Silver Falls Dichondra / Silver Nickel Vine (Dichondra argentea 'Silver Falls') is a annual in Kansas gardens; quickly fills space providing a contrast for other flowering annuals. Vigorous, fan-shaped silver foliage grows on silver stems; very heat and drought tolerant. Very strongly trailing plant is a fun component in hanging baskets.
Evergreen Solomon's seal (Disporopsis pernyi) is planted for its evergreen dark green foliage and white flowers. Foliage maintains well all year provided that certain cultural conditions are met. Native to shaded mountain areas in forests, valleys or along streams in southern China, it needs constantly moist soil rich in organic matter avoiding too much clay. If low temperatures hit -10 degrees F, foliage finally dies back to the ground and re-emerges in early spring. Generally this plant can decline after a few years of Kansas climate but is worth a try in perfect soils in well-tended shade gardens. If low temperatures hit -10 degrees F, it may kill an un-mulched plant; protect any zone 6 perennial with thick layer of mulch. Lack of moisture and competition with weeds seem to be an issue but it survives just fine but never gets very dense. This is however, one of the most deep shade tolerant plants available.
Autumn Shield Fern, is also known as Dryopteris erythrosora
Golden Barrel Cacti (Echinocactus grusonii) are known for their bright yellow spines. Native to deserts in Mexico, it's usually grown as a patio or house plant in Kansas. In the wild, established golden barrel cacti are hardy to 13 degrees F for short periods of time. 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. Potted plants are hardy to at least 25 degrees F for a short time if kept dry so you are ok if you miss the first light frost. Do not allow the pot with rootball to freeze solid though. Before extreme cold occurs, 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.(also to prevent soft winter growth) 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. I have never seen any insect problems on this plant.
Grown for its beautiful bluish-green skin and relatively few spines, San Pedro Cactus () is usually a patio or house plant in Kansas. Because it grows naturally in the Peruvian Andes Mountains at high altitude and with high rainfall, it can withstand temperatures far below that of many other cacti. In the wild, this species is hardy to 15-20 degrees F for short periods of time. Grow in full sun with optional extra watering including 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 medium 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. Before extreme cold occurs, 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.(also to prevent lanky winter growth) 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 producing weak new growth. 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. I have never seen any insect problems on this plant. The San Pedro cactus contains a number of alkaloids, including the well-studied chemical mescaline. In the US, it is currently legal to cultivate the San Pedro cactus for gardening and ornamental purposes, but not for consumption.
Sea Urchin Cactus (Echinopsis sp.) is a large genus of cacti native to South America, sometimes known as hedgehog cactus. Grown for its beautiful tubular flowers, it's usually a patio or house plant in Kansas. In the wild, some species are hardy to 15-20 degrees F for short periods of time. 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. Before extreme cold occurs, 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. I have never seen any insect problems on this plant.
>>>>>Repeated or successive cold winters with complete foliage loss seem to be an issue with this and many evergreen zone 6/7 plants. One occasional difficult winter followed by mild winters is more tolerable. This is, however, a very vigorous growing plant so generally will recover in one summer with decent watering and fertilizer.
***Description for this plant available with future update!***
***Description for this plant available with future update!***
Horsetail Reed (Equisetum hyemale) is a very primitive "Dinosaur" plant with a one-of-a-kind appearance. Tube-like segmented stems grow vertical creating a dense bamboo-like appearance when grown properly in a pot or edging. The evergreen stems (down to -30 degrees F) are particularly noticeable in winter and can provide significant interest to the landscape. It is mostly used as a native erosion control plant in large areas along streams and wet wooded areas. For the home garden, the species is generally too aggressive to mix with other plants unless contained. The best use is as a marginal water garden plant in a sealed container. Horsetail rhizomes cannot spread thru open water or hop over an edge in the open air. If planted in the garden and once established, it is extremely difficult to remove by digging because its rhizomes spread wide and deep. Roundup is not effective against primitive plants such as horsetail and mosses. If planted in the garden, use professional soil barriers or no-fail sealed planters (no drainage holes ok) to restrict growth. Native to large portions of Eurasia, Canada and the U.S., including Kansas, equisetum is the single surviving genus of a class of primitive vascular plants dating back to the mid-Devonian period (350 + million years ago). As a plant evolved before twigs and leaves, Horsetail Reed is a non-flowering, seedless plant that reproduces by spores.
Robin's Plantain / Fleabane, is also known as Erigeron pulchellus var. pulchellus 'Lynnhaven Carpet'
Purple Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus') makes a durable evergreen groundcover that starts off slow, but grows quickly after a few years to forms a dense, weed-smothering mat of foliage. As one of the most dry-shade tolerant plants there is, it's thick leathery leaves seem to handle everything nature has to throw at it! That being said, beware that this is an extremely vigorous plant that crowds out most weeds and is itself weed-like, with a very spreading growth habit. After establishment, it is high maintenance if it has already filled the space and you don't want it to spread any further: it even resists Round-up! It will climb trees if you allow it, generally using it for support to allow its mature form to develop and flowering to occur. From there, red-orange seeds develop that are spread everywhere and will overrun nearby native forests in Eastern Kansas. For the home garden, the species is generally too aggressive to mix with other plants. At our plant nursery, since we cannot eradicate it, we have allowed it to cover a tall fence along the back of our property where it has crept in from the neighboring woods. It does form a nice evergreen screen as it weaves into the trees.
