Thermopsis–commonly called false lupine–is a rhizomatous perennial cultivated for its attractive foliage and yellow or purple pea-like flowers. From a distance, Thermopsis looks like lupines (Lupinus spp. or baptisia (Baptisia, spp.). Thermopsis is native grassy mountainsides and woodlands in North America. It can grow in full sun or very light shade and wants well-drained soil […] More
Saponaria–commonly called soapwort–is a perennial that bears clusters of five-petaled flowers usually in shades of pink. Saponaria spread readily from fleshy white roots that creep to form broad clumps. Saponaria includes ground-hugging and taller plants. Compact cultivars are suited for a rock garden, trough, or raised bed. Taller spreading plants can be used in herbaceous […] More
Perovskia–commonly called Russian sage–bears airy heads of lavender-blue flowers from late summer to fall. Perovskia is a woody-based perennial with erect stems covered in deeply divided, grey-green aromatic leaves. Stems are bare white in winter. Perovskia is a good choice for planting in a mixed or herbaceous border. Perovskia is a genus of seven species […] More
Origanum – commonly called Marjoram or Oregano–is a rhizome-spreading perennial with small, simple, aromatic gray-green leaves. The leaves are topped by spiked whorls of small, tubular white or pink to purplish flowers in summer. The flowers resemble miniature pinecones. Origanum is a genus of 20 species of perennials and small subshrubs. Many are grown as annuals or biennials. […] More
Hollyhock mallow, Malva alcea, bears open funnel-shaped, purplish-pink flowers to 3 inches across. The flowers appear on terminal racemes. Hollyhock mallow is an erect, bushy perennial with heart-shaped, scalloped, light-green leaves. Malva is a genus of about 30 species–including annuals, biennials, and perennials. The common name of the group is Mallow. Mallows bear five-petaled, cup- […] More
Lavandula–commonly called lavender–is an evergreen subshrub with narrow, aromatic silver-gray leaves and dense spikes of fragrant, deep purple flowers held on wiry stems from mid- to late summer. Some varieties have flowers in shades of white, pink, and mauve. Lanvandula is grown for ornament in the garden and for its sweet scent when dried. The […] More
Galium — commonly called sweet woodruff– is a carpet-like, spreading perennial with emerald-green leaves and a froth of starry white blooms that appear from late spring to midsummer. Sweet woodruff is a good choice for a shade or woodland garden. It can tolerate dry soil under a large tree. Galium will grow in just about […] More
Echinops–commonly called globe thistle-has globe-shaped, spiky metallic blue flower heads in late summer. This upright perennial has prickly, divided green leaves. Echinops flower heads are spherical, about the size of a golf ball. Flowers appear on erect stems. Echinops leaves are spiky, usually grayish-white and wooly. Leaves are deeply cut, prickly, and up to a […] More
Dictamnus is a long-lived perennial with impressive spikes of star-shaped flowers in early summer. White flowers are often streaked and spotted with purple. Star-shaped seed capsules follow the flowers and are often used by flower arrangers. Dictamnus emits a strong lemony smell when brushed or rubbed. Oil in the leaves can cause an allergic skin […] More
Caltha is a genus of about 10 species of marshland or marginal aquatic perennials. The best-known and most commonly grown Caltha is C. palustris, the marsh marigold. Caltha bears loose clusters of showy golden yellow or white flowers in spring. Caltha flowers are usually cup-shaped; they appear before the heart- or kidney-shaped leave emerge in […] More
Aconitum–commonly called monkshood–is a tall, delphinium-like plant with hooded blue or purple and sometimes yellow flowers. Flowers appear on erect racemes. Aconitum can be used as a tall foundation plant, in semi-wild gardens, and lightly shaded borders. Aconitum is slow growing at first but grows faster once established. Aconitum may struggle where summers are hot […] More
Euphorbia is a varied genus of about 2,000 species of annuals, biennials, herbaceous perennials, shrubs, subshrubs, and trees. Members of the genus are widely distributed around the world. Herbaceous Euphorbias–commonly called spurge– are a diverse group of plants, included are the holiday poinsettia, the spiny crown-of-thorns, and green-and-white snow-on-the-mountain. Euphorbias are grown for their spring […] More
Stephen Albert