Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata) is a highly ornamented evergreen vine native to the southeast west to Oklahoma and Texas. Fantastic blooms completely cover the plant and occur on old wood in the late spring for about 3-5 weeks then sporadically during the summer. Flowers are trumpet-shaped, orange and red with yellow throats. Although in the same family as trumpet vine (campus radicans), crossvine is not invasive. Plant crossvine on fences or pergolas where you want good coverage but not anything sprawling too far away from the structure needing pruning. Considered to be one of the lowest maintenance of all vines. Crossvine prefer for part to full sun on in medium to rich soils and are able to tolerate drought and brief flooding once established. There are no serious pests or diseases to worry about. Crossvine has thrived in our Lawrence Kansas zone 6a display garden for over 15 years enduring a few occasions of -10° or colder winters. Winter foliage turns purple and remains evergreen till about -10. We have seen -18° without any dieback on the vine other than the loss of foliage that year. This great vine has it all, beautiful flowers, evergreen foliage, and constrained growth habit!
Blue Grama Grass (Bouteloua gracilis) is a long-lived, clump-forming, warm-season, perennial grass native to North America. It is one of the dominant grasses of the dry shortgrass prairies. Blue grama has very thin green to greyish leaves that turn golden brown in autumn, sometimes also developing interesting shades of orange. Purplish-tinged eyebrow-shaped flowers appear on arching stems above the foliage in early to mid-summer. Height before flowering is 12-15" increasing to 24" after flowering. As a native to the Great Plains, blue grama displays excellent drought tolerance but tolerates a wide range of soils. Avoid poorly-drained soils. In Eastern Kansas, typically our 40 inches of rainfall is sufficient without extra water. Occasionally suffering from excessive rainy spells and high humidity, foliage rust diseases can be a problem in shade or poor air circulation areas. To counteract that in Kansas, plant in full sun on berm with poor sandy, rocky, or clay soil with no irrigation. Blue grama grass works very well in an ornamental grass garden adding contrast, texture, and short stature. Use as mass plantings to create a drift that can be enjoyed from far away. For mass plantings, plant individual plants close together as they don't spread much. Dried foliage holds up very well in the winter offering a one-of-a-kind look. The only maintenance is to cut down or burn before new growth emerges. Combine with other flowering prairie native perennials for a long season of interest. Also useful as a full-sun turf grass for extremely dry or sandy soils or where buffalo grass doesn't work. It can be regularly mowed to 3-4" high.
Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass (Bouteloua gracilis 'Blonde Ambition') is a long-lived, clump-forming, warm-season, perennial grass native to North America. It is one of the dominant grasses of the dry shortgrass prairies. Blue grama has very thin green to greyish leaves that turn golden brown in autumn, sometimes also developing interesting shades of orange. Chartreuse eyebrow-shaped flowers appear on arching stems above the foliage in early to mid-summer. Height before flowering is 12-18" increasing to 24-30" after flowering. The seed heads form a dense, compact, but airy look turning a bright blonde color in fall and winter. As a native to the Great Plains, blue grama displays excellent drought tolerance but tolerates a wide range of soils. Avoid poorly-drained soils. In Eastern Kansas, typically our 40 inches of rainfall is sufficient without extra water. Occasionally suffering from excessive rainy spells and high humidity, foliage rust diseases can be a problem in shade or poor air circulation areas. To counteract that in Kansas, plant in full sun on berm with poor sandy, rocky, or clay soil with no irrigation. Blue grama grass works very well in an ornamental grass garden adding contrast, texture, and short stature. Use as mass plantings to create a drift that can be enjoyed from far away. For mass plantings, plant individual plants close together as they don't spread much. Dried foliage holds up very well in the winter offering a one-of-a-kind look. The only maintenance is to cut down or burn before new growth emerges. Combine with other flowering prairie native perennials for a long season of interest. Also useful as a full-sun turf grass for extremely dry or sandy soils or where buffalo grass doesn't work. It can be regularly mowed to 3-4" high.
Brugmansia is a genus of seven species of flowering plants in the nightshade family Solanaceae from South America. It is typically grown in warmer zones as a shrub or tree but is extinct from the wild (only known in cultivation). Along with other tropicals and succulents in Kansas, Angel Trumpet Flower is usually grown as summer patio plant with amazing foot-long hanging flowers and sweet aroma. Water regularly and place in full sun or part shade. Protect from temperatures below 32 degrees F and move into a cold garage or basement over the winter with minimal watering. Do not allow the pot with rootball to freeze solid or go below 28 degrees for more than a few hours. Allow to go dormant as needed with little care, just cut off dead foliage/twigs and place back out in April or May with a time-release fertilizer. You may also propagate this plant easily by cutting off dormant twigs/branches and stuffing them into the ground. Notice that I didn't say rooting hormone or even being careful was necessary! Landscapers also plant these as an annual in the ground for an enormous tropical effect with fragrant flowers and growth reaching 5-8' in one season from a 1gal container! It is possible to overwinter Brugmansia in the ground in Kansas as a woody perennial. In our trial gardens in Lawrence, KS (zone 6a), a one year established specimen planted in our annual bed was mulched 12-18" thick with leaf mulch survived -10 degrees F. The dieback was deep into the ground but somehow came back from a piece of deep root. The leaf mulch was also well rotted and formed somewhat of an ice barrier insulating effect. Brugmansia species are amongst the most toxic of ornamental plants so do not eat and part of this plant! Brugmansia 'Charles Grimaldi' features orange flowers.
Brugmansia is a genus of seven species of flowering plants in the nightshade family Solanaceae from South America. It is typically grown in warmer zones as a shrub or tree but is extinct from the wild (only known in cultivation). Along with other tropicals and succulents in Kansas, Angel Trumpet Flower is usually grown as summer patio plant with amazing foot-long hanging flowers and sweet aroma. Water regularly and place in full sun or part shade. Protect from temperatures below 32 degrees F and move into a cold garage or basement over the winter with minimal watering. Do not allow the pot with rootball to freeze solid or go below 28 degrees for more than a few hours. Allow to go dormant as needed with little care, just cut off dead foliage/twigs and place back out in April or May with a time-release fertilizer. You may also propagate this plant easily by cutting off dormant twigs/branches and stuffing them into the ground. Notice that I didn't say rooting hormone or even being careful was necessary! Landscapers also plant these as an annual in the ground for an enormous tropical effect with fragrant flowers and growth reaching 5-8' in one season from a 1gal container! It is possible to overwinter Brugmansia in the ground in Kansas as a woody perennial. In our trial gardens in Lawrence, KS (zone 6a), a one year established specimen planted in our annual bed was mulched 12-18" thick with leaf mulch survived -10 degrees F. The dieback was deep into the ground but somehow came back from a piece of deep root. The leaf mulch was also well rotted and formed somewhat of an ice barrier insulating effect. Brugmansia species are amongst the most toxic of ornamental plants so do not eat and part of this plant! Brugmansia 'Cherub' features bright pink flowers.
