***Description for this perennial available with future update!*** Penstemon cobaea is also known as Showy Beardtongue / Cobaea Beardtongue.
***Description for this perennial available with future update!***Foxglove Beardtongue / Native Penstemon, is also known as Penstemon digitalis.
***Description for this perennial available with future update!***Dakota Burgundy Penstemon, is also known as Penstemon digitalis 'Dakota Burgundy'
***Description for this perennial available with future update!***Dark Towers Penstemon, is also known as Penstemon digitalis 'Dark Towers'
***Description for this perennial available with future update!***Dakota Burgundy Penstemon, is also known as Penstemon digitalis 'Dakota Burgundy'
***Description for this perennial available with future update!*** Penstemon pinifolius is also known as Pine-leaf Scarlet Penstemon.
Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a perfectly well-adapted plant from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia. It is the perfect match to hot Kansas summers, cold winters, rocky alkaline soils, and drought. Fine-textured foliage is upright and shrub-like consisting of a mint green to blush green color. Lavender to bluish flowers emerging in mid-summer are extremely long-lasting. In fall, Russian sage foliage dies back with the first hard freeze and becomes a whitish-gray color adding awesome winter interest. Imagine this combined with ornamental grasses or bright winter-colored plants like Color Guard Yucca. The only maintenance is cutting the plant back to you about 6 to 8 inches in the spring. New buds emerge from the root system and lower parts of the woody growth. New cultivars of Russian sage do not spread by rhizomes like the species. Russian sage thrives in dry well-drained soils with plenty of full sun and air circulation. They are suitable for hot west or south exposures, berms, parking lot islands, hell strips along roads, and other inhospitable locations. They tolerate poor soil including rock, sand, clay, and alkalinity. They do not tolerate poor drainage and will be floppy even in part shade. Russian sage flowers are highly attractive to honeybees. There are several improved cultivars with improved blooming, improved growth habit, and elimination of spreading.
Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a perfectly well-adapted plant from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia. It is the perfect match to hot Kansas summers, cold winters, rocky alkaline soils, and drought. Fine-textured foliage is upright and shrub-like consisting of a mint green to blush green color. Lavender to bluish flowers emerging in mid-summer are extremely long-lasting. In fall, Russian sage foliage dies back with the first hard freeze and becomes a whitish-gray color adding awesome winter interest. Imagine this combined with ornamental grasses or bright winter-colored plants like Color Guard Yucca. The only maintenance is cutting the plant back to you about 6 to 8 inches in the spring. New buds emerge from the root system and lower parts of the woody growth. New cultivars of Russian sage do not spread by rhizomes like the species. Russian sage thrives in dry well-drained soils with plenty of full sun and air circulation. They are suitable for hot west or south exposures, berms, parking lot islands, hell strips along roads, and other inhospitable locations. They tolerate poor soil including rock, sand, clay, and alkalinity. They do not tolerate poor drainage and will be floppy even in part shade. Russian sage flowers are highly attractive to honeybees. There are several improved cultivars with improved blooming, improved growth habit, and elimination of spreading. Blue Jean Baby Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Jean Baby') is a wonderful compact, non-spreading, and non-flopping variety. Lavender blue flowers held in smoky purple calyxes bloom for a long period starting in midsummer, with the color from the calyxes extending appeal into fall. Blue Jean Baby a Walters Gardens Inc. introduction.
Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a perfectly well-adapted plant from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia. It is the perfect match to hot Kansas summers, cold winters, rocky alkaline soils, and drought. Fine-textured foliage is upright and shrub-like consisting of a mint green to blush green color. Lavender to bluish flowers emerging in mid-summer are extremely long-lasting. In fall, Russian sage foliage dies back with the first hard freeze and becomes a whitish-gray color adding awesome winter interest. Imagine this combined with ornamental grasses or bright winter-colored plants like Color Guard Yucca. The only maintenance is cutting the plant back to you about 6 to 8 inches in the spring. New buds emerge from the root system and lower parts of the woody growth. New cultivars of Russian sage do not spread by rhizomes like the species. Russian sage thrives in dry well-drained soils with plenty of full sun and air circulation. They are suitable for hot west or south exposures, berms, parking lot islands, hell strips along roads, and other inhospitable locations. They tolerate poor soil including rock, sand, clay, and alkalinity. They do not tolerate poor drainage and will be floppy even in part shade. Russian sage flowers are highly attractive to honeybees. There are several improved cultivars with improved blooming, improved growth habit, and elimination of spreading. "Tough as steel! A new seed introduction by PanAm Seed with a sturdy, controlled habit in the landscape. 'Blue Steel' combines the best summer-blooming lavender-blue colour with outstanding late-season garden performance and has aromatic, silvery foliage carrying clouds of small blue flowers on strong silver stems that do not break or split easily. It is very hardy and Heat/drought tolerant." - PanAm Seed
Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a perfectly well-adapted plant from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia. It is the perfect match to hot Kansas summers, cold winters, rocky alkaline soils, and drought. Fine-textured foliage is upright and shrub-like consisting of a mint green to blush green color. Lavender to bluish flowers emerging in mid-summer are extremely long-lasting. In fall, Russian sage foliage dies back with the first hard freeze and becomes a whitish-gray color adding awesome winter interest. Imagine this combined with ornamental grasses or bright winter-colored plants like Color Guard Yucca. The only maintenance is cutting the plant back to you about 6 to 8 inches in the spring. New buds emerge from the root system and lower parts of the woody growth. New cultivars of Russian sage do not spread by rhizomes like the species. Russian sage thrives in dry well-drained soils with plenty of full sun and air circulation. They are suitable for hot west or south exposures, berms, parking lot islands, hell strips along roads, and other inhospitable locations. They tolerate poor soil including rock, sand, clay, and alkalinity. They do not tolerate poor drainage and will be floppy even in part shade. Russian sage flowers are highly attractive to honeybees. There are several improved cultivars with improved blooming, improved growth habit, and elimination of spreading. Denim 'n Lace Russian Sage(Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Denim 'n Lace') is a wonderful non-spreading, non-flopping variety. This is the perfect addition to a garden in hot, dry areas. Lacy-like, bright sky blue flowers are held on amethyst calyxes, with strong stems and an upright habit. The beautiful color will last a long time! 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!*** Photenia x fraserii is also known as Fraser's Photenia >>>>>>>>>>>>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.
***Shrub descriptions available with future update!*** Photenia x fraserii 'Pink Marble' is also known as Pink Marble Variegated Photenia >>>>>>>>>>>>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.
Golden Crookstem Evergreen Bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata 'Aureocaulis') is a cold hardy running bamboo with a distinctive yellow culms. When planted where direct sun can shine on the culms from the south or west, they often develop a bright magenta highlight for a few weeks in the spring. Established bamboo groves provide a beautiful evergreen privacy screen. It provides ultimate wind protection, noise and traffic screening, and a hedge-like barrier. Bamboo is loved for its tropical lush appearance and a proven performance record in cold climates. It offers the only option for dry shade situations that stays green all winter. Bamboo is a great bird and wildlife shelter. You may also create trails through the bamboo grove for kids to play and built forts. Bamboo shoots 1" diameter plus are edible and quite tasty if harvested when under 6" tall and husked like corn. Timber species can obtain a maximum height of 15 to 20 feet may be achieved in 5 to 10 years. Realistic height of 10-15 feet should be expected in Kansas ( zones 5-6 ). Foliage is evergreen to 0 to 5 degrees F. Canes will defoliate at -5 to -10 degrees F. Canes die to the ground at -10 to -15 degrees. Root system will survive up to -25 to -30 degrees F as a perennial especially if mulched. Every few years a grove will experience complete winterkill: it is strongly advised to cut all dead growth to the ground for aesthetic reasons and and fire prevention. In the year after a complete winter-kill event, new growth will only grow back 1/2 as tall as it was before. It is speculated that after loosing all that foliage and biomass, it is only growing with 1/2 as much energy as before and with loss of potential photosynthesis for months in the spring before it is warm enough for new shoots to emerge. In our trial gardens in Lawrence, KS (zone 6a), all plants were killed to the ground but rhizomes survived with new growth by May. During this 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 strait hours of 0 degrees F and mostly lower. As with any running bamboo, it is important to consider future spread. Spread can be controlled in lawn or forested areas by mowing at least twice a month during the months of May, June, and July and once in September. Another method of spread used mainly in China today is the shallow 12" deep sand-filled trench. Every summer, just run a shovel through the trench a few times to sever any escaping rhizomes. Also use this method for easy propagation. To keep bamboo from spreading into other landscape or formal lawn areas, you must install a continuous border around the grove. 14"-16" deep edging is needed for loamy to clay soils; 18-24" deep border is needed for sandy soils. An effective edging material is high-density polyethylene plastic professional rhizome barrier with lots of information available on proper installation techniques.
