All Perennials

Ajuga Reptans

Discover the Beauty and Versatility of Ajuga Reptans for Your Garden Ajuga Reptans is a fast-growing member of the mint family. It is known to spread quickly enough via runners to become invasive in some areas. The reptans part of its Latin name means "to creep." It is a naturalized North American plant introduced from several places in Europe and Asia. Ajuga Reptans grow well in Hardiness Zones 3 through 10. They are susceptible to most dirt, though they prefer slightly acidic. Fully grown plants generally stand 6" to 8" high; flower stalks can grow to 12". Each plant may extend up to 12". They quickly form mats, especially in shaded areas beneath other trees and shrubs. The plant is hardy enough to grow beneath black walnut trees. Ajuga Reptans A Low-Maintenance Ground Cover Solution The plant's growth speed can be controlled by where it is planted. Plants in shadier areas tend to grow faster than those in sunnier regions. The plant is best planted in rock gardens, container-edged beds, or wide-open areas that need ground cover quickly. It lends itself well to erosion control. It should not be planted near any less hardy flowers at home, as it may choke them out. Transform Your Landscape with Vibrant Ajuga Reptans Plants They should be periodically divided and thinned, at minimum, every third year. They flower through the spring and summer, generally beginning in May or June. Pinching off runners helps with this, too. The flowers are blue, purple, or white, though there is at least one cultivar with pink flowers. Other cultivar strains have leaves that are multi-colored or variegated. Beyond thinning, the Ajuga Reptans is relatively low-maintenance. It needs no extra fertilizer and is worry-free against most garden pests. However, care should be taken in areas of high humidity to ensure properly drained soil and prevent southern rot. It is deer and rabbit-resistant.

Annual Phlox

Why Annual Phlox is a Must-Have for Vibrant Summer Gardens The flowers are star-shaped and typically clustered together, creating a striking display. Mature plants have a cluster of approximately 30 flowers at the height of the stem. The flowers have five petals. The wild plants have red flowers, which are white at the rim. Some hybrid plants also come in a variety of patterns. These plants are popular in flower beds, borders, and containers because of their wide assortment of bright colors and long blooming periods.  Annual Phox has a spicy aroma, which makes it a great addition to your garden and ideal for cutting flower arrangements. Caring for Annual Phlox Tips for Long-Lasting Blooms Annual Phlox is native to the southern United States and thrives in various environments, including gardens and meadows. Annual Phlox has been cultivated for over a century and is a favorite among gardeners for its ability to provide a burst of color throughout the summer months. Annual Phlox The Perfect Flower for Stunning Color Displays Annual Phlox plants is an excellent choice for container gardening due to their vibrant colors and compact growth habit.  Choose a container at least 12 inches in diameter to provide enough space for the roots Use a high-quality potting mix. You can also add perlite or sand to improve drainage. To promote healthy growth and blooming, apply slow-release fertilizer when the growing seasons tarts. You can also use a liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. Place the container in a location that receives full sun. Propagating Annual Phlox Annual Phlox can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Start the seeds 6-8 weeks prior to the last frost date. Or, sow seeds directly after the danger of frost has passed. Cuttings: Take cuttings when the plant is actively growing (spring or early summer). Choose healthy stems that are about 4-6 inches long. Cut just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves, leaving a few at the top. Place the cutting into a pot with a well-draining potting mix. Water lightly to settle the soil around the cutting. A plastic bag or a clear dome will help to maintain humidity until roots develop.