Butterfly Bush are workhorses in the pollinator garden. Flower panicles come in a variety of colors mostly including shades of lavender, magenta, violet, pink, and white. Most buddleia, (Butterfly Bush) bloom on new wood so trimming off winter kill or complete rejuvenation will not affect flowering. In fact, flowering is often bigger and bolder from new water sprout growth when trimmed to the ground each year. Most Butterfly Bushes in zone 6 are maintained this way. Foliage is typically an attractive greenish-gray to mint green and persists into the fall until hard freezes occur. Use in the landscape in small or large groupings for its amazing flower power! Plants grow best in full sun with medium to dry soils. Drought tolerance is high with established plants so extra watering is rarely needed in our East Kansas climate with 40 inches of rain per year. Obviously, Butterfly Bush attracts lots of butterflies. There has been some debate in recent years on whether to plant Butterfly Bush because it's a non-native plant. Being a native of China, it has no pest or disease problems here. It is invasive in some parts of the country but cold Kansas winters keep it and check and without any self-seeding problems here. If you are still worried about it, there are several sterile varieties to choose from. There have been many drastically improved cultivars in the last 10 years aiming to improve cold hardiness, bloom size, eliminate seeding, and improve growth habits. Buddleia 'Blue Knight' was developed by Walters Gardens, Inc. It is a new addition to the popular MONARCH® Butterfly Bush collection! 'Blue Knight' forms a dense clump of minty green leaves. Incredibly long, 10-12", outward-facing flower panicles open light lavender purple and deepen to blue-purple with age. The new and the aged flowers appear on the panicles at the same time, giving the flower an interesting two-tone effect. This plant has incredible flower coverage, giving you quite the performance when it starts its first flush of blooms in late summer. In Eastern Kansas, 'Blue Knight' has performs WELL for over 3 years with just about everything nature has to challenge it! Combine with caryopteris and crapemyrtle to create a late season "all you can eat" buffet for pollinators! The MONARCH® trademark is owned by Walters Gardens, Inc.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) are workhorses in the pollinator garden. Flower panicles come in a variety of colors mostly including shades of lavender, magenta, violet, pink, and white. Most Butterfly Bushes bloom on new wood so trimming off winter kill or complete rejuvenation will not affect flowering. In fact, flowering is often bigger and bolder from new water sprout growth when trimmed to the ground each year. Most Butterfly Bushes in zone 6 are maintained this way. Foliage is typically an attractive greenish-gray to mint green and persists into the fall until hard freezes occur. Use in the landscape in small or large groupings for its amazing flower power! Plants grow best in full sun with medium to dry soils. Drought tolerance is high with established plants so extra watering is rarely needed in our East Kansas climate with 40 inches of rain per year. Obviously, Butterfly Bush attracts lots of butterflies. There has been some debate in recent years on whether to plant Butterfly Bush because it's a non-native plant. Being a native of China, it has no pest or disease problems here. It is invasive in some parts of the country but cold Kansas winters keep it and check and without any self-seeding problems here. If you are still worried about it, there are several sterile varieties to choose from. There have been many drastically improved cultivars in the last 10 years aiming to improve cold hardiness, bloom size, eliminate seeding, and improve growth habits. Buddleia 'Dark Dynasty' is a compact new Buddleia fits easily into urban gardens with its densely compact, rounded habit. It is a new addition to the popular MONARCH® Butterfly Bush collection! Unlike some other dwarf Buddleias that become very wide spreading, 'Dark Dynasty' keeps its composure as it ages, growing just 3' tall and 3 ½' wide in two years. Rich royal purple, fragrant flowers are borne on branched panicles from late summer into early fall, just in time to feed the migrating monarchs passing through. In Eastern Kansas, 'Dark Dynasty' has performs WELL for over 3 years with just about everything nature has to challenge it! Combine with caryopteris and crapemyrtle to create a late season "all you can eat" buffet for pollinators! The MONARCH® trademark is owned by Walters Gardens, Inc.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) are workhorses in the pollinator garden. Flower panicles come in a variety of colors mostly including shades of lavender, magenta, violet, pink, and white. Most Butterfly Bushes bloom on new wood so trimming off winter kill or complete rejuvenation will not affect flowering. In fact, flowering is often bigger and bolder from new water sprout growth when trimmed to the ground each year. Most Butterfly Bushes in zone 6 are maintained this way. Foliage is typically an attractive greenish-gray to mint green and persists into the fall until hard freezes occur. Use in the landscape in small or large groupings for its amazing flower power! Plants grow best in full sun with medium to dry soils. Drought tolerance is high with established plants so extra watering is rarely needed in our East Kansas climate with 40 inches of rain per year. Obviously, Butterfly Bush attracts lots of butterflies. There has been some debate in recent years on whether to plant Butterfly Bush because it's a non-native plant. Being a native of China, it has no pest or disease problems here. It is invasive in some parts of the country but cold Kansas winters keep it and check and without any self-seeding problems here. If you are still worried about it, there are several sterile varieties to choose from. There have been many drastically improved cultivars in the last 10 years aiming to improve cold hardiness, bloom size, eliminate seeding, and improve growth habits. Buddleia 'Grand Cascade' is an introduction by Walters Gardens, Inc. Unlike the typical Butterfly Bush, the panicles on this flowering shrub cascade downward, similar to the look of weeping willow or a bridalwreath spirea. Light lavender purple flower panicles are enormous at 12-14" long and 4" thick. They're nearly the size of your head! In Eastern Kansas, 'Grand Cascade' has performs WELL for over 3 years with just about everything nature has to challenge it! This is a larger Butterfly Bush growing to 5-6' but still dense and compact in appearance. Combine with caryopteris and crapemyrtle to create a late season "all you can eat" buffet for pollinators!
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) are workhorses in the pollinator garden. Flower panicles come in a variety of colors mostly including shades of lavender, magenta, violet, pink, and white. Most Butterfly Bushes bloom on new wood so trimming off winter kill or complete rejuvenation will not affect flowering. In fact, flowering is often bigger and bolder from new water sprout growth when trimmed to the ground each year. Most Butterfly Bushes in zone 6 are maintained this way. Foliage is typically an attractive greenish-gray to mint green and persists into the fall until hard freezes occur. Use in the landscape in small or large groupings for its amazing flower power! Plants grow best in full sun with medium to dry soils. Drought tolerance is high with established plants so extra watering is rarely needed in our East Kansas climate with 40 inches of rain per year. Obviously, Butterfly Bush attracts lots of butterflies. There has been some debate in recent years on whether to plant Butterfly Bush because it's a non-native plant. Being a native of China, it has no pest or disease problems here. It is invasive in some parts of the country but cold Kansas winters keep it and check and without any self-seeding problems here. If you are still worried about it, there are several sterile varieties to choose from. There have been many drastically improved cultivars in the last 10 years aiming to improve cold hardiness, bloom size, eliminate seeding, and improve growth habits. Buddleia 'Pink Cascade' is an introduction by Walters Gardens, Inc. Unlike the typical Butterfly Bush, the panicles on this flowering shrub cascade downward, similar to the look of weeping willow or a bridalwreath spirea. Light apple blossom pink flower panicles are 8-10" long. Minty green leaves, in combination with the flowers, give it overall cool tones. Use as a focal piece in your garden or in the landscape. In Eastern Kansas, 'Pink Cascade' has performs WELL for over 3 years with just about everything nature has to challenge it! This is a larger Butterfly Bush growing to 5-6' but still dense and compact in appearance. Combine with caryopteris and crapemyrtle to create a late season "all you can eat" buffet for pollinators!
