Full Sun
These plants need at least 4-hours of sun, but can tolerate all-day sun!
Agastache, Blue Fortune
Height - 36"
Width - 18-24"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Lavender
Leaves smell like black licorice, hence the common name, Anise Hyssop. Deer and Rabbit Resistant. Pollinators love this one.
Allium, Medusa
Height - 20-24"
Width - 24"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Purple
Twisty leaves appear to be like Medusa's hair. Leaves are a blue gray color. Pollinator magnet. Rabbit and Deer Resistant.
Allium, Millenium
Height - 15-20"
Width - 15"
Bloom Time - July-August
Bloom Color - Pink-purple
Long bloomer with attractive seed heads all winter. Rabbit and Deer Resistant. Pollinator Magnet.
Allium, Peek-a-boo
Height - 10-14"
Width - 12-18"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Lavender-pink
Compact variety. Dark green foliage smells like onion, so deer & rabbit resistant. Pollinator magnet.
Artemisia, Silver Mound
Height - 8-10"
Width - 10-12"
Bloom Time - Insignificant
Bloom Color - Insignificant
Soft silver foliage prefers dry sites, excellent choice for a rock garden.
Aster, Woods Light Blue
Height - 12"
Width - 15"
Bloom Time - Late summer
Bloom Color - Lavender
Mounding habit. Good perennial for late fall instead of Mums. Rabbits prefer this perennial.
Aster, Woods Pink
Height - 12"
Width - 15"
Bloom Time - Late summer
Bloom Color - Pink
Mounding habit. Good perennial for late fall instead of Mums. Rabbits prefer this perennial.
Aster, Woods Purple
Height - 12"
Width - 15"
Bloom Time - Late summer
Bloom Color - Purple
Mounding habit. Good perennial for late fall instead of Mums. Rabbits prefer this perennial.
Baby's Breath Summer Sparkles
Height - 23-27"
Width - 30-40"
Bloom Time - Late spring-summer
Bloom Color - White
Compact Dense Habit, still a good cut flower filler. Long bloomer that does not go summer dormant.
Bachelor's Buttons
Height - 24"
Width - 24"
Bloom Time - June
Bloom Color - Blue
Spidery like flower adds interesting texture. Pollinators love this flower. Gray blue foliage can be fed on by rabbits early in the season. Cut the entire plant back after flowering if it becomes leggy.
Basket of Gold Sold out 2024
Height - 10"
Width - 15"
Bloom Time - Early spring
Bloom Color - Golden yellow
Gray mat of foliage that can act like a groundcover. Perennial will reseed, but not invasive. Do not cut this plant back in the spring, because you will cut off the bloom points. Best to leave it till it leafs out and just cut off the ugly. It will outgrow the old foliage and look and bloom best with less clean up. Prefers dry and well drained sites. Works in the front of the border or in rock gardens.
Bee Balm, Blue Moon Sold out 2024
Height - 20"
Width - 18-20"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Lavender Blue
Sugar Buzz® Series are perfectly suited for the middle of the border. Excellent powdery mildew resistance when planted with first of day sun and good air flow around it. Do not water the leaves when watering. Compact, mounded habit. Smelly foliage makes it rabbit and deer resisitant. Hummingbirds and pollinators are attracted to this plant.
Bee Balm, Bubblegum Blast Sold Out 2024
Height - 24"
Width - 32"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Hot Pink
Sugar Buzz® Series- perfectly suited for the middle of the border. For best success, plant where it gets first of day sun and plenty of air flow. Do not water the leaves when watering. Smelly foliage makes it rabbit and deer resistant. Hummingbirds and pollinators are attracted to this plant.
Bee Balm, Cherry Pops
Height - 20"
Width - 26"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Cherry Red
Sugar Buzz® Series- perfectly suited for the middle of the border. Robust plants produce maximum blooms. For best success, plant where it gets first of day sun and plenty of air flow. Do not water the leaves when watering. Smelly foliage makes it rabbit and deer resistant. Hummingbirds and pollinators are attracted to this plant.
Bee Balm, Grand Parade
Height - 12-18"
Width - 16-20"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Bright fuschia
Excellent powdery mildew resistance when planted with first of day sun and good air flow around it. Do not water the leaves when watering. Compact, mounded habit. Smelly foliage makes it rabbit and deer resisitant. Hummingbirds and pollinators are attracted to this plant.
Bee Balm, Grape Gumball Sold Out 2024
Height - 20-24"
Width - 16-24"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Magenta
Sugar Buzz® Series- perfectly suited for the middle of the border. Robust plants produce maximum blooms. For best success, plant where it gets first of day sun and plenty of air flow. Do not water the leaves when watering. Smelly foliage makes it rabbit and deer resistant. Hummingbirds and pollinators are attracted to this plant.
Bee Balm, Rockin' Raspberry Sold Out 2024
Height - 20"
Width - 20"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Raspberry Purple
Sugar Buzz® Series- perfectly suited for the middle of the border. Robust plants produce maximum blooms. For best success, plant where it gets first of day sun and plenty of air flow. Do not water the leaves when watering. Smelly foliage makes it rabbit and deer resistant. Hummingbirds and pollinators are attracted to this plant.
