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 Container sizes:  qt=quart   2-qt=two quart   GL=gallon

ALCHEMILLA mollis (Lady's Mantle)  $4.95 qt
Partial shade / Deer and rabbit resistant! / Groundcover / USDA Zones 3 – 7
Here's a look we can copy right out of an English gardening book. Lady's Mantle is a modestly spreading groundcover that thrives in shady areas of moist, but well drained soil. The rounded, lobed leaves are beautiful, but look to the chartreuse floral sprays, appearing in spring and early summer, for the main attraction. These make excellent filler for cut flower bouquets, and their luminous color lights up a shady area. Height 12 - 15 inches

ARUNCUS ‘Misty Lace’ $7.95 qt / Partial shade / USDA Zones 3 – 7 This is the most heat tolerant cultivar of goat’s beard, in a compact package with fine textured foliage like that of astilbe. Beautiful white plumes appear in June on stems of deep burgundy. Height 18 – 24 inches

ASARUM canadense (Canadian Ginger)  $5.95 qt
Shade to part shade / USDA Zones 3 – 7 / Groundcover / Deer resistant!
Gardeners in Zones 3 through 7 are blessed with this lovely native ginger that grows in partial to full shade. Spreading by underground rhizomes, it morphs into soft, low mounds, perfect for edging woodland paths or under-planting taller perennials. Easily grown in a range of soils, providing they are well drained. The aromatic root smells like ginger. Height 12 inches.

ASTILBE chinensis (Chinese Astilbe)
Full sun to part shade / USDA Zones 4 – 8 / Groundcover / Deer & rabbit resistant! If you’re looking for tough, low maintenance, astilbes go with the hot new cultivars of Chinese astilbe, A. chinensis. With superior performance in hot and humid summer climates, they make spectacular clumps of fern-like, finely cut foliage, topped with beautiful feathery floral plumes in early to midsummer, the latest in the entire genus. Established plants are quite drought tolerant, but will excel in moist, organically rich soil for a longest show of color.
Astilbe chinensis ‘Purple Candles’ $8.95 2-qt   Dense, poker-like plumes emerge from bold, dark green foliage a rich violet-red, then lighten up as they age. A strong color statement in the sun to partly sunny border. Height 42 inches
Astilbe chinensis ‘Rise and Shine’ $9.95 2-qt   This vigorous Astilbe chinensis introduction is astonishing, with robust eye-popping hot pink pyramidal plumes in midsummer. A. chinensis varieties are renowned for their tolerance to heat and humidity, with added drought tolerance. Height 30 inches
Astilbe simplicifolia ‘ Key Largo ’ $9.95 2-qt   ‘Key Largo ’ is a pumped up version of Astilbe simplicifolia, exhibiting added vigor and a long blooming period that begins in midsummer. The fragrant, star-like raspberry pink blooms are born on red stems, an enlivening contrast. Height 18 inches

ATHYRIUM (Lady Fern)
Shade to part shade / USDA Zones 4 – 8
Groundcover or specimen use / Deer resistant!
I love this fabulous group of deciduous ferns, notably A. filix-femina, the Southern lady fern, and A. nipponicum var. pictum, the Japanese painted fern. These easily grown ferns adapt to a range of soils, providing they are well drained, and of reasonable fertility. They are tough stuff! I have ‘Ghost’ fern growing in amended clay soil in our lath house. They look superb from spring to autumn, given supplemental watering during dry spells. These are necessary companions that happily play co-host to a multitude of other shade dwelling perennials. Recent hybridization has resulted in new cultivars that have astounding good looks, and sit at the top of everyone’s wish list. Here are a few.
Athyrium filix-femina ‘Dre’s Dagger’ $11.95 2-qt   This beautiful selection of our American lady fern is perfect for edging shady paths and borders, reaching a height of only 12 inches. The fronds are unique, with criss-crossing pinnae bringing a wonderful three dimensional effect, a textural delight! Height 12 – 15 inches
Athyrium filix-femina ‘Lady in Red’ $11.95 2-qt   Very lacy fronds, strictly upright, with beautiful red stems. More adaptable to sun given moist, fertile soil. Height 16 inches. Spread 24 inches. Very easy to grow.
Athyrium nipponicum ‘Burgundy Lace’ $11.95 2-qt   A temptress in stunning, frosted silver leaves, veneered with purple, with a color intensity not previously seen in other painted ferns. Height 18 inches
NEW! Athyrium nipponicum ‘Branford Rambler’ (Running Lady Fern) $11.95 2-qt
A rock-solid perennial, dependable and colonizing without being invasive. The spring green leaves are set off by red toned stems. Heighty 18 to 24 inches
NEW! Athyrium nipponicum ‘Ocean’s Fury’ $11.95 2-qt   (Available in July 2010)
This is a tall and largely upright and crested hybrid fern with finely divided fronds that seem to twist and twirl. A very lacy look in painted lady ferns. Height 36 inches.
Athyrium nipponicum ‘Pewter Lace’ $11.95 2-qt   Muted pewter-gray lacy fronds, an ideal contrast and color for the shade garden. Like all painted ferns, easily grown. Height 15 inches.
Athyrium nipponicum ‘Regal Red’ $11.95 2-qt This handsome selection of Japanese painted fern boasts intensely violet red frond interiors. Metallic silver overlay adds an eye popping contrast. Height 18 inches Zones 3 – 8
Athyrium nipponicum ‘Silver Falls’ $11.95 2-qt   I have yet to see a new painted fern hybrid with such metallic silvering in its fronds.‘ Silver Falls’ is the winner, hands down. Height 18 inches
Athyrium plumosum Axminster (Golden Plumose Lady Fern) $11.95 2-qt   This new lady fern introduction is a textural delight, with very lacy, wide fronds an illuminating shade of apple green. Height 30 inches
Athyrium x‘Ghost’ $11.95 GL A sterile hybrid of Japanese painted fern crossed with our native lady fern. Ghostly silver fronds on rigid, upright clumps multiply rapidly in loamy, humus rich soils. Plants grow more compact, but still lovely, in heavier soils. Nothing is easier. Height 30 inches

