foliage in fall! Plant in full sun to part shade in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Add mulch in summer to retail soil moisture. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Wildife, Foliage, Native

Florida Torreya

Torreya taxifolia

This southeastern native needled evergreen is quite a unique sight. Part of the Yew family, this tree has been listed as critically endangered. Will reach 40-50ft tall and wide when mature, has spreading to slightly droopy branches and a loose pyramidal shape. Plant in part shade (will tolerate full shade) in moist, rich, well draining soil. Zones 6-8.

Tag: Everegreen, Native

Mohr’s Rosinweed

Silphium mohrii

Native to the southeastern US, her bright yellow flower resembles an early-blooming sunflower but with a shorter stature and a tough stem, keeping the bloom upright with little in the way of surrounding plants for support. Tolerates dry soils and will slowly form small colonies. A great plant for some of our native solitary bees. Reaching up to 5ft tall, plant in full sun in dry to wet soil. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Native, Attracts Pollinators

White Boltonia

Boltonia asteroides ‘Snowbank’

Commonly called False Chamomile or False Aster, this native perennials reaches 3-4ft tall and features tiny, daisy-like flowers in loose panicles covering the entire plant. Perfect for a native border. The stems begin to branch at about half-height adding to the backdrop of abundant glistening white flowers. Plant in full sun to part shade in wet to moist soil. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Cut Flowers, Attracts Pollinators, Native

Blackhaw Viburnum

Viburnum prunifolium

This native of the viburnum family is considered either a tall shrub or small tree, reaching 12-15ft tall and 6-12ft wide. Glossy dark green leaves turn an attractive shade of red and purple in the fall. The fruits are edible (quite tasty when ripe) and good for jams or jellies IF you beat the birds and other wildlife to get them. Spring brings white flat-topped flowers. Consider as part of a mixed screen or in the background of your native garden. Plant in full sun to part shade in average, dry-to-medium, well draining soil.  Cross pollination is not required for flowering.  Buy 2 if you’d like berries. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Berries, Attracts Pollinators, Wildlife, Foliage, Native

Golden Topaz Azalea

Rhododendron ‘Gold Topaz’

This hard-to-find deciduous shrub displays a beautiful golden yellow blossom. The foliage takes on a magnificent red tint in fall. A wonderful specimen for your native garden. Reaches 6-8ft tall and 5-6ft wide. Plant in full sun to partial shade in medium moisture, acidic, well-draining soil. Native to WNC down to North Florida.  Zones 6-9.

Tag: Foliage, Attracts Pollinators, Native

Meadowsweet

Spiraea alba

This absolutely wonderful deciduous shrub is a perfect accompaniment for streams, ponds, low spots or boggy areas, rain gardens (or in any garden with regular watering). Native to Eastern US, Meadowsweet reached 2-4ft tall and wide and features cone-shaped clusters of tiny, white flowers blooming in summer. Attracts butterflies to your garden. Plant in full sun to part shade in average, medium-to-wet, well draining soil. Full sun is optimal. Remove spent flower clusters to promote additional bloomage. Zones 3-9.

Tag: Attracts Pollinators, Native

Steeplebush

Spiraea tomentosa

Native to some parts of Europe and ALSO the Eastern US, this deciduous suckering shrub grows 2-4ft tall and wide and naturally enjoys wet meadows, wet and boggy areas, and alongside lakes and ponds. Flowers  are tiny and pink to rose-purple color on narrow, steeple-shaped, terminal spikes (4-8” long), blooms mid summer to early fall. Plant in full sun in average, acidic, moist to wet soils. Remove faded flower to promote additional blooms. Prune in late winter. Zones 3-8.

Tag: Attracts Pollinators, Native

Blue Sage

Salvia azurea

This easy-to-grow, native to North Carolina, clump-forming perennial has unusually clear blue blooms. The leaves, when crushed or rubbed, emit a wonderful aromatic smell. A wonderful addition to a native meadow garden, as it is prone to a droopy head so can be held up by neighboring grasses.  Reaches 3-5ft tall and 2-4ft wide and blooms July to October. Tolerates deer, dry soil and drought (once established) AND shallow-rocky soil. Plant in full sun. Cut back up to a half in spring to promote compactness. Zones 5-9.

