Joe-pye weed is a very popular perennial due to its magnificent mauve flower heads atop striking reddish-purple stems and impressive height, topping out at 7 feet. photo credit: R. Robert

Joe-pye weed is a very popular perennial due to its magnificent mauve flower heads atop striking reddish-purple stems and impressive height, topping out at 7 feet. This plant will perform best in full sun to part shade and in moist, well drained soils. The stems have whorls of 4-5 lance-shaped leaves. Joe-pye weed blooms mid-summer for seasonal interest, but continues to impress with its stunning seed heads that continue through early winter. Even before the flowers open up, the delicate nature of the buds have a compelling effect over any garden.

Eutrochium maculatum ‘Gateway’ is topped with magnificent mauve flowers. photo credit: A. Cunningham

Eutrochium maculatum ‘Gateway’, Joe-pye weed, is formerly known as Eupatorium maculatum. Eutrochium is a subgroup of the Asteraceae family. Other reclassified species include Conoclinium and Ageratina. These all have similar characteristics, but the differences are too great for them to be classified within the same species.

There are myriad cultivars available for home use. A good cultivar to brighten up a darker space would be Eupatorium fistulosum f. albidum ‘Bartered Bride’ with its large head of white flowers. For a woodland setting, one can use the similar species, Ageratina altissima (snakeroot), which does well under a canopy of trees. Snakeroot adds a subtle pop of white. If one is looking for a more compact version, with a large impact, Eutrochium dubium ‘Little Joe’ is a wonderful addition, growing to a maximum height of 4 feet tall.

Eutrochium maculatum ‘Gateway’ can be grown in a larger meadow planting, in a bed, where some drama is needed, or in a basic border planting. photo credit: J. Coceano

Eutrochium maculatum ‘Gateway’ can be grown in a larger meadow planting, in a bed, where some drama is needed, or in a basic border planting. It can be utilized in a formal planting or a more naturalistic planting setting. It prefers moist soil with full sun to light shade.

Since these are summer bloomers, it is a good idea to keep them well watered, so they do not wilt on the hottest of days. It is also a good idea to avoid flop by deadheading them. If they are cut back in early to late spring, they should flush back out rather quickly and flower again, though the heads will be slightly smaller.

Eupatorium purpureum has wonderful winter interest with its dried seedheads. photo credit: R. Robert

This showy perennial is also a perfect pollinator plant. It attracts all kinds of insects, including butterflies, bees and beetles! This fragrant flower is a great addition to any cut flower arrangement, as the focus or as a filler, due to its branching nature. If you are looking for this plant in the Arboretum, it is located in both Biostream beds directly behind McCabe Library.

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Phlox ‘Wanda’

hybrid phlox

This hybrid phlox is quite a showstopper with its vibrant magenta blooms! Phlox ‘Wanda’ is a perennial that grows anywhere from zone 5 to 10. Phlox are notorious for attracting pollinators, especially butterflies. They need to be kept in fairly moist soil and part to full sun exposure for best growth.

Phlox ‘Wanda’ is an extraordinary plant, because it can produce flowers even before the roots are done forming. Only growing to a height of 24 inches tall and 20 inches wide, this perennial is perfect for any home garden! These flowers are becoming more of a presence in the cut flower world, as they are so floriferous and vibrant. This low growing bloomer can be found in the entrance to the Pollinator Garden.

Photo Credit: A. Cunningham

Echinacea ‘Leilani’

coneflower

Echinacea ‘Leilani’, commonly known as a coneflower is an herbaceous perennial with showy yellow flowers that can be grown in partial shade to full sun. This perennial can be grown anywhere from zone 4 to 9. These summer bloomers will produce bright flowers from the beginning of June to the end of August! Their structure allows them to be in a mixed planting or standing alone, since their foliage is clustered at the base and they have tall stalks that produce the flower head. Coneflowers are wonderful pollinator plants that attracts both birds and butterflies. Only growing 3 ft. tall and 2 ft. wide and it is a great structural plant for any garden. These echinacea can be found just beside the Biostream that is directly behind McCabe Library.

Photo Credit: A. Cunningham

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Schizophragma hydrangeoides

Japanese hydrangea-vine

Schizophragma hydrangeoides is also known as Japanese hydrangea-vine, and boy does it show off! Using aerial roots, this woody-stemmed, deciduous climbing vine can cover an area up to 30’ in height and 9’ across. This early-summer bloomer announces itself with its heart-shaped foliage and showy white flower heads.

It is a wonderful plant for climbing in shady areas, such as rock-laden areas that need a focal point, or on a low wall that needs covering. During the fall, the foliage will transition to butterscotch, which adds seasonal interest even after the flowers have fallen away. This climbing vine can be found growing on Clothier Hall at the entrance to Theresa Lang Garden of Fragrance.

Photo Credit: A. Cunningham

Impatiens omeiana

hardy impatiens

This low maintenance herbaceous perennial is a wonderful groundcover that can be showcased in any shade garden or woodland area. “Hardy impatiens” prefers to grow in moist, well-drained soil in zones 6-9 and can naturalize over time using stolons. Only growing to a height of 15”, these “hardy impatiens” are good filler plants that do not over-grow their welcome.

From September to October, these plants produce a yellow inflorescence resembling the flowers of snapdragons. Dark green leaves with white midribs and red petioles allow for all-year interest. Impatiens omeiana can be found in the Isabelle Cosby Courtyard amongst the other shade plants.

Photo Credit: A. Cunningham

Lathyrus odoratus

sweet pea

When thinking of sweet peas, one thinks of just that: a sweet fragrance. This cool season annual comes in myriad colors, from subtle pinks to vibrant combination of reds and purples. If the soil is evenly watered, fertilized regularly and deadheaded, the flowers will produce from May to June. When the plant is exposed to the heat of summer, the flowers will die back. This touchy plant is worth the effort once you see the flowers in bloom.

“Sweet peas” can be grown anywhere from zones 2 to 11 in full sun and grow to be 2’ to 3’ tall with a width of 3’ to 8’. There are some amazingly enthusiastic sweet peas growing in container trellises in the Scott Entrance Garden.

Photo Credit: J. Coceano

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