Perennials

Perennials are the workhorses of the garden. These herbaceous plants that live for three or more years bridge the gap between the permanence of woody plants and the transience of annuals. They easily fit gardens of any proportion and don't have to be replanted every spring. Although most perennials produce flowers, often their foliage is so lovely that the leaves alone are reason enough to grow them. The sheer diversity of perennials makes it easy to build a satisfying garden using little else. Plant them abundantly in a border or combine them with woody plants, annuals, vines, and bulbs for a garden with a many-sided personality.

Your climate can determine the number and type of perennials you can grow, but resourceful gardeners know ways to stretch the limits. Coax slightly tender plants into overwintering in cold climates by planting them in protected spots that capture the sun's warmth and provide shelter from wind. In the South, accommodate plants that dislike heat and humidity by siting them where they'll have midday shade, and by providing them with generous spacing for air circulation. Some perennials have a compact habit that suits them to container use. The only special care they require is storing the containers in a place during the winter that remains around 40°F so that the plants have the dormancy they require without suffering frost damage.

Plant a variety of perennials for different bloom times and focus on long bloomers to maximize your floral show In most parts of North America, perennials go dormant in winter, providing the ideal opportunity to divide and transplant. Division every few years reinvigorates old plants and produces more plants to expand your garden or share with friends.

Use the information in this section to identify candidates for your conditions, taking into consideration sun, shade, soil type, and your hardiness Zone. You'll soon have a list of care-free perennials custom-made for your garden.

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 5 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Well-drained, moderately fertile
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to filtered shade
ATTRIBUTES: Blue, coral, yellow, purple, white flower spikes; for beds, cutting
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer
FAVORITES: 'Blue Fortune', 'Firebird' Tuttifrutti', 'Apricot Sunset', 'Snow Spike'
QUIRKS: Plants can reach their mature size and flower in a single season
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Blanket flower, Russian sage, salvia, yarrow, lilhonia, herbs
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun to part shade in average soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Root rot in wet soil; powdery mildew
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives several years; divide every 2 years
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Starter plants, seeds, division
DIMENSIONS: 2-4 ft (0.6-1.2 m) tall, 1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Silvery, fine-textured foliage; for beds, edging, pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring through fall
FAVORITES: 'Silver Brocade', 'Powis Castle', compact 'Silver Mound'
QUIRKS: Usually grown for foliage; you may trim and discard flowers
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Aster, iris, peony, rudbeckio, evergreen shrubs
WHERE IT GROWS BEST : Sun to part shade in average soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Unlike named cultivars some species are too invasive for the garden
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; divide every few years
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Division in spring; cuttings in summer
DIMENSIONS: Up to 3 ft (1 m) tall, 1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m) or more wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 2 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist, fertile
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial to full shade
ATTRIBUTES: Handsome mat-forming plants that spread slowly; tor groundcover, beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring through fall
FAVORITES: A. canadense as woodland groundcover; A. europaeum as specimen
QUIRKS: Drought can cause plants to become temporarily dormant
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Cohosh, epimedium, astilbe, hosta, Solomon's seal, trillium, ferns, trees
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Partial to full shade in moist soil enriched with humus
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Slugs and snails
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; top-dress with 1 in (2.5 cm) of compost in the fall
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Division
DIMENSIONS: 5 in (12.7 cm) tall, spreads to broad mats several feet wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Starry lavender, purple, pink, or white flowers in profusion in the fall
SEASON OF INTEREST: Late summer to fall
FAVORITES: 'Purple Dome' for compact habit; A. divaricates for dry shade
QUIRKS: Plants more than 2 ft (0.6 m) tall require support
GOOD NEIGHBORS : Chrysanthemum, golden-rod, rudbeckia, marigold, sneezeweed
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun to part shade in overage soil and a wide range of climates
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Fungal leaf diseases
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives several years; dig and divide every 3-4 years
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Division
DIMENSIONS: 1-5 ft (0.3-1.5 mj toll, 1-3 ft (0.3-1 mj wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Slightly acidic
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist, fertile, organic
PREFERRED LIGHT:Partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: White, pink, purple, or red plumelike flowers; ferny foliage; for beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer
FAVORITES: Red 'Fanal', purple 'Hyacinth', pink 'Sprits', white 'Bridal Veil'
QUIRKS: Needs consistently moist soil
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Bee balm, ferns, hostas, iris, lady's mantle
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In light shade and moist soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Slugs and snails, Japanese beetles
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; dig and divide every 3-4 years, in spring or fall
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Nursery plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 1-4 ft (0.3-1.2 m) tall, 2-4 ft (0.6-1.2 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, moist, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Large blue, pink, or white flowers with a unique shape in bud
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early to midsummer
FAVORITES: 'Fuji', 'Mariesii'
QUIRKS: Lax stems require support when heavy with flowers
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Columbine, daylily, iris, lady's mantle, pansy
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Average soil; sun in cool regions, afternoon shade in warm regions
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Occasionally slugs and snails
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years, division seldom necessary
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Young stem cuttings taken from the root in spring and planted
DIMENSIONS: 8-20 in (20.3-50.8 cm) tall, less than 14 in (35.6 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Slightly acidic
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Shaggy pink, purple, or red flowers; attracts hummingbirds; for beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early to midsummer
FAVORITES: 'Cambridge Scarlet', 'Marshall's Delight', 'Raspberry Wine'
QUIRKS: Wilts quickly when soil becomes dry
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Astilbe, columbine, cranesbill geranium, dusty miller, impatiens