Robbie Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae) is grown for its deep green glossy whorled foliage that is very architectural and symetrical. They have everything a gardener might ask for; beautiful spring flowers, dependable dark green foliage, evergreen during winter, pest-free foliage, and ease of care with very low maintenance. Rare greenish-yellow flowers last incredibly long 1 to 2 months and finally turn brown in need of dead-heading. Native to dry woodland locations in Europe, Turkey and the Caucasus, Robbie Spurge tolerates poor soils, including rocky-sandy ones. Root rot can be a problem in poor drainage areas. It prefers average to dry garden conditions with dappled or morning sun. Sun burning is possible with temperatures over 100° so avoid full afternoon sun. Plantings can thrive for many years if in the right spot and there is no such thing as overcrowding. The growth rate is slow at first but eventually forms a nice weed resistant cover so space new plants relatively close together is desiring this effect. Evergreen foliage is hardy to about -10°F with complete death occurring at about -15°F for unmulched plants. Robbie Spurge is less adapted to consistent summer heat and humidity of zone 7b areas or South. With poisonous foliage, these plants resist deer and rabbit browsing. What a great plant for the dry shade garden!
The velvety maroon foliage colors and patterns of Red-leaf African Milk Bush (Euphorbia bicompacta var. rubra) are amazing. Usually used as a patio or house plant in Kansas. Grow in full sun to full shade with optional extra watering including that which comes from rainfall. Plants with time to acclimate will thrive in full sun but be careful not to rush it or sunburning will occur. Generally if moving outside for the summer, allow 2-3 weeks of part shade or morning sun before placing in full sun. 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. Potted plants are hardy to at least 25 degrees F for a short time if kept dry so you are ok if you miss the first light frost. Do not allow the pot with rootball to freeze solid though. Then move into a cold garage, basement, or bright window over the winter with occasional watering. As a winter house plant, it will look presentable all winter long with just a few waterings. As a permanent house plant, provide bright light and allow the soil to dry between waterings for many years of carefree enjoyment. Potted plants are very low maintenance needing very occasional pruning or topping. Leaves are filled with a milky sap which seems to flow out very vigorously even with only the tiniest injury. All members of the genus Euphorbia produce a milky sap called latex that is toxic and can range from a mild irritant to very poisonous.
Donkeytail Spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites) is grown for its powder-blue/silver whorled foliage that is very architectural and symetrical. The stems creep along the ground in several directions from the main stem. Beautiful spring flowers are chartruse and foliage is solidly evergreen during winter and completely pest-free. Native to rocky and grassy places of southeastern Europe and Asia Minor, Donkeytail Spurge tolerates a wide range of growing conditions except excess moisture. Performance is best in poor soils, including rocky-sandy ones. Root rot can be a problem in poor drainage areas. It prefers full sun but can also grow well in full dry-shade. Individual plants tend to be short lived so allow some self seeding to occur within the group of plants. Due to self-seeding, it is considered a noxious weed in several western states and should not be planted in those areas. However, it is not a problem in Eastern Kansas or further East areas with over 35 inches of rainfall per year. Do not plant in rich moist soils or root rot will probably occur. Donkeytail Spurge is less adapted to consistent summer heat and humidity of zone 7b Southeast parts of the United States. With poisonous foliage, these plants resist deer and rabbit browsing. Wear gloves when handling this plant and avoid the milky sap. Great plant for berms or clammoring over retaining walls in hot West or South exposures in full sun or the opposite full dry-shade!
The Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is a shrub with pencil-thick, green, smooth, succulent branches that provide photosynthesizes long after the foliage is shed. Usually grown as a patio or house plant in Kansas. Grow in full sun to full shade with optional extra watering including that which comes from rainfall. Plants with time to acclimate will thrive in full sun but be careful not to rush it or sunburning will occur. Generally if moving outside for the summer, allow 2-3 weeks of part shade or morning sun before placing in full sun. 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. Potted plants are hardy to at least 25 degrees F for a short time if kept dry so you are ok if you miss the first light frost. Do not allow the pot with rootball to freeze solid though. Then move into a cold garage, basement, or bright window over the winter with occasional watering. As a winter house plant, it will look presentable all winter long with just a few waterings. As a permanent house plant, provide bright light and allow the soil to dry between waterings for many years of carefree enjoyment. Potted plants are very low maintenance needing very occasional pruning or topping. Stems are filled with a toxic milky sap which seems to flow out very vigorously even with only the tiniest injury. All members of the genus Euphorbia produce a milky sap called latex that is toxic and can range from a mild irritant to very poisonous.
The Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is a shrub with pencil-thick, green, smooth, succulent branches that provide photosynthesizes long after the foliage is shed. Usually grown as a patio or house plant in Kansas. Grow in full sun to full shade with optional extra watering including that which comes from rainfall. Plants with time to acclimate will thrive in full sun but be careful not to rush it or sunburning will occur. Generally if moving outside for the summer, allow 2-3 weeks of part shade or morning sun before placing in full sun. 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. Potted plants are hardy to at least 25 degrees F for a short time if kept dry so you are ok if you miss the first light frost. Do not allow the pot with rootball to freeze solid though. Then move into a cold garage, basement, or bright window over the winter with occasional watering. As a winter house plant, it will look presentable all winter long with just a few waterings. As a permanent house plant, provide bright light and allow the soil to dry between waterings for many years of carefree enjoyment. Potted plants are very low maintenance needing very occasional pruning or topping. Stems are filled with a toxic milky sap which seems to flow out very vigorously even with only the tiniest injury. All members of the genus Euphorbia produce a milky sap called latex that is toxic and can range from a mild irritant to very poisonous. Firesticks Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli 'Firesticks') is a highly ornamental variety that is more of a chartreuse color with bright orange and red tips developing in response to cold night temperatures.
African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona) is a an easy care succulent tree that originates from West Africa. Its triangular columns make a fascinating architectural addition to the room or patio. Usually grown as a patio or house plant in Kansas. Grow in full sun to full shade with optional extra watering including that which comes from rainfall. Plants with time to acclimate will thrive in full sun but be careful not to rush it or sunburning will occur. Generally if moving outside for the summer, allow 2-3 weeks of part shade or morning sun before placing in full sun. 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. Potted plants are hardy to at least 28 degrees F for a short time if kept dry so you are ok if you miss the first light frost. Do not allow the pot with rootball to freeze solid though. Then move into a cold garage, basement, or bright window over the winter with occasional watering. As a winter house plant, it will look presentable all winter long with just a few waterings. As a permanent house plant, provide bright light and allow the soil to dry between waterings for many years of carefree enjoyment. Potted plants are very low maintenance needing very occasional pruning or topping. Stems are filled with a toxic milky sap which seems to flow out very vigorously even with only the tiniest injury. All members of the genus Euphorbia produce a milky sap called latex that is toxic and can range from a mild irritant to very poisonous. No insect pests will bother this plant.
African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona) is a an easy care succulent tree that originates from West Africa. Its triangular columns make a fascinating architectural addition to the room or patio. Usually grown as a patio or house plant in Kansas. Grow in full sun to full shade with optional extra watering including that which comes from rainfall. Plants with time to acclimate will thrive in full sun but be careful not to rush it or sunburning will occur. Generally if moving outside for the summer, allow 2-3 weeks of part shade or morning sun before placing in full sun. 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. Potted plants are hardy to at least 28 degrees F for a short time if kept dry so you are ok if you miss the first light frost. Do not allow the pot with rootball to freeze solid though. Then move into a cold garage, basement, or bright window over the winter with occasional watering. As a winter house plant, it will look presentable all winter long with just a few waterings. As a permanent house plant, provide bright light and allow the soil to dry between waterings for many years of carefree enjoyment. Potted plants are very low maintenance needing very occasional pruning or topping. Stems are filled with a toxic milky sap which seems to flow out very vigorously even with only the tiniest injury. All members of the genus Euphorbia produce a milky sap called latex that is toxic and can range from a mild irritant to very poisonous. No insect pests will bother this plant. Red African Milk Tree Cactus (Euphorbia trigona 'Rubra') is a fabulous red-leaf cultivar with reddish-maroon stems.
Dragon Head Bamboo (Fargesia rufa) is a wonderful relatively new bamboo introduction with bright green leaves, red sheaths on new canes, and most importantly, a CLUMPING growth habit. This plant creates a soft textured tropical lush appearance in the garden. This unique and interesting plant is evergreen to -5 degree F and grows to about 2-3 feet in Eastern Kansas. (the published 6-10 feet is only achieved in desirable more stable climates like Oregon) Fargesia rufa provides shelter for birds, is not troubled by any diseases, insects, or animals, and is resistant to drought and heat after established. In Eastern Kansas, typically our 40 inches of rainfall is sufficient without extra water if planted in good soils. It is best grown in organically rich, acidic, well-drained soils in part shade but tolerates full shade (not dry-shade). It prefers cool summer climates; although we are on the Southern edge of this plants adaptability, it still survives reasonably well here. Look for a cold microclimate planting location such as East or North exposure. It needs some morning sun but lots of protection from hot afternoon sun. Does not perform well in the hot and humid summers of the southeastern U.S. or anywhere south of zone 6b. I have witnesses plants die in zone 7a from summer heat exhaustion. Mulch in winter will provide protection for the roots and expect occasional die-back when temperatures hit -5 to -10 degrees F. Repeated or successive cold winters with complete foliage loss seem to be an issue with this and many evergreen zone 6/7 plants. One occasional difficult winter followed by mild winters is more tolerable. This plant, however, will generally recover in one summer with decent watering and fertilizer. Plants do not "run" in the landscape like traditional bamboo and are not invasive; think of it as an evergreen ornamental grass with a nice compact fountain-like appearance.
