Bloomin Festival Plant Catalog

2011

Bloomin’ Festival Plant Catalog

Friday, May 13 Members only: 1 to 5 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday, May 14 & 15 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Welcome to the 45th annual Bloomin’ Sale – the Midwest’s premier plant sale.

Welcome to our 45th plant sale! We have a long history of selling great plants to gardeners. Early in the Woman’s Board years, sales were in the parking lot of the Carson Pirie Scott store at Edens Plaza. The plants were home grown and mostly propagated by Woman’s Board members. When the Chicago Botanic Garden first opened, members of the Woman’s Board bought bare root plants and potted them up and grew them in the greenhouses. Now it is very different sale. Welcome to the new bigger and better 2011 A Bloomin’ Festival!

A Bloomin’ Festival is a wonderful spring festival with plants galore, music, food, the best plant vendors in the area, and our usual unique plant inventory. We will have our usual plant selections, but we have invited some of the best local nurseries to come and sell their plants. These plant offerings are not available anywhere in one location except at A Bloomin’ Festival. Be sure to bring your gardening tools because our Dave the Tool Sharpener will be back. You can’t have a garden without sharp tools. A Bloomin’ Festival will be a family outing to celebrate spring and the summer garden season.

Our prices are competitive with other plant outlets.

The Woman’s Board thanks the chairman of A Bloomin’ Festival, Gwen McConnaughy and vice chairman Kim Visokey, who have made this event happen. We also thank Jennifer Whitaker who is the back bone of the festival and makes it run smoothly. This event would not happen without her. We thank Jodi Zombolo, Director of Visitor Events and Programs who is responsible for the music and many vendors, making it more that a plant sale. Many volunteers help us produce this event and we thank Judy Cashen, Director of Volunteer Services, who organizes so many volunteers who add enthusiasm, knowledge, and service to this event.

The proceeds of the event will support the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Research and Evaluation Program for the Daniel F. and Ada L Rice Plant Conservation Science Center’s Green Roof and Rainwater Glen. Do come and enjoy the day, buy plants, learn more about gardening, and celebrate Spring.

Mary Hill President, Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society

Baptisia × variicolor ‘Twilite’ Twilite Prairieblues™ False Indigo (2006 introduction The proceeds of the event will support the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Research and Evaluation Program for the Daniel F. and Ada L Rice Plant Conservation Science Center’s Green Roof and Rainwater Glen..

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Admission To attend member-only hours, please present your valid membership card, or you may purchase a membership at the sale. Individual members are entitled to one admission only, for the member. If you wish to bring another member from your household, please upgrade to a family or supporting membership. For more information, call the Membership Department at (847) 835-8215 or 835-8209.

Bring Your Wagon!

Shopping carts will be available, but as you who have attended this sale know, we run out immediately; so please bring your own. (If we had a cart for each of you, there would be no room for plants!) Should you decide on a large specimen or have a “larger-than-life” order (which we love), we will provide help in loading.

Payment We encourage you to assist us in maximizing our support of the Garden by using cash or checks. However, if you wish to use a credit card, we will gladly accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

Fall Bulb Festival As you plan for the upcoming gardening season, remember to save room for bulbs. In the fall, the Woman’s Board will hold its annual bulb sale, with more than 250 varieties of old favorites and many new, unusual and hard-to-find fall, spring and summer flowering bulbs. Mark your calendar now for the Fall Bulb Festival September 30 - October 1-2, 2011.

Demonstrations Visitors can enjoy demonstrations and live music while shopping the plant sale and open-air market.

Friday 3 p.m. Demonstration: Corri White: Rose Care Made Easy Saturday 11 a.m. Demonstration: Benjamin Carroll: Colorful and Edible Containers 1-3 p.m. live music by the Teflons Sunday: 11 a.m. Demonstration: Nancy Clifton: Beautiful and Bountiful Hanging Baskets 1-3 p.m. live music by the Barehand Jug Band

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Table of Contents Vendor Offerings.................................................... p. 4 Chicagoland Grows............................................... p. 9 Perennials........................................................... p. 10 Roses................................................................. p. 31 Shade Perennials................................................. p.33 Shrubs................................................................. p.42

New to the festival this year, many plants will also be sold directly by vendors, including Craig Bergmann, Lakeland Nursery, Lundberg Nursery, Markus Specimen Trees, Northwind Perennial Farm, Turks Greenhouse, and W&M Land Corporation. If you’re a gardener, you’ll want to choose among the incomparable array of plants on sale at this popular annual Garden event! Also, bring your own garden tools to A Bloomin’ Festival and have them sharpened by the Garden’s own tool sharpener.

Vines................................................................... p.46

Craig Bergmann

Woman’s Board Members.................................... p.47

Table top topiary, succulents single and in mixes

Lakeland Nursery

Catalog Symbols = New

= Full Sun

= Part Shade

= Full Shade

= Hummingbird-attractant = Butterfly-attractant

I = Favorite plants of the

Chicago Botanic Garden’s horticulture staff and Woman’s Board members

Echinacea Pixie Meadowbrite

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SHRUBS & VINES Acanthopanax s. Variegatus Aesculus parviflora Akebia Shirobana Aronia ‘Viking’ Buddleia ‘Lo & Behold Blue Chip’ Buddleia ‘Pink Delight’ Buddleia ‘White Ball’ Campsis radicans Campsis radicans ‘Flava’ Caryopteris ‘Grand Bleu’ Caryopteris ‘Sunshine Blue’ Clematis paniculata Cornus compressa Cotinus coggygria ‘Golden Spirit’ Cotinus x ‘Grace’ Cotoneaster ‘Tom Thumb’ Hibiscus syriacus ‘Purpureus Variegata’ Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Penny Mac’ Hydrangea serrata ‘Blue Billow’ Hypericum androsaemum ‘Glacier’ Kerria japonica ‘Alba’ Kerria japonica ‘Honshu’ Lonicera periclymenum ‘Harlequin’ Lonicera periclymenum ‘Serotina’ Parthenocissus quinquefolia ‘Variegata’ Parthenocissus tri. ‘Fenway Park’ Schizophragma hydrangeoides Spirea thunbergii ‘Ogon’ Spirea x vanhouttei ‘Gold Fountain’ Spirea x vanhouttei ‘Pink Ice’ Stephanandra incisa ‘Crispa’ Syringa ‘Dappled Dawn’ Syringa laciniata Syringa meyeri ‘Palabin’ Syringa ‘Red Pixie’

Viburnum lantana ‘Variegata’ Viburnum x burkwoodii ‘Mohawk’ Weigela ‘Tango’ Weigela ‘Wine and Roses’ PERENNIALS Acanthus spinosus Actaea (Cimicifuga) ‘Black Negligee’ Asteromoea mongolica Begonia grandis Deinanthe caerulea ‘Blue Wonder’ Dicentra eximia ‘King of Hearts’ Dicentra spectabilis ‘Gold Heart’ Epimedium x perralchicum ‘Frohnleiten’ Filipendula ulmaria ‘Aurea’ Grass – Carex ‘Bowles Golden’ Grass – Carex morrowii ‘Ice Dance’ Grass – Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’ Grass – Molinia arundinacea ‘Skyracer’ Grass – Seslaria autumnalis Inula magnifica Iris ensata Variegata Iris pallida Variegata Kalimeris ‘Blue Star’ Knautia macedonica ‘Thunder & Lightning’ Lespedeza thunbergii Lespedeza thunbergii ‘Spilt Milk ‘ Liriope spicata Liriope spicata ‘Silver Dragon’ Polygonatum humile Rodgersia henrici ‘Hybrids’ Sempervivum ‘Cobweb’ Sempervivum ‘Purple Beauty’ Tricyrtis formosana ‘Autumn Glow’ Tricyrtis macropoda

Lundberg Nursery FERNS Adiantum pedatum Asplenium trichomanes Athyrium filix-femina ‘Lady in Red’ Athyrium filix-femina ‘Vicotriae’ Athyrium ‘Ghost’ Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’ Cyrtomium fortunei Cystopteris bulbifera Dryopteris affinis ‘Cristata’ Dryopteris filix-mas ‘Barnesii’ Dryopteris tokyoensis

Matteuccia struthiopteris Onoclea sensibilis Osmunda cinnamonea Osmunda regalis Phyllitis scolopendrium Polystichum neolobatum Polystichum polyblepharum Asplenium trichomanes Incisum Athyrium niponicum pictum ‘Applecourt’ Dryopteris affinis Dryopteris filix-mas linearis

Markus Specimen Trees TREES Abies alba ‘Pyramidalis’ Abies arnoldiana ‘Poulsen’ Abies fraseri ‘Prostrata’ Abies koreana ‘Aurea’ Abies koreana ‘Horstmann’s Silberlocke’ Acer japonicum ‘Ao jutan’ Acer japonicum ‘Green Cascade’ Acer palmatum ‘Adrian’s Compact’ Acer palmatum ‘Ariadne’ Acer palmatum ‘Atrolineare’ Acer palmatum ‘Baldsmith’ Acer palmatum ‘Beni schichihenge’ Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ Acer palmatum ‘Emerald Lace’ Acer palmatum ‘Emperor 1’ Acer palmatum ‘Hogyoku’ Acer palmatum ‘Lemon Lime Lace’ Acer palmatum ‘Midori no teiboku’ Acer palmatum ‘Mikawa yatsubusa’ Acer palmatum ‘Omato’ Acer palmatum ‘Orange Dream’ Acer palmatum ‘Orangeola’ Acer palmatum ‘Purple Ghost’ Acer palmatum ‘Red Dragon’ Acer palmatum ‘Sagara nishiki’ Acer palmatum ‘Scolopendrifolium’ Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’ Acer palmatum ‘Spring Delight’ Acer palmatum ‘Toyama nishiki’ Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’ Acer shirasawanum ‘Autumn Moon’ Acer shirasawanum ‘Green Snowflake’ Acer shirasawanum ‘Johin’ Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Gracilis’ Chamaecyparis pisifera filifera ‘Aurea’

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Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Glauca Pendula’ Ginkgo biloba ‘Weeping Wonder’ Juniperus horizontalis ‘Limeglow’ Larix lricina ‘Blue Sparkler’ Metasequoia glyptostroboides ‘Gold Rush’ Metasequoia glyptostroboides ‘Miss Grace’ Picea abies ‘Cruenta’ Picea abies ‘Elegantissima’ Picea abies ‘Middle Finger’ Picea abies ‘Wingle’s Weeper’ Picea glauca ‘Daisy’s White’ Picea likeangensis var. purpurea Picea omorika ‘Pendula’ Picea pungens ‘Gebelle’s Golden Spring’ PP# 2162179 Picea pungens ‘Hoopsii’ Pinus contorta var. latifolia ‘Chief Joseph’ Pinus densiflora ‘Burke’s Red Variegated’ Pinus flexilis ‘Cesarini Blue’ Pinus flexilis ‘Glauca Pendula’ Pinus parviflora ‘Fukushima’ Pinus parviflora ‘Fukuzumi’ Pinus parviflora ‘Goldilocks’ Pinus parviflora ‘Ogon’ Pinus parviflora ‘Tanima No Uki’ Pinus strobus ‘Louie’ Pinus strobus ‘Merrimack’ Pinus strobus ‘Mini Twists’ Pinus strobus ‘Pendula’ Pinus strobus ‘Vercurve’ Pinus sylvestris ‘KBN Gold’ Thuja orientalis ‘Franky Boy’ Thuja plicata ‘Collyer’s Gold’

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Northwind Perennial Farm PERENNIALS Allium angulosum ‘Summer Beauty’ Achillea hybrid ‘Marmalade’ Amsonia tabernaemontana salicifolia Aruncus aethusifolius Aster hybrid ‘Twilight’ Carex bromoides Carex plantaginea Gillenia stipulata Molinia caerulea ‘Moofhexe’ Monarda bradburiana Nepeta hybrid ‘Early Bird’ Nepeta subsessilis ‘Cool Cat’ Salvia hybrid ‘Wesuwe’ Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’

Ted’s Greenhouse Annuals Abutilon Ageratum Alternanthera Amaranthus Angelonia Antirrhunum majus Arctotis Asparagus Fern Bacopa Begonia Begonia - Fibrous rooted Bougainvillea Butterfly Weed Cactus and Succulents Caladium Calibracoa Calla Lily Cannas Cleome Coccinea Coleus - Seed Grown Coleus - Vegetative Cordyline fruitcosa Cosmos Dahlia Dracena or Vordyline Elephant Ear Farinacea Flowering Cabbage/Kale

Fuchsia Grass - Seed Grown Grass - Vegetative Helichrysum petiolare Ice Plant Impatiens Impatiens Balsamina Impatiens - Vegetative Ipomoea batatas Justicia and pachystachys sp Lantana Limonium sinuatum Mandevillea Manihot esculenta variegata Nasturtium Nicotiana Orchid Penta Peppers - Ornamental Petunia - Seed Grown Petunia - Vegetative Plumbago Salvia-Vegetative Saxifraga stolonifers variegata Scaevola Senecio cineraria Splendens Strobianthes dyerianus Tagetes tenufolia Talinum paniculatum Tecoma stans Tradescantia Verbena-Trailing-Vegetative Viola x wittrockiana Zinnia

Turk’s Greenhouse Annuals, Geraniums, and Perennials

W & M Land Corporation FLOWERS Hens and chicks Jasmine-scented tobacco Marigold, Brocade Petunia, Old fashioned Vining Rainbow Loveliness Dianthus Sage, Texas Hummingbird Scented Geraniums: Apricot Coconut Lemon Lime Orange Strawberry Variegated Rose HERBS: Basil, cinnamon Basil, Holy Basil, lemon - Mrs. Burns Basil, Thai Basil, Lime Chamomile Cilantro, Santo Hyssop, Anise Hyssop, Sunset Lemon Verbena Mint, banana Pineapple sage Sage, Golden Sage, White Stevia Thyme, German Thyme, Orange HOUSEPLANTS: Aloe Bay Curry Jade Spider plants

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EGGPLANT Black Beauty Ichiban Little fingers Rosa Bianca other VEGETABLES Bean, dragon tongue Bean, purple queen Bean, maxibel filet (bush) Broccoli, nutribud Broccoli, Purple Peacock Cabbage, green premier Cabbage, red Acre Cauliflower Chard, argentata Chard, bright lights Cucumber, Diva Cucumber, Pickle Little leaf Cucumber, suyo long Green musk melon - Jenny Lind Ground Cherry Kale, redbor Lettuce, green Lettuce, red leaf Melon, orangeglo watermelon Mexican sour gherkin Pea, snap, Cascadia Pea, snow, Blizzard Pumpkin, NE pie Rhubarb Salad burnet Senposai Squash, Costata Romanesco Zucchini Squash, papaya pear Squash, yellow crookneck Squash, Patty pan - Bennings Green Tomatillo - purple Winter squash Uncle David’s dessert buttercup Winter squash, spaghetti PEPPERS Anaheim Early Jalapeno Ghost pepper - super hot Giant Marconi Golden Cali Wonder Habanero Jupiter red bell

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Melrose Pepperoncini Poblano B/O Serrano Tabasco pepper Variegata TOMATOES: Amish Paste Aunt Ruby German Green Black Cherry Black Krim Brandywine Cherry roma tomato Dad’s sunset Garden Peach Illini Star Jersey Giant Paste Kellogg’s Breakfast Mortgage Lifter Pike County Pineapple Rose De Berne Rutgers Stupice Sugar Lump / Gardeners Delight Sunsugar Super Snow White Cherry T.C. Jones Tomato Berry Tumbling Tom Red Yellow Pear Cosmonaut Volkov Earl of Edgecomb Green Zebra Indian Stripe Lucky Cross Neves Azorean Red Fruits: ORGANIC Figs Strawberry, Albion Strawberry, Alpine Red Strawberry, Alpine White Fruits: NOT ORGANIC Raspberry, Heritage Raspberry, Fall Gold Blueberry, Top Hat

Chicagoland Grows Established in 1986, Chicagoland Grows® is a unique partnership among the Chicago Botanic Garden, The Morton Arboretum, and the Ornamental Growers Association of Northern Illinois (OGA), dedicated to developing, selecting, testing, and marketing a diversity of plants from landscape trees to shrubs, perennials, and grasses, all well adapted to midwestern and equivalent landscapes.

The program’s success is due to the complementary resources each of the three partners contributes to the collaboration.

The Chicago Botanic Garden’s plant breeding program has contributed seven perennial selections to Chicagoland Grows®, with many more perennial plants currently undergoing propagation and nursery trials, while the Garden’s plant evaluation program systematically evaluates the Chicagoland Grows® plants and provides practical data such as bloom dates, disease and pest resistance, growth rates, and other ornamental attributes that are used to select and market the plants.

The Morton Arboretum has contributed nine trees and six shrubs to Chicagoland Grows®, with many more promising woody plants from its historic collections, plant exploration trips (both national and international), and its breeding and selection program all being evaluated for potential introduction.

The individual OGA nurseries have contributed plants to the program, conduct propagation and field and container trials of potential new introductions, and are in the vanguard of bringing the program’s selections to the marketplace by growing, marketing, and selling high-quality specimens of the plants to landscape contractors, other nurseries, and garden centers throughout the Chicago region, the Midwest, and beyond.

The program has licensed well over one hundred additional wholesale and retail nurseries and commercial tissue culture laboratories throughout the United States and in other countries to bring the Chicagoland Grows® introductions to landscapes with comparable climates literally around the world.

Baptisia ‘Midnite’ Midnite Prairieblues™ False Indigo (2008 introduction) A Chicagoland Grows Introduction. The plant boasts an upright, vase-shaped habit with extremely long inflorescences bearing deep blueviolet flowers. 4-5’.

Baptisia ‘Solar Flare’ Solar Flare Prairieblues™ False Indigo (2008 introduction) A Chicagoland Grows® introduction. Flowers start out yellow and fade to deep orange. 3-4’.

Baptisia × bicolor ‘Starlite’ Starlite Prairieblues™ False Indigo (2007 introduction) A medium-sized plant growing to only 3’ tall, this selection boasts 24” flower stems bearing a profusion of bicolored blooms. Deep violet-lavender buds unfurl into lovely periwinkle-blue blooms with contrasting buttercream keels. 3’.

Baptisia × variicolor ‘Twilite’ Twilite Prairieblues™ False Indigo (2006 introduction) Dr. Jim Ault of the Chicago Botanic Garden crossed two species (B. australis × B. sphaerocarpa) to create this Chicagoland Grows® masterpiece. Deep purple flowers have bright yellow petals. 3-4’.

Buxus ‘Wilson’ Northern Charm™ Boxwood (2006 introduction) This compact variety has a bluish hue to it in the summer and turns bronze-green in the winter. 2-3’.

Echinacea ‘Arts Pride’ Orange Meadowbrite™ Coneflower (2004 introduction) Tangerine-orange, fragrant flowers. Very drought tolerant. Crossed by Jim Ault of the Chicago Botanic Garden.

2-3’.

