***Description for this perennial available with future update!***>>>>>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.
Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) is a native shrub found along creeks and streams in the eastern United States. Foliage consists of a simple leaf, medium to light green, and usually glossy. White cascading flowers cover the plants in spring for about a month with pollinators flocking to the occasion. Fall color is outstanding shades of red and purple. Leaves cling to the stem and are very persistent down to about 10-15°F often finally dropping in December. Stems during the winter take on an attractive reddish-brown and green coloring. Sweetspire is truly a four-season shrub! In the landscape, combine with native plants, hardy tropicals, or summer flowering plants. These plants can tolerate saturated soils and are perfect for rain gardens or any other rich soil garden areas. North exposures are fine in zone 6 but not any further north as winter kill becomes a problem in zone 5. Water is usually the limiting factor in southern climates zone 7-9. Sweetspire is highly sensitive to iron chlorosis so avoid alkaline soils. In our eastern Kansas climate, we avoid afternoon sun and dry soils. Full shade is tolerated but not dry shade. Fall color will be reduced or nonexistent in full shade. Morning sun is best for avoiding leaf burn but still allowing fall coloring. Overall, this is a great garden plant when sited in the right conditions. Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet' has larger flowers and better fall color compared to the species.
Winter Jasmine (Jasminium nudiflorum) is a spreading dwarf shrub native to China. It features dark green glossy leaves that remain attractive all summer. The density of the shrub overtime is unmatched, completely eliminating any weeds including tree seedlings from emerging. Bright yellow five-petaled flowers resembling forsythia bloom extremely early in the spring usually in February or March before foliage growth (in Lawrence, KS). Flower buds are hardy to about 0° so flowering may not occur every year if temperatures get lower. Occasionally this shrub will bloom in the middle of winter when we have a 2-3 week warm spell. When it does bloom, it creates a spectacular show completely covering the shrub. It will grow in full sun or full shade in medium to dry soils including some dry-shade. It tolerates moist soils and brief periods of saturated soils after heavy rains. Fall color is yellow but drops quickly. Stems take on an olive greenish color in winter rendering them mildly attractive. Winter jasmine is commonly grown as a spreading groundcover shrub for difficult areas, frequently 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. This plant also does well in hot dry parking lot islands, hell strips, and along busy roads in full sun. Another great spot is planting on top of a retaining wall allowing it to cascade down. Further uses include erosion control and streambank stabilization. We do not recommend planting in small areas or in spaces that it will overrun neighboring plants. 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. Avoid North exposures and wet soils. Considered one of the most versatile and best plants for solving difficult landscape challenges.
***Shrub descriptions available with future update!***Goldleaf/Golden Beauty Beautybush, is also known as Kolkwitzia amabilis 'Goldleaf'
Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia) is a beautiful summer flowering shrub that dies down to the ground as a perennial each year in Zone 6 Kansas. Flower colors include bright red, pink, magenta, purple, and white. Many cultivars have been released improving foliage color, disease resistance, and flower blooming length. Newer cultivars now have maroon or reddish foliage adding interest before blooming. Beautiful fall color is often overlooked; shades of red, orange, and purple develop when Night temperatures reach into the 40s. In Kansas, crape myrtles grow best with hot south or west exposures or on south facing berms or hillsides. But they are suitable in any garden location as long as they are in full sun, they will build enough energy to come back from complete winter top-kill each year. Generally are 40 inches of rain per year is sufficient without extra watering, but if drought conditions occur, flowering will be reduced or shortened. Brief periods of excessive water and saturated soils are tolerated adding to their versatility. Many people from the south associate Crapemyrtles as a tree. That is true that in Texas and much of the Southeast, beautiful tree forms with exfoliating bark will occur because of mild winters. In Oklahoma and Arkansas for example crapemyrtles are usually grown as large shrubs experiencing major winterkill every 5-10 years. In Kansas and Missouri, or where temperatures regularly get to 0°, all top growth will die back and they will be grown as a woody perennial. After flowering and beautiful fall color is dropped, many people leave crapemyrtles throughout the winter to enjoy the winter interest of the dried seed heads. By March or April, cut plants close to the ground and watch for new growth. Flowering occurs on new wood and is much larger and more dramatic on sprouts from the ground. Flowers are often twice as big when grown this way. In the past, only fast-growing tree size cultivars for appropriate and Kansas because they have the ability to recover the fastest from complete winterkill and grow into a flowering-sized shrub by July. Now there are dwarf cultivars that are wood-hardy to -10 zone 6 for those not wanting to worry about winterkill. No disease or pest problems. Crapemyrtle are awesome for pollinators in the late season garden and especially effective when combined with vitex, butterfly bush, and/or caryopteris. Lagerstroemia indica 'Pink Velour', developed by Dr. Carl Whitcomb, has deep pink long-lasting flowers. Deep wine red leaves emerge in spring and age to dark purplish green creating quite a contrast with bright flowers.
Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia) is a beautiful summer flowering shrub that dies down to the ground as a perennial each year in Zone 6 Kansas. Flower colors include bright red, pink, magenta, purple, and white. Many cultivars have been released improving foliage color, disease resistance, and flower blooming length. Newer cultivars now have maroon or reddish foliage adding interest before blooming. Beautiful fall color is often overlooked; shades of red, orange, and purple develop when Night temperatures reach into the 40s. In Kansas, crape myrtles grow best with hot south or west exposures or on south facing berms or hillsides. But they are suitable in any garden location as long as they are in full sun, they will build enough energy to come back from complete winter top-kill each year. Generally are 40 inches of rain per year is sufficient without extra watering, but if drought conditions occur, flowering will be reduced or shortened. Brief periods of excessive water and saturated soils are tolerated adding to their versatility. Many people from the south associate Crapemyrtles as a tree. That is true that in Texas and much of the Southeast, beautiful tree forms with exfoliating bark will occur because of mild winters. In Oklahoma and Arkansas for example crapemyrtles are usually grown as large shrubs experiencing major winterkill every 5-10 years. In Kansas and Missouri, or where temperatures regularly get to 0°, all top growth will die back and they will be grown as a woody perennial. After flowering and beautiful fall color is dropped, many people leave crapemyrtles throughout the winter to enjoy the winter interest of the dried seed heads. By March or April, cut plants close to the ground and watch for new growth. Flowering occurs on new wood and is much larger and more dramatic on sprouts from the ground. Flowers are often twice as big when grown this way. In the past, only fast-growing tree size cultivars for appropriate and Kansas because they have the ability to recover the fastest from complete winterkill and grow into a flowering-sized shrub by July. Now there are dwarf cultivars that are wood-hardy to -10 zone 6 for those not wanting to worry about winterkill. No disease or pest problems. Crapemyrtle are awesome for pollinators in the late season garden and especially effective when combined with vitex, butterfly bush, and/or caryopteris. Lagerstroemia indica 'Red Rocket', developed by Dr. Carl Whitcomb, features brilliant cherry-red flowers with dark green foliage. It is one of the fastest growing crape myrtles reaching 4-6' in one season when cut to the ground in Kansas.
Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia) is a beautiful summer flowering shrub that dies down to the ground as a perennial each year in Zone 6 Kansas. Flower colors include bright red, pink, magenta, purple, and white. Many cultivars have been released improving foliage color, disease resistance, and flower blooming length. Newer cultivars now have maroon or reddish foliage adding interest before blooming. Beautiful fall color is often overlooked; shades of red, orange, and purple develop when Night temperatures reach into the 40s. In Kansas, crape myrtles grow best with hot south or west exposures or on south facing berms or hillsides. But they are suitable in any garden location as long as they are in full sun, they will build enough energy to come back from complete winter top-kill each year. Generally are 40 inches of rain per year is sufficient without extra watering, but if drought conditions occur, flowering will be reduced or shortened. Brief periods of excessive water and saturated soils are tolerated adding to their versatility. Many people from the south associate Crapemyrtles as a tree. That is true that in Texas and much of the Southeast, beautiful tree forms with exfoliating bark will occur because of mild winters. In Oklahoma and Arkansas for example crapemyrtles are usually grown as large shrubs experiencing major winterkill every 5-10 years. In Kansas and Missouri, or where temperatures regularly get to 0°, all top growth will die back and they will be grown as a woody perennial. After flowering and beautiful fall color is dropped, many people leave crapemyrtles throughout the winter to enjoy the winter interest of the dried seed heads. By March or April, cut plants close to the ground and watch for new growth. Flowering occurs on new wood and is much larger and more dramatic on sprouts from the ground. Flowers are often twice as big when grown this way. In the past, only fast-growing tree size cultivars for appropriate and Kansas because they have the ability to recover the fastest from complete winterkill and grow into a flowering-sized shrub by July. Now there are dwarf cultivars that are wood-hardy to -10 zone 6 for those not wanting to worry about winterkill. No disease or pest problems. Crapemyrtle are awesome for pollinators in the late season garden and especially effective when combined with vitex, butterfly bush, and/or caryopteris. Lagerstroemia indica 'Rhapsody in Pink' was developed by Dr. Carl Whitcomb. This upright growing shrub features light pink summer flowers appearing against handsome foliage, which emerges a purple hue that persists most of the season.
***Description for this perennial available with future update!***Prairie Blazing Star / Liatris, is also known as Liatris pycnostachya
Classic Blue Clump-forming Liriope (Liriope muscari 'Classic Blue' / 'Ingwersen') grows to form a dense, dark green, grass-like groundcover in medium to full shade. As one of the very best "dry-shade" plants, it has environmental and economic traits that can help conserve water and lower your water bill! Plantings can thrive for decades if in the right spot; there is no such thing as overcrowding for Liriope. When planted in mass, growth is slow at first but eventually a cake-like rhizome system will form and completely smother out any weeds and compete well with trees for water and nutrients. Even under the most hostile conditions such as huge silver maple and pin oak trees, liriope not only survives but thrives. While Big Blue Liriope can tolerate full sun, they prefer part to full shade. Sun burning is possible with temperatures over 100° and there are better plants to use in hot areas. Liriope has no insect or disease problems, will survive droughts, short-term floods and cold winters. In the winter, it will stay green until 0 degrees F and be completely evergreen some winters. Liriope also thrives in summer with the worst heat and humidity even in the Southeast and Southwest! Liriope is tolerant of a wide range of soil types but prefers clay/loam and will display best growth in fertile soils with average water but extremely drought tolerant in shaded areas! For the home garden, the species spreads slowly so you shouldn't leave very much room in-between Liriope plants or you will be waiting many years for the patch to fill in. Weeds can be a problem in that open area between plants if spacing is too wide. We recommend 12-18" spacing for a larger area. The only problem we have seen is a mysterious crown-rot disease in well-irrigated gardens. This liriope (Liriope muscari 'Classic Blue' / 'Ingwersen') does not spread very quickly or much at all compared to Spreading Liriope / Monkey Grass (Liriope spicata) This is a real trooper for the dry shade garden!
Classic Blue Clump-forming Liriope (Liriope muscari 'Classic Blue' / 'Ingwersen') grows to form a dense, dark green, grass-like groundcover in medium to full shade. As one of the very best "dry-shade" plants, it has environmental and economic traits that can help conserve water and lower your water bill! Plantings can thrive for decades if in the right spot; there is no such thing as overcrowding for Liriope. When planted in mass, growth is slow at first but eventually a cake-like rhizome system will form and completely smother out any weeds and compete well with trees for water and nutrients. Even under the most hostile conditions such as huge silver maple and pin oak trees, liriope not only survives but thrives. While Big Blue Liriope can tolerate full sun, they prefer part to full shade. Sun burning is possible with temperatures over 100° and there are better plants to use in hot areas. Liriope has no insect or disease problems, will survive droughts, short-term floods and cold winters. In the winter, it will stay green until 0 degrees F and be completely evergreen some winters. Liriope also thrives in summer with the worst heat and humidity even in the Southeast and Southwest! Liriope is tolerant of a wide range of soil types but prefers clay/loam and will display best growth in fertile soils with average water but extremely drought tolerant in shaded areas! For the home garden, the species spreads slowly so you shouldn't leave very much room in-between Liriope plants or you will be waiting many years for the patch to fill in. Weeds can be a problem in that open area between plants if spacing is too wide. We recommend 12-18" spacing for a larger area. The only problem we have seen is a mysterious crown-rot disease in well-irrigated gardens. This liriope (Liriope muscari 'Classic Blue' / 'Ingwersen') does not spread very quickly or much at all compared to Spreading Liriope / Monkey Grass (Liriope spicata) This is a real trooper for the dry shade garden!
Liriope (Liriope spitica) grows to form a dense, dark green, grass-like groundcover / turf in medium to full shade. (also called "Lilyturf"). As one of the very best "dry-shade" plants, it has environmental and economic traits that cannot be disputed. A typical homeowner will save hundreds of dollars a year on lawn maintenance costs. Large turflike installations can save thousands of dollars per year. Even under the most hostile conditions such as huge silver maple and pin oak trees, liriope not only survives but thrives. Liriope has no insect or disease problems, will survive droughts, short-term floods and cold winters. Liriope has a very low water requirement and a deep root system that allows it to draw water from a large area. Liriope thrives on only 1 deep watering per month in the summer to stay green. In the winter, it will stay green until zero degrees and be completely evergreen some winters. If the top Liriope grows to form a dense groundcover / turf in medium to full shade. Liriope requires no mowing maintenance (monthly mowing is optional to achieve 4" height) Un-mowed, it will grow uniformly 8-10" and appear like a lawn from a distance. Fewer weed problems occur; the dense growth of liriope grass smothers out existing weeds and prevents the germination of new seeds. The soft texture and medium green color are great assets; evergreen to 0ºF, survives -20. Liriope grows in zones 5-9; tolerates cold in the winter and heat / humidity in the summer. Liriope is tolerant of a wide range of soil types but prefers clay/loam and will display best growth in fertile soils with average water but extremely drought tolerant in shaded areas! For the home garden, the species is generally too aggressive to mix with other plants. Use as a groundcover or lawn substitute for dry-shade.
Liriope (Liriope spitica) grows to form a dense, dark green, grass-like groundcover / turf in medium to full shade. (also called "Lilyturf"). As one of the very best "dry-shade" plants, it has environmental and economic traits that cannot be disputed. A typical homeowner will save hundreds of dollars a year on lawn maintenance costs. Large turflike installations can save thousands of dollars per year. Even under the most hostile conditions such as huge silver maple and pin oak trees, liriope not only survives but thrives. Liriope has no insect or disease problems, will survive droughts, short-term floods and cold winters. Liriope has a very low water requirement and a deep root system that allows it to draw water from a large area. Liriope thrives on only 1 deep watering per month in the summer to stay green. In the winter, it will stay green until zero degrees and be completely evergreen some winters. If the top Liriope grows to form a dense groundcover / turf in medium to full shade. Liriope requires no mowing maintenance (monthly mowing is optional to achieve 4" height) Un-mowed, it will grow uniformly 8-10" and appear like a lawn from a distance. Fewer weed problems occur; the dense growth of liriope grass smothers out existing weeds and prevents the germination of new seeds. The soft texture and medium green color are great assets; evergreen to 0ºF, survives -20. Liriope grows in zones 5-9; tolerates cold in the winter and heat / humidity in the summer. Liriope is tolerant of a wide range of soil types but prefers clay/loam and will display best growth in fertile soils with average water but extremely drought tolerant in shaded areas! For the home garden, the species is generally too aggressive to mix with other plants. Use as a groundcover or lawn substitute for dry-shade.
