1-2'H Perennials

A ground-covering perennial that produces large clusters of double white and pink, lightly fragrant flowers in summer that open in the evening attracting hummingbird moths as well as butterflies and larger bees. Use Soapwort or Bouncingbet as a groundcover, as a companion for larger growing perennials, or allow it to spill over walls and from containers. This is an old pass-a-long plant that was once used to make soaps giving it one of its common names. Item# 11167

1/4" deep red flowers adorn the tall, wispy, elongating flower spikes from spring to frost attracting a variety of butterflies, hummingbirds, and larger bees. The Dwarf Red Porterweed, Stachytarpheta microphylla, is the most compact species of Porterweed that we grow and can potentially reach 3' high and 2' wide by the end of the growing season. The well-branched plants are adorned in smooth, medium green to nearing gray-green, rounded foliage. Its smaller stature lends it to use as a container plant to bring the pollinators in close or add them to the garden and landscape for low maintenance, summer long color. These are heat and sunloving tropicals and the hotter and sunnier it is the happier they seem to be, but can still grow and flower well in a partly shaded site. Provide a well-draining, fertile, average moist soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 407

The sweetly contrasting bicolor flowers are composed of two large soft shell pink lower petals and a bright rosy pink tube and hood all emerging from maroon tinged calyxes and spikes. Dyson's Joy Salvia, or simply Joy Salvia, is likely a selection or hybrid of Salvia greggii or Autumn Sage, and develops into a compact rounded plant growing to about 2' x 2' that can be enjoyed as a container plant as well as in the garden and landscape. The brightly colored flowers attract low flying hummingbirds, occasional butterflies, and other pollinators with its nectar rich flowers. Provide a well-drained soil in full to mostly sunny conditions and never keep soggy wet. An RHS Award of Garden Merit winner! Photos courtesy of New World Plants, LTD., all rights reserved. Item# 13140

Rich purple, 1" wide daisies with a nicely contrasting sunny yellow eye are produced in mass in fall attracting bees and other smaller pollinators with a late season burst of color just in time for LSU Football! Geaux Tigers! Ezo Murasaki Japanese Woods Aster or Asian Aster, a selection of Aster ageratoides var. ageratoides, is a vigorous rhizomatous perennial adorned with deep green ovate foliage that makes an easy warm season groundcover topping out at about 24" high. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in average moist, fertile, average to well-drained soils. Caterpillar host: Field Crescent, Pearl Crescent, Texan Crescent, Roadside Checkerspot, Hoffman's Checkerspot, and American Lady. Item# 13049

Plants are covered by clusters of 2-3" wide, widely flaring, 4-petalled, glowing sunny yellow flowers in late spring and early summer and are held against red tinged foliage and even darker red new growth, flower buds, and winter rosettes. Fireworks Sundrops, a selection of our native Oenothera fruticosa subsp. glauca, but has a more compact, 12-18" high habit than the species. This is a tough and easy clump forming to short-rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial well suited to sunny, well-drained sites and plants typically need little additional attention once established in the landscape. Unlike many of the Evening Primroses, Sundrop flowers are open during the day providing nectar and pollen to a variety of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Images courtesy of North Creek Nurseries, all rights reserved. Item# 10160

Up to 1" wide, light purple to blue, yellow-eyed daisies are borne in small clusters and singly atop a dense mound of bristly arching stems over an extended period in late summer and fall attracting a variety of smaller pollinators, especially bees. The Flax-Leaf Ankle-Aster, Ionactis lineariifolia but potentially I. repens (see additional notes on this plant's full product page), is a clump forming, herbaceous, native perennial that grows from a woody base producing a multitude of small wiry stems that are adorned with very narrow, stiff, fine, gray-green foliage. The plants naturally form a fairly dense rounded and spreading mound of stems to about 12-18" high and 16-24" wide. Locally, we normally find this plant on deep, dryish, poor sandy or loamy soils. This unusual Aster is native to much of the central and eastern US. It is a tough, deer and drought resistant, native perennial that is suitable for the perennial garden, rock gardens, and xeriscaping as well as for naturalistic areas like meadows and roadsides. The plants are moderately shade tolerant, but may flower best where they receive 4-6 hours or more of direct sunlight. Provide the Flax-Leaf Ankle-Aster with a sharply draining sandy, loamy, or rocky soil and average moisture during initial establishment. Item# 10692

The red to pinkish-red and white tubular flowers emerge from between the spikes of chartreuse bracts from spring to fall to year-round under warm tropical conditiosn. The Fruit Cocktail Shrimp Plant, one the newest selections of Justicia brandegeeana, has a naturally more compact, better branching habit than the typical Red Shrimp Plant but in all other regards it is nearly identical. It is quite tolerant of light conditions ranging from full sun to light shade but may have the densest habit in sunnier conditions. The flowers attract hummingbirds, larger butterflies, and other pollinators. Use Shrimp Plants to add color in containers, as a specimen plant or in mixed container gardens, as well as in the garden and landscape. Provide an average to well-drained, moderately fertile, average moist soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Caterpillar host: Cuban Crescent, Texan Crescent, White Peacock, and Malachite. Item# 12724