Echinacea ‘CBG Cone2’ Pixie Meadowbrite™ Coneflower (2007 introduction) A Chicagoland Grows® introduction crossed by Jim Ault of the Chicago Botanic Garden. The first true dwarf hyrbrid and the third in the Meadowbrite™ series. Bright pink flowers. 18”.

Stachys officinalis ‘Pink Cotton Candy’ Pink Cotton Candy Betony (2010 introduction) A new selection discovered at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

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.

Viburnum dentatum ‘Synnestvedt’ Chicago Lustre® Arrowwood Viburnum (1990 introduction) Creamy white flowers and dark blue berries. The green foliage turns from yellow to purple in the fall. Upright, rounded growth habit.

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Annuals

Perennial

Annuals are a way to express an impulse, put a splash of color in an empty corner or plug a gap in the perennial garden.

A staple of every garden, perennials provide color without replanting. Continually the section gardeners turn to…there’s plenty of material with many wonderful new selections.

Containers Unusual and stunningly beautiful container combinations.

As always, these usual these containers are expertly planned and produced.

Ferns Ferns are indispensable for summer interest along a woodland path or in a wild garden. Their needs are simple: dappled shade; a loose, woodland, humusy soil; and ample moisture. Water in hot, dry spells. If they are not in a woodland area, apply an annual topdressing of leaf mold or compost.

Those grown from creeping rootstock should be planted with the rootstock barely beneath the soil surface. Those grown from crowns should be planted with the crown slightly above soil. Ferns need no fertilizer but require good drainage.

Fruits & Veggies A perfect reward for any gardener is to have home-grown fruits and vegetables during the summer and fall. Over 95 % of our

fruits & veggies are certified organic. With the many selections we are offering this year, you’ll certainly be delighted with the “fruits of your labor.”

Geraniums

Bear’s Breeches Bold foliage is further enhanced in early summer when stiff flower spikes bearing hooded gray-purple flowers rise 2-3' above the leaves. Flower spikes are quite long-lasting. Plant in welldrained soil in full sun or in partial shade in the South. 3-4'.

Zones 5-9.

Achillea Yarrow Dry situations aren’t a problem for this plant, which actually prefers poor (low in fertility) to average soil. Large, flat clusters of flowers appear above fern-like foliage. Divide often.

Full sun. Zones 3-9.

A. ‘Tutti Frutti Strawberry Seduction’ – Red flowers have yellow centers. The Seduction Series is known for their long bloom times and compact habit. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 18-20".

A. millefolium ‘Apple Blossom’ – Shades of white and pink.

This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 2'.

Pelargonium × hortorum Zonal Geraniums A wonderful rainbow of colors. As these are one of our biggest sellers, be sure to make this section one of your first stops.

A. m. ‘Gloria Jean’ – Large, coral pink flowers. 18-24".

Hanging Baskets

A. m. ‘Paprika’ – Paprika-red flowers bloom in early summer. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 18".

All of our hanging baskets are thoughtfully planned and designed. Baskets of our traditional mixed annuals for sun and shade will be available. All are great to decorate your patio, porch or entryway.

Herbs & Edibles Herbs galore will be available for your garden. You’ll find herbs we love, including French terragon and epazote.

Medicinal herbs—mints, lemon balm, and borage—will beckon you. Thyme, rosemary, dill, cilantro, savory, basil, parsley, and other culinary herbs will offer creative flavorings for your summertime cuisine. Decorate your outdoor patio

with prepotted herb containers designed by the Woman’s Board.

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Acanthus hungaricus

A. m. ‘Lilac Beauty’- Lavendar flowers. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 18-24".

A. m. ‘Summerwine’ – Magenta-red flowers fade to pink as the plant matures. 2'.

I A. m. ‘Terra Cotta’ – Bright peach flowers slowly turn to a rich hue of terra cotta. Attractive silvery foliage. 30".

Agastache

Allium

Anise Hyssop These aromatic, bushy perennials feature stiffly erect, small tubular flowers that bloom in whorls from midsummer to late fall. Fragrant, mint-like foliage, scented of anise and mint, can be used to flavor drinks, fruit cups and potpourri.

Prefers well-drained soil. Drought and heat tolerant. May be grown as annuals or in containers, or will need winter protection in the herb garden or mixed border. Zones 5-9.

Nodding Wild Onion Does best in medium to slightly moist rich soil. Like other prairie plants, it increases vegetatively and forms new plants adjacent to the main bulb.

A. ‘Black Adder’ - The smokey violet-blue flowers and dark purple buds are held on long spikes over medium-green foliage. 2-3'.

A. cernuum- Adaptable, this wildflower produces large globes of white flowers that mature to pink by July. 2'.

A. ‘Blue Fortune’ – Purplish blue-violet flowers. 2-4'.

Amorpha canescens

Leadplant The spikes of these purple flowers bloom in June – July and are displayed above silver-gray foliage. This plant creates its own fertilizer by “fixing” nitrogen in its roots. It is extremely drought tolerant and thrives in full sun and light shade.

A. ‘Purple Tails’ – Mauve buds open to violet flowers on dark stems. 2-3'.

Alcea rosea Hollyhock A tough, sentimental favorite that grows almost anywhere, this plant has tall, handsome, sturdy spikes with many crepepaper blossoms from July – Sept. Easy to grow in ordinary soil. A biennial, it should be allowed to reseed. Zones 3-8.

A. r. ‘Appleblossom’ – Double flowers of soft pink. 5'.

A. r. ‘Crème de Cassis’ – Tall stalks that are covered with showy 3-4” white edged blooms with scrumptious raspberry centers.

4-6'.

A. r. ‘Happy Lights’ – This variety produces very large flowers measuring nearly 5 inches across! The mix contains shades of yellows, reds, pinks and white. 7'.

A. r. var. nigra – Dark purple/black flowers on 4-6' stems.

Alchemilla Lady’s Mantle This low-growing perennial for rock gardens or low borders has wonderfully unique, fan-shaped, lobed, hairy leaves.

Delicate star-like flower sprays of chartreuse-green appear in July. Grows easily in average soil. Zones 3-8.

A. mollis – Star-like flowers in chartreuse green. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

15-18".

A. m. ‘Thriller’ – Yellow flowers appear over gray-green foliage. A compact variety. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 18".

A. ‘Mongolian Gem’ - Blue-green, strap-like leaves followed in late summer with 18” stems of decorative, 2" balls of lavender-pink flowers.

Amsonia Bluestar Featuring clusters of subtle blue, star-shaped flowers, this plant is easily grown and not fussy about soil. All varieties provide glowing golden foliage to light up your garden in autumn. Zones 5-9.

A. ‘Blue Ice’ – This compact selection has a significantly longer bloom period. Dark blue buds open to reveal rich, deep blue flowers in May – June. In fall the foliage turns brilliant gold. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 1-1½'.

A. ‘Butterscotch’ – Fine, threadlike foliage turns butterschotch color in fall. Steel blue flowers in late spring. 24-36".

A. ‘Halfway to Arkansas’ – A newly introduced variety, this has beautiful blue flowers. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

A. hubrichtii – Native drought tolerant perennial with fine textured foliage, blue flowers and incredible fall color and winter form. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 3'.

A. tabernaemontana – Willow Bluestar. A dwarf, more compact variety. Flowers in late May. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 3-4'.

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Aquilegia

Armeria maritima

Columbine Long-spurred flowers nod above delicately divided, bluegreen foliage. Blooms in May – June. Likes well-drained soil.

Part shade. Zones 3-8.

Sea Thrift Rounded flower heads appear in May – June over dense mounds of grass-like foliage. Tufts of moss-like cushions look good all season. Deadheading prolongs flowering. Prefers well-drained soil. Tolerates salt spray. Zones 4-9.

A. ‘Biedermeier’ – Flowers form a delicate star of outer petals surrounding an inner ring with yellow centers. 18".

A. ‘Spring Magic Rose and Ivory’ – Rose and ivory flowers are featured on this compact, floriferous variety. 14".

A. alpina – Alpine Columbine. Deep blue flowers have short spurs and white centers. Blooms consistently May/June to early summer. 12-18".

A. caerulea. ‘Kristall’ – Pure white flowers with long white spurs. 2'.

A. canadensis –This native plant has red and yellow bicolor flowers. 2-3'.

A. vulgaris ‘Lime Frost’ – Forms a mound of ferny green and yellow foliage with flowers in shades of blue and purple. Blooms May/June. 18-24".

A. v. ‘William Guiness’ – Unique color combination of nearly black sepals and creamy-white centers. 2'.

A. v. ‘Winky Blue and White’ – Blue flowers are highlighted in white. 14-20".

A. × h. ‘Blue Bird’ – Graceful, long spurred, light blue and white flowers. 12-14".

A. × h. ‘Crimson Star’ – Large crimson and white flowers are more heat-tolerant than most. 30".

A. × h. ‘Red Hobbit’ – Red and white bell-shaped flowers. 14".

A. × h. ‘Maxi’ – Stalks of long-spurred, yellow flowers in late spring. 3'.

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi ‘Massachusetts’

Massachusetts Kinnik An evergreen and cold-hardy plant with medium-sized, leathery leaves and spherical, bright scarlet fruit. It prefers moist soil. Has a slow, creeping growth habit and eventually forms a mat. Height 12’’. Spreads 10-15’ wide.

Arenaria montana

Sandwort A low-maintenance, low-growing perennial. White flowers bloom early to midsummer over green, wiry foliage. Used in rock gardens or in between stepping stones. 1'. Zones 5-9.

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A. m. ‘Dusseldorf Pride’ – Neat, tufts of grass-like foliage with globular bright pink flowers on 4 – 8" stems.

A. m. ‘Rubrifolia’ – Burgundy-red foliage in winter and hot, magenta-pink flowers in spring. 4-8".

A. pseudarmeria ‘Alba’ – White flowers. 4-6".

Artemisia Wormwood Uniquely shaped silver foliage. Needs well-drained soil.

A. ‘Powis Castle’ – Very finely textured and relaxed, this plant forms 2-3' mounds of silvery-gray foliage with an aqua tint. Reliable hardiness is dependent upon its receiving the proper culture. Prefers well-drained soil and full sun. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

A. stellerana ‘Silver Brocade’ – Hardy/Beach Dusty Miller.

Intense silver foliage with a dense, ground-hugging habit.

May be sheared back. Needs sharp drainage. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 4".

Zones 4-8.

Asclepias

Milkweed A. incarnata ‘Hellow Yellow’ – Beautiful yellow flower heads bloom on this wonderful, upright 2-3' plant. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

A. verticillata – Whorled Milkweed. Chartreuse-white flowers bloom June – Sept. Found in open woods and dry slopes. 1-2'. Zones 5-9.

Aster Aster This plant will grow in any soil. Pinch back tops in early stage of growth to produce fuller plants and heavier bloom.

Zones 4-9.

A. cordifolius – Wood Aster. Produces clouds of tiny, blue flowers in early fall. Plants are highly branched with sharply toothed leaves. Will tolerate some shade. Prefers moist soils.2-3'. Zones 3-8.

A. divaricatus ‘Eastern Star’ – White Wood Aster. A double bonus! Not only do yellow-centered white flowers cover this plant from Aug. – Oct., but the plant maintains winter interest as well. Tolerant of heat, humidity and winds. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

1-2'.

A. dumosus ‘Woods Pink’ – Clear pink flowers bloom Sept. – Oct. 15".

A. d. ‘Wood’s Purple’ – Semi-double, purple flowers. Blooms mid-August through October. 12-16".

A. × frikartii ‘Moench’ – Frikart’s Daisy. Violet-blue ray flowers with a golden eye bloom from Aug. – Oct. 2'.

A. laevis – Smooth Blue Aster. Pale blue flowers cover this aster in late summer. Widely grown in moist to dry soils, this durable and adaptable aster is common to both tallgrass and shortgrass prairies. Grows 2-4' tall and, like all asters, attracts butterflies. Does well in partial shade.

A. novae-angliae – New England Aster. Bright blue-purple flowers with orange centers cover the upper half of the plant.

Requires a fertile soil with adequate moisture. Very fast growing, reaching 3-5'.

A. novae-angliae ‘Alma Potschke’ – New England Aster.

Masses of vivid, rosy-pink, persistent flowers appear in late summer. Keep cut back until midsummer to maintain a tighter form. 3-4'. Zones 3-8.

A. shortii – One of the more attractive asters, this has pale blue flowers that are larger than other varieties. Blooms late summer through fall. Prefers partial sun, slightly dry conditions, and a woodland conditions. 2-3 ½’.

Baptisia False Indigo B. Midnight Prairieblues™ – A Chicagoland Grows Introduction. The plant boasts an upright, vase-shaped habit with extremely long inflorescences bearing deep blue-violet flowers. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 4-5'.

B. Solar Flare Prairieblues™ – A Chicagoland Grows® introduction. Flowers start out yellow and fade to deep orange. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 36-48".

B. Starlite Prairieblues™ – A medium-sized plant growing to only 3’ tall, this selection boasts 24” flower stems bearing a profusion of bicolored blooms. Deep violet-lavender buds unfurl into lovely periwinkle-blue blooms with contrasting buttercream keels. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 3'.

B. australis – These perennials form tall bushy clumps of upright stems with trifoliate gray-green leaves crowned by pea-like blue flowers and inflated pods. Tolerates drought.

3-4'. Zones 3-9.

I B. leucantha – White False Indigo. This wildlflower

rises up to 5' tall in flower and has a whorl of blue-green leaves midway up the stalk. The foliage and seed pods turn a conspicuous black in late autumn. White spikes of pea-like flowers are held well above the foliage. Takes several years to flower.

I B. × variicolor ‘Twilight’ – Dr. Jim Ault of the Chicago

Botanic Garden crossed two species (B. australis x B. sphaerocarpa) to create this Chicagoland Grows® masterpiece. Deep purple flowers have bright yellow petals. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 3-4'.

I Belamcanda chinensis Blackberry Lily Iris-like foliage supports orange flowers flecked with maroon spots July – Aug. But the winning characteristic is the plant’s seedpods, which split open to reveal glorious, shiny black seeds resembling blackberries. 2-3'. Zones 5-9.

Bergenia Bergenia/Pigsqueak Flowers in April – May with blossoms that survive late spring frosts. Glossy foliage is substantial and broad. Bronze in the fall and decorative throughout the winter. Does well in ordinary soil. 12-15". Zones 3-9.

B. cordifolia ‘Winterglow’ – Shiny, leathery, very deep burgundy leaves. Dense clusters of lavender-pink flowers.

B. ‘Purple Smoke’ – This stunning cultivar has charcoalgray stems holding handsome gray-green foliage. The plant is topped with smokey-violet flowers accented with a purple eye. An extremely profuse flowering selection, it can bear over 50 blooming stalks each spring. Matures to 4' in height.

Zones 5-9.

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Calamagrostis canadensis

Bluejoint Grass This upright green grass turns burgundy in the fall. Nodding, fluffy flower heads bloom in reds, purples, and whites. Tolerant of drought, wind and pollution. 2-4'.

Calamintha Calamint C. nepeta ‘Elfin Purple’ – Blue/purple flowers bloom in July and last until fall. Fragrant. 14".

C. n. ‘Montrose White’ – Similar to the previous listing but with clouds of pure white flowers. 12-15".

I

Sedge Cultivated for their fine texture, shade tolerance and colorful foliage. There are sedges for nearly every site in the garden: as a low ground cover, in between stepping stones, or in the rock garden. Performs best in moist, well-drained soils. Zones 5-9, unless noted otherwise.

C. bromoides ­– Brome-like Sedge. This ephemeral heralds spring in dark, shady woodland areas. It has a light green texture that is dramatic en masse and requires virtually no care.

C. morrowii ‘Ice Dance’ – Spreading variety. Shiny, dark green leaves have silvery-white margins. Drought tolerant once established. 1'.

C. muskingumensis – Palm Sedge. Bright green leaves are loosely tufted. Golden-brown flower spikes. Slowly spreads.

Give this variety a moist sun-shady location. 1½-3'.

C. squarrosa ­– Narrow-leaved Cattail Sedge. Prefers moist woodlands. 24-36".

C. testacea – Orange New Zealand Sedge. Green to coppery brown foliage with hints of orange leaves in fall and winter make this sedge a superb selection for the year-round garden.

2'.

Centaurea

Perennial Bachelor Button/Cornflower Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Zones 4-8.

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C. montana ‘Black Sprite’ – This hybrid is simply striking with purplish black flowers that bloom July-Aug. on plants growing up to 14" tall.

C. m. ‘Gold Buillion’ – Deep blue flowers form over golden yellow foliage. Blooms in late spring and early summer.

Spreads rapidly. 12-15".

Centranthus ruber

Callirhoe involucrata Plum Poppy Mallow/Wine Cups Deep reddish-purple, cup-shaped flowers appear in early summer over deeply divided, dark green leaves that will twine on long slender branches. Flowers open and close with the sun for several days. Blooms all summer. Tolerates drought. ½-1'. Zones 4-8.

Carex

C. montana ‘Amethyst in Snow’ – White flowers with purple centers appear on silvery-green, clump-forming foliage. Low maintenance and drought tolerant. 14".

Red Valerian/Jupiter’s Beard Large, dense clusters of fragrant flowers appear from June – Sept. Deadheading renews blooming. Lance-shaped bluegreen leaves. Grows best in ordinary garden soil. Drought tolerant. 24-36". Zones 5-8.

C. r. ‘Coccineus’ – Pinkish-red flowers.

Cerastium tomentosum ‘Silver Carpet’

Snow-in-summer Star-shaped white flowers bloom from early spring to summer upon silver-green, mat-forming foliage. Great for rock walls and in between stepping stones. 6-12". Zones 3-10.

I Chasmanthium latifolium Northern Sea Oats Dark green foliage in summer. In more sunlight, leaves will be lighter green. Blooms in summer. Produces flat, dropping seed heads. Shade tolerant. 2-5'. Zones 5-9.

Chelone Turtlehead Spikes of 1" snapdragon-like flowers look just like turtles’ heads in July – Aug. Foliage is a glossy, deep green with sawtooth edges in erect, dense clumps that are pest-free and do not need staking. Pinch back when plant reaches 9" tall.

Needs moist soil and little fertilizer.

C. glabra – This wildflower produces clusters of white “swollen,” two-lipped flowers that stand at the top of the stem. Leaves are narrow and lanceolate. Blooms resembling turtle’s head bloom summer to fall. 1-3'.

I C. lyonii ‘Hot Lips’ – Deep rose-pink flowers. 24-30".

Zones 3-10.

C. obliqua ‘Alba’ – Pure white flowers. 2-3'.

Chrysanthemum: Shasta Daisies see Leucanthemum Garden Chrysanthemums see Dendranthema

Coreopsis Tickseed Daisy-like flowers bloom from June until frost over tidy, bright green foliage. Grows in well-drained soil. Zones 3-9, unless noted otherwise.

C. ‘Crème Brulee’ – The heaviest flowering threadleaf coreopsis on the market. This variety blooms from late May through the first of October. Soft yellow blooms on tight mounds of dark green threadleaf foliage. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

16-20".

