PERENNIALS
P-S
Penstemon \ Beard-Tongue
Evergreen perennial with tubular flowers. Needs full sun (light shade in hot, summer climates) and fast drainage. Zones 3-8.
P. barbatus
µTexas Nativeµ Native to western Texas, this penstemon is recognized by its long linear, narrow leaves and bright red flowers. Plant usually has only a few stems and flowers are tubular, two-lipped, displayed in terminal spikes. Can grow to 30", with common range of 12-18". A summer bloomer that should avoid wet, poorly-drained soils. Full sun. Zones 3-8.
P. digitalis ‘Husker’s Red’
Adapts well to moist and dry situations as long as it is in well-drained soil. Flowers are white with a tint of pink in the throat. No serious disease or pest problem on this 30x18” plant. Explodes with eye-catching lance-shaped, red foliage from summer to fall. Perennial Plant of the Year 1996.
P. tenuis \ Brazos Penstemon, Gulf Coast Penstemon
µTexas Nativeµ Pale pink-purple, 1” flowers bloom early spring to early summer. Will tolerate poorly-drained soil enjoys high humidity. Does best in part shade. Plant will reach 1˝’ high with a 1’ spread. Self-seeds. Zone 7b.
P. x mexicali 'Red Rocks' ™
Spectacular tall spikes of rose-pink and white flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. A vigorous grower with glossy, narrow foliage forming a 18-30X15-36" wide plant, depending on growing condtions. Although drought resistant, flowering will be more abundant with regular watering. Tolerates most well-drained soils. Plant in full sun to light shade. Zone 5.
Perovskia atriplicifolia \ Russian Sage
(pe-ROF-skee-a)
Perovskia is a member of the mint family and commonly referred to as Russian Sage. This perennial prefers full sun and well-drained soil for optimal conditions. The leaves are barely toothed, about 1˝” long, and when crushed, has the scent of sage. Grows to about 4’ tall and has silver stems and foliage. Small light blue to lavender flowers are arranged in whorls along the stem. Flower spikes are often 12” long. Can be used as a cut flower. Zones 5-8. 1995 Perennial Plant of the Year.
Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Little Spire’ PP11643 \ Dwarf Russian Sage
Finally, a dwarf Russian Sage! Growing to only 2’ this compact form has the same lavender flowers the species has and still blooms all summer. Full sun and any well-drained soil. Zone 5.
Phlomis fruticosa \ Jerusalem Sage
Late summer, sulphur yellow flowers, have 20-30 tightly closed flower buds in tiered whorls. Coarse, silver-gray-green foliage is 2-4" long, wrinkled and white-woolly beneath. Grows to 3' tall. Full sun in cooler climates, part sun in warmer parts. Zone 7.
Phlox
Easy to grow. Can be grown in average garden soil and water conditions unless otherwise noted. Taller varieties prefer sun, while the shorter varieties prefer some shade. Cut back after flowering to encourage rebloom. Superb as a border, in mass plantings or as an accent.
P. divaricata \ Louisiana Blue Phlox
Grows 8-10” tall, prefers shade to part sun in well-drained soil. Almost leafless stalks bear purple-blue, with magenta eye blooms in late spring. Zone 3.
P. divaricata ‘Louisiana Purple’
Blooms in the spring, with deep bluish-violet flowers on plant growing 15-18” tall. Does best in sun to part shade and well-drained soil. Zones 3-8.
Phlox paniculata \ Garden Phlox or Summer Phlox
This group grows tall, reaching 3’ or more in height and is a summer garden favorite. Grows best in fertile, moist soil in sun or partial shade.
P. paniculata ‘David’
2002 Perennial Plant of the Year. White fragrant flowers in large panicles of 6-9” clusters burst into bloom during late spring and summer. Plant reaches 36” tall. Has been shown to have good mildew resistance. Zones 4-8.
P. paniculata ‘Franz Schubert’
Outstanding perennial for summer color. Needs full sun with good ventilation. Lilac blooms have a star-shaped darker eye. Zone 4.
