Fall - Phoenix Perennials

 Plants to “Fall” For Autumn Colour from Foliage and Flower Prepared by Gary Lewis
October 4th, 2014
Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.
3380 No. 6 Rd. | Richmond, BC | V6V 1P5
604-270-4133 | info@phoenixperennials.com
www.phoenixperennials.com
p. 1
Acer palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’
Coral Bark Maple
Aceraceae (The Maple Family)
Zone 6-8
The claim to fame of this beautiful Japanese maple
is its winter bark which gradually darkens with the
onset of cold weather to coral red and salmon.
However, ‘Sango Kaku’ has other lovely features. It
offers a classic arching vase shape with leaves
emerging lime green then developing canary-yellow
hues in summer followed by golden yellow leaves in
fall with red highlights. The best bark and leaf
colouration occurs when plants are grown in full sun.
Green
H 10-15'
W 8-10'
Spring
Sun
Part
Sun
Red Snakebark Maple
Acer x conspicuum 'Phoenix'
Aceraceae (The Maple Family)
Zone 6-8
This magnificent maple is most loved for its
incredible winter bark with striations of bright red,
yellow, orange, and silver. It is quick to colour up in
fall and slow to colour down in spring. The bark is a
beautiful yellow in summer with lush, bright green
foliage that turns golden yellow in fall. 'Phoenix' is a
hybrid of the North American Acer pensylvanicum
and the Asian A. davidii.
Green
H 10-15'
W 8-10'
Spring
Sun
Part Sun
Perennials p. 2
1
Perennials
Amsonia 'Blue Ice'
Blue Star
Apocynaceae (The Dogbane Family)
Zone 3-9
Blue stars are North American natives with
handsome glossy foliage and star-shaped blue
flowers.
'Blue Ice' is one of the most beautiful flower forms
with clusters of plump navy blue buds opening to
large, vivid periwinkle blue star-shaped flowers. The
compact clump of bright green leaves turns an
attractive yellow in fall. Deer resistant.
Blue
H 12-24"
W 12-24"
Late Spring
Sun
Part Sun
Arkansas Blue Star
Amsonia hubrichtii
Apocynaceae (The Dogbane Family)
Zone 4-9
Blue stars are North American natives with
handsome glossy foliage and star-shaped blue
flowers. A. hubrichtii is a beautiful species with
showy blue flowers and attractive, needle-like foliage
that offers incredible foliage texture. Valued for its
golden yellow fall colour. Commonly seen in gardens
in the east and worth growing in the west. Deer
resistant. Selected by the Perennial Plant
Association as Perennial Plant of the Year 2011.
Blue
H 2-4'
W 2-3'
Early Summer
Sun
Part Sun
Japanese Anemone
Anemone ‘September Charm’
Ranunculaceae (The Buttercup Family)
Zone 5-9
Large silvery-pink single flowers with yellow centres
and wonderful seed heads that follow. Great for the
middle or back of the border. Once thought to be of
A. hupehensis but now thought to be a hybrid of that
species with A. vitifolia.
Pink
H 2-4'
W 12-24"
Summer - Fall
Full - Part Sun
Full
- Part
Shade
Japanese
Anemone
Anemone hupehensis ‘Pretty Lady Diana’
Ranunculaceae (The Buttercup Family)
Zone 5-9
The Pretty Lady series of anemone feature compact
habits growing to only 15 inches tall. 'Diana' has
single pink flowers over two inches (five cm) wide.
Use at the front of the border or in containers. These
long-lived garden plants are great for mixing with
other fall-blooming perennials. Prefers average to
evenly moist soils and will not tolerate long periods
of dryness.
Pink
H 2-4'
W 12-24"
Summer - Fall
Full - Part Sun
Full - Part Shade
Perennials p. 3
Japanese Anemone
Anemone hupehensis ‘Pretty Lady Emily’
Ranunculaceae (The Buttercup Family)
Zone 5-9
The Pretty Lady series of anemone features compact
habits growing to only 15 inches tall and longblooming. 'Emily' has double light pink flowers over two
inches (five cm) wide. Use at the front of the border
or in containers. These long-lived garden plants are
great for mixing with other fall-blooming perennials.
Prefers average to evenly moist soils and will not
tolerate long periods of dryness.