Dragon Head Bamboo (Fargesia rufa) is a wonderful relatively new bamboo introduction with bright green leaves, red sheaths on new canes, and most importantly, a CLUMPING growth habit. This plant creates a soft textured tropical lush appearance in the garden. This unique and interesting plant is evergreen to -5 degree F and grows to about 2-3 feet in Eastern Kansas. (the published 6-10 feet is only achieved in desirable more stable climates like Oregon) Fargesia rufa provides shelter for birds, is not troubled by any diseases, insects, or animals, and is resistant to drought and heat after established. In Eastern Kansas, typically our 40 inches of rainfall is sufficient without extra water if planted in good soils. It is best grown in organically rich, acidic, well-drained soils in part shade but tolerates full shade (not dry-shade). It prefers cool summer climates; although we are on the Southern edge of this plants adaptability, it still survives reasonably well here. Look for a cold microclimate planting location such as East or North exposure. It needs some morning sun but lots of protection from hot afternoon sun. Does not perform well in the hot and humid summers of the southeastern U.S. or anywhere south of zone 6b. I have witnesses plants die in zone 7a from summer heat exhaustion. Mulch in winter will provide protection for the roots and expect occasional die-back when temperatures hit -5 to -10 degrees F. Repeated or successive cold winters with complete foliage loss seem to be an issue with this and many evergreen zone 6/7 plants. One occasional difficult winter followed by mild winters is more tolerable. This plant, however, will generally recover in one summer with decent watering and fertilizer. Plants do not "run" in the landscape like traditional bamboo and are not invasive; think of it as an evergreen ornamental grass with a nice compact fountain-like appearance.
Fire Barrel Cacti (Ferocactus sp.) are known for their bright red spines. Native to the Mojave desert south to the desert of Baja California, it's usually grown as a patio or house plant in Kansas. In the wild, some fire barrel species are hardy to 20 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. Potted plants are hardy to at least 25 degrees F for a short time if kept dry so you are ok if you miss the first light frost. Do not allow the pot with rootball to freeze solid though. Before extreme cold occurs, 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.(also to prevent lanky winter growth) 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!***
Show Off® Forsythia (Forsythia x Mindor 'Show Off') "shows off" its bright yellow early spring flowers. Improved flower display compared to older varieties. Compact. Deer resistant. Good for cut displays. An excellent specimen plant for mixed borders and foundations. Prefers a good loose soil, but will do well in any soil. pH adaptable and withstands city conditions and is air pollution tolerant. Pruning is best done immediately after flowering. Old stems can be removed or can be cut back to the ground. Shaping should be done at this time. Prefers medium moisture. Fertilize in early spring by applying a slow release fertilizer specialized for trees and shrubs. Follow the label for recommended rate of application. This little beauty will be a blast of early spring color from the ground up! Show Off is not your typical forsythia! It is compact and full of blooms from the ground to the end of every stem. Older varieties can become out of control and often become victims of bad pruning; this little beauty will stay small so there is less need to prune. Now you can have a nice tight, compact forsythia hedge without doing any work! A real improvement over older varieties, Show Off is a very showy choice for the early spring garden. In Eastern Kansas, this cultivar performs WELL with just about everything nature has to challenge it! All Proven Winners® plants are legally propagated, healthy and vigorous, true to name, and tagged with color pictures and growing information.
***Shrub descriptions available with future update!***
These succulents are usually spineless and grown for their beautiful shapes, color and texture. Gasteria / Haworthia / Aloe are usually grown as small patio or house plants in Kansas. In the wild, some species are hardy to below 20 degrees F. Grow in part sun to full shade with little 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 and tolerate extremely root-bound pots but will eventually need thinned or repotted. 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 a few waterings. As a permanent house plant, provide bright light and allow the soil to dry between waterings for many years of carefree enjoyment. Generally if moving outside for the summer, keep in part to full shade. Some species will acclimate and thrive in full sun but be careful not to rush it or sunburning will occur; move into sun gradually over a few weeks. Potted plants are very low maintenance but avoid too much water or plants will rot.
***Description for this plant available with future update!***
Geranium macrorrhizum, commonly called Bigroot Geranium is native to the Southeast Alps and the Balkans. It features highly aromatic fuzzy leaves that leave you wanting another sniff after crushing a leaf in your hand. Early summer pink, rose, or white flowers form depending on the cultivar. It forms a weed-suppressing mat of rhizomatous semi-evergreen perennial that typically grows to 12" tall but spreads to 24" wide. Root rot can be a problem in poor drainage areas. Bigroot Geranium is the most drought tolerant of the hardy geraniums earning a spot in the dry shade garden; it cannot handle extreme drought or extremely rootbound soils though. It prefers average to dry garden conditions with dappled or morning sun. Sun burning is possible with temperatures over 100° so avoid full afternoon sun. Plantings can thrive for decades if in the right spot as there is no such thing as overcrowding for Big Root Geranium. When planted in mass, growth is slow at first but eventually a cake-like rhizome system will form and completely smother out any weeds and compete well with trees for water and nutrients. The growth rate is slow at first so space new plants relatively close together is desiring this effect.
***Description for this perennial available with future update!***
***Description for this perennial available with future update!***
Elephant's Tongue Plant (Haemanthus albiflos) has attractive exceptionally wide medium green, wide, glossy, curved foliage along with occasional white flowers. It is native to seasonal semi-dry coastal cliffs in South Africa hardy to 23-25 degrees F. It is best used as a houseplant or summer patio plant in Kansas. Place in part to full shade in areas where occasional extra watering can happen including 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 thicker and tolerate extremely root-bound pots. Potted plants are hardy to at least 30 degrees F for a short time but try not to miss the first light frost. Move into a cold garage, basement, or bright window over the winter with occasional watering. Flowering is more reliable with root-bound plants but rarely occurs. As a winter house plant, it will look presentable all winter long with just a few waterings. As a permanent house plant, provide bright light and allow the soil to dry between waterings for many years (even decades) of carefree enjoyment. Potted plants grow very slow and are very low maintenance needing only old leaves removed once per year. Elephant's tongue is relatively rare and will command a higher price than most other houseplants.
