Plant Library

An index of the perennial plants grown and offered at Glenraven.
All A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Monarda fistulosa

Monarda fistulosa

Wild Bergamot

10365773644087|Monarda fistulosa|Wild Bergamot|

A native species from prairie and drier grass communities across eastern and central North America. Long cherished by First Nations peoples for medicinal use and the original bee balm used in teas. Flower colour varies from pale purple to deeper shades. The spicy-scented foliage is characteristic of the genus.

Moderately tolerant to mildew and spreads more slowly than some cultivars. Native habitat includes prairies and dry grasslands. The historical significance and native status make it valuable for naturalistic plantings. Combines well with prairie grasses and coneflowers.

|July–Sept|purple|green|upright clump|prairie gardens; native plantings; naturalistic borders|120|75|full sun to part shade|average|average garden soil|low to moderate|native to E and C North America; original bee balm for tea; medicinal history; moderate mildew tolerance|yes|summer bloom; spicy fragrance; native plant; historical significance|pollinators; hummingbirds|3||native prairie species; variable purple flowers; spicy-scented; medicinal history; moderate mildew tolerance; slower spreading|//glenravennursery.com/cdn/shop/files/placeholder_portrait.png?v=1766878564&width=800|
Myrrhis odorata

Myrrhis odorata

Sweet Cicely

10365773676855|Myrrhis odorata|Sweet Cicely|

Fresh green, fern-like foliage forms lush mounds in mid-spring, often covering retreating spring bulb leaves. Upright branching stalks bear bright white umbels in late spring and early summer. The leaves and seeds have a strong, pleasant anise-like scent and are edible for kitchen use.

Long-lived but quite prolific self-seeder requiring seed head removal before they darken to prevent excessive spread. Best in dappled light with moisture-retentive soil. The greens maintain healthy appearance into fall. The anise fragrance and culinary uses add practical value to ornamental qualities.

|May–June|white|fresh green|upright clump|dappled shade; woodland edges; herb gardens|120|90|part shade|moist|moisture-retentive|moderate|edible anise-scented parts; prolific self-seeder; remove seed heads; best in dappled light|moderate|late spring bloom; lush spring foliage; anise fragrance; culinary uses|pollinators|5||fern-like foliage; anise-scented; edible leaves and seeds; white umbels; prolific self-seeder; culinary herb|//glenravennursery.com/cdn/shop/files/placeholder_portrait.png?v=1766878564&width=800|