Candytuft, Alexander's White
Height - 8-10"
Width - 14"
Bloom Time - Spring
Bloom Color - White
Semi evergreen foliage requires very little maintenance. Will go brown in winters with little to no snow cover. Cut off brown in the spring and it will fill back in. Great groundcover for early spring white show.
Calamintha nepeta, ssp Nepeta
Height - 12-16"
Width - 12-24"
Bloom Time - Summer-fall
Bloom Color - White
Polinator magnet from late summer till frost. Stinky foliage makes this one rabbit and deer resistant. Prefers well drained to dry sites. Very little maintenance required after cut back in the spring. No deadheading required for rebloom.
Calamintha, Montrose White
Height - 12-18"
Width - 12-18"
Bloom Time - Summer-fall
Bloom Color - White
Polinator magnet from late summer till frost. Stinky foliage makes this one rabbit and deer resistant. Prefers well drained to dry sites. Neat and tidy mound of dark green foliage is pretty even before bloom. Very little maintenance required after cut back in the spring. No deadheading required for rebloom.
Catmint, Blue Prelude
Height - 26-34"
Width - 30-36"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Bright blue
Largest Catmint flowers of any variety are showy on upright plants with larger medium green leaves. Deer and rabbit resistant. Pollinator magnet.
Catmint, Cat's Meow
Height - 17-20"
Width - 24-36"
Bloom Time - Early summer-fall
Bloom Color - Sky blue
Naturally keeps its tidy mound all season. Deer and rabbit resistant. Best in dry well drained soils. Can deadhead if wanting rebloom sooner. Pollinators will find this one!
A Proven Winners® selection.
Catmint, Cat's Pajamas
Height - 12-14"
Width - 18-20"
Bloom Time - Early summer-fall
Bloom Color - Indigo blue
Half the size of Cat's Meow and blooms 2 weeks earlier. Very little maintenance required on this long blooming perennial. Rabbit and deer resistant. Pollinators will find this one!
A Proven Winners® selection.
Catmint, Purrsian Blue
Height - 14-18"
Width - 18-30"
Bloom Time - Early summer-fall
Bloom Color - Periwinkle blue
A compact variety that can get wide. Very little mainenance required on this long blooming perennial. Rabbit and deer resistant. Pollinators will find this one!
Catmint, Walker's Low
Height - 24"
Width - 36"
Bloom Time - Summer-fall
Bloom Color - Lavender
Can be cut back all the way to tidy up mid season. Long blooming perennial. Rabbit and deer resistant. Pollinators will find this one!
Coneflower, Cheyenne Spirit
Height - 22-30"
Width - 18-28"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Red, orange, yellow
Seed strain- you will get a wide range of colors on bushy plants of varrying heights. Rabbits do like coneflowers, protect when young and trying to establish. Leave seedheads for winter interest.
Coneflower, Summersong Firefinch
Height - 12-16"
Width - 16-18"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Redish orange, pinkish red
Seed strain will provide a range of colors from pinkish red to reddish orange. Shorter stature coneflower with 3" flowers. Leave seedheads for winter interest.
A Proven Winners® selection.
Coneflower, Pow Wow White
Height - 18-24"
Width - 12-16"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - White
Golden yellow cones contrast nicely with white flowers. Produces flowers for many weeks on stiff, well branched stems.
Coneflower, Pow Wow Wild Berry
Height - 18-24"
Width - 12-16"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Deep purple, pink
Flowers hold their color well as they mature. 3" flowers are held on stiff, well branched stems on a shorter, stocky plant.
Coreopsis, Zagreb
Height - 15"
Width - 12-15"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Golden yellow
Compact plant of ferny foliage adds great texture to the landscape. Blooms for a long time even when it gets hot in summer.
Daylily, Bela Lugosi Sold out 2024
Height - 33"
Width - 18-23"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Dark deep purple
6" bloom with good bud count. Lime green throat contrasts nicely with the deep purple petals. One of the best purple blooms to hold its color in the full sun. Each flower only lasts a day! Cut flower stems back into the foliage clump when done blooming.
Daylily, Chicago Apache
Height - 30"
Width - 24-36"
Bloom Time - July
Bloom Color - Scarlet red
4 1/2" flowers with a high bud count per stem. Plant multiplies quickly and gives an amazing flower show with flowers that don't fade in the summer sun. Picotee edge adds texture to the flower petals. Each flower only lasts a day! Cut flower stems back into the foliage clump when done blooming.
Daylily, Buttered Popcorn
Height - 32"
Width - 32"
Bloom Time - July
Bloom Color - Butter yellow
Fragrant flowers have a high bud count. Each flower only lasts a day! Cut flower stems back into the foliage clump when done blooming to encourage new flower stalks.
Daylily, Happy Returns
Height - 18"
Width - 18"
Bloom Time - June
Bloom Color - Lemon yellow
Blooms earlier than the large flowering types. Foliage is skinny with an overall smaller plant. Each flower only lasts a day! Cut flower stems back into the foliage clump when done blooming to encourage rebloom.
Dayliy, South Seas
Height - 30"
Width - 30-35"
Bloom Time - July
Bloom Color - Coral tangerine
High bud count of 6" flowers with a ruffle edge to the petals. Fragrant. Each flower only lasts a day! Cut flower stems back into the foliage clump when done blooming to encourage rebloom
Daylily, Stella D Oro
Height - 15"
Width - 18"
Bloom Time - June
Bloom Color - Golden yellow
Blooms earlier than the large flowering types. Foliage is skinny with an overall smaller plant. Each flower only lasts a day! Cut flower stems back into the foliage clump when done blooming to encourage rebloom.
