Plant Information Resource Center

Fast-growing, dark green glossy evergreen foliage forms dense carpet. Tiny white flower spikes bloom in April. Spreads rapidly by underground stems to form large colonies.

Fragrant, fully double, pink blossoms abound in early summer. The central petals have a tendancy to curl inward, giving the flowers a sphere-like shape. Many side buds are produced, extending the bloom time. Peonies are classic garden plants that add a bit of nostalgia and charm to the garden. Their fragrant blooms and lush foliage have made them popular for years, and with the recent resurgence in breeding, they will continue to improve. Peonies are simple to grow and can be utilized in many ways, including mass plantings, specimens, or hedges. By choosing a mixture of early, midseason, and late blooming varieties, you can have blooms for up to 6 weeks.

Garden Peonies are old favourites for late spring display, prized for their large, colourful and fragrant blooms. Plants form an upright bush of dark green leaves, remaining attractive all season. This selection offers double, bomb-type flowers in deep red with pink tones appearing on strong stems mid-season. Delightful light fragrance. Excellent for cutting. Peonies seldom need to be divided or moved, but if necessary it should be carried out only in the fall. Flowering is always best in a sunny location. Trim off old stems to the ground in late fall, to help prevent disease problems.

This is a striking Japanese style peony of exceptional beauty. The Peony 'Bowl of Beauty' grows to 32" high, with large, delicate flowers in May and June. Each blossom is a lovely, single bloom peony with rich rose pink flowers and frilly, creamy yellowish-white centers. The blossoms are sweetly fragrant and are supported on strong stems. Blooms early.

Garden Peonies are old favourites for late spring display, prized for their large, colourful and fragrant blooms. Plants form an upright bush of dark green leaves, remaining attractive all season. This selection offers double, bomb-type flowers in deep red with pink tones appearing on strong stems mid-season. Delightful light fragrance. Excellent for cutting. Peonies seldom need to be divided or moved, but if necessary it should be carried out only in the fall. Flowering is always best in a sunny location. Trim off old stems to the ground in late fall, to help prevent disease problems.

Loosely double blooms are deep, rose-pink to red. Individual petals are traced with a hint of silver. Sturdy stems and deep green foliage. Fragrant. Heirloom variety. Great for cutting. Early-Midseason.

This classic peony is a true color breakthrough in the coral category. Deep coral buds open to semi-double, light coral peach blossoms early in the peony season. This charming peony has attractive deep green foliage and grows equally well in northern and southern zones. Peonies are classic garden plants that add a bit of nostalgia and charm to the garden. Their fragrant blooms and lush foliage have made them popular for years, and with the recent resurgence in breeding, they will continue to improve. Peonies are simple to grow and can be utilized in many ways, including mass plantings, specimens, or hedges. By choosing a mixture of early, midseason, and late blooming varieties, you can have blooms for up to 6 weeks.

Single shell pink outer petals with darker rose-pink to red center. Blooms May and June. Lightly fragrant. A long lived perennial.

Carmine-red blossoms with a silvery sheen are lavishly produced in early summer. This is a fragrant, double variety.

Double white flowers have red streaks on center petals blooming in May and June. Flowers are noticeably fragrant. Glossy green foliage on strong stems. A long lived perennial.

Double, rich red blooms with centers shaped like rosebuds grace the garden in early summer. This is an advanced-generation hybrid of a cross between P. lactiflora and P. officinalis. Peonies are classic garden plants that add a bit of nostalgia and charm to the garden. Their fragrant blooms and lush foliage have made them popular for years, and with the recent resurgence in breeding, they will continue to improve. Peonies are simple to grow and can be utilized in many ways, including mass plantings, specimens, or hedges. By choosing a mixture of early, midseason, and late blooming varieties, you can have blooms for up to 6 weeks.

Popular creamy white and gold combination with extraordinary form and slight sweet fragrance. Blooms have hints of pink and broad, well-formed guard petals. Excellent cut flower.

