Genus Astilbes for the Garden
Karen Also called false spirea, Astilbe is a genus of herbaceous perennials and members of the saxifrage family, Saxifrageceae, that also includes coralbells (heuchera), Bergenia, and Tiarella. Most astilbes are native…
Plant Combination: Yarrow (Achillea x ) ‘Coronation Gold’ and Hybrid Sage (Salvia x superb) ‘East Friesland’
This combination of violet-purple hybrid sage paired with deep mustard-yellow yarrow make a vivid statement over a long bloom period in summer. The flowering spikes of the sage give an…
Plant Profile: Peruvian Canna (Canna iridiflora)
Peruvian canna is a herbaceous perennial and a member of the Cannaceae family that is most closely related to ginger, banana, and bird of paradise. Native to high elevations in…
Plant Profile: Saged-leaved Bellflower (Campanula collina)
A native of the Caucusus Mountains, sage-leaved bellflower is a herbaceous perennial and a member of the Campanulaceae family that also includes ladybells (Adenophora), balloon flowers, and Lobelia. It has…
Plant Profile: Snake Flower (Bulbine frutescens aka B. caulescens)
Snake flower is an evergreen perennial and is a member of the Asphodelaceae that also includes aloe, torch lily (Kniphofia), and foxtail lily (Eremus). It is native to southern Africa…
Asclepias for the Garden
Asclepias is a genus of herbaceous perennials and belongs to the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, that also includes bluestar, periwinkle, and oleander. Many species are native to the North America and…
Plant Profile: Pink Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium acaule)
Also known as moccasin flower and stemless lady’s slipper, this herbaceous perennial is a member of the orchid family, Orchidaceae. It is native to the Great Lakes Region, Northeast and…
Plant Profile: Rose Turtlehead (Chelone obliqua)
Also called red turtlehead and pink turtlehead, this rhizomatous herbaceous perennial is a member of the plantain family, Plantaginaceae, that also includes foxglove, snapdragon, and angelonia. It is endemic to…
Plant Profile: Canna Hybrids (Canna x generalis aka C. hortensis)
Canna hybrids are the most commonly grown garden plants. They are herbaceous perennials in the Cannaceae family that is most closely related to ginger, banana, and bird of paradise. The…
Asters for the Garden
Aster is a large genus of herbaceous perennials and are members of the family that bear their name, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, sunflower, and lettuce. The genus includes weeds…