Flat topped clusters composed of numerous tiny, golden yellow flowers atop sturdy stems in mid to late spring to summer attracting a host of smaller pollinators. Golden Alexanders, Zizea aurea, is a native, clump forming, herbaceous perennial with deep green foliage growing to about 2-3' high. The deep green, glossy, lobed foliage is utilized by the Eastern Black and Ozark Swallowtail caterpillars and the ripened seed heads are utilized by songbirds. It is native throughout much of the central and eastern US in moist woodlands, roadsides, meadows, and prairies. Provide a full sun to partially shaded site in a moist to average moist, fertile soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 11774

Dense pyramidal shaped clusters composed of hundreds of small bright golden yellow flowers are produced atop short sturdy 18-24" high stems in mid to late summer well into fall attracting a variety of pollinators. Golden Fleece Autumn or Heart-Leaved Goldenrod, a selection of Solidago sphacelata, is a compact rhizomatous perennial adorned with heart-shaped foliage that makes an easy and informal groundcover eventually spreading to about 30" wide in 3-5 years. Discovered as a chance seedling in an Eden, North Carolina garden and introduced by Richard Lighty of  Mt. Cuba Center in 1985. It won the 1994 Internationale Stauden-Union’s Award for an outstanding new plant in Switzerland. Golden Fleece was also one of the few 4 out of 4-star rated cultivars in the 2000 Chicago Botanic Gardens trials and proved to have excellent resistance to both rust and powdery mildew. Provide a full sun to partly shaded site in an average moist to dryish, average to well-drained, fertile soil. Images courtesy of North Creek Nurseries, Inc., all rights reserved. Item# 13180

Clusters of bright golden yellow upward facing daisies sit atop sturdy stems and emerge from rosettes of finely cut medium green foliage in early(8B) to midspring(6), depending on your cold hardiness zone. The flowers attract bees and other pollinators. Golden Groundsel is rhizomatous native perennial that readily develops into a groundcover and is tolerant of moist shaded conditions as well as in rain gardens, at the edges of ponds or other perennial water sources, or use it in naturalistic settings, roadsides, meadows and prairies. For optimum vigor this winter growing perennial prefers a consistently moist soil but can tolerate average moisture where it receives more shade. Item# 11803

The dark colored spikes and calyxes are adorned with 1" long, deep magenta-purple, two-lipped tubular flowers that are set against a backdrop of contrasting golden to chartreuse spring foliage. The brightly colored, nectar rich flowers are sure to draw hummingbirds as well as bees and the occassional butterfly. Golden Rosiene Salvia or Jame Sage, a hybrid selection grouped with Salvia x jamensis but with quilted foliage similar to Littleleaf Sage, is a compact perennial Salvia growing to about 12-16" high and with unique yellow and chartreuse, quilted, fragrant foliage that may deepen into green tones as summer arrives. The fragrant foliage may be evergreen in mild winter climates and plants are reported to be hardy into zone 7. Provide this tough perennial Salvia with a well-drained, fertile soil with average moisture, although, fully established plants are somewhat drought resistant the plants will flower best where they have at least some moisture available during the growing season. New to the US for 2025! Image courtesy of Jadelty Nursery, all rights reserved. Item# 13505

Flat topped clusters of bluish-purple Ageratum-like flowers are borne atop short sturdy stems that are adorned with finely cut and softly textured, medium green foliage. The flowers attract loads of butterflies as well as other pollinators and Gregg's Mistflower flowers most heavily beginning in late summer and lasting through fall. Its rhizomatous though non-aggressive nature makes this durable and drought resistant perennial an excellent addition to the garden where it can be utilized as a groundcover as well as in naturalistic settings. It does seem to prefer a little midday and afternoon shade, especially in the hottest summer climates and in dryer settings. Selected as a 2024 Texas Superstar® plant thanks to its flowerpower, toughness, and reliability. Caterpillar host: Rawson's Metalmark. Item# 10811.