English Ivy (Hedera helix) is planted for its evergreen dark green foliage. This is one of the most deep shade tolerant plants available. It makes a durable evergreen groundcover that starts off slow, but grows quickly after a few years to forms a dense, weed-smothering mat of foliage. As one of the most dry-shade tolerant plants there is, it's thick leathery leaves seem to handle everything nature has to throw at it! That being said, beware that this is an extremely vigorous plant that crowds out most weeds and is itself weed-like, with a very spreading growth habit. After establishment, it is high maintenance if it has already filled the space and you don't want it to spread any further: it even resists Round-up! It will climb trees if you allow it, generally using it for support to allow its mature form to develop and flowering to occur. For the home garden, the species is generally too aggressive to mix with other plants. We have more requests on "how to eradicate it" than "wanting to purchase it".
Lenten Rose (Helleborus) are the ultimate dry-shade plant for eastern Kansas landscapes. Most hellebores are native to mountainous wooded regions of Europe with limestone bedrock and calcareous, humus-rich soils. They have everything a gardener might ask for; beautiful spring flowers, dependable dark green foliage, evergreen during winter, appreciation for alkaline soils, and ease of care with very low maintenance. Hellebores are one of the first perennials to start growing in the spring with flowering occurring even with hard freezes. Flowers last incredibly long 2 to 3 months and finally turn greenish in June. No deadheading is needed because the foliage just absorbs the flower stalks as they fade. Summer and fall foliage is dark green, dependable, and pest-free. Evergreen foliage is hardy to about 0°F. If it gets colder than that, hellebores will be deciduous with no detrimental effects. Desirable self-seeding may gently occur around mother plants. Hellebores do have an Achilles heel however; they cannot tolerate wet or poorly drained soils, not even slightly. In areas with too much rainfall or poorly drained soils, foliage diseases and root rot are likely to occur. Hellebores are also not the best choice for full sun, while they will survive, they will get foliage burn in the summer when over 100°F in afternoon sun. With poisonous foliage, these plants resist deer and rabbit browsing. What a great plant for the dry shade garden! There are many improved flowering cultivars to choose from now. Helleborus 'Ivory Prince' is a selection chosen for its quick growing nature. Burgundy-pink buds open to creamy, white flowers that mature with pink highlights in early spring. Blooms face up and outward from the reddish stems over evergreen foliage. Prominent veining on leathery evergreen foliage is showy even when not in bloom. Great in our trial gardens to far.
Lenten Rose (Helleborus) is the ultimate dry-shade plant for eastern Kansas landscapes. Most hellebores are native to mountainous wooded regions of Europe with limestone bedrock and calcareous, humus-rich soils. They have everything a gardener might ask for; beautiful spring flowers, dependable dark green foliage, evergreen during winter, appreciation for alkaline soils, and ease of care with very low maintenance. Hellebores are one of the first perennials to start growing in the spring with flowering occurring even with hard freezes. Flowers last incredibly long 2 to 3 months and finally turn greenish in June. No deadheading is needed because the foliage just absorbs the flower stalks as they fade. Summer and fall foliage is dark green, dependable, and pest-free. Evergreen foliage is hardy to about 0°F. If it gets colder than that, hellebores will be deciduous with no detrimental effects. Desirable self-seeding may gently occur around mother plants. Hellebores do have an Achilles heel however; they cannot tolerate wet or poorly drained soils, not even slightly. In areas with too much rainfall or poorly drained soils, foliage diseases and root rot are likely to occur. Hellebores are also not the best choice for full sun, while they will survive, they will get foliage burn in the summer when over 100°F in afternoon sun. With poisonous foliage, these plants resist deer and rabbit browsing. What a great plant for the dry shade garden! There are many improved flowering cultivars to choose from now. Helleborus 'Sandy Shores' HONEYMOON® is a new series from Walters Gardens hybridizer Hans Hansen. In his breeding work, he selects for plants with notable vigor, showy floral displays with large numbers of blossoms per plant, and rich flower colors.'Sandy Shores' bears 2½-3", single pale apricot flowers with a lovely rosy pink color on the backs.
