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.
Nepeta, or catmint, is a very useful little plant. Most varieties get about a foot tall, but ‘Six Hills Giant’ can grow to three feet. Grey-green leaves and spikes of purple flowers are characteristic. Bees love Nepeta and deer tend to leave it alone. N. cataria is catnip, the herb of choice for many cats. …
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…
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…
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.
Gaura is a lovely, airy plant with either pink or white flowers that vaguely resemble butterflies. Foliage is usually green, but some newer varieties have reddish foliage. Plant size varies from about two feet to four feet. Gaura can self-sow vigorously under the right conditions, but it is so long blooming (late spring to frost) that…