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) are workhorses in the pollinator garden. Flower panicles come in a variety of colors mostly including shades of lavender, magenta, violet, pink, and white. Most Butterfly Bushes bloom on new wood so trimming off winter kill or complete rejuvenation will not affect flowering. In fact, flowering is often bigger and bolder from new water sprout growth when trimmed to the ground each year. Most Butterfly Bushes in zone 6 are maintained this way. Foliage is typically an attractive greenish-gray to mint green and persists into the fall until hard freezes occur. Use in the landscape in small or large groupings for its amazing flower power! Plants grow best in full sun with medium to dry soils. Drought tolerance is high with established plants so extra watering is rarely needed in our East Kansas climate with 40 inches of rain per year. Obviously, Butterfly Bush attracts lots of butterflies. There has been some debate in recent years on whether to plant Butterfly Bush because it's a non-native plant. Being a native of China, it has no pest or disease problems here. It is invasive in some parts of the country but cold Kansas winters keep it and check and without any self-seeding problems here. If you are still worried about it, there are several sterile varieties to choose from. There have been many drastically improved cultivars in the last 10 years aiming to improve cold hardiness, bloom size, eliminate seeding, and improve growth habits. Buddleia 'Queen of Hearts' is a compact new Buddleia fits easily into urban gardens with its densely compact, rounded habit. It is a new addition to the popular MONARCH® Butterfly Bush collection! The vibrant magenta red flowers of this new selection are sure to capture the hearts of gardeners everywhere, and the butterflies and hummingbirds will love them too! Large 7-9" long panicles are produced from the top of the plant to the bottom, pointing upward and outward on all sides in late summer and early fall. Smaller secondary flowers extend the show. In Eastern Kansas, 'Queen of Hearts' has performs WELL for over 3 years with just about everything nature has to challenge it! Combine with caryopteris and crapemyrtle to create a late season "all you can eat" buffet for pollinators! The MONARCH® trademark is owned by Walters Gardens, Inc.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) are workhorses in the pollinator garden. Flower panicles come in a variety of colors mostly including shades of lavender, magenta, violet, pink, and white. Most Butterfly Bushes bloom on new wood so trimming off winter kill or complete rejuvenation will not affect flowering. In fact, flowering is often bigger and bolder from new water sprout growth when trimmed to the ground each year. Most Butterfly Bushes in zone 6 are maintained this way. Foliage is typically an attractive greenish-gray to mint green and persists into the fall until hard freezes occur. Use in the landscape in small or large groupings for its amazing flower power! Plants grow best in full sun with medium to dry soils. Drought tolerance is high with established plants so extra watering is rarely needed in our East Kansas climate with 40 inches of rain per year. Obviously, Butterfly Bush attracts lots of butterflies. There has been some debate in recent years on whether to plant Butterfly Bush because it's a non-native plant. Being a native of China, it has no pest or disease problems here. It is invasive in some parts of the country but cold Kansas winters keep it and check and without any self-seeding problems here. If you are still worried about it, there are several sterile varieties to choose from. There have been many drastically improved cultivars in the last 10 years aiming to improve cold hardiness, bloom size, eliminate seeding, and improve growth habits.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) are workhorses in the pollinator garden. Flower panicles come in a variety of colors mostly including shades of lavender, magenta, violet, pink, and white. Most Butterfly Bushes bloom on new wood so trimming off winter kill or complete rejuvenation will not affect flowering. In fact, flowering is often bigger and bolder from new water sprout growth when trimmed to the ground each year. Most Butterfly Bushes in zone 6 are maintained this way. Foliage is typically an attractive greenish-gray to mint green and persists into the fall until hard freezes occur. Use in the landscape in small or large groupings for its amazing flower power! Plants grow best in full sun with medium to dry soils. Drought tolerance is high with established plants so extra watering is rarely needed in our East Kansas climate with 40 inches of rain per year. Obviously, Butterfly Bush attracts lots of butterflies. There has been some debate in recent years on whether to plant Butterfly Bush because it's a non-native plant. Being a native of China, it has no pest or disease problems here. It is invasive in some parts of the country but cold Kansas winters keep it and check and without any self-seeding problems here. If you are still worried about it, there are several sterile varieties to choose from. There have been many drastically improved cultivars in the last 10 years aiming to improve cold hardiness, bloom size, eliminate seeding, and improve growth habits. Buddleia x 'Miss Molly' is a Proven Winners® plant With its intensely colored blooms and refined habit, 'Miss Molly' is the queen of the summer garden. Its fragrant flowers are the closest to red of any Butterfly Bush and appear for months every summer without deadheading. Unlike older varieties of Butterfly Bush, 'Miss Molly' reaches just 4-5' tall, so it's easy to work into any sunny landscape. This non-invasive variety thrives in hot climates. Butterflies and hummingbirds will find it as irresistible as you do! In Eastern Kansas, 'Miss Molly' has performs WELL for over 10 years with just about everything nature has to challenge it! Heat and drought are tolerated. Cold tolerance is no problem in our zone 6. If winter die-back occurs, cut back in March/April and flowers will occur on new growth in summer. No disease or pest problems. Combine with caryopteris and crapemyrtle to create a late season "all you can eat" buffet for pollinators! All Proven Winners® plants are legally propagated, healthy and vigorous, true to name, and tagged with color pictures and growing information.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) are workhorses in the pollinator garden. Flower panicles come in a variety of colors mostly including shades of lavender, magenta, violet, pink, and white. Most Butterfly Bushes bloom on new wood so trimming off winter kill or complete rejuvenation will not affect flowering. In fact, flowering is often bigger and bolder from new water sprout growth when trimmed to the ground each year. Most Butterfly Bushes in zone 6 are maintained this way. Foliage is typically an attractive greenish-gray to mint green and persists into the fall until hard freezes occur. Use in the landscape in small or large groupings for its amazing flower power! Plants grow best in full sun with medium to dry soils. Drought tolerance is high with established plants so extra watering is rarely needed in our East Kansas climate with 40 inches of rain per year. Obviously, Butterfly Bush attracts lots of butterflies. There has been some debate in recent years on whether to plant Butterfly Bush because it's a non-native plant. Being a native of China, it has no pest or disease problems here. It is invasive in some parts of the country but cold Kansas winters keep it and check and without any self-seeding problems here. If you are still worried about it, there are several sterile varieties to choose from. There have been many drastically improved cultivars in the last 10 years aiming to improve cold hardiness, bloom size, eliminate seeding, and improve growth habits. Buddleia x 'Pugster Amethyst' is a compact Butterfly Bush reaches just 2-3' tall and wide but has the large, full flowers normally seen on a much larger plant. It blooms non-stop from early summer through frost with amethyst-toned flowers, each with a tiny yellow-orange eye in the center. Thanks to thick, sturdy stems, the Pugster® series offers vastly improved hardiness and winter survival over other types of dwarf Butterfly Bush. Thanks to its long-blooming habit, Pugster Butterfly Bushes add low-maintenance color to any sunny spot in your yard. The name "Pugster" comes from these plants' resemblance to a pug - short, stocky, and cute! In Eastern Kansas, this cultivar performs WELL with just about everything nature has to challenge it! Heat and drought are tolerated. Cold tolerance is no problem in our zone 6. If winter die-back occurs, cut back in March/April and flowers will occur on new growth this year. No disease or pest problems. Combine with caryopteris and crapemyrtle to create a late season "all you can eat" buffet for pollinators! All Proven Winners® plants are legally propagated, healthy and vigorous, true to name, and tagged with color pictures and growing information.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) are workhorses in the pollinator garden. Flower panicles come in a variety of colors mostly including shades of lavender, magenta, violet, pink, and white. Most Butterfly Bushes bloom on new wood so trimming off winter kill or complete rejuvenation will not affect flowering. In fact, flowering is often bigger and bolder from new water sprout growth when trimmed to the ground each year. Most Butterfly Bushes in zone 6 are maintained this way. Foliage is typically an attractive greenish-gray to mint green and persists into the fall until hard freezes occur. Use in the landscape in small or large groupings for its amazing flower power! Plants grow best in full sun with medium to dry soils. Drought tolerance is high with established plants so extra watering is rarely needed in our East Kansas climate with 40 inches of rain per year. Obviously, Butterfly Bush attracts lots of butterflies. There has been some debate in recent years on whether to plant Butterfly Bush because it's a non-native plant. Being a native of China, it has no pest or disease problems here. It is invasive in some parts of the country but cold Kansas winters keep it and check and without any self-seeding problems here. If you are still worried about it, there are several sterile varieties to choose from. There have been many drastically improved cultivars in the last 10 years aiming to improve cold hardiness, bloom size, eliminate seeding, and improve growth habits. Buddleia x 'Pugster Blue' is a compact Butterfly Bush reaches just 2-3' tall and wide but has the large, full flowers normally seen on a much larger plant. It blooms non-stop from early summer through frost with true-blue flowers, each with a tiny yellow-orange eye in the center. Thanks to thick, sturdy stems, the Pugster® series offers vastly improved hardiness and winter survival over other types of dwarf Butterfly Bush. Thanks to its long-blooming habit, Pugster Butterfly Bushes add low-maintenance color to any sunny spot in your yard. The name "Pugster" comes from these plants' resemblance to a pug - short, stocky, and cute! In Eastern Kansas, this cultivar performs WELL with just about everything nature has to challenge it! Heat and drought are tolerated. Cold tolerance is no problem in our zone 6. If winter die-back occurs, cut back in March/April and flowers will occur on new growth this year. No disease or pest problems. Combine with caryopteris and crapemyrtle to create a late season "all you can eat" buffet for pollinators! All Proven Winners® plants are legally propagated, healthy and vigorous, true to name, and tagged with color pictures and growing information.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) are workhorses in the pollinator garden. Flower panicles come in a variety of colors mostly including shades of lavender, magenta, violet, pink, and white. Most Butterfly Bushes bloom on new wood so trimming off winter kill or complete rejuvenation will not affect flowering. In fact, flowering is often bigger and bolder from new water sprout growth when trimmed to the ground each year. Most Butterfly Bushes in zone 6 are maintained this way. Foliage is typically an attractive greenish-gray to mint green and persists into the fall until hard freezes occur. Use in the landscape in small or large groupings for its amazing flower power! Plants grow best in full sun with medium to dry soils. Drought tolerance is high with established plants so extra watering is rarely needed in our East Kansas climate with 40 inches of rain per year. Obviously, Butterfly Bush attracts lots of butterflies. There has been some debate in recent years on whether to plant Butterfly Bush because it's a non-native plant. Being a native of China, it has no pest or disease problems here. It is invasive in some parts of the country but cold Kansas winters keep it and check and without any self-seeding problems here. If you are still worried about it, there are several sterile varieties to choose from. There have been many drastically improved cultivars in the last 10 years aiming to improve cold hardiness, bloom size, eliminate seeding, and improve growth habits. Buddleia x 'Pugster Pinker' is the newest member of a unique series that offers full-sized flowers on dwarf plants. This compact Butterfly Bush reaches just 2-3' tall and wide but has the large, full flowers normally seen on a much larger plant. It blooms non-stop from early summer through frost with very rich pink flowers, each with a tiny bright orange eye in the center. Thanks to thick, sturdy stems, the Pugster® series offers vastly improved hardiness and winter survival over other types of dwarf Butterfly Bush. Thanks to its long-blooming habit, Pugster Butterfly Bushes add low-maintenance color to any sunny spot in your yard. The name "Pugster" comes from these plants' resemblance to a pug - short, stocky, and cute! In Eastern Kansas, this cultivar performs WELL with just about everything nature has to challenge it! Heat and drought are tolerated. Cold tolerance is no problem in our zone 6. If winter die-back occurs, cut back in March/April and flowers will occur on new growth this year. No disease or pest problems. Combine with caryopteris and crapemyrtle to create a late season "all you can eat" buffet for pollinators! All Proven Winners® plants are legally propagated, healthy and vigorous, true to name, and tagged with color pictures and growing information.
