Master Gardeners' Favorite Plants
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Acalypha hispida (Chenille Plant; Foxtail) The Foxtail is used best primarily as a house plant
but can thrive as an annual on a shady porch in the summer. With pendulous tassels of fuzzy red
flowers it is perfect for hanging baskets. It loves bright light, blooms several times a year, and
needs moist soil and fertilizer every six weeks. There is also a purple and white variety. (Zones 10-11) [Debbie St. Pierre]

Achillea (Yarrow) This flower fills all the holes in the garden with color. Though it can become a
pest if not kept under control, it's a tough plant, and "ripping" out the excess doesn't hurt. Very
easily transplanted, it can be relocated for naturalizing. When cut back after the first bloom it
provides a second flowering in late August or September. (Zones 4-8) [Betsey Thomson]

Aquilegia (Columbine ‘Crimson Star’) These long-spurred Aquilegia usually face their flowers
upwards to the viewer, in contrast to the pendant-like, short-spurred flowers of other columbine
cultivars and varieties.  The nectar spurs also offer a distinguishing difference from others in that
they match the crimson color of the sepals.  In others, the color of the nectar spurs matches that
of the petals.  The common name (columbine) comes from the Latin for dove, as the flowers were thought to resemble a cluster of doves. (Zones 3-10) [Bill Law]

Asarum europaeum (Wild European Ginger) This low-growing, carefree plant makes a beautiful
ground cover for shady areas under trees. Plants grow to 12 inches or more across and they can be easily divided. Wild European ginger spreads well but is noninvasive. (Zones 4-7) [Janice Muehlberg]

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Cimicifuga (Bugbane; Snakeroot; Black Cohosh) This tall, elegant plant is for the shade
garden. It has lovely green to purple foliage and scented white flowers that bloom late summer
to fall. (Zones 4-8) [Carol Sullivan]

Clematis integrifolia (Solitary Clematis) This variety of Clematis bears single, nodding,
blue-purple flowers that look like a hat a fairy would wear. Deadheading will provide continuous
blooming throughout the summer. Beautiful plumose seed heads will follow blooms. It grows to
about 18 inches and does not climb. It can be supported with twigs or other plants. (Zones 3-7)
[Susie Powers]



Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet) This relatively tall shrub has terminal, candle-like spikes
(3-8 inches long) of small pink or white flowers followed by clusters of brown seed capsules that
remain on the plant over the winter. The leaves form terminal whorl-like clusters and are not subject
to mildew or insects. This August-blooming shrub has a pleasing fragrance and likes moist soil and
full sun but will do well in partial shade. It responds well to pruning and can be divided. Its spreading thickets of upright stems that make this shrub useful as a filler in the back of borders and for
screen plantings. This is a native shrub to the Northeast and looks great in a naturalized garden. It will thrive
near wetlands. (Zones 6-8) [Heather Gordon]


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Delphinium (Delphinium; Larkspur 'Pacific Giants') Within the hybrid 'Pacific Giants' there
are at least 3 groups, Belladonna, Elatum, and 'Pacific Hybrids', with several varieties in each. They
bloom early to midsummer and may repeat in early fall if old stems are cut down and the plant is
fertilized well. First growth reaches 5 - 6 feet in height. They require staking but they are well
worth including. (Zones 3-7) [Mary A. Malouin]

Deutzia scabra (Fuzzy Deutzia) Fuzzy Deutzia is a medium-sized, deciduous shrub that is native
to Japan and China. It grows to a height of 6-10' and has arching branches, giving it a loose open appearance. It blooms early in June and will be covered in 3-6" panicles of delicate white flowers.
Deutzia prefers well-drained soil and full sun. It can be used for flowering effect or as a specimen
plant. (Zones 5-8) [Sybil Parker]




Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) The Echinacea 'Purple Coneflower' is easy to grow
and produces beautiful, large, fragrant lavender to purple daisy-like flowers from July to October.
They attract butterflies and bees and are deer resistant. With its dark green foliage, it stands 3
feet high with a plant spread of 18 to 24 inches. For best results, it should be planted in full sun
in a well-drained area. (Zones 3-8) [Jeanne Savastano]