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Partial shade, moist soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Powdery mildew; prevent by growing resistant varieties and thinning plants
RENEWING PLANTS: Plants live for 3 years; colonies persist longer; divide every 2-3 years
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Division, cuttings, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 2-4 ft (0.6-1.2 m) tall, colonies grow 2 ft (0.6 m) or more wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Organically rich, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Clumping plants; glossy evergreen leaves; red, pink, or white flowers
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring for flowers; nearly year-round for foliage
FAVORITES: Crimson 'Evening Glow'; red 'Perfecta'; white 'Silver Light'
QUIRKS: Leaf edges brown in hot sun or dry soil
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Columbines, perennial geraniums, hostas, lungwort, ferns
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Partial shade in average, cool soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Slugs and snails
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives several years; divide in early spring and replant immediately
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Division
DIMENSIONS: 1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m) toll, 1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Summer-long red or red-and-yellow flowers; for beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer
FAVORITES: Dwarf 'Goblin'; red-flowered 'Burgundy'; yellow-tipped 'Dazzler'
QUIRKS: Short-lived but reseeds
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Black-eyed Susan, butterfly weed, coreopsis, rudbeckia, yarrow
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun, dry soil.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Rarely: root rot, powdery mildew, viral wilt; aphids, thrips
RENEWING PLANTS: Plants live 2-3 years; colonies reseed; or plant seedling replacements
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 1-3 ft (0.3-1 m) tall, 1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, moist but well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Full to partial shade; more sun in cool, moist climates
ATTRIBUTES: Graceful, heart-shaped, pink or white flowers; blue-green, ferny foliage
SEASON OF INTEREST: Midspring to summer
FAVORITES: D. spectabilis; ever-blooming D. eximia 'Luxuriant', 'Snowdrift'
QUIRKS: White-flowered types are slightly less vigorous than the pinks
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Ajuga, ferns, hostas, Solomon's seal, trillium
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Full to partial shade in rich, moist soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Fungal leaf diseases can occur in damp sites with poor air circulation
RENEWING PLANTS: Plants live many years; divide overgrown clumps
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Division; seeds of pure species
DIMENSIONS: 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) high, 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: True-blue flowers in early summer, golden fall foliage; for beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer and fall
FAVORITES: A. abernaemonfana for Zones 3 to 6; A. hubrectii, Zones 6 to 9
QUIRKS: Needs good soil drainage, little or no fertilizer
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Fall asters, butter daisy, butterfly weed, coreopsis, rudbeckia
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Pest and disease problems are rare
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; divide in early spring
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Division, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 2-4 ft (0 6-1.2 m) high, 2-4 ft (0.6-1.2 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly acidic or alkaline
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist, fertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Blue, pink, or white flowers; colorful foliage; for groundcover, pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring to early winter
FAVORITES: 'Burgundy Glow' for variegated leaves; pink-flowered 'Pink Surprise'
QUIRKS: Spreads fast; benefits from division
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Shrubs and trees, especially azaleas and rhododendrons
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Fertile, well-drained soil in partial shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Aphids, root rot; can be invasive if neglected
RENEWING PLANTS: Benefits from division every 2-3 years in the fall
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Division
DIMENSIONS: Plant 2 in (5.1 cm) tall, 3 in (7.6 cm) wide; flowers 6 in (15.2 cm) tall

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Slightly acidic
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Masses of orange flowers on compact, drought-tolerant plants; for beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer
FAVORITES: The species, Asclepias tuberosa
QUIRKS: Late to emerge in spring and difficult to transplant
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Aster, ornamental grasses, rudbeckia, sneezeweed, stonecrop
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun and average soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Butterfly larvae, occasional aphids
RENEWING PLANTS: Plants live for decades; seldom needs dividing
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Seeds, rooted cuttings
DIMENSIONS: To 30 in (76.2 cm) tall, 18 in (45.7 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 7
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Bell-shaped blue, violet, pink, or while flowers; for rock gardens, beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Late spring through summer
FAVORITES: Tall C. persicifolia; short C. carpatica; heat-resistant C. glometala
QUIRKS: Some grow poorly where summer nights are hot
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Cohosh, foxglove, peony, stonecrop, sun rose
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun to partial shade in loamy soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Plants become overcrowded after growing for a year or two
RENEWING PLANTS: Plants live for decades; divide every 3-4 years in spring or fall
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Division
DIMENSIONS: 6 in-4 ft (15.2 cm-1.2 m) tall, 1-3 ft |0.3-1 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: White flowers on semi-evergreen plants; for edging, groundcover, pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Blooms in spring, sometimes reblooms later in summer or fall
FAVORITES: 'Snow White', 'Alexander's White', 'Autumn White'
QUIRKS: Looks best if sheared back after flowering
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Dianthus, iris, peony, tulips, woodland phlox, spring-flowering shrubs
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sunny, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Rare when soil drainage is adequate; occasional powdery mildew
RENEWING PLANTS: Plants live many years; every 3-4 years shear almost to the ground
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Cuttings, seed
DIMENSIONS: 4-10 in (10.2-25.4 cm) tall. 1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Profuse flowers on compact plants; for edging, beds, hedges
SEASON OF INTEREST: Late spring through summer
FAVORITES: 'Dropmore', 'Snowflake', 'Six Hills Giant', 'Dawn to Dusk', 'Walker's Low'
QUIRKS: Grows poorly in wet soil and when overfertilized
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Herbs, roses, yarrow, verbena
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun, average soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Virtually pest and disease free; grows poorly in hot, humid weather
RENEWING PLANTS: Plants live many years; divide every 3 years or when clumps start to die
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Division