Boxwood (Buxus sp.) is a compact evergreen shrub with small round glossy green leaves. Originating in England and parts of Europe, there are many varieties ranging from small shrubs to small trees. Boxwood varieties grow rather slowly and lend themself excellently to being pruned into hedges as long as not too much is taken off at one time. After a plant achieves a certain height, you may keep it that size indefinitely with 3 to 4 times per year pruning. Boxwoods prefer part shade with rich to average well-drained soil and average moisture. Boxwoods planted in the full sun will survive but develop an burnt yellowish green color when temperatures exceed 100°F. This is usually a problem in zone 6 or further south as there are many better choices for full sun. (morning sun is okay) In zones 4-5, afternoon full sun is probably okay. Boxwoods are best known for their tolerance to dry shade even under root bound conditions. They will not survive more than a couple years under a roof overhang due to lack of moisture in the winter and spider mite problems. In the Eastern and Southeastern United States, Boxwoods have many problems including root rot, insect and disease issues. None of these are a problem in Kansas or Oklahoma with lower rainfall amounts and less humidity. In the landscape, yews offer a year-round structure. They definitely help provide a background for more interesting plants with colorful foliage and flowers. They are also very well known and used in formal garden designs. We prefer to see them less pruned and in their more natural state. Wintergreen Boxwood (Buxus microphylla var. koreana 'Wintergreen') has improved shinier light green spring foliage darkening by summer. Foliage maintains a "better" green in winter compared to other varieties. There is also no die back or twig blight problems like with Green Velvet Boxwood.
Purple beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma 'Early Amethyst'), native to Asia, is one of the most unique and attractive shrubs for berry production. Considered a three-season shrub, green foliage emerges in spring with attractive clusters of tiny pink flowers in summer. Big conglomerates of fruit clusters occur along the stem at evenly spaced intervals. Bright purple in color, the fruit is very effective through the month of October and November in our Zone 6a Kansas climate. Fall foliage is bright yellow often contrasting with the purple berries in November. The following spring, watch for winter kill if temperatures drop below -5 to -10 degrees F and be prepared to cut to a few inches off the ground. You may choose to do this rejuvenation anyways if it has not been done in a few years to increase fruit production on vigorous new growth. New shoots create fountain-shaped shrub 3-4' after rejuvenation. Flowering occurs on new wood so you will always have berries when using this method. Purple berry clusters are highly ornamental but rarely eaten (or stripped clean) by birds. Beautyberry grow best in part to full sun but can also tolerate almost full shade and still produce fruit. This makes them valuable for a north side of the house planting that only gets a couple of months of sun during the high sun angle peak of summer. Mild drought is tolerated at the expense of dropping fruits if it gets too dry. Our plants in the display garden survived without irrigation but did not fruit during the extreme drought of 2011. Overall this is a great plant for the landscape that is unfortunately often underused.
Wine cup (Callirhoe involucrata) is also called purple poppy mallow. This plant grows from a carrot like taproot sporting a cluster of semi evergreen foliage around the base. In spring, new prostrate growing vines spread in all directions along the ground up to 3 to 4 feet away from the taproot but do not root along the way. By late May or early June, magenta red "wine cup" shaped flowers cover this plant. The show last for about 4 to 6 weeks or until severe summer drought sets in. Usually in July, the flowering is complete and will set seed if allowed. Foliage will look bedraggled enough to justify complete cut back. This may be a good time to mulch unless you already mulched during the spring. When cooler weather returns in the fall, new growth emerges from the taproot looking attractive again. Secondary flowering may also occur in early fall.especially on summer planted plants. Poppy mallow winecup is a native plant of the great plains south to Texas and includes most of Kansas. As with most plants native to prairie areas, winecup appreciates well drained soil and full sun. However we have found that it will tolerate almost full shade if needed and our 40 inches of rain per year. A great plant for the top of a retaining wall, native pollinator gardens, or to even among other perennials to provide texture and contrast. It's one Achilles' heel is rabbits. Rabbits are usually only a problem in crowded suburbs where they have a little wild vegetation to eat and no predators. Gardeners with lots of established plants usually do not have rabbit problems. If rabbits are a problem for you, and you still want to grow wine cups, cover the plant with a bowl shaped piece of chicken wire attached with weed barrier pins. This will allow the taproot and basil foliage to get established the first year without any browsing; after removing the cage the second year, the plants will generally outgrow any rabbit browsing. Other problems could be root rot but I have generally not seen that even in clay soils in Lawrence Kansas. Self seeding should be allowed to gently occur around the base of the plant to ensure a thick groundcover; these plants tolerate crowded conditions and will not crowd each other out or need division. This is one of the most iconic and beautiful native wildflowers!
Aphrodite Sweetshrub (Calycanthus x 'Aphrodite') is covered in big, glossy, medium-green leaves. This shrub explodes with enormous cupped flowers that look a bit like a deep red magnolia. They start in early summer with a big flush of flowers continuing to bloom sporadically all summer long. This is a quite large shrub that needs plenty of space to look its best, but if you have the room for it, there are few better ways to use it! 'Aphrodite' is a hybrid between our native Calycanthus and the Asian species, x Sinocalycanthus. You're probably wondering if it's fragrant, and the answer is - it depends. The scent varies based on the age of the bloom, the time of day, and the flower itself. Some people say they smell like pineapple, others apples, others bubblegum, and some get no scent at all. Even if you never sense a whiff off this plant, its fabulous flowers are more than enough reward. Prune after flowering to maintain shape. This Calycanthus performs amazingly well in eastern Kansas landscapes. It is great along a woodland edge or in morning sun. When planted in full shade with rich soil in our Lawrence, KS Zone 6a display garden, growth is very rapid and flowers completely cover the shrub for a few weeks in early summer. Yes, you heard right, this shrub is will flower in full shade. It tolerates a wide variety of soil types including clay but needs prefers well-drained soil high in organic matter. Adaptable to mild drought and heat (plant in full shade in southern zones) but greatly improved with rich, moisture-retentive soils. Typically, our 40 inches of rainfall per year in Eastern Kansas is sufficient. Summer foliage is virtually pest-free. All Proven Winners® plants are legally propagated, healthy and vigorous, true to name, and tagged with color pictures and growing information.
