This Hardy Asparagus Fern (Asparagus microraphis) makes a wonderful extreme fine textures accent plant in the landscape. The effect is more dramatic when combined with large leaved and bold flowering hardy tropicals. Native to rocky mountain slopes in South Africa, Asparagus microraphis forms a tight bush-like perennial wider than it is tall. Interestingly, if you walk by and lightly kick the plant, the whole plant bounces and jiggles like one solid mass; things sort of "bounce off" of it. This plant is also perfectly suited to cascade down a retaining wall in the landscape. The deciduous stalks of medium green foliage turn a brilliant gold fall color. Tiny white flowers bloom in mid-May sometimes followed by red fruit. If low temperatures hit -10 degrees F, it may kill an un-mulched plant; protect any zone 6 perennial with thick layer of mulch. Unfortunately, this is how we lost our display garden plant a few years ago at -11 Degrees F. Since the foliage is evergreen to 20 degrees F or so and so mound-like, we forgot to cut it back and mulch it before a real-cold blast. Our original display garden plant came from Plant Delights Nursery in North Carolina.
This Hardy Asparagus Fern (Asparagus schoberioides) makes a wonderful extreme fine textures accent plant in the landscape. The effect is more dramatic when combined with large leaved and bold flowering hardy tropicals. Native to Siberia, Asparagus schoberioides is perfectly suited to cascade down a retaining walls in Kansas landscapes. The tiny medium green foliage is flowing and but still dense. The golden fall color reminds me of Amsonia hubrichtii except with red berries! Tiny white flowers bloom in summer usually followed by red fruit. It survived -16 degrees F and a week of single digit highs in Lawrence, KS during February, 2021 without mulch.
***Description for this plant available with future update!***
Hardy Asparagus Vine (Asparagus verticillatus) makes a wonderful extreme fine textures accent plant in the landscape. The effect is more dramatic when combined with large leaved and bold flowering hardy tropicals. Asparagus verticillatus is native to the Balkan Peninsula, Eastern Europe, Turkey, Northern Iraq, the Caucasus, Iran and Central Asia. Asparagus cochinchinensis 'Chuwang' is perfectly suited to cascade down a retaining wall in the Kansas landscape. The long twining deciduous stalks (upto 10' long) of dark green foliage turn a brilliant gold fall color. Tiny white flowers bloom in mid-May sometimes followed by loads of red fruit. The foliage stays green into the mid-20s F, serving as a perfect background for the red berries. It survived -16 degrees F and a week of single digit highs in Lawrence, KS during February, 2021 without mulch. Beautiful well-established specimens exist at the Denver Botanical Garden (zone 5b) clamoring down a 12' concrete retaining wall; what a great way to hide ugly gray concrete!
Purple asparagus is a tall extremely fine textured plant with red fruits and edible purple stocks when emerging. This plant is a great way to incorporate edible plants into your landscape design. Best of all, asparagus is a perennial which grows a bigger crown each year with more and more delicious spears. Purple asparagus spears are quite a bit fatter than it's green counterpart. Harvest 3 to 5 times and then stop by June to allow root system to recover. Plant in rich well-drained soil in full sun with mulch. Staking may be required if maintaining an organized look to your landscape. At the end of the season, simply cut down in the fall as there is no winter interest.
Cast-iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) is a beautiful perennial and warmer climates for full shade. The leaves are glossy green perched on narrow stems with fat leaf blades. Unfortunately in our zone 6 Kansas climate, they cannot reliably be used as a perennial here. Most broadleaf evergreen plants are difficult to push the envelope with colder zones because evergreen leaves are more expensive to replace than for deciduous plants. (slower and requires more energy from the plant) Evergreen leaves are not intended to have to be replaced every year. In my father's zone 7a Stillwater Oklahoma garden, Cast-iron Plant can reliably be used as a perennial there but are dwarfed to about 1/2 size of normal. Anywhere south of zone 7b, count on it as a bullet-proof evergreen perennial! As a potted patio plant for full shade, they are wonderful. Grown in a raised pot, they are hardy to about 15-20° so you may be able to miss the first few frosts when moving them in for the winter. Before extreme cold (lower than 10 degrees F), they must be moved and overwintered in a dark garage or basement with monthly watering or bright window as a winter-only houseplant. Either way, they will hold up very well in the winter and maintain attractive foliage. When grown as a permanent house plant, they will last many years is grown in a bright indirect area. When Cast-iron Plant is grown as a permanent houseplant, you will need to watch for spider mites and possibly scale after a few years. Taking the whole plant outside and spraying with water a few times a year will help. Spider mites thrive and dry dusty conditions with low humidity (such as your house). Overall, Cast-iron Plants are very easy to grow hence their name. They will tolerate lower light than just about any house plant but after a few years, even this plant will decline unless given a summer growing season under a shaded tree or brighter conditions inside the house. New leaves grow about once per year and gradually the plant will need to be repotted as it is possible for them to split the container. This is a great time to divide the root system and get several new plants. This is one of our all-time favorite house plants.