P. paniculata ‘John Fanick’
Flowers are pink with dark eye. Tall upright bush growth habit, reaching 24-36” wide. Full sun for best bloom, but will tolerate partial shade. Needs very well-drained soil. After plant becomes established, it is heat and drought tolerant. Zone 4.
P. paniculata ‘Laura’
Floriferous and mildew resistant variety. Magnificent heads of purple flowers with white eyes start blooming in spring. Grows 42” tall. Average garden soil. Full sun. Zone 4.
P. paniculata ‘Orange Perfection’
Bright salmon-orange flowers bloom n summer. Height to 3’ tall. Zone 5.
P. paniculata ‘Robert Poore’
Vibrant red-purple flowers bloom in late spring to mid summer. Dark green foliage with a clumping growth habit, reaches 4x3’. Full sun to part shade. Moist, well-drained soil. Mildew resistant. Zone 5.
P. paniculata ‘Starfire’
One of the best reds, with leaves of dark red. Blooms in summer, and grows 3’ high. Zone 5.
P. paniculata ‘Texas Pink’
Return of the phlox you saw in your grandmother’s cottage garden. Pink flowers on 3’ high plant. Mildew resistant.
Phlox pilosa ‘Arborside’
Blooms of lavender-pink flowers with a light sweet fragrance put on a show for 8 weeks in spring. The evergreen foliage acquires a purplish cast in winter. Will reach a height of 24-30”. Needs full sun to light shade. Hardy perennial that will withstand drought after established. Zone 4.
Phlox subulata \ Thrift or Creeping Phlox
The subulata group is also known as Moss Phlox and has narrow, linear leaves that are only about ˝” long, growing close together and quite stiff. Three to five flowers are borne in loose corymbs just above matted foliage. Grow in well-drained soil. Full sun to light shade. Zones 3-9..
P. subulata ‘Emerald Blue’
Evergreen and low growing, with carpet-like spreading habit. Blue-lavender blooms cover the plant in spring. Needs full sun.
P. subulata ‘Emerald Pink’
Dense mat-forming perennial growing in mounds, 3-6” tall and spreading 2-3’. Rose pink, ľ” flowers, adorn this groundcover-like plant.
P. subulata ‘Nice ‘n’ White’
Glistening, white flower with very pale yellow eyes and bright yellow stamens. Wonderfully fragrant. Crisp, compact, recurring foliage.
P. subulata ‘Scarlet Flame’
Dark scarlet flowers with an even darker eye, blooms in early spring.
Physostegia \ Obedient Plant
(fy-soh-STEE-ji-ah)
A member of the mint family. The flowers are tube-shaped, growing on graceful spikes in a slender upright habit resembling snapdragons. Best grown in moist conditions, with the addition of organic matter. Will tolerate dryer soil with some shade, but prefers sun and well-drained soil. Name comes from ‘obedience’ of flower head remaining in placed position. Makes an excellent cut flower. Attracts butterflies. Zones 4-9.
P. virginiana ‘Miss Manners’ PP12637
‘Miss Manners’ is very “obedient” and stays in a well-behaved clump growing 2’ tall. Generous white flowers bloom late summer.
P. virginiana ‘Vivid’
A bright pink selection grows in an upright and compact manner reaching 24”.
Platycodon grandiflorus \ Balloon Flower
(plat-ee-KOH-don)
Balloon-like flowers which snap if you pop them. Characterized by inflated flower bud which looks about to burst as it matures. The solitary flowers are also distinguished by opening at the top rather than on the sides or at the base. When balloon finally pops, a five-lobed blossom with rich purple veins and yellow-white stamen is revealed. Sharply serrated leaves are ovate and about 1-3” long. Full sun, part sun. A summer bloomer that makes a great cut flower. Zones 3-8.
P. grandiflorus ‘Komachi’
Clear blue flowers, with buds that swell to 2” in diameter but rarely open. Species with the longest lasting blooms. Height 2’. Zone 3.