Cannas are typically grown for their continuous summer flowers and vertical wide-leaf foliage. The plants are large tropical and subtropical herbaceous perennials with a rhizomatous rootstock native to areas with a summer monsoon and dry winter. They can be grown as flowering summer patio plants. 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 cannas 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 pieces. If digging from the ground, just save a chunk with the dirt intact and place into a large pot in the garage. During the growing season, fertilize, water regularly, and place in full sun. You may also plant these in the ground for an enormous tropical effect! It is possible to overwinter these in the ground in Kansas by mulching 4-8" thick over deeply planted rhizomes. New growth will usually be slightly delayed but quick to regain full height. In our trial gardens in Lawrence, KS (zone 6a), the following varieties survived after being mulched 6-12" with leaf mulch to -17 degrees F. (Canna 'Daddy's Buckaroo',Canna 'Omega',Canna indica 'Red Stripe',Canna indica 'Ellen's Super Orange', Canna indica 'Wyoming') 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. Canna 'Daddy's Buckaroo' is a tall variety with reddish-green leaves and red-orange flowers. This variety is among the most cold hardy of the cannas due to its vigorous deep growing rhizomes. Our original plant came from Brian's Botanicals mail-order nursery in Kentucky.
Cannas are typically grown for their continuous summer flowers and vertical wide-leaf foliage. The plants are large tropical and subtropical herbaceous perennials with a rhizomatous rootstock native to areas with a summer monsoon and dry winter. They can be grown as flowering summer patio plants. 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 cannas 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 pieces. If digging from the ground, just save a chunk with the dirt intact and place into a large pot in the garage. During the growing season, fertilize, water regularly, and place in full sun. You may also plant these in the ground for an enormous tropical effect! It is possible to overwinter these in the ground in Kansas by mulching 4-8" thick over deeply planted rhizomes. New growth will usually be slightly delayed but quick to regain full height. In our trial gardens in Lawrence, KS (zone 6a), the following varieties survived after being mulched 6-12" with leaf mulch to -17 degrees F. (Canna 'Daddy's Buckaroo',Canna 'Omega',Canna indica 'Red Stripe',Canna indica 'Ellen's Super Orange', Canna indica 'Wyoming') 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. Canna 'Omega' is a tall variety with blue-green leaves and orange flowers. This variety is the most cold hardy of the cannas due to its vigorous deep growing rhizomes. The rate of spread is faster so provide a larger space for this plant. This canna can also grow in standing water as a potted plant in water gardens or rain gardens.
Cannas are typically grown for their continuous summer flowers and vertical wide-leaf foliage. The plants are large tropical and subtropical herbaceous perennials with a rhizomatous rootstock native to areas with a summer monsoon and dry winter. They can be grown as flowering summer patio plants. 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 cannas 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 pieces. If digging from the ground, just save a chunk with the dirt intact and place into a large pot in the garage. During the growing season, fertilize, water regularly, and place in full sun. You may also plant these in the ground for an enormous tropical effect! It is possible to overwinter these in the ground in Kansas by mulching 4-8" thick over deeply planted rhizomes. New growth will usually be slightly delayed but quick to regain full height. In our trial gardens in Lawrence, KS (zone 6a), the following varieties survived after being mulched 6-12" with leaf mulch to -17 degrees F. (Canna 'Daddy's Buckaroo',Canna 'Omega',Canna indica 'Red Stripe',Canna indica 'Ellen's Super Orange', Canna indica 'Wyoming') 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. Canna indica 'Red Stripe' is a medium variety with reddish-green leaves and red flowers.
Dark Knight Caryopteris (Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Dark Knight') features darker green summer foliage followed by late-summer deep blue flowers and a compact growing habit. It adds much-needed color to the late summer landscape and makes a handsome companion with perennials. A great favorite with pollinators of all types (bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds) in the late season garden. Caryopteris demands a sunny spot and very well-drained soil. Wet soils, particularly those that remain soggy during periods of cold weather, will cause root rot. For this reason, we recommend early season planting of caryopteris in zones 5. In Eastern Kansas, this cultivar performs WELL with just about everything nature has to challenge it! Heat and drought are tolerated well. Cold tolerance is no problem for us in zone 6. Caryopteris gives great winter interest with it's dried flowers. The only maintenance this shrub needs is cutting back about 1/2 way in early spring before new growth emerges. No disease or pest problems. Great plant for berms or hot West or South exposures in full sun. Do not plant in rich moist soils or root rot will probably occur. Even when not blooming, the compact green foliage looks good on it's own or combines well with earlier season blooming red, purple, blue, or magenta flowering plants. Combine with crapemyrtles and butterflybush to create a late season "all you can eat" buffet for pollinators!
Sunshine Blue® II Bluebeard (Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Sunshine Blue II') is the hardiest caryopteris yet! Sunshine Blue II is a new, improved variety of the classic Sunshine Blue, but it's much more tolerant of cold climates. If you've had trouble with bluebeard surviving winter in your area in the past, now's your chance to enjoy the vivid gold foliage and blue blooms of this late blooming favorite. An excellent plant for attracting pollinators! Top reasons to grow Sunshine Blue II caryopteris: 1.The hardiest caryopteris yet - survives winter even in the Midwest. 2.Colorful all season, especially late in summer when blue flowers appear. 3.Thrives in hot, dry, sunny spots. Maintenance Notes: Plant bluebeard in full sun and well-drained soil. Though Sunshine Blue II tolerates colder conditions than other caryopteris, it will do best if you avoid planting it in spots where the soil is cold or wet in winter and early spring. Cut back hard in spring, after the new growth emerges. Avoid late season planting in coldest parts of its hardiness range. In Eastern Kansas, this cultivar performs WELL with just about everything nature has to challenge it! Heat and drought are tolerated well. Cold tolerance is no problem for us in zone 6. Caryopteris gives great winter interest with it's dried flowers. The only maintenance this shrub needs is cutting back about 1/2 way in early spring before new growth emerges. No disease or pest problems. Great plant for berms or hot West or South exposures in full sun. Do not plant in rich moist soils or root rot will probably occur. Even when not blooming, the intense gold foliage looks good on it's own or combines well with earlier season blooming red, purple, blue, or magenta flowering plants. Combine with crapemyrtles and butterflybush to create a late season "all you can eat" buffet for pollinators! All Proven Winners® plants are legally propagated, healthy and vigorous, true to name, and tagged with color pictures and growing information.
Yellow Candlestick Tree (Cassia / Senna alata) is grown in Kansas as a giant annual capable of reaching 6 to 12 feet in one season. Growth is slow at first in Spring when temperatures are still cool. It is native to tropical rainforests in Mexico and South America generally fulfilling the role of a pioneer species rapidly colonizing disturbed areas. Bright green bi-pinnate leaves are symmetrically arranged and very tropical looking. As branching and growth form develop, the overall geometrical effect is stunning even without flowers yet. Finally by September and all through October until frost, yellow candle-like flowers tower over the foliage. Some plants may have up to 50-100 flower spikes at one time. Cut down promptly after frost as there is no winter interest. Seeds rarely have time to develop in our shorter growing season but it is possible to harvest seeds if the first fall freeze is late. Yellow Candlestick Tree grows fastest in rich well drained soils and plenty of water. Growth is equally impressive in most Kansas soils including heavy clay as long as watering is sufficient. Yellow Candlestick Tree needs hot summers, full sun, and warm humid conditions to thrive. When grown in a large pot, it is very difficult to overwinter inside so it's best to buy new plants each year. This plant has also evolved and interesting relationship with ants, providing nectary glands (food) in exchange for protection from insect pests. Use Yellow Candlestick Tree where you need to fill up a lot of space in a hurry or just like lots of yellow flowers in the fall when other things are not blooming. Interestingly, the foliage is sensitive to light, folding up neatly at sunset and opening up the nest morning.
