Bishop’s Hat
One of my favorite perennials for dry shade is bishop’s hat (Epimedium species), also known as barrenwort or fairy wings. There are over fifty-eight different species of Epimedium that are native to...
Category: Perennials
Hellebore
Hellebores (Helleborus species) are perennials in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, along with clematis (Clematis spp.), columbine (Aquilegia spp.), and anemone (Anemone spp.). There are 20...
Giant Coneflower
I love adding drama to a garden, especially choosing a plant that will stop you in your tracks with your mouth gaping open! One such plant is the giant coneflower (Rudbeckia maxima). It’s a...
Lizard’s Tail
Lizard’s tail (Saururus cernuus) is a perennial native to Eastern and Southeastern North America. Don’t you just love that common name, lizard’s tail? The scientific name, Saurus cernnus, is derived...
Solomon’s-seals
Native Solomon’s-seals (Polygonatum biflorum), as well as other Polygonatum species, generally emerge in late March to early April and immediately begin flowering. They have an unusual plant texture...
Common Buttonbush
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is often lauded for its utility rather than its beauty. Its commercial introduction in 1735 was primarily for beekeepers (hence, its other common name of...
Dividing Perennials
The three main reasons for dividing perennials are to control the size of the plants, to help rejuvenate them, and to increase their number. Dividing and replanting keeps rapidly spreading...