Plant Profile: Korean Goat’s Beard (Aruncus aethusifolius)
Karen Korean goat’s beard is a clump forming perennial and a member of the rose family (Roseaceae). It has dark green pinnately compound leaves that are fern-like and form a mound…
Plant Profile: Dusky Cranebill (Geranium phaeum)
Also called morning widow or black widow, dusky cranesbill is a herbaceous perennial native to Europe. It belongs to the geranium family (Geraniaceae) and is part of the group called…
Garden Plants for Flower Arrangements: Fern Leaf Yarrow (Achillea filipendula) ‘Gold Plate’
Although there are several good cultivars and hybrids of A. filipendula, ‘Gold Plate is probably the best for flower arranging. It boasts deep yellow flowerheads up to six inches across…
Plant Profile: Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida)
Pale purple coneflower is a herbaceous perennial native to the eastern half of the US where it grows in open areas on a variety of soils. It is a member…
Plant Combination: Nepeta x faassenii ‘Walker’s Low’ and Pink Evening Primrose (Oenothera speciosa)
For a lovely contrast in color and texture, Nepeta ‘Walkers’ Low’ and pink evening primrose are a great choice for a late spring to early summer border. Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’…
Plant Profile: Sharp Lobed Hepatica (Hepatica acutiloba aka H. nobilis var. acuta)
Sharp-lobed hepatica, also called heart liverleaf, is a herbaceous perennial in the buttercup family (Ranunculaeae) and is native to eastern US where it is found in moist shady woodlands. Although…
Plant Profile: Chameleon Spurge (Euphorbia dulcis ‘Chameleon’)
Chameleon spurge belongs to a huge genus that includes poinsettias as well as cactus-like plants. Like other Euphorbias the stem contains a milky sap that can be very irritating to…
Botanical Latin: Achlys
Achlys (AK liss) The name of the Greek goddess daughter of Nyx (Night) who might be the first created being and personifies misery and sadness. Her name came from the…
Plant Profile: Panda Face Ginger (Asarum maximum)
Panda face ginger is a rhizomatous clump forming perennial native to China where it grows in low elevation forests. It is a member of the pipe-vine family (Aristolochiaceae) and is…
Plant Profile: Poppy Anemone (Anemone coronaria)
This tuberous short-lived perennial is native to the Mediterranean and a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) that also includes delphinium, clematis, and hellebore. The poppy-like flowers lack petals but…