Asclepias tuberosa
Butterfly weed is a colorful, long-lived, drought tolerant perennial. Large clusters of bright orange to yellow-orange flowers top clumps of erect, hairy 1-2’ tall stems with lance-shaped leaves. It is one of many Asclepias species, all of which are required food for monarch butterfly larvae.
View More DetailsHydrangea quercifolia
Oakleaf hydrangea is one of the most useful native shrubs for the garden. With its unique deeply lobed, oak-like leaves, large white flower clusters, and attractive exfoliating bark, oakleaf hydrangea is impressive when massed or used as a specimen.
View More DetailsRudbeckia triloba
Rudbeckia triloba is a bushy, free-flowering, 2-3’ (to 5’) tall biennial or short-lived perennial that readily self sows and is very effective for naturalizing. It features masses of 1-2” wide, daisy-like, golden-yellow flowers with flat, purplish-brown centers on hairy stems from late summer to early fall.
View More DetailsGentiana clausa
Among the finest perennials to grace the garden in late summer is the dark blue-flowered closed bottle gentian. Densely packed clusters of upright, 1-2” long pleated blooms borne in the axils of upper leaves and terminally swell, but remain closed on multi-stemmed plants with lance-shaped dark green foliage.
View More DetailsLobelia siphilitica
This native perennial heralds the end of summer. Its showy, blue flowers, borne on a 1-3’ tall stems, are a must for the naturalized garden. Great blue lobelia flourishes in moist soil with filtered shade but will adapt to drier conditions with more shade. This herbaceous plant is easy to grow from seed and frequently self-sows.
View More DetailsRhexia virginca
The delicate and distinctive rose-colored blooms of Virginia meadow-beauty peak in late summer. Loose-hanging stamen brightly contrast the more demure four-petaled flower for a unique appearance. Virginia meadow-beauty grows in sandy pond shores and peaty meadows; it needs persistently moist soil to thrive.
View More DetailsChelone lyonii ‘Hot Lips’
A late summer bloomer, Hot Lips Lyon’s turtlehead thrives in moist, nutrient-rich soils with full to partial sun. This variety features a stronger pink color than the straight species. This plant is deer-resistant and attractive to butterflies.
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