Plant Library

A perennial mullein forming rosettes of gray-green foliage at ground level with sturdy brownish-red stems rising in late spring. The stems carry densely packed spikes of white flowers with coloured stamens that open in succession over several weeks. Plants may produce branching stems with multiple flower spikes.

Requires sun and well-drained soil to perform well. Cutting stems to the ground after flowering promotes a vigorous second flush in late summer. The deep taproot makes plants drought-tolerant once established. Suitable for sunny borders and gravel gardens where the strong vertical form and repeat-bloom habit are valued. May be affected by mildew in some summers; if so, cut affected foliage to ground and discard.

A tall, airy plant with slender, square stems that branch near the top to carry clusters of small, tubular purple flowers from midsummer until frost. The sparse foliage sits mostly at ground level, leaving the wiry stems nearly bare and creating a see-through effect in the border. Plants self-seed freely in open, sunny sites.

Thrives in sun with lean, well-drained soil and is notably drought-tolerant once established. Often behaves as a short-lived perennial or biennial but persists through generous self-seeding. The flowers attract butterflies and beneficial insects in great numbers. Suitable for meadows, gravel gardens, and informal borders where the tall, transparent habit allows it to weave through other plantings without obstruction.

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.