Perennials

This grass has a remarkable tolerance for extreme climates and is not invasive. It displays soft, feathery green plumes during the summer, maturing into stiff, wheat-coloured spikes that last into winter.

It is generally used in large groupings towards the back of borders, but is also effective as a single plant that can be easily divided in spring. Prune down to the ground in March. 

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 4 - 5'

• Width: 4'

Zone: 3

One of the most common native ferns, growing all over northern regions. Plants form a large, upright clump of big green fronds. In spring the unfurling fiddleheads are often harvested in the wild as a gourmet treat. Roots are spreading, and plants can form quite a large patch in time. Requires plenty of water through the summer, otherwise the foliage may become dormant. Cinnamon-brown fertile fronds push up from the centre of each clump in summer, and these remain attractive all winter long. Prune off dead foliage and fertile fronds in late winter. Deciduous.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 2' - 3'

• Width: 3' - 4'

Zone: 2

Creeping Jenny is a vigorous, spreading groundcover plant that can be very useful in moist, shady situations. Plants form a low mat of bright green rounded leaves, bearing bright golden-yellow flowers from late spring into the summer.

Excellent in pots and tubs, or cascading over walls. Too vigorous for the rock garden as the stems root into the ground wherever they touch, this plant is easily increased by simply moving new plantlets in spring or fall.

Will easily invade lawn and is difficult to get rid of, so plant cautiously.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Part Shade

Mature Size:

• Height: 2 - 4"

• Width: 12 - 14"

This improved Beard-tongue, part of the Pristine series, forms low mounds of glossy green leaves, bearing medium-tall stalks of tubular Deep Pink flowers arranged around the strong stems. Vigorous and easy to grow. Remove faded flowers to encourage continued blooming. Attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Stems are nice for cutting. Clumps may be easily divided in early spring. Unlike many of the taller selections, this one is ruggedly hardy in colder regions. Drought tolerant once established.

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 15 - 20"

• Width: 10 - 15"

This cousin to the Hollyhock has similar satiny flowers in a soft lavender-purple shade, exotically striped with deep maroon veins. It forms an upright, bushy mound that may need to be staked if grown in rich soil.

Excellent in containers, or the sunny border. Attracts butterflies and is rabbit resistant.

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 48"

• Width: 18"

Zone: 3

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa.

Chrysanthemums are a great choice for the garden, or in tubs and mixed containers. Garden Mums are extremely popular plants for a splash of colour in late summer right through the fall.

Morden strain produces naturally cushion-shaped, compact plants with double and semi-double flowers in a whole range of rich jewel tones. Best in a sunny area, with regular watering through the season. 

Pinching plants in June will result in a much greater number of flowers. 

Light Requirement: Full to Part Sun

Flowering Season: Early Summer

Mature Size:

• Height: 24"
  
• Spread: 24"
  

Zone: 3

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 18 - 24"

• Width: 24 - 30"

Zone: 3

Photos courtesy of Proven Winners

Lamium is one of the best choices for a tough and showy perennial ground cover.  This selection forms a spreading patch of small silver leaves with a narrow green edge. Clusters of purplish-red flowers appear in spring, then continue off and on until fall.

Fairly tolerant of dry shade, once established. Trim back in late winter.

Stems will root into the ground where they touch, and any new plants that form can be easily moved in spring or fall.

photo courtesy of  Ball Seed

Trollius x Cultorum ‘Lemon Queen' is a well known and liked perennial, it blooms in late spring and early summer. This unique selection has semi-double flowers in a wonderful soft butter-yellow shade. Sometimes called Buttercups, these grow well in a sunny or part-shaded border.

 Shear plants back after blooming to encourage a flush of new leaves to last through the summer. Clumps may be easily divided in fall or early spring.

Light Requirement: Partial Shade to Full Shade

Mature Size:

• Height: 20 - 24"

• Width: 16 - 18"

Zone: 4

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa.

This vine is part of the five-leaved ivy family. It has a habit of clinging and is a fast and hardy grower. It can work as a climber or as a ground cover. The foliage is smaller in size and with palm-shaped leaves. During Fall the leaves will become a burgundy red color with ornamental black berries that are toxic to humans.

Less vigorous than the virginia creeper.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Mature Size:

• Height: 15' -20'
• Width: 6'

Zone: 3

Certainly one of the most popular of foliage perennials, silver mound forms a low cushion of ferny, silvery-grey leaves. In areas with humid summers it benefits from a hard clipping just as the tiny silver ball-like flowers appear, usually in mid to late June.

Plants will regrow quickly and remain attractive all season long. Good for hot, dry sites. Nice edging plant, also combines well with other perennials in tubs or mixed containers.

Flowering Season: Mid Summer

Mature Size:

• Height: 10"
  
• Spread: 18"
  

Zone: 3a

Lamb’s-Ears are one of the most popular silver-leaved perennials, used widely for edging along pathways and borders. Plants form a dense clump of soft, felty silver grey leaves. Upright spikes of minor magenta-pink flowers form in early summer, but these should be clipped off to maintain a tight, compact habit. Clumps are easily divided in spring or early fall. Drought tolerant once established.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 12 - 18"

• Width: 12 - 24"

Zone: 3

Photos and Data Courtesy of Ball Seed