Amsonia tabernaemontana is known by the common names Eastern Bluestar, Woodland Blue Star, or Blue Dogbane. It is native to Illinois south to Texas and east to the coast. In its native habitat it grows along stream banks and in woods. When planted in a garden it does best in full sun to partial shade (it will get floppy in too much shade). Give it room - it can get to 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It is extremely hardy, surviving to zone 3. It blooms in late spring to early summer, and the foliage stays attractive looking throughout the season, turning yellow for autumn.

Amsonia tabernaemontana

Amsonia tabernaemontana Flowers

Allium "Globemaster" is a cross between Allium christophii and Allium macleanii. This ornamental onion grows to 32 inches tall and the flower heads can be up to 8 inches across. It needs full sun and good drainage. It blooms in May and June and goes dormant after blooming. Unlike other onions, this one does not set seeds, but is propagated by offsets on the bulbs.

Allium "Globemaster" flowers

Allium "Globemaster"

This relative of the forget-me-not blooms in spring with masses of small blue flowers which complement the yellow daffodils, wood poppies, and primulas. It is best in moisture retentive soil in shade. After it blooms it has large silver foliage for the remainder of the season and is a great addition to the shade border along with Hosta and Heuchera. It grows to 15 inches tall and 24 inches wide.

Brunnera "Jack Frost"

This ancient species is the earliest double flowering peony. It has scarlet flowers. This peony needs to be grown in well drained soil in full sun, and should not be over watered. Heavy clay soils should be amended with compost and loosened up to improve drainage. This peony is available at our nursery now for $35.

Paeonia tenufolia "Flore Plena"

Jeffersonia diphylla and Jeffersonia dubia, known as Twinleaf, are two beautiful early spring wildflowers that are not widely known to gardeners. Jeffersonia diphylla is native to the U.S. from Minnesota east to the coast and south to Georgia. It grows in woods in limey soils. Jeffersonia dubia is native to Manchuria and Korea. It is smaller than the U.S. variety and flowers slightly earlier but has beautiful lavender flowers. Both Jeffersonias emerge purple and become green as the flowers open. They also produce an interesting helmet shaped seed pod and the foliage stays attractive until fall.

Jeffersonia dubia

Jeffersonia diphylla

Jeffersonia diphylla