Lenten Rose (Helleborus) is the ultimate dry-shade plant for eastern Kansas landscapes. Most hellebores are native to mountainous wooded regions of Europe with limestone bedrock and calcareous, humus-rich soils. They have everything a gardener might ask for; beautiful spring flowers, dependable dark green foliage, evergreen during winter, appreciation for alkaline soils, and ease of care with very low maintenance. Hellebores are one of the first perennials to start growing in the spring with flowering occurring even with hard freezes. Flowers last incredibly long 2 to 3 months and finally turn greenish in June. No deadheading is needed because the foliage just absorbs the flower stalks as they fade. Summer and fall foliage is dark green, dependable, and pest-free. Evergreen foliage is hardy to about 0°F. If it gets colder than that, hellebores will be deciduous with no detrimental effects. Desirable self-seeding may gently occur around mother plants. Hellebores do have an Achilles heel however; they cannot tolerate wet or poorly drained soils, not even slightly. In areas with too much rainfall or poorly drained soils, foliage diseases and root rot are likely to occur. Hellebores are also not the best choice for full sun, while they will survive, they will get foliage burn in the summer when over 100°F in afternoon sun. With poisonous foliage, these plants resist deer and rabbit browsing. What a great plant for the dry shade garden! There are many improved flowering cultivars to choose from now. Merlin Pink Hellebore (Helleborus x ballardiae HGC 'Merlin') features large outward-facing pink flowers that last 6-8 weeks. Prominent veining on leathery evergreen foliage is showy even when not in bloom.
Bear Claw / Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus foetidus) is the ultimate dry-shade plant for eastern Kansas landscapes. Most hellebores are native to mountainous wooded regions of Europe and Asia with limestone bedrock and calcareous, humus-rich soils. They have everything a gardener might ask for; beautiful spring flowers, dependable dark green foliage, evergreen during winter, appreciation for alkaline soils, and ease of care with very low maintenance. Hellebores are one of the first perennials to start growing in the spring with flowering occurring even with hard freezes. Bear Claw Hellebore literally starts blooming in January and February in zone 6a. The drooping cup-shaped flowers appear in spring, and are yellowish-green, often with a purple edge to the five petal-like sepals on strongly upright stems. The flowers are very attractive to bees and other insects at a time of year when hardly any other plant (except Witchhazel / Hamamelis) is blooming. Despite its common name, it is not noticeably malodorous, although the foliage is pungent when crushed. Greenish flowers last incredibly long 2 to 3 months and finally turn brown in May and should be dead-headed. Summer and fall foliage is bear claw-like, dark green, dependable, and pest-free. Evergreen foliage is hardy to about -10°F with complete death occurring at about -15°F for unmulched plants. Desirable self-seeding will occur around mother plants. Individual plants of this species usually live for 3-4 years so it is advisable to allow a patch of different aged plants. Flowering usually occurs at 2-3 years. Hellebores do have an Achilles heel however; they cannot tolerate wet or poorly drained soils, not even slightly. In areas with too much rainfall or poorly drained soils, foliage diseases and root rot are likely to occur. Hellebores are also not the best choice for full sun, while they will survive, they will get foliage burn in the summer when over 100°F in afternoon sun. This hellebore is less adapted to consistent summer heat and humidity of zone 7b areas or South. With poisonous foliage, these plants resist deer and rabbit browsing. What a great plant for the dry shade garden! There are a few interesting and improved cultivars but are rarely available.
Lenten Rose (Helleborus) is the ultimate dry-shade plant for eastern Kansas landscapes. Most hellebores are native to mountainous wooded regions of Europe with limestone bedrock and calcareous, humus-rich soils. They have everything a gardener might ask for; beautiful spring flowers, dependable dark green foliage, evergreen during winter, appreciation for alkaline soils, and ease of care with very low maintenance. Hellebores are one of the first perennials to start growing in the spring with flowering occurring even with hard freezes. Flowers last incredibly long 2 to 3 months and finally turn greenish in June. No deadheading is needed because the foliage just absorbs the flower stalks as they fade. Summer and fall foliage is dark green, dependable, and pest-free. Evergreen foliage is hardy to about 0°F. If it gets colder than that, hellebores will be deciduous with no detrimental effects. Desirable self-seeding may gently occur around mother plants. Hellebores do have an Achilles heel however; they cannot tolerate wet or poorly drained soils, not even slightly. In areas with too much rainfall or poorly drained soils, foliage diseases and root rot are likely to occur. Hellebores are also not the best choice for full sun, while they will survive, they will get foliage burn in the summer when over 100°F in afternoon sun. With poisonous foliage, these plants resist deer and rabbit browsing. What a great plant for the dry shade garden! There are many improved flowering cultivars to choose from now.
Lenten Rose (Helleborus) is the ultimate dry-shade plant for eastern Kansas landscapes. Most hellebores are native to mountainous wooded regions of Europe with limestone bedrock and calcareous, humus-rich soils. They have everything a gardener might ask for; beautiful spring flowers, dependable dark green foliage, evergreen during winter, appreciation for alkaline soils, and ease of care with very low maintenance. Hellebores are one of the first perennials to start growing in the spring with flowering occurring even with hard freezes. Flowers last incredibly long 2 to 3 months and finally turn greenish in June. No deadheading is needed because the foliage just absorbs the flower stalks as they fade. Summer and fall foliage is dark green, dependable, and pest-free. Evergreen foliage is hardy to about 0°F. If it gets colder than that, hellebores will be deciduous with no detrimental effects. Desirable self-seeding may gently occur around mother plants. Hellebores do have an Achilles heel however; they cannot tolerate wet or poorly drained soils, not even slightly. In areas with too much rainfall or poorly drained soils, foliage diseases and root rot are likely to occur. Hellebores are also not the best choice for full sun, while they will survive, they will get foliage burn in the summer when over 100°F in afternoon sun. With poisonous foliage, these plants resist deer and rabbit browsing. What a great plant for the dry shade garden! There are many improved flowering cultivars to choose from now.