Pink
H 2-4'
W 12-24"
Summer - Fall
Full - Part Sun
Full
- Part
Shade
Japanese
Anemone
Anemone hupehensis ‘Pretty Lady Susan’
Ranunculaceae (The Buttercup Family)
Zone 5-9
The Pretty Lady series of anemone features compact
habits growing to only 15 inches tall and longblooming. 'Susan' has single dark-pink flowers over two
inches (five cm) wide. Use at the front of the border
or in containers. These long-lived garden plants are
great for mixing with other fall-blooming perennials.
Prefers average to evenly moist soils and will not
tolerate long periods of dryness.
Pink
H 2-4'
W 12-24"
Summer - Fall
Full - Part Sun
Full - Part
Shade
Japanese
Anemone
Anemone hupehensis var. japonica ‘Pamina’
Ranunculaceae (The Buttercup Family)
Zone 5-9
The semi-double flowers of ‘Pamina’ have
overlapping rose-pink petals and yellow centers that
are held on thin, graceful, branching stems over
attractive dark green foliage. Blooms for a long
period from August to September.
Pink
H 2-4'
W 12-24"
Summer - Fall
Full - Part Sun
Full - Part Shade
Windflower
Anemone japonica 'Fantasy Cinderella'
Ranunculaceae (The Buttercup Family)
Zone 5-8
A brand new introduction of compact growing
anemone, this variety has beautiful pink single
flowers with yellow stamens, and blooms abundantly.
Pink
H 12-24"
W 8-12"
Summer - Fall
Part Sun
Part Shade
Perennials p. 4
Windflower
Anemone japonica 'Fantasy Pocahontas'
Ranunculaceae (The Buttercup Family)
Zone 5-8
A brand new introduction of compact growing
anemone, this variety has beautiful rose pink double
flowers with yellow stamens, and blooms abundantly.
Pink
H 12-24"
W 12-24"
Summer - Fall
Part Sun
Part
Shade
Japanese Anemone
Anemone x hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’
Ranunculaceae (The Buttercup Family)
Zone 5-9
Believed to have arisen from crosses between two
Chinese species A. hupehensis and A. vitifolia, this
popular garden perennial has long been grown in
Japan. Tall stems from two to four feet hold aloft
masses of pure white flowers with bright yellow
centres in fall.
White/Cr H 2-4'
W 12-24"
Fall
Full - Part Sun
Full -Heath
Part Shade
Aster
Aster ericoides ‘First Snow’
Asteraceae (The Aster Family)
Zone 3-9
'First Snow' will form a cloud of tiny daisies in fall on
a cascading mound of stems with small green
leaves. Looks beautiful combined with other mauve
and pink late season perennials such as Nerine
bowdenii, Aster 'Prince' and Aster 'Monch'.
White/Cr H 2-4'
W 12-24"
Summer - Fall
Loves Sun
Sun
Calico Aster
Aster lateriflorus ‘Lady in Black’
Asteraceae (The Aster Family)
Zone 6-9
Three foot tall arching stems rise up like fireworks
covered in rich deep purple foliage and exploding
with thousands of small, white, pink-tinged, starshaped flowers. Sound good? ‘Lady in Black' is a
great addition to borders and large floral
arrangements alike! It also sports burgundy foliage
through the season so offers much interest even
when not in bloom. For a shorter version try 'Prince'.
Pink
H 2-4'
W 2-3'
Fall
Loves Sun
Full - Part Sun
Perennials p. 5
Aster
Aster x frikartii ‘Monch’
Asteraceae (The Aster Family)
Zone 5-9
One of the best asters for the garden. It is the first
aster to begin blooming and often the last aster to
finish. The flowers are clear beautiful lavender and
the foliage is broad, bluish and fuzzy. An all around
stunning performer.
Mauve
H 2-4'
W 2-3'
Summer - Fall
Loves Sun
Sun
Hardy Begonia
Begonia grandis ssp. evansiana
Begoniaceae (The Begonia Family)
Zone 6-9
This beautiful hardy begonia has light green, nicely
textured foliage with dramatically red-veined
reverses. In fall it is topped with bright candy pink
flowers which last almost until frost. A great plant in
combination with ferns and hostas and for colour in
the fall shade garden.
