Buphthalmum for the Garden
Karen Buphthalmum are a genus in the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes goldenrod, daisies and lettuce. It includes two cultivated species, both clump-forming herbaceous perennials native to southeastern Europe. Their…
Plant Profile: Musk Mallow (Malva moschata)
Musk mallow is a short-lived herbaceous perennial native to Europe, southwestern Asia, and northwestern Africa where it is found growing on dry fertile soils. It has naturalized elsewhere and grows…
Plant Profile: Italian Aster (Aster amellus)
Also known as European Michaelmas daisy, this herbaceous perennial belongs to the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, yarrow, and lettuce. It is native to Europe and western Asia…
Plant Combination: Armenian Cranesbill (Geranium psilostemon) and Star of Persia (Allium cristophii)
Two shades of purple make this a striking combination border during late spring and early summer. Armenian cranesbill produces dark magenta-purple cupshaped flowers with black centers on a large loose…
Plant Profile: Mountain Fleece (Polygonum amplexicaule aka Persicaria amplexicaulis)
Mountain fleece is a clump forming herbaceous perennial native to the Himalayas and Pakistan where it grows in moist areas. It is a member of the knotweed family, Polygonaceae, that…
Plant Profile: Hollyhock Mallow (Malva alcea)
Also known as greater musk-mallow, cut-leaved mallow, and vervain mallow, this herbaceous perennial native to Europe and southwestern Asia. It is a member of the mallow family (Malvacae) that also…
Garden Plants for Flower Arrangements: Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii)
This herbaceous perennial is a sterile hybrid from N. racemosa and N. nepetella and although variable in habit is usually upright and billowy. The narrowly ovate leaves are 1.5 inches…
Plant Profile: Borago laxiflora (aka B. pygmaea)
This herbaceous perennial is native to Corsica and Sardinnia where it grows shady, rocky places and is particularly abundant after forest fires. It is a member of the borage family,…
Plant Profile: Russian Comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum)
Russian comfrey is a natural hybrid from a cross between S. asperum and the herb, S. officinale. It is a member of the borage family, Boraginaceae, that also includes Virginia…
Plants for Rain Gardens: Summer Blooming Native Perennials for Wet Conditions
The moisture conditions in a rain garden vary and four regions can be identified: areas with 1. shallow water most of the time, 2.wet soil with occasional standing water, 3.…