Lama Temple Crookstem Evergreen Bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata 'Lama Temple') is a cold hardy running bamboo with a distinctive sulfur yellow culms. When planted where direct sun can shine on the culms from the south or west, they often develop a bright cherry-red highlight for a few weeks in the spring. Culm sheaths are more pale and pink than other bamboos. Established bamboo groves provide a beautiful evergreen privacy screen. It provides ultimate wind protection, noise and traffic screening, and a hedge-like barrier. Bamboo is loved for its tropical lush appearance and a proven performance record in cold climates. It offers the only option for dry shade situations that stays green all winter. Bamboo is a great bird and wildlife shelter. You may also create trails through the bamboo grove for kids to play and built forts. Bamboo shoots 1" diameter plus are edible and quite tasty if harvested when under 6" tall and husked like corn. Timber species can obtain a maximum height of 15 to 20 feet may be achieved in 5 to 10 years. Realistic height of 10-15 feet should be expected in Kansas ( zones 5-6 ). Foliage is evergreen to 0 to 5 degrees F. Canes will defoliate at -5 to -10 degrees F. Canes die to the ground at -10 to -15 degrees. Root system will survive up to -25 to -30 degrees F as a perennial especially if mulched. Every few years a grove will experience complete winterkill: it is strongly advised to cut all dead growth to the ground for aesthetic reasons and and fire prevention. In the year after a complete winter-kill event, new growth will only grow back 1/2 as tall as it was before. It is speculated that after loosing all that foliage and biomass, it is only growing with 1/2 as much energy as before and with loss of potential photosynthesis for months in the spring before it is warm enough for new shoots to emerge. In our trial gardens in Lawrence, KS (zone 6a), all plants were killed to the ground but rhizomes survived with new growth by May. During this 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 strait hours of 0 degrees F and mostly lower. As with any running bamboo, it is important to consider future spread. Spread can be controlled in lawn or forested areas by mowing at least twice a month during the months of May, June, and July and once in September. Another method of spread used mainly in China today is the shallow 12" deep sand-filled trench. Every summer, just run a shovel through the trench a few times to sever any escaping rhizomes. Also use this method for easy propagation. To keep bamboo from spreading into other landscape or formal lawn areas, you must install a continuous border around the grove. 14"-16" deep edging is needed for loamy to clay soils; 18-24" deep border is needed for sandy soils. An effective edging material is high-density polyethylene plastic professional rhizome barrier with lots of information available on proper installation techniques.
Bissett Dark Green Evergreen Bamboo (Phyllostachys bissetti) is one of the most cold hardy running bamboo there is. Foliage is bright green with dark green culms. Foliage density is very high. Established Bissett bamboo groves provide the most dense beautiful evergreen privacy screen of the cold hardy bamboos. It provides ultimate wind protection, noise and traffic screening, and a hedge-like barrier. Bamboo is loved for its tropical lush appearance and a proven performance record in cold climates. It offers the only option for dry shade situations that stays green all winter. Bamboo is a great bird and wildlife shelter. You may also create trails through the bamboo grove for kids to play and built forts. Bamboo shoots 1" diameter plus are edible and quite tasty if harvested when under 6" tall and husked like corn. Timber species can obtain a maximum height of 15 to 20 feet may be achieved in 5 to 10 years. Realistic height of 10-15 feet should be expected in Kansas ( zones 5-6 ). Foliage is evergreen to -5 to -8 degrees F. Canes will defoliate at -10 to -15 degrees F. Canes die to the ground at -15 to -20 degrees. Root system will survive up to -30 to -35 degrees F as a perennial especially if mulched. Every few years a grove will experience complete winterkill: it is strongly advised to cut all dead growth to the ground for aesthetic reasons and and fire prevention. In the year after a complete winter-kill event, new growth will only grow back 1/2 as tall as it was before. It is speculated that after loosing all that foliage and biomass, it is only growing with 1/2 as much energy as before and with loss of potential photosynthesis for months in the spring before it is warm enough for new shoots to emerge. In our trial gardens in Lawrence, KS (zone 6a), all plants were killed to the ground but rhizomes survived with new growth by May. During this 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 strait hours of 0 degrees F and mostly lower. As with any running bamboo, it is important to consider future spread. Spread can be controlled in lawn or forested areas by mowing at least twice a month during the months of May, June, and July and once in September. Another method of spread used mainly in China today is the shallow 12" deep sand-filled trench. Every summer, just run a shovel through the trench a few times to sever any escaping rhizomes. Also use this method for easy propagation. To keep bamboo from spreading into other landscape or formal lawn areas, you must install a continuous border around the grove. 14"-16" deep edging is needed for loamy to clay soils; 18-24" deep border is needed for sandy soils. An effective edging material is high-density polyethylene plastic professional rhizome barrier with lots of information available on proper installation techniques.