Pink
H 12-24"
W 8-12"
Fall
Full - Part Shade
Loves
Shade
Blue
Leadwort
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
Plumbaginaceae (The Leadwort Family)
Zone 5-9
An unusual but easy ground cover that leaf out late
but then gives a great display in late summer and
autumn with small brilliant blue flowers amongst
foliage that gets lovely maroon-red tones as the
season progresses. Photo courtesy of Walters
Gardens.
Blue
H 8-12"
W 8-12"
Summer - Fall
Full - Part Sun
Sun
Ivyleaf Cyclamen
Cyclamen hederifolium
Myrsinaceae (The Myrsine Family)
Zone 5-10
This delicate shady perennial has charming pink
flowers with a magenta V at the base of each petal.
The leaves are ivy shaped, dark green and often
marbled with light green. C. hederifolium is summer
dormant coming into leaf and bloom between August
and October. It remains evergreen throughout the
winter. Grow in light, well-drained soil in shade or
part shade. Plant en masse for a superb woodland
effect. Widely distributed along the Mediterranean
from France to Turkey.
Pink
H under
W 4-8"
Fall
Loves Shade
Full - Part Shade
Perennials p. 6
Butterfly Gaura
Gaura lindheimeri 'Crimson Butterflies'
Onagraceae (The Evening Primrose Family)
Zone 5-9
Masses of pink flowers on reddish stemmed spikes
with dark crimson and green foliage. These are
compact, long-blooming plants with good drought
tolerance. Like the brief visits of butterflies, these
plants grace the nursery for only a short time and
then they’re gone (in the trunks of people’s cars!).
Pink
H 12-24"
W 12-24"
Summer - Fall
Full - Part Sun
Sun
Bowman’s Root
Gillenia (Porteranthus) trifoliata
Rosaceae (The Rose Family)
Zone 4
This graceful perennial is strangely absent from most
gardens. The leaves are arranged in threes along
wiry stems, topped by loose panicles of white flowers
emerging from tubular wine-coloured sepals. Think
of it as a butterfly gaura for the shade garden.
Gillenia is native to eastern North America and was
traditionally used for medicinal purposes. Part sun to
light shade in average to moist well-drained soil.
Good fall colour.
White/Cr H 2-4'
W 12-24"
Summer
Full - Part Sun
Full - Part Shade
Hardy Ginger
Hedychium coccineum ‘Tara’
Zingiberaceae (The Ginger Family)
Zone 7b-10
In mid-late August ‘Tara’ offers dramatic large firey
orange and fragrant flower clusters. The most
reliable bloomer for the West Coast climate and
indispensable as a subtropical accent in the
perennial border. Tropical-looking foliage provides
interest all season long. Mulch with fallen leaves in
winter. In colder regions grow in a pot or store in dry
peat moss and keep above zero.
Orange
H 4-6'
W
Late Summer
Loves Sun
Sun
Perennial Impatiens
Impatiens omeiana
Balsaminaceae (The Jewelweed Family)
Zone 6-9
From China's Mt. Omei, where it grows among
rhododendrons and tiarellas, comes this lovely
perennial impatiens. The foliage is dark velvety
green with a wide, whitish stripe down the centre.
The yellow flowers occur in early fall though this is
mainly a foliage plant. I. omeiana is stoloniferous,
and when happy, will make delightful patches in a
moist spot in the woodland garden.
Yellow
H 4-8"
W 12-24"
Fall
Full - Part Shade
Shade
Perennials p. 7
Japanese Shrub Mint
Leucosceptrum stellipilum ‘Variegatum’
Lamiaceae (The Mint Family)
Zone 5-9
The tri-colour leaves (lime green, yellow and green)
of this selection light up the woodland garden all
season long culminating in spikes of pink flowers in
fall. A beautiful way of brightening up the shade
garden. Light shade or morning sun.
Pink
H 12-24"
W 12-24"
Fall
Part Shade
Part Sun
Guernsey
Lily
Nerine bowdenii
Amaryllidaceae (The Amaryllis Family)
Zone 7-10
This South African bulb is a welcome site in fall as
the skies become overcast and the rain begins to
fall. At this time the flowering stalks of Guernsey lily
rise from the strap-like foliage and open into
gorgeous spidery amaryllis-like flowers in a shade of
improbable candy pink! Plant in full sun in welldrained soil.