Baneberry

The Allure of Baneberry A Must-Have for Shaded Gardens White baneberry, commonly known as doll's eye (Actaea pachypoda), is a perennial plant native to North America. It gets its common name from the distinctive white berries it produces, each with a black dot, resembling a doll's eye. Here are some specific tips for growing white baneberry (doll's eye):  Site Selection- Light: Prefers partial to full shade. It thrives in woodland settings or shaded garden areas.- Soil: Grows best in rich, moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted leaf mold.  Watering- Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. However, avoid waterlogging as it can lead to root rot.- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. How to Grow and Care for Baneberry in Your Backyard  Maintenance- Fertilization: White baneberry typically does not need heavy fertilization. A light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can promote healthy growth.- Pruning: Remove dead or damaged stems in early spring. Pruning spent flowers can help maintain the plant's appearance and prevent seed dispersal if self-seeding is not desired.- Pest and Disease Management: Generally pest-resistant, but monitor for signs of disease, especially root rot. Ensure proper soil drainage and avoid overwatering.  Special Considerations- Toxicity: All parts of the plant, especially the berries, are toxic if ingested. Plant in areas away from children and pets.- Wildlife: While toxic to humans, the berries may be eaten by birds. The plant can also provide cover and habitat for small wildlife.  Additional Tips- Companion Planting: Consider planting white baneberry with other shade-loving plants such as ferns, hostas, or woodland phlox to create a lush, diverse garden.- Naturalizing: White baneberry can naturalize in woodland gardens, spreading slowly over time. Allow it to form colonies for a more natural look. Discover the Benefits of Planting Baneberry in Your Landscape By following these tips, you can successfully grow and enjoy the unique and intriguing white baneberry (doll's eye) in your garden, adding both beauty and a touch of the unusual to shaded areas.

Bearded Iris

The Timeless Elegance of Bearded Iris in Your Garden The Bearded Iris, known scientifically as Iris germanica, is a perennial plant renowned for its stunning and intricate blooms. It is characterized by its ruffled petals and a distinctive "beard" on its falls (the lower petals). Bearded irises typically have large, showy flowers with six petals: three upright petals called standards and three drooping petals called falls. The falls often have a fuzzy or hairy texture (the "beard") near their centers. The plant has sword-shaped leaves that grow in a fan-like arrangement. Bearded Irises are perfect for borders due to their height and stunning blooms – typically planted in the middle or back of the border due to their height. Combine Bearded Irises with other perennials like daylilies, peonies, and lupines to extend the blooming season and add varied textures. Mass plantings can make a bold statement and are especially effective in large garden spaces. The bearded iris bulbs are easy to plant and can spread rather quickly How to Grow and Care for Bearded Iris for Vibrant Blooms They need to be planted in late summer or early fall. The Bearded Iris is like a sunny spot with at least six hours of full sun to help keep the rhizomes dry. It's best to plant them about 16-18 inches apart for good air circulation. They do not need mulching because constant moisture will rot the rhizomes. To preserve the plant's energy, remove the seed pod that forms after they have bloomed. To ensure a healthier plant, prune back the foliage in the fall. They should be divided every three to four years in late summer if they are thickly clustered. Rhizomes, their root structure, can die off as new ones form to cause crowding and slow the blooms from forming. Dividing them will give the plants new ground for growth. Bearded Iris A Low-Maintenance Perennial for Stunning Landscapes To divide Bearded Iris, use a garden spade or fork, carefully lifting them out of the soil to avoid damaging the rhizomes. Slowly pull the plants apart using your hands while examining them for dead or damaged rhizomes. Use a knife to separate baby rhizomes from the parent, ensuring the knife has been sanitized with ten percent bleach water between cuts. Discard any damaged or diseased plant parts. Replant, fanning the roots and leaving a portion of the rhizome exposed. Put the plants about 12 to 18 inches apart, clipping the tops to 4 to 6 inches.