Texas Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) is a slow-growing broadleaf evergreen perennial with tall coral red flowers! Surprisingly, a native of Northeastern Mexico and Southwestern Texas can handle our extreme cold and wetness of Lawrence, KS! Normally thriving in hot, dry, desert conditions, is also surprisingly winter hardy to USDA Zone 5. Medium to blue-green leaves form rosettes about 2-3 feet tall and wide. Tall red flower spikes reliably appear on mature plants from July to October lasting 3-4 months in Kansas. If pollination is successful, attractive seed heads form later turning to black before cracking open in winter. Tough as nails, yuccas are the ideal plant for a no-maintenance garden. Normally a plant has specific requirements for success but this yucca has only a few: it cannot tolerate poorly drained soils, full shade, or North exposures. This and other yuccas look best when combined with other flowering plants providing texture and color. In mass plantings, red yucca can create an interesting architectural look. Combined with ornamental grasses, red yucca can create stunning contrasts with winter grass colors of pink, orange and rust. Red flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds and certainly deserve a place in native plant / pollinator garden. Not a true yucca, this is actually a Hesperaloe, a closely related genus also related to century plants. A large group of Hesperaloe survived -16 degrees F and a week of single digit highs in February, 2021 with no mulch. I have also seen miles upon miles of this plant growing in the medians along multi-lane interstates in Dallas. All plants were healthy looking with no missing or dying plants; truely a tough plant. Truely a 4-seasons plant for your yard!
Texas Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) is a slow-growing broadleaf evergreen perennial with tall coral red flowers! Surprisingly, a native of Northeastern Mexico and Southwestern Texas can handle our extreme cold and wetness of Lawrence, KS! Normally thriving in hot, dry, desert conditions, is also surprisingly winter hardy to USDA Zone 5. Medium to blue-green leaves form rosettes about 2-3 feet tall and wide. Tall red flower spikes reliably appear on mature plants from July to October lasting 3-4 months in Kansas. If pollination is successful, attractive seed heads form later turning to black before cracking open in winter. Tough as nails, yuccas are the ideal plant for a no-maintenance garden. Normally a plant has specific requirements for success but this yucca has only a few: it cannot tolerate poorly drained soils, full shade, or North exposures. This and other yuccas look best when combined with other flowering plants providing texture and color. In mass plantings, red yucca can create an interesting architectural look. Combined with ornamental grasses, red yucca can create stunning contrasts with winter grass colors of pink, orange and rust. Red flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds and certainly deserve a place in native plant / pollinator garden. Not a true yucca, this is actually a Hesperaloe, a closely related genus also related to century plants. A large group of Hesperaloe survived -16 degrees F and a week of single digit highs in February, 2021 with no mulch. I have also seen miles upon miles of this plant growing in the medians along multi-lane interstates in Dallas. All plants were healthy looking with no missing or dying plants; truely a tough plant. Truely a 4-seasons plant for your yard!
Caramel coral bells (Heuchera 'Caramel') are planted for its unusual orange-copper-peach evergreen leaf colors. Tiny light pink flowers also appear in early summer. Foliage maintains well as a non-spreading clump all year provided that certain cultural conditions are met. Native to Eastern U.S. forests in humusy, medium well-drained soil in part shade to full shade, it needs constantly moist soil rich in organic matter but avoid clay. Summer droughts and temperatures over 100 degrees F. are stressful for coral belles. If low temperatures hit -10 degrees F, foliage finally dies back to the ground and re-emerges in early spring. Useful in Kansas landscapes as a small scale groundcover in part shade or morning sun. Color is less intense in full shade. Generally this plant declines after a few years of Kansas climate but worth a try in perfect soils in well-tended shade gardens. Preferring northern climates, lack of moisture, alkaline soils, and competition with weeds seem to be an issue. 'Carmel' is a villosa hybrid with glowing golden-orange leaves turning a bit more apricot with warmer weather. Foliage is fuzzy giving the plants a more frosted look. For a coral bell, this cultivar is very heat and humidity tolerant; a vigorous grower. We have a specimen thriving in our Lawrence, KS, for over 10 years needing very little care; it gets morning sun, regular irrigation, and that's about it! All Proven Winners® plants are legally propagated, healthy and vigorous, true to name, and tagged with color pictures and growing information.
Obsidian Coral Bells (Heuchera x 'Obsidian') are planted for its unusual orange-copper-peach evergreen leaf colors. Tiny light pink flowers also appear in early summer. Foliage maintains well as a non-spreading clump all year provided that certain cultural conditions are met. Native to Eastern U.S. forests in humusy, medium well-drained soil in part shade to full shade, it needs constantly moist soil rich in organic matter but avoid clay. Summer droughts and temperatures over 100 degrees F. are stressful for coral belles. If low temperatures hit -10 degrees F, foliage finally dies back to the ground and re-emerges in early spring. Useful in Kansas landscapes as a small scale groundcover in part shade or morning sun. Color is less intense in full shade. Generally this plant declines after a few years of Kansas climate but worth a try in perfect soils in well-tended shade gardens. Preferring northern climates, lack of moisture, alkaline soils, and competition with weeds seem to be an issue. 'Carmel' is a villosa hybrid with glowing golden-orange leaves turning a bit more apricot with warmer weather. Foliage is fuzzy giving the plants a more frosted look. For a coral bell, this cultivar is very heat and humidity tolerant; a vigorous grower. We have a specimen thriving in our Lawrence, KS, for over 10 years needing very little care; it gets morning sun, regular irrigation, and that's about it! All Proven Winners® plants are legally propagated, healthy and vigorous, true to name, and tagged with color pictures and growing information.
