The Rudbeckia æGoldsturm Black-Eyed SusanÆ, Rudbeckia fulgida, is an easy to grow perennial with large flower heads of golden yellow and black to brown centers. The flower heads are 3╜ to 5 inches across, with a plant spread of 18-24ö and a height of 24ö. The dark green foliage sits at the bottom on the tall daisy-like flowers and bloom from July to September. Rudbeckia æGoldstrum Black Eyed-SusanÆ was selected Perennial of the Year in 1999, and one can see why.

æBlack-Eyed SusansÆ need to be grown in full sun in somewhat moist soil conditions in a well-drained area. It is great in borders, for cut flowers or for naturalized areas. Rudbeckia attracts butterflies, provides food for birds in the winter and is mildew-resistant. Plant in masses with Veronica æGoodness GrowsÆ, Alchemilla æLadyÆs MantleÆ or with ornamental grasses.

The White Peony, Paeonia lactiflora. Although there are many Peonies on the market in this day and age, at this time we have chosen unnamed varieties, simply pink, red and white. Peonies are one of the best cut flowers and are often used in the Midwest to decorate gravesites on Memorial Day. All of our peonies are widely adaptable to most soils across the country. They bloom in mid spring and have very large, colorful blooms that stand out in the spring garden.

Peonies can handle dry to moist sites, and do best in full sun but can handle some light shade. Often thought of a plant used on the farm or out in the country, bring a little bit of that country feeling to your garden. The white peony featured here has a very clean, pure white flower that really is a wonderful specimen in the garden.

The Spirea 'Renaissance', Spirea vanhouttei 'Renaissance', has improved disease resistance. This bridal wreath like plant shares the same arching displays of snow white flowers as its old time parent. Arching boughs blossom in mid to late spring that are stunning on cloudy days or in moonlight. Popular cut flower for wreath making.

Fountain shape makes ideal specimen or dark green background shrub which turns orange-red in the fall. Tolerates wide range of soil conditions and is very cold hardy. A deciduous shrub that should be placed in full sun.

The Salvia æMarcusÆ, Salvia nemorosa, is a new dwarf version of the Salvia æMay NightÆ. With its compact, dense habit of growing, it is easy to accommodate in any perennial garden. Spikes of intense violet-blue flowers bloom on top gray-green foliage and flower from June to October. æMarcusÆ has a plant height of 12ö and a spread of 12-18ö.

The Daisy 'Shasta' Leucanthemum æBecky DaisyÆ, leucanthemum superbum, is the longest blooming daisy in the Leucanthemum family. With bright, large, white beautiful flowers held above its dark green foliage, it has a plant height of 3Æ and a plant spread of 18-24ö. Being Perennial of the Year in 2003, one can see why. æBecky DaisyÆ blooms from July to September, and if deadheaded, the blooming time will be extended.

æBecky DaisyÆ should be grown in full sun, but can tolerate some afternoon shade, in well-drained soil. It will not tolerate excessive moisture or wet soil in the winter. Combine æBecky DaisyÆ with Veronica ôRoyal Candlesö, Perovskia æRussian SageÆ or Scabiosa ôButterfly Blueö. It also is great for formal and informal gardens, as cut flowers, in mass plantings or in the perennial border. This low maintenance perennial is great for first time gardeners.

The Physostegia æMiss MannersÆ, Physostegia virginiana, also know as Obedient Plant, has bright white spiked flowers that are 18ö tall and a plant spread of 18-24ö. æMiss MannersÆ blooms from June to September and the waxy, dark green foliage makes this plant a little different from other white blooming perennials. æMiss MannersÆ needs a full sun area but will tolerate some afternoon shade, in well-drained soil. æMiss MannersÆ is not as aggressive as most other Physostegia. Use æMiss MannersÆ in borders, mixed plantings, massed plantings (especially to separate other colors), in large containers or as cut flowers. Try with darker colors such Hemerocallis æLittle BusinessÆ, Platycodon æBalloon FlowerÆ or Veronica æRoyal CandlesÆ.