Pink
H 12-24"
W 8-12"
Fall
Sun
PartSage
Sun
Russian
Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire'
Lamiaceae (The Mint Family)
Zone 4-8
Grey-white foliage and airy lavender flowers top off
at just two feet tall, about half the height of the
species. Does best with dry hot conditions, forming a
lovely haze of colour at the front to middle of the
border. The hotter the location, the happier the
Perovskia.
Blue
H 12-24"
W 12-24"
Summer - Fall
Loves Sun
Sun
Russian Sage
Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Longin’
Lamiaceae (The Mint Family)
Zone 4-8
Grey-white foliage and airy blue-lavender flowers.
Does best with dry hot conditions, forming a lovely
haze of colour at the middle to back of the border
against which so many colours go well. The hotter
the location, the happier the Perovskia. The foliage
of ‘Longin’ is not as dissected as the species and is
similar to 'Little Spire'. 'Longin' also tends to have a
narrower and more upright habit than others in this
species. Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens.
Blue
H 2-4'
W 12-24"
Summer - Fall
Loves Sun
Sun
Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘JS Caliente’
Polygonaceae (The Buckwheat Family)
Perennials p. 8
Red bistort, Mountain Fleece
Zone 5-8
'JS Caliente' is a robust, upright, clump-forming perennial with
large, ovate to lance-shaped, pointed, prominently-veined, midgreen leaves and long-stalked spikes of bell-shaped, red flowers
from that last for ages from summer to early autumn.
Red
H 2-4'
W 2-3'
Summer - Fall
Sun
Part
Sun
Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’
Asteraceae (The Aster Family)
Zone 4
A very useful and easy plant that is long-flowering in
late Summer and Autumn. Its deep yellow daisy
flowers have dark centres and it looks amazing with
ornamental grasses. It will manage with part sun
conditions. Selected by the Perennial Plant
Association as Perennial Plant of the Year 1999.
Yellow
H 2-4'
W 12-24"
Late Summer
Full - Part Sun
Sun
Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia fulgida 'Little Goldstar'
Asteraceae (The Aster Family)
Zone 4
This dwarf form grows to only 14-16 inches and is
topped with masses of black-eyed susan flowers with
rich gold petals and a black cone. Great for small
spaces, the front of the border and containers with a
long-flowering habit from summer into fall. The larger
form of this species, 'Goldsturm', is a garden classic
selected by the PPA as Perennial Plant of the Year
1999. The image compares 'Goldsturm' and 'Little
Goldstar'.
Yellow
H 12-24"
W 12-24"
Summer - Fall
Full - Part Sun
Sun
Crimson Flag
Schizostylis coccinea
Iridaceae (The Iris Family)
Zone 7-9
Ignored all spring and summer at the nursery, this
hardy South African native comes into its own in the
fall and blooms continuously well into winter (and
sometimes into the new year!). Fine-textured iris-like
leaves and deep peach gladiolus-like flowers on 1-2’
tall spikes. Really a must-have for the fall garden.
salmon
H 12-24"
W 8-12"
Summer - Fall
Full - Part Sun
Sun
Perennials p. 9
Kaffir Lily
Schizostylis coccinea ‘Rosea’
Iridaceae (The Iris Family)
Zone 7
A plant that always invites compliments and inquiry
in the mid-Autumn, flowering away in beautiful warm
tones ( pink, peachy red) with delicate racemes that
almost reminds one of orchids!
Pink/Mag H 12-24"
W 12-24"
Summer - Fall
Loves Sun
Sun
Stonecrop
Sedum ‘Knight Rider’
Crassulaceae (The Crassula Family)
Zone 4-10
Rich, glossy, deep purple-black foliage on strong,
non-flopping upright stems sport clusters of coral red
flowers in late summer. Upright stonecrops are
useful nearly year round: mounds of succulent new
growth in early spring, structural upright clumps
through summer, heads of showy flower heads in
late summer and fall, and dried flower stems in
winter.