DIMENSIONS: 1-3 ft (0.3-1 m) high, 1-3 ft (0.3-1 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 7
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Long-flowering, fringed blue or rose pink flowers; for beds, cutting
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer through fall
FAVORITES: C. dealbata 'Steen-bergii', 'John Coutts' for pink blossoms; C. montana for blue flowers
QUIRKS: Cutting blossoms boosts flower production
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Artemisia, coreopsis, ornamental grasses, rudbeckia, yarrow
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Some species can be invasive in cool climates; wet soil in winter can lead to root rot
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; dig and divide clumps
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 18-28 in (45.7-71.1 cm) tall and plants are equally wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE Rich, moist
PREFERRED LIGHT: Full to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Fragrant spikes of white flowers in summer; neat clumps of lacy foliage
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring through fall for foliage; summer to fall for flowers
FAVORITES: C. simplex 'White Pearl'; C. racemosa 'Brunette'; C. ramosa, the species
QUIRKS: C. racemosa flowers have a scent that is more musky than fragrant
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Astilbe, Japanese anemone, ferns, hydrangeas
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Moist soil in shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Rust
RENEWING PLANTS: Plants live for decades; rarely needed; if so, divide in early spring
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: In flower, 3-7 ft (1-2.1 ml tall and 3 ft (1 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Rich, moist, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial shade to sun
ATTRIBUTES: Colorful, often two-toned flowers on graceful plants; for borders
SEASON OF INTEREST: From late spring through early summer
FAVORITES: A. canadensis; A. vulgaris 'Nora Barlow'; 'Songbird', 'Music' series
QUIRKS: Mulch roots for summer cooling, winter insulating
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Bluestar, monkshood, perennial geraniums, spring-flowering bulbs
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Partial shade in fertile, moist soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Leaf miners, aphids
RENEWING PLANTS: Short-lived; replace with seedlings every 3 years
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 18-36 in (45.7-91.4 cm) tall, 12-24 in (30.5-61 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly acid
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Yellow or pink flowers; mounds of ferny foliage; for beds, pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer to fall
FAVORITES: 'Early Sunrise', 'Moonbeam', 'Rosea'
QUIRKS: Campanula, larkspur, Russian sage, rudbeckia, Shirley poppies
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Grows best when clumps become crowded
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Full sun, average soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Root rot can develop in wet winter soil
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; divide clumps as desired
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Division
DIMENSIONS: 1-3 ft (0.3-1 m) tall and wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Trumpet-shaped flowers in many colors; grasslike foliage; for beds, pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer
FAVORITES: 'Stella d'Oro', 'Happy Returns', 'Fairy Tale Pink' for repeat bloom
QUIRKS: Flowers last one day, but new ones open dairy
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Artemisia, herbs, roses
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Spider mites, thrips; fungal leaf spot
RENEWING PLANTS: Plants live many years; divide crowded clumps
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Nursery plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 2-6 ft (0.6-1.8 m) tall for standards; 1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m) tall for dwarfs; 2 ft (0.6 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly acid
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial to full shade
ATTRIBUTES: Variegated leaves; white or pink flowers; for groundcover
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring through summer; evergreen in mild-winter climates
FAVORITES: White-flowered 'White Nancy'; pink 'Beacon Silver', 'Chequers'; yellow 'Herman's Pride'
QUIRKS: Spreads quickly in moist soil
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Spring-flowering bulbs, shade-loving perennials
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Under the shelter of tall trees in partial shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Some species are invasive; wet winter soil causes root rot
RENEWING PLANTS: Colonies persist for many years; divide crowded clumps
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except for slugs when plants are grown in damp soil
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 12 in (30.5 cm) tall and equally wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Fragrant flowers and low, grasslike, gray-green foliage; for beds, edging
SEASON OF INTEREST: Flowers in spring; evergreen foliage in mild-winter climates
FAVORITES: 'Bath's Pink', 'Mountain Mist', 'Essex Witch', 'Zing Rose', 'Brilliant'
QUIRKS: Wet soil in winter leads to fatal root rot
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Candytuft, iris, salvia, thyme, veronica
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun and well-drained, neutral soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Root rot and fungal diseases in high humidity or poorly drained soil
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives for years if crowded clumps are thinned or divided every few years
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants; division: late summer or spring
DIMENSIONS: 6-24 in (15.2-61 cm) tall, 8-16 in (20.3-40.6 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, moist
PREFERRED LIGHT: Full to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Reddish leaves; white, yellow, pink, or purple flowers; for groundcover
SEASON OF INTEREST: Nearly year-round for foliage in mild climates; spring for flowers
FAVORITES: E. alpinum 'Rubrum', E. x perralcbicum 'Frohnleiten
QUIRKS: Flowers usually emerge before leaves
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Astilbe, fern, hosto, Japanese maple, other deciduous trees
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Full afternoon shade; fertile, moist soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: None
RENEWING Lives many years; divide PLANTS crowded clumps in late winter
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 6-10 in (15.2-25.4 cm) tall and up to 18 in (45.7 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral lo slightly acid
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average to poor, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES Chartreuse flower brads on mounded plants; red fall foliage; for beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring through fall
FAVORITES: Cushion spurge; E. dulcis 'Chameleon'; flowering spurge
QUIRKS: Milky sap can irritate skin on contact
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Campanula, coreopsis, iris, larkspur, marigolds, peony, yarrow
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun to partial shade; average to infertile, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Foliage can be damaged if grown in full sun in hot climates
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives years; divide clumps in early spring
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 1-6 ft (0.3-1.8 m) tall and wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Generally 4 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Slightly acid to slightly alkaline