BEGONIA grandis (Hardy Begonia)
Shade to part shade / Groundcover
If it looks like a begonia can it be hardy? Absolutely. This beautiful and vigorous herbaceous perennial will colonize happily in shady areas by self-seeding tiny bulbils born in each leaf axil. Hardy begonia provides color in the late summer garden, when it is most needed, and thrives in humus rich, moist but well drained soil. An ideal companion to ferns and hosta.
Begonia grandis   $9.95 2-qt / USDA Zones 6 – 9 / Available August 2010
Large clumps of polished green leaves, backed in burgundy. The bright pink stems are laden with pink flowers in late summer and autumn. Height 24 inches

BRUNNERA (Perennial Forget-me-not)
Shade to partial shade / USDA Zones 3 – 8  Groundcover / Deer resistant!
NEW! Brunnera macrophylla 'Emerald Mist'  $13.95 qt   The beautifully variegated foliage of ‘Emerald Mist' bring an intense brightness to shaded areas. This is a hot new shade perennial with leaves that are emerald green mottled in silver, similar to ‘Jack Frost’ with added vigor. The sprays of cobalt blue blossoms appear on long stems in early spring. Height 12 to 15 inches

CALAMAGROSTIS brachytricha (Feather Reed Grass) $11.95 2-qt
Sun to part shade / USDA Zones 4 – 9 / Deer resistant!   This wonderful reed grass is my favorite for lightly shaded or semi-shaded areas, lovely with hydrangeas and hostas. The feathery autumn plumes of pink inflorescence are lovely in fresh bouquets, and equally beautiful dried, and hover above tight clumps of fresh green grass blades. Very heat tolerant, too. Height 3 - 4 feet

CHELONE (Turtlehead) obliqua ‘Hot Lips’ $8.95 2-qt
Zones 5 - 8 / Partial shade / Deer resistant! / Butterfly Attractor!   This wetland U.S. native is valuable for its mid to late summer bloom period when deep, hot pink flowers, resembling a turtle's head, crown the three foot stems. Great for native pollinators, too, as the nectar attracts butterflies. Height 3 feet

CIMICIFUGA (Bugbane) (syn Actaea)
Partial shade / USDA Zones 5 – 9 / Deer and rabbit resistant!   Commonly named Bugbane, these desirable perennials provide welcome vertical accents in the partially shaded woodland garden. In summer and fall, they send elongated stems of bottlebrush-like racemes high above the basal foliage, crowded with tiny, white fragrant flowers loved by butterflies and hummingbirds. Awesome paired with Anemone japonica varieties, and hurrah! unappealing to deer and rabbits.
NEW! Cimicifuga racemosa (Black Cohosh)  $11.95 2-qt   This North American native is my favorite species of bugbane. The thick bottlebrush blooms are purest white and highly appealing to beneficial insects, a beautiful and very nature friendly dependable perennial. They sparkle on erect 5 to 7 foot stems in midsummer, making lovely cut flower material, too.

