Plants
Aeonium sedifolium
This drought-tolerant plant requires ample light, preferably in a south-facing location. It needs porous, well-draining soil and minimal watering, with drought periods between waterings. Adding pumice, perlite, or grit to the soil can improve drainage. It can freeze at temperatures below 40°F.
Arisaema serratum
Arisaema serratum, known as the cobra lily, is a robust plant native to Japan, featuring two hand-shaped leaves with multiple leaflets. It produces a green and white striped pitcher with occasional purple markings, topped with a whip-like tongue. This plant blooms from May to June and is suitable for well-drained woodland gardens. It contains toxic compounds, so caution is advised when handling. Its unique appearance and adaptability make it a fascinating addition to shaded garden areas.
Chelone obliqua
Chelone obliqua, native to the southeastern US, is a perennial flowering plant with spikes of turtlehead-like flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall and is adaptable to various garden conditions, making it a great choice for fall color. Its unique flower shape and ability to attract pollinators add interest to gardens.
Hydrangea serrata 'Amagi Amacha'
Hydrangea serrata 'Amagi Amacha' is known for its stark white blooms and dark green foliage, which turns red in the fall. It has narrow leaves and stems, adding a striking contrast to garden landscapes.
Musa basjoo
Musa basjoo, also known as the Japanese banana or hardy banana, is a subtropical plant from southern China. It grows 16-20 feet tall with thick green stems and 6-foot long narrow green leaves. This banana species is the world's hardiest, withstanding temperatures down to -20°F with mulching. It produces small, inedible yellow bananas and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mueke'
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mueke' is a pastel Teller lacecap variety known for its dusty pink or purple blooms that deepen in color as the season progresses. This plant features sturdy round leaves and sterile florets that form a perfect lacecap circle. It is suitable for cut or dried flowers, adding a touch of elegance to floral arrangements.
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Decatur Blue'
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Decatur Blue' is a remontant blooming variety that showcases a spectrum of colors from electric blue to soft pink. As the blooms age, they transition to green and red during the summer. This hydrangea is known for its vibrant and changing colors, making it a standout in gardens.
Gerbera 'Orange Garden Jewels'
Gerbera 'Orange Garden Jewels' is a cold-hardy perennial known for its strong pest and disease resistance. It produces up to 100 flowers on 12- to 14-inch stems and thrives in full sun to part shade. This plant requires rich, well-drained soil and regular watering to establish roots.
Nepenthes fusca
Nepenthes fusca is a tropical plant endemic to Borneo, known for its wide peristome form. It grows in exposed areas under full sun and is an intermediate tropical plant. This species has undergone taxonomic revisions and is now recognized as distinct from its previous classification. Nepenthes fusca is notable for its adaptability to various forms throughout its range, making it a fascinating subject for plant enthusiasts.
Abelia 'Rose Creek'
Abelia 'Rose Creek' is a compact evergreen shrub with year-round interest. It features green foliage with red stems in spring and white flowers from early summer to fall. In cooler weather, the foliage takes on a rosy-copper hue, turning purple in winter. This drought-tolerant shrub is resistant to deer, insects, and diseases.
Peristeria elata
Peristeria elata, known as the Dove Orchid or Holy Ghost Orchid, is native to Central and South America. It features white flowers with a dove-like central column and a sweet fragrance. The plant is endangered due to habitat loss and overcollection.
Gentiana asclepiadea
Gentiana asclepiadea, also known as the willow gentian, is a perennial native to central and eastern Europe. It features bell-shaped blue-purple flowers in summer, thriving in moist to damp slightly acidic soil. This plant is found in mountain woodlands or open pastures and prefers full sun or partial shade. Gentiana asclepiadea is easy to grow and has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit for its ornamental value.
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Merritt's Beauty'
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Merritt's Beauty' is a cultivar known for its dark vivid blooms that range from deep pink to deep blue, depending on soil pH. The plant features big globe-like flowers and dark green foliage, making it a striking addition to gardens. Bred in the USA, it is a robust and colorful choice for hydrangea enthusiasts.
Paeonia lactiflora
Paeonia lactiflora is a classic Asian peony species, serving as the ancestor of many modern hybrids. It is native to regions of China, Korea, Mongolia, and Russia, thriving at elevations between 1,000 and 7,000 feet. This herbaceous perennial is known for its fragrant, cup-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring, featuring colors from white to pink and crimson, with a central cluster of yellow stamens. The plant attracts butterflies and is well-suited to dry, open slopes and woodland edges. Cultivated since the 7th century in China, it has become a staple in ornamental gardening.