C. ‘Golden Showers’ – Vibrant, eye-catching, daisy-like, yellow blooms make long-lasting cut flowers. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 1-2'.

C. × ‘Star Cluster’ – Stunning, compact, well-branched, heavy bloomer of large white flowers with purple centers and subtle purple edges. Purple intensifies with cooler temperatures. 24-30".

C. ‘Redshift’ – Large flowers with deep red centers that lighten to cream. Color turns red with cooler temperatures.

Truly cold hardy. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 30-36".

C. grandiflora ‘Flying Saucers’ – Prized for its masses of bright golden yellow flowers, this compact perennial is one of the best for container plantings and perennial borders. 16".

C. rosea ‘Heaven’s Gate’ – The only coreopsis with pink flowers. Needs moist soil. 8-16".

C. r. ‘Sweet Dreams’ – Threadleaf Coreopsis. Awesome! A truly unique flower color for Coreopsis. The flowers have a raspberry center with a white margin. The handsome green foliage is a perfect foil for the lovely flowers. A major breakthrough in Coreopsis breeding. 1-1½'.

Coreopsis tripteris – This tall tickseed grows 3-9' tall. The beautiful pale-yellow, daisy-like flowers bloom from June until frost. Tidy, bright green foliage. Grows in well-drained soil. This is one of the parents to the marginally hardy Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. Zones 3-9.

Delphinium Delphinium/Larkspur Spikes of stately flowers bloom from late June – Sept. The contrasting cluster of short petals in center is called the “bee.”

Requires fertile, moist, alkaline soil. Add humus and fertilizer yearly. Needs good drainage and protection from wind.

When planting, don’t bury the crown or it will rot. Deadhead for extended bloom. Zones 3-7.

D. ‘Black Knight’ – Pacific Hybrid. Deep purple flowers with a black bee. 4-6'.

D. ‘Blue Bird’ – Pacific Hybrid. Clear medium blue with a white bee. 4-6'.

D. ‘Blue Lace’ – A powdery mildew- resistant variety with bright sky blue flowers. 5-6'.

D. ‘Cherry Blossom’ - Dwarf form that does not require staking. Lovely soft pink bloom with pale yellow center.

I D. elatum New Millenium Group ‘Green Twist’ – White petals with green streaks. 4-5'.

D. e. ‘Royal Aspirations’ – Royal blue flowers with a white bee. 4-5'.

D. grandiflorum ‘Summer Blues’ – Sky blue flowers.

10-12".

D. g. ‘Summer Morning’ – This is a unique dwarf variety with soft pink flowers. 10-12".

Dendranthema (Chrysanthemum morifolium) Chrysanthemum Daisy-like chrysanthemum flowers can come in many different colors in autumn. The aromatic foliage is dark green. This plant has a compact growth habit. These low-maintanence flowers are also great for beds and containers. 12". Zones 5-9.

D. ‘Clara Curtis’ - Various shades of light pink flowers.

Shade tolerant. 12-18".

Deschampsia cespitosa ‘Northern Lights’ Tufted Hairgrass Short, mounding grass has dark green, thread-like foliage with gold and white highlights. Silvery flower panicles appear in early summer. Prefers moist soil. 12-18". Zones 4-9.

D. c. ‘Goldgehaenge’ – Gold Veil Tufted Hairgrass. Medium green foliage with bright yellow flower-heads. 24-36".

Desmodium canadense

Showy tick trefoil A beautiful wildflower with purple-pink spikes of flowers that stand on top of a 2-6' erect stem. It blooms from July ­– Aug. Prefers open woods or woody edges.

15

Dianthus Cottage Pinks/Border Carnations Small, carnation-like flowers rise from mats of narrow graygreen foliage. Plant in ordinary soil, but provide good drainage. One of the most fragrant perennials. Do not mulch, as these require good air circulation. Zones 3-8, unless noted otherwise.

D. p. ‘Giant Shirley’ – Colors range from white and shell pink to deep rose, often dotted with crimson or chocolate.

3-4'.

D. p. ‘Spice Island’ – Peachy-yellow blossoms. 4'.

D. ‘Brilliant Star’ – Semidouble white flowers have purple centers. Fragrant. 6-8".

D. thapsi –Blooms in late May with rose pink flowers. Will tolerate drier conditions than most foxgloves. 1-2'.

D. ‘Heart’s Desire’ - Fluffy double flowers are bubblegum

D. × mertonensis – This is a perennial foxglove that has been crossed between D. purpurea and D. grandiflora. Copperyrose flowers. 3-4'.

pink with a darker pink eye. 6-8".

D. ‘Laced Hero’ - A wonderful new variety with lush blueish foliage, double white flowers with purple centers, and a rosy edge. 8-12".

D. ‘Mountain Mist’ – Slightly fragrant pink flowers appear in May – June and again sporadically in autumn. Blue-green foliage takes summer heat and humidity well. 12".

D. ‘Spangled Star’ – A hardy dianthus, this has a unique “lace” pattern of reds and pinks. 5-7".

D. deltoides ‘Arctic Fire’ - Long lasting flowers with frilly white petals and deep red centers. Likes some shade. Blooms June/July. Under 6".

D. gratianopolitanus ‘Double Spotty’ - Double crimson flowers with silver-pink spots. Blue gray foliage.

Very fragrant. 6".

D. g. - ‘Firewitch’ – Magenta flowers. 8-10".

D. plumarius ‘Velvet ‘N Lace’ – The most fragrant of Dianthus. The fully double blooms are stacked several layers high, displaying their lacy white edges and rich, deep red petals. 12".

Digitalis Foxglove Spikes of tubular flowers. Needs moist, well-drained soil.

Zones 4-8.

D. purpurea ‘Apricot’ – A new introduction. Large spikes of apricot flowers. 5'.

D. p. ‘Camelot Lavender’ - Large pendulous lavender flowers with dark burgundy speckles surround sturdy flower stalks. 3-4'.

D. p. ‘Camelot Rose’ – Large, rose-pink, pendulous flowers with maroon/purple speckles. 3-4'.

D. p. ‘Candy Mountain’ – This newly introduced cultivar has upward facing flowers. Rose-pink petals with speckled throats. 3-4'.

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D. p. ‘Dwarf Vanilla’ – Densely packed crème-colored flowers. 24-30".

I Dodecatheon meadia Shootingstar Delicate white or pale pink petals surround a flower with a brown and yellow center. Does well in moist to moderately dry, rich soil. This ephemeral plant goes dormant by midsummer. Fall transplanting is best, and is strongly recommended. Flowers stalks are 1-2' tall.

Echinacea Coneflower Plant in well-drained soil. Large daisy-like flowers bloom all summer. Zones 3-9, unless noted otherwise.

E. ‘Art’s Pride’ – Tangerine-orange, fragrant flowers. Very drought tolerant. Crossed by Jim Ault of the Chicago Botanic Garden. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 2-3'.

E. ‘Kim’s Knee High’ – A compact, heavy blooming semidwarf variety with rose-pink flowers. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 20-24".

E. ‘Mac N Cheese’ – Large, golden-yellow flowers on vigorous, well branched, up right stems. Blooms in mid summer.

This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 26".

E. ‘Milkshake’ - Long-lasting, French vanilla, double flowers with falling ray petals on sturdy plants. Blossoms do not discolor with age. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 30-32".

I E. Pixie Meadowbrite™ – A Chicagoland Grows® intro-

duction crossed by Jim Ault of the Chicago Botanic Garden.

The first true dwarf hyrbrid and the third in the Meadowbrite™ series. Bright pink flowers. This plant was selected by

the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 18".

E. ‘Sunrise’ –­ Large, fragrant yellow blooms. A cross between E. purpurea and E. paradoxa. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 36".

E. pallida – Pale Purple Coneflower. Pinkish-purple wildflowers. Does best on medium to dry sites. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

E. purpurea – Purple Coneflower. Purple wildflowers. More tolerant of shade than E. pallida. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

E. p. ‘Green Envy’ – The fragrant blooms open to brightly colored petals of lime green and pink. 30-36".

E. p. ‘Virgin’ – Pure white blooms with a green center. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 24".

E. p. ‘White Swan’ – ‘White Swan’ boasts the same size, vigor, and large flowers as the more common pink forms, but in white. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 40".

E. tennessiensis ‘Rocky Top’ – A native wildflower, very useful and long-blooming in the border. Thin rays of deep pink petals around a center cone are upward facing. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 24".

Echinops bannaticus ‘Ritro’

Blue Globe Thistle Ball-shaped blue flowers in the summer are excellent for cutting and can be dried for the winter. A bold, tall plant that is highly ornamental with silvery pointed foliage and deeply divided green basal leaves. Provides carefree late summer color. 4'. Zones 3-8.

Elymus

Wild Rye Linear, flat and sometimes rounded leaves with flower spikes.

Prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Sow in autumn or spring and divide in midspring to early summer.

E. canadensis – Nodding Wild Rye. The seed heads on this grass curve over its stem. Looks similar to rye. One of the first grasses to begin growing after winter. 4-5'.

Eupatorium Eupatorium Fluffy, dome-shaped clusters of flowers and toothed foliage are featured on this September bloomer that thrives under trees. Insect- and disease-free, eupatorium attracts butterflies and is a good cut flower. It also tolerates boggy soil. This American export is now a favorite in Europe.

E. dubium ‘Baby Joe’ – Large domed heads of bright lavender-fuchsia flowers. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 24-30".

E. d. ‘Phantom’ – This dwarf variety produces small, dark red flowers. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 2-4'.

E. maculatum ‘Gateway’ – A new choice of “Joe-pye weed” flowering July to September. Robust plants carry wine-red coloration, particularly in the stems. Red flowers. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 6'.

E. rugosum ‘Chocolate’ – Small white fluffy flowers bloom in early fall. Foliage is distinctive dark bronze. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

3-4'.

Fallopia japonica ‘Variegata’

Fleece Flower The creamy white and green mottled leaves stand out nicely against the red stems. In spring, the new foliage growth is pink. Small white flowers bloom in midsummer. 5'. Zones 5-7.

Festuca ovina glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ Fescue Finely tufted, this plant forms neat, compact clumps. It is considered the bluest of the blue fescues, and its color holds up well throughout the summer and winter. 6-12". Zones 4-9.

Filipendula Japanese Meadowsweet Airy, irregularly shaped, plumed clusters of many florets.

Likes fertile, well-drained soil. Drought tolerant. Zones 3-9.

Filipendula rubra ‘Venusta Magnifica’ – Considered one of the showiest native wildflowers, this plant has large, pink, airy plumes that bloom in summer. A great companion plant to ornamental grasses. 5-6'.

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F. ulmaria ‘Variegata’ – Green leaves with a bright gold splash in the center. creamy white spiked flowers bloom from early to late summer. 3'.

Gaura lindheimeri

flowers top the scented, lobed leaves May – June. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

15".

Gaura/Whirling Butterflies This vase-shaped plant has downy, spear-shaped leaves. Wiry pink stems bear flowers from June – Oct. Willowy foliage.

Likes well- drained soil and mulch in winter. Zones 5-9.

G. magnificum ‘Blue Blood’ – Midnight-blue flowers with almost black veining. 16".

G. l. ‘Crimson Butterflies’ – A dwarf. Hot pink flowers appear atop crimson foliage on short red stems. Reaches a maximum of 18" tall.

G. pratense ‘Midnight Reiter’ – Deep blue flowers from June to August. Dark purple foliage. Cut back after first bloom for later flowering. 6".

G. l. ‘Pink Cloud’ – Profuse, brilliant pink flowers are borne on this taller selection. The prolific flowering habit makes this plant a standout in the garden. 3-4'.

G. sanguineum ‘Max Frei’ – A compact grower. Red-purple petals. A hardy cranesbill. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 4-9".

Gentiana scabra ‘Zuikorindo’

G. s. ‘Striatum’ – Pink flowers show red venation. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

8".

Gentian A new variety with deep pink, trumpet-shaped flowers in early autumn. Easy to grow clump forming perennials for sunny areas with well drained but moist, humus-rich soil. 6".

Geranium Cranesbill A very hardy plant with lovely lacy foliage, this is much underused in Midwest gardens. Both the flowers and the foliage are decorative. The often-fragrant foliage is sometimes so dense it will actually smother weeds! Tolerates full shade or full sun as long as you provide some protection from afternoon’s heat (exceptions noted). Prefers well-drained soil.

Zones 3-9, unless noted otherwise.

G. ‘Philippe Vapelle’ – A hybrid between G. renardii and G. platypetalum. Purple-blue flowers have purple venation.

Blue-gray leaves. 12-18".

G. ‘Purple Pillow’ – Cup-shaped, red-plum colored flowers.

Foliage is gray-green. Low-growing and can be used as a ground cover. 5-6".

I G. ‘Rozanne’ – This extremely long-blooming selection

has spectacular, vivid blue-violet flowers midspring through late fall. Slightly marbled, rounded, and mounding foliage.

12-18”. Zones 5-9.

G. ‘Starman’ – Purplish pink flowers with fushia veining.

12".

G. maculatum – This native plant has lavender to pink flowers that bloom Apr. – June. Grows in woodlands and low ground.

Perfect for a naturalistic garden in dappled shade. 1-2'.

18

I G. macrorrhizum ‘Ingewersens Variety’ – Rich rosy-pink

G. phaeum ‘Samobar’ – Burgundy blooms with purpleblack leaf markings. 18".

G. × cantabrigiense ‘Karmina’ – Carmine red flowers have over green foliage. 6-12".

G. × c. ‘St. Ola’ – Small, white blooms appear on this lowgrowing plant. Great as a ground cover. 12".

Geum Avens Deep green, ornamental foliage. Prefers humus-rich, welldrained, moist soil, but keep plants from getting waterlogged in the winter. This trouble-free plant blooms all summer if cut back after bloom, but you may prefer to leave the attractive seed heads. Zones 5-8.

G. ‘Fireball’ – Large, semidouble, orange-yellow flowers. The blossoms are accentuated with a red picotee on the edge of each petal. It blooms from May – July and often reblooms again in fall. 24".

G. ‘Flames of Passion’ – Bright red flowers bloom in late April – May. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 12-15".

G. ‘Mai Tai’ – Semi-double, apricot-rose flowers on top of red stems. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 16-18".

G. ‘Mrs. Bradshaw’ – Scarlet, semi-double flowers that are shaped like small roses. 12-18".

G. ‘Sangria’ – Deep red flowers with a yellow center. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 36-42".

Helianthus Sunflower Daisy-like flower heads. Grow in humus rich, moist, welldrained soil. Full sun. Zones 4-9.

G. ‘Tequila Sunrise’ – Cheery, yellow bicolored flowers dripping with grenadine tips. 18".

H. ‘Lemon Queen’ – This tall plant features sturdy stems covered with 2", soft lemon-yellow flowers in July – Aug. Very adaptable to many soil conditions. 5'.

G. triflorum - Blooms in midspring, producing unmistakable 1', feathery, silver and pink seed heads. After the flowers are gone, deeply cut leaves attain prominence. Spreads by its rootstock and grows to 6” in height. Transplants are best planted in fall or early spring. Watch the flowers closely and you will see why this plant is called the Prairie Smoke. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

Gypsophila paniculata ‘Alba’ Baby’s Breath This finely branched plant has tiny leaves and sprays of flowers gives a misty, cloud-like effect. Deadheading encourages reblooming. Likes very well-drained, alkaline soil containing gypsum. Blooms during July – Aug. Zones 3-8.

I Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ Japanese Forest Grass Variegated foliage is perfect to brighten up a shady garden.

Prefers moist, well-drained soil. 6-12" tall and 18" wide.

Zones 5-9.

Helenium Sneezeweed/Helen’s Flower This clump-forming, daisy-like plant has medium-green leaves, prominent yellow or brown disk florets, and ray flowers in either yellow, bronze, orange, or red. Prefers rich, evenly moist soils. Usually needs no staking. Needs one year of growth before blooming. Divide every 2-3 years. Zones 3-9.

H. ‘Sahin’s Early Flowerer’ - Shades of red flowers on 3' stems. Pinching back plants by half in late spring will result in sturdier, more compact habit. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

H. autumnale - A native wildflower has yellow daisy-like flowers. 4'.

Heliopsis helianthoides False Sunflower Deep green foliage provides wonderful contrast to the daisyshaped flowers. Zones 4-9.

H. h. ‘Lorraine Sunshine’ – Foliage is variegated creamy white and has prominent green venation. Bright, golden yellow, daisy-like flowers bloom from June – Sept. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

30".

Hemerocallis Daylily Hardy, vigorous and insect free, these easily grown plants require little or no care. Time of bloom is listed as follows: E – early, M – midseason, L – late. Zones 3-9.

H. ‘Black-eyed Susan’ – Orange-yellow petals have a maroon eye and throat. 28". M H. ‘Country Melody’ – Pink petals have a ruffled lemon edge and light pink midribs. 30". M H. ‘Custard Candy’ – Ivory petals have a maroon band and yellow-green eye. Rebloomer and vigorous grower. 24".

E, M H. ‘El Desperado’ - Large pale yellow flowers with purple throats. 24-36". L H. ‘Going Bananas’ – Light yellow flowers open fully.

19-22". E, M, L H. ‘Little Grapette’ -Outstanding miniature Daylily with grape-purple flowers that have black-grape bands, a rose-purple watermark, and a florescent green throat. 12". E, M, L H. ‘Pardon Me’ – Cranberry-red flowers have a lemonyellow throat and repeat later in season. Fragrant. 24-28". M H. ‘Prairie Bella’ – Deep pink flowers. 20". E, M H. ‘Pygmy Plum’ - Large edge ruffled blooms that are plum colored with a small lemon green throat on semi-evergreen foliage. 20". M

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H. ‘Rosy Returns’ – Rosy-pink flowers have a deeper-colored eye and a yellow throat. Each stem bears 9-12 buds that begin opening in May. Reblooms continuously until frost.

Compact grower, reaching only 18". E, M, L H. ‘Siloam Double Classic’ – Double, dusky-pink flowers.

24-30". M

St. John’s Wort Large yellow flowers with showy stamens from June – Sept.

Dies to ground in winter. Cut stems in late winter to enable regrowth from roots. Zones 5-8.

H. ‘Strawberry Candy’ – Luscious, creamy strawberry colored flowers are highlighted by a rose-colored eye and yellow throat. The flower petals are heavily ribboned. 24". M

Hystrix patula

Bottlebrush Grass Medium green leaves with green-white flower heads that resemble bottlebrushes. Adds dramatic texture to the garden.

2-3'. Zones 5-9.

H. fulva ‘Kwanso Flore Pleno’ – This magnificent double form has fiery orange-yellow-red petals. 36". E, M, L

Iberis sempervirens

H. ‘Siloam Joan Senior’ – White flowers have lime-green throats. 18-24". E, M

Hibiscus Rose Mallow This showy plant has huge saucer-like flowers during the summer. Easy to grow in moist soil. Mulch in winter. Zones 5-9.

I H. ‘Crown Jewels’ – Wide, white flowers have a maroon center. Compact and shrub-like growth habit. 2-3'.