P. grandiflorus ‘Sentimental Blue’
A dwarf Platycodon that grows no more than 6” tall with large 3” single blue blooms all season. Displays excellent heat tolerance. Zone 3.
Plumbago auriculata 'Imperial Blue' \ Plumbago
Showy, light blue flowers in tight, phlox-like clusters bloom all summer on arching branches composed of light green leaves. Perfers fertile, acid to slightly alkaline soil, in full sun, but will tolerate shade. Grows 3-4' tall and 2-3' wide. Zone 8.
Polianthes tuberosa ‘Pearl’ \ Mexican Tuberose
Leaves are long, slender and grass-like. The 2-2 ˝” long white, tubular-shaped, double flowers appear on 2-3’ spikes after cool autumn weather begins to prevail. Needs rich, well-drained soil and sunny locations. Has a wonderful fragrance. Zone 8.
Poliomintha longiflora \ Mexican Oregano
(pol-ee-oh-MEN-thuh)
Mexican Oregano is a beautiful plant with small, lance-shaped aromatic leaves. Has similar scent and is often used for the same purposes as the pot herb oregano. The lavender-pink flowers are in clusters, tubular shaped and about 1 ˝” long. Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Reaches 2-4’. Zone 8.
Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’ \ Variegated Solomon’s Seal
This perennial sports fragrant, pendulous, 1” white flowers in spring. Eye-catching creamy white edges on green leaves brighten dull shady areas. Stems are 18” long, with lance-shaped leaves. Grows 1˝-2X2’. Zones 4-9.
Ratibida columnifera \ Mexican Hat
(rah-TIB-eh-dah kahl-um-NIFF-er-ah)
µTexas Nativeµ Native prairie daisies have an erect center cone in the flower. Center cone is 1-2" long, grayish-green that turns brown as it matures. The 1” turned-down petals are yellow, with one flower head to a stem. Can reach heights of 3’. Blooms from summer to fall and will do well in chalk soil. Full sun. Zone 3.
Rhodophiala bifida \ Oxblood Lily
Also called School House Lily as they bloom in early fall just about the time school resumes after summer break. Two to four dark red, lily-like flowers emerge from bulbs before the narrow leaves appear. Will grow in heavy clay, sun or shade, and withstand wet or dry summers. Rugged bulbs that grow deep. Look for the blooms and you know it is time to send your children back to school. Zone 7.
Rosmarinus \ Rosemary
When brushed against, Rosemary emits a strong pleasing aroma. An herb with resinous, leathery, needlelike dark green leaves. Plant in well-drained soil and full sun. Protect from winter winds.
R. ‘Furneaux Hardy’
Small lavender to blue flowers appear in summer. Grows 4-6’ tall and as wide. A more hardy variety. Zone 7.
R. officinalis ‘Lockwood De Forest’
Blue flowers and lighter foliage than other rosemaries. Displays trailing or upright growing habit depending on the terrain. Grows to 2X6-8’ wide in well-drained soil. Zone 7.
Rudbeckia \ Gloriosa Daisy
(rud-BECK-ee-ah)
Tall, single and double daisy-like flowers with dense, broadly lance-shaped, rough, hairy oval leaves. These hardy, adaptable plants are the most widely grown perennials. Although best with a good moist soil, orange cone flowers will adapt to any good soil that is not too dry or too wet. Grow in full sun or part shade. Genus was named in honor of Olaf Rudbeck and his son, both professors of botany. Zone 4.
R. fulgida ‘Goldsturm’
Best for the formal bed or border and should be planted in drifts. Perfect when used in combination with the variegated ornamental grasses. Excellent for cutting. Growing to about 24” high. Golden yellow flowers bloom profusely in mid-summer. Black centered, single flowers grow 5” in diameter. 1999 Perennial Plant of the Year.
