Perennials

Creeping types are low-growing with a vine-like habit and make a great ground cover or in between stepping stones

Once established flowers bloom in late spring and early summer. They are also deer and rabbit resistant. 

*Susceptible to root rot in wet, soggy soil. 

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 2"

• Width: 12"
• Zone  3

photo courtesy of Ball Seeds

Give each peony plant enough space to grow to maturity without being crowded. That means a 3- to 4-foot diameter for each plant. Choose a location that is sheltered from strong winds. The large heavy blooms of this plant can cause the stems to flop over during heavy rain and inclement weather. Your peonies will benefit from some type of support staking. Plant them well away from other trees and shrubs, since they don't like to compete for nutrients and water.

Peonies like a good chill in the winter. In order to set their flower buds, peony roots should be planted relatively close to the soil surface—only about 2-to 3-inches deep.

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa. 

Give each peony plant enough space to grow to maturity without being crowded. That means a 3- to 4-foot diameter for each plant. Choose a location that is sheltered from strong winds. The large heavy blooms of this plant can cause the stems to flop over during heavy rain and inclement weather. Your peonies will benefit from some type of support staking. Plant them well away from other trees and shrubs, since they don't like to compete for nutrients and water.

Peonies like a good chill in the winter. In order to set their flower buds, peony roots should be planted relatively close to the soil surface—only about 2-to 3-inches deep.

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa. 

 A great choice for rock gardens and natural-looking landscapes. The grass grows to nearly 3 feet tall and is low maintenance. The variegated foliage will turn from creamy white in summer to pink as the weather cools in fall and return to its creamy-white color again in spring as new blades grow.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Part Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 12 - 36"

• Width: 12 - 18"

Zone: 4

Photos and Data Courtesy of

This grass makes a perfect choice for northern climates. Huron Sunrise blooms in late summer and gives profusion of full burgundy plumes sweep the sky and maintains its beauty throughout winter providing tremendous winter foliage. 

Can be used as a for massing or screening, in large containers, or at the pond's edge. 

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Part Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 72"
  
• Spread: 36"
  

Zone: 4

Photos courtesy of Max Solutions Horticultural

Garden Astilbe are a popular choice for shady gardens, where they perform well if given a rich, moist soil and regular watering. This selection has long, feathery plumes of deep lavender-mauve flowers, over a mound of elegant, lacy green leaves. Also thrives in tubs, or mixed containers. Excellent for cutting.

Fertilize in April and June.  Seed heads may be removed, or left on the plant for winter interest.

Light Requirement: Partial Shade

Mature Size:

• Height: 12 - 24"

• Width: 18 - 24"

Zone: 3

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co & Florissa 

A ruffled hosta that will bring joy year after year. Heart-shaped, blue leaves have crisp, creamy white edges. Near white flowers.

The vivid crimson flowers of Peony 'Kansas' are borne on exceptionally strong stems. The show is glorious in the garden or in a vase. This old variety has been around since 1940 and it's still widely considered the very best double red Peony. Pretenders to the title come and go, but 'Kansas' still reigns. Early bloomer.

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa. 

Commonly known as woodland sage, violet sage or salvia.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 10 -12"

• Width: 10 - 12"

Zone: 3

Rose mallow is a very robust perennial that fills a lot of space in the garden. Find a place in your landscape where it will not be crowded by other plants, because it will quickly out compete your other perennials for space within a year or two. 

Do not prune it to keep it smaller, as this will remove the flower buds.

Zone 4 perennial so it will need heavy mulch before frost!

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 36 - 48"

• Width: 48 - 60"

Zone: 4

Photos and Data Courtesy of Ball Seed

Sweet Kate Tradescantia is a low maintenance perennial ideal for medium borders.

Blue Gold has lime green/gold foliage and deep blue blooms.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 10 - 12"

• Width: 14 - 18"

Zone: 3

photo courtesy of Jeffries Nursery