Conicle panicles adorned with numerous nearly 1" long, rich purple, foxglove-like flowers are produced in mid to late spring atop sturdy 20-30" high stems attracting bees, hummingbirds, and occasional butterflies. Gulf Coast Penstemon, Penstemon tenuis, is a rosette to small clump forming, herbaceous, native perennial typically found growing in or near consistently moist areas like along streams, rivers, floodplains, and at the edges of marshes or moist prairies. While it does prefer moisture it seems to be perfectly happy in an average moist soil in the garden or landscape and can also be maintained as a container plant as a specimen or in combinations. Gulf Coast Beardtongue is native mainly in Louisiana and Arkansas as well as western Mississippi and eastern Texas. Provide a full sun to partly shaded site, the latter of which may be beneficial especially in drier sites, in a moist to average moist fertile soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 9158

The large rounded clusters of flowers open a bright sunny yellow and quickly deepen into deep cherry red tones attracting a variety of pollinators. HAVANA® Cherry Lantana is a semi-compact, growing plant to about 12-18" high and wide making these great choices for colorful containers as well as in the garden and landscape. This series is a better choice for a smaller growing, medium vigor Lantana where growing seasons tend to be cooler and shorter. The HAVANA® Lantana series are nearly sterile producing little to no fruit or viable seed thus these plants can spend their energy on flower and nectar production. They start flowering earlier giving you a longer season of color from spring into fall attracting a myriad of pollinators throughout the growing season. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in a fertile, average moist soil for optimum vigor and continuous flowering. Images courtesy of Dümmen Orange, all rights reserved. Item# 13610

The large rounded clusters of peach colored buds open to yellow tones and quickly mature into a medium purplish pink. HEARTLAND™ Blue Moon Lantana is a new more vigorous cousin to the HAVANA™ series growing to about 18-24" high and wide making these great choices for colorful containers as well as in the garden and landscape. This series is a better choice for a smaller growing Lantana where growing seasons tend to be cooler and shorter. The HEARTLAND™ Lantana series are nearly sterile producing almost no fruit or viable seed thus these plants can spend their energy on flower and nectar production. They start flowering earlier giving you a longer season of color from spring into fall attracting a myriad of pollinators throughout the growing season. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in a fertile, average moist soil for optimum vigor and continuous flowering. Images courtesy of Dümmen Orange, all rights reserved. Item# 13311

The large rounded clusters of flowers open a bright yellow and quickly deepen through shades of orange and red into magenta and purple tones. HEARTLAND™ Neon Lantana is a new more vigorous cousin to the HAVANA™ series growing to about 18-24" high and wide making these great choices for colorful containers as well as in the garden and landscape. This series is a better choice for a smaller growing Lantana where growing seasons tend to be cooler and shorter. The HEARTLAND™ Lantana series are nearly sterile producing almost no fruit or viable seed thus these plants can spend their energy on flower and nectar production. They start flowering earlier giving you a longer season of color from spring into fall attracting a myriad of pollinators throughout the growing season. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in a fertile, average moist soil for optimum vigor and continuous flowering. Item# 12813

The UGA Trial Gardens 2025 Classic City Award Winner and was the #1 of 28 Lantanas with a 4.96 rating at the 2024 Penn State Trial Gardens! The large rounded clusters of flowers open a golden yellow and quickly deepen through shades of orange into fiery reds. HEARTLAND™ Really Red Lantana is a new more vigorous cousin to the HAVANA™ series growing to about 18-24" high and wide making these great choices for colorful containers as well as in the garden and landscape. This series is a better choice for a smaller growing Lantana where growing seasons tend to be cooler and shorter. The HEARTLAND™ Lantana series are nearly sterile producing almost no fruit or viable seed thus these plants can spend their energy on flower and nectar production. They start flowering earlier giving you a longer season of color from spring into fall attracting a myriad of pollinators throughout the growing season. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in a fertile, average moist soil for optimum vigor and continuous flowering. Item# 12814

The rounded clusters of flowers open a deep yellow and quickly deepen through shades of orange and finally maturing into pink tones. HEARTLAND™ Sunset 2024 Lantana is a new more vigorous cousin to the HAVANA™ series growing to about 18-24" high and wide making these great choices for colorful containers as well as in the garden and landscape. This series is a better choice for a smaller growing Lantana where growing seasons tend to be cooler and shorter. The HEARTLAND™ Lantana series are nearly sterile producing almost no fruit or viable seed thus these plants can spend their energy on flower and nectar production. They start flowering earlier giving you a longer season of color from spring into fall attracting a myriad of pollinators throughout the growing season. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in a fertile, average moist soil for optimum vigor and continuous flowering. Item# 13312

Spikes up to 16-20" high are topped by clusters of tubular blue to blue-violet flowers with a contrasting white bee-guide are produced beginning as early as late spring but mainly in summer, occasionally into fall, and attract a variety of native bees along with larger butterflies. Helmet Skullcap, Scutellaria integrifolia, is a small, 12-20" high, clump forming to short rhizomatous perennial native from East Texas, all along the Gulf Coast and up the Eastern Seaboard into southern Massachussets and New York. This is a common component of the brightly lit understory in the Pineywoods and locally we typically see it in dryer or mesic uplands including hardwood and pineforests in well-drained loamy and sandy soils as well as in more moist sunnier sites. Provide a full sun to partly shaded site in a well-drained soil for optimum vigor and flowering. May reseed on exposed soils. Item# 12769