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist, organic
PREFERRED LIGHT: Full to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Elegant, fine-textured foliage in varied shapes; for groundcover, beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early spring to fall for deciduous species; year-round for evergreens
FAVORITES: Autumn fern, holly fern, Japanese painted fern, maidenhair fern
QUIRKS: New plantings are slow to become established
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Bulbs, hosta, woodland phlox, Solomon's seal, hellebore, pulmonaria
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Full to partial shade in fertile, organic, moist soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Can be damaged by drought or fertilizer
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; dig and divide crowded clumps in early spring
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except for deer browsing fiddleheads in spring
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 1-3 ft (0.3-1 m) tall and equally wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Bell-shaped flowers in various colors on tall spikes; for beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Late spring through summer
FAVORITES: Biennial 'Foxy', Excelsior hybrids; perennial D. grandiflora, 'Carillon'
QUIRKS: All parts of foxglove plants are toxic if eaten
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Columbine, ferns, hydrangea, roses, deciduous trees
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Partial shade in moist, fertile, organic soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Root rot due to cold, wet winter weather
RENEWING PLANTS: Biennials live 2-3 years, start seeds; perennials live 2-4 years, divide
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent, except slugs and snails
SOURCE: Seeds, division
DIMENSIONS: 2-5 ft (0.6-1.5 m) tall, 1 ft (0.3 m) wide; dwarf, 1 ft (0.3 m) tall, wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly acid
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Flowers in many colors on spreading plants; for beds, groundcover
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring through fall
FAVORITES: 'Johnson's Blue', 'War-grave Pink' in sun; 'Be-van's variety in shade
QUIRKS: Winter hardiness varies greatly with species
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Campanula, dayfily, dianmus, hydrangea, iris, lily, lobelia, peony
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun to partial shade in cool-summer climates
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Excessive summer heat and drought may temporarily shorten flowering
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; divide crowded clumps every 3-4 years
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except for slugs in damp areas
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 6-24 in (15.2-61 cm) tall and equally wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to shade
ATTRIBUTES: White plumes of flowers, graceful foliage; for back of border, as specimen
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring through fall
FAVORITES: Giant A. dioicus; cut-leaf A. dioicus 'Kneiffii; dwarf A. aesthusifolius
QUIRKS Male plants have showier flowers than female plants
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Astilbe, cohosh, hellebore, hydrangea, ferns, Japanese anemone
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Shade, moist soil, cool-summer climates
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: A. dioicus is difficult to move once established
RENEWING Lives many years; divide crowded clumps only when necessary
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) tall and wide; dwarf, 12 in (30.5 cm) tall and wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly acid
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Poor to average, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Late-season golden flowers on shrubby plants; for beds, pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Late summer and fall
FAVORITES: 'Fireworks', 'Golden Fleece'
QUIRKS: Plant these rapidly expanding perennials 1 ft (.3m) apart
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Aster, chrysanthemum, Joe Pye weed, Russian sage, viburnum
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun; well-drained, poor to average soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Grows poorly in damp soil; powdery mildew in cool, damp weather
RENEWING PLANTS: Plants live 3-5 years; divide clumps every 3 years in spring
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Division
DIMENSIONS: 1-4 ft (0.3-1.2 m) high 1-3 ft (0.3-1 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Airy clusters of tiny white or pink biossoms; for cutting, beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Midsummer
FAVORITES: Tall white 'Perfecta'; rose-flowered 'Pink Fairy'; spreading G. repens
QUIRKS: Tall types must be staked while small to keep them upright as they mature
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Oriental poppy, roses, and plants with dark or bold foliage
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In sun and well-drained soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS:Crown rot in poorly drained soil; fungal leaf diseases in humid heat
RENEWING: If sited well, plants can PLANTS live many years; unlikely to need rejuvenation
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Division, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 6 in-4 ft (15.2 cm-1.2 m) tall, 12-24 in (30.5-61 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial to full shade
ATTRIBUTES: Long-lasting white, pink, purple, or green flowers in late winter; for beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Evergreen foliage; flowers in winter and spring
FAVORITES: Christmas rose, Lenten rose, stinking hellebore
QUIRKS: All plant parts are poisonous; mature plants transplant poorly
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Crocus, tulips, grape hyacinth, deciduous trees, red-osier dogwood
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In the light shade of deciduous trees
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Persistently dry soil can be fatal
RENEWING PLANTS: Colonies live for years; unlikely to need rejuvenation; trim tattered leaves
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, seed
DIMENSIONS: 1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m) tall and equally wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly acid
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Low-growing green or bronze foliage rosettes; for edging, pots, beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Evergreen foliage has year-round appeal
FAVORITES: S. tectorum, S. arachnoideum, S. octopodes
QUIRKS: Leaves resist fire; some species were once grown on roofs to retard fire
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Mugo pine, sedums, sun rose
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In sun to partial shade and gritty soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Excessive moisture and shade can cause rot
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives years; remove damaged plants and flowering stems as needed
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Plant offsets
DIMENSIONS: Less than 4 in (10.2 cm) tall; clumps spread to 12 in (30.5 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist, fertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Purple, silver, or marbled foliage; salmon to red flowers; for beds, pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring to fall
FAVORITES: 'Palace Purple', 'Persian Carpet', 'Mt. St. Helens', 'Raspberry Regal'
QUIRKS: Grows poorly in hot sun or dry soil
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Euphorbia, hosta, lamb's ears, meadow rue
