Plant Library

A Free Spirit introduction of coneflower with distinctive characteristics. Forms clumps with sturdy upright stems. The prominent central cones provide extended interest into winter. Combines well with ornamental grasses and prairie perennials.

Drought-tolerant once established like other echinaceas. Attracts butterflies and provides valuable seed for birds. The sturdy habit eliminates staking needs. Suitable for prairie gardens, naturalistic plantings, and borders. Self-supporting stems maintain good structure.

The narrow drooping ray flowers create dramatic effect in group planting between grasses like sporobolus and molinia. Distinguished from narrow-leaf coneflower by having white pollen. Has open habit making it important to situate well without suffering competition. If sun cannot penetrate to base, flowering subsides and plant rapidly fades.

Native to central United States prairies. The distinctive drooping rays create unique effect. Requires good air circulation and sun to base of plant. Combines beautifully with prairie grasses. More refined appearance than typical coneflowers. The open habit requires appropriate placement and companions. White pollen distinguishes it from similar species.

The classic purple coneflower with magenta-pink ray flowers drooping around prominent orange-brown central cone. Forms substantial clumps with sturdy upright stems. Native to eastern North American prairies and open woodlands. The species from which many cultivars are derived.

Drought-tolerant once established. Attracts abundant butterflies and provides valuable seed for goldfinches. The prominent cones persist through winter adding structural interest. Suitable for prairie gardens, naturalistic plantings, and perennial borders. Self-supporting on sturdy stems. Long-lived and reliable native plant. Easy from seed.

A purple coneflower selection with ruby-red tones to the ray flowers. Forms clumps with sturdy upright stems. The prominent central cone provides extended interest. Native to North American prairies but cultivated selection with improved colour.

The ruby-red colour provides deeper tones than typical purple coneflowers. Drought-tolerant once established. Attracts butterflies and provides seed for birds. The sturdy stems are self-supporting. Combines well with ornamental grasses and prairie plants. The prominent cones persist into winter adding structural interest.

The pure white ray flowers are distinctly shorter and more plentiful than other selections and neatly arranged around central green cone. A picture-perfect display of elegance. Selected by Piet Oudolf for its sturdy habit and longevity. Currently being trialed hoping for same strength displayed in 'Green Jewel'.

The compact ray flowers create fuller appearance than typical coneflowers. The neat arrangement provides refined look. The green cone distinguishes it from brown-coned forms. Suitable for front to middle border positions. The sturdy habit eliminates staking needs.

A white-flowered seed strain displaying clean-white flowers with large central cones that provide interest into early winter. The seed strain shows some variability but maintains white colour. The large cones are prominent ornamental feature. Native to North American prairies.

Great Plant Pick selection. The white flowers provide alternative to typical purple coneflowers. The prominent cones extend ornamental period into winter. Combines well with ornamental grasses and prairie plants. Attracts butterflies and provides winter seed for birds. Drought-tolerant once established. Self-supporting stems.

Excellent border thistle with deep vertical traveling rootstock. Forms mound of bristly leathery leaves, dark green above and silvery-white beneath. The lowest and darkest flowering globe thistle, displaying multitude of globe-shaped flowers on well-branched sturdy stalks. Makes excellent cut flower fresh or dried. This is the Real McCoy.

Great Plant Pick selection. The deep blue colour is darkest in the genus. The vertical rootstock makes it less spreading than some globe thistles. The contrasting leaf surfaces add interest. Excellent for cutting fresh or dried. The spherical flowers attract abundant pollinators. Self-supporting on sturdy stems.

A biennial echium with red flowers held on upright spikes. Forms basal rosettes of hairy foliage the first year with flowering stems appearing the second season. Self-seeds to create continuing display. The red flowers are unusual in the typically blue echium genus.

Requires well-drained soil and full sun. Native to Caucasus region. The red colour provides alternative to blue echiums. Suitable for gravel gardens and Mediterranean plantings. Self-seeding maintains population. The hairy foliage is characteristic of the genus. Short-lived but reliably self-seeding where happy.