***Description for this perennial available with future update!***Cardinal Flower / Native Lobilia, is also known as Lobelia cardinalis
Also called Honeyberries, Japanese Haskap, or Yezberry® (Lonicera caerulea), these shrubs are easy-to-grow fruiting plants developed for their large, delicious blue fruit. Yezberry® are extremely cold hardy and able to bear fruit in zones 3-7. Plant with another Yezberry® variety for an abundant fruit set on both plants. However, as an ornamental shrub, late summer Kansas heat stress will likely cause partial to complete defoliation. This does not affect the fruit quality or overall health of the shrub as the flower buds for next year are already formed. 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. Look for a cold microclimate planting location such as East or North exposure. In Eastern Kansas, typically our 40 inches of rainfall is sufficient without extra water. All Proven Winners® plants are legally propagated, healthy and vigorous, true to name, and tagged with color pictures and growing information.
It's easy to grow your own goji berries! Though they seem like something exotic and tricky to grow, goji berries are durable, productive plants that can be grown without any special sprays, fertilizers, or even fussy pruning. Just plant them in full sun, stake them, and wait to reap a bounty of bright red fruits in autumn. Red Zeppelin® Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum 'Red Zeppelin') was selected especially for its very large fruit, which makes harvesting easier and more fun. A few things to note about growing goji berries: 1. they prefer an alkaline (higher pH) soil and don't grow well in acidic conditions. 2. goji has a natural habit of creating lots of thin, vine-like stems. To save space and make harvesting easier, we recommend that you put a very sturdy stake near the shrub after planting, then bundle the stems around the stake, tying with sturdy twine so that about one-quarter of the tops of the branches cascade downward, like a fountain. 3. Goji is generally a heavy feeder, and regular fertilizing is recommended. Apply a tomato or rose fertilizer in spring and again in early summer. The fruits are a bit bitter, like a green pepper, when they are fresh. To develop sweetness, they must be dried. If you don't have a dehydrator, spread ripe berries in a single layer on a piece of newspaper in a cool, bright spot with good air circulation. After about a week, they will feel leathery and can be stored in the fridge or freezer. Maintenance Notes: Does best in well-drained neutral to alkaline soils. At planting time, sink a 1x1" wood stake near the plant and bundle the canes around it. Let the tips of the stems cascade down, like a fountain. Each spring, move the tied point up further along the stake so that about one-quarter of the growth is above the tie. Then cut the branch tips back by 4-6". This encourages lateral branching, which is where most of the flowering and fruiting takes place. In Eastern Kansas, typically our 40 inches of rainfall is sufficient without extra water. All Proven Winners® plants are legally propagated, healthy and vigorous, true to name, and tagged with color pictures and growing information.
Gogi berries (Lycium barbarum) have purple flowers in mid-summer develop into jewel-like red fruits that are bitter and tomato-like when fresh but turn sweet when set out to dry for a week or so. Very high yielding, especially in alkaline soils. Sweet Lifeberry Gogi Berry (Lycium barbarum 'Sweet Lifeberry') was selected for its extra-sweet fruit which makes for easier harvesting. Maintenance Notes: Does best in well-drained neutral to slightly alkaline soils. At planting time, sink a 1x1" wood stake near the plant and bundle the canes around it. Let the tips of the stems cascade down, like a fountain. Each spring, move the tied point up further along the stake so that about one-quarter of the growth is above the tie. Then cut the branch tips back by 4-6". This encourages lateral branching, which is where most of the flowering and fruiting takes place. Grow superfruit in your own backyard! Fruits become especially sweet when dried. Goji berries are easy to grow in full sun, although some staking is recommended for maximum access to the nutrient-rich fruit. A pollinator is not needed. In Eastern Kansas, typically our 40 inches of rainfall is sufficient without extra water. All Proven Winners® plants are legally propagated, healthy and vigorous, true to name, and tagged with color pictures and growing information.
Jane Magenta Flowering Magnolia (Magnolia 'Jane'), noted for its compact, upright habit, grows best in organically rich, medium-moisture soil that's neutral to slightly acidic. Reddish purple flowers with white interiors open later in spring to avoid frost damage. Flowers do seem to tolerate light freezes down to 28 degrees that have occured here at our Lawrence, KS display garden without damage. Flowers are a gorgeous tulip shape with a lightly scented fragrance. Leaves are medium to dark green turning a beautiful gold in the fall. Jane magnolia makes a great understory small tree, specimen plant, or background shrub slowly growing 10'-15' high. Grows best in full morning sun and partially shaded afternoons in hot climates. Avoid hot West or South exposures and winds. Magnolias in general are a family of plants that have been around for millions of years and are among the most primitive of all flowers. In fact, most magnolia flowers evolved before bees and are thus pollinated by beetles. Magnolias generally grow in moist, well drained soils in sun or shade. They have no serious pests or disease problems. Occasionally seen listed as Magnolia liliflora 'Reflorescens' x stellate 'Waterlily'
Magnolia grandiflora 'Bracken's Brown Beauty' is one of the most cold hardy of the Southern Magnolias. Magnolias in general are a family of plants that have been around for millions of years and are among the most primitive of all flowers. In fact, most magnolia flowers evolved before bees and are thus pollinated by beetles. Magnolias generally have no serious pests or diseases. Any of the dwarf Southern Magnolia cultivars serve as a beautiful four seasons small tree or large shrub. Evergreen foliage is a shiny dark green with a brown-orange back that first emerges lighter green. If temperature stay above -10°F, foliage generally stays intact. If colder than that, it will shed its leaves like a deciduous tree when new growth occurs in April. Large tropical-looking white scented flowers bloom in late May and early June. Green cones, yes cones, follow in late summer with the cones opening up to yield beautiful red seeds. Seeds are viable but will not survive the winter here. Bracken's Brown Beauty Magnolias appreciate rich well-drained soil but will tolerate less than ideal clay soils. Sandy or rocky soils are tolerated if watering is sufficient. Magnolias can tolerate short periods of poor drainage but not consistent bog like conditions. Full sun is best but WELL-CARED for Magnolias can tolerate mostly shade in rich soils. This means do not use Magnolias under walnut trees, in dry shade, or exposed to north winds on the north side of a house. Being one of the few broadleaf evergreens hardy in zone 6, Bracken's Brown Beauty has many landscape uses. Several trees planted in a row or group will make an awesome wind and visual screen without the pest problems of coniferous evergreens. If ice or snow damage occurs, Magnolias have the ability to grow back reasonably quickly as opposed to most coniferous evergreens. In fact, Magnolias will come back from the ground is completely cut down and new growth from water sprouts will be rapid. Magnolias also make a great specimen tree or background for flowers and shrubs. Magnolias can be planted near a house without worrying about damaging root systems; they are very easily pruneable if they start getting too big. This highly-rated small landscape tree is perfect somewhere on your property!
Yellow Flowering Magnolia (Magnolia x brooklynensis 'Yellow Bird') is a rare jewel in the landscape: a tree with giant canary yellow flowers! Yellow Bird is an upright, conical to pyramidal, large deciduous tree that can grow 40 feet tall in Kansas. This magnolia would be a fine residential specimen in sheltered locations with moist, rich soil with plenty of space to spread. Magnolias in general are a family of plants that have been around for millions of years and are among the most primitive of all flowers. In fact, most magnolia flowers evolved before bees and are thus pollinated by beetles. Magnolias generally grow in moist, well drained soils in sun or shade. They have no serious pests or disease problems.
Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia x media 'Marvel') is a slow-growing coarse-textured evergreen shrub with bright green holly-like leaflets. The leaves are prickly and make a fine barrier or specimen plant. Native to continental climates in China, Mahonia bealei can be invasive in Eastern US woods where its shade tolerance and slow evergreen growth eventually shade out native plants. This is not a problem in Kansas due to extreme winters and dryer conditions. Flowering tries to occur in mid to late winter in Kansas but are usually frozen before they can open. During a "once in 5 years" mild winter if temperatures stay above 0 degrees F, fragrant, lemon-yellow flowers do develop. Even more rare is to have a long enough warm spell in winter to allow the beautiful blackish-blue fruit to develop afterward. If they do, they will be enjoyed by birds but any small seedlings that do germinate are killed by ground freezes the next winter. Leatherleaf Mahonia is very drought tolerant when established making it an ideal dry-shade plant; the 40 inches of typical rainfall in Eastern Kansas is sufficient if planted in rototilled soils. This could be one of the more cold-tolerant broadleaf evergreens available! 'Marvel' survived -16 degrees F and a week of single digit highs in February, 2021 but with complete foliage loss. It even maintains bright green foliage in winter opposed to a dingy brownish-green like some evergreens. In Eastern Kansas, this species 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. Invasiveness is not a problem. No disease or pest problems. And again, this is a great evergreen plant for difficult dry-shade situations under mature trees where lawn won't grow. Mahonia x media 'Marvel' is an improved cultivar that is more compact than other varieties. Evergreen foliage is a medium glossy green and more fine-textures compared to the species. Frond-like leaves develop in whorls and are arranged along coarsely branched stems creating an architectural effect. It is unknown at this point (2022) if flowers and fruit will develop here in Kansas zone 6a but it is doubtful seeing how it tries to bloom in the winter similar to the species.
Hardy Manfreda (Manfreda virginica) are cute succulent perennials resembling a dwarf agave. The attractive green leaves are thick and fleshy with maroon spots extending to a point with a soft tip. Unusual, greenish-white, tubular flowers with conspicuous stamens are borne in a spike-like cluster atop 3-4' tall stalks. Some people prefer to trim the flowers for a more neat, compact look. Manfreda plants (also called American aloe) are native to eastern woods of Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and much of the Southeast United States. This cold hardy succulent occupies an unusual niche: growing in poor shallow sandstone based soils in open woods and on sunny rock cliffs that dry out too quickly for most other plants to colonize. A good question is how does it find such isolated areas to colonize in the first place? Seeds are produced but do not spread far. Grow this small native gem in rock gardens, dry shade areas, in parking lot medians, in cracks between rocks, or on top of or in a retaining wall. It will re-seed to thicken the colony but only germinate in bare thin soils with no mulch. It will not tolerate competition in rich moist soils as other plants (or weeds) will shade it out. Most rock garden plants do not thrive indoors; aphids and spider mites seem to find them after a few months but overwintering indoors in a cool environment may work. If grown in pots and kept on the dry side, you may leave out all winter allowing to freeze solid; plants will go completely dormant and resume growth in the spring. Great low maintenance cold hardy succulent.
Hardy Tapioca (Manihot grahamii) is typically grown in warmer zones as a shrub or tree in the family Euphorbiaceae native to South America. Along with other tropicals and succulents in Kansas, hardy tapioca is usually grown as summer patio plant with amazing artistically whorled green leaves and small yellow flowers loved by bees. Water regularly and place in full sun or part shade. Protect from temperatures below 20 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 15 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 didnt say rooting hormone or even being carefull was necessary! Landscapers also plant these as an annual in the ground for an enormous tropical effect with growth reaching 5-8' in one season from a 1gal container! It is possible to overwinter Manihot grahamii in the ground in Kansas as a woody perennial. In our trial gardens in Lawrence, KS (zone 6a), a one year established specimen planted on the South side of a house protected from winter moisture and mulched 12" thick with leaf 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 strait hours of 0 degrees F and mostly lower.
***Description for this grass available with future update!***Fire Dragon Red Maiden Grass, is also known as Miscanthus sinensis 'Fire Dragon'
***Description for this grass available with future update!***Rigeletto Variegated Maiden Grass, is also known as Miscanthus sinensis 'Rigeletto'
Split Leaf Philodendron / Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa) is a large tropical plant. This member of the arum family Araceae is an epiphyte with aerial roots, able to grow up to 66 ft high in the wild, with large, leathery, glossy, pinnate, heart-shaped leaves 12-36" ft long by 12-30" broad. The leaves on young plants are smaller and entire with no lobes or holes, but soon produce lobed and fenestrate leaves as they grow. Although it can grow very tall in nature, it only measures between 6-10 ft) when grown indoors. The older the plant, the more the leaves are covered with its familiar large perforations. This plant lives in the humid tropical forests, in the lowlands and middle mountains, in the extreme south of Mexico, Central America, and south tip of Florida. The seeds fall to the ground, then the seedlings grow towards the dark (negative phototropism) until they meet a tree on which to attach. The many adjacent roots thus allow the plant to anchor against its new support and reach the canopy light (although it rarely grows in full sun and prefers a light dimmed by the foliage). Monstera deliciosa is commonly grown outdoors as an ornamental plant in the tropics and subtropics. The plant requires a lot of space and a rich and loose soil (ideally garden soil and compost in equal parts). If it grows in the ground it is better to plant it near a tree, where it can climb, if not against a trellis. It is moderately greedy and needs to be watered just to keep the soil slightly moist. Hardy to zone 11, it cannot withstand freezing temperatures for more than a few hours. A steady minimum temperature of at least 55-59°F is preferable, allowing continuous growth. Growth ceases below 50°F but tolerant down to 32°F if kept on the dry side. Its architectural qualities, ease of cultivation, and tolerance of a wide range of conditions make it an ideal plant for indoor cultivation as well. For this reason it is a popular plant for the home or office throughout the temperate northern hemisphere. It prefers bright indirect light and temperatures of 68-86°F. Flowering is rare when grown indoors. Along with other tropicals and succulents in Kansas, Split Leaf Philodendron / Swiss Cheese Plant is usually grown as large summer patio plant. Water regularly and place in full shade or very limited morning sun possibly in a large ceramic pot under an established shade thee for the summer. They handle the transition moving in and out rather well and hold up nicely during winter if you have dark, cold, or un-ideal conditions provided that they get a good growing season outdoors for 1/2 the year.
***Description for this grass available with future update!***Fast Forward Pink Muhly Grass, is also known as Muhlenbergia capillaris 'Fast Forward'
Create a tropical effect in your landscape with these large fast-growing cold hardy Musa basjoo! (also called Japanese fiber banana) Each leaf can be 6 feet long and 2 feet wide. Leave in ground and mulch 6" thick and they will return as perennials every year. If planting on the south side of a house in full sun, little protection is needed. These have proven hardy in Lawrence, KS (zone 6a) for over 20 years. In Eastern Kansas, typically our 40 inches of rainfall is sufficient without extra water in good soils. This species will tolerate some degree of drought but fastest growth will occur in rich well-drained soils with extra water and fertilizer provided during the summer. Great for summer wet areas in full sun or around swimming pools (creates no messes). Plants are capable of growing 15-18 feet by the end of summer when established and happy! A more realistic height is 7-12 feet under average conditions. Banana trees will slowly divide and send up offsets; this is a desirable sign that the banana tree is establishing well. If 1-2 feet of trunk is protected with a large pile of leaf mulch, you will get a flower followed by small inedible bananas the 2nd year on the largest trunk. The flowering trunk will die but the offsets will grow. Bananas will not tolerate excessively wet soils during dormancy. Sunburning can happen with summer temperatures over 100 degrees F but it will quickly outgrow the damage. Bananas need at least 1/2 day of full sun and protection from excessive winds to properly grow. Listed by many sources as hardy to zone 6 or 7, with proper mulching and placement near a foundation, you can easily grow this into zone 5 or possibly lower. In our trial gardens in Lawrence, KS (zone 6a), two well established specimens have thrived for 15 years and counting. 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. A hard ground freeze was inevitable; hundreds of plants around town survived this event returning a little late the following spring but otherwise just fine. Some were mulched with ground up leaf mulch, some were not.