Red
H 12-24"
W 12-24"
Late Summer
Sun
Sedum ‘Maestro’
Stonecrop
Crassulaceae (The Crassula Family)
Zone 3-9
An eye-catching sport of Sedum 'Matrona' with bluegreen foliage, pink flowers, and a compact, strongly
upright habit. The foliage is blue-green in the spring,
changing to a blue-purple in summer and then back
to blue-green in fall. The large leaves are presented
on bright purple stems that keep their colour all
season long. In late summer, large flower heads
bear bright red buds which open to light pink
blossoms.'Maestro' is perfect for containers or the
front to middle of the flower border. Photo courtesy
Pink
H 12-24"
W 12-24"
Summer - Fall
Sun
Sedum ‘T-Rex’
Stonecrop
Crassulaceae (The Crassula Family)
Zone 3-9
‘T-Rex’ is a formidable beast for the garden: the
green leaves are ferociously rippled and toothed, the
plants grow to over two feet tall and they boast one
of the most rigidly upright strong stems of any sedum
- no tipping over for this top heavy dinosaur! In late
summer, clusters of greenish cream buds cover the
entire clump opening to light rose pink flowers similar
to its parent, ‘Autumn Joy’. Photo courtesy of Walters
Gardens.
Pink
H 12-24"
W 2-3'
Summer - Fall
Sun
Perennials p. 10
Stonecrop
Sedum ‘Xenox’
Crassulaceae (The Crassula Family)
Zone 4-8
‘Xenox’ has green foliage covered in a blue waxy
glaze which gives this cultivar a dark brooding (and
bold) look which is brightened by its pink flowers in
late summer. Upright stonecrops are useful nearly
year round: mounds of succulent new growth in early
spring, structural upright clumps through summer,
heads of showy flower heads in late summer and fall,
and dried flower stems in winter.Photo courtesy of
Walters Gardens.
Pink
H 8-12"
W 8-12"
Late Summer
Sun
Sedum telephium ‘Matrona’
Stonecrop
Crassulaceae (The Crassula Family)
Zone 2-9
This large upright stonecrop has large, glaucous
blue foliage tinged with a purple flush, especially in
full sun and dry soils. The stems are rich marron in
colour and hold large pink flower clusters in late
summe and fall. Between foliage and flowers this is a
bold striking specimen nearly year-round. Its foliage
and flowers harmonize well with pinks, blues,
lavenders and creams of nearby plants in the
garden.
Dusky
H 12-24"
W 12-24"
Late Summer
Full - Part Sun
Sun
Lady’s Tresses
Spiranthes cernua var. odorata ‘Chadd’s Ford’
Orchidaceae (The Orchid Family)
Zone 4-8
This hardy eastern US native orchid is similar to our
BC native S. romanzoffiana. It is easy to grow and
adaptable for garden and landscape use. Silverygreen ground-hugging rosettes slowly form colonies
in moist soils, bogs or swamps. Fragrant white
flowers spiral upward in August and September. Can
also be used as a marginal plant for water gardens.
White/Cr H 12-24"
W 8-12"
Fall
Sun
Part Sun
Toad Lily
Tricyrtis 'Manten no Hoshi'/'Sky Full of Stars'
Liliaceae (The Lily Family)
Zone 4-9
This exciting toad lily has an arching habit and very
beautiful flowers with heavy warm purple spotting.
Toad lilies are wonderful plants for the late summer
and fall shade garden. Most grow on elegant arching
stems often with lightly mottled foliage. They produce
multitudes of ornate orchid-like flowers that are
usually white (sometimes yellow) with various
degrees of purple spotting.
Purple
H 2-4'
W 12-24"
Fall
Shade
Part Shade
Perennials p. 11
Toad Lily
Tricyrtis 'Oniji'
Liliaceae (The Lily Family)
Zone 4-9
This toad lily has unique flowers. The narrow petals
are white with purple tints toward the tips while the
wider petals are bright purple and blue with a white
stripe along the center. Toad lilies are wonderful
plants for the late summer and fall shade garden.
Most grow on elegant arching stems often with lightly
mottled foliage. They produce multitudes of ornate
orchid-like flowers that are usually white (sometimes
yellow) with various degrees of purple spotting.
Purple
H 2-4'
W 12-24"
Fall
Shade
Part
Shade
Toad Lily
Tricyrtis formosana 'Autumn Glow'
Liliaceae (The Lily Family)
Zone 4-9
The flowers of this cultivar are pinkish purple with
darker spotting and a yellow throat. The leaves have
a gold margin which will help light up darker corners
of the shade garden throughout the season. This
very dependable cultivar will form nice colonies in
light to moderate shade in humus-rich soil. This
species is from Taiwan.
