Perennial Picks

June 2007

By Melissa Colgan

False Indigo Baptisia

Latin name: Baptisia austrialis ‘Twilight Prairieblues’
Description: This early bloomer produces beautiful, long-lasting, bright indigo-colored flowers with yellow undertones, and its durability and long life span make it even more attractive.
Grow in: Full to part sun.

Bachman’s, seven metro locations, including 6010 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls., 612-861-7600 ; Tangletown Gardens, 5353 Nicollet Ave., Mpls., 612-822-4769

Photo courtesy of University of Minnesota, Agricultural Experiment Station

Endless Summer Blushing Bride

Latin name: Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Blushing Bride’
Description: This deciduous shrub has glossy, dark green leaves and white flowers on old and new growth. The pure white blooms and semidouble florets gradually fade to a faint pink blush.
Grow in: Morning sun and afternoon shade.

Bailey Nursery, 1325 Bailey Rd., St. Paul, 651-459-9744

Photo courtesy of University of Minnesota, Agricultural Experiment Station

Berry Exciting Corydalis

Latin name: Corydalis ‘Berry Exciting’
Description: This new variety of corydalis has bright gold, lacy foliage and vibrant blackberry-colored flowers.
Grow in: Full to part shade and fertile soil. They need extra protection during the winter.

Tangletown Gardens

Photo courtesy of University of Minnesota, Agricultural Experiment Station

Midnight Rose Heuchera

Latin name: Heuchera ‘Midnight Rose’
Description: The burnished burgundy foliage of this compact plant is thickly spotted hot pink in spring, lightening to a creamy pink in the summer. The pink molting is a nice accent to a garden with fine-textured chartreuse plants.
Grow in: Full to part sun.

Tangletown Gardens

Photo courtesy of University of Minnesota, Agricultural Experiment Station

Salmon Glory Peony

Latin name: Paeonia ‘Salmon Glory’
Description: This tried-and-true peony is an older hybrid variety that is once again picking up momentum in the garden world. It’s an early bloomer with a fluffy ball of salmon-colored double-florets set atop a sturdy stem.
Grow in: Full sun.

Bachman’s

Photo courtesy of University of Minnesota, Agricultural Experiment Station

Easy Elegance Snow Drift Rose

Latin name: Rosa ‘BAIrift’
Description: Creamy white, cup-shaped blooms cover this plant all the way to the ground. As it blossoms, a slight hint of apricot is revealed at the center—reminiscent of English roses.
Grow in: Full sun. Use in border or as a hedge.

Bailey Nursery

Photo courtesy of University of Minnesota, Agricultural Experiment Station

Little Blue Stem Schizachyrium

Latin name: Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Blue Heaven’
Description: The University of Minnesota introduced this native ornamental plant. The dense grass’s vivid blue color turns purple-red and violet in autumn.
Grow in: Full sun.

Bachman’s

Photo courtesy of University of Minnesota, Agricultural Experiment Station