Fragrant single blooms have satiny white petals around big yellow centers. A long lived perennial. Long lasting cut flower.

Large, bright watermelon red flowers which are fully double appear on strong, dark green stems in early summer. The color is sunfast, ensuring top performance, and it contrasts well with the mid-green foliage. Cut a few stems to bring the lovely scent of the blossoms inside.

Brilliant double fuchsia-wine flowers bloom in May. Mildly fragrant. A long lived perennial. Long lasting cut flower. A long lived perennial.

Semi-double creamy white outer petals with golden-yellow center. Blooms in early May. Fragrant. Glossy green foliage. A long lived perennial.

Large double ruby-red, fragrant flowers bloom in late May. Glossy green foliage. A long lived perennial.

This incredible double selection features ivory outer petals and a sulphur-yellow centre. Early flowering.

Recognized as the best deep red Double, this 1944 award-winning Glasscock hybrid has gigantic, ruffled, bomb-type deep merlot-red flowers with full, piled-high peaked centers and a sweet-spicy fragrance.

Full double purple-red flowers. Very healthy, dark green and shiny foliage with very stout stems for a lactiflora-variety. Also because of this not much like 'Sarah Bernhardt' at all. BTW, 'Red Sarah Bernhardt' originates from China and is renamed for her pink namesake for obvious commercial ends. Currently this variety is very sought after and desired for by the world's cut flower industry.

Large, double blooms are rose-pink and bloom in May and June. Very Fragrant. Glossy green foliage. A long lived perennial. Use peony cage to keep flowers upright.

Large, single, fragrant flowers with scarlet-red petals and gold center stamens. Blooms in early May. Glossy green foliage.

Highly fragrant, large, double flowers are pale pink when they emerge, then lighten to white as they mature. They are produced atop very strong stems in late spring to early summer and are wonderful in fresh bouquets. The plant forms a sturdy shrub-like clump with deep green foliage. This is a highly floriferous, vigorous variety. Peonies are classic garden plants that add a bit of nostalgia and charm to the garden. Their fragrant blooms and lush foliage have made them popular for years, and with the recent resurgence in breeding, they will continue to improve. Peonies are simple to grow and can be utilized in many ways, including mass plantings, specimens, or hedges. By choosing a mixture of early, midseason, and late blooming varieties, you can have blooms for up to 6 weeks.

PROVEN WINNER. Dense, upright, columnar habit with grey-green leaves. In the fall, the tips of the leaves are flushed with a hint of rosy-red. While other green-leaved Switch Grass typically have cream or tan inflorescences, ‘Apache Rose’ has unique rose-colored flower panicles welcome color in the fall garden. Switch grass gets its name from the peaceful swishing sound it makes when blowing in the wind. All parts of this grass are very sturdy, and will remain standing thru winter unless snows are heavy. This provides important cover for birds during the coldest days of winter. This grass is very versatile from a design standpoint; it is effective as a specimen, in masses, for screening, alongside ponds or streams, or even in large containers. Ornamental Grasses of the PRAIRIE WINDS® Collection add graceful texture and movement to the garden. These varieties thrive in full sun growing conditions and are proven deer resistant.

Upright grass with arching yellow-tinged stems and pendulous inflorescences. Doesn't flop. Rust resistant.

Fantastic foliage stays green until Halloween! From production to the landscape, this grass truly is a breeze. Selected for upright habit, compact size and early flowering. Its perfect, tidy stature combines the toughness of seaside Panicum with the neatness of garden worthy cultivars. Great texture and movement in the landscape!

Absolutely ideal for growing in decorative containers, this hardy Red Switch Grass is a perennial substitute for Pennisetum 'Rubrum'. Measuring in at just 3ft (2ft before blooming), 'Cheyenne Sky' forms a tight, vase-shaped clump of blue-green foliage that begins turning wine red in early summer. By late summer, nearly the entire clump is drenched in color and is topped by matching wine-red flower panicles held just above the foliage. It makes a dynamite specimen plant and is even more eye-catching when planted en masse.