R. hirta 'Goldilocks'
Double, rich, golden flowers with brown eye on plant reaching 24" in overall heigh and 18" wide. From summer to fall, 3-4" blooms continue to delight the garden scene. Plant in average soil and full sun. Zone 5.
R. maxima \ Giant Coneflower
µTexas Nativeµ Bluish-gray green basal leaves are 12-18” long, resembling paddles. Large yellow bloom on stems, 5-6’ tall. Full sun, moist, well-drained soil. Mid to late summer bloomer. Zones 4-10.
R. nitida ‘Herbstonne’
Large single yellow blooms, late summer, early autumn. Grows to 6’. Zone 3
Ruellia \ Mexican Petunia
(roo-ELL-ee-a)
This perennial offers blooms from summer to fall. Leaves of brittoniana are more narrow than those of malacosperma Good cut flower. It grows in practically any soil, clay or sand, and tolerates wet or dry conditions Full or part sun, shade.
R. brittoniana
µTexas Nativeµ Purple flowers on 36” plants. Zone 7.
R. brittoniana ‘Chi Chi’
Tall form of wild petunia with lance-shaped leaves and orchid-pink blooms. Grows 36” tall. Zone 7.
R. brittoniana ‘Katie’
Dwarf form that makes neat little mounds of purple blooms. Continuous blooms till frost. Grows 12” tall. Zone 7.
R. brittoniana ‘Poquito Pink’
Dwarf form to 12” tall with delightful pink flowers. Zone 7.
R. brittoniana ‘White Ruffles’
Dwarf form with white flowers. Zone 7.
R. elegans
Trumpet-shaped, vibrant-red flowers on this 12-18” tall plant. Summer blooms are known for attracting butterflies and often bees. Sun to part shade. Well-drained soil. Zones 8-11.
R. malacosperma
µTexas Nativeµ Violet flowers, on 36” tall plants. This species not as invasive as R. brittoniana. Zone 9.
R. x ‘Blue Shade’
Violet flowers on 10” tall plants. Zone 5.
Salvia
(SAL-vee-a)
Salvias have square stems, like mints, and tubular flowers with inflated upper lips that project over the lower ones. The flowers are in tiered whorls at the tips of the branching stems. Plants grow from woody crowns and fibrous roots. Plant in well-drained, sandy or loamy soils in full sun or light shade. Too much shade, overly rich or moist soils will produce leggy plants that have a tendency to flop. Nearly all salvias attract hummingbirds. Salvia is derived from salve, “save”, and refers to medicinal value ascribed to the plant.
S. azurea var. grandiflora \ Pitcher Sage
µTexas Nativeµ Flowers are sky-blue to white, 1” across. Usual height 1-2˝’ tall. Grows in most any well-drained soil. Full sun or part shade. Zone 5.
S. blepharophylla ‘Diablo’ \ Purple Leaf Sage
Narrow, glowing, blood-red flowers are distinctly marked by a set of stark-white horns where the flower hood meets the lower lip, creating a devilish appearance. Grows 12” tall and 24” wide. Zone 8.
S. chamaedryoides \ Germander Sage, Gray Shrub Sage
An evergreen perennial from Mexico that enjoys full sun and loamy, quick-draining soil. Small, gray evergreen foliage compliments the small almost true-blue flowers. Blooms early summer and again in autumn. Grows 24” tall. Zone 7.
S. chionophylla ‘Quicksilver’
Evergreen perennial groundcover with bright silver foliage. Prostrate growing habit reaching 6-12” tall and up to 3-6’ wide. Blooms are bluish and arrive during spring and fall. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Zones 7-9.
S. darcyi \ Galeana Red Sage
Early summer bloomer with 1˝” coral-red flowers on 12” spikes. Plant grows to 3’ in height and as wide. Requires three fourths to a full day of sun and well-drained soil. Drought tolerant. Zone 7.
S. elegans \ Pineapple Sage
Scarlet red flowers bloom in summer over large 2-3” deltoid leaves. Can reach heights of 4-5’. Prized for its pineapple scent and worth treating as an annual in colder zones. Well-drained soil, full sun. Zone 9.