Viburnum plicatum 'Shasta'
The Viburnum plicatum, or Doublefile Viburnum, is a deciduous shrub known for its double rows of white flowers in late spring and early summer. It produces red berries that turn black by fall and has green foliage that turns red and burgundy in autumn. This plant attracts butterflies and birds and grows 6-8 feet tall and 9-12 feet wide. It thrives in temperate climates, USDA zones 5-8, preferring full sun or partial shade and consistently moist, well-draining soil. Pruning can help maintain its size.
Anacampseros papyracea ssp. namaensis
Anacampseros papyracea ssp. namaensis, native to South Africa and Namibia, is the largest known Avonia with miniature stems reaching up to 4 inches in height. It blooms with tiny whitish-green flowers between summer and fall. This plant is frost-hardy and thrives in full sun to light shade, making it a unique choice for succulent enthusiasts.
Platycodon grandiflorus 'Double Blue'
Platycodon grandiflorus 'Double Blue' is a perennial with striking double blue flowers, ideal for mixing in garden borders. This plant is known for its vibrant blooms and is a favorite among gardeners.
Geranium 'Cambridge'
Geranium 'Cambridge' is a charming ground cover perfect for lightly shaded woodland gardens. This hybrid forms an 8-inch high mat that can spread over 2 feet, featuring glossy foliage and blue-pink flowers that bloom in spring and fall. It is resistant to rabbits and can thrive in rain gardens, making it a versatile addition to various garden settings. Its ability to attract butterflies adds to its appeal in a naturalistic garden design.
Paeonia suffruticosa 'Shimanishiki'
Paeonia suffruticosa 'Shimanishiki' is a rare tree peony from Japan, known for its large double red and white flowers in late spring. It can reach 6 feet in height and requires good drainage and light shade in hot climates.
Bifrenaria verboonenii
Bifrenaria verboonenii is a medium-sized orchid species that grows as an epiphyte or lithophyte. It thrives in warm to cool conditions, making it a versatile choice for orchid enthusiasts.
Carya illinoinensis 'Oconee'
Carya illinoinensis 'Oconee' is a pecan tree known for its large crops of tasty nuts. It begins bearing at an early age and is a thin-skinned papershell variety. This tree thrives in the heat and humidity of the southeastern US, providing excellent shade and wildlife habitat.
Sedum 'Black Jack'
Sedum 'Black Jack' is a striking plant introduced in 2004, known for its dramatically darker black-purple stems and foliage. This hybrid forms a 2-foot tall clump and produces large 8-inch flower heads of pink in September. It is suitable for sun-filled gardens and is appreciated for its unique color and ability to attract butterflies.
Erigeron pulchellus 'Lynnhaven Carpet'
Erigeron pulchellus 'Lynnhaven Carpet' is a thick, slowly-spreading groundcover with evergreen, fuzzy, grey-green leaves. It is topped with pale lavender daisies in late spring and is very drought tolerant in dry shade. This plant was selected on the Virginia Beach property of Clarice Keeling.
Lamium maculatum 'Pink Pewter'
Lamium maculatum 'Pink Pewter' is a groundcover plant with quarter-sized silvery leaves bordered in green and hooded pink flowers that bloom from mid-spring for several months. It is ideal for large woodland areas and thrives in soil that remains consistently moist.
Geonoma macrostachys
Geonoma macrostachys is a tropical plant with dark stems and vibrant green foliage. It thrives in shaded to partially shaded areas and requires well-draining soil, making it a striking addition to tropical gardens.
Baptisia 'Yellow Towers'
Baptisia 'Yellow Towers' is a hybrid plant known for its tall clumps and large buttery yellow flowers. Released in 2017, it grows to 52 inches tall with 18-inch flower spikes. This plant is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a resilient choice for gardens.
Fagus sylvatica 'Rohanii'
Fagus sylvatica 'Rohanii' is a large deciduous tree with bronzy-purple spring foliage that turns deep reddish-purple in summer and orange in fall. It has unique wavy leaf margins and produces spiny fruit with edible nuts. This tree is very cold hardy and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.