Ginger Wine® Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Ginger Wine') expands the color palette for these easy care, native flowering shrubs. Spring foliage emerges a sunny orange color and matures to sparkling burgundy. Clusters of white flowers cover the plant in late spring, and these age to attractive red seed heads. This disease-resistant shrub does best in full sun locations and cooler climates. Top reasons to grow Ginger Wine® ninebark: 1.Colorful from spring through fall. 2. Native to North America. 3. Very low maintenance: no pruning or deadheading required. Ultra cold-hardy plants from northern climates normally dislike our long hot humid summers; although we are on the Southern edge of this plants adaptability, it still survives reasonably well here. It will not handle extreme drought; the Lawrence KS summer of 2011 and 2012 killed many plants that were not under an irrigation system. Look for a cold microclimate planting location such as East or North exposure but still in full sun. All Proven Winners® plants are legally propagated, healthy and vigorous, true to name, and tagged with color pictures and growing information.
***Description for this perennial available with future update!***Vivid Purple Obedient Plant, is also known as Physostegia virginiana 'Vivid'
***Tree descriptions available with future update!***>>>>>In Eastern Kansas, this tree species performs WELL with just about everything nature has to challenge it! Extreme heat and drought are tolerated. Cold tolerance is no problem in our zone 6. No disease or pest problems. Great plant for berms, hot West or South exposures, and most any other garden situations in full sun. Will tolerate clay soils and extra moisture in summer. Fall color is variable in the Northern part of its range; sometimes an early frost wipes out the foliage before color can form. Interestingly, Chinese pistache is the only tree to develop fall color in the low deserts of the Southwest and as far South as Orlando, unaffected by heat and not dependant on cool night temperatures. In Stillwater, Oklahoma, chinese pistache would often hold color into December.
***Description for this perennial available with future update!***Dwarf Blue Balloonflower, is also known as Platycodon grandiflorus 'Sentimental Blue'
***Description for this grass available with future update!***>>>>>To keep bamboo from spreading into other landscape or formal lawn areas, you must install a continuous border around the grove.
***Description for this perennial available with future update!***Chinese Mayappple >>>>> ***Description for this perennial available with future update!***
Solomon Seal (Polygonatum sp.) is a very large genus of perennials comprising dozens of species. Many of the species that are appropriate for garden use in Kansas are native to seasonally dry to moist forests in North America and Asia. New growth arises each year from a finger-like slowly spreading rhizome system. The foliage has a central stem with architecturally arranged opposite leaves covering the length of the stem gradually getting smaller towards the end. Small bell-shaped white flowers appear in early spring followed by bluish-purple fruit. Flowers and new spring growth is frost-hardy. Most Solomon seals do well with average garden soils and moisture with many tolerating dry-shade well. Solomon's seal can grow for many years increasing in density without ever needing division. Over time this creates a nearly weed-proof groundcover. in eastern Kansas with 40 inches of rain per year on average, there seems to be plenty of moisture to create extremely healthy patches of Solomon seal that compete well with tree roots. While some species can tolerate sun, there are many better choices as sunburning will likely occur with afternoon sun in temperatures over 95 degrees F. Combine with hostas or other shade plants to create a dramatic effect. Included in our "edibles" database but depends on how hungry you are! Polygonatum biflorum, also known as Smooth solomon's-seal, is native to Kansas and Central U.S. forests in average to moist conditions including dry-shade. It adds a bright splash of light green to the shade garden. Fruiting does occur and desirable self-seeding occurs within the patch. Plants reach heights of 18-24" tall in Kansas. Fall color is a brilliant yellow for a week before going dormant. Maintenance is easy as stems easily detach when raking with fall clean-up. If cosmetic foliage leaf-rust is a problem, just cut back early. During the April deep freeze of 2007, temperatures bottomed out at 18°F after an extra warm March. Hosta and Solomon seal foliage had completely unfurled and was flowering. All hostas were killed to the ground but solomon seal foliage and flowers survived un-damaged! A great "Once it's there, it's there forever" plant for dry-shade!