S. engelmannii
Pale blue flowers on 4-6" spikes. Likes any well-drained soil in sun or part shade. Blooms spring to summer with the heaviest blooms in early spring. Forms a compact mound 1˝' high and as wide. Zone 8.
S. farinacea \ Mealy Blue Sage
µTexas Nativeµ This blue-spiked perennial blooms from spring until fall in full sun. Dimensions are 3’ by 2’. Deadhead regularly for maximum length of bloom. Zone 7.
S. farinacea ‘Victoria’
Violet-blue flowers bloom mid-summer to frost in full sun in most any well-drained soil. They are good cutting flowers and look great in the middle of borders or when massed. Dwarf selection growing 1-2’ tall. Hardy to Zone 7.
Salvia greggii \ Autumn Sage
µTexas Nativeµ The greggii’s are upright branching, bushy plant, 3-4’ tall with the same width. Leaves are ˝ -1” long and medium green in color. Flowers form in loose, spike-like clusters in late spring and summer. Grow in full sun or light shade in ordinary well-drained garden soil. This sage is hardy and easy to grow. Blooms from March to November. Most are Zone 7.
S. greggii ‘Cherry Queen’
Red flowers on an 18" tall plant. Grow in sun to part sun in well-drained soil. Great for rock gardens. Zones 7.
S. greggii Coral
A vibrant, clear, deep-sea coral.
S. greggii ‘Dark Dancer’
A really neat color of dark maroon-red flowers. Grows 3’ tall and 4’ wide.
S. greggii ‘Diana’
A deep violet-purple on 12-18” plants.
S. greggii Pink
Deep rosy-pink flowers looks terrific with lavender and white blooming perennials.
S. greggii 'Pink Kadillac'
It had to happen! One of our sales people just happened to 'stumble over this one'. Finally, a pure pink by natures own hand. Same culture as other greggii's. Enjoy!
S. greggii ‘Pink Preference’
This outstanding cultivar has an upright habit and dark green leaves, with maroon calyce and deep pink blooms. Discovered by Plantsman Logan Calhoun in New Mexico. Gorgeous salvia and root hardy to Zone 5.
S. greggii ‘Raspberry’
Makes a large 4-5’ wide dense bush. Narrow green foliage topped with raspberry colored flowers. Heavy bloomer in spring and fall. Will reach a height of 36”.
S. greggii Red
Dark rich, radiant red that transmits color all summer.
S. greggii White
Creamy white flowers mix well with other varieties.
S. x ‘Moonglow’
This is a creamy yellow hybrid of S. greggii and S. microphylla.
S. greggii x lycioides ‘Nuevo Leon’
Plant has lacy, draping form with royal-purple flowers. Blooms from spring to fall. Full sun in well-drained ordinary garden soil. Zone 7.
S. greggii x lycioides ‘Wild Grape’
Blooms from spring to fall with grape colored flowers. Needs full sun to light shade, well-drained soil. Zone 7.
S. guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’
Beautiful deep-blue flowers with dark-purple, near black calyces, enhance large velvety leaves. Grows to 6’ tall. Sun to part sun in well-drained soil. Zones 8-10.
S. ‘Indigo Spires’
Rich, blue-lavender blooms on spikes nearly 18” long. Grows to 5’ high and 4’ wide in full sun. Dies to ground each winter, but grows rapidly and blooms profusely from Spring to Fall. Zone 8.
S. leucantha \ Mexican Bush Sage
Eye-catching silver-gray green foliage with purple, pubescent flowers. Butterflies and hummingbirds love this 4x5’ bush-like plant. Likes full sun and blooms from July to November. Freezes down each winter, but with mulched roots, should come back even larger the next year. Zone 8.
S. leucantha ‘Santa Barbara’ PPAF \ Dwarf Mexican Bush Sage
Only grows 2’ tall and 3-4’ wide but still has the spikes of purple blooms. Look for flowers late summer until frost. Full sun and well-drained soil. Zone 7b.