CORYDALIS lutea (Yellow Corydalis) $9.95 2-qt
Shade to part shade / USDA Zones 5 - 7 / Rabbit resistant!
A little cousin to the Bleeding Heart tribe, this is a persistent visitor to our red barn border every spring. Self-seeding about, it easily colonizes into handsome groups. Picture diminutive mounds of ferny, glaucous foliage loaded in bright yellow flowers, a welcome sight in early spring, carrying through to early summer. Fast draining soil of moderate fertility is fine; a rockery is perfect. Height 12 inches

DICENTRA (Bleeding Heart)
Shade to part shade / Deer resistant!   I can't imagine any gardener worth his or her salt who doesn't have at least one bleeding heart in their garden. It just isn't spring without them! I had a lovely specimen of the old fashion D. spectabilis in my Alton garden years ago, growing along a rocky wall, and morphing into shrub-like proportions. Nothing short of spectacular, it was always the backbone of my early to mid-spring garden with tulips and wood hyacinths and Euphorbia polychroma (Cushion Spurge). I have thought of it at 'bleeding heart time' every year thereafter.
NEW! Dicentra eximia ‘Snowdrift’ (Fringed Bleeding Heart) $11.95 2-qt / USDA Zones 3 – 8   Pure white, heart-shaped blossoms are produced just above mounds of grey-green, ferny leaves in spring and early summer. Height 12 to 15 inches
Dicentra spectabilis (Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart)  $9.95 GL/ USDA Zones 2 – 8 Chains of pendulous pink 'hearts' over a long period in spring, a treasured 'granny' plant. Height 30 - 36 inches.
Dicentra spectabilis 'Gold Heart' (Old-Fashioned Gold Leaf Bleeding Heart)
$11.95 qt  / USDA Zones 3 – 8   Here's a new twist to an old favorite. This stunning new selection of old fashion bleeding heart is clad in lacy, golden foliage---a glowing beacon, perfect in contrast to the pink 'lockets' that line the stems in spring. Height 24 inches.

DIGITALIS (Foxglove) Digitalis hybrida ‘Camelot Hybrids’ $5.49 qt
Sun to part shade / USDA Zones 4- 9 / Deer and rabbit resistant!
This is a spectacular, vigorous F1 hybrid that flowers the first year. Large, deep rose pink, creamy yellow and white flowers are spotted with burgundy, on tall , broad spikes. Height 3 - 4 feet

EPIMEDIUM perralchicum 'Frohnleiten' (Barrenwort)  $10.95 2-qt
Shade to part shade / USDA Zones 5 – 8 / Groundcover / Deer and rabbit resistant!   It seems that shade gardeners have finally discovered the incredible virtues of this previously overlooked genus. The delicate foliage and flowers may look fragile, but these are tough perennials that, once established, will thrive in dry shade, bringing incredible multi-season beauty. In spring, the compact clumps of handsome leaves are covered in dancing, airy flowers. 'Frohnleiten' is an exceptional cultivar with lilting, yellow blooms, making an awesome groundcover, as all Barrenworts do. We have this in display beds in our retail shade hut for viewing. Height 12 inches

GALIUM odoratum (Sweet Woodruff)  $5.49 qt
Shade to part shade / USDA Zones 4 – 7 / Groundcover / Deer resistant!
I have known this popular groundcover for many years, having planted it in my old garden on Christian Hill in Alton , Illinois . There it colonized rapidly, inching its way into shadier areas, blanketing the ground in beautiful whorled leaves and star-shaped white flowers every May. The foliage is handsome all growing season. Great for dry shade. Well drained soil is essential. Height 6 inches

GERANIUM (Cranesbill)
Sun to part shade / Groundcover / Deer and rabbit resistant!
Geranium cantabrigiense 'Karmina' $5.49 qt / USDA Zones 5 – 7   Ideal groundcover of glossy, petite green leaves covered in dainty rose pink blooms spring and early summer. Very tolerant of dry shade. Height 6 - 8 inches
Geranium phaeum 'Samobor' $5.95 qt / USDA Zones 5 – 7   This eye catching new cultivar of the Mourning Widow geranium is not only easy to grow, but has a one, two punch…..beautiful foliage AND flowers. Each leaf is tattooed in a purple-black blotch, perfectly echoing the starry, purple flowers that appear in airy clusters in spring and early summer. Height 18 - 24 inches

