Gardens of the Blue Ridge

Amsonia ‘Blue Ice’ – Blue Star

This plant was chosen from the A. tabernaemontana and named ‘Blue Ice’ because of its longer and stronger light blue blooms. It forms a compact mound of dark green leaves that turn yellow in the fall. Too much shade could make them weak. They are easy to grow, hardy and drought tolerant once established.

Sun/Semi, Moist Soil, Spring, 12-15” Tall, Spread 18-24”, Zones 5-9

__________________________________________________________________________________

Anemone canadensis – Meadow Anemone

This one grows up to two feet tall from underground runners that lie parallel to the surface and sprout new plants. From among the largest leaves grow one to three long stalks, each bearing a white flower about an inch wide.  Anemones are members of the buttercup family (Ranunculus).  These plants grow best under idle conditions such as old road ditches or lightly grazed conditions.

Sun to Shade, Average, Spring, White, 12-24 in Tall, Zones 5-9

___________________________________________________________________________________

Anemone sylvestris – Snowdrop Anemone

Delicate nodding white flowers appear in late spring and early summer over a low mound of fern-like foliage.  It is suitable for a groundcover.  Allow plenty of room  as this is a good spreader.  Easily divided in spring or fall.

Sun, Average, Spring/Summer/ White, 12-18 in. Tall, Zones 5-9

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Aquilegia canadensis ‘Little Lanterns’ – Canadian columbine

‘Little Lanterns’ is short but has numerous pendant flowers in shades of red and yellow covering the plant in late spring, In cool climates they survive in full sun, but prefer some shade. Plants reseed readily. The color of the blooms are more intense than the species.

Sun/Semi, Well drained Soil, Spring, 12-18” Tall, Spread 12”, Zones 3-8

____________________________________________________________________________________

Aruncus aethusifolius – Goats Beard

This is a miniature Aruncus only 12” tall with fine glossy, fern-like foliage, and spikes of white flowers.  Good for shade or rock gardens. Insects and diseases don’t bother this plant.

Shade, Moist Soil, Summer, 6-12” Tall, Spread 12-16”, Zones 3-7

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Asclepias incarnata ‘Ice Ballet’ – Milkweed

This Milkweed offers 3 months of vanilla-scented, white flowers. Deadheading will encourage re-blooming. It is attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.  A good cutting flower, sear ends over flame to stop leaking sap.

Sun, Moist Soil, Summer/Fall, 36-48” Tall, Spread 18-24”, Zones 3-9

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Asclepias verticillata – Feather-leaved Milkweed

Like all Milkweeds, this one will attract butterflies to the garden. It forms a medium-size spreading clump of upright stems, with fine green leaves that have a soft, feathery appearance. Clusters of fragrant white flowers appear in midsummer, with leaves turning orange and gold in the fall. Good in open, sunny meadows, wildflower gardens, or perennial borders. Interesting as a cut flower.

Sun, Average Soil, Late Summer, 18-23” tall, Spread 18-24”, Zones 4-10

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Baptisia ‘Carolina Moonlight’ – Indigo

This Baptisia is a cross between two other Baptisias.  It has clear yellow lupine-like flowers that rise above grayish-green foliage on erect flower spikes in April  and May.  Flowering begins as the foliage is developing and continues for almost a month.  The foliage is insect and disease resistant.  A true show stopper in the spring garden.

Sun, Well Drained, Spring, Yellow, 24-36 in. Tall, Zones 4-9  

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Baptisia ‘Purple Smoke’ – Wild Indigo

Numerous flowers open first at the base of this flower stalk and then opens upward. It has charcoal-gray stems and has a strong upright form. Also it is a vigorous grower with beautiful violet-blue blooms, and is drought tolerant with a deep tap root giving it the ability to survive long dry periods. .

Sun, Average Soil, Spring, 12-36” Tall, Spread 24”, Zones 4-8

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Baptisia spaerocarpa – Indigo

This one is a colorful delight from spring until frost.  Its bright yellow pea-like bloom has cool blue-green foliage.  Thrives in poor soil and is low maintenance and deer resistant.  As the flowers fade after a long blooming season seed pods emerge.  It is a fabulous addition to dried arrangements and a real attention getter in your garden.

Sun, Poor Soil, Spring to Frost, Bright Yellow, 24-36 in Tall, Zones 4-9

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Belamcanda chinensis ‘Hello Yellow’ – Blackberry Lily

This one produces a profusion of bright yellow flowers, not spotted. It produces seed pods in the fall. It’s height depends on quality of the soil, and requires heavy mulching in winter. A beautiful showy addition to your garden.

Sun, Average Soil, Summer/Fall, 18-24” Tall, Spread 8-12”, Zones 4-10

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Echinacea ‘Twilight’ – Coneflower

This selection has striking rose red flowers with a deep red cone.  Has slightly reflexed and overlapping petals which gives the blooms a full look.  Great for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.  The color is fantastic.

Sun, Dry Soil, Summer, Rose Red, 24-30 in. Tall, Zones 4-9

 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Echinacea ‘White Swan’ – Coneflower

This is a white coneflower. Their sweet honey-like fragrance attracts masses of butterflies. Praised for their large daisy like flowers, ‘White Swan’ is a bit shorter than many other coneflowers. If deadheaded, bloom will be extended. They are drought tolerant.

Sun, Dry Soil, Summer, 18-24” Tall, Spread 18-24”, Zones 3-8

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Eupatorium ‘Little Joe’ – Joe Pye Weed

Do you love the Joe Pye Weed but don’t have room for the large plant, then try this selection.  It only reaches a height of 4 ft. and has the same beautiful flowers as the regular Joe Pye Weed.  With this plant in your garden you are guaranteed to attract butterflies.  Does best in full sun but will tolerate light shade.  A must have for your garden.

Sun, Average Soil, Late Summer, Lavender, 36-48 in. Tall, Zones 4-9

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Eupatorium rugosum ‘Chocolate’ – Chocolate Boneset

This species is related to the Joe-Pye-Weed, not as well known. It has dark bronzy-brown leaves in spring and summer turning green when the autumn white flower clusters begin to show. Useful in shady spots and even tolerates dry shade under deciduous trees once they are established. Both flowers and foliage are good for cutting. They are attractive to butterflies. Can be divided in early spring.

Sun/Shade, Average Soil, Early Fall, 35-47” Tall, Spread 29-35”, Zones 5-9

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Geranium maculatum ‘ Espresso’ – Wild cranesbill

This geranium has pale lavender-pink flowers with red-brown foliage. It can be a feature plant in your garden with its bold new look, It also can be used as a groundcover in partial shade. Looks good in a border , as an edging or in containers. Its bold foliage lasts all summer.

Sun/Semi, Average Soil, Early Summer, 8-12” Tall, Spread 18-24”, Zones 3-9