Wide, blue, upright foliage. Large, purplish flower heads emerge late in summer. PP11202

Compact switch gras that emerges blue green and reddens rapidly to produce a rich, deep maroon show. Eary to color.

Looking for a large specimen plant for your landscape? Look no further! Even gardeners in chilly zone 4 can grow this native grass with ease. Panicum 'Thundercloud' PP20665 is a very large switch grass that grows to a height of 7-8ft when mature. Yet the blue-green foliage remains strictly upright and doesn't flop over in windy, rainy conditions. In late summer, a plethora of pinkish-tan, airy panicles are produced just above the foliage. This selection was hybridized by Gary Trucks of Amber Wave Gardens in West Michigan.

Crimson-red flowers reminiscent of crepe paper. Poppies require full sun and well-drained soil. Do not over water.

Large, cup shaped, papery orange flowers on strong, graceful stems in June and July . The foliage of Oriental poppies goes dormant in summer, sometimes reappearing in the autumn.

Clump-forming, Missouri native perennial which occurs in dry soils on prairies, glades and rocky woods. Grows 3-4' tall. Woolly-looking, white flower headsMay to august. Leaves are aromatic, toothed and rough. Former medicinal use as a diuretic. Also called American Feverfew.

Vigorous climbing ability and spectacular fall color make this vine an effective cover for fences, walls, or even the ground. Large, three-lobed leaves have a waxy appearance. The flowers are insignificant. In autumn, the foliage is set ablaze in shades of red and orange. Boston Ivy is easy to grow, even by beginner's standards. Tolerating nearly any soil and light conditions, this vine will quickly grow to cover everything in its path. It is a clinging vine, so it will automatically attach itself to any wall or fence that it is planted against. Regular pruning will help to keep this plant in bounds.Boston Ivy is able to tolerate pollution from urban settings.

Narrow green leaves arch softly toward the ground and turn golden yellow in fall. Flowers resemble large foxtails and are good in floral arrangements. Use in masses or in decorative containers. Native to Illinois and Arkansas. Hardy to zone 6.

A new Pennisetum with a big future. Abundant, 8-10" flower spikes start light lavender, mature dark purple, and dry to beige above a flowing mound of fine green foliage. Hardy to at least Zone 6. PP12909

Clump-forming, Missouri-native perennial typically occurs in prairies, fields, wood margins, open woods and along railroad tracks. Abundant plumes of tubular white flowers provide nectar for hummingbirds April through June. Attractive seed heads and reddish fall color extend seasonal interest. Attracts songbirds.

Dark purple flower stems hold its lilac purple flowers with their white flaring tubes high above the low mound of deep eggplant purple leaves. Attractive dark burgundy seed pods follow the flowering performance for extended seasonal interest. ‘Blackbeard’ stays strictly upright all season long. It takes the heat and humidity in stride but is also very cold hardy. It continues to provide terrific color in the landscape all season long.

Foliage emerges purple-bronze and matures to green. Profusion of white flowers on wiry stems. Grows best in full sun and moist soil. [PPA-1996]

Clusters of bell shaped lavender pink blossoms in April to June, with red stems are highlighted against a backdrop of upright deep green, burgundy washed foliage. Foliage emerges deep burgundy red. Butterflies love Penstemon.

Need a shorter, manageable Russian Sage that is still vigorous in the landscape and production? Try ‘Blue Jean Baby’! Lavender blue flowers held in smoky purple calyxes bloom for a long period starting in midsummer, with the color from the calyxes extending appeal into fall. This variety is one of the earliest Perovskia to bloom. This bushy selection joins the lineup of Perovskia from the Walters Gardens, Inc. hybridizing and, like the others this program has introduced, resists lodging.

PROVEN WINNER. Lacy-like, bright sky blue flowers are held on amethyst calyxes. Its calyxes are spaced very close together to give the flowers a very full look. The colorful calyxes make it look like it is still in bloom even when it is past peak. Denim ‘n Lace’ doesn’t get too tall, has stronger stems and a more upright habit than most older varieties.