Enkianthus companulatus (Red Bells) Red Bells is a wonderfully delicate shrub that grows to a
height of 6 to 8 feet with a tiered, branching pattern. Bell-shaped, pale yellow, red-veined flowers
are borne in short clusters in May and June and remain to provide good fall color ranging from yellow
to orange to red. They prefer full sun to partial shade in acidic, well drained soil - like rhododendrons. They have no serious pests or diseases. (Zones 4-8) [Daisy Schnepel]


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Hakonechloa macra (Golden Japanese Forest Grass) This grass reaches a height of 8-12"
with equal spread. It likes sun to part shade and prefers moist, but not wet, soil. Being a very
versatile plant, it grows well in a perennial border and is equally suited to containers in combination
with coleus or the purple sweet potato vine. Some of the blades of grass can even be used as
accents in cut flower arangements. After 3 years of growth it can be subdivided and spread around.
This non-invasive plant brightens a shady area, is relatively disease and pest free, and requires no care except
winter mulch. (Zones 4-9) [Linda Gardrel]

Heuchera (Alumroot) I have many favorite plants but my absolute favorite is Heuchera. It is an attractive foliage perennial, bearing round, heart-shaped, or varigated leaves, depending on the
many species and varieties. Leaf color varies from green to red with small, delicate white, pink,
yellow, or red bell flowers on upright stalks which grace the 1-2 foot plant from spring to summer.
The many varieties add border interest to gardens in partial shade or full sun. (Zones 3-9) [Sharyn Iannuccilli]

Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea) Truly an all-season shrub, with beautiful, bold
leaves in the spring; white flower panicles in the summer; brilliant red foliage in the fall; and
attractive exfoliating bark in the winter. I have nine oakleaf hydrangeas planted in part shade in
my garden, including 'Snow Queen' and 'Alice'. Like many woodland plants, they do best in soils
with high organic matter. (Zones 5-9) [Hilary Sowa]


Hylotelephium (Sedum 'Autumn Joy') 'Autumn Joy' is a thick stemmed hybrid bearing broad,
gray-green leaves. By late summer, the tops of the 18 to 24-inch stems are totally hidden by huge,
6 inch, cauliflower-shaped flower clusters. These start as densely packed, pale whitish-green buds
that turn bright pink and then deep red for at least a 6 week bloom that lasts from late summer to
late fall. This plant attracts bees and butterflies. (Zones 3-9) [Carla Parkinson]


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Ipomoea (Morning Glory) Morning Glory is an annual vine with ovate, deeply cordate leaves
that are 3-4 inches long and 1-3 inches wide. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and vary from
white to red, purple, blue, or violet-blue. The oval-shaped fruit is about 1/2 inch long and bears
black seeds. This plant can be easily grown from seed. It grows rapidly and will overtake any
nearby plantings - the vines will twine and entangle whatever is in their path! The plant needs
something to climb, lots of sunshine, and lots of water. It is an excellent choice to grow in well-
drained pots. (Zones 9-11) [Caryl Freedman]



Juniperus scopulorum (Juniper 'Blue Arrow') This Juniper was developed in Canada in the
1980s. It is probably the narrowest and slimmest of all upright junipers and, at a height of 15 feet,
adds a wonderful vertical accent to the garden. It seems quite resistant to disease. It will grow to
2 feet wide, and has a wonderful blue/gray color. (Zone 3) [Clare Plowright]


Kerria japonica (Japanese Kerria) This is a compact shrub with lovely arching branches,
growing 6 to 8 feet high and up to 10 feet across. In spring, it is covered with masses of delicate
bright yellow flowers and also re-blooms occasionally throughout the summer and fall. It also has
winter interest in that the stems stay bright green and contrast nicely in the snow. It grows best
in full to part shade and prefers well drained, rather ordinary soil. It is attractive as a specimen
plant or planted in masses and makes a great hedge. (Zones 4-9) [Jack Sullivan]