Daylily, Sun Dried Tomatoes
Height - 32-36"
Width - 30-36"
Bloom Time - July
Bloom Color - Red w/golden throat
Ruffled petals with golden yellow throat make this a great choice for a Cyclone garden! High bud count on sturdy stems. Each flower only lasts a day! Cut flower stems back into the foliage clump when done blooming.
Delphnium, Butterfly Blue Sold Out 2024
Height - 12-14"
Width - 14"
Bloom Time - Early Summer
Bloom Color - Blue
Short and compact habit that doesn't require staking. Delicate, fern-like foliage. Delphinium are not forever perennials, but are some of the truest blue flowers.
Euphorbia polychroma
Height - 18"
Width - 18-24"
Bloom Time - Early spring
Bloom Color - Yellow
Unique low mounding perennial. Stems have a milky sap when broken- related to Poinsettias. Yellow bracts are showy from a distance, even with cold and wet spring weather. Prefers well drained drier soils. Rabbit and Deer resistant. Fall color can be nice when plant has enough sun. Can grow this one in a fair amount of shade also. Reseeds about the garden.
Euphorbia, Bonfire Sold out 2024
Height - 16"
Width - 16"
Bloom Time - Early spring
Bloom Color - Yellow
Burgundy foliage contrasts nicely with yellow bracts. Stems have a milky sap when broken- related to Poinsettias. Yellow bracts are showy from a distance, even with cold and wet spring weather. Prefers well drained drier soils. Rabbit and Deer resistant. Foliage will not hold burgundy color without adequate sun. Have not observed any reseeding with this cultivar.
Flase Indigo, American Goldfinch
Height - 3-3.5'
Width - 4.5-5'
Bloom Time - Late spring
Bloom Color - Yellow
Grows wider than some, still keeps a uniform habit. Produces many flowers, even on young plants. Slow to establish, nice full plant by year three. Unique black pods (member of legume family) persist into winter. Not easy to transplant once established due to the large tap root. Plant with plenty of space from other plants. Will fill the space like a small shrub would in the landscape. I have grown this variety in partial shade with great success.
False Indigo- Blue
Height - 36-48"
Width - 36-48"
Bloom Time - Late spring
Bloom Color - Indigo blue
Slow to establish, nice full plant by year three. Unique black pods (member of legume family) persist into winter. Not easy to transplant once established due to the large tap root. Plant with plenty of space from other plants. Will fill the space like a small shrub would in the landscape.
False Indigo, Burgundy Blast
Height - 36-42"
Width - 36-42"
Bloom Time - Late spring
Bloom Color - Dark wine purple
Slow to establish, nice full plant by year three. Unique black pods (member of legume family) persist into winter. Not easy to transplant once established due to the large tap root. Plant with plenty of space from other plants. Will fill the space like a small shrub would in the landscape.
False Indigo, Cherries Jubilee
Height - 2.5-3'
Width - 3'
Bloom Time - Late spring
Bloom Color - Maroon and yellow
Buds start maroon and open with yellow, aging to gold. Uniform habit with good branching producing many flowers. Slow to establish, nice full plant by year three. Unique black pods (member of legume family) persist into winter. Not easy to transplant once established due to the large tap root. Plant with plenty of space from other plants. Will fill the space like a small shrub would in the landscape.
A Proven Winners® selection. Decadence® Series
False Indigo, Grape Escape Sold out 2024
Height - 3.5'-4'
Width - 2.5'-3'
Bloom Time - Late spring
Bloom Color - Dusky Purple
Dusky Purple flower spikes with showy cream keels. Slow to establish, nice full plant by year three. Unique black pods (member of legume family) persist into winter. Not easy to transplant once established due to the large tap root. Plant with plenty of space from other plants. Will fill the space like a small shrub would in the landscape.
False Indigo, Honey Roasted
Height - 3-3.5'
Width - 3.5-4'
Bloom Time - Late spring
Bloom Color - Mahogany w/yellow
10" spikes of flowers are bi-color, lightening to yellow as they mature. Slow to establish, nice full plant by year three. Unique black pods (member of legume family) persist into winter. Not easy to transplant once established due to the large tap root. Plant with plenty of space from other plants. Will fill the space like a small shrub would in the landscape.
False Indigo, Pink Lemonade
Height - 3.5-4'
Width - 4'
Bloom Time - Late spring
Bloom Color - Yellow/pink
A very upright variety with bare bottom branches giving it unique stature in the garden and a neat and tidy apprearance. Bi-color flowers age to a raspberry purple. Slow to establish, nice full plant by year three. Unique black pods (member of legume family) persist into winter. Not easy to transplant once established due to the large tap root. Plant with plenty of space from other plants. Will fill the space like a small shrub would in the landscape.