Create a tropical effect in your landscape with these large fast-growing cold hardy Musa basjoo! (also called Japanese fiber banana) Each leaf can be 6 feet long and 2 feet wide. Leave in ground and mulch 6" thick and they will return as perennials every year. If planting on the south side of a house in full sun, little protection is needed. These have proven hardy in Lawrence, KS (zone 6a) for over 20 years. In Eastern Kansas, typically our 40 inches of rainfall is sufficient without extra water in good soils. This species will tolerate some degree of drought but fastest growth will occur in rich well-drained soils with extra water and fertilizer provided during the summer. Great for summer wet areas in full sun or around swimming pools (creates no messes). Plants are capable of growing 15-18 feet by the end of summer when established and happy! A more realistic height is 7-12 feet under average conditions. Banana trees will slowly divide and send up offsets; this is a desirable sign that the banana tree is establishing well. If 1-2 feet of trunk is protected with a large pile of leaf mulch, you will get a flower followed by small inedible bananas the 2nd year on the largest trunk. The flowering trunk will die but the offsets will grow. Bananas will not tolerate excessively wet soils during dormancy. Sunburning can happen with summer temperatures over 100 degrees F but it will quickly outgrow the damage. Bananas need at least 1/2 day of full sun and protection from excessive winds to properly grow. Listed by many sources as hardy to zone 6 or 7, with proper mulching and placement near a foundation, you can easily grow this into zone 5 or possibly lower. In our trial gardens in Lawrence, KS (zone 6a), two well established specimens have thrived for 15 years and counting. 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. A hard ground freeze was inevitable; hundreds of plants around town survived this event returning a little late the following spring but otherwise just fine. Some were mulched with ground up leaf mulch, some were not.
Create a tropical effect in your landscape with the worlds most cold red-leafed banana. Fast-growing and cold hardy, Red Hardy Banana Tree (Musa sikkimensis 'Ever Red') features reddish maroon striped randomly along the leaves in various widths to create a spectacular show! Leave in ground and mulch 6-9" thick and they will return as perennials every year. In Eastern Kansas, typically our 40 inches of rainfall is sufficient without extra water in good soils. This species will tolerate some degree of drought but fastest growth will occur in rich well-drained soils with extra water and fertilizer provided during the summer. Great for wet areas in full sun or around swimming pools (creates no messes). Plants are typically grow 5-8 feet by the end of summer and upto 15 feet in year two. Banana trees will slowly divide and send up offsets; this is a desirable sign that the banana tree is establishing well. The flowering trunk will die but many new offsets will take its place. Bananas will not tolerate excessively wet soils during dormancy. Sunburning can happen with summer temperatures over 100 degrees F but it will quickly outgrow the damage. Bananas need at least 1/2 day of full sun and protection from excessive winds to properly grow.
Nandina domestica is also called "Nandina" or "Heavenly Bamboo" despite not spreading or being related to bamboo at all. It is native to warm temperate climates in China. Bamboo-like foliage is very attractive with new growth emerging coppery peach with shades of pink and red in spring. During the summer, the foliage maintains a glossy deep to medium green color with no pest problems. White flowers appear which eventually turn into red fruits in the fall. Most birds do not like the fruit so they persist very well into winter down to about 0° F before freeze-drying to a reddish brown color and falling off. Often around Christmas time, the berries make a spectacular show combining classic colors of red and green in the winter landscape. The berries can be poisonous to some birds if they eat too many and all other food sources are depleted. This is a problem in your yard, please remove the fruits in the winter or before we have an arctic blast in which birds get desperate and will eat anything. The foliage is evergreen down to about -5° F and if colder, will simply become a deciduous shrub that year. If winter temperatures reach -10 or with strong winds, nandina will die to the ground like a perennial and come up from the base in April. In some parts of the country where winterkill never happens, nandina are invasive. (fruits spread by birds) This is likely in the Southeast and Texas south of zone 8b with plenty of rainfall. In those areas nandina will slowly take over the forest and displace native plants. There are many fruitless cultivars that can be used if invasiveness is a problem. In Kansas and in zone 5-7, This is never a problem because extreme winters keep the plant "in-check" and kill any seedlings trying to germinate. This shrub has a four-season appeal and is great for adding interest to Kansas landscapes in the winter. Best growth in Lawrence, KS (zone 6a) occurs when planted on South or West exposures benefiting from the hot micro climate. Nandina will also grow in just about any soil with full shade to full sun. If planted in full shade, growth will be very slow and extreme winters may kill them if not established; plant in spring only in this situation. Nandina look best in small to large groups. After established, its a "once it's there it's there forever" plant with very little maintenance. The only maintenance is cutting back winter kill occasionally or pruning to a more desirable mounded shape. It is worth noting that dwarf fruitless cultivars are less hardy in marginal zone 6 climates because of reduced ability to quickly recover from an occasional extreme winter.
Nandina domestica is also called "Nandina" or "Heavenly Bamboo" despite not spreading or being related to bamboo at all. It is native to warm temperate climates in China. Bamboo-like foliage is very attractive with new growth emerging coppery peach with shades of pink and red in spring. During the summer, the foliage maintains a glossy deep to medium green color with no pest problems. White flowers appear which eventually turn into red fruits in the fall. Most birds do not like the fruit so they persist very well into winter down to about 0° F before freeze-drying to a reddish brown color and falling off. Often around Christmas time, the berries make a spectacular show combining classic colors of red and green in the winter landscape. The berries can be poisonous to some birds if they eat too many and all other food sources are depleted. This is a problem in your yard, please remove the fruits in the winter or before we have an arctic blast in which birds get desperate and will eat anything. The foliage is evergreen down to about -5° F and if colder, will simply become a deciduous shrub that year. If winter temperatures reach -10 or with strong winds, nandina will die to the ground like a perennial and come up from the base in April. In some parts of the country where winterkill never happens, nandina are invasive. (fruits spread by birds) This is likely in the Southeast and Texas south of zone 8b with plenty of rainfall. In those areas nandina will slowly take over the forest and displace native plants. There are many fruitless cultivars that can be used if invasiveness is a problem. In Kansas and in zone 5-7, This is never a problem because extreme winters keep the plant "in-check" and kill any seedlings trying to germinate. This shrub has a four-season appeal and is great for adding interest to Kansas landscapes in the winter. Best growth in Lawrence, KS (zone 6a) occurs when planted on South or West exposures benefiting from the hot micro climate. Nandina will also grow in just about any soil with full shade to full sun. If planted in full shade, growth will be very slow and extreme winters may kill them if not established; plant in spring only in this situation. Nandina look best in small to large groups. After established, its a "once it's there it's there forever" plant with very little maintenance. The only maintenance is cutting back winter kill occasionally or pruning to a more desirable mounded shape. It is worth noting that dwarf fruitless cultivars are less hardy in marginal zone 6 climates because of reduced ability to quickly recover from an occasional extreme winter.