Cast-iron Plant (Aspidistra sp.) is a beautiful perennial and warmer climates for full shade. The leaves are glossy green perched on narrow stems with fat leaf blades. Unfortunately in our zone 6 Kansas climate, they cannot reliably be used as a perennial here. Most broadleaf evergreen plants are difficult to push the envelope with colder zones because evergreen leaves are more expensive to replace than for deciduous plants (slower and requires more energy from the plant). As a potted patio plant for full shade, they are wonderful. Grown in a raised pot, they are hardy to about 20-25° so you may be able to miss the first few frosts when moving them in for the winter. Before extreme cold (lower than approx.15 degrees F), they must be moved and overwintered in a dark garage or basement with monthly watering or bright window as a winter-only houseplant. Either way, they will hold up very well in the winter and maintain attractive foliage. When grown as a permanent house plant, they will last many years is grown in a bright indirect area. When Cast-iron Plant is grown as a permanent houseplant, you will need to watch for spider mites and possibly scale after a few years. Taking the whole plant outside and spraying with water a few times a year will help. Spider mites thrive and dry dusty conditions with low humidity (such as your house). Overall, Cast-iron Plants are very easy to grow hence their name. They will tolerate lower light than just about any house plant but after a few years, even this plant will decline unless given a summer growing season under a shaded tree or brighter conditions inside the house. New leaves grow about once per year and gradually the plant will need to be repotted as it is possible for them to split the container. This is a great time to divide the root system and get several new plants. This is one of our all-time favorite house plants.
Cast-iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior cultivars) is a beautiful perennial and warmer climates for full shade. The leaves are glossy green perched on narrow stems with fat leaf blades. Unfortunately in our zone 6 Kansas climate, they cannot reliably be used as a perennial here. Most broadleaf evergreen plants are difficult to push the envelope with colder zones because evergreen leaves are more expensive to replace than for deciduous plants (slower and requires more energy from the plant). As a potted patio plant for full shade, they are wonderful. Grown in a raised pot, they are hardy to about 15-20° so you may be able to miss the first few frosts when moving them in for the winter. Before extreme cold (lower than 10 degrees F), they must be moved and overwintered in a dark garage or basement with monthly watering or bright window as a winter-only houseplant. Either way, they will hold up very well in the winter and maintain attractive foliage. When grown as a permanent house plant, they will last many years is grown in a bright indirect area. When Cast-iron Plant is grown as a permanent houseplant, you will need to watch for spider mites and possibly scale after a few years. Taking the whole plant outside and spraying with water a few times a year will help. Spider mites thrive and dry dusty conditions with low humidity (such as your house). Overall, Cast-iron Plants are very easy to grow hence their name. They will tolerate lower light than just about any house plant but after a few years, even this plant will decline unless given a summer growing season under a shaded tree or brighter conditions inside the house. New leaves grow about once per year and gradually the plant will need to be repotted as it is possible for them to split the container. This is a great time to divide the root system and get several new plants. This is one of our all-time favorite house plants.