Solomon Seal (Polygonatum sp.) is a very large genus of perennials comprising dozens of species. Many of the species that are appropriate for garden use in Kansas are native to seasonally dry to moist forests in North America and Asia. New growth arises each year from a finger-like slowly spreading rhizome system. The foliage has a central stem with architecturally arranged opposite leaves covering the length of the stem gradually getting smaller towards the end. Small bell-shaped white flowers appear in early spring followed by bluish-purple fruit. Flowers and new spring growth is frost-hardy. Most Solomon seals do well with average garden soils and moisture with many tolerating dry-shade well. Solomon's seal can grow for many years increasing in density without ever needing division. Over time this creates a nearly weed-proof groundcover. in eastern Kansas with 40 inches of rain per year on average, there seems to be plenty of moisture to create extremely healthy patches of Solomon seal that compete well with tree roots. While some species can tolerate sun, there are many better choices as sunburning will likely occur with afternoon sun in temperatures over 95 degrees F. Combine with hostas or other shade plants to create a dramatic effect. Included in our "edibles" database but depends on how hungry you are! Polygonatum commutatum, also known as Great Solomon's seal, is native to Eastern U.S. forests in average to moist conditions. It adds a bright splash of light green to the shade garden. Fruiting does occur and desirable self-seeding occurs within the patch. Plants reach heights of 24-36" tall in Kansas. Fall color is a brilliant yellow for a week before going dormant. Maintenance is easy as stems easily detach when raking with fall clean-up. If cosmetic foliage leaf-rust is a problem, just cut back early. During the April deep freeze of 2007, temperatures bottomed out at 18°F after an extra warm March. Hosta and Solomon seal foliage had completely unfurled and was flowering. All hostas were killed to the ground but solomon seal foliage and flowers survived un-damaged! A great "Once it's there, it's there forever" plant for dry-shade!
Solomon Seal (Polygonatum sp.) is a very large genus of perennials comprising dozens of species. Many of the species that are appropriate for garden use in Kansas are native to seasonally dry to moist forests in North America and Asia. New growth arises each year from a finger-like slowly spreading rhizome system. The foliage has a central stem with architecturally arranged opposite leaves covering the length of the stem gradually getting smaller towards the end. Small bell-shaped white flowers appear in early spring followed by bluish-purple fruit. Flowers and new spring growth is frost-hardy. Most Solomon seals do well with average garden soils and moisture with many tolerating dry-shade well. Solomon's seal can grow for many years increasing in density without ever needing division. Over time this creates a nearly weed-proof groundcover. in eastern Kansas with 40 inches of rain per year on average, there seems to be plenty of moisture to create extremely healthy patches of Solomon seal that compete well with tree roots. While some species can tolerate sun, there are many better choices as sunburning will likely occur with afternoon sun in temperatures over 95 degrees F. Combine with hostas or other shade plants to create a dramatic effect. Included in our "edibles" database but depends on how hungry you are! Variegated Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum') adds a bright splash of light green and cream color to the shade garden. Fruiting does not occur on this variety like others. Height is uniformly 18-24" tall. Fall color is a brilliant yellow for a week before going dormant. Maintenance is easy as stems easily detach when raking with fall clean-up. During the April deep freeze of 2007, temperatures bottomed out at 18°F after an extra warm March. Hosta and Solomon seal foliage had completely unfurled and was flowering. All hostas were killed to the ground but solomon seal foliage and flowers survived un-damaged! A great "Once it's there, it's there forever" plant for dry-shade!
Solomon Seal (Polygonatum sp.) is a very large genus of perennials comprising dozens of species. Many of the species that are appropriate for garden use in Kansas are native to seasonally dry to moist forests in North America and Asia. New growth arises each year from a finger-like slowly spreading rhizome system. The foliage has a central stem with architecturally arranged opposite leaves covering the length of the stem gradually getting smaller towards the end. Small bell-shaped white flowers appear in early spring followed by bluish-purple fruit. Flowers and new spring growth is frost-hardy. Most Solomon seals do well with average garden soils and moisture with many tolerating dry-shade well. Solomon's seal can grow for many years increasing in density without ever needing division. Over time this creates a nearly weed-proof groundcover. in eastern Kansas with 40 inches of rain per year on average, there seems to be plenty of moisture to create extremely healthy patches of Solomon seal that compete well with tree roots. While some species can tolerate sun, there are many better choices as sunburning will likely occur with afternoon sun in temperatures over 95 degrees F. Combine with hostas or other shade plants to create a dramatic effect. Included in our "edibles" database but depends on how hungry you are! Variegated Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum') adds a bright splash of light green and cream color to the shade garden. Fruiting does not occur on this variety like others. Height is uniformly 18-24" tall. Fall color is a brilliant yellow for a week before going dormant. Maintenance is easy as stems easily detach when raking with fall clean-up. During the April deep freeze of 2007, temperatures bottomed out at 18°F after an extra warm March. Hosta and Solomon seal foliage had completely unfurled and was flowering. All hostas were killed to the ground but solomon seal foliage and flowers survived un-damaged! A great "Once it's there, it's there forever" plant for dry-shade!