Though we love Perovskia ‘Little Spire’ for its compact habit, it grows a bit tall for some who are looking for a shorter selection that works well in smaller urban gardens. We’ve been working for several years on developing a new Perovskia to fit that niche and now we have it! Introducing ‘Peek-a-Blue’, a short selection of P. atriplicifolia with a compact habit and attractive, finely dissected foliage. Very lacy, silvery green leaves line the silvery stems topped with lavender blue flowers from midsummer into early fall. The plants measure just over 2’ tall when they are in full bloom. In the landscape, they peek out between shorter plants in the front of the border and taller plants in the back.

White plumes over bushy, vase-shaped plants from May through September. Clump forming; not invasive.

Green and white variegated foliage is blushed with pink during cool seasons. Produces soft white flower panicles. A rapid spreader, use as a ground cover or for erosion control. Tolerates clay soil.

Light amethyst pink flowers with a white eye are produced in loose, rounded panicles in early summer and reblooms again in early fall. Glossy, bright green foliage stays clean all season. Like ‘Minnie Pearl’, it spreads slowly by rhizomes.

A new hybrid, ‘Cloudburst’ combines the rich colors of tall garden phlox and the dome-like habit of cushion phlox. Vibrant lavender-purple flowers have bright pink eyes and bloom all summer, starting about two to three weeks ahead of Phlox paniculata. A very mildew resistant variety.

‘Fashionably Early Crystal’ is a taller variety of Hybrid Phlox that will work best for the middle to back of the border. In addition to blooming 2-3 weeks earlier than the typical Tall Garden Phlox, it boasts a long season of color. Pure white flowers with a faint light purple eye appear from early summer well into midsummer with some rebloom in fall. Broad, dark green, thick foliage stays beautiful all season. Each member of the Fashionably Early series has exceptional mildew resistance, thick leathery leaves, and a stoloniferous habit (as opposed to the tightly clumping P. paniculata types).

‘Fashionably Early Flamingo’ is a taller variety of Hybrid Phlox that will work best for the middle to back of the border. In addition to blooming 2-3 weeks earlier than the typical Tall Garden Phlox, it boasts a long season of color. Perfectly defined panicles of light lavender pink flowers bloom prolifically well into midsummer with some rebloom in fall. Broad, dark green, thick foliage stays beautiful all season. Each member of the Fashionably Early series has exceptional mildew resistance, thick leathery leaves, and a stoloniferous habit (as opposed to the tightly clumping P. paniculata types).

‘Fashionably Early Princess’ is the very first of the series to bloom. This is a taller variety of Hybrid Phlox that will work best for the middle to back of the border. In addition to being early blooming, it boasts a long season of color. Light fuchsia pink flowers and a darker pink eye appear well into midsummer with some rebloom in fall. Broad, thick, glossy green foliage stays beautiful all season. Each member of the Fashionably Early series has exceptional mildew resistance, thick leathery leaves, and a stoloniferous habit (as opposed to the tightly clumping P. paniculata types).

Intensely colored, fuchsia pink flowers blanket the foliage of this shorter variety. Blooms 2-3 weeks earlier than Phlox paniculata, and is extremely resistant to powdery mildew.

Violet-blue, fragrant flowers bloom in April and May. Puts on quite a show when in blooms. A long lived, carefree native groundcover.

Large heads of clear white flowers blooming July through September. Extremely mildew resistant. Deadheading prolongs bloom. Attracts songbirds. 2002 Perennial Plant of the Year. The best white available. 2002 Perennial Plant of the Year.

Hot coral-pink flowers are held on dark purple stems. Even the oldest flowers in the panicles are a beautiful shade of light coral pink. ‘Glamour Girl’ maintains bright green, healthy looking foliage on strong stems all summer, putting on a flower show mid to late summer. Good resistance through hot, humid summers with ease, shaking off any sign of powdery mildew. Tall Garden Phlox grows best in rich, moist soil in full sun. It will thrive with bi-monthly fertilizing and consistent moisture levels. Overhead watering should be avoided since some varieties of phlox are susceptible to powdery mildew. This can be avoided or diminished by providing ample air circulation around the plants and by thinning them out periodically. Deadheading will prolong bloom time and prevent self-seeding.