Cast-iron Plant (Aspidistra sp.) is a beautiful perennial and warmer climates for full shade. The leaves are glossy green perched on narrow stems with fat leaf blades. Unfortunately in our zone 6 Kansas climate, they cannot reliably be used as a perennial here. Most broadleaf evergreen plants are difficult to push the envelope with colder zones because evergreen leaves are more expensive to replace than for deciduous plants (slower and requires more energy from the plant). As a potted patio plant for full shade, they are wonderful. Grown in a raised pot, they are hardy to about 15-20° so you may be able to miss the first few frosts when moving them in for the winter. Before extreme cold (lower than 10 degrees F), they must be moved and overwintered in a dark garage or basement with monthly watering or bright window as a winter-only houseplant. Either way, they will hold up very well in the winter and maintain attractive foliage. When grown as a permanent house plant, they will last many years is grown in a bright indirect area. When Cast-iron Plant is grown as a permanent houseplant, you will need to watch for spider mites and possibly scale after a few years. Taking the whole plant outside and spraying with water a few times a year will help. Spider mites thrive and dry dusty conditions with low humidity (such as your house). Overall, Cast-iron Plants are very easy to grow hence their name. They will tolerate lower light than just about any house plant but after a few years, even this plant will decline unless given a summer growing season under a shaded tree or brighter conditions inside the house. New leaves grow about once per year and gradually the plant will need to be repotted as it is possible for them to split the container. This is a great time to divide the root system and get several new plants. This is one of our all-time favorite house plants.
Cast-iron Plant (Aspidistra sp.) is a beautiful perennial and warmer climates for full shade. The leaves are glossy green perched on narrow stems with fat leaf blades. Unfortunately in our zone 6 Kansas climate, they cannot reliably be used as a perennial here. Most broadleaf evergreen plants are difficult to push the envelope with colder zones because evergreen leaves are more expensive to replace than for deciduous plants (slower and requires more energy from the plant). As a potted patio plant for full shade, they are wonderful. Grown in a raised pot, they are hardy to about 20-25° so you may be able to miss the first few frosts when moving them in for the winter. Before extreme cold (lower than approx.15 degrees F), they must be moved and overwintered in a dark garage or basement with monthly watering or bright window as a winter-only houseplant. Either way, they will hold up very well in the winter and maintain attractive foliage. When grown as a permanent house plant, they will last many years is grown in a bright indirect area. When Cast-iron Plant is grown as a permanent houseplant, you will need to watch for spider mites and possibly scale after a few years. Taking the whole plant outside and spraying with water a few times a year will help. Spider mites thrive and dry dusty conditions with low humidity (such as your house). Overall, Cast-iron Plants are very easy to grow hence their name. They will tolerate lower light than just about any house plant but after a few years, even this plant will decline unless given a summer growing season under a shaded tree or brighter conditions inside the house. New leaves grow about once per year and gradually the plant will need to be repotted as it is possible for them to split the container. This is a great time to divide the root system and get several new plants. This is one of our all-time favorite house plants.
Assorted Annual Flowering Hanging Baskets offer intense color to the patio or pergola!
Annuals are planted for non-stop color to the garden or seasonal color beds!
Annuals are planted for non-stop color to the garden or seasonal color beds!
Annuals are planted for non-stop color to the garden or seasonal color beds!
Annuals are planted for non-stop color to the garden or seasonal color beds!
Succulents are usually spineless and grown for their beautiful shapes, color and texture. Cactus are known for their spines, unusual shapes and beautiful flowers. Late on the evolutionary timeline, cacti fossils are rare to non-existent. The "spines" are actually modified leaves! Cacti are native almost exclusively to the Americas, while succulents can include a much larger plant palette be from any dry area in the world. Both succulents and cacti store water in their fleshy tissues. They are usually grown as a patio or house plant in Kansas. In the wild, some species are hardy to below 0 degrees F. Grow in full sun with no extra watering except that which comes from rainfall. Repotting may or may not be needed depending on how large you want the plant to grow; plants can continue to grow taller and tolerate extremely root-bound pots but may need wind bracing. If repotting, make sure to use a sharp draining low organic cactus mix with plenty of sand and perlite. To play is safe, potted plants are best moved in before night temperatures get below 45 degrees F. It is important to avoid the combination of wet and cold. Move to a bright interior window over the winter with no watering and keep above freezing. As a winter house plant, it will look presentable all winter long with just no waterings. As a permanent house plant, provide bright light and allow the soil to dry between waterings for many years of carefree enjoyment. Plants grown permanently indoors may begin to elongate stretching for light and lose their spine color. It can be hard to reproduce the intense UV sunlight they need so moving outside for the summer is best. Generally if moving outside for the summer, allow 1-2 weeks of part shade or morning sun before placing in full sun. Plants with time to acclimate will thrive in full sun but be careful not to rush it or sunburning will occur. Potted plants are very low maintenance but watch for scale and mealybugs that may hide beneath the cover of spines.