Tag: Attracts Pollinators, Native

White Star Sedge

Rhynchospora colorata

A showy addition to a native bog or water garden, the North American Native star sedge is unique in that it appears as if it has showy, daisy-like flowers. These bracts attract insect pollinators, which is unusual in this primarily wind-pollinated family.  Reaches 1-2ft tall and blooms in summer. Plant in full sun to part shade. Divide when plants get too large. Has good deer resistant properties.  This sedge is better in the Franklin and lower areas. Zones 7-10.

Tag: Attracts Pollinators, Native

Climbing Prairie Rose

Rosa setigera

A wonderful Native (to the Eastern US) rose shrub with vine-like characteristics. Naturally mounds to 4ft tall and can be trained to climb up to 15ft tall, with a support.  Substitute the invasive Multiflora rose. Plant in full sun (best) to part shade, fragrant clusters of deep pink flowers (2” wide) appear in early to mid summer. Plant in average soil with medium moisture. Has deep red foliage in fall. Zones 5-8.

Tag: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Native

Mandarin Lights Azalea

Azalea x ‘Mandarin Lights’ 

A hardy native-hybrid deciduous shrub that provides a massive display of bright, mandarin orange blooms in spring, before the foliage emerges.  Plant in full to part sun in humus-rich, acidic, well-drained soil. Shelter from severe sun exposure, water deeply in first growing system. Keep roots cool with a layer of mulch. An attractive addition to any garden, reaching 4-5ft tall and 3-4ft wide.  Zones 3-7.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Pollinators

Oconee Azalea

Rhododendron flammeum 

This eye-catching, upright deciduous azalea is native to the Piedmont region and is found in woodland areas, dry slopes and stream bluffs. Funnel-shaped flowers with 2” long stamens bloom in mid-April as the leaves first emerge. Flowers are yellow-orange to orange to red in color. Will reach 6-8ft tall and wide. Plant in part shade in acidic, organically rich, medium moisture soil.  Does not like wet feet. Plant shallow and cover roots with mulch.  Zones 6-7.

Tag: Attracts Pollinators, Native

Mandarin Lights Azalea

Azalea x ‘Mandarin Lights’ 

A hardy native-hybrid deciduous shrub that provides a massive display of bright, mandarin orange blooms in spring, before the foliage emerges.  Plant in full to part sun in humus-rich, acidic, well-drained soil. Shelter from severe sun exposure, water deeply in first growing system. Keep roots cool with a layer of mulch. An attractive addition to any garden, reaching 4-5ft tall and 3-4ft wide.  Zones 3-7.

Tag: Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Pollinators

Fraser Magnolia

Magnolia fraseri

Uniquely native to the Southern and Central Appalachian mountains, this deciduous, native magnolia is an excellent ornamental tree that has vast appeal to wildlife and pollinators. Plant in moist, rich, acidic soil in full sun to part shade, this easy-to-grow tree will max out around 40ft tall and offers dazzling white fragrant upright flowers and appealing foliage.  A moderate grower, consider as a specimen in your native garden. Zones 6-9

Wood’s Purple Aster (Dwarf)

Aster dumosus ‘Wood’s Purple’

A late season bloomer, has masses of small, semi-double, purple flowers with a yellow center. A perfect addition to a full sun to part shade perennial garden ( think: borders and edging plants). Reaches 12-18″ tall and wide, growing in a bushy habit. Deer and rabbit resistant! Plant in average moisture, well draining soil. A must if you are trying to attract birds or butterflies to your garden. Zones 4-8

Iron Butterfly Ironweed

Vernonia lettermanii ‘Iron Butterfly’

A superb choice for late-season blooming, adding bright color to your landscape and providing essential food for traveling butterflies and late-season pollinators. With fine-textured foliage and magenta purple flower clusters, this perennial can tolerate poor dry soil and hot sites while also attracting butterflies in droves. Reached 3ft tall, plant in a full sun to mostly sunny location. Can be divided in late fall or early Spring.
Zones 4-9

Staghorn Sumac

Rhus typhina

A deciduous, native “tough as nails” shrub that will form colonies and reach 15-30ft tall. Sumacs grow in dry waste areas, including impossible slopes where even the junipers may struggle! Fast growing, generally disease free and drought-tolerant, their berries provide winter food for many songbirds and other wildlife. A great source of vitamin C, humans may also harvest the sumac berries to make a unique lemonade. In winter the bare widely forking twigs resemble deer antlers. Plant in full sun to part shade.
Zones 5-8.

