Echinacea ‘Burgundy Fireworks’ Meadowbrite™ Coneflower (2011 introduction)
Polygonatum ‘Prince Charming’ Solomon’s Seal (2012 introduction)
‘Burgundy Fireworks’ at less than 18” tall by wide is more compact than many coneflower selections currently on the market. The flowering stems are a deep burgundy color in spring and fall. But most unique about this selection are the deep beet-red ray flowers, which are not only upturned, but are individually fused into quills. It’s long blooming as well. No other coneflower has this combination of traits! Developed by Dr. Jim Ault at Chicago Botanic Garden, and introduced by Chicagoland Grows®.
This vigorous selection of Solomon’s seal produces attractive green foliage that can take on a bluish cast in full sun. Creamy-white flowers are produced in spring, followed by green berries that turn purple in autumn. The foliage turns an attractive golden yellow in autumn. A vigorous spreader, yet compact, growing only to 12” of height. Vey adaptable, grows in shade to full sun, and medium moisture to dry soils. Selected by Brent Horvath at Intrinsic Perennial Gardens, Inc., Hebron, Illinois, and co-introduced by Chicagoland Grows®.
Echinacea ‘CBG Cone2’ Pixie Meadowbrite™ Coneflower (2007 introduction) This delightful mini-coneflower yields a profusion of perky, vibrant pink blooms from July to September. It has a denser, more compact habit than typical of coneflowers, growing to 18’’ high x 20’’ to 24’’ wide. Selected especially for hardiness, drought tolerance, longevity, and garden durability to make a truly unique, petite coneflower. Developed by Dr. Jim Ault at Chicago Botanic Garden, and introduced by Chicagoland Grows®.
Veronica ‘Tidal Pool’ Prostrate Speedwell (2012 introduction) This hybrid speedwell covers itself with medium to deep blue-violet flowers from late April into midMay, then settles into an attractive, dense groundcover with small oak-like leaves the remainder of the year. Uniform and fast spreading, plants grow only 4” tall but to 3’ wide in a year or two. Will tolerate some light foot traffic. Well-drained soils recommended. Very drought tolerant. Developed by Dr. Jim Ault at Chicago Botanic Garden, and introduced by Chicagoland Grows®. Veronica ‘Whitewater’ Prostrate Speedwell (2011 introduction)
Stachys officinalis ‘Pink Cotton Candy’ Pink Cotton Candy Betony (2010 introduction) This durable and attractive plant features two-toned dark and light pink flowers, resulting in an overall vibrant bright pink floral display. Flowers are copiously produced for eight weeks from late June to late August on 12-inch upright inflorescences against a backdrop of attractive deep green foliage. Discovered at the Chicago Botanic Garden by plant evaluator Richard Hawke.
This vigorous groundcover is covered with ½”-wide glistening white flowers from late April to late June, with a peak bloom in mid-May. ‘Whitewater’ forms a dense low carpet, growing 4” to 6” tall and spreading 12” to 18” wide in a single season. The glossy dark-green leaves turn an attractive burgundy to bronze in winter months. Full sun to partial shade on a medium to dry, well drained soil is recommended. Discovered as a white-flowered branch sport of Veronica ‘Waterperry Blue’ by John Wachter at Elite Growers, Inc., Ingleside, Illinois. Co-introduced by Chicagoland Grows®.
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