The Sedum æFrosty MornÆ, also known as Stonecrop, is a wonderful Sedum that has gray-green leaves with creamy white margins. æFrosty MornÆ has a height of 24ö and a spread of 18-24ö. The dense, star shaped, pink flowers appear in late summer and last in fall, and bloom from August to September. The new growth shows blue-green leaves that turn into deep mahogany red in the fall that canÆt be missed.

Sedum æFrosty MornÆ needs to be planted in full sun in well-drained soil. It will tolerate most soil types and is drought resistant. Plant with asters or coneflowers for a wonderful autumn display. æFrosty MornÆ is a great choice for beds and borders and excellent as cut flowers. It is also a great butterfly and bee attractor and disease resistant.

The Quince 'Texas Scarlet Flowering', Chaenomeles x 'Texas Scarlet', is one of the first shrubs to bloom in the spring. It displays glossy, green foliage which appears soon after profuse red flowers cover the plant in spring.

The suggested uses for this plant include specimen plant, border, barrier, hedge, and attracting wildlife. The yellow- green fruits are apple-like, and attract wildlife. Also useful as good cut flowers.

The Sedum 'Purple Emperor', also known as Stonecrop, has dark purple, almost black leaves with compact purple stems. In the summer, they are topped with heads of pinkish, purple flowers. With a plant height of 15ö and a spread of 12-23ö, it is wonderful in any landscape. Sedum æPurple EmperorÆ was awarded the Outstanding Perennial Plant Award from the International Hardy Plant Union in 2002.

Sedum 'Purple Emperor' needs to be planted in full sun in well-drained soil. It will tolerate most soil types and is drought resistant. Plant with asters or coneflowers for a wonderful autumn display. 'Purple Emperor' is a great choice for beds and borders and excellent as cut flowers. It is also a great butterfly and bee attractor and disease resistant.

The Hemerocallis æStella de OroÆ, also known as a Daylily, has a very fragrant dark yellow flower with a size of 2.5ö. With dark green foliage, this daylily will reach a height of 12ö and a plant spread of 12-24ö. It has been named Perennial of the Year. æStella de OroÆ will bloom from May through July, with outstanding color and a definite rebloomer, more than any in its family. æStella de OroÆ prefers a full sun area that is well-drained.

Although the blooms will last only for one day, there are many blooms on strong stems that rise above tall grassy foliage, (remove in late fall). æStella de OroÆ is considered to be pest and deer resistant. Use for cut flowers, massing, edging, borders or in mixed containers and tubs.

The Hemerocallis æStrawberry CandyÆ, also known as a Daylily, has a wonderful strawberry-pink flower with rosy-red eye zone with a golden green throat and ruffled edges. It has a flower size of 4.5ö. With dark green foliage, this Daylily will reach a height of 26ö and a plant spread of 12-24ö. Winning the Stout Silver Medal in 1998, the Award of Merit in 1996 and Honorable Mention in 1993, one can see why. æStrawberry CandyÆ will bloom from May through July, with outstand color and a definite reblommer. æStrawberry CandyÆ prefers a full sun area that is well-drained.

Although the blooms will last only for one day, there are many blooms on strong stems that rise above tall grassy foliage, (remove in late fall). æMary ToddÆ is considered to be pest and deer resistant. Use for cut flowers, massing, edging, in borders or in mixed containers and tubs.

The Iris æAnn ChowningÆ has intense velvety red flowers with deep yellow signals. With a velvety texture and beautiful evergreen foliage, it has a plant height of 36ö and a width of 18-24ö. Blooming from spring into summer, æAnn ChowningÆ would be an attractive backdrop for your garden. It is an easily grown Iris. Iris æAnn ChowningÆ prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun, but will tolerate some afternoon shade.

This Iris needs plenty of water throughout the season to continue to looks its best. Iris æAnn ChowningÆ is useful in many ways. Best used around pools, ponds and water gardens, and for mass plantings. It can also be used in difficult banks and preventing erosion. They also make magnificent cut flowers and are resistant to deer.

