Plant List

We order some plants from nurseries, but also benefit from "pass-along" contributions in which people divide specimens from their yards and gardens. We know we'll have the varieties listed below, but there may be other kinds of plants at the sale. Plants are listed by botanic name.

Anemone hupehensis var. japonica ( Japanese Anemone )

This plant brings a special delight to fall with its profuse pink flowers. The flower scapes rise above the rich green basal foliage about 30". A morning sun or dappled sunlight with moist organic soil is best.

Anemone sylvestris ( Snowdrop Anemone )

Light green parted leaves with wonderful white flowers in spring. Truly a great addition to the partial shade of a woodland garden. This plant runs freely, but small plantlets are easily uprooted. Morning sun with afternoon shade provides optimal environment along with a moist soil.

Aquilegia x hybrids 'Dorothy Rose' ( Granny's Bonnet )

A the flower stems are 24' to 30" with light pink blooms in late spring. The foliage is low and an attractive light blue-green. Columbine prefers moist, well-drained, rich organic soil and light to moderate shade.

Artemisia schmidtiana 'Silver Mound' ( Silver Mound Artemisia )

A very soft looking mound to a bout 8"-10" with light green/silvery looking dissected foliage. Use for several areas: edging, container planting, rock garden. Does best in a hot dry area; will fade away in poor drainage.

Astilbe chinensis 'Maggie Daley' ( Astilbe, False Spirea )

This astilbe has striking purple plumes that contrasts with dark foliage. Flowers bloom in mid summer on stems to 28 inches. Astilbes require a moist soil and full shade or dappled sunlight. To maintain healthy plants never let the soil dry out and divide every 2 - 3 years!

Astilbe chinensis 'Milk and Honey' ( Chinese Astilbe 'Milk and Honey' )

A new white astilbe that claims to hold up well under sun and drought...if it does hold up to these cultural conditions, it will be quite a change for this plant! A vigorous, prolific bloomer of white flowers in mid to late summer on scapes to 30". I'm still going to recommend a moist soil with some shade until I test this astilbe in the sun with dry conditions.

Astilbe 'Sugarberry' ( Hybrid Astilbe 'Sugarberry' )

Another new dwarf astilbe that grow to about 10" in height with a floriferous display of pink triangular plumes in early to mid summer. The foliage is petite with finely textured leaves and forms a compact mound. Consider using as a center piece in a large container planting or in the front of a flower bed. Astilbes require a moist soil and full shade or dappled sunlight. To maintain healthy plants never let the soil dry out and divide every 2 - 3 years!

Astilbe 'Younique Carmine' ( Hybrid Astilbe 'Younique Carmine' )

The "Younique" series of astilbes offer a higher flower scape count and compact foliage. 'Carmine' provides fuchsia-red plumes from 16"-20" in early to mid summer. Astilbes require a moist soil and full shade or dappled sunlight. To maintain healthy plants never let the soil dry out and divide every 2 - 3 years!

Bergenia cordifolia 'Winter Glow' ( Pig Squeak, Bergenia )

The glossy, evergreen leaves are heavy, leathery and waxy looking. In the fall the leaves turn a reddish bronze and can extend through a mild winter. In early spring bright red flowers arise in clusters (panicles) to about 12" in height in the early spring. Trim the old growth away to encourage new leaf growth. Use near the edge of a border in a group of three or more for an effective display all year. They perform best in a moist shade with morning sun.

Brunnera macrophylla 'King's Ransom' ( Heartleaf Brunnera 'King's Ransom' )

Consider this plant mainly for its foliage which consists of heart-shaped leaves with creamy yellow margins and a light frosting over the silver leaves with strong green veination. A woodland plant that enjoys partial shade and moist organic soil conditions. The flowers are a delightful, tiny forget-me-not light blue. This is a tidy clump grower of 12" in height and about 18" in width. A great specimen plant selection for the shady garden.

Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus' ( Red Valerian, Jupiter's Beard )

An old fashion garden plant that thrives in limey soils...our kind of plant! The flowers are fragrant, carmine rose color which bloom from early to late summer. Plant height 24" to 36". Requires sun and little water; a good plant for beginning gardeners.

Coreopsis 'Galaxy' ( Threadleaf Coreopsis 'Galaxy' )

Galaxy' is a short (12") compact cultivar that sports semi-double to double canary flowers for a long period (early summer to early fall). The foliage is more coarse than refined and a healthy green in color. This plant requires full sun and a moist well-drained soil.

Dianthus 'Coconut Punch' ( Pinks, Carnations 'Coconut Punch' )

Coconut Punch' sports large, fragrant, double blossoms with deep red and white markings in the center of each petal. The foliage is grey-green, grassy in appearance and grows to about 12". Dianthus should be provided with full sun, excellent drainage and slightly alkaline soils (our type) for best results. A good plant for small gardens along the border path.