***Description for this perennial available with future update!*** Polystichum acrostichoides is also known as Christmas Fern >>>>>>>>>>>>is planted for its coarse, divided, triangular fronds in a medium green color. Native all continents in the Northern Hemisphere, it forms large colonies in forests with poor to average soil in sun to shade preferring sandy or peaty acidic soils. It colonizes medium to dry woodland areas, fields, old pastures, thickets, areas with disturbed soils, burned-out areas, and marsh edges. It can handle some Kansas drought in slightly acidic moisture-retentive soils but not full-on dry-shade. Foliage finally dies back to the ground in early autumn with "fiddle-heads" emerging and unfurling in mid-spring. Generally this plant holds its own in Kansas climates but fails to spread very quickly. Leaves can depreciate considerably in extremely hot weather and/or too much sun, particularly if soils are allowed to dry out to extremely. Root rot may occur in wet, poorly drained soils. With proper siting, it can be a "Once it's there, it's there forever" plant! I have seen an established planting thriving on the north side of a house for 20 plus years in Lawrence, KS.
Hardy Orange (Poncirus trifoliata) makes an extremely architectural, well-branched, deciduous shrub with numerous thorns reminding me of the Sleeping Beauty Thorn Forest. One of the hardiest close relative of Citrus, Poncirus trifoliata in native to China and Korea. Hardy Orange makes an excellent privacy hedge for background areas away from foot traffic. Although deciduous, plants grow so dense that is virtually impenetrable. Also effective as an accent specimen in the sense of being an interesting and unusual. The root stock is used for grafting in the citrus industry. Growth requirements are simple; plant in almost any soil in full sun to full shade. As for ornamental qualities, these shrubs are covered with aromatic white flowers in spring followed by "edible" green fruits that turn yellowish orange by fall. Fruits of this citrus relative are edible with a strong lemony flavor but are very acidic and seedy. Fruits can used to make marmalade or left on the shrub where they persist well into winter providing significant ornamental interest. Growth is more open in shade with less flowering and fruits. It survived -16 degrees F and a week of single digit highs in February, 2021 after regrowing from the ground. Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK once had dozens of sidewalks lined with trifoliate orange pruned into long perfectly shaped 4'x4' rectangular cuboid. The woody growth was so dense that one could stand on top of this hedge; I personally witnessed this with amazement.
Hardy Orange (Poncirus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon') makes an extremely architectural, well-branched, deciduous shrub with numerous thorns reminding me of the Sleeping Beauty Thorn Forest. One of the hardiest close relative of Citrus, Poncirus trifoliata in native to China and Korea. Hardy Orange makes an excellent privacy hedge for background areas away from foot traffic. Although deciduous, plants grow so dense that is virtually impenetrable. Also effective as an accent specimen in the sense of being an interesting and unusual. The root stock is used for grafting in the citrus industry. Growth requirements are simple; plant in almost any soil in full sun to full shade. As for ornamental qualities, these shrubs are covered with aromatic white flowers in spring followed by "edible" green fruits that turn yellowish orange by fall. Fruits of this citrus relative are edible with a strong lemony flavor but are very acidic and seedy. Fruits can used to make marmalade or left on the shrub where they persist well into winter providing significant ornamental interest. Growth is more open in shade with less flowering and fruits. Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK once had dozens of sidewalks lined with trifoliate orange pruned into long perfectly shaped 4'x4' rectangular cuboid. The woody growth was so dense that one could stand on top of this hedge; I personally witnessed this with amazement. In our trial gardens in Lawrence, KS (zone 6a), a well established specimen planted 15 years ago survived -17 degrees F with no damage. Poncirus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon' is a beautiful contorted form of this plant that can best be described as a living piece of sculpture with its weaving branches and twisted thorns. Growth is much slower than the species. 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.
