Native Plants

The upright to arching stems are brightly adorned with hanging clusters of sunny yellow tubular flowers beginning in late spring and continuing until late summer. Mersea Yellow Pine-Leaved Penstemon or Beardtongue is a selection of the native Penstemon pinifolius whose upright to arching stems are adorned with fine 1" long narrow deep green foliage that arises from what can become a woody base. Pineleaf or Pine-Leaved Penstemon is native to the dry desert regions of SE Arizona and SW New Mexico but is tolerant of moist conditions provided it has a very well-drained sandy to rocky mineral soil. It has been reported to be hardy into zone 3 but may require a 'dry' mulch and a protected area. We are hopeful that since this cultivar was developed in England that it will do well in the humid Southeastern US. Item# 11928

Large clusters of fiery orange-red tubular flowers are produced from summer through fall to yearround in warm tropical climates and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Clusters of shiny black 3/8" fruit develop on pollinated flowers and are utilized by songbirds. When grown in full to mostly sunny conditions the foliage generally has a reddish tinge. The Firebush, Hamelia patens var. patens, is native to the southern half of Florida and is evergreen under frost free conditions and can develop into a medium to large shrub. *We have grown this species in our zone 8B gardens for over 30 years as a quite reliable 3-4' high die-back perennial. Each winter it freezes back to its crown and then returns in mid to late spring to flower through much of summer and into fall. Provide a full to mostly sunny site, although they are fairly tolerant, for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 898

A close cousin of the highly popular Yellow Bells, this new introduction produces huge clusters of clear pumpkin orange trumpets in profusion from summer to frost. A root hardy tropical that makes an excellent addition to the perennial garden. Occasional deadheading promotes more blooms, though it is not required. Mulch deeply in winter for best results. Item # 9357.

Loads of 2' long spikes of deep violet-blue pea shaped flowers are held well above the green foliage of this new hybrid Baptisia from Dr. Jim Ault of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Midnight Prairieblues™ creates an upright to vase-shaped plant that blooms for an extended period in spring. An excellent addition to the perennial border or cut-flower garden that is drought tolerant, deer resistant, durable, long-lived, and easy. Images courtesy of North Creek Nurseries. Item# 10156.

As well mannered in the garden as it name implies Miss Manners Physostegia stays in a tidy clump. In summer it produces dense spikes of tubular white flowers atop sturdy stems that attract a variety of pollinators including hummingbirds. This is a hardy, perennial that is native to the eastern half of North America and prefers moist to wet soils but performs well with average moisture. Image courtesy of North Creek Nurseries, all rights reserved. Item# 11094

Large clusters of rich purple flowers sit atop the sturdy stems of this medium sized Ironweed in summer and can last well into fall. A great perennial for butterflies and other pollinators. As the name implies Ironweed is a tough perennial but is well suited to garden culture. Provide good drainage and ample sunlight for best results though we've found that it will tolerate partial sun as well. Item# 10468.

2" primrose yellow daisies top the fine-textured blue-green foliage of this durable native perennial from late spring to late summer and sometimes up until frost. Deadheading will help ensure a fall repeat. Drought tolerant and deer resistant. Provide Moonbeam Coreopsis with good drainage and medium to low moisture. 1992 Perennial Plant of the Year. Item# 9852.

Dainty, 3-petaled, pink to lavender pink flowers are held among and above the fine, narrow foliage of this tidy clump forming native perennial. Morning Grace Spiderwort begins flowering in summer and continues well into fall. The Piedmont Roseling is a dainty and well mannered garden plant that prefers well-draining soils. Images courtesy of North Creek Nurseries. Item# 10616.

The silvery grass-like foliage of Narrowleaf Silk Grass could fool anyone to thinking it might actually be a grass but by late summer and fall you can be sure that this is definitely in the aster family when it puts up sturdy stems that are topped by loose clusters of nearly 1" wide golden yellow daisies. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators including butterflies. A near perfect replacement for lawn grass that provides a burst of brilliant fall color as well. Item# 10686.

