Perennials

Perennials

Our enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable perennials team is here to answer your questions and help you choose the best perennials for your situation. There’s always something in bloom for sun, shade, butterflies, birds or deer resistance  as well as a variety of bulbs for your space.

Stroll through our time-tested favorites and introduce yourself to the newest varieties. We garden with perennials too; we love them and it shows!

Athyrium niponicum 'Regal Red'

Height: 18 inches

Spread: 24 inches

Sunlight: partial shade, full shade

Hardiness Zone: 4a

Other Names: Crested Japanese Painted Fern

Description:
Attractive tri-color fronds of silver, red and pale green; colorful maroon-red central stems and veins; compact and dense, perfect for shady spots; beautiful in masses on the edges of ponds or streams

Ornamental Features:
Regal Red Painted Fern is primarily valued in the garden for its cascading habit of growth. Its attractive twisted ferny bipinnately compound leaves emerge dark red in spring, turning silver in color with pointy dark red spines throughout the season. The red stems are very colorful and add to the overall interest of the plant.

Landscape Attributes:
Regal Red Painted Fern is a dense herbaceous fern with a shapely form and gracefully arching fronds. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Regal Red Painted Fern is recommended for the following landscape applications:

- Mass Planting
- Border Edging
- General Garden Use
- Groundcover
- Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing:
Regal Red Painted Fern will grow to be about 18 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 15 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in partial shade to shade. It prefers to grow in moist to wet soil, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for rich, acidic soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone over the growing season to conserve soil moisture. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Hibiscus 'Perfect Storm' PP27880

Pink-blushed white flowers contrast against dark, purple foliage. Shrub-like habit. USDA 4-9

Hibiscus x 'Cranberry Crush'

Dark red blooms. Purple toned foliage. Rounded habit. USDA 4-9

Hibiscus x 'Cranberry Crush'

Dark red blooms. Purple toned foliage. Rounded habit. USDA 4-9

Hibiscus 'Starry Starry Night' PP27901

Pink blooms are centered with dark-red. Dark, purple foliage contrasts against flowers. Bushy habit. USDA 4-9

Hibiscus 'Perfect Storm' PP27880

Pink-blushed white flowers contrast against dark, purple foliage. Shrub-like habit. USDA 4-9

Sedum 'Vera Jameson'

Plant Height: 6 inches

Flower Height: 10 inches

Spacing: 12 inches

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade

Hardiness Zone: 2b

Other Names: Autumn Stonecrop, Showy Stonecrop

Description:
A stunningly attractive perennial for hot, dry locations, featuring succulent bluish-green foliage and dark purple stems all season long, with showy pink flowers in late summer; a compact variety of stonecrop that also boasts excellent fall color

Ornamental Features:
Vera Jameson Stonecrop has masses of beautiful clusters of rose flowers at the ends of the stems from late summer to late fall, which emerge from distinctive coral-pink flower buds, and which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its attractive succulent round leaves are bluish-green in color. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous burgundy in the fall. The deep purple stems are very colorful and add to the overall interest of the plant.

Landscape Attributes:
Vera Jameson Stonecrop is a dense herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting bees and butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Vera Jameson Stonecrop is recommended for the following landscape applications:

- Mass Planting
- Rock/Alpine Gardens
- Border Edging
- General Garden Use
- Groundcover
- Container Planting

Planting & Growing:
Vera Jameson Stonecrop will grow to be only 6 inches tall at maturity extending to 10 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 15 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 12 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 15 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in poor soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Vera Jameson Stonecrop is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. It is often used as a 'filler' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, providing a mass of flowers and foliage against which the larger thriller plants stand out. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

Eucomis comosa 'Sparkling Burgundy'

Pinkish blooms. Purple foliage. Prefers rich, Well-drained Soils. USDA 6-9

Lobelia cardinalis 'Black Truffle'

Red blooms. Purple-black foliage. Native. Tolerates wet sites. USDA 5-9

Penstemon 'Midnight Masquerade

Rich lavender purple flowers with white interiors. Rich, dark stem. USDA 3-8

Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'

Plant Height: 18 inches

Flower Height: 30 inches

Spacing: 18 inches

Sunlight: full sun partial shade

Hardiness Zone: 3b

Other Names: Beardtongue
Ornamental Features:

Husker Red Beard Tongue has masses of beautiful spikes of white tubular flowers rising above the foliage from early to mid summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its attractive narrow leaves emerge burgundy in spring, turning dark green in color with distinctive deep purple edges throughout the season. The deep purple stems are very colorful and add to the overall interest of the
plant.