***Description for this water plant available with future update!*** Pontederia cordata is also known as Pickerel / Water Plant >>>>>This plant is usually grown as a bog plant needing constantly moist soil rich in organic matter. As a rain garden plant, it will thrive is a depressed area in the landscape that collects rain water from a roof during spring and summer periods of rain but then go dormant if the water hole dries out completely. For the home garden, the species is generally too aggressive to mix with other plants
***Description for this water plant available with future update!***>>>>>Water Hyacinth (Tropical), is also known as Pontederia crassipes
***Tree descriptions available with future update!*** Prunus americana is also known as American Plum
***Shrub descriptions available with future update!***Native Edible Sand Plum, is also known as Prunus angustifolia
They say life is just a bowl of cherries...and Easy As Pie bush cherry (Prunus x) will give you bowls and bowls of fresh fruit every summer without any spraying or fussy pruning. This is an easy-going, easy-growing bush cherry that takes up just a fraction of the space as a cherry tree but produces abundant crops of very juicy, very tart cherries. It also has none of the disease issues that plague cherry trees, making it an easy choice for any sunny spot in a landscape or garden. Plant one as a standalone, as no pollinator is needed, or imagine an edible hedge with enough fruit for cooking, baking, and canning. White flowers in spring and vivid yellow and orange fall foliage keep it interesting all season long. All Proven Winners® plants are legally propagated, healthy and vigorous, true to name, and tagged with color pictures and growing information.
Lungwort (Pulmonoria saccharata) is planted for its unusual evergreen spekled white and green foliage. Foliage maintains well all summer provided that basic cultural conditions are met. Late spring flowers are a bright and colorful mix of blue, purple, and pink on the same plant changing colors as they age. Flowering last about 3-4 weeks and requires no dead-heading as new foliage swallows up dying flower stalks. Native to Europe, it slowly colonizes forests in humusy, medium well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. It can handle a little Kansas drought in in moisture-retentive soils but not full-on dry-shade. Foliage will flatten to the ground during drought then spring back up when moisture is available again. If low temperatures hit 0 degrees F, foliage finally dies back to the ground and re-emerges in early spring. Generally this plant holds its own in Kansas climates but fails to spread much. Leaves can depreciate considerably in extremely hot weather and/or too much sun, particularly if soils are allowed to dry out. Root rot may occur in wet, poorly drained soils. It is worth a try if you have a small spot to fill in a well-tended shade gardens.
***Description for this perennial available with future update!***Narrow-Leaf Mountain Mint, is also known as Pycanthemum tenuifolium
***Tree descriptions available with future update!*** Quercus palustris is also known as Pin Oak
***Tree descriptions available with future update!*** Quercus rubra is also known as Northern Red Oak
***Tree descriptions available with future update!*** Quercus shumardii is also known as Shumard Oak
***Description for this perennial available with future update!*** Quincula / Physalis lobata is also known as Purple Ground Cherry.
***Description for this perennial available with future update!*** Mexican Hat, is also known as Ratibida columnifera
***Description for this perennial available with future update!***Red Mexican Hat, is also known as Ratibida columnifera 'Red'
***Description for this perennial available with future update!***Grey-headed Coneflower, is also known as Ratibida pinnata
***Shrub descriptions available with future update!***Fine Line Columnar Buckthorn, is also known as Rhamnus frangula 'Fine Line'
***Shrub descriptions available with future update!***Fine Line Columnar Buckthorn, is also known as Rhamnus frangula 'Fine Line'
***Shrub descriptions available with future update!***Fine Line Columnar Buckthorn, is also known as Rhamnus frangula 'Fine Line' This item is intended for creating a living fence. Plant 12-18" apart for fastest results. This pack of Fine Line Columnar Buckthorn will cover 8 to 12 linear feet depending on spacing. (Living Fence 8-pack)
***Shrub descriptions available with future update!***Fine Line Columnar Buckthorn, is also known as Rhamnus frangula 'Fine Line'