Black Cohosh Plant

Black Cohosh Plant A Natural Beauty for Your Shade Garden Black Cohosh, also known as Actaea racemosa, is a native North American plant. It is part of the daffodil and buttercup family and is a fast-growing plant that thrives in a variety of well-drained soil types. It is a beautiful flower that can adorn gardens and natural areas around your home. Black cohosh does best in zones 4-9 and is fairly drought tolerant. How to Grow and Care for the Black Cohosh Plant The flower can grow anywhere between 12-24 inches tall. It blossoms during June, July, and August and lasts three weeks. The Black Cohosh flowers don't have petals. Instead, they look like a cluster of white pearls. They also resemble a large candle that stands out nicely among summer blooms. They hold their color longer than other shade plants. Its stem is narrow and smooth and divides into three parts as it grows. Its flowers have an unusual smell that some might say is unpleasant. It repels insects like bees, gnats, and flies. In the past, the root was used to treat snakebites. It's also pollinator and deer-resistant. One stalk can contain dozens of these peal-like flowers. As it grows, it takes on a shade of green that gives it a unique appearance, though it tends to fall off shortly after the flowers bloom. It is usually found in shaded to partially shaded areas, but it can also grow in full sun. The Benefits of Adding Black Cohosh to Your Landscape The Black Cohosh plant not only looks great in the yard but can also be used medicinally. This unique plant extract is believed to help with inflammation and work as a sedative. Women have been known to use it to help with painful menstrual symptoms and relax the uterus muscles. It can also be used to lessen cough spasms that come with bronchitis and pneumonia.

Black Eyed Susan

Black Eyed Susan A Vibrant Choice for Your Garden Black Eyed Susan, scientifically known as Rudbeckia hirta, is a vibrant and popular flowering plant native to North America. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is renowned for its striking golden-yellow petals with a dark brown to black central cone. This distinctive appearance has earned it the common name. These beautiful wildflowers are aesthetically pleasing and hold cultural significance and ecological importance. How to Grow and Care for Black Eyed Susan Plants They typically grow as perennial wildflowers in their native habitat, which stretches from the eastern United States to the Midwest. However, due to their long-lasting and robust nature, they are often cultivated as annuals or perennials in gardens and landscapes. These hardy plants can thrive in various soil types and are drought-tolerant, making them a popular choice for low-maintenance gardens. One of the most attractive features of the black-eyed Susan is their ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. These insects are drawn to the bright flowers, aiding pollination and supporting local ecosystems. Furthermore, these flowers are known for their versatility, as they can be used in various landscaping settings, from wildflower meadows and cottage gardens to formal flower beds and borders. Black Eyed Susan Flowers Benefits for Pollinators and Landscapes In terms of symbolism, Black Eyed Susan is often associated with encouragement and motivation, symbolizing the strength and determination needed to overcome challenges. They have also found their way into various folk traditions, with some Native American tribes using them for many purposes. In conclusion, the Black-Eyed susan is a visually stunning and ecologically valuable wildflower with a rich cultural history. Its bright, cheery appearance, adaptability, and role in supporting pollinators make it a favorite among gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether you encounter them in the wild or cultivate them in your garden, they are a delightful addition to any landscape, adding beauty and ecological benefits to their surroundings.

Blackberry Lily

Blackberry Lily A Stunning Perennial for Vibrant Summer Gardens Blackberry Lily, also known as the Belamcanda chinensis, is from the Iris family and has clusters of black fruit that grow after flowering. The fruit resembles blackberries, and the flowers are shaped like stars with six petals each. They measure about 2 inches across. The lilies are pale orange or yellow on the "flabellata," and the petals are spotted. This is why they are sometimes often referred to as the Leopard Flower.  How to Grow and Care for Blackberry Lily in Your Landscape Blackberry Lily is a perennial generally grown for its unique blackberries, which form clusters when their seedpods slip open, usually in the fall. They are pretty fascinating and make excellent arrangements for your home. The plant has an orange flower color and chartreuse/gold foliage. It provides colorful fall foliage, blooms in the summer, and is a winter interest. It tolerates drought conditions, does quite well in containers, and is deficient in maintenance. Blackberry Lily is grown from bulbs or tubers, and these bulbs can be planted at any time of the year as long as the ground is not frozen. Planting these gorgeous lilies in a sunny or lightly shaded area with well-draining soil for the best results is best. It's also best to keep the soil moist. The flowers of the plant last one day, but they are continually blooming during their bloom season. A dry cluster of black fruits will form after the blooms are gone. The blooms will close at night in a twisting form, and their foliage is similar to that of the Iris plant and can reach up to three feet tall. Discover the Unique Beauty and Benefits of Blackberry Lily Plants Climate Zone: 5-10 Mature Height: From 1 to 8 Feet Mature Width: 15-20 Inches Wide Sunlight: Part Sun, Sun Soil Conditions: Well-Draining Soil Botanical Name: Belamcanda Chinensis