S. madrensis \ Forsythia Sage
Sage that grows all summer reaching 4-7' tall. Rough-textured, spinach-green, and heart-shaped leaves. Whorled, rich yellow flowers bloom in late summer and continue until frost. Prefers a warm growing season, in light to medium shade in soil mixed with humus. Colonizes by runners. Good drainage and regular water provide best results. Zone 8-9. With mulching may be root hardy in Zone 7.
S. mexicana ‘Lollie Jackson’ \ Mexican Sage
Blooms in early fall, with rich, dark violet-blue blooms. Will reach 4' tall and as wide. Performs best with wind protection and summer pruning. Prefers partial shade in fast draining soil. Nectar attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Zones 7-10.
S. nemorosa ‘Blue Hill’ (‘Blauhügel’)
Reliable, compact perennial producing spikes of sky blue flowers in summer. Very long flowering. Can grow 16-20”. Needs full sun. Attracts butterflies. Zones 3-8.
S. nemorosa ‘East Friesland’ (‘Ostfriesland’)
Deep purple to dark violet, growing to 18” tall. Zones 3-8.
S. nemorosa ‘May Night’ (‘Mainacht’)
Large flowers of rich indigo-violet, enclosed in reddish bracts bloom mid to late summer. Grows to 18” in full sun and fertile soil. 1997 Perennial Plant of the Year. Zones 3-8.
S. nemorosa 'Pink Friesland' PPAF
From early summer into fall, displays of tall spikes of intense dark rose-pink flowers lighten the garden. Plant forms dense clumps 18X24" wide. Full sun and well drained soil. Zone 3.
S. nemorosa ‘Snow Hill’ (‘Schneehügel’)
Neat, clump forming plant with snowy-white flowers on erect spikes. Attracts hummingbirds and bees. Grows to 18” tall and needs full sun. Zones 3-8.
S. regla \ Mountain Sage
µTexas Nativeµ Red to orange flowers appear in fall, up to 2” long. Deciduous leaves are glossy, aromatic, heart-shaped and form a shrub that grows 3’, but can reach up to 8’ in height. Prefers dappled to part shade in well-drained soil. Will become drought tolerant once established, if it receives protection from the hot west sun. Zone 8.
S. roemeriana \ Cedar Sage
µTexas Nativeµ One of the finest flowers for a shady garden. Leaves are round with scalloped edges. Growing 12x12”, and planted along with Zexmenia, makes a great groundcover. Name comes from the ability to thrive under the ‘cedars’. Plant in most any well-drained soil in the shade or part shade to enjoy the red blooms on 2-3” spikes. Flowering period is from spring to fall. Zone 8.
S. sinaloensis \ Bicolor Sage
This 1x1˝’ perennial displays royal blue blooms on bronze colored foliage from late spring through fall. Afternoon shade is preferred. Zone 7.
S. uliginosa \ Bog Sage
µTexas Nativeµ Native to damp grasslands, this Salvia enjoys any good sandy soil that is not dry in summer. Plant in full to part sun and soak in the beautiful sky-blue colors until frost. Leave room for this tall mint looking sage as it can grow 4-5’ tall and 3’ wide. Zone 7.
Santolina chamaecyparissus \ Lavender Cotton
Dwarf sub-shrub, forms a dense mound, 1’ high, 2’ wide with aromatic whitish-gray foliage. Showy, button-like gold flowers in summer. Evergreen. Zone 7.
Santolina virens (Now S. rosmarinifolia) \ Green Lavender Cotton
A dense mound with yellow, button-like flowers blooming in summer. Has aromatic green foliage. Grows 1’ high and 1’ wide. Zone 7.
Saponaria officinalis ‘Flora Plena’ \ Bouncing Bet
Very popular trailing garden plant blooming in late spring with double pink flowers. Flat, 1” leaves are olive green and climb 12-30” over rocks and walls. Needs full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil. Zones 2-7.