***Shrub descriptions available with future update!*** Rhus aromatica is also known as Dry Shade Fragrant Sumac.
Gro-low sumac (Rhus aromatica 'Gro-low') is a dwarf spreading cultivar of Rhus aromatica native to much of the central United States including Kansas. It features bright green leaves that turn brilliant red in the fall. Light yellow flowers and occasional red berries are also ornamental features. This sumac is commonly grown as a spreading groundcover shrub for difficult areas. It will grow in full sun or full shade in medium to dry soils including dry-shade. However, fall color is quite a bit reduced in full shade. In the landscape, it is commonly used as large mass planting on hills. Because of its tolerance for adverse conditions including poor soil and rock, it is often one of the last resort plants that will survive in certain areas. It competes well under large shade trees and helps absorb leaf litter allowing it to break down and add nutrients back to the soil. It is important to keep on the dry side to discourage root rot disease. This plant also does well in hot dry parking lot islands or along busy roads. Plants adapt well to hot south or west sides of the house enduring temperatures of over 100 degrees F with no foliage burn. Plants can also be planted on the north side of a house being extremely cold hardy with no winterkill. Another great spot is planting on top of a retaining wall allowing it to cascade down. We do not recommend planting in small areas or in spaces that it will overrun neighboring plants. Unlike other sumac, it only spreads above ground as horizontally growing stems touch the ground and root. This does make maintenance easier to control the spread of the plant versus digging out rhizomes. Considered one of the most versatile and best plants for solving your most difficult landscape challenges.
Gro-low sumac (Rhus aromatica 'Lacette') is a dwarf spreading cultivar of Rhus aromatica native to much of the central United States including Kansas. It differs from "Gro-low' with its fine textured leaves. It features bright foliage that turn brilliant red in the fall. Light yellow flowers and occasional red berries are also ornamental features. This sumac is commonly grown as a spreading groundcover shrub for difficult areas. It will grow in full sun or full shade in medium to dry soils including dry-shade. However, fall color is quite a bit reduced in full shade. In the landscape, it is commonly used as large mass planting on hills. Because of its tolerance for adverse conditions including poor soil and rock, it is often one of the last resort plants that will survive in certain areas. It competes well under large shade trees and helps absorb leaf litter allowing it to break down and add nutrients back to the soil. It is important to keep on the dry side to discourage root rot disease. This plant also does well in hot dry parking lot islands or along busy roads. Plants adapt well to hot south or west sides of the house enduring temperatures of over 100 degrees F with no foliage burn. Plants can also be planted on the north side of a house being extremely cold hardy with no winterkill. Another great spot is planting on top of a retaining wall allowing it to cascade down. We do not recommend planting in small areas or in spaces that it will overrun neighboring plants. Unlike other sumac, it only spreads above ground as horizontally growing stems touch the ground and root. This does make maintenance easier to control the spread of the plant versus digging out rhizomes. Considered one of the most versatile and best plants for solving your most difficult landscape challenges.
***Shrub descriptions available with future update!*** Rhus glabra is also known as Smooth Sumac >>>>>>>>>>>>>Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) features bright green leaves that turn brilliant red in the fall. Light yellow flowers and occasional red berries are also ornamental features.>>>>>>It will thrive in full sun in medium to bone dry soils. In the landscape, it is commonly used as large mass planting on hills and berms. Because of its tolerance for adverse conditions including poor soil and rock, it is often one of the last resort plants that will survive in certain areas. This plant also does well in hot dry parking lot islands (hell-strips) or along busy roads. Plants adapt well to hot south or west sides of the house enduring temperatures of over 100 degrees F with no foliage burn. Another great spot is planting on top of a retaining wall allowing it to cascade down. We do not recommend planting in small areas or in spaces that it will overrun neighboring plants. Avoid potentially poorly drained areas or root-rot will occur. >>>>>>>>>Rough-leaf dogwood is a suckering shrub or rarely a small tree to 15 ft. It is native woodland edges and tall-grass prairie ravines in Kansas olong with the Great Plains and Midwestern regions of the United States. This dogwood is easily recognized by the rough, upper leaf surfaces with flat-topped clusters of creamy-yellow flowers and white fruit on reddish brown or gray twigs. Fall color is purplish-red. Cream-white flowers about 1/4 inch wide, with 4 petals characteristic of all dogwoods. Numerous flowers are in broad clusters at the ends of branches, appearing from April to early June. White fruit then appears in late summer and early fall. A favorite of many wild birds, the fruit is usually stripped clean within a couple weeks. It spreads from root sprouts and provides cover for wildlife and erosion control along ditches. Other uses of roughleaf dogwood include buffer strip around parking lots, highway medians, dust screens along country roads, and naturalizing. It will grow in full sun or full shade in medium to dry soils including dry-shade. However, fall color is quite a bit reduced in full shade. Because of its tolerance for adverse conditions including poor soil and rock, it is often one of the last resort plants that will survive in certain areas. For the home garden, the species is generally too aggressive to mix with other plants especially when irrigated and growing in rich soil. However, in a difficult dry-shade garden, it will thrive, flower, and be relatively tame with little spreading.