A Proven Winners® selection. Decadence® Series
False Indigo, Pink Truffles
Height - 4-4.5'
Width - 3-4'
Bloom Time - Late spring
Bloom Color - Soft pink
A very upright variety with bare bottom branches giving it unique stature in the garden and a neat and tidy apprearance. Bi-color flowers age to a raspberry purple. Slow to establish, nice full plant by year three. Unique black pods (member of legume family) persist into winter. Not easy to transplant once established due to the large tap root. Plant with plenty of space from other plants. Will fill the space like a small shrub would in the landscape.
A Proven Winners® selection. Decadence® Series
False Indigo, Sparkling Sapphires Sold out 2024
Height - 2.5-3'
Width - 2.5-3'
Bloom Time - Late spring
Bloom Color - Violet blue
Compact habit with 8"flower spikes. Slow to establish, nice full plant by year three. Unique black pods (member of legume family) persist into winter. Not easy to transplant once established due to the large tap root. Plant with plenty of space from other plants. Will fill the space like a small shrub would in the landscape.
A Proven Winners® selection. Decadence® Series
False Indigo, Vanilla Cream
Height - 2.5-3'
Width - 3-3.5'
Bloom Time - Late spring
Bloom Color - Creamy vanilla
Pastel yellow buds open creamy vanilla on 10" flower spikes. Slow to establish, nice full plant by year three. Unique black pods (member of legume family) persist into winter. Not easy to transplant once established due to the large tap root. Plant with plenty of space from other plants. Will fill the space like a small shrub would in the landscape.
A Proven Winners® selection. Decadence® Series
False Indigo, Violet Dusk Sold out 2024
Height - 3.5-4'
Width - 3.5-4'
Bloom Time - Late spring
Bloom Color - Lavender violet
A vase shaped habit. Blooms later than other Baptisia. Slow to establish, nice full plant by year three. Unique black pods (member of legume family) persist into winter. Not easy to transplant once established due to the large tap root. Plant with plenty of space from other plants. Will fill the space like a small shrub would in the landscape.
Geum, Totally Tangerine
Height - 30"
Width - 18"
Bloom Time - Spring-early summer
Bloom Color - Tangerine orange
Deep green fuzzy foliage makes neat mound. Don't cut this plant back until spring. Some foliage may overwinter, so then you just need to clean up the yucky stuff and wait for re-flush of new growth. Flowers stand well above foliage and are a nice delicate texture. Can deadhead or leave flowers for seedhead interest.
Geum, Prairie Smoke
Height - 12"
Width - 18"
Bloom Time - Spring
Bloom Color - Pink
Iowa native. Nodding flowers & feathery seedheads. Slowly spreads like a groundcover. Has nice orange and red fall color.
Globe Thistle
Height - 24-36"
Width - 15"
Bloom Time - June-September
Bloom Color - Blue
Thistle-like foliage. Reseeds around the garden, but easy to pull when it first emerges if it shows up where you don't want it. Spiky true blue flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Hen-n-Chicks Chick Charms®
Height - 2"
Width - 6-10"
Bloom Time - Insignificant
Bloom Color - Insignificant
Many varieties will be available. A wide range of colors and color combinations. Once Hen and Chicks send up a flower stalk, that whorl of leaves will die off. Baby chicks are made when plant is happy. Must be grown in a well drained and drier site. Works in rock gardens.
Hibiscus, Berry Awesome
Height - 4'
Width - 4.5-5'
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Lavender Pink
Densely compact, maple-like green leaves hold up 8" flowers. Hibiscus are very late to emerge in the spring. It could be as late as June 1st to see new growth as they need warm soil to sprout. Cut the flower stems from the year before back in the spring and then wait patiently. Once they start to emerge, they grow quickly. Many buds per stalk make this plant bloom for a good month. Once established you could get 100's of blooms per plant. Covering the rootball with a wood mulch in the fall helps ensure winter survival. Can be susceptible to Japanese Beetles.
Hibiscus, Blackberry Merlot
Height - 4-4.5'
Width - 3.5-4'
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Deep velvety red
Tight, upright habit of dark green leaves hold up 8" flowers. Hibiscus are very late to emerge in the spring. It could be as late as June 1st to see new growth as they need warm soil to sprout. Cut the flower stems from the year before back in the spring and then wait patiently. Once they start to emerge, they grow quickly. Many buds per stalk make this plant bloom for a good month. Once established you could get 100's of blooms per plant. Covering the rootball with a wood mulch in the fall helps ensure winter survival. Can be susceptible to Japanese Beetles.
Hibiscus, Starry Starry Night
Height - 3.5-4'
Width - 3.5-4'
Bloom Time - July-early fall
Bloom Color - Pale pink w/dark pink
Near black leaves are a nice contrast with the flowers. 7-8" flowers are pale pink with a darker pink veining. Hibiscus are very late to emerge in the spring. It could be as late as June 1st to see new growth as they need warm soil to sprout. Cut the flower stems from the year before back in the spring and then wait patiently. Once they start to emerge, they grow quickly. Many buds per stalk make this plant bloom for a good month. Once established you could get 100's of blooms per plant. Covering the rootball with a wood mulch in the fall helps ensure winter survival. Can be susceptible to Japanese Beetles.