HELLEBORUS hybridus (Lenten Rose)
Shade to part shade / USDA Zones 4 – 9 / Deer and rabbit resistant!
Taking the horticultural world by storm are these new hybrid hellebores, chiefly bred from the rugged H. orientalis, or Lenten Rose, group. Gardeners easily succumb to hellebore fever the minute they lay eyes on these exotic beauties. They are an irresistible package of polished, leathery, evergreen leaves, and lovely, cupped blossoms in shades of purple, red, near black, white and creamy yellow…. true harbingers of spring. Their unique beauty, and ease of cultivation make them second only to hosta in shade gardening popularity. Hellebores are best planted in the cooler months of the year, protected from winter winds, and in soil generously supplemented by leaf mold or compost. In summer, while they rest, avoid fertilization and heavy watering. Once established, hellebores are quite drought tolerant. Noted perennial expert Dr. Allan Armitage shares this about H. orientalis, 'One of the finest low-growing, early flowering plants in cultivation so easy that no garden should be without several clumps.' The light is green, so get out your shovels……….
Helleborus ‘Picotee Lady’ $12.95 Gallon   Greenish white petals with a bright rose red picotee edge. The underside of each petal is suffused with a more intense color. Height 14 inches
Helleborus ‘Golden Sunrise ’ $14.95 Gallon   A stunning seed strain in the Winter Jewels series. Flower petals are yellow with variations of red veining and red picotee edge, truly beautiful. Height 18 – 22 inches

HEUCHERELLA 'Strike it Rich' (Foamy Bells)  $9.95 2-qt
Partial shade / USDA Zones 3 - 7
This new hybrid with startling variegation is from Proven Winners. The radiant yellow leaves have a large, dark red blotch in the center which feathers out through the veins. Summer leaf color varies from straw-yellow to green with a red center. An amazing foliage plant with the added feature of starry pink coral bell-type flowers over a long period in spring. Foamy Bells are intergeneric crossings of Heuchera and our native Tiarella cordifolia (Foam Flower) and grow best in moist, fertile and well drained soils. Height 12 - 15 inches

IRIS cristata ‘Powder Blue Giant’ $7.95 qt  Full to partial shade / USDA Zones 3 – 8 Considerably huskier and more vigorous than the species, this sweet giant boasts 3 inch flowers of delicate light blue with golden crests and deep blue accents. Easy to grow in any well drained soil of average fertility, although this species thrives in soils rich in organic matter. In sunnier exposures, you’ll need to irrigate more or plants will become dormant. Height 10 inches

LAMIUM (Dead Nettle)  Shade to part shade / USDA Zones 3 – 8
Groundcover / Deer and rabbit resistant!
These are excellent herbaceous groundcovers for shade or semi-shaded gardens, adapting well to drier soils. Established clumps are quite beautiful in spring, when their silvered leaves and colorful flowers shine the brightest.
Lamium maculatum 'Purple Dragon'   $8.95 2-qt   Stunning carpets of silvery leaves that in spring are topped with hooded bright purple flowers.

LIRIOPE (Lily Turf / Monkey Grass)
Sun or shade / Groundcover / Deer and rabbit resistant!
Liriope muscari 'Pee Dee Gold Ingot'  $5.95 qt / USDA Zones 6 – 9   This hard-to-find Lily Turf is somewhat slow growing, but eventually rewards patient gardeners with its unusually beautiful glowing golden leaves……..totally un-liriope like, and positively stunning in sun OR partially shaded areas. The lavender-purple flowers perfectly compliment the golden leaves in summer. Height 12 inches

LYSIMACHIA nummularia 'Aurea'  $4.95 - 4 inch pot
Sun to part shade / USDA Zones 3 – 9 / Groundcover   A glowing carpet of gold to chartreuse, small, rounded leaves that really brighten up a shady spot. This is a trendy perennial currently in vogue with container gardeners, who use it for skirting containers, where it cascades downward. Prefers moist soils where it becomes a flat carpet of glowing leaves. Height 2 inches.

MAZUS reptans  $4.95 4 – inch pot
Sun to shade / USDA Zones 5 – 8 / Groundcover   A Plants of Merit selection (plantsofmerit.org) from the Missouri Botanical Garden. This means that Mazus has proven itself to be one fine groundcover, tolerant of the many weather extremes experienced here in USDA Zones 5 and 6. Picture lush, ground hugging mats of tiny green leaves, capped in a flurry of blue snapdragon-like flowers, erupting in spring. Indispensable and ideal for planting between paving stones in sun or shade, or in the rock garden. Moist, but well drained soil in sun or partial shade. Height 1 inch

POLEMONIUM reptans ‘Blue Pearl’ (Jacob’s Ladder) $8.95 2-qt
(Available in June 2009) Shade to semi-shade / USDA Zones 4 – 8 / Groundcover or edging perennial   A compact selection of our native U.S. wildflower with delicate light blue flowers over clumps of ferny foliage. Fragrant too! Best grown in average to moist soils that are well drained. This is the best selection we have ever grown in our hot and humid summer climate. Height 15 – 18 inches