Blanket Flower

Growing Blanket Flower Tips for Vibrant, Low-Maintenance Blooms The blanket flower (Gaillardia), also known as Gaillardia pulchella or Indian Blanket, is a brightly colored, hardy perennial plant native to North and South America. It is part of the Asteraceae family, which includes sunflowers and daisies. The name "blanket flower" comes from its vibrant, blanket-like appearance, with red, yellow, and orange hues resembling traditional Native American blankets. Why Blanket Flower Is Perfect for Pollinator-Friendly Gardens The flowers are daisy-like, with large, showy, multicolored petals, often red at the center and fading into yellow at the tips. The central disk can be reddish-brown or yellow. It blooms from late spring to early fall, producing abundant flowers lasting throughout the summer. Caring for Blanket Flower A Hardy Perennial for Any Landscape Blanket flowers are best suited for USDA hardiness zones 3 to 10, but they are adaptable to both cooler and warmer regions. In colder regions, blanket flowers may behave as short-lived perennials or need to be grown annually. They are relatively cold-tolerant but may benefit from winter protection, such as mulch. In warmer climates, blanket flowers perform as perennials, often blooming profusely throughout the summer and fall. Blanket flowers are drought-tolerant and prefer full sun. They are often used in xeriscaping, low-maintenance gardens, or places with hot, dry summers.  They attract pollinators with their nectar-rich flowers and provide a valuable food source throughout their blooming season.

Blazing Star

Blazing Star A Stunning Native Wildflower for Vibrant Gardens Blazing Star (Liatris spicata), also known as Gayfeather or Dense Blazing Star, is a beautiful perennial plant known for its tall, spiky flower clusters that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Planting bare root Blazing Star is a great way to add vibrant color and texture to your garden. Here’s how to plant and care for them: Characteristics Family: Asteraceae Height: Typically grows 2-4 feet tall Flowers: Purple, pink, or white, arranged in dense spikes Leaves: Narrow, grass-like leaves How to Grow and Care for Blazing Star in Your Landscape Timing: Plant bare root Blazing Stars in early spring or fall. Location: Choose a sunny location. Blazing Stars thrive in full sun but can tolerate light shade. Soil: Well-drained soil is essential. They prefer sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Preparation: Soak the bare roots in water for a few hours before planting to rehydrate them. Planting Depth: Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the roots without crowding. Plant with the crown just below the soil surface. Spacing: Space plants about 12-15 inches apart to allow for growth. Care and Maintenance Watering: Water thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist until the plants are established. Once established, Blazing Stars are relatively drought-tolerant. Mulching: Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilizing: Generally, Blazing Stars do not require much fertilization. If desired, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Cut back the foliage to the ground in late fall or early spring. Benefits Aesthetic: Adds striking vertical interest and vibrant color to garden beds and borders. Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Low Maintenance: Once established, they require minimal care. Potential Issues Pests/Diseases: Generally pest-resistant but can occasionally be affected by powdery mildew or rust. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues. Overwatering: Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot and other water-related problems. Blazing Star Benefits Pollinator Magnet and Low-Maintenance Beauty Flower Beds and Borders: Adds height and color to mixed flower beds and borders. Wildflower Gardens: Ideal for naturalized and prairie-style gardens. Cut Flowers: Excellent for cut flower arrangements due to their long-lasting blooms. Blazing Star blooms from July to August, which makes it ideal because many spring and early summer bloomers tend to look quite drab after their early blooming period.Many people love to grow three or four in a decorative pot. An excellent garden idea is to make a complete path of the plants in your backyard using decorative pots. Another advantage to the plants is that if you have a lot of deer around, they tend not to be interested in eating these plants.