Hibiscus, Summer in Paradise
Height - 3-3.5'
Width - 3.5-4'
Bloom Time - July-early fall
Bloom Color - Cerise red
Full habit, very floriferous- having flower buds all along the stem. Hibiscus are very late to emerge in the spring. It could be as late as June 1st to see new growth as they need warm soil to sprout. Cut the flower stems from the year before back in the spring and then wait patiently. Once they start to emerge, they grow quickly. Many buds per stalk make this plant bloom for a good month. Once established you could get 100's of blooms per plant. Covering the rootball with a wood mulch in the fall helps ensure winter survival. Can be susceptible to Japanese Beetles.
Hibiscus, Vintage Wine
Height - 4'
Width - 5'
Bloom Time - July-early fall
Bloom Color - Scarlet red
Near black buds open to 7"flowers that shimmer in the sun. Full habit, very floriferous- having flower buds all along the stem. Hibiscus are very late to emerge in the spring. It could be as late as June 1st to see new growth as they need warm soil to sprout. Cut the flower stems from the year before back in the spring and then wait patiently. Once they start to emerge, they grow quickly. Many buds per stalk make this plant bloom for a good month. Once established you could get 100's of blooms per plant. Covering the rootball with a wood mulch in the fall helps ensure winter survival. Can be susceptible to Japanese Beetles.
Iris, German Batik
Height - 24-26"
Width - 12-18"
Bloom Time - May
Bloom Color - Purple w/white splashes
Early to bloom. German Iris are a classic in the cottage garden. Care needs to be taken when digging and dividing these plants to be on the look out for damage from Iris borer. If clumps appear to be not flowering or not multiplying, dividing may be necessary. When transplanting be sure to leave rhizomes slightly exposed on top of the soil and not heavily mulched.
Iris, German Immortality
Height - 28"
Width - 12-18"
Bloom Time - May & fall
Bloom Color - White
Fragrant, best rebloomer. German Iris are a classic in the cottage garden. Care needs to be taken when digging and dividing these plants to be on the look out for damage from Iris borer. If clumps appear to be not flowering or not multiplying, dividing may be necessary. When transplanting be sure to leave rhizomes slightly exposed on top of the soil and not heavily mulched.
Iris, German Mariposa Autumn
Height - 30-32"
Width - 12-18"
Bloom Time - May & fall
Bloom Color - White w/purple outline
Rebloomer. German Iris are a classic in the cottage garden. Care needs to be taken when digging and dividing these plants to be on the look out for damage from Iris borer. If clumps appear to be not flowering or not multiplying, dividing may be necessary. When transplanting be sure to leave rhizomes slightly exposed on top of the soil and not heavily mulched.
Iris, German Savannah Sunset
Height - 36-38"
Width - 12-18"
Bloom Time - May
Bloom Color - Orange
Early to bloom and long blooming. Orange coloration does not fade. German Iris are a classic in the cottage garden. Care needs to be taken when digging and dividing these plants to be on the look out for damage from Iris borer. If clumps appear to be not flowering or not multiplying, dividing may be necessary. When transplanting be sure to leave rhizomes slightly exposed on top of the soil and not heavily mulched.
Iris, German Sharp Dressed Man
Height - 34-36"
Width - 12-18"
Bloom Time - May
Bloom Color - Purple w/dark falls
Orange beards stand out against dark purple falls, fragrant. German Iris are a classic in the cottage garden. Care needs to be taken when digging and dividing these plants to be on the look out for damage from Iris borer. If clumps appear to be not flowering or not multiplying, dividing may be necessary. When transplanting be sure to leave rhizomes slightly exposed on top of the soil and not heavily mulched.
Iris, German That's All Folks
Height - 36-40"
Width - 12-18"
Bloom Time - May
Bloom Color - Yellow w/white falls
Ruffled falls, very attractive. German Iris are a classic in the cottage garden. Care needs to be taken when digging and dividing these plants to be on the look out for damage from Iris borer. If clumps appear to be not flowering or not multiplying, dividing may be necessary. When transplanting be sure to leave rhizomes slightly exposed on top of the soil and not heavily mulched.
Iris, Siberian, Caesar's Brother
Height - 32"
Width - 18-24"
Bloom Time - May-June
Bloom Color - Blue/purple
Very floriferous, fast growing. Narrow, grass like foliage is attractive even when not in bloom. Seedheads hold on and add winter interest. Do not deadhead this plant.
Iris, Siberian, Kaboom
Height - 30"
Width - 18-24"
Bloom Time - May-June
Bloom Color - Double blue-violet
Large, 6" flowers. Falls have gold and white accents. Narrow, grass like foliage is attractive even when not in bloom. Seedheads hold on and add winter interest. Do not deadhead this plant.
Iris, Siberian, Over in Gloryland
Height - 34"
Width - 18-24"
Bloom Time - May-June
Bloom Color - Deep blue-purple
5" wide flowers. Falls have yellow blaze with purple veining. Narrow, grass like foliage is attractive even when not in bloom. Seedheads hold on and add winter interest. Do not deadhead this plant.
Iris, Siberian, Pink Parfait
Height - 28"
Width - 18-24"
Bloom Time - May-June
Bloom Color - Light pink-lavender
Large, 7" double flowers resemble a rose. Narrow, grass like foliage is attractive even when not in bloom. Seedheads hold on and add winter interest. Do not deadhead this plant.