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In partial shade and moist, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Shallow roots can be heaved up in winter
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives to 5 years; divide every 3 years, before plants become woody
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Deer, strawberry root weevil
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 1-3 ft (0.3-1 m) tall, 1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly acid
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Tall flower spikes in a range of colors; for back of border, as specimens
SEASON OF INTEREST: Late spring to midsummer
FAVORITES: 'Old Barnyard Mix', 'Country Romance Mix'
QUIRKS: Plants are generally short-lived but easy to grow from seed
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Catmint, cleome, coreopsis, daylily, ornamental grasses, yarrow, zinnia
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun, fertile soil in a wide range of climates
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Spider mites, Japanese beetles; fungal leaf disease rust
RENEWING PLANTS: Usually lasts 3-5 years; start new seeds to replace older plants
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except for deer
SOURCE: Seeds
DIMENSIONS: Flower spikes to 5 ft (1.5 m) tall, plants to 2 ft (0.6 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Adaptable
PREFERRED LIGHT: Full to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Big leaves; fragrant white or lilac flowers; (or beds, edging, groundcover)
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring through fall
FAVORITES: 'Krossa Regal', 'Frances Williams', 'Little Aurora'; 'Sun Power' for sun
QUIRKS: Needs ample water to prevent scorching, especially if grown in sun
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Astilbe, epimedium, monkshood, primrose
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Partial shade in fertile, moist soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Slugs and snails
RENEWING PLANTS: Plants live many years; divide overcrowded clumps in spring or fall
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except for deer
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 14-36 in (35.6-91.4 cm) high, wide; dwarf, to 1 ft (0.3 m) tall,wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Well-drained loam
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to filtered shade
ATTRIBUTES: Colorful flowers; green or variegated fan-shaped foliage; for beds, ground-cover, water gardens
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer to tall
FAVORITES: Re-blooming 'Immortality'; dwarf 'Baby Blessed'; Siberian iris for shade; nag iris for wet soil
QUIRKS: Irises grow poorly in hot, humid environments
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Lamb's ears, peonies, roses, clematis
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Moist, well-drained soil; wet soil for Hag iris; sun, filtered shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Iris borer; fungal leaf diseases
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives years; divide clumps 3-5 years
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 8 in-6 ft (20.3 cm-1.8 m) tall, 4-8 in (10.2-20.3 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 5 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, moist soil
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial shade
ATTRIBUTES White or pink flowers, divided green foliage; for beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Late summer to autumn
FAVORITES: 'Honorine Jobert', 'September Charm', A. tomentosa 'Robustissima'
QUIRKS: Spreads quickly when grown in full sun
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Astilbe, cohosh, hosta, hydrangea, spiraea
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Fertile, moist soil in partial shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Winter damage in areas colder than Zone 5
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; divide clumps in spring and replant immediately
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except for deer and Japanese beetles
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 2-4 ft (0.6-1.2 m) tall, 1-3 ft (0.3-1 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, moist
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Tall plants with large pink or white flowers; for the back of the border
SEASON OF INTEREST: Midsummer to fall
FAVORITES: Pink-flowered 'Atropurpureum', smaller 'Gateway', white 'Bartered Bride'
QUIRKS: For compact growth, cut plants back by one-third in late spring
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Daylilies, goldenrod, garden phlox, rudbeckia, ornamental grasses
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Damp soil and full sun
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Fungal powdery mildew, leaf spot; grasshoppers, flea beetles
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives for years; divide crowded clumps 5-6 years in spring or fall
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 4-7 ft (1.2-2.1 m) tall, 3-4 ft (1-1.2 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist, well-drained, overage
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Large leaves, airy chartreuse flowers; for beds, herb gardens, pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Flowers from late spring to early summer; foliage spring to fall
FAVORITES: A. mollis
QUIRKS: Roots grow better when cooled by organic mulch
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Astilbe, catmint, lavender, Siberian iris
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Fertile soil in partial shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Slugs and snails
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives several years; divide crowded clumps in early spring
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 2 ft (0.6 m) tall and equally wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 10
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Soft, fuzzy silver-gray leaves; for edging or ground cover
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring and summer
FAVORITES: Non-flowering 'Silver Carpet'; 'Helene von Stein', 'Big Ears' for heat
QUIRKS: Plants may die back in hot, humid conditions
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Herbs, iris, roses, salvia, lavender
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Well-drained soil in sun to partial shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Crown rot in poorly drained soil
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; divide crowded clumps
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 12-24 in (30.5-61 cm) tall and equally wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 6 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Infertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Fragrant purple flowers, evergreen foliage; for beds, pots, dried flowers
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring to fall
FAVORITES: L. angustihlia 'Hidcote', 'Munstead'; L. stoechas in warm climates
QUIRKS Cannot tolerate excessive soil moisture or extreme winter cold
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Artemisia, coreopsis, dianthus, roses, thyme
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun; infertile, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Root rot in wet soil
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives years; prune severely in late winter; start plants from cuttings
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, stem cuttings in late summer
DIMENSIONS: 12-36 in (30.5-91.4 cm) tall and wide

Fundamental Facts:

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, moist, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial to full shade
ATTRIBUTES: Broad leaves variegated with white or silver; for beds, woodland gardens
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring into summer
