Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is more than a popular perennial. This prominent member of the Aster family inhabits meadows across a majority of the eastern half of the United States. Being native from New York south to Florida and west to Colorado and Texas, this perennial is hardy in zones 3-8. The genus Echinacea comes from…
Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is a climbing, semi-evergreen vine with beautiful, bright red flowers. This woody vine has a native range from Connecticut to Nebraska and south to Florida and Texas. It climbs its way up supporting structures by twining and twisting its way skyward. In nature, this species can be found growing on fence…
The largeflower heartleaf (Hexastylis shuttleworthii) is a small evergreen plant that is prized for its variegated evergreen foliage. Native to the southern Appalachian Mountains, this small woodland plant can grow in deep shade and acidic soil. It is a clump former that spreads slowly by stolons. While it does take some time, the plant will…
With its vibrant red and yellow trumpet-shaped blooms on top of tiers of paired deep green leaves, Indian pink (Spigelia marilandica) is easily one of our region’s most stunning perennials. Take one look at Indian pink and you’ll understand why this plant is a “must have” for gardeners wanting to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. This…
The Aster family is full of wonderful, prolific plants. White wood aster (Eurybia divaricata) spreads abundantly and will self-sew easily. This divaricated, or widely spreading, perennial is happy to thrive in sun or shade. It stands at 1 to 2 feet tall with masses of small white flowers that bloom in September and October. White…