Joe Pye Weed, Euphoria Ruby
Height - 24-32"
Width - 24-28"
Bloom Time - Summer-fall
Bloom Color - Mauve pink
Blooms earlier than taller varieties. Tidy & compact growth habit. Long lasting flowers attract pollinators. Prefers moist soil
Lavendar, Munstead
Height - 12-15"
Width - 12"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Lavender
Requires full sun and well drained soil. Lavender does not like heavy, wet soils. It can be picky about the winter snow, wind. Do not cut the plant back until you see what has survived the winter. Then just cut back what is dead so it can reflush new growth. Not an easy plant to grow in Iowa.
Liatris, Kobold
Height - 18-30"
Width - 12-14"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Rosy lavender
Derived from US native. This cultivar is more uniform and compact than the native. Pollinators like this plant. Requires well drained soil because it is a corm, susceptible to rot in heavy soils.
Milkweed, Butterfly 'Hello Yellow' Sold out 2024
Height - 24"
Width - 18-24"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Bright yellow
Yellow form of Butterfly Milkweed. Late to emerge in the spring. Prefers well drained, sandy soil. Do not overwater when establishing. Primary food source for the Monarch Butterfly. Flowers give way to seed pods that burst to let out silky seeds. Reseeding is important, doesn't become a problem weed.
Milkweed, Butterfly
Height - 24"
Width - 24"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Orange
Iowa Native. Late to emerge in the spring. Prefers well drained, sandy soil. Do not overwater when establishing. Primary food source for the Monarch Butterfly. Flowers give way to seed pods that burst to let out silky seeds. Reseeding is important, doesn't become a problem weed.
Pasque Flower, Purple
Height - 12"
Width - 15"
Bloom Time - Early spring
Bloom Color - Purple
One of the first plants to bloom in spring- around the same time as Daffodils. Foliage is ferny and seedheads are fuzzy. Tumbleweed seedheads last until July.
Pasque Flower, Red
Height - 12"
Width - 12"
Bloom Time - Early spring
Bloom Color - Red
One of the first plants to bloom in spring- around the same time as Daffodils. Foliage is ferny and seedheads are fuzzy. Tumbleweed seedheads last until July.
Penstemon, Pocahontas
Height - 3-4'"
Width - 2-3'"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Lavender Pink
Drought tolerant and easy to grow. Pair with Totally Tangerine Geum for a fun combo. I don't deadhead this one because I find the seedheads interesting in fall and winter. Can tolerate occasional drought, avoid wet clay soils.
Penstemon, Prairie Dusk
Height - 24-30"
Width - 15-18"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Rose purple
Drought tolerant and easy to grow. Pair with Totally Tangerine Geum for a fun combo. I don't deadhead this one because I find the seedheads interesting in fall and winter.
Peony, Itoh Bartzella
Height - 30-36"
Width - 30-36"
Bloom Time - Spring
Bloom Color - Yellow
Yellow flowers have red flames in the center. Itoh Peony are a hybrid cross between garden and tree peonies. Unique clean foliage and more flower colors come from the tree peony side of the cross.
Peony, Itoh Julia Rose
Height - 30-36"
Width - 30-36"
Bloom Time - Spring
Bloom Color - Apricot pink
Spicy fragrance, flowers change colors. Itoh Peony are a hybrid cross between garden and tree peonies. Unique clean foliage and more flower colors come from the tree peony side of the cross.
Peony, Itoh, Morning Lilac
Height - 30-36"
Width - 30-36"
Bloom Time - Spring
Bloom Color - Fuchsia-purple
9" flowers are fragrant and long blooming. Itoh Peony are a hybrid cross between garden and tree peonies. Unique clean foliage and more flower colors come from the tree peony side of the cross.
Peony, Itoh Raggedy Ann Sold out 2024
Height - 30-36"
Width - 30-36"
Bloom Time - Spring
Bloom Color - White w/purple center
6" flowers have deeply cut petals. Itoh Peony are a hybrid cross between garden and tree peonies. Unique clean foliage and more flower colors come from the tree peony side of the cross.
Peony, Itoh, Scarlet Heaven
Height - 30-36"
Width - 30-36"
Bloom Time - Spring
Bloom Color - Scarlet red
8" flowers have bright yellow stamens. Itoh Peony are a hybrid cross between garden and tree peonies. Unique clean foliage and more flower colors come from the tree peony side of the cross.
Sold Out for 2024 Peony, Coral Sunset
Height - 24-36"
Width - 24"
Bloom Time - Spring
Bloom Color - Coral
Semi-double flowers are fragrant. Plants have strong stems, no staking required. Peony plants are best planted in full sun with good air flow to prevent powdery mildew. In years with strong powdery mildew pressure, cut foliage back in the fall and destroy, don't compost. Transplanting is best in September. Don't plant roots too deep or you can inhibit blooms.
Peony, Kansas
Height - 34"
Width - 20"
Bloom Time - Spring
Bloom Color - Double cherry red
Strong stems hold up fully double flowers. Vigorous grower. Flowers hold color well, even in sun. Peony plants are best planted in full sun with good air flow to prevent powdery mildew. In years with strong powdery mildew pressure, cut foliage back in the fall and destroy, don't compost. Transplanting is best in September. Don't plant roots too deep or you can inhibit blooms.