Lamium maculatum (Dead Nettle) Lamium is a beautiful, spreading plant that displays dark
green leaves with a white center. With the 'Pink Pewter' cultivar, short spikes of pink flowers are
borne from May to September just above the 8-inch tall mounded foliage. It grows best in partial
to deep shade and will tolerate poor soil and dry conditions. Lamium makes an excellent, fast
spreading ground cover, forming an attractive mat through which larger plants can grow.
(Zones 2-9) [Alita Marks]

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Lathyrus vernus (Spring Vetchling; Sweet Pea) This is a beautiful, full, shrubby perennial
that comes up in early spring and blooms with purple flowers in late April to early May. The foliage
looks like a miniature Wisteria. It will do well in shade to part shade as it needs protection from
heat. I will grow down to Zone 5 where it needs a great deal more sunlight. (Zones 8-9) [Linda Hughes]

Liatris spicata (Blazing Star) Liatris is an interesting perennial, growing to a height of 1-3 feet
and producing spike-like flowers that have their stems wrapped in grass-like leaves. Liatris is
unusual in flowering from the top to the bottom of the spike. Liatris blooms in late summer and
early fall. It prefers a sun to very light shade site and a well-drained soil. It does not like soggy
soils during the winter; when established it can tolerate some drought. Cultivars to look for include 'Kobold', 'Floristan White', and 'August Glory' - available in mauve, pink, and white. (Zones 3-9 )
[Sandra Lee Barboza]


Lilium (Oriental Lily 'Casa Blanca') This classic beauty can flourish in full sun or light shade
from early spring to late fall. It is best planted with Lady Ferns (Athyrium filix-femina). The large,
bow- shaped flowers are a glistening pure white, delicately flocked and very fragrant. Even in a
group noted for large flowers, vigorous growth and sweet perfume, 'Casa Blanca' is a standout.
(Zones 5-8) [Suzanne Taylor]

Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower) Just when summer is making the flower colors dull, this
12-inch plant bears brilliant red flowers and the plant can reach 30 inches across. This plant
transplants and naturalizes easily but is not aggressive. The flower spikes sit above bronze-toned,
light green foliage. It requires moisture and likes part shade. It is often seen along woodland paths. (Zones 3-9) [Beverly O'Keefe]


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Nicotiana (Flowering Tobacco) The flowering tobacco plant is a tall-growing (to 18 inches)
annual and is well adapted to a variety of planting compositions. It bears an abundance of white
or pink tubular, fragrant flowers which recede as the sun sets. Some varieties remain closed during avender, coral, soft pink, rose-mahogany, and crimson are now available. The plants are easily
grown and once well established, they will reseed, coming up year after year. Transplanting is easy,
and they may be moved when they are in full flower if they are lifted with ample soil, and if the transplanting is done on a moist, cloudy day. The plant is also useful as a house plant during the winter months. (Zones 10-11) [Suzanne Benson]

Nipponanthemum (Montauk Daisy) This low-maintenance, never-fail, very showy, and easy to propagate shrubby perennial bears dark glossy leaves that are dense and create a mound 3 feet
tall and wide. Beautiful 2- to 3-inch, daisy-like white flowers bloom from September to frost. It will
grow in most soil types, in full sun to part shade. Montauks perform best when cut back almost to
the ground in spring. (Zones 4-10) [Nancy Angell]


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Platycodon (Balloon Flower) This flower blooms in late spring to summer. The "balloons" are
usually seen in blue, but can be white, as well, and eventually open up to a star shape. They prefer
full sun and well drained soil. This is a good plant to use in border gardens and as cut flowers. They
may require staking and will grow 2 to 3 feet in height. It is a long lived perennial, but transplanting
can be tricky. (Zones 3-9) [Chris Geddis]