FAVORITES: 'Berries and Cream', 'Mrs. Moon'; mildew-resistant 'Excalibur'
QUIRKS: Will wilt and may burn in dry, sunny conditions
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Bleeding heart, daffodil, dogwood, forsythia, iris
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Under deciduous trees or in a northern exposure
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Powdery mildew in cool, damp sites
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; divide crowded clumps
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except for deer, slugs and snails
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 6-12 in (15.2-30.5 cm) high and equally wide

Fundamental Facts:

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly acid
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, moist
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Feathery rose, purple, while, or yellow flowers, ferny foliage; for beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring and summer
FAVORITES: T. rochebrvnianum 'Lavender Mist'; T. aquilegi-folium; T. kiusianum
QUIRKS: Semi-evergreen in Zones 7 and 8
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Bleeding heart, blood- root, columbine, hosta, lobelia, Solomon's seal
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: The edges of wooded areas; in partial shade and moist soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Staking may be needed in fertile soil, which causes spindly growth
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; divide crowded clumps
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Seeds, division, stem cuttings
DIMENSIONS: 6 in-6 ft (15.2 cm-1.8 m) tall, 12 in (30.5 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 7
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly acid
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, moist, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES Spikes of blue, pink, yellow, white, or blue-and-white flowers; for beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Midsummer to early fall
FAVORITES: A. napellus and cultivars, A. carmichaelii, A. x cammarum 'Bicolor'
QUIRKS: All plant parts are poisonous if eaten
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Purple coneflower, rudbeckia, sneezeweed
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In well-drained, fertile soil; areas with warm days and cool nights
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Root rot, verlicillium wilt when grown in wet soil
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives several years; do not divide
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Seeds
DIMENSIONS: 3-4 ft (1-1.2 m) tall, 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 10
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Dramatic foliage and flower plumes; for beds, specimen plants, or pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Year-round
FAVORITES: Maiden grasses, fountain grasses in sun; golden hakone grass in shade
QUIRKS: Most require shearing in early spring
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Black-eyed Susan, blanket flower, garden phlox, rudbeckia, sedum, yarrow
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Varies by type; most grow best in full sun and well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Rust, a disfiguring fungal leaf disease, can occur during humid summers
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; divide as needed to control the size of clumps
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 1-6 ft (0.3-1.8 m) tall, 1-4 ft (0.3-1.2 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 7
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Well-drained, average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun, afternoon shade
ATTRIBUTES: Large flowers, neat mounding foliage; for beds, seasonal hedges
SEASON OF INTEREST: Blooms spring to early summer
FAVORITES: White 'Festiva Maxima', pink 'Sarah Bernhardt', red 'Felix Crousse'
QUIRKS: Plants need a period of winter chilling in order to produce Rower buds
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Astilbe, clematis, dianthus, iris, ornamental grasses, poppies, roses
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun to partial shade; well-drained, organic soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Heavy flowers can bend stems to the ground
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives for decades; rarely needed, but crowded plants can be divided
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: Plants 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) tall and equally wide; flowers 4-10 in (10 2-25.4 cm) in diameter

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Slightly acid
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Organically rich
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Long-fasting while or pastel flowers on tall plants; for beds, woodlands
SEASON OF INTEREST: Midsummer through fall
FAVORITES: Mildew-resistant 'David', Robert Poore'; bicolored 'Eva Cullum'
QUIRKS: Produces second crop of flowers if cut back when initial flowers fade
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Ageratum, artemisia, daylily, obedient plant
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Fertile soil with morning sun and afternoon shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Powdery mildew; spider mites, phlox bugs
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; divide crowded clumps every 3 years
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 2-4 ft (0.6-1.2 m) tall, mature clumps 2-4 ft (0.6-1.2 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Slightly acid
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, moist
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Petite plants; blue, white, or pink flowers; for beds, groundcover, edging
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring
FAVORITES: P. divaricata 'Clouds of Perfume', 'Chattahoochee' for partial shade; 'Fuller's White', 'Sherwood Purple' for shade; P. subulata 'Candy Stripe' for sun
QUIRKS: Prefers slightly acid soil
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Candytuft, deciduous trees, pansies, spring bulbs, shrubs
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Humus-rich soil in open woodlands
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Rare
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; seldom needed if plants reseed
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 6-12 in (15.2-30.5 cm) toll and equally wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 8 to 10
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, moist, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Straplike evergreen foliage in various colors; for beds, pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Year-round if kept from freezing
FAVORITES: P. tenax 'Bronze Baby', 'Cream Delight'; P. colensoi 'Sundowner', 'Maori Maiden'
QUIRKS: Not frost tolerant but can be Wintered indoors
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Flowering annuals, perennials, small evergreen shrubs
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In sun and well-drained soil in areas with mild winter temperatures
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Damage from freezing winter weather or high summer temperatures
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives years; divide when crowded, or shift potted plants to larger pots
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 3-15 ft (1-4.6 m) tall, 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to very light shade
ATTRIBUTES: Gray-green leaves; blue, pink, yellow, or cream flowers; for beds, cutting
SEASON OF INTEREST: Late spring to fall
FAVORITES: 'Butterfly Blue', 'Pink Mist' for nonstop flowers
QUIRKS: Needs to retain browned foliage through winter
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Artemisia, butterfly Rawer, catmint, dianthus, dusty miller, lilies