Sold Out for 2024 Peony, Pink Hawaiian Coral
Height - 30-35"
Width - 30-35"
Bloom Time - Spring
Bloom Color - Coral pink
5-6" fully double flowers start rose coral, fading to cream. Peony plants are best planted in full sun with good air flow to prevent powdery mildew. In years with strong powdery mildew pressure, cut foliage back in the fall and destroy, don't compost. Transplanting is best in September. Don't plant roots too deep or you can inhibit blooms.
Peony, Sarah Bernhardt
Height - 34"
Width - 24"
Bloom Time - Spring
Bloom Color - Soft pink
Late to bloom. Double, large, blooms are fragrant. Peony plants are best planted in full sun with good air flow to prevent powdery mildew. In years with strong powdery mildew pressure, cut foliage back in the fall and destroy, don't compost. Transplanting is best in September. Don't plant roots too deep or you can inhibit blooms.
Phlox, Laura Garden
Height - 24-30"
Width - 18-24"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Fuchsia purple w/white
Very good mildew resistance and fragrant. Plant in a spot that gets first of day sun and good air flow. Don’t water the leaves when watering.
Poppy, Prince of Orange
Height - 30-36"
Width - 18-24"
Bloom Time - Spring
Bloom Color - Orange
Requires well drained soils, do not overwater. Plants love hot sun. Flowers can get 4-5" across.
Rudbeckia, American Gold Rush
Height - 22-26"
Width - 40-44"
Bloom Time - Summer-fall
Bloom Color - Yellow
High disease resistance. Dome shaped habit makes this one neat and tidy in the landscape. Perennial Plant of the Year for 2023.
Rudbeckia, Viette's Little Suzy
Height - 26-32"
Width - 18-24"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Yellow
Compact variety, disease resistant. Long blooming. Seedheads add winter interest.
Russian Sage, Little Spire
Height - 24-36"
Width - 18-24"
Bloom Time - Summer-fall
Bloom Color - Lavender-blue
Shorter, more compact habit that maintains a nice form. Rabbit and Deer Resistant due to fragrant foliage. Long blooming.
Salvia, Bumbleberry
Height - 10-12"
Width - 12-14"
Bloom Time - Spring- summer
Bloom Color - Dark fuchsia
Shorter stature makes for a tidy plant. Deadheading will encourage rebloom. Salvia also tolerate a harsh cut back to the soil level after blooming.
Salvia, Bumbleblue
Height - 12-14"
Width - 14-16"
Bloom Time - Spring- summer
Bloom Color - Violet Blue
Shorter stature makes for a tidy plant. Deadheading will encourage rebloom. Salvia also tolerate a harsh cut back to the soil level after blooming.
Salvia, East Friesland
Height - 16-18"
Width - 18-24"
Bloom Time - Spring-summer
Bloom Color - Purple
Long flowering, easy to grow. Deadheading will encourage rebloom. If plant splits open after flowering, you can cut the entire plant back to the soil level and it will reflush. You may also get a second flush of blooms if done early enough in the summer.
Salvia, Snow Hill Sold out 2024
Height - 12-15"
Width - 18"
Bloom Time - Spring-summer
Bloom Color - White
Long flowering, easy to grow. Deadheading will encourage rebloom. If plant splits open after flowering, you can cut the entire plant back to the soil level and it will reflush. You may also get a second flush of blooms if done early enough in the summer.
Salvia, Wesuwe
Height - 12-18"
Width - 18-24"
Bloom Time - Spring-summer
Bloom Color - Purple
Upright, tiddy habit, reblooms if deadheaded. Rarely needs a hard cut back, but can tolerate it if need be.
Sedum, Angelina
Height - 4-6"
Width - 18-24"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Yellow
Groundcover type with excellent foliage color. Color is enhanced in the fall. This groundcover type forms a mat of foliage.
Sedum, Atlantis
Height - 4-6"
Width - 10-12"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Yellow
Variegated leaves that become tinged with pink in colder weather. Mounding type of low growing Sedum. Plant in well drained soils, rock garden plant. Prefers dry.
Sedum, Autumn Joy
Height - 18-24"
Width - 18-24"
Bloom Time - Summer-fall
Bloom Color - Mauve pink
Easy care plant that tolerates dry conditions and all soil types. Leave plant standing for winter interest, and cut back in the spring. Pollinators love these late summer into fall bloomers.
Sedum, Autumn Fire
Height - 18-24"
Width - 18-24"
Bloom Time - Summer-fall
Bloom Color - Mauve pink
Easy care plant that tolerates dry conditions and all soil types. Leave plant standing for winter interest, and cut back in the spring. Pollinators love these late summer into fall bloomers.
Sedum, Firecracker Sold out 2024
Height - 6-8"
Width - 18"
Bloom Time - Summer-fall
Bloom Color - Pink
Cherry-red foliage. Easy care plant that tolerates dry conditions and all soil types. Mounding perennial for the front of the border. Pollinators love these late summer into fall bloomers.
Sedum, Sunsparkler® Dream Dazzler Sold out 2024
Height - 6-8"
Width - 16-18"
Bloom Time - Early fall
Bloom Color - Magenta pink
Tri-colored leaves change through the seasons. Drought tolerant, low mounding perennial.
Sedum, Sunsparkler® Lime Zinger
Height - 4-6"
Width - 18"
Bloom Time - August-fall
Bloom Color - Soft pink
Green leaves edged in cherry red. Mounding habit. Drought tolerant.