H. ‘Kopper King’ – Lobed, maple-like leaves have consistent coppery-purple color. White flowers with red eyes bloom all summer. 3-4'.

H. ‘Old Yella’ – Extremely large, light yellow flowers have a dark red center. A compact, vigorous and rounded cultivar 3-4'.

H. moscheutos ‘Clown’ – Medium-sized, light pink flowers have dark red centers. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 3-4'.

H. m. ‘Fantasia’ – Flat 9”flowers are rosy-pink and highlighted with a darker rosy-red center pattern. The petal edges are ruffled. Flowers from July – September. 3'.

H. m. ‘Fireball’ – This compact plant has burgundy-red flowers and is a vigorous grower. 4'.

H. m. ‘Old Yella’ – Huge, pale-yellow buds open to creamy white, slightly ruffled flowers with a red center. 3-4'.

H. m. ‘Peppermint Schnapps’ – Large pink flowers with dashes of deeper pink/red centers. Green maple foliage. Sturdy, upright habit. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 42".

H. m. ‘Sweet Caroline’ – Bright pink ruffled flowers with darker veins and eye. 24-36".

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Hypericum calycinum

Candytuft Narrow evergreen leaves are covered with flat clusters of white flowers in spring. Plant in good, well-drained soil. Shear off faded blooms to encourage rebloom. Zones 4-9.

I. s. ‘Snowflake’ – Bright white flowers appear in early May. Drought tolerant. Can be used as a ground cover. 10".

Iris Iris Many exciting varieties are available. Descriptions refer to “falls” (the three outer, down-curved segments of the flower) and “standards” (the three inner, cupped, upright-standing segments). Zones 3-9.

Iris germanica Bearded Iris Showy flowers (often 3-4" wide) in May – June rise above flat, sword-like, blue-green foliage. Requires well-drained, neutral soil. 30-35". Zones 3-10.

I. g. ‘Autumn Circus’ – This is a re-blooming variety has white standard petals and falls edged in blue-violet. 34".

I. g. ‘Batik’ – Purple flowers with white markings on the standards and falls. 26".

I. g. ‘Before the Storm’ – Dark black, fragrant flowers. 37".

I. g. ‘Beverly Sills’ – Lacy, wide, coral-pink flowers—and lots of ‘em!

I. g. ‘Clarence’ – A cool-blue colored selection of hardy, drought, disease, and insect resistant Iris that first bloom in Spring and again in August through October. 30-36" I. g. ‘Immortality’ – Pure white with a pale yellow beard.

Almost ever-blooming once established.

I. g. ‘Rock Star’ – Ruffled apricot petals with raspberry markings. Blooms in spring and again in the fall.

I. g. ‘Victoria Falls’ – Deep blue, ruffled flowers with white near the base of the beard. Rebloomer.

Iris pumila Dwarf Bearded Iris Dwarf 8-10” plants bloom in April – May. Requires welldrained, neutral to alkaline soil. Zones 4-8.

I. p. ‘Blue Denim’ – Light blue flowers.

I. p. ‘Candy Apple’ – Smooth, sweet red dwarf. 12".

Iris shrevei

Blue Flag Iris This native perennial has violet-blue flowers, purple-whiteblue sepals, and green strap-like foliage. Blooms late spring to early summer. Prefers moist, wet conditions. 2-3'.

Iris sibirica Siberian Iris Narrow, erect green foliage is graced with beautiful, showy flowers May – June. Prefers evenly moist, but not wet, soil enriched with organic matter. Zones 3-9.

Knautia macedonica Knautia A summer-long profusion of 1½" domed, ruby-red flowers are accented with showy white stamens. Pincushion-like appearance with deeply divided leaves. Likes lime-rich, well-drained soil. Deadhead to encourage reblooming. 2½-3'.

Zones 5-8.

K. m. ‘Mars Midget’ – A shorter, more compact selection with very sturdy flower stems. 16".

Koeleria cristata

June Grass Long skinny leaves grow straight up. Pale-green fuzzy flowers bloom May – July. Found in the sandy soil of dry upland prairies and open woods. 1-2'.

Lathyrus latifolius ‘Pink Pearl’

Sweet Pea Clusters of beautiful ‘pearlescent’ flowers are freely produced on undemanding plants. A vigorous climber, it will cover trellis or walls or happily scramble through shrubs. 6-8'.

Lavandula

I. s. ‘Over in Gloryland’ – Substantial deep violet flowers with splashes of gold. 3'.

Lavender This is a perennial herb with slender, gray-green stems supporting a carpet of fragrant, purple-blue flowers. Nonstop blooms appear from June – Sept. Needs protection from winter winds. Prefers sandy, alkaline, well-drained soil.

Zones 5-8.

I. s. ‘Ruffled Velvet’ – Pansy purple flowers with ruffled and frilled darker falls. Blooms in June. 24-30".

L. ‘Silveredge’ – Green foliage has a cream edge. Blue flowers July – Sept. 24".

I. s. ‘Butter and Sugar’ – Butter-yellow falls with white standards. Midseason. 28".

L. angustifolia ‘Rose’ –Rose-pink flowers. 24".

Juncus effusus ‘Unicorn’

Rush This is a vast improvement on the older varieties of Spiral Rush. Leaves are round and stem-like, with a unique corkscrew spiral all the way up to the tip. Deer Resistant. Best used as a perennial in a pond, wetland or a container. 12-15".

Kalimeris Japanese Aster Long-blooming aster-like flowers appear from late summer into autumn. Prefers moist, acidic soil. Zones 5-9.

K. yomena ‘Aurea’ (‘Shogun’) – Finely cut, medium-green foliage has wide, creamy yellow margins. The plant is topped by 1” lavender flowers and spreads nicely. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 12".

L. × intermedia ‘Grosso’ – Full-sized lavender flower heads bloom over silver-green foliage. A shrubby, mounded growth habit. 24-30".

Leucanthemum × superbum Shasta Daisy Foliage is a low, thick mass of shiny, smooth, coarsely toothed, deep green leaves. Deadhead regularly, and cut all flower stems to the ground after blooming. Tallest forms may need some staking. Zones 5-8.

L. × s. ‘Aglaia’ – Fully double, frilly white flowers bloom on sturdy stems from June – Sept. 28".

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L. × s. ‘Amelia’ – A vigorous habit with a heavy flowering of large 5-inch wide, single white blossoms with golden yellow centers. Blooms from early into late summer. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 40".

I L. × s. ‘Becky’ – Large, single white flowers last until

October if deadheaded. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 3'.

L. × s. ‘Christine Hagemann’ - Large, white, “pom pom” shaped flowers with a yellow center. 30".

Lewisia longipetala

Long-petalled Lewisia Funnel-shaped white or pale pink flowers are on top of lace-shaped, dark green leaves. Found in stony meadows or grasslands. Grow in rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. 4".

Zones 4-7.

L. l. ‘Little Plum’ – Rose-purple flowers bloom in midspring and again in the fall. 6-12".

Liatris

Gayfeather/Blazing Star L. aspera – Bright pink-purple flowers bloom late in the season. Birds will enjoy the seeds of this flower. 5'.

L. spicata – Flowered wands look like bottlebrushes in late summer. Unusual in that they open first at the top. Plant in groups. Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Zones 3-9.

L. s. ‘Floristan Violet’ – Bright, violet-purple flowers. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 36-48".

L. s. ‘Kobold’ – Compact, intensely colored rose-lavender flowers appear from July – Sept. Very uniform habit. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 2'.

Lilium Lily Grow in well-drained, organically enriched soil. Most prefer to have their heads in the sun and their feet in the shade, but some will tolerate partial shade in a light woodland.

Lilium Asiatic Lily L. ‘Partner’ – Fiery red-orange petals bloom over glossy green foliage. A dwarf cultivar, growing only to 18".

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L. ‘Sunray’ – Bright yellow flowers. 24-36".

L. ‘Tiny Dino’ – Deep orange blooms. This cultivar produces more flowers per stem than other varieties. 18-24".

L. ‘Tiny Hope’ – Bright red blooms. This cultivar produces more flowers per stem than other varieties.18-24".

Lilium Oriental Lily L. ‘Rodolfa’ – Fragrant white flowers show a touch of chartreuse. Easy to grow. 12-18".

L. ‘Stargazer’ – Large pink fragrant flowers have white edges and red spots. 4-5 flowers per stem. 3'.

Lilium Dwarf Lily L. ‘Crimson Pixie’ – Rich red flowers appear in early summer. 18".

L. ‘Lemon Pixie’ – Lemon-yellow flowers are accented by a few dark spots. Flowers in early summer. 18".

L. ‘Orange Pixie’ – Bright orange, upward-facing flowers appear in early summer. 18".

Linum Perennial Flax Colorful, saucer-shaped flowers. Suitable for rock gardens and borders. Prefers rich, well-drained soil in full sun. Protect from winter moisture.

L. nanum ‘Sapphire’ – Azure-blue blooms last only until the sun sets - then a shower of petals end the day. Tomorrow brings forth newcomers which dance on long arching stems.

Blooms from late spring through summer. 16".

L. perenne – A clump-florming perennial with blue-green leaves and clear blue flowers. 4-24".

Lobelia Lobelia Spikes of colorful flowers. Prefers moist to wet soils. Zones 4-9.

L. cardinalis – Deep red flowers, red stems and bronze-green foliage. 3'.

L. fulgens ‘Queen Victoria’ – Bright red flowers on burgundy stems. Mahogany-red foliage. 3-5'.

L. siphilitica – Bright blue flowers bloom in late summer.

Clump-forming growth habit. 2-4'.

L. × ‘Monet Moment’ – Large masses of rose-pink spiked flowers with burgundy foliage. 20".

Lupinus Lupine Long, terminal racemes have pea-shaped flowers in a multitude of colors. They prefer rich, slightly acidic, sandy soil.

Zones 4-8.

L. ‘Gallery Blue’ – In late spring, spikes of blue flowers create a wonderful display. 18-24".

L. ‘Russell Mix’ – Tall flower spikes in an assortment of colors including white, yellow, pink, orange, red, salmon, lavender, blue, purple, and bicolors. 2-3'.

Lychnis Catchfly/Campion Tubular or star-shaped flowers are borne on erect, usually branched stems, and may be either solitary or in terminal cymes. Deadhead to prolong flowering. Zones 3-9, unless noted otherwise.

L. arkwrightii ‘Orange Gnome’ – Dwarf selection has orange-red flowers in June – July over dark green foliage. 8".

I L. coronaria ‘Blood Red’– Rose Campion. Woolly silver

leaves form a basal rosette. Magenta flowers appear in midsummer. Open airy habit. Drought and shade tolerant. 3'.

L. c. ‘Gardener’s World’ – Double, velvety, red flowers that look like small carnations over silvery, wooly foliage on upright stems.

20-26".

Malva Mallow Bowl-shaped summer flowers look like small hollyhocks.

Profuse and long-blooming; cut back after initial flowering for rebloom into late fall. A notorious colonizer. Zones 4-9.

M. alcea ‘Fastigiata’ – Hollyhock Mallow. Soft pink flowers.

3-4'.

M. moschata ‘Alba’ – White flowering form. 2-3'.

M. sylvestris ‘Mauritiana’– Raspberry-pink flowers with darker violet veins. 4-5'.

M. s. ‘Zebrina’ – Flowers are 2”, striped raspberry-purple over pale pink. The stripes pinwheel out from the center.

Tender perennial, but a vigorous reseeder. 3'.

Monarda didyma Beebalm Strong upright stalks of fragrant mint-scented leaves bear large heads or whorls of flowers. Blooms in midsummer.

The following selections all have strong to excellent mildew resistance. This plant will travel, so you may need to divide it every few years. Zones 3-9, unless noted otherwise.

M. d. ‘Colrain Red’ – Bright red flowers have a touch of yellow. 3-4'. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

M. d. ‘Coral Reef ’ – Fuschia pink blooms have a hint of coral. 36".

M. d. ‘Dark Ponticum’ – Purple flowers appear atop very dark green foliage accentuated by purple stems. 3'.

M. d. ‘Grand Marshall’ – Fucshia pink flowers bloom midto late summer. Very hardy and mildew resistant. 18-24".

M. d. ‘Jacob Cline’ – Large red flowers. One of the most mildew-resistant varieties available. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 4'.

M. d. ‘Mahogany’ – Persistent dark red bracts beneath the wine red flowers. 42".

M. d. ‘Marshall’s Delight’ – Hot pink flowers. Shiny leaves.

This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 3'.

M. d. ‘On Parade’ – Maroon flowers are borne in nearly symmetrical rows on the plant. Often reblooms when cut back after initial flowering. 2½'.

M. fistulosa – Wild Bergamot. Related to garden beebalm, this wildflower has 2-3" terminal clusters of lavender to rosy-purple flowers in July – Aug. Erect, reaching 3'. Can be aggressive, so feel free to share with others.

Nepeta Catmint This mounded plant features mats of aromatic gray-green foliage and erect stems of flowers. Shear to keep compact.

Likes well-drained soil and tolerates sandy or rocky conditions. Zones 3-9.

N. racemosa ‘Little Titch’ – Rich blue flowers. An extremely small and compact catmint. 7-10".

N. subsessilis ‘Candy Cat’ – Large, fragrant, pale lavenderpink flowers. Prefers moist soil. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 26-28".

N. × faassenii ‘Six Hills Giant’ – Larger erect plants with dark violet flowers. Cut back to encourage rebloom. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 2'.

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N. × f. ‘Snowflake’ – Small white flowers appear on a compact mound of gray-green leaves. Blooms all summer.

12-15".

I N. × f. ‘Walker’s Low’ – This ever-blooming plant

produces lilac-blue flowers and silver-green foliage. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 10-12".

Oenothera

Evening Primrose Poppy-like fragrant flowers rise from compact leafy rosettes.

Flowers from June – Aug. Prefers well-drained soil. Spreads rapidly and may need to be divided frequently. Zones 4-8, unless noted otherwise.

O. fruticosa ‘Fireworks’ –­ Red buds open to bright yellow flowers. The foliage is a deep bronze, and the stems are red.

This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 15-18".

O. missouriensis – Missouri Primrose. This native wildflower produces large, yellow flowers. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 12".

I Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’

Mondo Grass/Lilyturf The greenish-purple leaves of this plant turn deep black when grown in full sun. It has lily-like leaves, and in late summer/ early fall, white-pink blooms appear. This is a dwarf variety.

15".

Origanum Ornamental Oregano Clusters of tiny, two-lipped flowers have prominent, often colorful bracts beneath, which remain showy for several weeks.

Aromatic leaves are borne on square stems. Performs best in poor to average, well-drained soil with neutral to alkaline pH. O. laevigatum ‘Red Ball’ – Low-growing mat of foliage with purple and pink flowers. 10-12".

Paeonia Garden Peony Large flowers appear in late spring to early summer. Very long-lived and excellent for cutting. Requires rich, welldrained soil and winter mulching. Time of bloom is listed as E – early, M – midseason, L – late. Flower forms indicated are B – Bomb, J – Japanese, S – Single, SD – Semidouble, and D – Double. Zones 4-9.

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P. ‘Alley Cat’ – Features large, shaggy, creamy white blooms with some raspberry tipping. 30-32". M, S P. ‘Best Man’ – The double flowers are deep red with pink tones. 33". M, D P. ‘Karl Rosenfield’ – Large, double bright red flowers.

26-30". M, D P. ‘Pink Parfait’ – Double, dark pink, fragrant flowers.

30-32". L, D P. ‘Raspberry Sundae’ – Pink flowers are like scoops of vanilla ice cream with a raspberry topping. 27". M, B P. ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ – Large, soft pink, double blooms.

Makes a wonderful cut flower! 32" E, M, D P. ‘Soft Salmon Joy’ – Shell-pink single flowers have bright yellow centers. 28". M, S P. ‘Sorbet’ – Pink and white double blooms. 36-48". E, D Paeonia suffruticosa Japanese Tree Peony Tree peonies bloom before herbaceous peonies and provide wonderful accents for evergreen and shrub plantings. Tree peonies should not be cut to the ground in the fall. Prune, if necessary, in the spring. They like midday shade and wind protection, and they can make a wonderful shrub border.

Each plant will require one square yard of space in several years’ time. “Although they are slow-growing, there is perhaps nothing in the shrub world as spectacular as a tree peony in flower. A permanent fixture in your garden that will increase in beauty year after year.”—Kris Jarantoski, director and executive vice president. 3-5'.

P. s. ‘Dark Purple’ – Double, deep purple flowers. Blooms May to June. 5-8'.

P. s. ‘Taiyo’ – Double, scarlet-red flowers with yellow stamens.

P. s. ‘Yellow’ – Extremely large double to semi-double yellow flowers. June. 4'.

Panicum virgatum Switch Grass Midsized ornamental for the sunny border. Valued as a cut specimen for its thread-like leaves and light, airy flower heads that rise above the foliage. In fall the leaves change to yelloworange. Zones 3-9.

P. v. ‘Haense Hermes’ – Has red-bronze foliage. Flowers in fall and produces berries during winter. 5-6'.

P. v. ‘Heavy Metal’ ­– The foliage is a purple-blue with burgundy seed heads. Grows upright. This plant was selected by

the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 3-4'.

P. v. ‘Northwind’ – Densely-packed, slender olive-green foliage topped with airy tassels that turn from green to silver and finally to gold over autumn and winter. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 4-5'.

I P. v. ‘Shenandoah’ – Bright red translucent foliage begins

showing color as early as June and maintains it all season. The foliage is topped by a cloud of red flowers in autumn. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 3'.

P. alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ – Dwarf Fountain Grass. This early-flowering selection has 6-8" coppery-tan flower spikes in late August. Marginally hardy. More compact than the species, reaching only 18-30" in height. Zones 6-9.

P. alopecuroides ‘Piglet’ – This cultivar is half the size of ‘Hameln’ and is more floriferous than ‘Little Bunny’. In late summer, tawny plumes sprout above the finely textured, green foliage. 18" P. orientale ‘Karley Rose’ – Oriental Fountain Grass. An annual grass that creates a uniform clump of arching foliage.

The deep green leaves erupt into intense, smokey rose-purple flowers from late May to frost. 3'.

Penstemon

Papaver orientale Oriental Poppy Blooms of 5-8" appear in May – June and are known for their brilliant colors and black stamens. Requires good drainage. Goes dormant in midsummer. Very hardy and long-lived. Zones 3-8.

P. o. ‘Fancy Feathers’ – Bright pink flowers have ruffled edges.

28".

P. o. ‘Flamenco Dancer’ – Fiery red flowers with fringed edges.

30".

P. o. ‘Helen Elizabeth’ – The edges of the salmon-pink petals are ruffled. The black center contrasts nicely with the soft colored blooms. 22".

P. o. ‘King Kong’ – Pinkish-red flowers stand tall on sturdy, wind-resistant stems. 40".

P. o. ‘Pink Ruffles’ – Deeply fringed, apricot-pink flowers.

24".