Bloodroot

How to Grow and Care for Bloodroot Plants in Your Garden Bloodroot, known explicitly as Sanguinaria canadensis, is a paradoxical little flower. It is also called redroot, bloodwort, red puccoon, Indian red paint, sang-dragon, snakebite, and a dozen others based on minute region variations. It is found in eastern North America and is the only species in its genus. Is it the closest relative? Snow poppies are found only in China. The species appears with a wide variety of shapes in its leaves and white, yellow-centered flowers, but its juice is always bright scarlet, hence its name. The Benefits of Adding Bloodroot to Your Native Plant Garden Yet this same property means sanguinaria is being investigated as a cancer treatment. Investigations are inconclusive, but it's been used in alternative medicine for a long history. Red juice means it can be used as a paint or dye, and even today, it's a commercially used food additive. Bloodroot's Seeds The bloodroot is also prized in specific capacities by gardeners. Double-flowered mutations are especially showy and last longer than the few days average for sanguinaria flowers. They're considered lovely shade plants blooming in spring and look at home in woodland-like gardens and landscapes. Though their bloom time is short, the plants are relatively easy to collect seeds from, making them fun and easy to propagate, and they'll flower for years with little care. However, it needs to be handled carefully in the garden due to the properties of the juice of its leaves and roots. Everything You Need to Know About Bloodroot's Light and Soil Preferences Bloodroot is surprisingly renowned as an experimental homeopathic cancer treatment despite microscopic studies having been applied to its efficacy. It's most commonly associated with treating skin tumors, harkening back to its history of being used to treat skin conditions. However, when it comes to treating severe conditions, this plant is likely best left off the table in favor of proven remedies. As an odd treatment for moles and skin tags, it seems unlikely to vacate the pages of herbalists' books soon.

Blue Cohosh

Benefits of Blue Cohosh for Gardeners Why It's a Must-Have Plant Native to Missouri, the Blue Cohosh plant can grow to a height of between one and three feet. Its upright, purplish, waxy stems showcase Foliage at their midsections, which start as a smoky blue hue during the spring and transition to a bluish-green hue when they fully mature. How to Grow and Care for Blue Cohosh in Your Garden Leaf clusters will develop near the apex of the stems. These clusters typically comprise three compound leaflets, each further divided into nine subleaflets for maximum Foliage. Each leaflet grows to about two and one-half inches in length and width. These leaves are hairless and toothless, which makes them the perfect background foliage for this plant's flowers and fruit. The Blue Cohosh Has Small, Sweet Flowers Alongside the unique Foliage of the Blue Cohosh, it will be ornamented in the springtime with flowers. These are around half an inch in diameter with six-pointed sepals that appear in a brownish-green to yellowish-green hue. Each flower features six yellow inner stamens with a green ring in the center. When the summer heats up, these flowers will concede to beautifully attractive green berry-like seeds. These seeds are this plant's most visibly desirable part and sit starkly above the leaf canopy. All seeds take on a rich blue color and develop a fleshy outer coating in the late summer. Many viewers will state that the seeds remind them of tiny grapes. As this perennial experiences a thinning in its Foliage later in the year, these seeds provide a necessary ornament for any garden. Blue Cohosh: Ideal Growing Conditions and Soil Requirements The Blue Cohosh plant can be called Caulophyllum Thalictroides, Squaw-Root, Caulophylle Faux-Pigamon, and Papoose-Root. It's a member of the Berberidaceae family and is well-known to grow into a mature, bushy perennial. Its root system is fibrous and rhizomatous, making this plant perfect for growing in various conditions. The sweet nectar in this plant attracts honeybees, its plethora of Foliage attracts caterpillars, and its berries attract woodland birds. This plant is naturally deer and rabbit-resistant.