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima) has fine hair-like foliage is bright green in summer turning a beige buff color in winter. Delicate and graceful leaves and airy flower heads sway gently with the slightest breeze. Whispy but sturdy seed heads hold up well through winter. Mexican Feather Grass is a short grass native to rocky open slopes, dry woods with shallow rocky soils and grasslands. This is one of a few plants to occur naturally in southwestern North America (including northern Mexico) and in southern South America with no natural populations in between. Normally plant populations with this much isolation would evolve into separate species! Plants adapt to a wide range of conditions and can be invasive in California but never in Kansas. Typical landscape uses in Kansas are as follows: annual plantings, parking lot islands, hot West and South exposures, south facing berms, and xeriscape gardens. It will thrive in most soils but not poor drainage. When used as an annual, it creates an amazing contrast with other flowers. If low temperatures hit -10 degrees F, it may kill an un-mulched plant; protect any zone 6 perennial with thick layer of mulch. However, in our trial gardens in Lawrence, KS (zone 6a), several established specimens 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 strait hours of 0 degrees F and mostly lower.
***Description for this water plant available with future update!***>>>>>Water Lotus Cultivars (mixed), is also known as Nelumbo sp.
Nepeta (Catmint) Is one of the most adaptable, permanent perennials available in our climate and in your landscape! Definitely a "once it's their plant if there forever". Originally native to the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, there are numerous cultivars now with improved flowering and growth habit. Generally, the mint green foliage is fine textured and compact. Spring emergence in Kansas zone 6a is very early (usually in March) and will tolerate late freezes. This creates very early season interest in the garden while other plants are still dormant. Usually within a month of emerging, lavender-blue flowers cover the plant for up to six weeks. Pollinators enjoy the feast especially when catmint is used as a mass planting groundcover. Following spring flowering, many varieties develop attractive foliage and continual sporadic flowering. Some varieties have another big flower show in the fall especially if they are trimmed back and deadheaded once in late summer. Foliage is persistent and remains attractive late into the fall down to about 20° F providing late-season interest. Winter dried foliage is a somewhat attractive light gray and will eventually need to be cut or mowed to the ground before new growth emerges in the spring. Catmint is tolerant of almost any kind of soil including clay but will not tolerate poorly drained soil. Frequent watering is OK in normal garden soils but there is a risk of excessive growth and flopping. Catmint looks best in full sun but will still flower and look decent with part shade or 1/2 day full sun. This makes it adaptable to any side of the house even called northside if it gets full sun by mid-summer when the sun angle gets high. Cold hardiness or heat stress is not a problem at all in zone 6. Combine with just about any other perennial or shrub with a different flower and leaf color. It's hard to imagine a perennial or pollinator garden in Kansas without Catmint! Contrary to popular belief, cats do not destroy or eat this plant but may be attracted to it and create a nest beside it. They are really after catnip, a closely related plant. Nepeta grandiflora 'Summer Magic' is a free-blooming catmint that lives up to its namesake‚¬€it is summer magic! It blooms all season long on upright stems that never flop, even in the worst of storms. It stays fresh looking even in the heat and humidity of summer as other nepeta varieties tend to fade.
Nepeta (Catmint) Is one of the most adaptable, permanent perennials available in our climate and in your landscape! Definitely a "once it's their plant if there forever". Originally native to the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, there are numerous cultivars now with improved flowering and growth habit. Generally, the mint green foliage is fine textured and compact. Spring emergence in Kansas zone 6a is very early (usually in March) and will tolerate late freezes. This creates very early season interest in the garden while other plants are still dormant. Usually within a month of emerging, lavender-blue flowers cover the plant for up to six weeks. Pollinators enjoy the feast especially when catmint is used as a mass planting groundcover. Following spring flowering, many varieties develop attractive foliage and continual sporadic flowering. Some varieties have another big flower show in the fall especially if they are trimmed back and deadheaded once in late summer. Foliage is persistent and remains attractive late into the fall down to about 20° F providing late-season interest. Winter dried foliage is a somewhat attractive light gray and will eventually need to be cut or mowed to the ground before new growth emerges in the spring. Catmint is tolerant of almost any kind of soil including clay but will not tolerate poorly drained soil. Frequent watering is OK in normal garden soils but there is a risk of excessive growth and flopping. Catmint looks best in full sun but will still flower and look decent with part shade or 1/2 day full sun. This makes it adaptable to any side of the house even called northside if it gets full sun by mid-summer when the sun angle gets high. Cold hardiness or heat stress is not a problem at all in zone 6. Combine with just about any other perennial or shrub with a different flower and leaf color. It's hard to imagine a perennial or pollinator garden in Kansas without Catmint! Contrary to popular belief, cats do not destroy or eat this plant but may be attracted to it and create a nest beside it. They are really after catnip, a closely related plant. Nepeta x faassenii 'Blue Wonder' flowers that are a shade closer to blue. It will form low mounds of slightly greener leaves than most catmint. It may self-seed in optimum growing conditions in Kansas.
Nepeta (Catmint) Is one of the most adaptable, permanent perennials available in our climate and in your landscape! Definitely a "once it's their plant if there forever". Originally native to the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, there are numerous cultivars now with improved flowering and growth habit. Generally, the mint green foliage is fine textured and compact. Spring emergence in Kansas zone 6a is very early (usually in March) and will tolerate late freezes. This creates very early season interest in the garden while other plants are still dormant. Usually within a month of emerging, lavender-blue flowers cover the plant for up to six weeks. Pollinators enjoy the feast especially when catmint is used as a mass planting groundcover. Following spring flowering, many varieties develop attractive foliage and continual sporadic flowering. Some varieties have another big flower show in the fall especially if they are trimmed back and deadheaded once in late summer. Foliage is persistent and remains attractive late into the fall down to about 20° F providing late-season interest. Winter dried foliage is a somewhat attractive light gray and will eventually need to be cut or mowed to the ground before new growth emerges in the spring. Catmint is tolerant of almost any kind of soil including clay but will not tolerate poorly drained soil. Frequent watering is OK in normal garden soils but there is a risk of excessive growth and flopping. Catmint looks best in full sun but will still flower and look decent with part shade or 1/2 day full sun. This makes it adaptable to any side of the house even called northside if it gets full sun by mid-summer when the sun angle gets high. Cold hardiness or heat stress is not a problem at all in zone 6. Combine with just about any other perennial or shrub with a different flower and leaf color. It's hard to imagine a perennial or pollinator garden in Kansas without Catmint! Contrary to popular belief, cats do not destroy or eat this plant but may be attracted to it and create a nest beside it. They are really after catnip, a closely related plant. Nepeta x faassenii 'Cats Meow' in a new variety from Proven Winners® No catmint is a more beautiful, uniform grower than 'Cat's Meow' Nepeta. Its flowers are dense and colorful, and its habit is more refined. Plus, it stands strong with no flopping, getting wider and growing to a broad mound as the season progresses. All Proven Winners® plants are legally propagated, healthy and vigorous, true to name, and tagged with color pictures and growing information.