Dicentra exima x formosa 'Luxuriant' ( Fringed Bleeding Heart )

A beautiful specimen plant, fine texture, rounded form, suitable for shaded border, wildflower garden, rock garden or cut flowers. The flower buds are cherry red, the fern-leaf foliage is gray-blue, graceful and medium textured. The size is 12" - 18" tall by 18" wide. Bloom time is April - October. Bleeding hearts require partial to full shade (seem to really enjoy early morning sun) and a well-drained, moist, organic soil to perform at their peak.

Echinacea purpurea 'Prairie Splendor' ( Purple Coneflower 'Prairie Splendor' )

This is a native cultivar developed for its large flower heads of rose-pink ray petals produced about 2 weeks earlier than the native specie. The plant is relatively short (24") and quite compact. Since it is a native, it will typically will reseed with mixed offspring. It requires full sun and a well-drained soil, and is also drought and heat tolerant.

Echinacea purpurea 'Ruby Star' ( Purple Coneflower 'Ruby Star' )

This purple coneflower is similar to 'Magnus' with petals that are more substantial and are a deeper rose pink. Its an award winner that will grow to about 36" with blooms in mid summer to early fall. Coneflowers require full sun and a well-drained soil and being of native prairie origin it is also drought and heat tolerant.

Euphorbia epithymoides 'First blush' ( Spurge )

A good plant to use as an accent because to foliage of light green leaves have wide, cream margins flushed with bright rose-pink from spring to early summer. The flowering is somewhat insignificant with small yellow bracts in the spring...same family as poinsettia. The sap is a latex that can cause a skin reaction in some people; place in full sun and a well drained soil.

Athyrium nipponicum 'Apple Court' ( Japanese Painted Fern )

Apple Court' is similar to 'Pictum' with one exception: the leaflets are distinctly crested along the entire length of each frond. (See below).

Athyrium nipponicum 'Pictum' ( Japanese Painted Fern )

A smaller fern (12" high by 18") with intricately dissected leaves with maroon flush center and a gray to blue gray hue along the outside edges of the leaf. Try a combination with some hostas or bergenia. A rich moist soil and dappled to full shade are best for this plant.

Gaillardia 'Goblin' ( Blanket Flower )

Got a "hot spot" that most plants won't tolerate? Try gallardia, I see it throughout southwest Florida just thriving in sandy (infertile) soil and full sun. The flowers are bright with scarlet-red petals tipped with yellow. Blooms most of summer to a height of 12" without much care required.

Geranium sanguineum 'New Hampshire Purple' ( Bloodred Geranium )

he sanguineum (bloodred geranium) is the most commonly available geranium, most likely because it is very hardy (adaptable to both heat and cold...a very good adaptation for plants to thrive in the Upper Midwest). This cultivar has deep reddish-purple flower. It is a clump forming plant of 12" in height by 30" in width. Best growth is obtained in full sun (can also take part shade); will spread more easily in a loose soil (organic) into large clumps of 4' to 5'.

Geum flora plena 'Blazing Sunset' ( Avens )

If you like scarlet-red, this geum will serve you well with large double flowers from late spring to mid-summer. Growth to 24" provides for cut flowers over a long period during season. Grows best in full sun to partial shade, with average to consistent moisture.

Carex 'Ice Dance' ( Vareigated Japanese Sedge )

If you want a grass-like plant that tolerates some shade, then look to the sedge (Carex) family. If in full sun be sure to keep the soil moist. This cultivar will grow to about 16" in height. Use as a specimen plant to provide interest with its variegated grass-like leaves.

Heliopsis helianthiodes 'Loraine Sunshine' ( False Sunflower 'Loraine Sunshine' )

An interesting hybrid with variegated foliage and green veining that darkens late in the season. The golden yellow daisy-like flowers are produced on scapes of 30" in mid-summer to late summer. Full sun to part shade with normal Midwest moisture conditions being just fine.

Helleborus ballardiae 'Pink Frost' ( Hybrid Hellebore )

A new Hellebore that is a vigorous heavy bloomer. The buds are burgundy, the flowers are a two-toned pink and white aging to burgundy. Depending on our winter, blooming can begin late January to early March ...an interesting plant to watch! For best results: full shade to filtered sun and a moist, organic, well-drained soil.

Heuchera 'Electra' ( Hybrid Coral Bells 'Electra' )

An interesting , special foliage: bright yellow with strong red veining in spring, then mellows to chartreuse with soft red veining for the remainder of the season. The flowers are white and insignificant; the habit is compact. Heucheras should be grown in shade, they are not tolerant of full sun especially when moisture is lacking. Moisture and mulching are important to this plant.

Heuchera 'Hollywood' ( Hybrid Coral Bells 'Hollywood' )

One of the showiest heucheras to date with dense spikes of coral pink flowers (height 14") in late spring to early summer. Heucheras should be grown in shade, they are not tolerant of full sun especially when moisture is lacking. Moisture and mulching are important to this plant.