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In sun and fertile, well-drained, slightly alkaline soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Poor soil drainage in winter leads to root rot
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; divide crowded clumps
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Division, stem cuttings, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 12 in (30.5 cm) tall and equally wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 5 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Slightly acid
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, moist
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Petite plants with showy, colorful flowers; for damp sites, pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring
FAVORITES: Polyanthus primroses, P. denticulate, P. japonica 'Postford White', cowslips
QUIRKS Often goes dormant in midsummer
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Deciduous trees, spring bulbs, rhododendron
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Shaded, damp, humus-rich, acidic soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Cold-winter injury; root rot in wet soil during mild winters
RENEWING: Lives to 5 years; divide PLANTS every 3-4 years
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Occasionally slugs and snails
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 4-24 in (10.2-61 cm) tall, 6 in (15.2 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH. Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES Dusty pink flowers with dark centers; for wildflower meadows, beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer
FAVORITES: 'Magnus' for upright petals, 'White Swan', 'Crimson Star', 'Nana'
QUIRKS: Must have soil with good drainage
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Blanket flower, coreopsis, ornamental grasses, rudbeckia
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Full sun; average, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Root rot in overly wet soil conditions
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives for years; divide every 4-5 years
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except rabbits and groundhogs
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 2-4 ft (0.6-1.2 m) tall, up to 2 ft (0.6 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 5 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, well-drained, fertile
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Red, orange, or yellow flower spikes; grassy leaves; (or beds, accents
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring to fall
FAVORITES: 'Primrose Beauty', 'Ada', 'Vanilla', 'Little Maid' for color; 'Royal Standard', 'Alcazar' for rebloom
QUIRKS: Roots may rot in wet soil
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Catmint, coreopsis, foxglove, verbena
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun and organically rich, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Winter damage in climates colder than Zone 5
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives 6 years or more; plants resent division
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except for deer (rare)
SOURCE: Bedding plants, small divisions
DIMENSIONS: 2-4 ft (0.6-1.2 m) tall, 2 ft (0.6 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 10
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average to poor
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Magenta, pink, or while flowers; felted gray foliage; for beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer for flowers, all season for foliage
FAVORITES: White Alba', pale pink Angel's Blush', 'Diamond and Rubies' mix
QUIRKS: Does not grow well if its roots are cramped in a container
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Artemisia, shrub roses, pink-flowered zinnias, white or pink petunias
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Average to infertile soil in areas with warm summer temperatures
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Constantly wet soil leads to root rot
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives 2-3 years; allow to reseed; divisions have poor survival rate
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) tall, 1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 10
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly acid
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average to moist, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Prolific yellow daisies on robust plants; for meadows, beds
FAVORITES: 'Goldsturm', 'Gold-quelle'; R. laciniata; R. triloba
QUIRKS: Sometimes short-lived, but renews itself by self-seeding readily
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Joe Pye weed, ornamental grasses, purple cone-flower, Russian sage
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer to fall
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In sun and moist, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Powdery mildew in late summer; aphids
RENEWING PLANTS: Individual plants last 2-3 years; divide when flowering diminishes
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except for deer (occasionally)
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) tall or more, 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) wide; varies by species

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 lo 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Silvery, divided foliage; spikes of lavender flowers; for beds, cutting
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer to fall
FAVORITES: 'Blue Spire', 'Longin', 'Filigran'
QUIRKS: Performs best when subjected to cold winters and hot summers
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Daylilies, garden phlox, ornamental grasses, sedum, veronica, yarrow
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In sun and well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Prolonged wet soil causes fatal root rot
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; cut back to 12 in (30.5 cm) in early spring
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Stem cuttings, division
DIMENSIONS: 3-4 ft (1-1.2 m) tall, 3 ft (1 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Tall plants with flowers in yellow, bronze, red, burgundy; for beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Midsummer through fall
FAVORITES: 'Moerheim Beauty', 'Bruno', 'Crimson Beauty', 'Coppelia'
QUIRKS: Needs staking and irrigation during dry periods to prevent wilt
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Garden phlox, golden-rod, ornamental grasses, bee balm, Russian sage
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In sun and moist, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Powdery mildew in late summer
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives several years; divide every other year to promote flowering
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 3-4 ft (1-1.2 m), 2 ft (0.6 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist, crumbly
PREFERRED LIGHT: Full to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Arching items with attractive leaves; for beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring to late fall
FAVORITES: P. odoratum 'Variegatum', P. biflorum, P. x hybridum
QUIRKS: Stems arch toward the available light
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Dead nettle, epimedium, ferns, hosta, lungwort, woodland phlox
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Light shade; moist, crumbly soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Snails and slugs
RENEWING PLANTS: Plants live many years; divide crowded clumps and replant in spring
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 2-6 ft (0.6-1.8 m) tall and equally wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, moist
