The most handsome of the Bergenias by far, this cultivar has evergreen leaves that are slightly smaller and more tapered with a pointed tip- much less cabbage-like in appearance than most Bergenias. The foliage is smooth and without the usual blemishes and diseases. Flowers are a waxy white that age to pink in the spring. Growing 12-15” tall, it can make a great groundcover when planted in large groups, or it can be used as a nice contrast to fine textured bedding plants. Grows best in partial shade, planted in well-drained soil.
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Full Shade Cold Hardiness: Zones 4-8 Spacing: 12" Growth Rate: Moderate Water Needs: Well-drained sandy loam soil
Caryopteris x clandonensis 'First Choice' (PPAF) – First Choice Blue Mist Shrub
A new compact form with deep inky-blue buds that open to large rich cobalt-blue flowers in profusion in late summer. Becomes a rounded 30” sub-shrub at maturity. Full sun and well-drained soils result in maximum performance. Although this plant can become a woody shrub, it usually dies back to the ground in winter and thus it is usually treated as a herbaceous perennial. Can be used as a hedge, ‘First Choice’ is a perfect center of focus plant for the herbaceous border.
Sun Exposure: Full Sun Cold Hardiness: Zones 6-9 Spacing: 18" Growth Rate: Moderate Water Needs: Wel-drained sandy loam preferred
Corydalis x 'Blackberry Wine' – Blackberry Wine Corydalis
Delicate looking blue-green fern-like leaves provide a backdrop for a profusion of small fragrant tubular flowers that are deep wine-purple. It blooms in spring with some repeat bloom thereafter and grows 10-12” tall. Best grown in partial shade in alkaline soils with excellent drainage. In sour soils you will need to add a good dose of garden lime. Looks great when combined with Corydalis lutea but also goes well with Hostas and Bergenias.
Sun Exposure: Partial Sun Cold Hardiness: Zone 5-9 Spacing: 12" Growth Rate: Moderate Water Needs: Well-drained alkaline soil
A sport of Echinacea pur. ‘Kim’s Knee High’ found by Pierre Bennerup of Sunny Border Nurseries but named for Kim Hawkes of Niche Gardens. We like the dwarf habit of Echinacea ‘Kim’s Knee High’, but its white sport is even shorter, growing just 12-15” tall. The flowers contrast nicely with Echinacea ‘Kim’s Knee High’ or when planted with Liatris ‘Kobold’. Blooming in mid-summer, it has a repeat bloom in late August-September if cut back after it first blooms. The perfect plant for the front of the border or where space is limited.
Sun Exposure: Full Sun Cold Hardiness: Zones 4-8 Spacing: 12' Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate Water Needs: Any well-drained soil