The finely textured blue-green  to deep green fragrant foliage of Narrow-Leaved Mountainmint is topped by large clusters of tiny light lavender to light pink tubular blooms in summer. An excellent choice for native pollinators like bees and butterflies. This tough low native seems to remain where you put it creating a clump forming perennial that is fairly tough and durable. Tolerant of wet and dry soil conditions. A good choice for a minty tea. Item# 10030.

A superb butterfly nectar plant! Masses of large pinkish-purple daisy-like blooms are often born from late spring to fall. An excellent cut flower that can last for up to a week in a vase. These seedlings originated from a vigorous native Louisiana population of this beautiful perennial. Item# 9256.

Dainty greenish yellow passionflowers are produced throughout summer and are followed by small black edible/inedible fruit. The Native Yellow Passionflower is a small to medium sized perennial vine with apple green tri-lobed foliage that is often splashed with light silvery variegation. Considered to be one of the most cold hardy Passionvines it is also fairly well mannered making it suitable for container culture. The Yellow Passionflower is found throughout most of the central and eastern US within its hardiness range. A host plant for the Gulf Fritillary, Variegated Fritillary, Zebra Longwing, Julia, and other Heliconian butterflies and the Passionflower Bee. Click on "More Details and Growing Info" or the image to learn more about growing Passionvines as perennials in containers or in the garden and landscape. Item# 11046

A rare and endangered perennial Hibiscus that is native to just a few counties in east Texas. 3-5" wide, creamy white Hibiscus flowers with a burgundy eye are born from mid-summer to fall. Finely textured, and deeply cut, deep green foliage adds to the charm of this Hibiscus. Seems to do equally well under moist conditions as under average garden conditions. Item# 9400.

Clusters of purple frilly flowers are produced atop tall sturdy stems providing late summer and fall color as well as nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. New York Ironweed, Vernonia noveboracensis, is a vigorous growing clump forming native perennial preferring moist to wet to average moist, fertile soils where it grows 5-8' high providing a tall safe platform for pollinators. This tough and easy perennial is well suited to moist naturalistic areas like meadows and prairies where it can mix with fall flowering sunflowers and asters. Tolerant of periodic drought once well-established and can be grown in average moist garden soils. Reseeds, deadhead to prevent unwanted seedlings. Images courtesy of North Creek Nurseries, all rights reserved. Item# 12109

Nodding Penstemon produces loose spikes of 1" light pink to nearly lavender tubular flowers in spring. A drought tolerant clump forming native perennial with a tidy habit that attracts Hummingbirds, butterflies, and multitude of other pollinators. Item# 9743.

Who knew you could get such a rich dark purple from Salvia greggii?! Loads of royal purple, 2-lipped tubular flowers are born in from spring to fall on this low mounding, durable perennial. Great for Hummingbirds and Butterflies! Drought tolerant, deer resistant, and low maintenance. Create a mass of purple flowers in the garden or use it in containers, either way expect to be wowed by Nuevo Leon Autumn Sage! Item#10273.

Masses of 1" yellow-eyed bluish purple daisies absolutely cover this plant for weeks in late summer and fall. October Skies Aster is a low mounding perennial that develops into a compact shrub-like plant by flowering time. Excellent fall color for the garden as well as drought tolerance and pest and disease resistance make this an excellent addition to the perennial or wildflower border. Item# 9913.

3-5" green-yellow fruit with banana custard-like flavor, some say they are best after being frozen. Produces fragrant purple flowers in spring. A small native, normally understory tree, and is the caterpillar host plant of the Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly. Seedling grown. Plant two different varieties or seedlings for pollination. Item# 786.

Deep fuchsia pink falls are centered with lighter peachy pink standards. Beautiful, full, nearly rounded flowers. A vigorous and hardy Louisiana Iris which multiplies readily in average garden soils, moist to wet soils, or can be set in water gardens where the container is just below the water's surface. Blooms March through May. Peaches and Wine Louisiana Iris was selected as the winner of The Mary Swords Debaillon Medal in 2006, the highest award for an iris bestowed by the Society for Louisiana Irises. Item # 1137.