Polygonum virginianum (Tovara virginiana, "Painter's Palette"). This perennial likes sun to
light shade and offers both foliage and fall bloom accents. Striking tri-colored foliage of lime, cream,
and pink-tone mahogany on each leaf catch the eye of passers-by. And the added fall bonus of tiny
red beads along wire-thin stalks make this a winner. It is an enthusiastic self-sower in rich moist soil
and it drought-tolerant. (Zones 4-8) [Patricia Moore]


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Rhododendron austrinum (Azalea 'My Mary') This is a shrubby, deciduous, hybrid azalea. It
is happy in sandy soil with no special care and likes strong afternoon sun. It can be exposed to
moderate wind. The mature size is about 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide. The 2 to 3-inch flowers are
peach, blooming in late April or early May. This plant's real claim to fame is its absolutely heavenly fragrance! (Zones 5-6) [Louise Beattie]

Rosa 'Constance Spry' The very first Rose in one of the most famous and beloved series
ever—David Austin's English Roses. 'Constance Spry' is still one of the most desirable, with huge,
bowl-shaped clear pink blooms, redolent of myrrh and packed with dozens of glistening petals! Exceptionally garden-worthy (one of the hallmarks of the Austin Roses), Constance Spry may be
grown as a climber (to 15 feet tall) or pruned as a bush, in which case it sends out great cascading sprays of blooms 6 to 7 feet high or wide. The foliage is dark green with red prickles, keeping pests
away from the magnificent blooms. Its best flowering is in early summer, when the spicy, evocative scent of
myrrh fills the garden and perfumes a room when just a single bloom is brought indoors! The combination of old-fashioned fragrance and romance with modern hybrid vigor make this Rose irresistible! Fabulous to cover a wall,
climb up an arbor, or tumble over a fence! (Zones 5-9) [Sue Brayman]




Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan 'Indian Summer') This perennial has survived winters to
-5 degrees F without a problem. It reaches a height of 3 feet and has large, golden-yellow,
6 to 9-inch, single and semi-double blooms from June until frost. Its outstanding basal branching
habit does not require staking. This is also great as a cut flower. (Zones 5-9) [Mary Mason]

Rudbeckia triloba This is a prolific blooming perennial that is sometimes treated as an annual. It
has an abundance of yellow flowers with button-shaped black centers produced at the ends of
many-branched stems. It is very erect, growing about 3 feet tall, spreading, and bushy.The leaves
are dark green and divided into three oval parts, hence the name triloba. Rudbeckia triloba originated
on the prairies of the U.S. It should be planted in full sun in organic-rich beds. Promptly cut back
flowers just as the bloom finishes to extend the plant's life, or let the seeds ripen and collect them. (Zones 5-7) [Lori Ouimette]

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Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot) Bloodroot requires shady, moist conditions and its early
foliage almost outdoes the flowers in showiness. The early white flowers are a welcome sign that
spring is on the way and the bold, green leaves will persist through the growing season. (Zones 2-7) [Jane A. Desforges]

Stylophorum diphyllum (Little Poppy) The bloom time is supposed to be May-June for this poppy,
but come September you may still have plenty of cheery yellow flowers. It is a compact plant with
very interesting foliage resembling oak leaves. The seed pods provide desirable, continuing interest
after the blooms fade. It grows best in part sun to shade. (Zones 4-8) [Carol Sullivan]





Tricyrtis hirta (Common Toad Lily) A member of the family Liliaceae, this plant has stunning
orchid-like flowers that are lilac with dark purple speckles. It is a well-loved perennial choice for the partial shade garden or at the woodland edge. It may tolerate sun in cooler climates if the soil is
moist and rich. (Zones 4-8) [Patricia Moore]

Tropaeolum majus (Nasturtium 'Jewel Mix') Nasturtium bear bright, single and double 2-inch blooms in red, pink, orange, and yellow which are held above light green foliage. It reaches a height of 16 inches. This is an exuberantly colorful plant that blooms all summer. It is easy to grow, has edible flowers and leaves, and traps aphids (so they don't infest your other plants!). It grows well in poor soil and requires almost no maintenance other than picking the flowers. (Zones 5-9) [Barbara Melone]


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