Blue Flag Iris

Blue Flag Iris A Stunning Addition to Your Garden Blue Flag Iris blooms several violet-blue flowers with yellow-veined sepals. It has a USDA hardiness zone of 3–9. Sturdy stalks support the plant, and sword-like leaves from a basal cluster frame it. The shade of violet-blue can vary. A small amount of white may also be seen around the yellow veins. It grows to about two or three feet tall, and its flowers bloom from May through August. In nature, it is commonly found in meadows, streams, marshes, and swamps. Butterflies and hummingbirds love pollinating the flowers, and people who add them to their gardens like to place them in partial shade or full sun.   How to Grow and Care for Blue Flag Iris Plants In human history, irises have represented power. The three parts of the flower stand for wisdom, courage, and faith. People have used the flowers for medical purposes in the past. Some tribes also made twine out of the outermost fibers of the leaves. Another use of the Blue Flag Iris plant throughout history is creating powdered iris root. People would add this to perfumes and potpourri because it gives off a violet scent. Benefits of Planting Blue Flag Iris in Your Landscape Blue Flag Iris is a marginal aquatic plant that can sit in standing water for up to four inches. They enjoy environments near water sources, such as ponds or lakes. Some people like adding this plant to their pond area because it assists in water filtration. The flowers are typically lighter in color. Western Flag flowers also have a color variation of sky blue and white. These two plants' hardiness zones and heights also differ from the Northern Flag. Southern Flag, hardiness of 5–9, reaches a height of 2–2.5 feet. Western Flag, hardiness of 3–8, is usually 1–1.4 feet tall.

Blue Lobelia

How to Grow and Care for Blue Lobelia in Your Garden Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) is also called Great Blue Lobelia or Blue Cardinal Flower. It is a striking native wildflower known for its bright blue tubular flowers, which grow densely along tall spikes, creating a dramatic vertical element in the garden. Each flower has two lips: two lobes in the upper lip and three lobes in the lower lip, giving it a unique shape that resembles snapdragons. A native North American perennial, it is known for its appeal to pollinators. Blue Lobelia is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9 and grows to 2 to 3 feet tall when mature. It forms clumps as it matures. Divide the clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding. It flowers from late summer to early fall (August to October), providing late-season color when many other plants have finished blooming. Blue Lobelia requires consistent moisture, making it ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, and wetland areas. It is often used to help manage stormwater and reduce runoff in these environments. Blue Lobelia A Stunning Addition to Your Flower Beds Watering It is a moisture-loving plant! Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. It can even handle occasional standing water in areas with wet summers, making it ideal for rain gardens or near water features. Light Requirements Blue Lobelia prefers full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, afternoon shade can help protect it from intense sunlight, which can otherwise dry the soil too quickly. Soil This plant thrives in rich, well-drained soil that holds moisture, preferably a slightly acidic to neutral soil. Mulching A 2-3 inch layer of mulch will help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Fertilizing Blue Lobelia generally does not require heavy fertilizing. An early spring application of balanced fertilizers can help encourage new growth, especially in nutrient-poor soils. Deadheading and Pruning Remove the spent flowers to extend the blooming period and curb excessive self-seeding if you want to control spread. In late fall, cut back the stems to tidy up the plant for winter. Division Divide the clumps in spring every 2-3 years to maintain plant health, encourage vigor, and prevent overcrowding. Division also helps to manage its spread in the garden. Winter Care Blue Lobelia is hardy in Zones 4-9 and generally doesn't need special winter care. Applying a light layer of mulch after the ground freezes in colder zones can protect the roots from extreme cold.   Why Blue Lobelia is Perfect for Attracting Pollinators Blue Lobelia is a fantastic addition to rain gardens, bog gardens, ponds, and areas with moist soil. The vivid blue flowers are highly decorative and provide a stunning focal point in moist, shady garden areas or native plantings. It's great for naturalized gardens, native plantings, or wildflower meadows, where pollinators are drawn to the nectar hidden deep in the flower tube. It pairs well with complementary plants like yellow Black-eyed Susans or white asters.