P. o. ‘Princess Victoia Louise’ – Salmon-pink flowers with black centers. 24-30".

P. o. ‘Ruffled Patty’ - Huge lavender-streaked plum-color flowers whose petals are doubled, fringed, and twisted. 30".

P. o. ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ - Scarlet red flowers on short stems.

16".

P. o. ‘Turkenlouis’ – Fiery orange-red flowers are dotted with black. Petals are strongly fringed. 30".

P. o. ‘White Ruffles’ – New, exotic, shorter, more floriferous breed with white, ruffled petals. 18".

Pennisetum Fountain Grass Fountain-like foliage is topped with 6-8" of coppery rose foxtail plumes in late Aug. – Oct. Seedlings may be invasive.

Zones 5-9, unless otherwise noted.

Beardtongue Bearded, tubular flowers rise on thin spikes in June – July over mounds of foliage (usually evergreen). Prefers welldrained soil and mulch in winter. Pinch when 1' tall for bushier plant. Remove spent flower spikes. Attracts hummingbirds. Zones 4-8.

P. ‘Dark Towers’ – Lavender-rose tubular flowers that are deep at the base and lighter pink towards the tips. Winered foliage. Hardy to zone 3. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 33-36".

P. barbatus ‘Prairie Dusk’ – Rosy-purple flowers bloom in early to midsummer. 18-24".

P. calycosus –­ Long-sepaled Penstemon. Tubular light lavender flowers have white throats. Blooms spring through summer. Prefers part shade. Is not as drought tolerant as most penstemons. 1-3'.

P. digitalis – Foxglove Beardtongue. Pure white, tubular flowers appear in late spring to early summer. Leaves turn rich, deep red in the fall. Can be aggressive. 2-3'.

Perovskia Russian Sage Semi-woody, silver-gray stems have serrated, gray-green, aromatic leaves. Spikes of violet-blue flowers appear in Aug. – Sept. Needs well-drained soil. Zones 5-10.

I P. ‘Filagran’ – Very fine-textured, filigreed foliage gives this plant its name. Upright blue flowers. 3'.

P. atriplicifolia ‘Little Spire’ – This compact, upright selection has tall spikes of lavender-blue flowers. 2'.

P. a. ‘Longin’ – Violet flowers are featured on this tight, upright form. 3-4'.

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Petalostemum purpureum Purple Prairie Clover The bright purple and yellow flowers bloom in midsummer.

A native wildflower that grows up to 2' tall in most welldrained soils.

Physostegia virginiana False Dragonhead/Obedient Plant Tube-shaped flowers appear on graceful spikes. Cut back by half in June for strong blooms in Aug. – Sept. Can be invasive. Drought tolerant, U.S. native. Zones 2-9.

I P. v. ‘Miss Manners’ – Of a less aggressive nature, this Phlox Phlox The erect form bears narrowly conical, panicle-like flowers that are long-flowering and fragrant. Likes moist, rich soil.

Needs good air circulation. Blooms during July – Aug. Cut back faded blooms to promote reflowering. Zones 3-9.

P. divaricata – Woodland Phlox. Erect stems bear purplishblue, tightly clustered, fragrant, five-lobed flowers. Blooms in fields and woods, Apr. – June. 6-18".

P. maculata ‘Natascha’ – Pink and white flowers bloom June – Oct. 18-24".

P. paniculata ‘Cream Drop’ – Coral flowers with a rose eye blooms from early summer to fall. Sweetly fragrant. Mildew resistant. 24".

P. p. ‘David’ – This pure white form features huge flower heads. Florets have overlapping petals. Thick leathery leaves are mildew resistant. Richly fragrant. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 36-42".

P. p. ‘Grape Lollipop’ – Purple flowers with a red eye blooms from early summer to fall. Sweetly fragrant. Mildew resistant. 24".

P. p. ‘Laura’ – Very large clusters of purple flowers with a white eye. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 3'.

P. p. ‘Swirly Burly’ – These flowers have purple-blue markings over a white background, fanning out from purplishblue to fuchsia centers. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 24-30".

P. subulata ‘Atropurpurea’ – The mat-forming, needle-like foliage is 6 inches. From April to May, it is covered with tiny, honey-scented, bright red flowers.

P. s. ‘Coral Eye’ – The tips of these petals are white, turning pink toward the center. 2-4".

P. s. ‘Cotton Candy’ – This prolific bloomer produces a carpet of white blooms from early spring into summer. 4".

P. s. ‘Scarlet Flame’ – This easy-care variety has scarlet red flowers. 4-6".

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clump-forming plant is topped by white flowers. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

1½-2'.

Platycodon grandiflorus

Balloon Flower Balloon-like buds open to star-shaped flowers in July – Aug. Dark green foliage, closely arranged up the stem, forms a compact clump. Needs moist but well-drained, loamy soil.

Zones 3-8.

P. g. ‘Fairy Snow’ – A dwarf variety with white flowers and blue veins. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 1'.

P. g. ‘Fuji Pink’ – Pink flowers. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 20".

P. g. ‘Sentimental Blue’ – Very compact form with large blue flowers. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 6-8".

Potentilla nepalensis ‘Miss Wilmott’ Cinquefoil Cherry pink flowers with a darker center. Compact mats of fuzzy, green foliage. Great for use as a border plant. 12-15".

Pycanthemum virginianum Mountain Mint This native wildflower produces dense white blossoms in August. The green leaves are fragrants. Needs well-drained soil. 3'. Zones 4-8.

Ratibida pinnata Yellow Coneflower/Prairie Coneflower Large yellow flowers bloom profusely in the heat of midsummer. Does well in moist, medium and dry soils. Excellent for clay! Easy to grow using transplants or seed, reaching a height of 4-5'.

Rudbeckia Coneflower Long-lasting yellow ray florets surround a dark cone. All species are native to North America. No serious disease or pest problems. Adapts to dry soil. Zones 3-8. Continuously blooms. 24".

R. nitida ‘Herbstsonne’ – Shining Coneflower. Single lemon-yellow blooms have bright lime-green cones. Cut back after flowering for abundant autumn rebloom on shorter stems. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 4-6'.

R. subtomentosa ‘Henry Eilers’ – Yellow-gold, “rolled” petals. It has a subtle vanilla fragrance and is drought tolerant. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 4-5'.

S. verticillata ‘Purple Rain’ – Deep purple flowers bloom June ­– Oct. Compact growth habit. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 18".

Saxifraga

Saxifrage Mat-forming, perennial that produces flat, star-shaped or shallowly-cupped flowers. Suitable for mixed borders and rock gardens. Zones 3-6.

S. ‘Sprite’ – Neat, compact mounds produce carminepink flowers. 2-3".

S. paniculata minutifolia ‘Red Backed Spider’ – Redspotted flowers bloom in late spring. Foliage has silver margins and red coloration underneath. 3".

Scabiosa

I Ruellia humilis

Wild Petunia This is a great plant for rocky, difficult, dry soils. It has an attractive, trumpet-shaped, lavender flower that blooms in midsummer. It likes to seed around. 1'.

Pincushion Flower Domed, pincushion-like central florets and larger marginal florets may be solitary or compound. Situate this long, vigorous bloomer in well-drained soil. Deadhead to promote reblooming, and protect from excessive winter moisture.

I S. columbaria ‘Butterfly Blue’ – Small Scabious. LilacSagina subulata

Irish moss This deep green moss is perfect for walkways or in between stones. Plant 12" apart. 1". Zones 4-8.

Salvia Meadow Sage Tubular flowers form along a spike for a brilliant show. These clump-forming plants have medium to dark green foliage.

Plant in full sun where drainage is good. Deadheading will encourage continuous bloom. Zones 5-10.

S. × superba ‘Blue Hill’ – True blue (the best perennial blue!) flowers most of the summer. Heavy bud count. Will continue to flower until frost if spent blooms are removed.

Compact. Tolerates some shade. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 1-1½'.

S. × s. ‘May Night’ – Spikes of large, dark violet-blue flowers bloom early in May – June. Deadhead for reblooming.

Dense, compact growing habit. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 1-1½'.

blue flowers bloom for most of the summer on a compact plant. 15". Zones 3-8.

S. c. ‘Pink Mist’ – Slightly larger, orchid-pink flowers appear on this prolific bloomer. 15". Zones 3-8.

Schizachyrium scoparium

Little Bluestem This grass has silvery-blue stems (particularly at the base) and leaves, making it an attractive addition to the landscape. This warm-season, clumping grass performs well in most areas of the country, in zones 2 to 10. It is drought tolerant once established. 2-3'.

Sedum Stonecrop Star-like flowers appear atop fleshy, succulent leaves and stems. Requires well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun, although vigorous varieties will tolerate some shade. Divide every three to four years to promote flowering.

Zones 3-9.

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S. ‘Autumn Fire’ – Rich rosy-pink flowers age to coppery red atop the sturdy stems and provide long-lasting late season color. An improvement over the popular ‘Autumn Joy’ with deeper, longer lasting flowers and hardier, sturdier stems. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 2'.

Autumn Moor Grass This tough, durable grass has bright yellow-green foliage and dense flowers in late summer. Tolerates root competition from trees and shrubs. Prefers alkaline soil. Drought resistant.

1-2'. Zones 5-9.

S. ‘John Creech’ – This small specimen has medium-green, scalloped leaves and a dense growth habit. Pink flowers appear from June through late summer. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 1'.

Silene

Royal Catchfly/Campion S. dioica ‘Clifford Moor’ – Pink flowers bloom over yellow and green variegated foliage. 12".

S. ‘Mr. Goodbud’ – Large, hot pink fowers. Strong stems prevent this variety from flopping over. 18".

S. ‘Sublime’ – New to the market, this variety has glossy green foliage that takes on a bronze edge from summer into fall. In September, light pink flowers deepen in cool weather.

This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 18".

S. cauticolum – The blue-green leaves turn soft purple in August. Bright rose flowers Aug. – Oct. 6".

S. forsterianum ssp. elegans ‘Silver Stone’ – Blue-green foliage with starry yellow blooms from June to August. 10".

S. sieboldii – A sedum for all seasons! It has blue-green leaves with a dark red edge in spring and summer. In late summer and fall, pink blooms emerge. During winter, the tricolored foliage turns bright lilac-pink. 4-6".

S. spectabile ‘Neon’ – Rounded clusters of very deep, almost electric, rosy-pink flowers appear in late summer and early autumn. Pale green foliage. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 16".

Sempervivum Hens-and-Chicks Easily grown evergreen succulents, these feature symmetrical, succulent rosettes in a wide range of foliage forms and colors— including reds. Easy to grow in any soil or in pure sand. Prefers good drainage. Zones 4-10.

S. ‘Red Beauty’ – Deep red, succulent foliage. 8".

S. tectorum – Green, succulent foliage. Red flowers. 3-8".

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Sesleria autumnalis

S. d. ‘Firefly’ – Double, magenta flowers. Green foliage. 30".

S. d. ‘Rolly’s Favorite’ – Produces soft-pink white-centered flowers from April through summer. 15".

Silene regia – This rare plant has bright crimson flowers present for several weeks in midsummer. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 2-3'.

S. stellata – Fringed white petals bloom June – Sept. Found in open woods. 2-3'.

Silphium

Compassplant S. terebinthinaceum – Prairie Dock. Likes moist to welldrained soil. One of the tallest and largest-leaved of our native prairie plants. The architectural leaves are spade-shaped, up to 18" tall, with flowers to 10’. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

I Sisyrinchium angustifolium ‘Lucerne’

Blue-eyed Grass Not a true grass, the foliage resembles that of a miniature iris. The tuft-like foliage clump is topped with bright blue, star-shaped flowers with golden centers from May – July.

Performs best in moist location. 8". Zones 3-10.

Solidago

Rough Goldenrod Lance-shaped medium-green foliage with elongated yellow flower heads. Ideal for late- season color in your garden.

Zones 5-9.

S. rugosa ‘Fireworks’ – Showy, pendulous fingers of yellow flowers appear like fireworks over red-tinged foliage during Sept. – Oct. Compact and small-leaved, this is a very neat clump-former. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 2-2½'. Zones 5-9.

S. speciosa – The yellow flower heads are longer on this goldenrod. Sun to part shade. Dry to medium moisture. 2-6'.

S. ulmifolia – The stem of this goldenrod is smooth, its jagged leaves diminishing in size from base to stem tip. The flower heads are borne along the upper side of outward-curving branches. This woodland species requires moist soil. 1-5'.

Sorghastrum nutans

Indiangrass This grass has yellow seedheads with white hairs. In sunlight, it may appear silvery-gold. Grows in May and then seeds in July-August. 6'.

Spartina pectinata

Prairie Cordgrass Attractive green stems have a succulent appearance. A former dominant grass of wet prairies in Illinois, this is unique in that no other grass species in the state resembles it. 4-7'.

Sporobolus heterolepis

Prairie Dropseed A must-have! The fine emerald green leaves produce a showy fountain effect. Turns deep red-orange in the fall. Slightly fragrant. Great for borders. 2-4'.

S. officinalis ‘Pink Cotton Candy’ – A new selection discovered at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Features twotoned 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 12inch upright inflorescences against a backdrop of attractive deep green foliage. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. Zones 4-8.

Stokesia laevis Stokes Aster Large, disc-like 4-6" flowers bloom from June until frost.

Likes moist, well-drained soil and winter protection.

Zones 5-9.

S. l. ‘Mary Gregory’ – Yellow flowers. 18".

S. l. ‘Peachie’s Pick’ – Lavender-blue flowers. Longer blooming than most. 18".

S. l. ‘Purple Parasols’ – The lovely flowers start out light blue, darken gradually and finish a lovely shade of deep violet. 12-18".

Thalictrum Meadowrue Gray-green, filigree foliage with clouds of small misty flowers.

Rich, moist, well-drained soil. Zones 5-10.

T. aquilegifolium – Lilac flowers with 1/2" lilac stamens.

The earliest Thalictrum to bloom. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 2-5'.

Stachys Lamb’s Ears/Woolly Betony S. minima - Dense, textured, flat rosettes of foliage hug the ground, topped with 4-6" bloom spikes in summer.

Flowers are reddish-lavender. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 4-6".

I T. rochebrunianum ‘Lavender Mist’ – Sprays 6-8"of

S. monieri ‘Hummelo’ – Unlike the other selections offered, this is prized for its showy, deep pink (almost rose) flowers on tall stalks in midsummer. The foliage is an attractive deep green. 18". This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. Zone 5.

Thymus

small violet bells, with a tuft of golden stamens in huge heads, bloom on sturdy 4-7' stalks. Needs some protection from wind. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

Thyme Valuable for carpeting banks, rockery or walls, covering bulbs, between stepping stones, around pools, etc. All have aromatic evergreen foliage and bloom profusely. Occasional shearing is helpful. Zones 3-8.

T. ‘Longwood’ – Pale lavender to pink flowers bloom in summer over silver-gray fuzzy leaves. 6".

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Tradescantia Virginia Spider Wort Clusters of three-petaled, 1" flowers have ornamental, purpleveined foliage. Blooms in early summer. Rich, dark green, strap-like foliage declines after flowering, so cut it back to encourage fall blooming. This is a good seasonal filler plant for difficult midborder areas. 12-18". Zones 5-9.

T. × a. ‘Concorde Grape’ – This compact grower has purplish-green foliage and deep purple flowers. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

Trollius Globe Flower Good for the bog garden or beside a pond. Buttercup-like blooms in June – July are good for cutting. Deadhead and fertilize for prolonged bloom; will rebloom if sheared back after initial flowering. Zones 3-8.

T. cultorum ‘Alabaster’ – Palest-yellow-alabaster-white globe flowers. 1-2'.

T. europaeus – The flower is an usual spherical shape. Yellow petals. Clump-forming habit. 32".

T. ledebourii ‘Golden Queen’ – Long stems support giant golden-orange flowers with conspicuous stamens. 2'.

Verbascum

I V. latifolia ‘Crater Lake Blue’ – Hungarian Speedwell.

Gentian-blue flowers from June – Aug. 15". This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

V. spicata ‘Fairytale Pink’ – Beautiful, pale pink petals have dark pink anthers. A compact, bushy growth habit. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 16".

V. s. ‘Royal Candles’ – Violet-blue flowers bloom atop very deep glossy, green foliage. 18".

Viola

Viola Compact, tufted perennials bear five-petaled, usually scented, often patterned flowers with rays (lines in a deeper or contrasting color) and a multi-stemmed root system. Zones 4-8, unless noted otherwise.

V. ‘Angel Amber Kiss’ – Flame-orange petals are pierced with a bright yellow center and backed with violet-rose.

Fragrant. 8-10".

Mullein The basal rosette of fuzzy foliage may provide winter interest.

Tall stalks of flowers are short-lived but numerous, and flowering takes place over a long period in early to midsummer.

Drought tolerant, this plant is very easy to grow in poor soil.

Given more fertility, they will need support. Zones 5-9.

V. ‘Etain’ – Light yellow flowers have a light purple margin.

Fragrant. 6-8".

V. ‘Flower of Scotland’ – A new variety of flower where the buds open a rich, rick-wine red and mature to a soft mauveypink. 12-18".

V. pedata – Bird’s Foot Violet. Dark green, segmented leaves resemble a bird’s foot. The large, 1” flowers are violet-blue with white throats and golden-yellow stamens. Prefers welldrained or sandy soil. 6-8"

V. ‘Summer Sorbet’ – Masses of magenta purple flowers with a hint of peach and raspberry eyes. The stalks arise off of large, glossy, green leaves. 2'.

V. ‘Violetta’ – Stunning deep purple flowers. The green foliage turns purple in the winter. 2-3'.

Veronica Speedwell Erect spikes of small, outward-facing flowers are essential components of the summer border. Will thrive in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Best in full sun, but will tolerate a little shade. Zones 4-9.

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V. ‘Waterperry Blue’ – This low, creeping, mound-forming selection with tiny, round, dark-veined, lavender-blue blooms in June. Foliage is shiny green with a tinge of burgundy. 6" tall and 12" wide. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

V. cornuta ‘Black Magic’ – A long-flowering selection, this has very showy black flowers and yellow eyes. Very fragrant.

8".

V. sororia ‘Rubra’ – Forms a mound of large heart-shaped leaves, bearing loads of rich wine-red flowers in spring. 8".

Zizia aptera Heartleaf Golden Alexander This spring-blooming plant has bright bunches of tiny flowers and is the first yellow prairie plant to bloom. Thick, deep green leaves give the plant season-long interest. Grows in dry to moist soils and tolerates light shade. Distinguised by its leaf, which appears to have an opposable thumb. 1-3'.

ROSES

Rosa ‘RADsun’ Carefree Sunshine®

A variety of hardy and vigorous roses will be available includ-

ing shrub, climbing, old garden and tree roses. The American Rose Society rates roses on a scale of 1-10. Ratings, where available, are indicated in parentheses and can be interpreted as follows: 10 = Perfect; 9.0-9.9 = Outstanding; 8.0-8.9 = Excellent; 7.0-7.9 = Good; 6.0-6.9 = Fair; 5.9 and lower = Of questionable value.