Nepeta (Catmint) Is one of the most adaptable, permanent perennials available in our climate and in your landscape! Definitely a "once it's their plant if there forever". Originally native to the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, there are numerous cultivars now with improved flowering and growth habit. Generally, the mint green foliage is fine textured and compact. Spring emergence in Kansas zone 6a is very early (usually in March) and will tolerate late freezes. This creates very early season interest in the garden while other plants are still dormant. Usually within a month of emerging, lavender-blue flowers cover the plant for up to six weeks. Pollinators enjoy the feast especially when catmint is used as a mass planting groundcover. Following spring flowering, many varieties develop attractive foliage and continual sporadic flowering. Some varieties have another big flower show in the fall especially if they are trimmed back and deadheaded once in late summer. Foliage is persistent and remains attractive late into the fall down to about 20° F providing late-season interest. Winter dried foliage is a somewhat attractive light gray and will eventually need to be cut or mowed to the ground before new growth emerges in the spring. Catmint is tolerant of almost any kind of soil including clay but will not tolerate poorly drained soil. Frequent watering is OK in normal garden soils but there is a risk of excessive growth and flopping. Catmint looks best in full sun but will still flower and look decent with part shade or 1/2 day full sun. This makes it adaptable to any side of the house even called northside if it gets full sun by mid-summer when the sun angle gets high. Cold hardiness or heat stress is not a problem at all in zone 6. Combine with just about any other perennial or shrub with a different flower and leaf color. It's hard to imagine a perennial or pollinator garden in Kansas without Catmint! Contrary to popular belief, cats do not destroy or eat this plant but may be attracted to it and create a nest beside it. They are really after catnip, a closely related plant. Nepeta x faassenii 'Cats Pajamas' in a new variety from Proven Winners® Unlike older varieties that only produce flowers at the top of the stems, this improved Catmint has blooms from the soil to the tips of the stems. Even when the flowers are past peak, the color of the rosy purple calyxes give your garden an additional splash of color. Compared to "Cats Meow", its flowers are the same but overall plant height is about 1/2-2/3rds. Plus, it stands strong with no flopping, getting wider and growing to a broad mound as the season progresses. All Proven Winners® plants are legally propagated, healthy and vigorous, true to name, and tagged with color pictures and growing information. PERENNIAL OF THE YEAR in 2021!
Nepeta (Catmint) Is one of the most adaptable, permanent perennials available in our climate and in your landscape! Definitely a "once it's their plant if there forever". Originally native to the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, there are numerous cultivars now with improved flowering and growth habit. Generally, the mint green foliage is fine textured and compact. Spring emergence in Kansas zone 6a is very early (usually in March) and will tolerate late freezes. This creates very early season interest in the garden while other plants are still dormant. Usually within a month of emerging, lavender-blue flowers cover the plant for up to six weeks. Pollinators enjoy the feast especially when catmint is used as a mass planting groundcover. Following spring flowering, many varieties develop attractive foliage and continual sporadic flowering. Some varieties have another big flower show in the fall especially if they are trimmed back and deadheaded once in late summer. Foliage is persistent and remains attractive late into the fall down to about 20° F providing late-season interest. Winter dried foliage is a somewhat attractive light gray and will eventually need to be cut or mowed to the ground before new growth emerges in the spring. Catmint is tolerant of almost any kind of soil including clay but will not tolerate poorly drained soil. Frequent watering is OK in normal garden soils but there is a risk of excessive growth and flopping. Catmint looks best in full sun but will still flower and look decent with part shade or 1/2 day full sun. This makes it adaptable to any side of the house even called northside if it gets full sun by mid-summer when the sun angle gets high. Cold hardiness or heat stress is not a problem at all in zone 6. Combine with just about any other perennial or shrub with a different flower and leaf color. It's hard to imagine a perennial or pollinator garden in Kansas without Catmint! Contrary to popular belief, cats do not destroy or eat this plant but may be attracted to it and create a nest beside it. They are really after catnip, a closely related plant. Nepeta x faassenii 'Little Trudy' is a compact, long-blooming catmint only 8-10" tall.
Nepeta (Catmint) Is one of the most adaptable, permanent perennials available in our climate and in your landscape! Definitely a "once it's their plant if there forever". Originally native to the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, there are numerous cultivars now with improved flowering and growth habit. Generally, the mint green foliage is fine textured and compact. Spring emergence in Kansas zone 6a is very early (usually in March) and will tolerate late freezes. This creates very early season interest in the garden while other plants are still dormant. Usually within a month of emerging, lavender-blue flowers cover the plant for up to six weeks. Pollinators enjoy the feast especially when catmint is used as a mass planting groundcover. Following spring flowering, many varieties develop attractive foliage and continual sporadic flowering. Some varieties have another big flower show in the fall especially if they are trimmed back and deadheaded once in late summer. Foliage is persistent and remains attractive late into the fall down to about 20° F providing late-season interest. Winter dried foliage is a somewhat attractive light gray and will eventually need to be cut or mowed to the ground before new growth emerges in the spring. Catmint is tolerant of almost any kind of soil including clay but will not tolerate poorly drained soil. Frequent watering is OK in normal garden soils but there is a risk of excessive growth and flopping. Catmint looks best in full sun but will still flower and look decent with part shade or 1/2 day full sun. This makes it adaptable to any side of the house even called northside if it gets full sun by mid-summer when the sun angle gets high. Cold hardiness or heat stress is not a problem at all in zone 6. Combine with just about any other perennial or shrub with a different flower and leaf color. It's hard to imagine a perennial or pollinator garden in Kansas without Catmint! Contrary to popular belief, cats do not destroy or eat this plant but may be attracted to it and create a nest beside it. They are really after catnip, a closely related plant. Nepeta faassenii 'Purrsian Blue' was introduced by Walter's Garden, Inc. This selection has an improved tidy habit, though it is a bit smaller and more compact in size overall than others. This is a very floriferous selection whose flower power is amplified by its having its flowers spaced closely together on the stems. Periwinkle blue flowers are coddled by dark purple calyxes just above the aromatic foliage from early summer into early fall.
Nepeta (Catmint) Is one of the most adaptable, permanent perennials available in our climate and in your landscape! Definitely a "once it's their plant if there forever". Originally native to the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, there are numerous cultivars now with improved flowering and growth habit. Generally, the mint green foliage is fine textured and compact. Spring emergence in Kansas zone 6a is very early (usually in March) and will tolerate late freezes. This creates very early season interest in the garden while other plants are still dormant. Usually within a month of emerging, lavender-blue flowers cover the plant for up to six weeks. Pollinators enjoy the feast especially when catmint is used as a mass planting groundcover. Following spring flowering, many varieties develop attractive foliage and continual sporadic flowering. Some varieties have another big flower show in the fall especially if they are trimmed back and deadheaded once in late summer. Foliage is persistent and remains attractive late into the fall down to about 20° F providing late-season interest. Winter dried foliage is a somewhat attractive light gray and will eventually need to be cut or mowed to the ground before new growth emerges in the spring. Catmint is tolerant of almost any kind of soil including clay but will not tolerate poorly drained soil. Frequent watering is OK in normal garden soils but there is a risk of excessive growth and flopping. Catmint looks best in full sun but will still flower and look decent with part shade or 1/2 day full sun. This makes it adaptable to any side of the house even called northside if it gets full sun by mid-summer when the sun angle gets high. Cold hardiness or heat stress is not a problem at all in zone 6. Combine with just about any other perennial or shrub with a different flower and leaf color. It's hard to imagine a perennial or pollinator garden in Kansas without Catmint! Contrary to popular belief, cats do not destroy or eat this plant but may be attracted to it and create a nest beside it. They are really after catnip, a closely related plant. Nepeta x faassenii 'Walker Jr' is a compact, long-blooming catmint only 12-16" tall.
***Description for this water plant available with future update!***>>>>>Mixed Water Lily Cultivars, is also known as Nymphaea sp.