Cherry Birch (Black, Sweet Birch)

Betula lenta

A deciduous, Eastern-US native, pyramidal-shaped tree that can mature at 60-70ft tall. Commonly seen in the mountains of WNC. Lightly scratch a twig or branch and you will smell wintergreen, which is commonly harvested. Best grown in moist, acidic, well draining soil in full sun to part shade (can tolerate deep shade). Host plant to several butterflies and moths. Seeds are enjoyed by birds. Foliage turns yellow in fall. Beautiful bark. Zones 3-7.

White Baneberry (Doll’s Eyes)

Actaea  pachypoda

With striking visual interest, this slow-growing, North American ,native perennial is a low maintenance, ornamental addition to your landscape.  It produces white berries with deep purple “pupils” that have the appearance of doll’s eyes. Planted in full to part shade in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil, will reach 1.5-2.5ft tall with a spread of 2-3ft.  Zones 3-8.

Downy Rattlesnake Orchid

Goodyera pubescens

Wildflower of the year, 2016, this evergreen member of the orchid family is a perennial herb with eye-catching leaves of bluish-green color with prominent white veins (from which it derives its name). The bloom spike produces delicate white flowers in July and August. Plant in dappled sunlight in slightly acidic soil, cover soil in mulch to aid with moisture retention. Beautiful and unique, difficult to find. Zones 4-10.

White Heath Aster

Symphyotrichum ericoides

An explosion of profuse, showy white flowers emerge from the stem in late summer and early fall, providing pollen for insects and butterflies later in the season. This is a host plant to the Pearl Crescent Butterfly.  Plant in average, dry-to-medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Generally tolerates poor soil. Reaching 1-3ft tall, this makes a wonderful cut flower and is very attractive to butterflies!
Zones 3-10.

Bigleaf Magnolia

Magnolia macrophylla

Unique for her huge oblong-ovate leaves (up to 30 inches large!!), this native North American tree can reach 30-40ft tall with a pyramidal shape and rounded crown. Showy fragrant flowers (white with rose purple at the base) turn to cone-like fruits (red in color) in late summer. This magnolia should be planted in full sun to part shade in well draining, moist soil. Zones 5-8.

Striped Maple

Acer pensylvanicum

This Eastern native small deciduous tree is perfect for shady landscapes, providing food and habitat to pollinators and local wildlife. Identified by her bark (vertically striped), this maple reaches between 15 and 25ft tall. Bell-shaped green-yellow flowers bloom in late spring to early summer. Plant in shade to part shade in moist, well-draining soil. Avoid full sun! Bright yellow fall foliage.
Zones 3-7.

‘Cherokee Princess’ Dogwood

Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Princess’

Medium-growing small tree growing to 15-20′. Likes sun to part shade, and is hardy to -15°F. Heavy bloomer with white flowers on naked stems in April. Great fall foliage with red berry clusters around September to December. Plant in full to part sun, plant in rich, well-drained acidic soil. Best with some shelter. Mulch roots in summer. Zones 5-9.

Variegated Stellar Pink Dogwood

Cornus x rutgersensis KV10-105v1′ PP #24,952

This superb new dogwood offers exciting color! Each leaf is edged in white, with overlapping hues of green and white, turning a brilliant red-purple in the fall. Seashell pink flowers smother the branches in spring, followed by decorative bright red fruit. A versatile, small tree for lawn or woodland plantings. Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil. Vigorous, upright-branching tree; reaches 20 to 24 ft. tall and wide. Full to partial sun. Zones 5-9.

