|
|
|
Acanthus spinosus
Acanthus grew wild near the Mediterranean for eons before artisans borrowed the leaves for architectural ornament, and yet, they look so... designed. Tall stalks bearing mauve and white flowers rise above the highly divided foliage. Grow in sun (or part shade) and well-drained soil.
Four to five feet.
Perennial.
Zone 7.
|
|
Achillea millefolium 'Salmon Beauty'
The feathery foliage of achilleas blends sweetly with others, even when the rich, salmon pink flowers have faded into straw tones. Mid-summer bloom, just in time for butterflies and bouquets. For sun and well-drained soil.
Three feet.
Perennial.
Zone 4.
|
|
Achillea millefolium 'Terra Cotta'
Clay tones shift from pink to russet as they mature. Very long blooming, drought tolerant, totally easy in sun and average soil. Could be lovely with bronze tones.
Two feet.
Perennial.
Zone 3.
|
|
Aconitum alboviolaceum
Slender, hooded flowers of white with lavender shading crown this graceful vine in late summer. It follows the classic vine lifestyle of climbing from a shaded base into better light by twining onto more rigid neighbors. From mountain forests of China, Korea, and the Russian Far East.
Three to seven feet.
Perennial.
Zone 5.
|
|
Actaea pachypoda
Following white flowers in April and May, wonderful white "eyeball' fruits form on chubby red pedicels, toxic, alas. The adaptable actaeas thrive on moist to average soil in sun or shade. Native to the Eastern U.S. A Great Plant Pick, so you know it thrives here.
Two feet.
Perennial.
Zone 4.
|
|
Agapanthus 'Snow Pixie'
It looks so pretty in a pot you might never insert it in the garden, but this petite lily-of-the-Nile will make a cool midsummer statement wherever it blooms. Grow in sun, in good soil; it's small enough to slip in easily among its neighbors.
Eighteen inches.
Perennial.
Zone 7.
|
|
Agapanthus 'Storm Cloud'
Elegance in blue. Starburst umbels of deep blue rise high above sleek foliage in mid to late summer, drawing greedy hummingbirds -- or maybe they're just in it for the esthetics. Grow in sun or part shade in moist but well-drained soil.
Three to four feet.
Perennial.
Zone 7b or 8.
|
|
Agastache mexicana 'Sangria'
Tall, brilliant red-purple flower spikes ring the hummingbird dinner bell in the sunny garden. Like all agastaches, this one will appreciate very well-drained soil. Lemony scented foliage.
Forty inches.
Perennial.
Zone 7.
|
|
Alchemilla erythropoda
Cute and useful, this miniature plant fits easily into the rock garden or works well as a ground cover, especially edging paths. Foamy chartreuse flowers billow about in late spring. For sun or part shade.
Eight inches.
Perennial.
Zone 5.
|
|
|
Androsace sarmentosa (primuloides)
Rock Jasmine
This choice Himalayan rockery plant carpets its territory with elegant, evergreen rosettes. Pink flower clusters arise above the foliage in early summer, like perfect little primroses. Best grown in full sun and well drained soil; gravel mulch desirable. Likes lime.
Four inches.
Perennial.
Zone 5.
|
|
|