Saxifraga stolonifera \ Strawberry Geranium
Flowers are 1” wide and rise to 12” high, white with red spots. Creeping plant that makes runners like strawberry. Leaves are nearly round to 4” across with white veins and pink underneath. Performs as a groundcover where hard freezes are infrequent. Shade or part shade, considerable moisture. Zones 4-9.
Scabiosa columbaria \ Pincushion Flower
The common name refers to the flower heads that, when closed, resemble a pincushion full of pins. Good as a cut flower with smooth gray-green leaves and 3” flower heads which have an outer ring of flat petals that surround a tufted central cushion. Plant in full sun and most any garden soil. Blooms from spring to frost. Zones 4-8.
S. columbaria ‘Butterfly Blue’
Lilac-blue blooms on 2’ stems. 2000 Perennial Plant of the Year.
S. columbaria ‘Pink Mist’ PP8957
Pretty pink flowers on 20-24” stems.
Scutellaria \ Skullcap
S. suffrutescens \ Pink Skullcap
Pink blooms from May to November. Low, compact and mounding habit, growing to 12” high with a 2-3’ spread. A heat lover that is almost ever blooming and evergreen in mild winters. Appreciates an occasional shearing. Zone 7.
S. suffrutescens alba \ White Skullcap
Same as species with white flowers.
.S. wrightii \ Shrubby Skullcap
This is a shrubby Skullcap with a usual height of 6-8”. Forms a mound of dark purple-blue blooms ˝” across from spring to frost, heaviest in summer. Needs well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade. Zone 7.
Sedum \ Stonecrop
Sedum is a flowering plant with 5 petals, 5 sepals and 10 stamens. Leaves are fleshy and usually alternate or whorled. Prefers well-drained soil. Tolerates drought and requires little maintenance. Sun to part shade. Use in rock gardens and as a groundcover. Taller varieties are good in borders. In the South, a number of rock garden species are at their finest in the cool months of fall, winter and spring, while barely hanging on in the summer. Zone 3..
S. ‘Autumn Joy’ (‘Herbstfreude’)
Alternate leaves along succulent stems are irregularly and sharply toothed. Flowers Ľ-3/8” across, pink to rusty-red, in clusters that resemble broccoli heads. Blooms late summer, fall. Tolerant of moist soil and prefers full sun, otherwise stems become weak and tops may flop over. If in part shade, cut back to 12” in June. Flowers are smaller, but more numerous. Reaches 12-24” high and 2’ wide. Zones 3-10.
S. ‘Ruby Glow’ (‘Robustum’)
Needs full sun and grows 8-12” tall. Leaves are fleshy, gray-blue. Iridescent dark, ruby flowers are Ľ“ across, arranged in clusters 2” across. Excellent for front of the border and is particularly colorful in late summer and fall. Zone 4.
S. ‘Vera Jameson’
Glaucous, mahogany-red foliage with arching stems of dusty pink. Blooms in September. Grows 10-12” in height.
S. kamtschaticum
Semi-evergreen, dark green fleshy leaves with serrated edges in a whorl around stem. Showy yellow flowers covering top of plant early to late summer. Mature height 4-6”. Full sun. Zone 3.
S. ‘Matrona’
An upright Sedum to 2’ with bronzy-green foliage and strong shiny, reddish-purple stems. Large pink flowers in late summer and fall with similar growth habit to that of ‘Autumn Joy’. Tolerant of most any soil but needs full sun. Zone 3.
S. palmeri
Blue-green foliage is tinged red in winter and offset by yellow flowers. Very drought tolerant. Makes a great container plant but does equally well in the ground. Height is 8-10” in partial shade. Zone 8.
S. reflexum
Mat-forming, evergreen perennial, 6-12” tall spreading horizontally with gray-green leaves. Flowers are golden-yellow in the summer. Zone 4.