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Upright plants with blue, pink, or white flowers; for beds, meadow gardens
SEASON OF INTEREST: Late spring through summer
FAVORITES: 'Purple Profusion', 'Snow-cap', 'Zwanenburg Blue'
QUIRKS: Flowers last only a day, but new ones open dairy
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Columbine, daylily, ferns, foxglove, ornamental grasses, hosta, iris
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In partial shade and moist, average soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: In favorable sites and climates it can become moderately invasive
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; divide crowded clumps in early spring every 4-5 years
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Division, self-seeds
DIMENSIONS: 10-24 in (25.4-61 cm) tall and 10-18 in (25.4-45.7 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Succulent leaves, pink or white flower clusters; for groundcover, beds, pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Year-round; blooms late summer to fall
FAVORITES: 'Autumn Joy', 'Stardust', 'Matrona', 'Variegatum', 'Frosty Morn', 'Brilliant'
QUIRKS: Needs well-drained soil
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Blanket flower, coreopsis, ornamental grasses, Russian sage, salvias
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: A sunny, well-drained site with average soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Stem rot when soil is wet and humidity high
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives 4 years or longer; divide crowded clumps every 3-5 years
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except for deer (occasionally)
SOURCE: Bedding plants, cuttings
DIMENSIONS: 12-24 in (30.5-61 cm) tall and equally wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Sandy with added organic matter, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Small, rose-shaped flowers on low plants; for dry sites, rock gardens
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring to fall
FAVORITES: 'Henfield Brilliant', 'Ben Nevis', 'Annabel', 'Raspberry Ripple'
QUIRKS: Remains evergreen in mild-winter climates
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Candytuft, hens and chicks, moss phlox, stonecrop, veronica
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In sun and gritty or rocky, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Grows poorly in extreme heat or wet soil
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years in mild climates; root stem cuttings in late summer
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, cuttings
DIMENSIONS: 8-12 in (20.3-30.5 cm) tall, to 3 ft (1 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Slightly acid
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist, fertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: A low, spreading plant with tiny white fragrant flowers; for groundcover
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring, summer
FAVORITES: Species; sold by species or common name
QUIRKS: Leaves fade in too much sun; plants go dormant in drought or high heat
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, woodland phlox
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Under deciduous trees in moist, fertile soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: If soil is not sufficiently fertile, plants yellow and begin to die out
RENEWING PLANTS: Persists indefinitely; divide only to increase plantings
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except for deer
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 4-12 in (10.2-30.5 cm) tall and equally wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Crumbly, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Fragrant creeping herb; white, pink, or lavender flowers; for groundcover
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring through foil
FAVORITES: T. serpyllum 'Coccineus'; T. vulgaris 'Argentus', 'Aureus'; T. x citriodorus
QUIRKS: Seed-grown plants mature slowly and vary in looks and flavor
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Achillea, alyssum, poppy, rosemary, lavender, salvia, most herbs
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun in sandy, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Soggy soil in any season encourages deadly fungal root-rot disease
RENEWIN GPLANTS: Lives years; divide every 2 years to maintain vigor
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except for mealybugs
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 2-8 in (5.1-20.3 cm) tall, to 12 in (30.5 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Pink flower spikes on mint green foliage; for damp areas, pond sides
SEASON OF INTEREST: Mid to late summer
FAVORITES: Rose pink-flowered 'Hot Lips'
QUIRKS: Needs some shade in hot-summer climates
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Bleeding heart, columbine, garden phlox, Joe Pye weed, grasses
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Damp soil in full sun to partial shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Drought stress; fungal mildew due to crowding, poor air circulation
RENEWING PLANTS: Plants live many years; remove older plants to relieve crowding
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Plants, division, cuttings
DIMENSIONS: 2-4 ft (0.6-1.2 m) tall, 1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist, fertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Spikes or mats of blue, pink, or while flowers; for beds, pots, edging
SEASON OF INTEREST: Late spring through late summer
FAVORITES: Upright 'Sunny Border Blue', 'Red Fox', 'Icicle'; creeping 'Waterperry'
QUIRKS: Remove faded flowers to prolong flowering
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Artemisia, coreopsis, daylily, gypsophila, purple coneflower, rose
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil in sun to partial shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Powdery mildew in hie summer; occasionally aphids or caterpillars
RENEWING PLANTS: Plants live many years; divide to increase plantings as needed
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 5-24 in (12.7-61 cm) tall; 12-18 in (30-45.7 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Long-lasting pastel or red flowers on ferny plants; for beds, cutting, drying
SEASON OF INTEREST: From early summer to frost, with a lull in flower production in midsummer
FAVORITES: Appleblossom', 'Coronation Gold', 'Fireland', 'Moonshine', 'Summer Pastels', The Pearl'
QUIRKS: Wet soil and mulch may lead to stem or root rot
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Balloon flower, campanula, iris, peony.
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun and well-drained soil of average fertility
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Fungal leaf disease or root rot under damp or crowded conditions
RENEWING PLANTS: Individual plants live up to 4 years; divide when clumps cease flowering
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Plants, division, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) tall, 1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 5 to 10
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adoptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Spiked leaves, spires of white flowers; for beds or as an accent plant
SEASON OF INTEREST: Year-round; blooms in summer
FAVORITES: 'Garland's Gold', 'Golden Sword; dwarf 'Bright Edge'
QUIRKS: Sharp leaves can injure; wear gloves and goggles when tending plants
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Artemisia, butterfly flower, coreopsis, euphorbia, rudbeckia, sedum
WHERE FT GROWS BEST: Sun, in dry or well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Root rot in soggy soil
RENEWING PLANTS: Plants live many years; divide crowded dumps and remove old plants
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: Plants 3 ft (1 m) tall and wide; flower stalks to 6 ft (1.8 m) tall