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

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

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

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

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

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Flowering Season: Summer

Mature Size:

• Height: 12"
  
• Spread: 12"
  

Zone: 2

Russian Sage is extremely valuable for its long season of bloom in the summer garden. Plant forms a bushy upright clump of greyish leaves that are lacy and fragrant. Spikes of rich violet-blue flowers appear in high summer, continuing into late fall. An extremely versatile garden plant, Russian Sage loves hot, sunny sites and will fit right into the perennial border, also good to use among shrubs, and even in containers or tubs. Attractive to butterflies. Prune back to no less than 6 inches in the spring, and never in the fall. Exceptionally drought tolerant. Selected as Perennial Plant of the Year in 1995.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 34 - 60"

• Width: 22 - 36"