Plant Library

A group of native iris species and hybrids from the Pacific coast forming clumps of narrow evergreen foliage. Flowers range through blues, purples, yellows, and whites, often with intricate veining patterns. Plants spread gradually by rhizomes and adapt to Pacific Northwest conditions.

Prefer well-drained soil with some summer moisture. Native to coastal regions from British Columbia to California. The evergreen foliage provides year-round interest. More drought-tolerant than bearded iris once established. Excellent for naturalistic plantings and native gardens. Move immediately after flowering for best results.

A Japanese woodland peony from forest edges forming tight clumps with sturdy stems. Single cup-shaped white flowers feature pink markings at petal bases and full bosses of yellow stamens. The glabrous foliage emerges with red flush in spring and maintains health and vigor until frost.

Performs well in woodland conditions with dappled shade. The clumping habit intensifies over time, with mature plants producing numerous stems. Foliage quality remains excellent through the season. Native to Honshu. Takes time to establish but becomes impressive with age. The tight clumping without spreading makes it garden-manageable.

A hybrid peony combining characteristics of both parents. Early-blooming with attractive foliage that remains healthy through the season. The cross brings together the yellow flowers of mlokosewitschii heritage with the refined habit of obovata parentage.

Requires well-drained soil enriched with compost. Takes several years to establish and reach flowering maturity. Hybrid peonies often show vigor and unique characteristics from both parents. Long-lived once established in appropriate conditions.

A classic oriental poppy with large, vivid crimson-red flowers featuring black basal blotches. The silky-textured petals are substantial and the prominent central boss of stamens provides striking contrast. Flowers appear in late spring to early summer on sturdy stems above divided foliage.

Goes dormant after flowering in midsummer, leaving gaps that should be filled by later-emerging neighbours. Requires well-drained soil and full sun. The intense red colour is among the most saturated in the poppy group. Classic cultivar with proven garden performance over many decades.

A Korean form of eastern valerian with scabious-like foliage and clusters of small yellow fragrant flowers. The basal leaves form attractive mounds with flowering stems rising above. The late-season blooming period provides valuable autumn interest.

Thrives in sun with well-drained soil. The fragrant flowers attract late-season pollinators. Still poorly represented in cultivation despite ornamental qualities. The Korean form may show particular characteristics distinct from typical species. Underutilized genus worthy of wider garden use.

An eastern valerian with trilobed foliage creating fine-textured mounds. Small yellow flowers appear in loose, branched clusters on slender stems. The fragrant blooms and delicate appearance belie the plant's toughness. Provides valuable late-season interest.

Underrepresented in gardens despite ornamental merit. Thrives in sun with well-drained soil. The late flowering period extends the garden season. The fragrance is a notable feature. Combines well with grasses and late perennials. Still relatively rare in cultivation but deserving of wider use.

A selection of the eastern valerian with delicate foliage and airy flower clusters. The trilobed leaves create fine texture and the small flowers appear in branched inflorescences. The overall effect is light and graceful, adding an ethereal quality to plantings.

Fragrant late-season bloomer valuable for extending the flowering season. Thrives in sun with well-drained soil. The fine texture and fragrant flowers make it excellent for weaving through borders. Still underrepresented in gardens despite its ornamental qualities and late flowering period. Introduced by Free Spirit Nursery.

A beardtongue selection with burgundy-toned foliage that intensifies in cooler weather. White tubular flowers appear in tall spikes through early to midsummer. The dark foliage provides striking contrast with the white blooms. Plants form sturdy upright clumps.

Native to eastern North America. Thrives in average, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. The burgundy foliage colour is most intense in spring and fall. Deadheading extends flowering. Combines effectively with silver-leaved plants and provides foliage contrast in borders. More refined selection with superior colour retention.