***Tree descriptions available with future update!***
Button bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is a beautiful rounded shrub with glossy green leaves that turn reddish maroon in fall. White flowers are very unique (and look like a coronavirus) consisting of small spheres with protruding anthers. Bloom occurs all summer and are attractive to many different bee and butterfly species, including the swallowtail butterfly. Red fruiting heads appear in late summer adding to the ornamental appeal! In its native habitat covering most of Eastern United States including disjunct populations in Arizona, California, and Mexico, this wetland shrub can be found in low-lying areas. This includes swamps, marshes, bogs, wetlands, and along the edges of ponds, streams, and rivers. In Eastern Kansas, this is a no-brainer shrub to small tree for average garden soils including heavy clay and useful for rain gardens. Adapts to a wide range of soils except dry ones if in poor soils. Tolerant of moderate drought once established especially if in moisture-retentive rich soils. As a testament to this plants survivability, Clinton Lake and Perry Lake located in NE kansas flooded in 2020 with areas of shore-line underwater for the entire growing season. This killed every other plant species was killed except for buttonbush: all top growth was killed but new shoots from the root systems of thousands of plants along the shore resumed the following year when water receded. Basically, these plants survived over 18 months with no growth from fall of 2019 to spring of 2021. This plant can also grow in permanent standing water or as a potted plant in water gardens. Sugar Shack® Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis 'Sugar Shack') in a new Proven Winners variety! Although buttonbush has long been prized as a native and great for rain gardens, it was way too big for most landscapes. Not anymore! They cut the size in half and added improved colorful red fruit and glossy foliage. Add in cool looking, fragrant white flowers and you've got a delightful plant that shines from spring to fall. Blooming on new wood, button bush may be trimmed in early spring. Complete rejuvenation may also be done if plants get too big.
Creeping Plumbago / Leadwort (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides) is a Chinese native plant well adapted to our climate without being invasive in Kansas. It features nonstop royal blue flowers from midsummer till hard freeze; Usually three months or more. After a first light freeze, if flowering is still occurring, rich green foliage will turn bright red while still containing a few blue flowers. This creates a one-of-a-kind contrast not seen in any other plants. Plumbago combines well with just about any other plant due to its rare flower color. This is especially dramatic is combining it with opposites on the color wheel like orange, red or yellow. Growth is often slow to emerge in the spring as plumbago needs warmer soil than most other plants to start growing. This allows for a good combination for spring bulbs to grow with plumbago coming up later to hide the dying bulb foliage. In Kansas landscapes, plumbago is often used as a full sun groundcover in hot areas such as west or south side of the house. Normal garden conditions and berms are fine as well. Plants can survive and flower in shade but growth will be much slower and risk of death will be present until established. In zone 6a, all plantings should be mulched and only larger size established pots should be planted if in the fall. Plumbago sold in flats of many smaller plants can safely be planted in spring or summer. Plumbago needs medium to dry soil tolerating clay as long as everything as well-drained. Once plants are established for a season or two in full sun, they are nearly indestructible. Slow spread will occur and plants will develop very high density smothering out weeds. Sometimes the slowly spreading growth (underground rhizones) can be a problem after a decade or so. However, if you plan ahead and use it as a groundcover like intended, it will be perfect. Being a very low maintenance plant not requiring extra watering or deadheading, the only thing you need to do is weed-eat or cut back all the foliage in the winter. Plumbago has no pest or disease problems.
***Tree descriptions available with future update!***
Don Egolf Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Don Egolf') is a dwarf flowering shrub redbud native to China. It has the typical heart shaped green Redbud foliage and deep magenta flowers. The bark is more of a beige or light tan color with black buds. Flowering begins in April with flower buds starting on old wood all the way to the ground level. Flowering even occurs on very young plants only several inches tall. Because this is a Chinese species, no seed pods form like on native Redbuds. After many years, heights of 8 to 10 feet may be achieved on multi-stemmed plants. Culture conditions are pretty easy; just provide average garden soil, reasonable water, and mostly sun. In Eastern Kansas, typically our 40 inches of rainfall is sufficient without extra water if planted in good soils. Don Eagles Red has been growing in our display garden for over 10 years blooming consistently with no problems. It survived -16 degrees F and a week of single digit highs in February, 2021 with no damage to flower buds.
This purple-leaf Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Merlot') is a canadensis and texensis cross to produce a more drought and heat tolerant tree. It has glossy, small rounded dark purple leaves and has an upright vase-shaped growth habit. This small deciduous tree is known for its stunning display of colorful blooms a deep magenta color. Many of the problems with the regular species redbud tree are not an issue with this improved cultivar. It is to be expected however that all Redbuds have a relatively short lifespan of 20-40 years but even so, are worth planting for its beautiful flowers. It is not weak wooded and makes a nice hot non-sparking firewood. The short life span is not due to breakage so much as it is to the tree's susceptibility to heart-rot especially when branch crotches form and get older. Other problems include canker, verticillium wilt and root rot. Most redbud varieties thrive in full sun to partial shade. They will tolerate full shade but become elongated and thin as they reach for the sun. Redbuds do well in most soil types but adequate drainage is a must; it can tolerate dry shade of Eastern Kansas forests receiving at least 35" of rainfall per year. The species is a native from southern Canada to Florida, east to Kansas. The regular species also has the potential to self seed in your yard but not 'Merlot'. As a dwarf tree, use 'Merlot' as a specimen or part of a group. It reaches about 12 to 15 feet high and wide in full sun. Reddish leaf color emerges in the spring and is maintained all summer long if in mostly full sun. The color of older purple redbuds (like Forest Pansy) fades to dark green as the summer heat intensifies.
***Tree descriptions available with future update!*** Hybrid of Oklahoma Redbud
Double Take® Orange Quince (Chaenomeles 'Double Take Orange') features huge flowers on a thornless plant. It's so beautiful you may overlook its survivalist skills! Heat and drought tolerant, this plant will delight you each spring with candy colored blooms. Double Take Orange puts on a spectacular spring display of large double flowers with intense orange color - you'll do a double take! More than just pretty flowers, the Double Take Quinces are easy to care for, having neither thorns or fruit. Once established, they are extremely drought tolerant. Developed by Dr. Tom Ranney and his team at the Mountain Crops Research & Extension Center in beautiful North Carolina, Orange Storm and the other Double Take Quinces are sure to brighten spring gardens across the United States. Uses Notes: Excellent for hedging, mass planting and cut flower gardens. A spectacular early season specimen for the mixed border. Maintenance Notes: Prune to shape after flowering. Apply a controlled release fertilizer in spring. Formerly known as Double Take 'Orange Storm' quince. In Eastern Kansas, this cultivar performs WELL with just about everything nature has to challenge it! Heat and drought are tolerated reasonably well but with some foliage decline by late summer and no fall color. This is made up for by the extremely reliable blooming season that fills up the month of April when many other plants are not in full swing yet. Cold tolerance or flower bud loss is no problem in our zone 6. No serious disease or pest problems. All Proven Winners® plants are legally propagated, healthy and vigorous, true to name, and tagged with color pictures and growing information.
Northern / Inland Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) is a grass native to the central and eastern United States including some areas in the southwest. Sea Oats is grown is notable for its large graceful seedheads and ability to tolerate full shade. Sending up blue-green spools of basal leaves in spring, it will grow to 2 feet tall with green seed heads starting to form earlier than most other grasses. As it turns a vivid green by June, the translucent green seedheads swaying in the breeze. By mid-summer, the seeds will have turned an attractive ivory and will turn brown in a few months before dropping off in fall. It looks attractive into late fall but becomes tattered after seeds drop making it a good grass to cut back in the late fall or early winter instead of Spring. For the home garden in rich well irrigated areas, this species can be too aggressive from self-seeding to mix with other plants. Use as a mass planting in any shaded area allowing extra room. However, in a difficult dry-shade garden, it will thrive, flower, and be relatively tame without much spread. Mulch will also stop self-seeding. It is one of the few plants that can survive under an established Silver Maple! Now if you need a plant to prevent soil erosion along streams, use this reseeding to your advantage! As it reseeds easily and can expand aggressively within a couple of years, it makes a solid root mat in moist erosion-prone loam soils.
Clivia (Clivia miniata) has attractive dark green, wide, glossy, curved foliage along with long lasting bright orange flowers followed by red fruits. Also sometimes called Bush lily or Kaffir lily, it is native to seasonal semi-dry woodland habitats in South Africa. It is best used as a houseplant or full-shade summer patio plant in Kansas. Place in 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 to no watering. Flowering is more reliable with root-bound plants given a cool 2-4 month dormant season with temperatures in the 40-50 degree F range with little to no winter watering. Larger plants can survive 3-5 months without water in the winter if allowed to have a healthy outdoor growing season. 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. Mealy bugs can be a problem with permanent indoor house plants but will go away if grown outside during the summer or never introduced in the first place. Either way, take outside and administer sharp blasts of hose water and/or horticultural oil spray to eliminate this (only) pest problem. Note that clivia will sunburn rapidly if accidently left in full sun even for a few hours, even in cooler weather in spring or fall so be aware of its needs and protect from all direct outdoor sunlight. Indoor grown plants however, can handle direct sun (UV blocked light) from windows. Clivia is relatively rare and will command a higher price than most other houseplants.