The Delphinium æButterfly BlueÆ, Delphinium grandiflora, has a wonderful true sky blue flower that reaches a height of 10ö and a plant spread of 15-18ö. This deep, gentian-blue trumpet shaped flower is a great contrast with is forest-green slender foliage, blooming early to mid summer. æButterfly BlueÆ makes a great border plant, for rock gardens, as cut flowers in small vases or as a container plant.

Delphinium æButterfly BlueÆ needs a rich moist soil that is well drained in a sunny location and should never experience drought. A must for any cottage garden, remove spent heads to produce more growth throughout the season. Try æButterfly BlueÆ with Hibiscus æBlue River IIÆ or Leucanthemum æBecky DaisyÆ.

The Hemerocallis æPardon MeÆ, also known as a Daylily, has a very fragrant, small cranberry-wine, almost red flower, with a yellow throat, and a flower size of 3ö. With dark green foliage, this daylily will reach a height of 18ö and a plant spread of 23-29ö. æPardon MeÆ will bloom from May through July, with outstanding color and a definite rebloomer. æPardon MeÆ prefers a full sun area that is well-drained.

Although the blooms will last only for one day, there are many blooms on strong stems that rise above tall grassy foliage, (remove in late fall). æPardon MeÆ is considered to be pest and deer resistant. Use for cut flowers, massing, edging, borders or in mixed containers and tubs.

The Scabiosa 'Pink Mist', Scabiosa columbaria, also know as the Pincushion Flower, has wonderful 2" pink flowers that bloom from June to October. 'Pink Mist' is a reminiscent of a pincushion full of pins. With its gray-green foliage, it has a plant height of 12ö and a spread of 12-18", not to mention being disease resistant. It is best to plant Scabiosa in full sun, with well-drained soil and should be watered regularly throughout the warmer months to increase its overall performance.

Deadheading after the first bloom will encourage repeat bloom time. 'Pink Mist' is great for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds and does excellent in rock gardens. It will do excellent for front-of-the-border areas, with Coreopsis 'Moonbeam', Dianthus 'Bath's Pink', in mass plantings or as cut flowers. ( PP 8957)

The Echinacea æKim's Knee HighÆ, Echinacea purpurea, also known as Coneflower, is an easy to grow flower that produces beautiful large flowers with deep pink petals & bright orange centers. æKimÆs Knee HighÆ is the newest and smallest variety to be added to the Echinacea family. The large, fragrant flowers bloom from July to October and a major attractor to butterflies and bees and deer resistant, it is a must for any perennial gardens. With its dark green foliage, Echinacea æKim's Knee HighÆ stands 2Æ high with a plant spread of 12-23ö. For best results, plant in full sun in a well drained area.

Echinacea is known for its large flower heads that turn to seed in the fall. A great choice for cut flowers, adding a wilderness look to your garden. Not only is it a prized perennial for many gardeners, but also a potent medicine. It has been reported that Echinacea increases immune function, reduces the effects of colds and fluÆs, fight off viral, bacterial and fungal infections and purify the blood and flush waste from the lymphatic system.

The Astilbe æBridal VeilÆ, Astilbe arendsii, is a colorful feathery flower with white blooms and lacy deep green on bronze-green foliage. The flowers contrast wonderfully with its dark green glossy foliage. Astilbe æBridal VeilÆ blooms in mid summer and is 28-30ö tall and a plant width of 36ö. Do not allow Astilbe æBridal VeilÆ to dry out. It is most successfully grown in a shady area but can tolerate some morning sun. A moist, well-drained area is key for this plant.

In order to keep Astilbe looking good for the next year, do not cut it back in the winter, (the old foliage helps protect the plant from winter damage), but prune in early spring. Astilbe can be used as cut flowers, perennial borders or shade gardens with HostaÆs and Ferns. Astilbe is considered to be deer resistant and will attract hummingbirds.