Blue Vervain

Blue Vervain A Stunning Addition to Your Garden for Pollinator Support Blue Vervain, also known as Verbena hastata, is a flowering plant from the family Verbenaceae. This particular plant can grow wildly across North America but acclimates better to colder temperatures and doesn't do as well in areas with a significant number of days above the 86-degree mark. The Blue Vervain is most suitable for growing in full sunlight near moist grassy meadows and water sources like rivers and streams. You can also find them along wet roadside ditches. It's notable for its easy identification of branch-like shoots tipped with bluish-purple leaves that are cropped short on the tips of the plant. The flowers peak and hit full bloom between July and September. Why Blue Vervain Thrives in Various Garden Settings Aesthetically, it makes a great addition to gardens, particularly rain gardens and butterfly gardens. The Blue Vervain actually attracts pollinators like bumblebees and hummingbirds. Hummingbirds will eat the seeds, which are a highly nutritious food source. How to Care for Blue Vervain Tips for a Flourishing Plant As useful as it is in bringing a small ecosystem to a garden, the benefits of using it as an herb are also great. Wildlife flock to this stunning plant, which is long-blooming and does well in dry climates.

Brown Eyed Susan

Why Brown Eyed Susan is the Perfect Addition to Your Garden Brown Eyed Susan are North American native plants that thrive in the US Department of Agriculture zones 4-9. Their bright flowers bloom from mid to late summer for up to two months. Brown Eyed Susan flowerheads have 6 to 12 floret rays that bloom a bright yellow. The yellow petals surround a smaller circle of brown and black florets. This plant typically grows to be up to 5 feet tall. Its leaves are 4 inches long and 2 inches wide. Flowerheads grow to be ½ to 2 inches across.  How to Grow and Care for Brown Eyed Susan for Stunning Blooms They prefer mesic growing conditions. Although they grow well in loamy soil, they also do well in gravel and clay soil types. It desires full to partial sun but can stay in full bloom longer when planted in moderate shade. They have an average resistance to drought and tend to wilt like other flowers. The Beauty and Benefits of Brown Eyed Susan in Landscaping  Brown Eyed Susan is a short-lived perennial common in the Illinois area. It is widely associated with different parts of North America, as well. They typically grow wild in many prairies, meadows, fields, and roadsides. This biennial is taller and bushier than the Black-Eyed Susan and has many branches that extend from leaf axils. Many dark red stems of the plant grow, giving this plant its bushy look. Its leaves are ovate and rough to the touch. 1 to 2 flower heads grow on the upper stems of the plant. Flowers do not have a very pronounced smell. They are self-pollinators but attract many bee varieties seeking nectar and pollen.

Bugleweed Plant

How to Grow and Care for Bugleweed Plants in Your Garden The Bugleweed is a herb-type herbaceous plant with colorful leaves that work great as a groundcover. It is a low-maintenance, perennial plant many gardeners prefer to use as a groundcover as they also provide a splash of color with their profuse blue flower spikes. The spikes shoot out approximately six inches during the spring.  Bugleweed produces flowers throughout the summer and into the fall but is most stunning during the spring when it has been planted in mass. Some varieties of the plant feature variegated foliage and produce blooms in pink, white, or rose. These plants grow from six to nine inches in height and achieve a diameter of about the same.  The Benefits of Planting Bugleweed for Ground Cover and Beauty These plants make terrific borders and look incredible when mixed with other perennial flowers along an edge. Some gardeners enjoy the eye-pleasing effect when planted along stepping stones or inside rock gardens. They make a great companion to the creeping Jenny in a shady part of a lawn.  Why Bugleweed is the Perfect Choice for Low-Maintenance Landscaping It will grow well in moist, fertile, well-drained soil but can tolerate clay and other less nutrient soils. The plant has a creeping tendency and should not be planted near areas where it cannot spread. Edging placed along a border where the plant should not go does well to stop the creeping. When the blooms have reached a deadhead stage, a lawn mower works well to remove them. The plant will propagate through its cuttings, by being divided, and its seeds. The division can be performed at any time of the season and should be done every two years, so it is manageable. Bugleweed is a hardy plant and is not susceptible to disease or pests. It may suffer from crown rot if grown in a hot and humid environment. It also could do better in areas with better air circulation.