Plant Library

A more compact Russian sage with aromatic gray-green foliage and violet-blue flower spikes. The reduced height makes it suitable for smaller spaces while maintaining the characteristic airy texture and silver tones of the genus. Flowers appear on branched stems through summer.

Requires well-drained soil and full sun for best performance. Drought-tolerant once established. The compact size works well in front to middle border positions. Cut back hard in spring to maintain compact habit. The aromatic foliage and long flowering period make it valuable for sunny, well-drained sites.

A white-flowered selection with pure white blooms held in long, slender spikes. The slowest to establish and latest to begin flowering within this group, often not starting until late July. Individual flowers are spaced along the spikes creating a more refined appearance than densely-packed cultivars.

Maintains upright growth without invasive tendencies. Clumping habit integrates well with surrounding plants. Adaptable to various soil conditions except dry sites. The white flowers and refined character make it valuable for lighter colour schemes. Takes time to settle in but becomes reliable once established.

A pink-flowered selection forming substantial mounds of lush foliage with upright flower spikes. The pink colouration provides softer tones than red cultivars. Plants nestle between neighbours, filling spaces while maintaining vertical growth habit.

Highly adaptable to various soil conditions excluding dry sites. One of the longest-flowering perennials, beginning in late June and continuing with increasing abundance until frost. Excellent for filling and melding with other plants in borders. Clumping habit without invasive tendencies.

A selection with glowing deep dark red flower spikes on a moderately compact plant. The darkest-coloured form in this group of persicarias. Plants form lush mounds of pointed foliage that nestle effectively between neighbours, filling available space while maintaining upward growth.

Adaptable to wide range of soil conditions except dry sites. Flowers appear from late June and continue with increasing profusion until frost. Excellent filler plant that melds with surrounding perennials. Strong vertical accent for borders and naturalistic schemes. Clumping habit, not invasive.

An umbellifer bringing natural character to garden plantings. Native to Europe with substantial divided foliage and flat-topped flower clusters typical of the carrot family. Creates an airy, naturalistic presence in borders and meadow plantings.

Thrives in regular garden conditions with good drainage. The ferny foliage and umbel flowers integrate well into naturalistic schemes. Underused genus that deserves wider recognition for its architectural qualities and natural garden aesthetic. Combines effectively with grasses and other meadow perennials.

An outstanding groundcover forming lush gray-green foliage from crowns that expand via short rhizomes. The dense patches effectively suppress weeds. Yellow flowers arranged in whorls and layers develop from tightly packed green buds that open sequentially, drying in place when finished. The whorls persist through summer and autumn, turning tan.

Remarkably persistent through winter with whorls remaining intact through snow, rain, and storms. One of few plants maintaining structure all winter. Native to Turkish clearings and deciduous woodland edges. RHS Award of Garden Merit and Great Plant Pick. Excellent for banks with moisture-retentive soil.

A tuberous-rooted perennial with flowers appearing in well-spaced whorls stacked vertically along sturdy stems. The stalks pierce through the flower centers in the characteristic manner of this genus. Thick, tuber-like roots form a dense, non-spreading crown that increases slowly over time.

Adaptable to any regular garden soil and notably reliable in performance. Native to dry meadows and rocky hillsides from central and southeastern Europe extending into northern Iran and Siberia. The stalks remain structurally sound deep into fall and can be used for dried arrangements. Great Plant Pick selection.