Succulents are usually spineless and grown for their beautiful shapes, color and texture. Cactus are known for their spines, unusual shapes and beautiful flowers. Late on the evolutionary timeline, cacti fossils are rare to non-existent. The "spines" are actually modified leaves! Cacti are native almost exclusively to the Americas, while succulents can include a much larger plant palette be from any dry area in the world. Both succulents and cacti store water in their fleshy tissues. They are usually grown as a patio or house plant in Kansas. In the wild, some species are hardy to below 0 degrees F. Grow in full sun with no extra watering except that which comes from rainfall. Repotting may or may not be needed depending on how large you want the plant to grow; plants can continue to grow taller and tolerate extremely root-bound pots but may need wind bracing. If repotting, make sure to use a sharp draining low organic cactus mix with plenty of sand and perlite. To play is safe, potted plants are best moved in before night temperatures get below 45 degrees F. It is important to avoid the combination of wet and cold. Move to a bright interior window over the winter with no watering and keep above freezing. As a winter house plant, it will look presentable all winter long with just no waterings. As a permanent house plant, provide bright light and allow the soil to dry between waterings for many years of carefree enjoyment. Plants grown permanently indoors may begin to elongate stretching for light and lose their spine color. It can be hard to reproduce the intense UV sunlight they need so moving outside for the summer is best. Generally if moving outside for the summer, allow 1-2 weeks of part shade or morning sun before placing in full sun. Plants with time to acclimate will thrive in full sun but be careful not to rush it or sunburning will occur. Potted plants are very low maintenance but watch for scale and mealybugs that may hide beneath the cover of spines.
Succulents are usually spineless and grown for their beautiful shapes, color and texture. Cactus are known for their spines, unusual shapes and beautiful flowers. Late on the evolutionary timeline, cacti fossils are rare to non-existent. The "spines" are actually modified leaves! Cacti are native almost exclusively to the Americas, while succulents can include a much larger plant palette be from any dry area in the world. Both succulents and cacti store water in their fleshy tissues. They are usually grown as a patio or house plant in Kansas. In the wild, some species are hardy to below 0 degrees F. Grow in full sun with no extra watering except that which comes from rainfall. Repotting may or may not be needed depending on how large you want the plant to grow; plants can continue to grow taller and tolerate extremely root-bound pots but may need wind bracing. If repotting, make sure to use a sharp draining low organic cactus mix with plenty of sand and perlite. To play is safe, potted plants are best moved in before night temperatures get below 45 degrees F. It is important to avoid the combination of wet and cold. Move to a bright interior window over the winter with no watering and keep above freezing. As a winter house plant, it will look presentable all winter long with just no waterings. As a permanent house plant, provide bright light and allow the soil to dry between waterings for many years of carefree enjoyment. Plants grown permanently indoors may begin to elongate stretching for light and lose their spine color. It can be hard to reproduce the intense UV sunlight they need so moving outside for the summer is best. Generally if moving outside for the summer, allow 1-2 weeks of part shade or morning sun before placing in full sun. Plants with time to acclimate will thrive in full sun but be careful not to rush it or sunburning will occur. Potted plants are very low maintenance but watch for scale and mealybugs that may hide beneath the cover of spines.