Rosa ‘Abraham Darby’ David Austin Rose Tall, moderately bushy and vigorous. Large, fully double, continuous summer blooms. Delicate apricot-yellow tones and rich fragrance make for a winner both on the bush and in a vase. Can be grown as a climbing rose to about 8-10’.

Ideal for training on a fence. Attractive, shiny foliage. (7.3) Rosa ‘All the Rage’

Shrub Rose This small rose has a dense and bushy growth habit. It has glossy leaves. Fruity scent, but not strong. Flowers constantly.

Coral buds open to apricot blossoms with yellow centers.

Hardy. The older flowers are a bright pink. 2.5-4'.

Rosa ‘Blaze’

Climber Rose Famous climber bears wonderfully fragrant, bright red double blooms. Tea-type flowers cover the canes from early summer into fall. Leathery, dark green foliage; young leaves are red tinged. Climbs 10-20 ft. Zones 4-10. (8.9) Rosa ‘Radyod’ Blushing Knockout®

Shrub Rose A hardy shrub type rose with outstanding disease resistance.

Blooms are light pink gradually changing to shell pink as the bloom ages. Leaves are a mossy green with blue hues. Will bloom early in the Spring and continue blooming until the first hard frost in the Fall. Drought tolerant, Blackspot resistant, mildew tolerant and self-cleaning. 3-4'.

Zones 5 – 10. (8.1) Rosa ‘Burgundy Iceberg’

Floribunda Rose

Terrific flower production, bushy habit, lovely buds, showy clusters, glossy green foliage and nearly thornless stems. Deep purple-red burgundy & cream flowers. 3'. Zones 4-9. (8.9)

Shrub Rose Oval buds borne in clusters of 3-5. Open to blooms of lemon-yellow that hold their color in even the hottest conditions. Blooms from June until October. 3-4'. (7.8) Rosa ‘Chuckles’

Shrub Rose An outstanding flowering shrub for small garden areas. Rich, medium-pink single blossoms with a prominent white center absolutely glow on 4-5' plants, and dependably rebloom throughout the summer and into fall. Each flowering stem bears 4-6 buds that open with a slight fragrance. Zones 4-9.

(8.1) Rosa ‘Cinco de Mayo’ Floribunda Rose The abundant flower clusters of this repeat-blooming are a smoky lavender and rusty red-orange. Ruffled double flowers. Glossy green leaves and bushy habit. Great for use as a specimen in a border or for mass planting. All-America Rose Selections Winner 2009. 2-4'. (7.6) Rosa ‘Fragrant Cloud’

Hybrid Tea Rose An extremely fragrant rose, the red-orange flowers bloom all summer and into early fall. As a cut flower, it will fill up any room with fragrance. 4-5'. (8.1) Rosa ‘Golden Celebration’ English Rose This David Austin rose has golden-yellow petals with a tinge of pink. Produces a sweet honey fragrance. Repeat bloomer.

5'. (8.0).

Rosa ‘Heart of Gold’

Grandiflora Rose Each well-formed flower has a butter-gold center surrounded by hot cerise. Has a nice fragrance of sweet peaches and old roses. 5'. Zones 5-9. (7.5) Rosa ‘Honeysweet’

Shrub Rose Yellow buds are held in clusters, brushed with rosy red to magnify coppery tints in the abundant dark green foliage.

From yellow and orange to rosy pink, the flowers brim with color and the scent of honey until frost. 3-4'. Zones 4-7.

(8.1)

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Rosa ‘Roseberry Blanket’

Rosa ‘BAISme’ Kiss Me Easy Elegance®

Grandiflora Rose Large, showy medium-pink, double blooms. This rose is highly fragrant and disease resistant. Great in a perennial bed.

2-3'. (7.6)

Groundcover Rose Ruby-fuchsia flowers. Constantly in bloom and always free of blackspot. Delightful weaving among the feet of perennials and roses or cascading from stone walls. 12-18". (7.9)

Rosa ‘Meidarin’ Mandarin Sunblaze®

Rosa ‘Sea Foam’

Miniature Rose

Unusually large flowers for its miniature class. The strong bright orange color and vigorous habit. Delicately fragrant Blooms appear late-spring to summer. Glossy, deep green leaves provide a subtle backdrop to all that color. Excellent disease resistance. 2-3'. Zones 5-10.

Rosa ‘Melody Parfumee’

Grandiflora Rose Deep plum buds soften to silvery lavender blooms with an intoxicating aroma reminiscent of the acclaimed rose gardens of France. 5'. Zones 5-10. (7.7) Rosa ‘Morden Blush’

Shrub Rose A delightful, extremely cold hardy shrub rose with lightly fragrant, hybrid tea type flowers. This recurrent bloomer blooms cream to light-pink from summer to frost in fall. The blooms may fade to ivory in hot temperatures. Makes an excellent cut rose. 2 ½'. Zones 3-7. (8.0) Rosa ‘New Dawn’

Climber Rose A classic favorite! Creamy pink medium-sized double blooms have a slight scent of sweet rose. Can also be grown as a shrub. Disease resistant. 18-20'. (8.6)

Shrub Rose Blooms non-stop all through the season with clusters of double, cream-colored flowers. Rich, dark, glossy green foliage. This low and spreading plant creates a ground cover or low hedge. It reaches 3' tall and can spread to 6' across. (8.1) Rosa ‘Strike It Rich’

Grandiflora Rose Orange-gold double flowers with swirls of ruby red. Dark green foliage and red stems. Upright and bushy growth habit.

Highly fragrant. A 1950 All-America Rose Selections Winner.

5-6'.

Rosa ‘ White Dawn’ Climber Rose Fragrant, ruffled white double flowers bloom in spring and throughout the season. Produces small, glossy green foliage.

Disease resistant. 12'. (7.6) Rosa ‘Wildblue Yonder’

Grandiflora Rose The purple-red color of this flower also has a nice touch of lavender. Citrus-rose fragrance. Highly disease resistant.

The first rose of this color to win AARS in over two decades.

4-5'. (7.7)

Rosa ‘BAItown’ Paint the Town® Shrub Rose A beautiful rose with wonderful clusters of fragrant, red hybrid tea-shaped, double blooms that carpet this rose from head to foot. The glossy, dark green foliage accents the red and highlights the incredible flower effect all season long.

The even spreading-to-mounded habit is as well suited to container gardening as it is to the border. Highly diseaseresistant. 2-3'. Zones 4-9. (7.9)

Rosa ‘Strike It Rich’

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SHADE PERENNIALS A wonderful collection of shade perennials. Their leaf shapes, color tones and textures are complementary for your enjoy-

ment and ease of selection for all the shade areas in your garden.

Aconitum

Monkshood Helmet-like flowers appear on tall spikes in Aug. – Oct. Rich, deep green leaves are finely divided. Grows in rich, moist soil and may need staking. Plants are POISONOUS if eaten. 3-4'. Zones 3-8.

A. carmichaelii ‘Arendsii’ – Intense blue-violet flowers bloom on tall stems during October, when most flowers are scarce. One of the best shows for late in the season. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

A. napellus ‘Bressingham Spire’ – Deep purple-blue flowers bloom over dark, glossy green foliage. 26-32".

A. × c. ‘Pink Sensation’ – Silvery-pink flowers bloom above dark glossy green foliage. Blooms from Aug. – Oct. 48" Ajuga Bugle Weed/Carpet Bugle Spreading clumps of foliage. Produces spikes that are covered with lovely flowers over a long period in spring. Prefers moist soils. Zones 4-9.

A. reptans ‘Black Scallop’ – Dark burgundy-black scalloped leaves. Deep blue flowers bloom late spring/early summer.

3-6".

A. r. ‘Burgundy Glow’ – Pink and cream leaves with purpleblue flowers. 6".

I A. r. ‘Chocolate Chip’ –­­ The foliage is primarily dark purple with a mix of green. Blue-violet flowers bloom in mid-May. 3-4".

Anemone Windflower The selection of colors, sizes, and bloom periods features lush, maple-like foliage and will perk up your late-summer garden. Prefers to be shaded from hot afternoon sun. Zones 5-8.

A. × h. ‘Honorine Jobert’ – White flowers with showy yellow stamens. Autumn blooming. May need support, especially in the first year. The hardiest white available. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 3-4'.

A. × h. ‘Little Princess’ – Single flowers of delicate pink with prominent golden stamens in late summer/fall. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

24".

A. × h. ‘Party Dress’ – Double pink, fluffy flowers appear Aug. – Oct. 3'.

I A. × h. ‘September Charm’ – Silvery-pink flowers have darker pink edges. Profuse bloomer from late Aug. – early Nov. 2'.

A. sylvestris – Snowdrop Anemone. Mounds of soft white, single fragrant flowers bloom from May – June. Spreads rapidly as a ground cover. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 18".

A. vitifolia ‘Robustissima’ – Grapeleaf Anemone. Silverypink 2½" single flowers bloom from late Aug. – Sept. Will spread. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 3-4'.

Anemonopsis macrophylla False Anemone The handsome glossy foliage resembles Cimicifuga, but is topped in late summer by wiry stems bearing nodding white flowers, to 3' tall. This pure-white-flowered form from Japan is still very rare. Needs well-drained, humus-rich soil. 24-36".

I Arisaema triphyllum

Jack-in-the-Pulpit From spring into early summer, the flower takes form. It has an erect stem with small green to purple flowers and a “pulpit” that encases the lower part of the spadix, which opens to form a hood extending over the top. The exterior is usually green or purple, and the inside is striped in purple and greenwhite. Clumps of showy red berries form in late summer. A woodland native, this plant needs medium-wet to wet, rich soil. 1-2'. Zones 4-9.

A. × hybrida ‘Crispa’ – Ruffled foliage with single, dark pink flowers in Aug. – Sept. 2'.

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Aruncus Goatsbeard Long feathery white blooms of tiny, star-shaped blossoms appear in June – July. Divided leaves. Needs plenty of room.

Zones 4-8.

Aruncus ‘Misty Lace’ – Delicate lacy white blooms, beautiful red stems with fern-like leaves. A showy addition to the shade garden plus very hardy & heat tolerant. 30".

A. aethusifolius – Dwarf variety. A neat 1' mound of dark green foliage with 4" erect creamy white plumes.

A. a. ‘Noble Spirits’ – Creamy white panicles float above the light green, deeply-cut foliage. Orange to red fall foliage color! A great substitute for Astilbe in drier areas.

A. dioicus var. sinensis – White blooms flower after the species. 5'.

I Asarum europaeum European Wild Ginger This spreading perennial has greenish-brown bell-shaped flowers hidden in mottled foliage. Kidney-shaped leaves are a glossy bright green. Prefers rich soil. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 4-6".

Zones 4-7.

Asarum splendens

Chinese Wild Ginger Arrowhead-shaped, dark green and gray/silver mottled leaves.

Dark purple flowers bloom in spring. Prefers humus-rich, acidic, moist soil. 6". Zones 5-9.

Astilbe False Spirea/False Goatsbeard Grows best in rich, moist soil. Ferny foliage and fluffy plumes of dainty flowers distinguish this plant. Zones 4-9.

I A. chinensis ‘Purpurkerze’ (‘Purple Candles’) – Spikes

of very deep purple on mahogany-red stems bloom over crinkled foliage. Blooms in August. Needs moist soils. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 4'.

A. c. ‘Visions’ – This compact plant has raspberry-red flowers that appear over bronze-green foliage. Needs moist soils.

Blooms from July through August. 12-18".

A. japonica ‘Montgomery’– Deep red to scarlet-red flowers with dark red-bronze foliage changing to green in the spring.

20".

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A. j. ‘Peach Blossom’ – Light pink flowers in bloom July.

2-2½'.

A. simplicifolia ‘Dunkellachs’ – Coppery-bronze foliage is offset by dark salmon flowers in mid- to late summer. 1824".

A. s. ‘Henny Graafland’ – Rose-pink plumes last a long time. Forest green leaf color. 16".

A. s. ‘Pink Lightning’ – Pink-lavender flowers fade to soft pink as they mature. Mildly fragrant. 18".

A. taquetti ‘Superba’ – Bright rosy-purple flowers bloom on mahogany-red stems. Leaves are crinkled. This bold garden specimen blooms June – Aug. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 3'.

A. × a. ‘Bressingham Beauty’ – Bright pink flowers appear over bronze-green foliage. 36".

A. × a. ‘Bridal Veil’ – White, feathery flowers are on deep green-bronze foliage. 28-30".

A. × a. ‘Deutschland’ – Bright white flowers early in the season contrast nicely with dark green foliage. 2'.

A. × a. ‘Fanal’ – Deep garnet-red and uniquely shaped, narrow flower heads distinguish this variety. Dark green foliage is washed with red. Early to midseason bloomer. 2½'.

A. × a. ‘Flamingo’ – This low-growing cultivar has light pink flowers and green glossy foliage. 16-18".

A. × a. ‘Rheinland’ – Prolific, clear pink plumes appear in late spring. 2'.

A. × a. ‘Weisse Gloria’ – Dense white flowers bloom over glossy green foliage. One of the best white astilbes. 25-28".

I Astilboides tabularis Astilboides Fabulous plate-like foliage reaching 3' in height is perfect for shade and provides good contrast nestled into astilbe. White plume flowers bloom June – July. Height with flowers is 5'.

Zones 5-7.

Astrantia Masterwort Pincushion-like 1½" flowers consist of a dome of florets surrounded by a star-like collar. Blooms from June – September.

Likes rich, moist soil. Zones 4-8.

A. major ‘Florence’ – Light lavender, long-lasting blooms in late summer to fall. 3-4'.

A. m. ‘Star of Fire’ – Burgundy-red, with starkly-contrasting white pin-cushion center. 24".

Brunnera macrophylla False Forget-Me-Not/Siberian Bugloss This plant features heart-shaped, dark green foliage with sky blue flowers that bloom from Apr. – June. The flowers resemble those of a forget-me-not. Prefers moist, well-drained soil, but will adapt to other situations. Excellent for early spring color and a great plant to liven up a shady spot. Mulch after planting. Zones 4-8.

C. poscharskyana – This vigorous creeper has pale blue, starshaped flowers that bloom June to frost. Great for borders, rock-gardens and hanging baskets. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 12".

C. p. ‘Plum Wine’ – Mauve flowers bloom over bronze-green foliage. 15".

C. p. ‘White Clips’ – Pure white flowers. 8-10".

C. punctata ‘Cherry Bells’ – Large, cherry-red flowers with reddish-purple spots on the inside. 18-28".

B. m. Betty Bowring’ – Dainty white flowers appear atop dark green foliage. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 12".

C. p. ‘Pantaloons’ – 2” light purple, pendulous flowers.

Softly fragrant. 12-28".

B. m. ‘Emerald Mist’ – The green, heart-shaped leaves are collared in pronounced silver spots. Light blue flowers. 1215".

Snakeroot/Bugbane Wiry stalks end in narrow, branching bottlebrushes of fragrant, showy flowers. Fern-like leaves. Prefers to be cool and moist in rich soil. Zones 4-9.

B. m. ‘Jack Frost’ – Leaves are completely overlaid with silver-white. Only the veins remain green. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 12".

I B. m. ‘Looking Glass’ – The huge 6" leaves begin applegreen with a silver sheen in early spring and mature to pure silver. Topped with tiny blue flowers in midspring. 15".

Campanula

Bellflower Flowers can be bell-, star-, or cup-shaped. Bloom from late spring to late summer. Easy to grow. Zones 3-9.

C. ‘Kent Belle’ – Large, violet-blue, tubular flowers. An upright, clump-forming growth habit. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 18-28".

C. ‘Samantha’ – Upward facing 1" fragrant cups of violet blue.

This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 6".

C. glomerata ‘Acaulis’ – Amethyst-violet flower clusters appear on this charming dwarf. 6-10".

C. g. ‘Joan Elliot’ – Compact, deep purple flowers. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 12-18".

C. lactiflora ‘Dwarf Pink’ – As the name suggests, this is a shorter variety with soft pink flowers. 16-20".

Cimicifuga

I C. ramosa ‘Brunette’ – Black Snakeroot. Deep, reddish-

purple foliage and stems. Creamy white flowers from Aug. – Oct. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 4-5'.

C. r. ‘Pink Spike’ – Dark bronze foliage with soft pink flowers. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 4-5'.

Convallaria majalis ‘Rosea’

Lily of the Valley This light pink flowering variety grows best with medium moisture and shade. It spreads aggressively by creeping rhizomes. Flowers in April – May. 6-8". Zones 2-7.

Corydalis Corydalis/Fumewort Finely divided, fern-like foliage with spurred flowers in late spring. Prefers a moist spot.

C. flexuosa ‘Blue Panda’ – Cobalt-blue, fragrant flowers. 8".

I C. lutea – Yellow Corydalis. Small yellow flowers. Spreading habit. Blooms April to frost. 16". Zones 5-8.

Corydalis sempervirens – A lovely, dainty little woodland plant with glaucous fernlike leaves. Clumps of foliage are topped with clusters of long, tubular, lipped mauve and purple flowers in mid- to late spring. 6-12".

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Dicentra Bleeding Heart Fern-like foliage. Easy to grow in well-drained, fertile soil.

Divide every three years and supplement the soil with organic matter. Zones 3-9.

D. ‘Goldheart’ – This golden-leaved dicentra has rose-pink blooms in the spring. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 18-24".

D. ‘Luxuriant’ – Very deep pink blossoms appear continuously from late April to first frost over serrated, pale, bluegreen foliage. Prefers drier soils and tolerates more summer heat than most varieties. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 1'.

D. spectabilis – Arching sprays of pink, heart-shaped flowers charm in May – June. This a true, old-fashioned bleeding heart. Plants go dormant midsummer. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 24-30".

I D. s. ‘Alba’ – Beautiful white flowers hang off the lime-

green foliage. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

Disporum sessile ‘Variegatum’

Japanese Fairy Bells This shade-lover looks like a small version of Solomon Seal.

Nodding white-green flowers bloom in May off bamboo-like stems. Variegated foliage. 12-24".

Dodecatheon meadia

Shooting Star This plant features umbels of magenta-pink, nodding flowers.

However, flower color can range from white to pink to light purple. It has a clump-forming growth habit and is often found in woods, meadows, and prairies. Goes dormant in late summer. 10-18". Zones 4-8.

Doronicum caucasicum ‘Little Leo’ Leopard Bane This is an outstanding new selection suitable for pot and border. Gold-yellow, daisy-like flowers. Compact plants flower in late spring-early summer. 12-14". Zones 4-8.

Epimedium

Barrenwort The flowers have spurs that look like a crown and come in a variety of colors. Heart-shaped leaves are bronze-tinted in the spring. Needs rich, well-drained soil. Zones 4-9.

E. grandiflorum (macrantum) – Dainty silver-pink flowers bloom in late spring. The plant has a clump-forming growth habit. 12".

E. g. ‘Lilafee’ – Spikes of purple spider-like flowers emerge making a great contrast to the bronze-purple new leaves that will fade to a dark green. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 8-10".