Heuchera 'Peach Flambé' ( Hybrid Alumroot 'Peach Flambé' )

The foliage is a glowing peach infused with red that turns plum-purple in the winter. Foliage height is 7" with white flowers scapes of 16" in late spring. Coral bells should be grown in shade, they are not tolerant of full sun especially when moisture is lacking. Moisture and mulching are important to this plant.

Hosta 'Deja Blu' ( Hosta 'Deja Blu' )

This is a medium hosta with blue-green foliage and a cream "lightening bolt" margin. A foliage height of 14" and a scape of 18"-20" with light lavender flowers in early to mid-summer. Full or part shade with a rich moist soil is best.

Hosta 'Eskimo Pie' ( Hosta 'Eskimo Pie' )

A large hosta with puckered leaves sporting creamy white centers and blue-green margins to about 26". The flowers are white and grow to 30" with blooms in mid-summer. Full or part shade with a rich moist soil is best.

Hosta 'Great Expectations' ( Hosta 'Great Expectations' )

A large (20") hosta with thick puckered leaves, creamy white centers jetting to blue-green margins. White flowers on 24" scapes begin in early summer. Full or part shade with a rich moist soil is best.

Hosta 'Little Sunspot' ( Hosta 'Little Sunspot' )

This is a small Hosta (10") that could be used for a container or an edging. The foliage is variegated with yellow centers and green margins. White flowers on 16" scapes appear in mid-summer. Part to full shade with a rich, organic, moist soil is best.

Lamium maculatum 'White Nancy' ( Spotted Nettle 'White Nancy' )

A groundcover plant to lighten up shady areas with its silver leaves with blue-green margins. The hooded, white flowers are small and numerous in the spring. These plants require a moist, organic soil and partially shaded area for best results.

Leucanthemum superbum 'Highland White Dream' ( Shasta Daisy )

Very large 4" flowers on upright stems of 24"-30" similar to award winning "Becky" in early summer to late summer. This plant requires very good drainage (raised bed) to make it through our winters. Full sun for best results. Normal moisture requirements.

Phlox paniculata 'Bright Eyes' ( Garden Phlox 'Bright Eyes' )

A highly resistant cultivar with blooms of clear pink flowers and red eyes in mid-summer. Phlox requires full sun, a rich well-drained soil, fertilizer during the year and winter mulch.

Phlox paniculata 'David' ( Garden Phlox )

White flowers that are very fragrant at 36" to 42" in a summer bloom. This cultivar is highly mildew resistant. Phlox requires full sun, a rich well-drained soil, fertilizer during the year and winter mulch.

Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida ( Orange Coneflower )

This species is similar to 'Goldsturm' , but with later blooming characteristics. I wonder if any of us can tell the difference between the two? In 2006 we will have the opportunity as both will be available. Plant size is 24" to 30" in height and 24" in spread; these are "tough" plants; they can take all day sun and drier conditions, but the soil should be well drained.

Salvia nemorosa 'Plumosa' ( Perennial Salvia )

Quite distinctive from other Salvias because of the thick, plume-like blossoms vs. the narrow spikes of typical salvias. The plumes are a deep, dusty rose-purple and hold their color well when dried. Best conditions include full sun, and a moist, well-drained soil.

Sedum repestre 'Angelina' ( Blue Spruce Stonecrop )

A low (3"-5") sedum for use as an edging or perhaps in a container as an accent plant for the following reasons: the foliage is a golden yellow color, with evergreen, needle-like leaves. The colder months turn the tips to a reddish-orange tinge. Full sun, good drainage and little watering required.

Stokesia 'Honeysong Purple' ( Stokes Aster 'Honeysong Purple' )

This Stokesia sports a 3" true royal purple flower about mid-summer on 14" stems. The foliage is deep green with a mounding habit. A moist well drained soil with dappled sun is best, mulch in fall for winter protection as we are on the edge of its zone (Z5).

Tanacetum coccineum 'Robinson's Red' ( Painted Daisy )

The flower is a 2 1/2" scarlet-red daisy-like petals with yellow centers. The foliage is ferny, similar to yarrow. This flower works better in groupings for a stronger effect in the garden. Best grown in full sun with average moisture. Consider use for cut flowers.

Thymus praecox 'Coccineus' ( Red Creeping Thyme )

This is a sun loving herb valued as an ornamental groundcover., It will form a dense mat of evergreen foliage that become smothered in bright magenta-red flowers in early to mid-summer. The foliage is bronze in the fall. Grows 2'-4" tall and requires full sun and excellent drainage.

Veronica s. 'Red Fox' ( Speedwell )

A short plant (12") and a compact habit suggest use in a container or at the front of the garden. Bright fuchsia-pink flower spikes of 4-5 weeks are produced in mid-summer. Best location is full sun and a well-drained soil.