Obsidian Coral Bells (Heuchera x 'Obsidian') are planted for its unusual orange-copper-peach evergreen leaf colors. Tiny light pink flowers also appear in early summer. Foliage maintains well as a non-spreading clump all year provided that certain cultural conditions are met. Native to Eastern U.S. forests in humusy, medium well-drained soil in part shade to full shade, it needs constantly moist soil rich in organic matter but avoid clay. Summer droughts and temperatures over 100 degrees F. are stressful for coral belles. If low temperatures hit -10 degrees F, foliage finally dies back to the ground and re-emerges in early spring. Useful in Kansas landscapes as a small scale groundcover in part shade or morning sun. Color is less intense in full shade. Generally this plant declines after a few years of Kansas climate but worth a try in perfect soils in well-tended shade gardens. Preferring northern climates, lack of moisture, alkaline soils, and competition with weeds seem to be an issue. 'Carmel' is a villosa hybrid with glowing golden-orange leaves turning a bit more apricot with warmer weather. Foliage is fuzzy giving the plants a more frosted look. For a coral bell, this cultivar is very heat and humidity tolerant; a vigorous grower. We have a specimen thriving in our Lawrence, KS, for over 10 years needing very little care; it gets morning sun, regular irrigation, and that's about it! All Proven Winners® plants are legally propagated, healthy and vigorous, true to name, and tagged with color pictures and growing information.
Mary's Hardy Red Amaryllis (Hippeastrum 'Mary') is a cultivar named by Ryan Domnick after his mother Mary. Mary Domnick had grown this beautiful unknown variety for over a decade in the 1980's and 1990's. The glossy green strap-like leaves emerge in spring emerge with a reddish tint. Deep red velvety flowers have a darker red throat and last for about a month. Foliage remains attractive all summer with plenty of heat tolerance. No other cultivars match this pure deep red color! The plants are temperate and subtropical herbaceous perennial bulbs native to areas with a summer wet season and dry winter. Mary's Hardy Red Amaryllis are hardy outside as a perennial when established and mulched at least to zone 6a. During the growing season, fertilize, water regularly, and plant in full sun. Plant these bulbs in the ground at least 6-8" deep with 3-4" of mulch to enjoy a wonderful tropical flowering effect! Trim back foliage after first fall freeze. They can also be grown as a flowering summer patio plant. If growing as a potted plant and trying to overwinter, allowing the foliage to frost is ok, it will not kill the root system. However, do not allow the pot with rootball to freeze solid or go below 20 degrees for more than a few hours; move into a cold garage or basement over the winter with no watering. Cut back and allow to go dormant and place entire pot back out in April or May with a time-release fertilizer. Another more labor intensive way to overwinter gladiolus is to remove them from the dirt, dust with fungicide, place in box with sawdust, and keep in the refrigerator. We consider this method old-fashioned and too much work but ok if you only want to save a few bulbs. If digging from the ground in colder zones, just save a big chunk with the dirt intact and place into a large pot in the garage. In our display garden in Lawrence, KS (zone 6a), several established specimens planted over 4-6" deep and mulched 2-3" with wood mulch survived -17 degrees F. During the arctic blast of February, 2021, lows down to -17 degrees F on Feb 16th, 2021 were recorded. The longevity of this cold blast was also impressive: 10 days on a row with highs of 10-15 degrees F or lower, 8 nights of lows in the single digits and negatives, and 36 straight hours of 0 degrees F and mostly lower. These have been in the ground for over 10 years and muscled through other periods of below zero cold weather.
Wax Plants (Hoya sp.) have been popular house plants for decades because they are extremely long-lived, have a classic, deep green, vining foliage and produce fragrant, light pink and red star-shaped flowers. Because of their thick waxy foliage, they are often called wax plants. These tropical vines have a few requirements in order to thrive but nothing too hard. Give them bright indirect light and water only when dry. If light, temperature, and humidity are sufficient, flowers may occur. If not, then just enjoy the beautiful foliage. They are usually grown as a house plant in Kansas but can be moved outside in the summer if kept in full shade. Leaves will sunburn easily! In the wild, most species grow in dry-deciduous jungles that never get below 60 degrees F. Repotting may or may not be needed depending on how large you want the plant to grow; plants can continue to grow in the same pot for decades. If repotting, make sure to use a sharp draining but high organic cactus mix with plenty of sand and perlite. To play is safe, outside potted plants are best moved in before night temperatures get below 50 degrees F. It is important to avoid the combination of wet and cold. Potted plants are very low maintenance but watch for scale and mealybugs that may hide beneath the foliage.
***Description for this perennial available with future update!***
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***Shrub descriptions available with future update!***