Succulents are usually spineless and grown for their beautiful shapes, color and texture. Cactus are known for their spines, unusual shapes and beautiful flowers. Late on the evolutionary timeline, cacti fossils are rare to non-existent. The "spines" are actually modified leaves! Cacti are native almost exclusively to the Americas, while succulents can include a much larger plant palette be from any dry area in the world. Both succulents and cacti store water in their fleshy tissues. They are usually grown as a patio or house plant in Kansas. In the wild, some species are hardy to below 0 degrees F. Grow in full sun with no extra watering except that which comes from rainfall. Repotting may or may not be needed depending on how large you want the plant to grow; plants can continue to grow taller and tolerate extremely root-bound pots but may need wind bracing. If repotting, make sure to use a sharp draining low organic cactus mix with plenty of sand and perlite. To play is safe, potted plants are best moved in before night temperatures get below 45 degrees F. It is important to avoid the combination of wet and cold. Move to a bright interior window over the winter with no watering and keep above freezing. As a winter house plant, it will look presentable all winter long with just no waterings. As a permanent house plant, provide bright light and allow the soil to dry between waterings for many years of carefree enjoyment. Plants grown permanently indoors may begin to elongate stretching for light and lose their spine color. It can be hard to reproduce the intense UV sunlight they need so moving outside for the summer is best. Generally if moving outside for the summer, allow 1-2 weeks of part shade or morning sun before placing in full sun. Plants with time to acclimate will thrive in full sun but be careful not to rush it or sunburning will occur. Potted plants are very low maintenance but watch for scale and mealybugs that may hide beneath the cover of spines.
Succulents are usually spineless and grown for their beautiful shapes, color and texture. Cactus are known for their spines, unusual shapes and beautiful flowers. Late on the evolutionary timeline, cacti fossils are rare to non-existent. The "spines" are actually modified leaves! Cacti are native almost exclusively to the Americas, while succulents can include a much larger plant palette be from any dry area in the world. Both succulents and cacti store water in their fleshy tissues. They are usually grown as a patio or house plant in Kansas. In the wild, some species are hardy to below 0 degrees F. Grow in full sun with no extra watering except that which comes from rainfall. Repotting may or may not be needed depending on how large you want the plant to grow; plants can continue to grow taller and tolerate extremely root-bound pots but may need wind bracing. If repotting, make sure to use a sharp draining low organic cactus mix with plenty of sand and perlite. To play is safe, potted plants are best moved in before night temperatures get below 45 degrees F. It is important to avoid the combination of wet and cold. Move to a bright interior window over the winter with no watering and keep above freezing. As a winter house plant, it will look presentable all winter long with just no waterings. As a permanent house plant, provide bright light and allow the soil to dry between waterings for many years of carefree enjoyment. Plants grown permanently indoors may begin to elongate stretching for light and lose their spine color. It can be hard to reproduce the intense UV sunlight they need so moving outside for the summer is best. Generally if moving outside for the summer, allow 1-2 weeks of part shade or morning sun before placing in full sun. Plants with time to acclimate will thrive in full sun but be careful not to rush it or sunburning will occur. Potted plants are very low maintenance but watch for scale and mealybugs that may hide beneath the cover of spines.
***Description for this plant available with future update!***
***Description for this plant available with future update!***
***Description for this plant available with future update!***
These tiny perennials and succulents produce various colored mats of foliage. In favorable conditions they can spread by runners rooting as they go; several species are valued in cultivation as groundcover for dry, sunny locations. Grow these in a rock garden, in cracks between rocks, or on top of or in a retaining wall. You may also grow in flat areas like in between stepping stones provided you used a gravelly or sandy base for the stones. Most rock garden plants will not tolerate rich moist soils as other plants or weeds will shade it out. Crown rot can occur during lengthy hot humid summer rainy periods. Most rock garden plants do not thrive indoors; aphids and spider mites seem to find them after a few months but overwintering indoors in a cool environment may work. If grown in pots and kept on the dry side, you may leave out all winter allowing to freeze solid; plants will go dormant and resume growth in the spring.
These tiny perennials and succulents produce various colored mats of foliage. In favorable conditions they can spread by runners rooting as they go; several species are valued in cultivation as groundcover for dry, sunny locations. Grow these in a rock garden, in cracks between rocks, or on top of or in a retaining wall. You may also grow in flat areas like in between stepping stones provided you used a gravelly or sandy base for the stones. Most rock garden plants will not tolerate rich moist soils as other plants or weeds will shade it out. Crown rot can occur during lengthy hot humid summer rainy periods. Most rock garden plants do not thrive indoors; aphids and spider mites seem to find them after a few months but overwintering indoors in a cool environment may work. If grown in pots and kept on the dry side, you may leave out all winter allowing to freeze solid; plants will go dormant and resume growth in the spring.