Franco’s Red Dogwood

Cornus florida ‘Franco’s Red’’

The distinguishing feature of Franco’s Red is the large bloom size. First blooms are a vibrant red and will eventually develop into large (3″-4″ across) beautiful pink blooms and a beautiful foliage! Glossy red fruit adorn it in the fall. This fast-grower is considered both a flowering and ornamental tree. Grows to a height and spread of 15-20ft at maturity. Prefers acidic, loamy, moist, rich, well drained clay soils. Full sun. Zones 5-9.

Stellar Pink Dogwood

Cornus x ‘Rutgan’

Profuse, large, overlapping, blush pink, flower-like bracts cover this small but vigorous hybrid dogwood tree in early spring. The fully branched habit provides layers of lush green foliage from bottom to top. A magnificent landscape specimen for small gardens or woodland settings. A sterile cultivar that produces no fruit. Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil. Full to Partial sun. Has a uniform width from top to bottom, typically maturing to 15-20’ tall and as wide. Zones 5-8.

Dogwood Rubra

Cornus florida f. rubra 

A simply breathtaking tree when in bloom, featuring large yet dainty pinkish-red blooms in spring and excellent wide-spreading form. Requires rich, well-drained acidic soil and adequate precipitation, best with some shelter. Mulch roots in summer. Attractive orange-red ornamental fruit appears in fall. Will reach 15-30′ tall and wide. A wonderful specimen tree. Zones 5-9.

‘Cherokee Chief’ Dogwood

Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Chief’

A classic beauty, offering deep, ruby-red flower bracts and four seasons of interest. New leaves emerge bronze-red in spring, maturing to green. Autumn brings fantastic burgundy-red foliage. The show continues into winter, with red fruit clinging to bare branches. Grows 15 to 20ft tall and 20 to 25ft wide. Full to partial sun with moderate water requirements, water weekly or more in extreme heat. Zone 5-9.

Swamp Rattlesnake Master

Eryngium yuccifolium

Stiff, narrow, Yucca-like foliage reaches 3-4′ tall and wide, with creamy-white button-like flowers along narrow stems in summer. Flowers dry on stems, and the texture of this plant is terrific. Plant in sun and good, well-drained garden soil.  Zones 5-9.

Green Spiral Silver Fir

Abies alba ‘Green Spiral’

An elegant conifer, unique and somewhat contorted growth habit with pendulous branches.

Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Sun: Sun to partial shade

Water: Regular, moderate moisture

Soil: Rich acidic soil, well drained

Height / Width: 20-30ft tall / 10-15ft wide

Zone: 4-8

Notable Characteristics: Likes cooler climates, low maintenance, growth rate: 6-12in / year

Prostrate Beauty Deodar Cedar

Cedrus deodara ‘Prostrate Beauty’

A true blue in color, nearly flat when young, developing a leader with age, if not pruned.

Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Sun: Full sun

Water: Moist, well drained

Soil: Well drained acidic loam

Height / Width: 4-5ft tall / 8-10ft wide

Zone: 7-9

Notable Characteristics: Soft feathery look, distinctive color, slow growth rate 1-2in / year

Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis ‘Bobozam’

Naturally rounded with dense foliage. The lacy, rich green foliage has excellent year-round color.

Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Sun: Full sun

Water:  Water well until established

Soil: Tolerates wide range of soils

Height / Width: 24-30in tall / 24-30in wide

Zone: 3-8

Notable Characteristics: Naturally rounded shape slow growth rate 1-2in / year

Dwarf Japanese Cedar

Cryptomeria japonica ‘Globosa Nana’

A superb selection that retains a natural, dense, dome shape with little care.

Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Sun: Full, partial sun

Water: Moist, well drained

Soil: Widely adaptable, tolerates acidic soil

Height / Width: 2-3ft tall / 4-8ft wide

Zone: 5-7

Notable Characteristics: Foliage becomes blueish-green in winter, moderate growth 3-4in / year

Sea Green Juniper

Juniperus chinensis ‘Sea Green’

Beautiful dark green foliage that darkens in winter. Compact spreader with fountain-like, branches.

Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Sun: Full sun

Water: Average to medium moisture

Soil: Tolerates wide range of soils. Acidic pH

Height / Width: 4-6ft tall / 6-8ft wide

Zone: 4-9

Notable Characteristics: Deer resistant, slow growth rate 1ft in 5 years

North Pole Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis ‘Art Boe’ PP #22,174

A very cool new evergreen that will retain its dark green winter foliage color.

Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Sun: Full to partial

Water: Moist, well drained

Soil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand

Height / Width: 10-15ft tall / 3-5ft wide

Zone: 3-7

Notable Characteristics: Resistant to winter burn, growth rate: 12-18in / year

Gold Coast Juniper

Juniperus x pfitzeriana ‘Aurea Improved’

Golden color and compact form make this evergreen an excellent choice as a colorful accent.

Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Sun: Full Sun

Water: Moist, well drained

Soil: Ranging from sand to clay

Height / Width: 3ft tall / 4ft wide

Zone: 3-9

Notable Characteristics: Color deepens in winter, moderate growth rate 6in / year

Gold Drift Spruce

Picea abies ‘Gold Drift’

Lime-green needles dusted with gold. Cascading growth forms a dense groundcover.

Type: Tree / groundcover

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Sun: Full

Water: Evenly moist

Soil: Tolerant of a wide range of soils

Height / Width: 12-15ft tall / 10-12ft wide

Zone: 3-8

Notable Characteristics: Can be staked or left as groundcover. Fast-growing, 12in / year

Weeping White Spruce

Picea glauca ‘Pendula’

Pendulous branches covered with short, densely packed needles. A graceful, weeping effect to the landscape.

Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Sun: Full to partial sun

Water: Moist, well drained

Soil: Combination of sand and loam

Height / Width: 20-30ft tall / 6-10ft wide

Zone: 2-8

Notable Characteristics: Fragrant foliage, fast growth 12in / year

Green Arrow Nootka Cypress

Cupressus nootkatensis ‘Green Arrow’ 

Spectacular vertical accent that shoots for the sky. Weeping side branches add to the dramatic effect.

Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Sun: Full to light shade

Water: Moist but well-drained

Soil: Chalk, clay, loam. Neutral pH

Height / Width: 18-30ft tall / 2-5ft wide

Zone: 4-8

Notable Characteristics: No significant pests/diseases, fast growing up to 2ft / year

Andorra Juniper

Juniperus horizontalis

Tightly branched, low-growing with handsome foliage creates a versatile groundcover.

Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Sun: Full

Water: Water occasionally; more in extreme heat

Soil: Highly adaptable. Neutral pH

Height / Width: 1-2ft tall / 4-10ft wide

Zone: 3-9

Notable Characteristics: Foliage turns plum color  in winter, slow to moderate growth rate 4-8in / year

Red Buckeye

Aesculus pavia

Spending its life in the shadows, this handsome understory tree with dark green, glossy leaves is covered in bright rosy-red flower panicles in spring. Wildlife: hummingbirds and pollinators to squirrels.

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Sun: Full to part shade

Water: Well drained, moderate

Soil: moist, organically rich, slightly acidic

Height / Width: 12-15ft tall and wide

Zone: 4-8

Growth Rate: Slow to Medium

Notable Characteristics: Plants tend to leaf scorch in dry soil. One of the most beautiful trees one can plant.

Northern Catalpa

Catalpa speciosa

White flowers, giant heart-shaped leaves, and dangling bean-like seed pods, this tree is visited by hummingbirds and is the sole host of the
Catalpa Sphinx Moth.

Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Sun: Full to part shade

Water: Well drained, moderate

Soil: average, medium to wet

Height / Width: 40-60ft height / 20-40ft width

Zone: 4-8

Growth Rate: Med-fast (13-24in/year)

Notable Characteristics: Flowers are a real showstopper.

Freeman Maple ‘Autumn Blaze’

Acer x freemanii ‘Autumn Blaze’

A hybrid of silver and red maples, stunning in all of her fall glory, superior for color. Large leaves are deeply divided, and persist longer than most maples.

Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Sun: Full to part shade

Water: Well drained, moderate

Soil: moist, organically rich, slightly acidic

Height / Width: 40-60ft height / 40-50ft width

Zone: 4-9

Growth Rate: Fast growth 3ft/year

Notable Characteristics: Valuable food source for  wildlife.

Swamp White Oak

Quercus bicolor

A striking oak tree with attractive peeling bark when young. Fall color is an orange-gold to yellow. The plump acorns attract birds, squirrels, wild turkeys; this tree is a host plant for many native butterfly species.

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Sun: Full

Water: Average to medium moisture, well drained

Soil: Acidic, moist, tolerant of clay soil

Height / Width: 50-60ft tall and wide

Zone: 3-8

Growth Rate: Medium-Fast (12-24-in per year)

Noteworthy:  Can live more than 300 years.

Yellow Birch

Betula alleghaniensis

An esteemed native tree that has an incredible fall display of bright yellow and gold leaves. Many moths and butterflies use this tree as their host plant for feeding their young, which in turn feed baby birds.

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Sun: Full

Water: Well drained, moderate

Soil: Most types

Height / Width: 60-75ft height / 35-50ft width

Zone: 3-7

Growth Rate:  Moderate to fast.

Noteworthy: Typically grows above 3000ft elevation.

American Hornbeam

Carpinus caroliniana

Its common name, musclewood, comes from its attractive blue-gray bark, fluted with sinewy ridges. Host plant for the caterpillars of several species of butterflies, including the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail.

Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Sun: Part shade to full shade

Water: Regular watering during dry spells

Soil: deep, fertile, moist, acidic soil

Height / Width: 20-40ft height / 20-30ft width

Zone: 3-9

Growth rate: slow, 1ft/year

Noteworthy: Understory tree, tolerates heavy shade

Scarlet Oak

Quercus coccinea

Provides brilliant red fall color that extends into winter, making an excellent splash against the snow. High wildlife value, serving as host to many species of native caterpillars that are critical food for baby birds.

Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Sun: Full Sun

Water: Well drained, moderate

Soil: versatile range, avoid alkaline

Height / Width: 60-80ft height / 40-50ft width

Zone: 4-9

Growth Rate: Medium 13-24in/year

Noteworthy:  Attractive glossy green foliage in summer

Swamp Chestnut Oak

Quercus michauxii 

Part of the white oak family, produces extremely large acorns that are attractive to deer, birds, bats, amphibians, and many other creatures. Leaves turn dark red in fall.

Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Sun: Full  (will tolerate some shade)

Water: Medium to wet

Soil: acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy.

Height / Width: 40-60ft height / 30-50ft width

Zone: 6-9

Growth Rate: Medium 13-24in/year

Noteworthy: Acorns can be eaten without boiling.

Willow Oak

Quercus phellos

A handsome oak tree with willow-like leaves. Foliage is light to bright green in summer and yellow, yellow-brown and russet in fall. This tree is a high-value wildlife tree for butterflies, birds and mammals.

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Sun: Full Sun, tolerates light shade

Water: Medium to wet, well drained

Soil: Adapts to a wide range of soils, slightly acidic

Height / Width: 40-60ft height / 30-40ft width

Zone: 5-9

Growth rate: Medium 13-24-in/year

Noteworthy: Host for White M Hairstreak butterfly

Bur Oak

Quercus macrocarpa

One of the most majestic of the oak species with leathery dark green leaves. Attracts songbirds, host plant for larvae of Edwards’ Hairstreak, Horace’s Duskywing butterfly.

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Sun: Full

Water: Well drained, moderate

Soil: adapts to a wide range

Height / Width: 70-80ft height / 80ft width

Zone: 3-8

Growth Rate: slow growth 12in/year

Noteworthy: Acorn cups are covered with a mossy scale or bur

Bracken’s Brown Beauty Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’

A hardy magnolia tree that transplants well and does not lose as many leaves as others, with better cold tolerance too. Seed cones are utilized by various wildlife.

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Sun: Full to part shade

Water: Well drained, moderate

Soil: moist, organically rich

Height / Width: 20-30ft height / 15-25ft width

Zone: 5-9

Growth Rate: Fast growth 1-2ft/year

Noteworthy: Large creamy white flowers with exotic fragrance, pyramidal habit.