Pink China Hardy Elephant Ear (Colocasia 'Pink China') are typically grown for their large tropical foliage and pink stems. The plants are temperate and subtropical herbaceous perennial bulbs native to areas with a summer monsoon season and dry winter. Pink China Hardy Elephant Ear is hardy outside as a perennial when established and with minimal effort at least up to zone 6a. During the growing season, fertilize, water regularly, and plant in full sun. Plant these bulbs in the ground at least 3-6" deep with 3-4" of mulch. Foliage may look bedwraggled by fall if drought stressed so it is ok to cut back foliage at that time. Plants spread by running ryizomes but are easy to pull up if undesired. 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. 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. This plant can also be used as a marginal aquatic plant growing in shallow water. It can also grow 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.
Big Dipper Hardy Elephant Ear (Colocasia gaoligongensis 'Big Dipper') are typically grown for their large tropical foliage and black stems. The plants are temperate and subtropical herbaceous perennial bulbs native to areas with a summer monsoon season and dry winter. Big Dipper Hardy Elephant Ear is hardy outside as a perennial when established and with minimal effort at least up to zone 6a. During the growing season, fertilize, water regularly, and plant in full sun. Plant these bulbs in the ground at least 3-6" deep with 3-4" of mulch. Foliage may look bedwraggled by fall if drought stressed so it is ok to cut back foliage at that time. Plants spread by running ryizomes but are easy to pull up if undesired. 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. 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. This plant can also be used as a marginal aquatic plant growing in shallow water. It can also grow 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
Arctic Sun® Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea 'Arctic Sun') is a new color breakthrough from Proven Winners! Set your winter landscape ablaze with color! Keep your landscape lively even in winter with the glorious yellow, orange, and coral stems of Arctic Sun® dogwood. It performs like the familiar red-twig dogwoods but with unique color that positively glows in the landscape. Tolerant of a very wide range of soil conditions and one of the best ornamental shrubs for shade, Arctic Sun dogwood is an easy choice for nearly effortless color. Top reasons to grow Arctic Sun dogwood: 1.unusual yellow, orange, and coral stems pop in the winter landscape. 2.easy to grow. 3.deer resistant and shade tolerant. Uses Notes: Beautiful in the landscape or a container to add winter interest. Stems may be cut for winter flower arrangements. Maintenance Notes: The best red color appears on one and two year old stems; older stems will turn corky and brown. To maintain a colorful display, you can do one of two things: one, cut the whole plant back to short stubs every other year. Two, cut out one-third of the oldest stems every year. This option is recommended if you planted your Arctic Fire® dogwood to provide coverage. Early spring is the best time to prune. If desired, apply a granular fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs at pruning time. In Eastern Kansas, this cultivar performs WELL with just about everything nature has to challenge it! Heat and drought are tolerated if in shade or morning sun. Cold tolerance is no problem. No disease or pest problems. Great plant for dry-shade. After 10 years and despite a slow growth rate, it is advisable to rejuvinate this shrub down to the ground as it will reach 5-6 feet tall eventually. Especially effective against dark backgrounds! All Proven Winners® plants are legally propagated, healthy and vigorous, true to name, and tagged with color pictures and growing information.
>>>>>In the words of breeder Tim Wood - "It's got more smoke than a KISS concert!" (Cotinus 'The Velvet Fog') Very large pink plumes develop in mid-summer, covering the waxy blue-green foliage. It's a stunning color combination. The Velvet Fog smokebush (Cotinus 'The Velvet Fog') was selected for its outstanding flower production as well as its dense growth, providing a lusher look than conventional cotinus. Pruning will rarely be required but may be done in spring. It isn't technically the flowers that create the hazy, smoke-like effect this plant is so loved for - it's the seed pods that form after the flowers have faded. In Eastern Kansas, this cultivar performs WELL with just about everything nature has to challenge it! Heat and drought are preferred and need hot microclimate. Cold tolerance is no problem. Some leaf disease appears by late season from excessive rains and high humidity sometimes causing early defoliation. An important note about pruning: Do not attempt to rejuvinate an older tree/shrub in early fall. This will trick it into growing back rapidly to recover and them WHAM!.Arctic cold blast arrives killing any new growth not hardened off. This double sapps the tree for nutrients usually resulting in death by spring. All Proven Winners® plants are legally propagated, healthy and vigorous, true to name, and tagged with color pictures and growing information.
>>>>>A feast for the eyes from spring through autumn! Winecraft Black® Smoketrtee (Cotinus 'Winecraft Black') is the first Proven Winners smokebush, so you know it must be special. In spring, round leaves emerge rich purple but as summer's heat comes on, they turn a deep near-black tone and finally light up in an array of reds and oranges in fall. In early summer, large, soft panicles of bloom appear that become the misty "smoke" that makes this such a popular landscape plant. Unlike other smokebush, it naturally has a rounded, dwarf habit which means that finally, every landscape has room for this unique plant. Top three reasons to grow Winecraft Black smokebush: 1.Color and interest from spring through frost. 2.No pruning or special maintenance required. 3.Dwarf habit makes it easy to use with any sized home or yard. Uses Notes: Smokebush makes a striking specimen, but is also effective as a low hedge or mass planting. Maintenance Notes: Winecraft Black smokebush is very easy to care for and requires little to nothing in the way of regular maintenance. Plant in full sun for best color and flowering. Pruning will rarely be required but may be done in spring. It isn't technically the flowers that create the hazy, smoke-like effect this plant is so loved for - it's the seed pods that form after the flowers have faded. In Eastern Kansas, this cultivar performs WELL with just about everything nature has to challenge it! Heat and drought are preferred and need hot microclimate. Cold tolerance is no problem. Some leaf disease appears by late season from excessive rains and high humidity sometimes causing early defoliation. An important note about pruning: Do not attempt to rejuvinate an older tree/shrub in early fall. This will trick it into growing back rapidly to recover and them WHAM!.Arctic cold blast arrives killing any new growth not hardened off. This double sapps the tree for nutrients usually resulting in death by spring. All Proven Winners® plants are legally propagated, healthy and vigorous, true to name, and tagged with color pictures and growing information.
Crinums are tough, long-lived perennial bulbs with strappy leaves and fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers. In areas where the bulbs are hardy, (zones 5/6-10) these plants can reach as much as 4 feet across and bloom all summer. Crinums can live for 200-300 years in the South often found growing in cemeteries and abandoned home sites with little or no attention. The plants are native to southeast Asia often in areas with a summer monsoon and dry winter. They can also be grown as flowering summer patio plants. 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. During the growing season, fertilize, water regularly, and place in full sun. You may also plant these in the ground for an enormous tropical effect! It is easy to overwinter these in the ground in Kansas with mulch or no mulch! The trick is to plant them deep: an extra 4-6" deeper than grade or with neck of bulb completely buried. Crinums are extremely adaptable thriving in either in dry or in boggy soils. Crinums are tough, low maintenance bulbs which make them perfect for rain gardens, and although drought-tolerant, crinums bloom more if well-watered. This plant can also grow in standing water or as a potted plant in water gardens. Unlike southern climates, crinums in Kansas need full sun to grow and flower in our shorter growing season. Crinum are more cold hardy than most authorities publish; easily pushing into zone 5 for some varieties. In our trial gardens in Lawrence, KS (zone 6a), the following varieties survived after being mulched 6-12" with leaf mulch to -17 degrees F. (Crinum 'Infusion', Crinum tweedianum, Crinum 'Super Ellen', Crinum x powellii, Crinum 'White Prince') 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. No crinums were lost or harmed during this event! Crinum 'Infusion' is a large crinum up to 48" tall with magenta flowers. Offsets heavily. Hardy to Zone 5b.