S. sieboldii
Small, pink flowers in tightly packed, domed clusters. A spreading species, growing 6-9" tall. Prefers well-drained soil and sun to part shade. Blooms late summer, early fall, at their best in the cooler months. Zones 3-8.
S. spectabile ‘Brilliant’
Domed heads, 4-6” wide, of ˝” wide pink flowers on erect stems with broad, blue-green 3” leaves. This 1-2’ tall sedum is one of the most popular.
S. spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood’ (‘Schorbuser Blut’)
Very popular, low growing sedum with showy deep crimson flowers. Dark green leaves turn red in fall and winter. Zone 7.
S. spurium ‘Tricolor’
Grows 2-6" tall. Leaves are ˝-1" long and variegated with pink, white, and green. Succulent, drought tolerant perennial. Plant in average, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. Zones 3-8.
Sempervivum \ Hens & Chicks
(sem-per-VIE-vum)
Sempervivum is derived from semper, forever, and vivo, to live, meaning live forever, which aptly describes this plant. Unless indicated other wise, leaves are open, thick, fleshy rosettes, 3-4” wide and 1˝-3” long. Flowers form on hairy stems 6-18” tall. Although plants flower in mid-summer, they are more prized for their foliage effect and compact, neat growth habit. Full sun and good drainage are the only requirements. Use in rock gardens or containers. Zones 3-8.
S. braunii ‘Cobweb’
Pale green foliage covered with fine silvery web-like hairs. Grows 10-12” tall.
S. ‘Red Beauty’
A vigorous grower. Blood red in color.
S. ‘Silverine’
Off-green with red blended in. Good variety.
Setcreasea pallida \ Purple Heart
(set-KREE-see-ah pah LA da)
Purple foliage, with fleshy stems and small blooms of pink flowers. Purple Heart has a sprawling habit with ascending stems. It grows 12” tall with an 18” spread. Grows best in well-drained soil in full to part sun in south. Excess moisture will cause rotting. Used as a bedding plant or groundcover. Zones 9-10.
Sisyrinchium bellum \ Blue Eyed Grass
(sis-ee-RINK-ee-um)
µTexas Nativeµ Leaves are narrow, grass-like, green or bluish-green. Small flowers, ˝” across are purple to bluish purple, blooming early to mid-spring. Prefers well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Best suited for informal gardens or naturalizing. Clump grows 6-8” high. Will tolerate some drought. Zone 4.
Solidago ‘Golden Baby’ (Now S. ‘Goldkind’) \ Goldenrod
(sol-i-DAY-go)
Some consider this a weed, others a handsome wild flower. It is sometimes mistaken for ragweed. Goldenrod does well in moist soil and full sun. Flowers are pyramidal in shape and are fine for borders and natural plantings. Can be invasive. Used as a dried flowers. Golden yellow plumes, 24” high. Zone 3.
Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' \ Goldenrod
Late summer to fall, flowers of golden-yellow, lacy bloom spikes on plants reaching 3˝-4' in height. Most any soil, full sun. Zone 4.
Stachys byzantina \ Lamb’s Ear
The common name is a precise description as the gray-white woolly leaves feel exactly like a lamb’s ear. The 4” long leaves and sturdy stems are covered with a dense white wool. An easy to grow plant, reaching about 6-9” tall with flower spikes up to 2’ bearing small pink to purple flowers. Drought resistant, requiring full sun and good, well-drained soil. Dried spikes are very effective in dried arrangements. Zone 5.
Stachys byzantina ‘Big Ears’ (Prev. S.b. ‘Helene Von Stein’) \ Giant Lamb’s Ear
More heat and humidity resistant than species, with broad leaves twice the size of other Lamb’s Ears. Strong clumping habit. Seldom blooms. Place in full to part sun in well-drained soil. Grows 10” tall. Zones 4-10.
Stokesia laevis ‘Blue Danube’ \ Stoke’s Aster
Lovely, lavender-blue flowers up to 5” across, bloom summer to frost. Plant grows 12-24” tall. Sun to part sun. Well-drained soil. Zone 5.