Sedum, Little Miss Sunshine
Height - 6-8"
Width - 18-20"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Yellow
Mounding, neat and tidy habit. Easy care plant that tolerates dry conditions and all soil types.
Sedum, Mr. Goodbud
Height - 14-16"
Width - 15"
Bloom Time - August-fall
Bloom Color - Bright pink
Strong stems have a purple tinge. Easy care plant that tolerates dry conditions and all soil types. Leave plant standing for winter interest, and cut back in the spring. Pollinators love these late summer into fall bloomers.
Sedum, Neon
Height - 18-24"
Width - 12-15"
Bloom Time - August-fall
Bloom Color - Neon pink
Large flowers are thick and round. Easy care plant that tolerates dry conditions and all soil types. Leave plant standing for winter interest, and cut back in the spring. Pollinators love these late summer into fall bloomers.
Sedum, Rock 'N Grow® Back in Black
Height - 20-24"
Width - 26-30"
Bloom Time - August-fall
Bloom Color - Garnet buds open cream
Dark almost black foliage. Flowers are striking against foliage. Easy care plant that tolerates dry conditions and all soil types. Leave plant standing for winter interest, and cut back in the spring. Pollinators love these late summer into fall bloomers.
A Proven Winners® selection.
Sedum, Rock 'N Grow® Coraljade
Height - 16-18"
Width - 28-30"
Bloom Time - Late summer
Bloom Color - Coral pink
Sturdy plant holds up the large dome of flowers well. Easy care plant that tolerates dry conditions and all soil types. Leave plant standing for winter interest, and cut back in the spring. Pollinators love these late summer into fall bloomers.
A Proven Winners® selection.
Sedum, Thundercloud
Height - 8-12"
Width - 12-15"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - White/pink
Foliage is pointed and grey green-Unique! Drought tolerant, mounding perennial.
N/A for 2024 Sedum, Thunderhead
Height - 24-28"
Width - 20-24"
Bloom Time - Late summer
Bloom Color - Dark pink
Fall foliage is highlighted with red. Easy care plant that tolerates dry conditions and all soil types. Leave plant standing for winter interest, and cut back in the spring. Pollinators love these late summer into fall bloomers.
Sedum, Westephaner
Height - 6"
Width - 12"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Yellow
Carpet style groundcover with good fall colors of reds and oranges.
Soapwort
Height - 10"
Width - 20"
Bloom Time - Spring
Bloom Color - Pink
Good for groundcover and rock gardens. Foliage stays clean all season. Better plant than Creeping Phlox when not in bloom. Flowers are just as showy as Phlox though.
Solidago, Fireworks
Height - 36-48"
Width - 24-36"
Bloom Time - Fall
Bloom Color - Yellow
Unique flower panicles look like fireworks. Adds great texture to the fall landscape. Can control spread by spraying herbicide around perimeter of plant.
Statice, Dazzle Rocks
Height - 14-16"
Width - 16"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Lavender
Compact habit that thrives in dry, hot spaces like rock gardens. Great cut flower filler that is also loved by pollinators. Winter hardy.
Ironweed, Iron Butterfly
Height - 24-36"
Width - 28-36"
Bloom Time - Late summer
Bloom Color - Purple
Thin leaves make for an airy texture all season. Smaller flowers are a nice show in late summer. Overall plant habit can be floppy once flowers bloom, but can hold it's own if other plants are close enough to hold it up. Spent blooms are like brown fluffy puffs in winter. Similar leaf texture to Amsonia hubrechtii (which is a spring bloomer with excellent fall color).
Ironweed, Southern Cross
Height - 4-4.5'
Width - 3-4'
Bloom Time - Late summer
Bloom Color - Purple
Excellent substitute for tall Asters. Leaves are larger than Iron Butterfly, but still make for an airy texture all season. Smaller flowers are a nice show in late summer. Overall plant habit is much more rigidly upright than Iron Butterfly. Spent blooms are like brown fluffy puffs in winter.
Ironweed, Summer's Swan Song
Height - 30-36"
Width - 40"
Bloom Time - Late summer
Bloom Color - Purple
Has a reddish-purple fall foliage. Stand up stronger due to sturdier stems. Foliage is airy, but less delicate than Iron Butterfly. Overall plant habit is much better than fall blooming Asters. Spent blooms are like brown fluffy puffs in winter.
Yarrow, Coronation Gold
Height - 30-36"
Width - 24-36"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Golden yellow
Great winter interest, if not deadheaded. Silvery foliage is nice all summer. Drought tolerant. Deer and rabbit resistant.
Yarrow, Sassy Summer Lemon
Height - 28-32"
Width - 36-42"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Lemon yellow
Sturdy stems make this one stand nicely. Silvery foliage is attractive all summer. You can deadhead to encourage more blooms, but don't cut all of them as they are nice to have for winter interest. Drought tolerant, easy care plant. Deer and rabbit resistant.
Yarrow, Sassy Summer Sangria
Height - 30-36"
Width - 36-42"
Bloom Time - Summer
Bloom Color - Dark red
Sturdy stems make this one stand nicely. Silvery foliage is attractive all summer. You can deadhead to encourage more blooms, but don't cut all of them as they are nice to have for winter interest. Drought tolerant, easy care plant. Deer and rabbit resistant.