E. × youngianum ‘Niveum’ – Blooming a bit later in spring than other epimediums, its pure white, short-spurred little flowers rise daintily just above a low mound of foliage. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 10".

Euphorbia Spurge Zones 5-8.

E. ‘Excalibur’ – This great new introduction has rich, translucent red foliage in spring before turning gray-green in summer. As foliage matures, creamy yellow midribs become very prominent while the leaves maintain a red picotee effect at the margin. The long-lasting yellow blossoms appear atop the foliage in June – July. 30".

E. amygdaloides ‘Blackbird’ – Velvety foliage that darkens to near black in full sun. Flowers open above bright, lime green bracts on red stems. 18-20".

E. a. var. robbiae – A semievergreen, low- spreading plant with rich, dark green, rounded leaves. The foliage is topped by yellow-green flowers in late spring to early summer. Prefers dry, shady areas. This spreading plant reaches about 12". This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

E. epithymoides – Native wildflower. Brilliant yellow flowers bloom from spring to early summer. Leafy stalks turn from green to mahogany in the fall. Good for dry shade. 10-12".

E. polychroma ‘Bonfire’ – Deep red foliage is maintained through the fall. Chartreuse flower bracts. Wildlife resistant.

8-10".

E. p. ‘First Blush’ – This tricolor plant is great for borders and rock gardens. It has variegated leaves with pink undertones. Sure to stand out in early spring! 12".

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I Galium odoratum

Heuchera

Sweet Woodruff Creeping plants with fragrant, white, star-shaped flowers in May. Leaves occur in whorls of rich green. Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Dappled shade. 6-8". Zones 4-8.

Coral Bells Bell-shaped flowers on wiry stems in June – July are great for cutting and are attractive to bees and hummingbirds. Prefers moist, rich, well drained soil in semishade. Benefits from annual mulching. Grown as often for its compact, ornamental foliage as for its blossoms. Plants form 8-18" clumps that are great as a ground cover. Zones 3-8.

Helleborus Hellebore This plant blooms from late winter to midspring. Longflowering, its cup- to tubular bell-shaped flowers are white, cream, pink, purple, or green—and sometimes spotted. It can take dappled shade in alkaline soils, but prefers acidic soil in partial shade. Protect from winter wind. Zones 5-9, unless noted otherwise.

I H. ‘Blue Metallic Lady’ – A beautifully bold hellebore with metallic blue flowers. 16".

H. ‘Brandywine’ – Hybrid mix of clear colors including dark red, spotted pink, and apricot. 12-18".

H. ‘Ivory Prince’ – Rich burgundy buds open to outward facing, flattened ivory blossoms streaked with rose. Petals turn slightly chartreuse as they age. Full shade. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 12".

H. ‘Red Lady’ – Smokey wine red flowers with yellow anthers, that appear during cooler winter season on attractive dark green leathery evergreen foliage. 18".

H. ‘Royal Heritage’ – Evergreen foliage of this hybrid mix is accentuated by a wide color range of flowers that may be black, purple-red, pink, white, green, and even yellow.

Tolerant of summer’s heat and humidity. 18".

H. niger ‘Maximus’ – Large white flowers with a chartreuse center. 12".

H. odorus – Fragrant, 2-3" saucer-shaped outward facing flowers in white and green. 8-12".

H. ‘Green Spice’ – Large green leaves have a bright silver overlay with very distinctive purple-black venation. Rich bright, pumpkin-orange fall color. 18".

H. ‘Lime Ricky’ – Frosted and ruffled chartreuse to limegreen foliage with small white flowers in spring. Vigorous, mounding plant. 10".

H. ‘Miracle’ – The new leaves open to bright chartreuse with red and purple mottling. They turn a rich shade of brick red with a thin gold edge and shimmery silver underside as weather warms. Pink blooms in the summer. 12-14".

I H. ‘Plum Pudding’ – Glossy burgundy and silver foliage.

12".

H. ‘Plum Royale’ – New 2009 introduction. Shiny purple foliage with dark vein have pink/white flowers. Turns silvery in the fall. 8".

I H. villosa ‘Citronelle’ – This heat-tolerant, yellow-leaf variety produces small white flowers in the spring. 1'.

H. v. ‘Georgia Peach’ – Large peach colored leaves with pronounces venation and a white overlay. Creamy white flowers.

Turns rose/purple in the fall. 14".

H. v. ‘Tiramisu’ – A rainbow of color! Young leaves are bright yellow with a red center in the spring and mature to frosted chartreuse by midsummer. In the fall, the leaves turn bright red with a chartreuse margin. Creamy white flowers bloom in the summer. 10-18". × Heucherella alba

Hepatica acutiloba

Sharped Lobed Hepatica Small, white-pink flowers appear from March – May before the leaves have fully developed. The foliage is dark green and tri-lobed. In the fall, the leaves turn red-purple. Low maintenance. Needs well-drained soil. 12". Zones 4-9.

Foamy Bells A cross between Heuchera and Tiarella, this plant forms compact mounds of light green, hairy, toothed leaves. Very floriferous, it prefers acid, humus soil. Zones 5-9.

H. ‘Alabama Sunrise’ – Foliage emerges a golden color with red veins in the spring and turns to green in late summer.

Fall color is orange/pink. 12". × H. a. ‘Stoplight’ – Yellow leaves have a large, dark red blotch in the center which feathers out through the veins.

This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 6".

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Hosta Hosta Cultivars of hosta are available in an exciting range of shapes, colors, and sizes. Tolerant of a wide variety of growing conditions, they are low-maintenance and grown mainly as foliage plants. Flowers of many varieties are fragrant.

H. ‘Blue Cadet’ – This smaller hosta has blue-green heartshaped leaves. Lavender flowers appear in midsummer. Fast grower. 38" x 15".

H. ‘Blue Ivory’ – Bold and wide creamy margins on blue leaves makes a real impression in dark shady areas. 16" x 30".

H. ‘Love Pat’ – This medium-sized hosta has deeply cupped blue leaves. Light lavender flowers. Slug resistant. Easy to grow. 30" x 18".

H. ‘Pandora’s Box’ – A “mini” hosta with creamy white and blue-green variegated leaves. 2' x 5'.

H. ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ – 2008 Hosta of the Year. This small hosta has inch-wide round, blue-green leaves. 6" x 6".

H. ‘Red October’ – Blue-green, narrow leaves are white underneath. Red leaf petioles bleed up into leaf bases.

10" x 28".

H. ‘Fire and Ice’ – Thick, pure white leaves have a contrasting dark green margin. Beautiful lavender flowers appear in midsummer. 15"x 10".

H. ‘Royal Standard’ – Masses of small, fragrant white flowers on 3' stems appear in Aug. – Sept. This most sun-tolerant Hosta has medium-sized, deep green leaves. 38 x 18 x 30".

H. ‘June’ – Foliage is of a thick substance with irregular blue-green margins that often streak into the center, which is medium gold by midsummer and light green earlier. Pale bluish-lavender flowers bloom from late July – Aug. Requires some sun for best color effect. 36" x 16".

H. ‘So Sweet’ – Noted for its vase-shaped, white-margined foliage and large, white, sweetly fragrant flowers in August, this plant is fast-growing. American Hosta Growers 1995 Plant of the Year. 12 x 8 x 14".

H. ‘Krossa Regal’ – This plant features distinctive, upright, vase-shaped clumps of frosty-blue, leathery leaves. Flower scapes reach 5', topped by lavender-blue flowers. A favorite of hummingbirds, it blooms in late July. 30"x 30".

H. ‘Touch of Class’ Hosta

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H. ‘Little Aurora’ – This small mound of very bright gold foliage is of good substance and becomes moderately corrugated with age. Color holds in a variety of lighting situations.

Very pale lavender to near-white flowers appear from June – July. 20" x 10".

H. ‘Thunderbolt’ – The leaves are heavily corrugated, with wide blue-green margins. The narrow centers are golden in spring and turn creamy as the season progresses. White flowers in June. 18" x 40".

H. ‘Touch of Class’ – Blue leaves show a yellow streak down the center. Lavender flowers. 22" x 16".

H. ‘Twist of Lime’ – This is a charming dwarf variety with bright golden yellow foliage that has a narrow margin of lime-green. A vigorous grower, it has purple flowers in midsummer. 10 x 8 x12".

H. sieboldiana ‘Queen Josephine’ – Creamy yellow margins neatly border the shiny, dark green-centered foliage of smooth texture and good substance. Pale purple flowers appear late July – mid-Aug. 42" x 17".

Kirengeshoma palmata Yellow Waxbells This clump-forming perennial has short, red-purple stems. It produces green leaves and nodding yellow flowers and needs acidic soil. Keep protected from the wind. Zones 5-8.

I K. p. ‘Koreana’ – This large, exotic plant features maplelike leaves and sprays of cool yellow, outfacing, bell-shaped flowers in late summer. It requires moist, rich, acidic soil.

3-4'.

Ligularia Goldenray This striking plant features large leaves and daisy-like or conical flowers; it requires damp humus-rich soil. Provide ample space. Zones 3-8.

L. dentata ‘Britt Marie Crawford’ – Big Leaf Goldenray.

Large, rounded, leathery-looking leaves of glossy black chocolate-maroon on top have purple undersides. Goldenorange, daisy-like flowers in late summer. 4'.

L. d. ‘Desdemona’ – Clusters of golden yellow flowers. The green-bronze foliage is very showy. 3-4'.

L. d. ‘Othello’ – Mahogany foliage. Yellow flowers bloom in midsummer. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 3'.

L. stenocephala ‘Little Rocket’ – Conical heads of yellow flowers. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 20".

Mertensia

Lamium maculatum

Spotted Deadnettle This fast-growing ground cover blooms from May – July.

Grows to approximately 8" in height. Zones 4-8.

L. m. ‘Chequers’ – Leaves have creamy white centers gradually changing to dark green by late summer. Margins are dark green . This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 6".

L. m. ‘Orchid Frost’ – Silver foliage is accented with a bright green margin. Soft orchid-pink flowers bloom reliably in high heat and humidity.

I L. m. ‘Shell Pink’ – Small silver-green leaves and abundant pink flowers from late spring through summer. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

L. m. ‘White Nancy’ – Silvery leaves with green edges and white flowers. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

Bluebells Nodding, bell-shaped blossoms appear from mid- to late spring. Has a compact growth habit. Most go dormant in the summer.

I M. virginica – Virginia Bluebells. Bluish-green foliage and clusters of pink flower buds that open to bright lavender-blue flowers. 12-15". Zones 3-8.

Mukdenia rossii ‘Karasuba’

Mukdenia Northeast Asian rock garden or woodland garden plants, creeping, with large maple-shaped leaves. This variety has purple leaves, or green leaves edged purple, in strong light; white flowers. Best in cool-summer areas, or in shade near water. 12”. Zones 4-8.

Myosotis sylvatica Garden Forget-Me-Not Compact, bushy plants bloom May – Aug. The funnelshaped flowers usually have white or yellow eyes. This plant is mainly short-lived, but will freely self-seed. It can take moderately fertile to poor soil and prefers a moist, well-drained spot in full sun with some midday shade, or partial shade.

Zones 5-9.

M. ‘Unforgettable’ – Bright blue flowers. The green leaves are edged in cream. 8”.

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M. s. ‘Victoria Blue’ – More compact than the species. Blue flowers. 4-6".

M. s. ‘Victoria Pink’ – Pink, star-shaped flowers have a white center. Prefers shade. A shorter variety. 4".

Polemonium Jacob’s Ladder Clusters of bell-shaped flowers are held above finely divided ladder-like foliage. Strong, vigorous clump-forming plants bloom in early summer. Prefers moist, well-drained soils with high organic content. Zones 4-7, except where noted otherwise.

P. ‘Heaven Scent’ – Blue flowers. Sweetly fragrant.

Floriferous. 18-24".

P. boreale ‘Heavenly Habit’ – Compact plant with violet– blue flowers accentuated with a white eye in June. The flowers will rebloom if cut back. 16".

P. caeruleum ‘Album’ – Pure white flowers. 18".

P. c. ‘Snow and Sapphires’ – Variegated Jacob’s Ladder. Its 10" mound of fern-like green foliage, edged white, has tall spires of fragrant sky blue flowers from June – July. It can handle the heat and humidity of summer. 28". Zones 3-8.

P. denticulata ‘Blue’ – Blue flower heads. Frost resistant.

6-12".

P. julieae ‘Jay Jay’ – Glowing hot pink flowers with orange and yellow centres above a mound of crinkled evergreen foliage. 8-12".

Pulmonaria Bethlehem Sage/Lungwort Spreading clumps of hairy, lance-shaped leaves are spotted with white or silver. Clusters of drooping flowers appear in April – May. This plant requires humus-rich, light-textured soil and ample moisture. Remove old leaves after flowering.

Zones 3-9.

P. ‘Mrs. Moon’ – A classic favorite! Long green leaves have silver spots. Clusters of rose-pink buds open to deep blue flowers. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 10-12".

P. ‘Raspberry Splash’ – Long green foliage has silver spotting. Large clusters of vivid raspberry-purple flowers. 12".

P. reptans ‘Stairway to Heaven’ – Brilliant blue flowers appear over white-edged foliage May – June. 16". Zones 3-8.

P. ‘Trevi Fountain’ – Bright, silver-spotted foliage gives rise to clusters of large, cobalt-blue flowers. 12".

P. yezoense ‘Purple Rain’ – Chocolate-purple foliage.

Clusters of large, purple-blue flowers in early summer. 24".

Zones 5-8.

P. saccharata ‘Roy Davidson’ – Silver spotted leaves.

Blooms open pink and rapidly turn sky blue. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens.

8-10".

Polygonatum Solomon’s Seal Long-lasting flowers bloom in the spring, followed by blue berries in the fall. The spreading, fleshy root system will eventually create a mass. Prefers moist, rich soil.

P. odoratum ‘Variegatum’ – The foliage is edged in white.

Inch-long green and white fragrant flowers. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 30".

Zones 4-8.

Primula Primrose The delightful flowers and handsome foliage of these plants combine beautifully with spring bulbs, ferns, and hostas.

Zones 5-8, except where noted otherwise.

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P. capitata ‘Noverna Deep Blue’ – Attractive flower heads of bright blue, fluted petals held aloft by stiff, powdery-white stems above contrasting gray-green foliage. 12-18".

Ranunculus repens

Creeping Buttercup Small, nearly global, bright yellow flowers bloom in May and June from each branch of this vigorous groundcover. 12".

Zones 3-9.

Rodgersia Rodger’s Flower This large, very ornamental plant with summer flower plumes resembles aruncus or astilbe. It requires rich, moist soil and protection from the midday sun. Zones 5-8.

I R. aesculifolia – Fingerleaf Rodger’s Flower. Bronze-tinted

foliage resembles that of a horsechestnut. It features foamy clusters of creamy white to creamy pink flowers. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 4'.

Spigelia marilandica

Indian Pink A perennial wildflower with bright red trumpets and brilliant yellow throats. Low-growing and clump-forming. Blooms late spring into early summer. A hummingbird favorite! 1-2'.

Zones 5-9.

Stylophorum diphyllum

Celandine Poppy A Missouri native wildflower which occurs most often in moist woodlands and along streambanks. Features yellow flowers which bloom in spring in small clusters. Blue-green, foliage. 1 – ½'. Zones 4 – 9.

Tiarella Foam Flower Erect, slender spikes of small, ¼-½" fluffy, star-shaped flowers rise above Heuchera-like foliage that turns reddish in fall.

This evergreen ground cover likes moist, rich soil. A rapid grower, it blooms during May – June. Zones 3-9.

T. ‘Elizabeth Oliver’ – Deeply-lobed leaves with heavy maroon veining and fragrant light-pink blooms in spring.

12-15".

T. ‘Susquehanna’ – Deeply lobed leaves with random deep purple markings that darken with age. White foamy blooms above interesting foliage. 2-4".

T. ‘Timbuktu’ – Deeply dissected green leaves with black spot in the center. 8-12".

Tricyrtis Toad Lily Orchid-like blooms appear over pointed, often glossy, sometimes spotted leaves with prominent veins. Prefers cool, shady sites with evenly moist, humus-rich, acid soil. Blooms in the fall. Zones 4-8, unless noted otherwise.

I T. ‘Togen’ – Hybrid selection with gigantic foliage. Large

orchid-lavender flowers have yellow centers and are unspotted. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent perennial for Midwest gardens. 36".

T. formosana ‘Dark Beauty’ – Dark purple spots on white petals. Upright form. Dark green foliage. 28-32".

T. f. ‘Gilt Edge’ – Star-shaped, dark rose flowers and white spots. The green leaves are edged in yellow. 12".

T. ‘Iron Butterfly’ – Large, fragrant, pinkish-white flowers contrast nicely with the deeply divided foliage that has dark maroon centers. The stunning flowers, foliage and habit combine to make this one of the best available. 10-12".

Uvularia grandiflora

Largeflower Bellwort Bell-shaped, drooping yellow flowers bloom on a very graceful plant, April – May. Handsome fruit. 16". Zones 3-9.

T. ‘Neon Lights’ – Black centered, palmate-cut leaves are edged with contrasting neon-green in spring. 10-15".

Vinca minor

I T. ‘Pink Skyrocket’ – You will agree this is the absolute

best pink selection when you see the dazzling display of fragrant, 12”-tall, iridescent pink flowers in late spring. Strongly dissected shiny green foliage with a central black blotch provides interest year-round. One of the top-rated varieties in the Garden’s evaluation trials. 12".

Periwinkle A low, fast-growing ground cover, this plant has 1" flowers in spring and sporadically through summer. Zones 4-9.

I V. m. ‘Dart’s Blue’ – Dark blue flowers. Shows improved disease resistance.

T. ‘Spring Symphony’ – Cut, compact foliage is painted black along the midrib. Pink flowers. 10".

T. ‘Sugar and Spice’ – Frosted pink, fragrant flowers bloom over shiny leaves. The foliage is marked with dark burgundy centers. 12".

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SHRUBS Shrubs are great when used as “structural” support in the garden. They offer spectacular flowering, foliage and textural characteristics throughout the year.

Aronia Chokeberry Excellent four-season interest; does well with evergreens or in a naturalized garden.

I A. melanocarpa ‘Autumn Magic’ – Fragrant white flowers in May are followed by clusters of dark purple-black edible berries that last through the season. Dark green glossy foliage turns to brilliant reds and purples in the fall. Adaptable to most soil types. This upright grower reaches 3-5' tall and 2-4' wide. Zones 3-9.

B. ‘Wilson’ – Northern Charm™ Boxwood. This compact variety has a bluish hue to it in the summer and turns bronze-green in the winter. A Chicagoland Grows® introduction. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent shrub for Midwest gardens. 2-3'.

B. ‘Wintergreen’ – Dense, compact, many-branched, broad, mounded evergreen shrub which usually has a loose and open habit. 2-4'.

Callicarpa dichotoma Beautyberry A deciduous shrub with a dense, upright growth habit, it produces soft pink flowers. Zones 5-8.

