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Campanula
Campanula poscharskyana and C. portenschlagiana (a.k.a. Serbian and Dalmatian bellflower, respectively) are the two species that we usually have in stock. They both make great small scale groundcover, growing no more than about eight inches high. Purple flowers adorn the plants heavily in spring and periodically thereafter until frost. The foliage is present throughout winter.
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Hosta
Hostas are shade loving plants that come in a wide range of sizes and leaf colors and variegations. Lavender flowers on spikes, some fragrant, appear in summer. All will go dormant in winter and do quite well in containers, even the very large varieties. Protect from slugs and snails and provide regular water.
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Helleborus
Hellebores are wonderful plants that bloom in winter and early spring when very little else is flowering. Color ranges from white to dark purple, although some species have greenish flowers. The evergreen foliage is generally dark green and glossy, divided into leaflets. They do very well in shade, even deep shade. They can get by…
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Rudbeckia
Rudbeckia, or black-eyed Susan, is a tough plant that blooms summer and autumn. Nearly all have flowers in the yellow and orange range. ‘Indian Summer’ has a dark brown center while ‘Irish Eyes’ has a green center. ‘Goldsturm’ is a reliable perennial. variety with somewhat smaller flowers and dark centers.
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Bulbs
Spring blooming bulbs such as narcissus, iris and tulips arrive in September. Paperwhites, a small white flowering form of narcissus, are always popular for forcing for Christmas bloom. Crocus, a true harbinger of spring, are some of the earliest bulbs to bloom in late winter and early spring. Also available are ranunculus, Dutch iris, freesias, Amaryllis belladonna (naked lady),…
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Bamboo
Bamboo is really a giant grass, hence its inclusion in the grass category. There are two main types of bamboo – clumping and running. Clumping varieties will increase gradually and not take over the universe. Bambusa and most Fargesia will do well in this area. Running bamboos can become very invasive if allowed to do so, but…
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Ferns
Ferns are wonderful shade plants, adding a lush, woodland look to a shady area. Shown at left is Polystichum munitum, a native fern that grows to two to four feet. Another excellent fern for our area is Woodwardia fimbriata, also known as giant chain fern, shown at left. Generally, it will grown to…
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Centranthus ruber
Centranthus, or Jupiter’s beard, is a great perennial, but be prepared for its rather vigorous self-sowing. It is very tolerant of most conditions and needs little water. Flower color ranges from crimson to pink to lilac to white, with a very long bloom period. Gophers do not seem to like it, perhaps because of its…