***Description for this perennial available with future update!***>>>>>Missouri Primrose is a native wildflower with bright lemony yellow flowers occurring mostly in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. native habitat includes limestone glades and bluffs, rocky prairies, and Great Plains. This wildflower also colonizes readily, will grow under the mover blades and can be found along state highways. Foliage is often a green to silver and also very attractive. Flowering is relatively short at 2 to 4 weeks but interesting green four-winged seed pods develop. These eventually break off and blow away spreading more seed. In the landscape, Missouri Primrose can be used in any dry soil situation including berms, hot south or west side of the house, or any other full sun area. These will grow in poor rocky, sandy or clayish soils and even rich organic soils with slightly increased root rot susceptibility. With our average 40 inches of rain per year in eastern Kansas, extra Irrigation is not recommended. Missouri Primrose can be planted in parking lot medians and other hell strips as a very durable groundcover. Combine with any other flower colors except yellow. There is quite a lot of diversity within the species so plants from different locales will have different foliage adapted to the site.
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is a coarse-textured, medium to light green, deciduous perennial fern. Native to Asia and North America, it forms large colonies in forests growing best in moist shaded or partially shaded areas. It also colonizes wet meadows, thickets and bogs, as well as stream and riverbanks and roadside ditches. It tolerates extremely wet soils, can be aggressive in ideal locations but not so much in Kansas. It can spread rapidly in humusy, medium well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. Perfect in wet shade areas, north walls, areas without tree-root competition, or shaded rain gardens. It cannot handle prolonged Kansas droughts or dry-shade, but can tolerate dryer conditions in shade with good soils. Generally however, in non-irrigated or poor soil areas, this plant will decline and allow weeds to invade. 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. Look for a cold microclimate planting location such as East or North exposure. I have seen an established planting thriving on the north side of a customer's house for 20 plus years in zone 6a, Lawrence, KS.
***Description for this perennial available with future update!***Black Mondo Grass, is also known as Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Arabicus'
This prickly pear (Opuntia cacanapa 'Ellisiana') is truly spineless! Yes, completely spineless and free of glochids. The smooth green paddles and upright growth habit create a unique addition to the desert garden. The pads are sparsely spined, light green, and hardy to about 0 degrees F. This cactus has a place as one of the few upright cacti that can handle extreme cold. Ellisiana Spineless Prickly Pear is most often used as a patio plant in Kansas. Place in full sun with no extra watering except from rainfall. Repotting may or may not be needed depending on how large you want the plant to grow. Potted plants are hardy to at least 10 degrees F if kept dry so you can wait awhile to move these in for the winter. Then move into a cold garage, basement, or window over the winter with NO watering. Although un-tested by the author, this opuntia could survive in a microclimate under a south facing roof overhang kept completely dry in the winter and controlled water in the summer in zone 6a. Several plantings in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the Gathering Place endured temperatures as low as -11 degrees F along with prolonged cold (5 days of highs in the teens and lows in the single digits) in February, 2021. This interesting and "completely safe" cactus, when special ordered in quantity, can be used as an annual mass planting in the landscape. If grown as a patio or house plant, move to a bright interior window over the winter before extreme cold occurs with no watering and keep above freezing. If grown as a summer patio plant, move to a bright interior window over the winter before extreme cold occurs with no watering and keep above freezing. As a winter-only 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. Pads are easy to propagate.
This prickly pear (Opuntia cacanapa 'Ellisiana') is truly spineless! Yes, completely spineless and free of glochids. The smooth green paddles and upright growth habit create a unique addition to the desert garden. The pads are sparsely spined, light green, and hardy to about 0 degrees F. This cactus has a place as one of the few upright cacti that can handle extreme cold. Ellisiana Spineless Prickly Pear is most often used as a patio plant in Kansas. Place in full sun with no extra watering except from rainfall. Repotting may or may not be needed depending on how large you want the plant to grow. Potted plants are hardy to at least 10 degrees F if kept dry so you can wait awhile to move these in for the winter. Then move into a cold garage, basement, or window over the winter with NO watering. Although un-tested by the author, this opuntia could survive in a microclimate under a south facing roof overhang kept completely dry in the winter and controlled water in the summer in zone 6a. Several plantings in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the Gathering Place endured temperatures as low as -11 degrees F along with prolonged cold (5 days of highs in the teens and lows in the single digits) in February, 2021. This interesting and "completely safe" cactus, when special ordered in quantity, can be used as an annual mass planting in the landscape. If grown as a patio or house plant, move to a bright interior window over the winter before extreme cold occurs with no watering and keep above freezing. If grown as a summer patio plant, move to a bright interior window over the winter before extreme cold occurs with no watering and keep above freezing. As a winter-only 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. Pads are easy to propagate.
This prickly pear (Opuntia cacanapa 'Ellisiana') is truly spineless! Yes, completely spineless and free of glochids. The smooth green paddles and upright growth habit create a unique addition to the desert garden. The pads are sparsely spined, light green, and hardy to about 0 degrees F. This cactus has a place as one of the few upright cacti that can handle extreme cold. Ellisiana Spineless Prickly Pear is most often used as a patio plant in Kansas. Place in full sun with no extra watering except from rainfall. Repotting may or may not be needed depending on how large you want the plant to grow. Potted plants are hardy to at least 10 degrees F if kept dry so you can wait awhile to move these in for the winter. Then move into a cold garage, basement, or window over the winter with NO watering. Although un-tested by the author, this opuntia could survive in a microclimate under a south facing roof overhang kept completely dry in the winter and controlled water in the summer in zone 6a. Several plantings in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the Gathering Place endured temperatures as low as -11 degrees F along with prolonged cold (5 days of highs in the teens and lows in the single digits) in February, 2021. This interesting and "completely safe" cactus, when special ordered in quantity, can be used as an annual mass planting in the landscape. If grown as a patio or house plant, move to a bright interior window over the winter before extreme cold occurs with no watering and keep above freezing. If grown as a summer patio plant, move to a bright interior window over the winter before extreme cold occurs with no watering and keep above freezing. As a winter-only 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. Pads are easy to propagate. This offering is for un-rooted cuttings (pads) Pads need a few days to dry and callus to be ready to root.
***Description for this plant available with future update!***
Eastern Prickly Pear Cacti (Opuntia humifusa) have attractive green pads, brilliant yellow flowers in June, and pinkish maroon edible fruits afterward that last into winter. They are native to eastern woods of Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and much of the Southeast United States. This cold hardy succulent occupies an unusual niche: growing in poor shallow sandstone based soils in open woods and on sunny rock cliffs that dry out too quickly for most other plants to colonize. Pads are sometimes carried off by animals and take root elsewhere. Grow this small native gem in rock gardens, dry shade areas, in parking lot medians, in cracks between rocks, or on top of or in a retaining wall. This species will grow in full sun or full shade! Although not picky about soils, just ensure that drainage is good. If grown in exterior pots and kept on the dry side, you may leave out all winter allowing to freeze solid; plants will go completely dormant and resume growth in the spring. Although these prickly pear do not have spines, they do have glochids. (painful bristles that come off and irritate the skin for a few days) Great low maintenance cold hardy and very versatile succulent.
Eastern Prickly Pear Cacti (Opuntia humifusa) have attractive green pads, brilliant yellow flowers in June, and pinkish maroon edible fruits afterward that last into winter. They are native to eastern woods of Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and much of the Southeast United States. This cold hardy succulent occupies an unusual niche: growing in poor shallow sandstone based soils in open woods and on sunny rock cliffs that dry out too quickly for most other plants to colonize. Pads are sometimes carried off by animals and take root elsewhere. Grow this small native gem in rock gardens, dry shade areas, in parking lot medians, in cracks between rocks, or on top of or in a retaining wall. This species will grow in full sun or full shade! Although not picky about soils, just ensure that drainage is good. If grown in exterior pots and kept on the dry side, you may leave out all winter allowing to freeze solid; plants will go completely dormant and resume growth in the spring. Although these prickly pear do not have spines, they do have glochids. (painful bristles that come off and irritate the skin for a few days) Great low maintenance cold hardy and very versatile succulent.