C. d. ‘Issai’ – Small, purple flowers appear in June, followed by purple berries in the fall. A nice arching growth habit.

3-4'.

Buddleja davidii Butterfly Bush These summer-flowering shrub has 4-10" panicles of fragrant flowers. Arching branches. Extremely adaptable, but prefers sunny locations and fertile soil. Generally freezes back in colder climates and flowers on new wood, so prune to the ground in early spring for increased stem and flower production. Deadhead to keep the blossoms coming. Zones 5-9.

B. d. ‘Adokeep’ – Adonis Blue™ species Butterfly Bush. Deep blue flowers bloom on a compact plant. 4-5'.

B. d. ‘Black Knight’ – Not truly black, but the darkest of all.

Deep velvety-purple flowers appear on a vigorous shrub. 6-8'.

B. d. ‘Lo and Behold’ – A new cultivar in 2008, this is a blue flowering dwarf that grows quickly to its final size of 3 to 4'. Makes a wonderful container plant.

Caryopteris x clandonensis

Blue Spirea/Bluebeard This compact shrub grows 3-4' tall and has silver-green foliage. Sky blue flowers bloom in late summer. Needs welldrained soil. Cut these back close to the ground every year in late winter or early spring. Zones 5-9, unless noted otherwise.

C. × c. ‘Longwood Blue’ – Produces bright blue flowers from summer until fall. The silver-green foliage has an airy look to it. 2-4'.

Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’

Lavender Twist Redbud A small weeping tree with twisting stems. Pink flowers bloom March – Apr. This hard-to-find tree grows from 8-10'. Green, heart-shaped leaves. Tolerates drought.

Buxus Boxwood Boxwood is delightful whether used as a formal hedge or an accent in a shrub or mixed border. These broadleaf evergreens are very carefree and are free of serious pests or diseases.

Zones 5-8.

B. ‘Green Mountain’ – This selection has a natural pyramidal growth habit. The rich green foliage holds its color well throughout the year. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent shrub for Midwest gardens. Reaches 5-6' tall and 3' wide.

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Chamaecyparis

False Cypress Softly pyrimidal trees with almost fern-like foliage. Needles are dark green above, silvery below. Suitable as a specimen, or use dwarf forms in rock gardens or mixed borders. Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil, but will adapt. Zone 4-8, except when noted otherwise.

C. nootkatensis ‘Green Arrow’ – Alaska Yellow Cedar. Deep dark green foliage. Widely spaced limbs hanging vertically.

Sometimes has a skirt at the base. Very narrow growing.

8-10'.

C. pisifera filifera ‘Golden Mops’ – False Cypress. Bright yellow, thread-like foliage. Flat, round mound growth habit.

6'.

F. ‘Courtaneur’ – Compact variety with abundant yellow spring flowers. Leaves turn burgundy in the fall. 4'.

Hamamelis

Clethra alnifolia Summersweet/Sweet Pepperbush This small shrub blooms in July – Aug., when a sweet, spicy fragrance fills the garden. Upright stems have 4-6" spires of small, white flowers. Foliage turns yellow to golden-brown in fall. Tolerates wet conditions, drought and salt. Zones 4-9.

Witch Hazel H. × i. ‘Jelena’ - Upright cultivar with spreading habit.

Fragrant copper colored flowers in late winter. Best flowering in full sun. 8-12'.

C. a. ‘Ruby Spice’ – Rich pink flowers hold their color.

5-8'.

Hydrangea All species are excellent in combination with evergreens.

Zones 3-9, unless noted otherwise.

C. a. ‘Sixteen Candles’ – An improved selection of C. a.

‘Hummingbird’, it has a dense habit with larger, more fragrant flowers. 2-3'.

H. arborescens ‘ Bella Anna’ – Magenta-pink blooms that are constant from spring to fall. 3'.

I

Cornus

Dogwood Nothing stands out in winter and early spring like the red or yellow stems of these dogwood selections. Zones 3-7, unless noted otherwise.

Cornus racemosa ‘Emerald’ – Snow Lace® Gray Dogwood.

Silver-gray bark. White flowers bloom in summer. Rose-pink berries in the fall. 6-9'.

Cornus sanquinea ‘Cato’ – Bright colored compact cultivar with rich yellow stems tipped blood red. Multiple stems.

3-4'.

Deutzia × hybrida Deutzia This upright, rounded, deciduous shrub performs best in well-drained soils.

D. ‘Spring Sensation’ - White flowers adorn every part of the plant, from the ground to the tips. Blooms from spring to early summer. Arching stems. 4'.

Diverella Zone 3-7.

Bush Honeysuckle

D. sessilifolia ‘LPDC Podaras’ Cool Splash® – The first variegated Diverella. Produces yellow flowers in June and July. 30-54".

Forsythia Forsythia Zones 5-8, unless otherwise noted.

Hydrangea

H. m. ‘Glowing Embers’ – Large, crimson to purple flowers.

Blooms mid-summer. 3-4'.

H. paniculata ‘Bulk’ – Quick Fire™ Hydrangea. This hydrangea blooms a month earlier than other varieties. White flowers age to deep pink. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent shrub for Midwest gardens. 6-8'.

I H. p. ‘Limelight’ – Late Panicle Hydrangea. Glowing,

chartreuse colored flower panicles bloom over rich green foliage. Blooms in late summer. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent shrub for Midwest gardens. 6'.

H. p. ‘DVPinky’ – Pinky Winky™ Hydrangea. A combination of pink and white flowers bloom on extra large panicles.

6-8'.

H. ‘Vanilla Strawberry’ – Enormous flower panicles of that begin creamy white and turn from pink to strawberry red.

Red stems and medium green foliage. 6-7'.

Hypericum

St. John’s Wort H. frondosum ‘Sunburst’ –Blue-green foliage forms a mound, covered with bright-yellow flowers in late summer.

Occasionally self-seeds. 3'.

Itea virginica ‘Little Henry’ Virginia Sweetspire Rounded, arching shrubs valued for their profuse, fragrant white flowers in June-July. Foliage is dark green in summer and brilliant reddish-purple and crimson in fall, persisting for some time. This southeast U.S. native prefers acid-to-neutral, moist, fertile soils. 2-3'. Zones 4-9.

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Kerria japonica

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Japanese Kerria This shrub performs well in drier sites. Very easy to grow and pest-free, it’s known for its zig-zagging slender branches, which remain bright green throughout the year. Yellow fall color, green stems. Shade tolerant. Zones 5-9.

K. j. ‘Pleniflora’ – Double, golden-yellow flowers cover this variety in early summer. It will often rebloom later. Stems retain an interesting kelly green color all year. Performs best in light shade. 4-5'.

Physocarpus opulifolius Ninebark Ornamental, peeling bark and great foliage color makes these shrubs a great addition to any garden.

Physocarpus ‘Little Devil’ – This little ninebark will add deep burgundy foliage color to your garden in a compact, easy to grow and maintain shrub. 3-4'. Zones 3-7.

Picea Spruce Prefers moderately moist, acidic, well-drained soil. Extremely adaptable, except to high temperatures. Zone 3 unless noted otherwise.

P. glauca ‘Conica’ – Dwarf Alberta Spruce. This miniature evergreen grows only 2-4" a year. Cone-shaped. Bright green, compact foliage. Wonderful in patio containers. 7'.

Pieris japonica ‘Purity’

Japanese Pieris The best and latest blooming varieties in spring, these have beautiful clusters of white flowers and green foliage. Compact growth habit. Prefers moist, acidic soils. 3-4'.

Potentilla fruticosa

Cinquefoil This compact, bushy deciduous shrub bears yellow flowers.

Zones 3-7.

P. f. ‘Forever Gold’ – Yellow flowers bloom in early spring.

One of the longest blooming and cold hardy varieties of Potentilla. 2-3'.

P. f. ‘UMan’ – Mango Tango™ Cinquefoil. Bicolor flowers.

Petals are yellow and centers of flowers are orange and red.

The reds deepen as the weather cools. 2'. Zones 2-7.

P. f. ‘Pink Beauty’ – Clear pink flowers bloom over mediumgreen foliage. Floriferous. 2'.

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Rhododendron Rhododendron/Azalea Rhododendrons grow best in a cool, moist climate with acid soil. In the Chicago area, the Lepidotes (small-leafed Rhododendrons) are usually a more appropriate choice, provided the right site and planting instructions are considered. As a rule, they set flower buds early, have attractive summer and fall foliage, retain a fair measure of leaves in winter, have a resistance to black vine weevil and root rot, withstand pruning and exhibit an abundance of flowers in April – May. Ideal site conditions: Protect from strong winds, provide excellent drainage, and plant high. Container plants should be planted with one-third of the root base exposed. Plant away from shallow-rooted trees. Acidic soil is required. Some sun is needed and desirable to develop flower buds and encourage compact growth (avoid southern exposures). Never cultivate around rhododendrons.

Northern Lights Series – Lights Azalea Hybrids Attractive small, deciduous shrubs have a compact form.

Flower buds are hardy to -35+ºF. Requires acid soil and adequate moisture. Blooms late May to early June. Zones 4-7.

R. ‘Lemon Lights’ – These blooms have a lighter shade of yellow on the outer edges of the petals and a darker gold throat. 4-5'.

R. ‘Mandarin Lights’ – Bright orange flowers before the foliage emerges. 4-5'.

R. ‘Rosy Lights’ – Deliciously fragrant, dark rosy-pink flowers. 4-5'.

Rhus R. typhina ‘Bailtiger’ – Tiger Eyes® Cutleaf Staghorn Sumac.

Chartreuse foliage turns golden yellow upon maturity. Rosypink leaf stems. Yellow-orange fall color. 6'.

Sambucus European Elder Adaptable to most soil conditions. Fast growing. Zones 5-7.

S. nigra ‘Eva’ – Black Lace™ Sambucus. Deeply serrated, purpleblack leaves. Large, light pink flowers bloom in June. A great alternative to the Japanese Maple. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent shrub for Midwest gardens. 6-8'.

Ural False Spirea The pinkish-red, fern-like foliage and deep pink stems emerge in spring. In midsummer creamy white flowers bloom. Best used as a low hedge or accent plant. Easy to grow. Prefers well-drained soil. Cold hardy. Zones 3-7. 4'.

V. dentatum ‘Morton’ – Northern Burgundy Arrowwood Viburnum. A Chicagoland Grows® introduction. Uprightrounded habit with moderately glossy, dark green foliage.

Creamy white flowers appear in June, followed by clusters of blue-black fruit in late Sept. – Oct. Fall color is a blend of wine-red and burgundy. Reaches 12' tall with a 10-12' spread. Zones 3-8.

Syringa

V. tomentosa ‘Pink Beauty’ – The white flowers bloom mature to a rich pink. Red fruit and foliage in the fall. 6'.

Sorbaria sorbifolia ‘Sem’

Lilac Valued for dense, colorful blooms. Generally 8-16' high and 6-15' wide. Zones 3-7.

S. ‘Bailbelle’ – Tinkerbelle™ Lilac. The first introduction from the Fairytale series, this is a compact grower with winecolored buds opening to spicy-scented, deep pink flowers that last for almost two weeks in May. 5-6'.

S. vulgaris ‘Krasavitsa Moskvy’ (‘Beauty of Moscow’) – Lavender-rose flower buds open to creamy white double flowers. Vigorous and upright habit. 10-12'.

S. v. ‘President Lincoln’ – Long, pyramidal flowers of Wedgewood Blue. Nearest to true blue than any other variety. Fragrant. 8'.

S. × hyacinthiflora ‘Pocahontas’ – This selection is covered with purple-maroon buds that open to deep violet flowers.

10'.

Viburnum Viburnum Deciduous, multi-stemmed shrubs. The following selections have been chosen for their proven superiority. Extremely fragrant flowers and/or exceptional fruit and fall color display.

Adaptable to a broad spectrum of soil conditions, but avoid extremely wet locations. No serious insect or disease problems.

Weigela Weigela This dense, upright, rounded shrub has 1” flowers in May – June. Flowering continues sporadically throughout the summer, with a rebloom in the fall. Very adaptable and pollution tolerant. Pruning may be necessary to maintain a consistently uniform habit. Zones 5-8.

W. florida ‘Brigela’ French Lace™ – Foliage is variegated with creamy white and green. Dark red flowers bloom in May and June. 4-6'.

W. f. ‘Verwig’ My Monet™ – Colorful green, cream and pink foliage. Bright pink blooms in spring. 12-18".

W. f. ‘Kolmagira’ Rainbow Sensation™ – Soft-pink flowers bloom in May. Variegated foliage. 3-4'.

W. f. ‘Rumba’ – An upright shrub that produces red funnelshaped flowers. Foliage is yellow-green and has purple edges. 2-3'.

V. ‘Blue Muffin’ – Arrowwood Viburnum. Compact selection has dark green foliage covered with loads of white flowers in spring. The flowers give way to bright blue berries in fall. Creates a dynamic low hedge. 5'. Zones 3-8.

V. ‘Synnesvedt’ – Chicago Lustre® Arrowwood Viburnum.

Creamy white flowers and dark blue berries. The green foliage turns from yellow to purple in the fall. Upright, rounded growth habit.

V. carlesii ‘Cayuga’ – Korean Spice Fragrant Viburnum.

Aromatic white flower clusters bloom in late April through May. Dense and rounded growth habit. 3-5'.

R. ‘Rosy Lights’ Rhododendron/Azalea

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VINES

I vericillata ‘Jackmanii’ – Profuse, violet-purple flowers

Vertical gardening—the new passion! Vines are lovely for ornamental and practical uses. Plant different varieties together.

They are beautiful on a trellis, fence or barren wall. Great for downtown patios or small backyards.

Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris

Clematis Clematis Excellent when trained on trellises, fences, porches or posts.

Requires support from some kind of structure. Vines grow slowly at first and may take up to three years to produce vigorous blooms. At least a half-day of sun from an eastern or southern exposure is required. Prefers rich loam soil. Fertilize in spring before flowers develop. Keep the roots cool with mulch. Good culture requires pruning once plant is well established (2-3 years). Zones 4-8, unless noted otherwise.

C. ‘Elsa Spath’ – Deep lavender, overlapping petals. Red anthers. 6-10'.

C. ‘Evipo 003’ Ice Blue™ -These large flowers open white with a hint of blue. As it matures, it turns a beautiful “ice blue.” Yellow anthers. 4-8'.

C. ‘Evipo 018’ Bourbon™ – The 4 to 6 inch single flowers are a stunning blend of red and purple with yellow anthers.

Blooms from June into August. 3-4'.

C. ‘Evipo 038’ Crystal Fountain™– Lilac-blue flowers have a white “fountain” center. Blooms for five months—late spring until fall! Easy to grow. Can also be grown in a container.

I C. ‘Guernsey Cream’ – Creamy 4-6" flowers have deep

yellow stamens. Blooms from previous year’s stems in midseason and again on current season’s growth. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent vine for Midwest gardens. 6-8'.

C. ‘Hyde Hall’ - Masses of near white flowers late spring, early summer and again in autumn. 6'.

C. ‘Proteus’ – Large, double or semi-double, lilac-mauve with shades of green on the midrib. Single flowers later. 10'.

C. ‘Red Cardinal’ – Large, crimson-red flowers. Blooms have blunt tips. July to October. 6-10'.

C. ‘Rhapsody’ – Flowers are such a deep blue that you have to see it to believe. Blooms July – Sept.

C. ‘Warsaw Nike’ – Velvety 6" purple-red, free-blooming flowers. Blooms from previous year’s stems in midseason and again on current season’s growth; therefore, it should not be heavily pruned. 8-10'.

C. ‘Westerplatte’ – Large red velvety flowers bloom throughout the summer. Bush in habit. 6-8'.

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cover this vine in mid to late summer. 7-10'.

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Climbing Hydrangea Showy, fragrant (similar to gardenia), white 6-10" flowers in June and July. Stems form rootlets that cling to almost anything and need strong support. Peeling brown bark is effective in winter. Glossy green foliage remains until late fall.

Prefers rich, well-drained soil. Does well on east- and northfacing exposures. Prune in autumn or early spring. 60'+.

Zones 4-8.

Schizophragma hydrangeoides Japanese Hydrangea Vine This woody vine has large (5-7"), very showy flower clusters similar to the climbing hydrangea in July. The ariel roots will attach to walls, fences or trees. Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Somewhat slow growing, it eventually reaches 30'.

Zones 5-8.

S. h. ‘Moonlight’ – White flowers are accentuated by the silvery-blue leaves that are deeply serrated and highlighted by reddish venation. This plant was selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program as an excellent vine for Midwest gardens.

Wisteria Wisteria The varieties listed here are ideal for the Chicago area. They flower later in the season and are therefore quite reliable.

These climbing vines have nice bright-green compound foliage and prefer moist soils. Can grow to 25'. Zones 5-9.

W. ‘282 Hybrid’ – This new cultivar blooms on new and old wood. Disease resistant. Profuse bloomer. Fragrant, lavender blooms. 30'.

W. frutescens ‘Amethyst Falls’ – South Carolina Wisteria.

Fragrant, lavender blooms flower on new growth each season.

28'. May-June.

I W. macrostachya ‘Aunt Dee’ – Kentucky Wisteria. This twining woody vine needs a support to grow on. Racemes of 8-12" very fragrant lavender flowers begin in May and continue throughout the summer. 15-20'.

Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society 2010 - 2011 Officers Mary Hill, President Susan Green, First Vice-President Sue Cozzens, Second Vice-President Barbara Metzler, Third Vice-President Betsy Hough, Treasurer Carolyn Katz, Secretary

Active Members Dora Aalbregtse Janice Beck Deedee Borland Calvine Bowen Mary Boyer Barbara Brown Peggy Carr Maggie Coleman Sue Cozzens Alicia Crawford Liz Crowe Jill Delaney Cathie Denckla Nancy Dorr Jody Elting Marilyn Farrar Lynn Foster Alice Goltra Susan Green Lorill Haynes Mary Hill Betsy Hough Hélène James Beth Jernigan Betsy Karp Carolyn Katz Barbara Kehoe

Kitty Kirby May Cat Kneibler Joani Lowry Patsy Magner Gwen McConnaughy Madeleine McMullan Ann Merritt Barbara Metzler Gail Miller Weezie Monroe Brooks Morgan Kate Morris Louellen Murray Jane Pearsall Janet Meakin Poor Juli Priebe Elizabeth Pruett Carole Read Holly Rothschild Beth Schroeder Heather Scott Missy Shennan Susan Spears Margie Strauch Louise Tausché Susan Tupper Jeanie Van Nice Kim Visokey

Honorary Members Betty Dean

Associate Members Cheri Allen Liz Bacon Faffie Bowers Chris Chandler Franny Chandler Liz Farwell Marilyn Heath Lucia Heyworth Ginny Noyes Patti Ross Lois Steans

Non-Resident Members Barbara Hansen Noelle Hartley Judy Herb Penny Horne Gina Jannotta Peggy Leider Roberta Lynch Julie McNulty Joyce Stevenson Susie Volckens

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