Plant Library

A tall ironweed with sturdy stems and narrow leaves forming robust clumps. Small, thistle-like flowers in shades of purple appear in loose, flat-topped clusters in late summer and give way to attractive fluffy seed heads. Plants build slowly to maturity over several growing seasons.

Performs well in sun with soil that retains moisture through summer. Suitable for back of border positions where height and late season interest are valued. Combines effectively with tall grasses, sunflowers, and asters. The flowers attract pollinators and the seed heads provide texture through autumn and into winter. Adaptable to various soil types once established though performs best in richer ground.

A tall, upright ironweed forming sturdy clumps with leafy stems crowned by flat-topped clusters of small, thistle-like purple flowers in late summer. The flowers appear in great quantities and give way to attractive, downy reddish-brown seed heads in autumn and early winter. Plants take several years to reach full maturity.

Thrives in rich, moisture-retentive soils and performs best in full sun. Suitable for the back of borders where it combines effectively with tall grasses, sunflowers, and other late-flowering perennials. The flowers attract numerous pollinators and the seed heads provide autumn and winter interest. Native to eastern North America and adaptable to a range of conditions once established.

A low-growing speedwell forming compact mounds of small, evergreen leaves. Porcelain-blue flowers with white centers appear in short spikes above the foliage in late spring. The tidy habit and neat foliage make it valuable for softening hard edges along paths, walls, or the front of rock gardens.

Requires sun and well-drained soil to perform well. The evergreen foliage remains attractive through winter in mild climates. Plants maintain their compact form without spreading aggressively and require little maintenance beyond occasional removal of spent flower stems. Well-suited to sunny rockeries, wall tops, and path edging where drainage is good.

A short, spreading speedwell with striking upright flower spikes in deep blue tones. The foliage forms a low mat and the stiffly erect flower stems rise well above the leaves, creating a distinctive display. Plants bloom over an extended period from late spring through much of summer.

Extremely hardy and easy to grow in sun with average soil that drains freely. The low spreading habit makes it effective along path edges or at the front of borders. Requires minimal care and maintains its flowering performance year after year without intervention. Combines well with other low perennials and spring bulbs for extended seasonal interest.

A clump-forming speedwell with glossy green leaves forming a low mound. Deep blue flower spikes appear in dense clusters in late spring and early summer, smothering the plant with colour. The foliage remains tidy and compact after flowering if spent stems are clipped back to the basal growth.

Plants thrive in sun with average, well-drained soil. After the main flowering period, stems should be cut back to the foliage mound to maintain a neat appearance and encourage fresh growth. Suitable for border edges, rock gardens, and along paths where the intense blue flowers and compact habit can be appreciated. Combines well with white-flowered violas and low spring bulbs.

Tall stems clothed with neatly arranged whorls of narrow, serrated leaves and crowned with slender spikes of pure white flowers in midsummer. The flower spikes open from the top downward and create clean vertical accents. Plants develop slowly and may take three to four seasons to reach full maturity and flowering vigor.

Requires moisture-retentive soil with good drainage and performs well in sun with adequate water through summer. Emerges late in spring so crowns should be marked to avoid disturbance during early border maintenance. A Chelsea chop in late May reduces final height by approximately twenty percent if a more compact form is preferred. Suitable for borders and naturalistic plantings where strong vertical form is desired.

A robust selection with deep pink to rose-coloured flower spikes held on sturdy stems. The whorled foliage is arranged in tiers along the upright stems, creating attractive texture from the moment growth emerges in late spring. Plants require several seasons to establish fully and reach flowering maturity.

Thrives in soils that hold moisture during the growing season while offering good drainage. The tall stems hold their form well in favourable conditions though a Chelsea chop in late May can create a more compact plant with increased stem strength. Suitable for borders, naturalistic schemes, and meadow plantings where late summer colour and vertical structure are valued. Combines effectively with grasses and late-flowering perennials.

A cultivar producing flower spikes in shades of lavender-pink above tiers of whorled leaves. The foliage emerges late in spring and forms neat arrangements along the stems. Plants build slowly to maturity over three to four seasons before reaching their full flowering potential.

Requires soil that retains moisture through summer while draining freely. May require support in regions with heavy rainfall and lush growing conditions. A Chelsea chop treatment in late May will reduce the ultimate height and promote sturdier stems less prone to lodging. Best suited to sites with good air circulation and soils that do not become waterlogged. Combines well with taller asters and grasses in late summer borders.