The Platycodon æSentimental Blue Balloon FlowerÆ, Platycodon grandiflorum, is a low growing perennial with blue, balloon like flowers that bloom in late May until August. (The flowers should be deadheaded to increase bloom time.) The blooms puff up before opening and have a wonderful green foliage. With a plant spread of 8-12ö and a height of 8ö, it is one that should be in every perennial garden.

The Aster æKlaus Jelitto StokeÆsÆ Aster, Stokesia laevis, has leathery, strap-like leaves that form a clump at the base with large daisy-like flowers at the end of the stem. The powdery blue flowers bloom from July until frost have a plant height of 18ö and a plant spread of 18-24ö.

æKlaus Jelitto StokeÆsÆ Aster will do best in a full sun area with morning shade and well-drained soil. It should not stay wet while in dormancy. Great for summer color in beds, borders or containers it produces excellent cut flowers. To increase bloom time, deadhead after the first initial flowering.

The Dianthus 'Purple Bouquet', Dianthus Barbatushas, a lightly scented, lavender bloom. They have a maximun height of 20" and a spread of 10" to 12" . Dianthus 'Bouquet Purple' grows long straight stems to 24" in length. This unique trait has made it a popular plant for commercial cut flower growers.

Plant in full sun in fertile well drained soil in either beds or containers. "Bouquet Purple' is quite heat tolerant. Flowers are lightly scented and excellent for cutting. It is well suited for backyard landscapes and cutting gardens.

The Columbine 'Aquilegia Biedermeier ColumbineÆ, also known as Aquilegia æBiedermeier', is a beautiful, easy to grow spring blooming perennial. The blue-green foliage adds texture and color in the fall to any of your perennial beds. The mix of colors and shortness make this Columbine stand out from the rest. With a height of 12" and a plant spread of 18-24ö, you wonÆt want to miss this.

æBiedermeierÆ should be planted in full sun to partial shade in fertile, moist well-drained soil.á Columbine is a profuse self-seeder so it should be planted 12-18ö apart. It is best used in rock gardens or in containers and for beds and borders, in cottage gardens and it attracts butterflies. Enjoy this popular flower in your garden or as a cut flower.

The Grass 'Oriental Fountain Grass Tall Tales', Pennisetum orientale æTall TalesÆ, is upright and arching. Wonderful in the border plantings or in planters, this beautiful and elegant Pennisetum is prized for its showy pink flowers. One of the longest blooming and best clumping grasses.

The nodding, 12" long flower spikes are an attractive purplish-pink color and are excellent as cut flowers. Does not generally set seed. Prefers well-draining soil in full sun, but tolerates partial shade. Also tolerant of high temperatures, high humidity, high wind, drought, acidic to alkaline soils, and is pest free. Makes a dramatic statement anywhere in the landscape.

The Gaillardia æKobold Blanket FlowerÆ, Gaillardia x Goblin, has wonderful blooms that are red, orange and bright yellow, and are almost daisy like. The foliage is a gray-green almost basil like. æKoboldÆ blooms from early June through fall with a plant height of 12ö and a width of 10-12ö. It is a major attractor to bees, butterflies, birds and resistant to rabbits and deer.

æKobold Blanket FlowersÆ require full sun and well-drained soil. Gaillardia will do best in soil that is not too fertile and should not be over watered. For the perfect site, try planting in sunny borders, dry or windy sites, in mass plantings or in containers. æKobold Blanket FlowerÆ will also produce long-lasting cut flowers.

The Helipsos 'Summer Sun Sunflower', Heliopsis helianthiodes, is a great combination of large, orange-yellow flowers with dark green foliage. Blooming from July till frost, this Heliopsis grows to 4Æ tall with a plant spread of 18-24ö. This easy to grow perennial attracts butterflies and is deer resistant. æSummer Sun SunflowerÆ needs to be grown in full sun, but can tolerate some afternoon shade.

It can be planted in average, well-drained soil, but do not allow it to dry out. A wonderful addition to island beds or in the back or borders or as cut flowers. æSummer Sun SunflowerÆ may be slow to appear in the spring, but the blooms persist long after other perennials have completed their show.