Sweetly fragrant petite lavender-pink flowers are born on large dense panicles up to 6 inches long. Brighten up the border or containers with this charming variety. Perfect for the middle of the border, this vigorous grower is highly mildew resistant and a source of great color, attracting beneficial insects and butterflies.

PROVEN WINNER. Tall Garden Phlox are a mainstay in the midsummer sun garden, and this new hybrid Phlox will bloom even earlier, starting in early summer. It boasts a long season of color in addition to being early blooming, with lovely light lavender pink flowers typically appearing from early summer well into midsummer, with some sporadic rebloom into early fall. The dark green, glossy foliage is mildew and disease resistant, an improvement on older varieties of Phlox that don’t hold up as well in the heat and humidity of summer. Plant these in an area with good air circulation and plenty of sunshine.

PROVEN WINNER. Pure white flowers typically appearing from early summer well into midsummer, with some sporadic rebloom into early fall. The dark green, glossy foliage is mildew and disease resistant, an improvement on older varieties of Phlox that don’t hold up as well in the heat and humidity of summer. Plant these in an area with good air circulation and plenty of sunshine.

Cherry red flowers on compact plants.

One of the tallest Phlox with large clusters of violet-pink, fragrant flowers blooming late June through September. Dark green, mildew resistant foliage on strong stems. Attracts songbirds.

Dark green foliage with a showy display of white flowers, each with a tiny maroon-red eye.

Produces a stunning blanket of pink and white two-tone flowers in April and May. Semi-evergreen foliage forms a dense, carpet-like ground cover. Mass planting creates a spectacular show.

Rosy red flowers. Semi evergreen, needlelike foliage.

Larger flowers than other Creeping Phlox. Dark green needle-like foliage. Fragrant deep pink flowers with deeper pink eyes.

Produces a stunning blanket of clear blue flowers in April and May. Semi-evergreen foliage forms a dense, carpet-like groundcover. Mass planting creates a spectacular show.

Produces a stunning blanket of pink flowers with red eye in April and May. Semi-evergreen foliage forms a dense, carpet-like groundcover. Mass planting creates a spectacular show.

Produces a stunning blanket of lavender-blue flowers with dark eye in April and May. Semi-evergreen foliage forms a dense, carpet-like groundcover. Mass planting creates a spectacular show.

Crimson flowers with dark red eyes. Semi evergreen, needlelike foliage.

Produces a stunning blanket of deep scarlet pink flowers with dark rose eye in April and May. Semi-evergreen foliage forms a dense, carpet-like groundcover. Mass planting creates a spectacular show.

Starry white flowers. Much denser than 'White Delight'. Semi evergreen, needlelike foliage.

Balloon-like buds burst open into splendid blue, dwarf bell-shaped flowers. Prolific bloomer.

Lots of medium blue flowers with yellow halos and white eyes. Repeat blooms if sheared back after the first flush of flowers. Glossy foliage and a compact habit. Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil.

Dangling white fragrant flowers below leaves in April and May. Tall, upright variegated foliage is soft green and white, turning an attractive yellow in fall. Flowers are followed by blue-black berries. Slowly colonizes to form dense stands. Looks terrific in a woodland garden.

Glossy, dark green foliage is evergreen. Fronds emerge upright, arching as they mature to cover ground. Drought tolerant once established. Tiny leaves resemble Christmas stockings.

Dusky raspberry coral flowers over green leaves splashed with silver dots. Strong upright growth habit. PP12138

Periwinkle blue flowers adorn low mounds of dark green leaves flecked with silver. Pulmonaria's foliage lends 3-season interest to the garden, making it a quintessential shade garden plant.