Succulents are usually spineless and grown for their beautiful shapes, color and texture. Cactus are known for their spines, unusual shapes and beautiful flowers. Late on the evolutionary timeline, cacti fossils are rare to non-existent. The "spines" are actually modified leaves! Cacti are native almost exclusively to the Americas, while succulents can include a much larger plant palette be from any dry area in the world. Both succulents and cacti store water in their fleshy tissues. They are usually grown as a patio or house plant in Kansas. In the wild, some species are hardy to below 0 degrees F. Grow in full sun with no extra watering except that which comes from rainfall. Repotting may or may not be needed depending on how large you want the plant to grow; plants can continue to grow taller and tolerate extremely root-bound pots but may need wind bracing. If repotting, make sure to use a sharp draining low organic cactus mix with plenty of sand and perlite. To play is safe, potted plants are best moved in before night temperatures get below 45 degrees F. It is important to avoid the combination of wet and cold. Move to a bright interior window over the winter with no watering and keep above freezing. As a winter house plant, it will look presentable all winter long with just no waterings. As a permanent house plant, provide bright light and allow the soil to dry between waterings for many years of carefree enjoyment. Plants grown permanently indoors may begin to elongate stretching for light and lose their spine color. It can be hard to reproduce the intense UV sunlight they need so moving outside for the summer is best. Generally if moving outside for the summer, allow 1-2 weeks of part shade or morning sun before placing in full sun. Plants with time to acclimate will thrive in full sun but be careful not to rush it or sunburning will occur. Potted plants are very low maintenance but watch for scale and mealybugs that may hide beneath the cover of spines. Some species grow well in hanging baskets!
***Description for this plant available with future update!***
Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba japonica) is a surprisingly hardy evergreen shrub from Japan featuring dark green leaves with gold spots. Flowering and fruiting may occur in warmer climates but have not witnessed that in our zone 6a climate. Aucuba is at the northern edge of its range but will survive and reach varying heights of 1 to 3 feet. Winterkill occurs at about -5 to -10° so plan to prune off winter kill and new growth will resume in spring. In southern zones with mild winters aucuba can reach 6-8' tall, tolerating full shade and drought making it a great dry shade plant. In our Lawrence Gardens, this is possible if sited on a south exposure in full shade with winter wind protection. Rich organic soils and morning sun / filtered sun are both preferred in northern climates. Watering during the winter when dry will help broadleaf evergreen shrubs stay hydrated and maintain their winter foliage better. This jewel of the shade garden adds valuable bright green and yellow winter color giving some structure. Combine with other shade plants such as hosta, Solomon Seal, Hellebore, Barrenwort, or Coralberry. Plants in our Lawrence, KS gardens generally survive for several years and are worth the effort in the shade garden. Don't count on them getting very big so plant close together if designing with a grouping. Aucuba japonica 'Gold King' is a male form with numerous gold spots on dark green leaves.
Japanese Aucuba (Aucuba japonica) is a surprisingly hardy evergreen shrub from Japan featuring dark green leaves with gold spots. Flowering and fruiting may occur in warmer climates but have not witnessed that in our zone 6a climate. Aucuba is at the northern edge of its range but will survive and reach varying heights of 1 to 3 feet. Winterkill occurs at about -5 to -10° so plan to prune off winter kill and new growth will resume in spring. In southern zones with mild winters aucuba can reach 6-8' tall, tolerating full shade and drought making it a great dry shade plant. In our Lawrence Gardens, this is possible if sited on a south exposure in full shade with winter wind protection. Rich organic soils and morning sun / filtered sun are both preferred in northern climates. Watering during the winter when dry will help broadleaf evergreen shrubs stay hydrated and maintain their winter foliage better. This jewel of the shade garden adds valuable bright green and yellow winter color giving some structure. Combine with other shade plants such as hosta, Solomon Seal, Hellebore, Barrenwort, or Coralberry. Plants in our Lawrence, KS gardens generally survive for several years and are worth the effort in the shade garden. Don't count on them getting very big so plant close together if designing with a grouping. Aucuba japonica 'Marmorata' is a female form with numerous gold blotches on dark green leaves.