Landscape Attributes:
Husker Red Beard Tongue is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Husker Red Beard Tongue is recommended for the following landscape applications:

- Mass Planting
- Border Edging
- General Garden Use
- Container Planting

Planting & Growing:

Husker Red Beard Tongue will grow to be about 18 inches tall at maturity extending to 30 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 24 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 18 inches apart. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selection of a native North American species. It can be propagated by cuttings; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Husker Red Beard Tongue is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'

White blooms. Dense maroon and green foliage. Clumping. USDA 3-8

Heuchera micrantha var. diversifolia 'Palace Purple'

Plant Height: 12 inches

Flower Height: 24 inches

Spacing: 10 inches

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade, full shade

Hardiness Zone: 3b

Other Names: Coralbells, Alumroot

Description:
Low growing mounds of deep purple-bronze foliage offset tiny spikes of creamy white flowers in the early summer months; adds contrast and color to borders, beds, rock and woodland gardens; low maintenance and easy to grow

Ornamental Features:
Palace Purple Coral Bells features dainty spikes of creamy white bell-shaped flowers rising above the foliage from late spring to mid summer. Its attractive crinkled lobed leaves remain deep purple in color with curious burgundy undersides and tinges of dark green throughout the year.

Landscape Attributes:
Palace Purple Coral Bells is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It is a good choice for attracting hummingbirds to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Palace Purple Coral Bells is recommended for the following landscape applications:

- Mass Planting
- Rock/Alpine Gardens
- Border Edging
- General Garden Use
- Groundcover
Container Planting
- Planting & Growing

Palace Purple Coral Bells will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity extending to 24 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 12 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 10 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant performs well in both full sun and full shade. However, you may want to keep it away from hot, dry locations that receive direct afternoon sun or which get reflected sunlight, such as against the south side of a white wall. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Palace Purple Coral Bells is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

Heuchera FOREVER? 'Purple'

Height: 15 inches

Spacing: 18 inches

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade, full shade

Hardiness Zone: 4a

Other Names: Coralbells, Alumroot

Description:
An outstanding variety producing glossy purple leaves with deep purple veins; dainty pink and white flowers on purple spikes stand out well; amazing contrast to other plants; great versatility; keep soil moist in heat of summer

Ornamental Features:
Forever Purple Coral Bells features dainty spikes of pink bell-shaped flowers with creamy white overtones rising above the foliage from mid spring to mid summer. Its attractive glossy lobed leaves emerge deep purple in spring, turning purple in color with distinctive deep purple veins and tinges of hot pink the rest of the year.

Landscape Attributes:
Forever Purple Coral Bells is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It is a good choice for attracting hummingbirds to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Forever Purple Coral Bells is recommended for the following landscape applications:

- Mass Planting
- Rock/Alpine Gardens
- Border Edging
- General Garden Use
- Groundcover
- Container Planting
- Planting & Growing

Forever Purple Coral Bells will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 22 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 18 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant performs well in both full sun and full shade. However, you may want to keep it away from hot, dry locations that receive direct afternoon sun or which get reflected sunlight, such as against the south side of a white wall. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Forever Purple Coral Bells is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. It is often used as a 'filler' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, providing a mass of flowers and foliage against which the larger thriller plants stand out. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

Heuchera 'Obsidian'

Plant Height: 10 inches

Flower Height: 24 inches

Spacing: 10 inches

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade, full shade

Hardiness Zone: 4a

Other Names: Coralbells, Alumroot

Description:
Dark and moody deep purple-black, smooth and shiny foliage wont fade in the sun; tall flower spikes of creamy white appear during the early summer; flowers are suitable for cutting; great for color contrast in beds, borders and containers; low maintenance

Ornamental Features:
Obsidian Coral Bells features dainty spikes of creamy white bell-shaped flowers rising above the foliage from late spring to early summer. Its attractive crinkled lobed leaves emerge burgundy in spring, turning black in color with curious deep purple undersides the rest of the year.

Landscape Attributes:
Obsidian Coral Bells is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It is a good choice for attracting hummingbirds to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Obsidian Coral Bells is recommended for the following landscape applications:

- Mass Planting
- Rock/Alpine Gardens
- Border Edging
- General Garden Use
- Groundcover
- Container Planting
- Planting & Growing

Obsidian Coral Bells will grow to be about 10 inches tall at maturity extending to 24 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 12 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 10 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant performs well in both full sun and full shade. However, you may want to keep it away from hot, dry locations that receive direct afternoon sun or which get reflected sunlight, such as against the south side of a white wall. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider covering it with a thick layer of mulch in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Obsidian Coral Bells is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.