Crinums are tough, long-lived perennial bulbs with strappy leaves and fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers. In areas where the bulbs are hardy, (zones 5/6-10) these plants can reach as much as 4 feet across and bloom all summer. Crinums can live for 200-300 years in the South often found growing in cemeteries and abandoned home sites with little or no attention. The plants are native to southeast Asia often in areas with a summer monsoon and dry winter. They can also be grown as flowering summer patio plants. 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. During the growing season, fertilize, water regularly, and place in full sun. You may also plant these in the ground for an enormous tropical effect! It is easy to overwinter these in the ground in Kansas with mulch or no mulch! The trick is to plant them deep: an extra 4-6" deeper than grade or with neck of bulb completely buried. Crinums are extremely adaptable thriving in either in dry or in boggy soils. Crinums are tough, low maintenance bulbs which make them perfect for rain gardens, and although drought-tolerant, crinums bloom more if well-watered. This plant can also grow in standing water or as a potted plant in water gardens. Unlike southern climates, crinums in Kansas need full sun to grow and flower in our shorter growing season. Crinum are more cold hardy than most authorities publish; easily pushing into zone 5 for some varieties. In our trial gardens in Lawrence, KS (zone 6a), the following varieties survived after being mulched 6-12" with leaf mulch to -17 degrees F. (Crinum 'Infusion', Crinum tweedianum, Crinum 'Super Ellen', Crinum x powellii, Crinum 'White Prince') 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. No crinums were lost or harmed during this event!
Crinums are tough, long-lived perennial bulbs with strappy leaves and fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers. In areas where the bulbs are hardy, (zones 5/6-10) these plants can reach as much as 4 feet across and bloom all summer. Crinums can live for 200-300 years in the South often found growing in cemeteries and abandoned home sites with little or no attention. The plants are native to southeast Asia often in areas with a summer monsoon and dry winter. They can also be grown as flowering summer patio plants. 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. During the growing season, fertilize, water regularly, and place in full sun. You may also plant these in the ground for an enormous tropical effect! It is easy to overwinter these in the ground in Kansas with mulch or no mulch! The trick is to plant them deep: an extra 4-6" deeper than grade or with neck of bulb completely buried. Crinums are extremely adaptable thriving in either in dry or in boggy soils. Crinums are tough, low maintenance bulbs which make them perfect for rain gardens, and although drought-tolerant, crinums bloom more if well-watered. This plant can also grow in standing water or as a potted plant in water gardens. Unlike southern climates, crinums in Kansas need full sun to grow and flower in our shorter growing season. Crinum are more cold hardy than most authorities publish; easily pushing into zone 5 for some varieties. In our trial gardens in Lawrence, KS (zone 6a), the following varieties survived after being mulched 6-12" with leaf mulch to -17 degrees F. (Crinum 'Infusion', Crinum tweedianum, Crinum 'Super Ellen', Crinum x powellii, Crinum 'White Prince') 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. No crinums were lost or harmed during this event!
Crinums are tough, long-lived perennial bulbs with strappy leaves and fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers. In areas where the bulbs are hardy, (zones 5/6-10) these plants can reach as much as 4 feet across and bloom all summer. Crinums can live for 200-300 years in the South often found growing in cemeteries and abandoned home sites with little or no attention. The plants are native to southeast Asia often in areas with a summer monsoon and dry winter. They can also be grown as flowering summer patio plants. 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. During the growing season, fertilize, water regularly, and place in full sun. You may also plant these in the ground for an enormous tropical effect! It is easy to overwinter these in the ground in Kansas with mulch or no mulch! The trick is to plant them deep: an extra 4-6" deeper than grade or with neck of bulb completely buried. Crinums are extremely adaptable thriving in either in dry or in boggy soils. Crinums are tough, low maintenance bulbs which make them perfect for rain gardens, and although drought-tolerant, crinums bloom more if well-watered. This plant can also grow in standing water or as a potted plant in water gardens. Unlike southern climates, crinums in Kansas need full sun to grow and flower in our shorter growing season. Crinum are more cold hardy than most authorities publish; easily pushing into zone 5 for some varieties. In our trial gardens in Lawrence, KS (zone 6a), the following varieties survived after being mulched 6-12" with leaf mulch to -17 degrees F. (Crinum 'Infusion', Crinum tweedianum, Crinum 'Super Ellen', Crinum x powellii, Crinum 'White Prince') 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. No crinums were lost or harmed during this event! Crinum x powellii produces pink flowers. 48" tall
Red Burst Bromeliad (Cryptbergia 'Red Burst') is an intergeneric bromeliad hybrid that is a cross between Billbergia nutans x Cryptanthus bahianus. It forms rosettes of flattened 8-12" long pointed green/bronzy-red leaves. Color ranges from dark green in shade to more intense maroon in bright UV light. 'Red Burst' is usually grown as a patio or house plant in Kansas. Best grown in full to part sun with some 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 thicker and tolerate extremely root-bound pots and bone dry soil. If repotting, make sure to use a cactus mix with some of sand and perlite. Although plants are hardy to 26-28 degrees F, potted plants are best moved in before night temperatures get below 35 degrees F. It is important to avoid the combination of wet and cold. Move to a bright interior window over the winter with no watering and keep above freezing. As a winter house plant, it will look presentable all winter long with just no waterings. As a permanent house plant, provide bright light and allow the soil to dry between waterings for many years of carefree enjoyment. Plants grown permanently indoors may begin to lose foliage 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; no pests have ever been observed on this bullet-proof plant.
Cycad / Sago Palm (Tropical), is also known as Cycas revoluta
American Beakgrain (Diarrhena obovata) as a native ornamental grass found in rich woodlands in eastern North America. It features bright glossy green foliage about 2 feet tall. It is strongly vertical with little flopping until Seed heads weigh it down late in the season. With it being somewhat of a rarity to have an ornamental grass tolerate shade, American beak grass Along with inland sea oats and Korean Feather Grass help fill that niche. American beak grass prefers rich average to moist soil but will tolerate some dry shade of in rich soil. Seed heads are attractive but not persisting very long: it is an excellent source of food for birds and small mammals. Fall color is a gorgeous golden tint. Seedlings will germinate freely in the area around the mother plants. If this is not desired, simply keep the area mulched. Spreading by rhizomes will also occur after a few years. For the home garden in rich well irrigated areas, this species can be too aggressive. Use as a mass planting in any shaded area allowing extra room. However, in a difficult dry-shade garden, it will thrive, flower, and be relatively tame without much spread. Mulch will also stop self-seeding. It is one of the few plants that can survive under an established Silver Maple! Now if you need a plant to prevent soil erosion along streams, use this re-seeding to your advantage! As it reseeds easily and can expand aggressively within a couple of years, it makes a solid root mat in moist erosion-prone loam soils.
>>>>>Gold Heart Pink Bleeding Heart, is also known as Dicentra / Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Gold Heart'. It can handle a little Kansas drought in in moisture-retentive soils but not dry-shade. Foliage will flatten to the ground during drought then spring back up when moisture is available again. Generally however, in non-irrigated or poor soil areas, this plant will decline and allow weeds to intermix.
Looking for a durable native plant that will thrive in sun or shade, and is drought-tolerant? Deer-resistant, too? You've got it! This shrub (Diervilla rivularis 'Kodiak Orange') pushes fall color to the limits with its glowing orange fall foliage. It lights up the fall landscape, making it an eco friendly alternative to burning bush. Bright yellow flowers in early summer add to its appeal. A durable native plant that thrives in sun or shade, its is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and can even grow in dry shade. This is an excellent landscape plant that will succeed in even challenging sites. Top three reasons to grow Kodiak® Orange diervilla: 1.Tolerant of dry shade (though color is best with at least some sun) 2.Never without yellow flower clusters in the summer. 3.Orange new growth and glowing orange-red fall foliage. Uses Notes: Naturalizing; mass plantings. Maintenance Notes: Adaptable to most soils, including dry ones. Trim in spring and apply a controlled-release fertilizer. Though it is sometimes called "bush honeysuckle," Diervilla is not invasive like certain honeysuckles are. In Eastern Kansas, this cultivar performs WELL with just about everything nature has to challenge it! Heat and drought are tolerated if in shade or morning sun. Cold tolerance is no problem. No disease or pest problems. Great plant for dry-shade. Native to North America. All Proven Winners® plants are legally propagated, healthy and vigorous, true to name, and tagged with color pictures and growing information.