Bailey Red Twig Dogwood

Cornus sericea  ‘Baileyi’

Add winter interest to your landscape for its wonderful flame-red winter stems. Attracts birds and butterflies to your garden. Excellent as a mass planting.

Type: Shrub, small tree / Deciduous

Sun: Full sun to part shade

Water: Medium to wet, tolerates boggy conditions.

Soil: Normal, Sandy, Clay, Acidic

Height / Width: 6-10ft tall and wide

Zone: 3-8

Growth Rate: Fast

Noteworthy: For best color, prune stems in early spring by removing 20-25% of the oldest stems.

Black Oak

Quercus Velutina

Dark leaves with a dark, furrowed bark, this member of the red oak family has yellow spring catkins and colorful foliage in Fall. Host plant to numerous butterfly and moth larvae, which in turn provide food for birds.

Type: Tree / Deciduous

Sun: Full sun, part shade

Water: Dry to medium, well-drained

Soil: Average,0rganically rich, moist. Has a deep taproot.

Height / Width: 50-60ft tall and wide

Zone: 3-9

Growth Rate: Medium

Noteworthy: Provides wonderful nesting space and cover for wildlife and is a good medium-sized shade tree.

Southern Red (or Spanish) Oak

Quercus Falcata

Wonderful summer glossy, green leaves and vibrant red or yellow foliage during the fall, makes a wonderful contrast in your landscape. Host plant for Banded hairstreak and White M hairstreak butterflies.

Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Sun: Full sun. Tolerates some part shade

Water: Dry to medium

Soil: Sandy, loamy, clay, acid-based, sandy

Height / Width: 60-80ft tall and 40-50ft wide

Zone: 6-9

Growth Rate: Decent growth,  12-24-in/year

Noteworthy: Ornamental, an attractive shade tree.

Silky Dogwood

Cornus Amomum

A great specimen; with creamy white spring flowers, dark green foliage, reddish stems and burgundy fall color. Somewhat wild, good for naturalized areas and along streams.

Type: Deciduous tree

Sun: Full sun to part shade (almost full shade)

Water: Medium to wet

Soil: Acid soil, alkaline soil, sandy soil,

Height / Width: 6-12ft tall and wide

Zone: 5-8

Growth Rate: Moderate 13-24in/year

Noteworthy: Host plant for the spring/summer Azure butterflies.

White Oak

Quercus alba

With its stocky barrel trunk, large horizontal limbs and upright spreading branches, this oak has a crown-like appearance. A Keystone Species, White Oaks support ecosystems like very few other species can and are host to a number of butterfly and moths.

Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Sun: Full sun

Water: Moist, well-drained, drought tolerant

Soil: slightly acidic, neutral,

Height / Width: 50-80ft tall and wide

Zone: 3-9

Growth Rate: Slow to moderate 12-24in/year

Noteworthy: The White Oak is the perfect shade tree.

American Smoke Tree

Cotinus Obovatus

An outstanding small, ornamental tree, native to mountain areas around here. Leaves are blue-green in spring and have a variety of colors in fall—some of the best colors you’ll find!. The flowers form (awesome) ethereal clouds of pink and purple in spring.

Type: Tree / Deciduous

Sun: Full sun

Water: Moist, well-drained (can be drought tolerant)

Soil: Average

Height / Width: 20-30ft tall and slightly less wide

Zone: 4-8

Growth Rate: Moderate 13-24in/year

Noteworthy: Once established, she’s very low maintenance.

Sourwood Tree

Oxydendrum Arboreum

White, fragrant flowers (the source of the finest honey) appear in early summer. Leaves are rich green, turning yellow, red and purple in fall.

Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Sun: Full sun. Will tolerate part shade.

Water: Moist, well-drained

Soil: Acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, and clay soils

Height / Width: 25-30ft tall and 20ft wide

Zone: 5-9

Growth Rate: Fairly rapid 13-24in/year

Noteworthy: Flowers remains in place and give way to dry capsules that ripen to silver-gray in September which stand out against the red fall foliage.