POLYGONATUM (Solomon’s Seal)    Shade to part shade / Groundcover
Polygonatum odoratum Variegatum (Variegated Solomon’s Seal)   $9.95 2-qt / USDA Zones 3 – 8   This is an Asian cousin to our native Solomon's Seal, Polygonatum biflorum, and one of the finest perennials existing for gardening in shade. Arching stems of waxy, soft green leaves are artistically edged in creamy yellow, as if painted on by hand. Fragrant, white bells hang from the leaf axils in spring. Succeeds in dry shade, once established. Height 22 inches.

PULMONARIA (Lungwort)
Shade to part shade / USDA Zones 3 – 7 / Deer and rabbit resistant!
Like Heuchera, these are wildly popular perennials arriving in droves at local nursery and garden centers every spring. Which to choose? All are lovely, in varying degrees of brightly silvered and spotted foliage, and ever-changing hues of pink, blue and white flowers. In moist and fertile soil, they grow into compact clumps alive with spring color, lifting the spirits of deserving, winter-weary gardeners. Rabbit and deer resistant.
Pulmonaria longifolia ‘Roy Davidson’ $5.95 qt   ‘Roy Davidson’ is a tried and true lungwort we have grown successfully here in the lower Midwest where springs are short, and summers are hot and humid. The silver spotted leaves stay nice looking and are resistant to powdery mildew. In spring, oodles of deep blue flowers on short stems hover over the plants, eventually changing to pink as they age. Height 12 inches.

STYLOPHORUM diphyllum (Celandine Poppy)  $5.95 qt
Shade to part shade / USDA Zones 4 - 8 / Deer and rabbit resistant
This is a cheery, spring blooming native known as Celandine Poppy, or eastern Wood Poppy. It is of interest chiefly in spring, when the bushy, short mounds of foliage are host to bright, golden poppy-like flowers. Easily grown, and maintenance free, it is a lovely wildflower for naturalizing in woodland areas. Our plants are usually dormant by mid-summer her in the lower Midwest . Height 18 inches.

TIARELLA (Foamflower)
Shade to part shade / USDA Zones 4 - 8 / Groundcover / Deer resistant!
This group of North American natives are spectacular planted in groups for shady groundcover and path edgings. Commonly known as Foamflowers, they are grown and enjoyed for both their foliage and flowers, and easily cultivated in humus rich, moist soil that is well drained. New hybrids arrive every spring, outfitted with larger, more abundant flowers, colorful foliage, and improved vigor. An added feature---.the flowers attract tiny insects that songbirds feed on.
Tiarella cordifolia ‘ Brandywine ’ $8.95 2-qt   This is one of the most vigorous selections in the foamflower tribe, with glossy, prominently veined leaves and excellent bronze fall and winter color that provide multi-season interest. Large white racemes of fragrant blooms appear for a six to eight week period in spring. A fine and dependable groundcover. Height 8 – 10 inches

TOVARA filiformis 'Painter's Palette'   $8.95 2-qt
Shade to part shade / USDA Zones 4 - 8   A self seeder that hops about the garden, easily forgiven for its beauty. The eye catching leaves are a mosaic of white, green and deep pink, accented by a burgundy chevron. In late summer, wiry stems spiral upward, lined with tiny crimson blossoms. Height 24 inches

TRICYRTIS (Toad Lily) Shade to part shade
These exotic members of the Lily family are Asian natives that American gardeners enjoy in their shady borders. The orchid-like blooms spring from leaf axils on graceful arching stems in autumn, delicate and lovely. Place this perennial where the curious flowers can be viewed up close. Fertile soil with adequate moisture provided during dry spells, keep Toad Lilies at their peak of beauty, spring through fall. Great planted as a groundcover or in the border as a specimen.
NEW! Tricyrtis x 'Samurai'  $9.95 2-qt / USDA Zones 4 - 8   Large lavender flowers, heavily spotted in deep purple, like precious orchids. This selection has a vigorous habit, with wide green leaves edged in yellow. Ht 24 - 30 inches
Tricyrtis macranthopsis (Yellow Toad Lily)   $5.95 qt / USDA Zones 6 - 8   Succulent polished green leaves on drooping stems make this an ideal candidate to grow on a rock wall, or in a rock garden. The unusual yellow flowers are beautiful, appearing in September, and hang from leaf axils on the arching 1 - 3 foot long stems.