Purple
H 2-4'
W 12-24"
Fall
Shade
Part Shade
Toad Lily
Tricyrtis hirta
Liliaceae (The Lily Family)
Zone 4-9
This is the classic, easy to grow toad lily. Toad lilies
are wonderful plants for the late summer and fall
shade garden. Most grow on elegant arching stems
often with lightly mottled foliage. They produce
multitudes of ornate orchid-like flowers that are
usually white (sometimes yellow) with various
degrees of purple spotting.
White/Cr H 2-4'
W 12-24"
Fall
Full - Part Shade
Loves Shade
Weeping Golden Toad Lily
Tricyrtis macrantha ssp. macranthopsis
Liliaceae (The Lily Family)
Zone 4-9
Famed UK plantsman Brian Mathew believes that of
all the tricyrtis species this plant and its related
species have “the most fascinating and beautiful
flowers." In September and October, the long
arching stems of dark green glossy leaves are
topped with large deep yellow bells, speckled red
inside. Great planted at the top of a shady wall
where the flowers can be viewed from below.
Yellow
H 12-24"
W 12-24"
Fall
Shade
Part Shade
Perennials p. 12
Brazilian Verbena
Verbena bonariensis
Verbenaceae (The Verbena Family)
Zone 7-9
A summer stalwart with stiff upright clumps of
branching stems topped with vivid lilac purple flowers
beginning in midsummer until hard frost. Very heat
tolerant. Let it self-seed to ensure next year’s
display. This is a great "see through" plant. Be daring
and try it near the front of the bed. You’ll be able to
see past the airy stems to the other plants beyond
while giving the illusion of depth.
Purple
H 4-6'
W 8-12"
Late Summer
Loves Sun
Sun
Botanically Intriguing (Mostly Tender) p. 13
3
Botanically
Intriguing (Mostly Tender)
Hedychium 'Molten Gold'
Hardy Ginger
Zingiberaceae (The Ginger Family)
Zone 7-10
Upright green foliage on stems to just three feet with
delicate rich yellow clusters of flowers late in the
season. Full sun in rich soil with abundant moisture
during the growing season. Mulch with fallen leaves
in winter. In colder regions grow in a pot or store in
dry peat moss and keep above zero.
Yellow
H 2-4'
W 2-3'
Late Summer
Sun
Hedychium 'Neon'
Hardy Ginger
Zingiberaceae (The Ginger Family)
Zone 8-10
A dwarf hardy ginger with peachy orange, fragrant,
tropical flowers and glossy leaves. Mulch with fallen
leaves in winter. In colder regions grow in a pot or
store in dry peat moss and keep above zero.
Orange
H 2-4'
W 2-3'
Late Summer
Sun
Hedychium 'Taraissima'
Hardy Ginger
Zingiberaceae (The Ginger Family)
Zone 7-10
Bright orange, fragrant, tropical flowers on short
plants to about three feet provide a tropical foliage
look through spring and summer followed by the
tropical flowers in late summer and fall. Mulch with
fallen leaves in winter. In colder regions grow in a pot
or store in dry peat moss and keep above zero.
Orange
H 2-4'
W 2-3'
Late Summer
Sun
Hedychium greenii
Hardy Ginger
Zingiberaceae (The Ginger Family)
Zone 8-10
This highly ornamental species has leaves that are
deep maroon on the undersides, colour that also
infuses the stem. This species blooms in early
October in Vancouver with a small, tight
inflorescence of relatively large, dark orange,
unscented flowers. Full sun in rich soil with abundant
moisture during the growing season. Mulch with
fallen leaves in winter. In colder regions grow in a pot
or store in dry peat moss and keep above zero.
Orange
H 4-6'
W 2-3'
Late Summer
Sun
Shrubs p. 14
4
Shrubs
Azalea Encore Series
Reblooming Azalea
Ericaceae (The Heath Family)
Zone 6-9
The reblooming Encore Azalea cultivars come in a
range of different colours including white, pinks,
lavender salmon, orange, red and bicolours. They
bloom in the spring and then rebloom again in late
summer and fall. They are evergreen, easy to grow
and look great year round.
Various
H 2-4'
W 2-3'
Spring - Fall
Full - Part Sun
Sun
Beauty Berry
Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii ‘Profusion’
Verbenaceae (The Verbena Family)
Zone 6-8
Clusters (cymes) of small, lavender flowers bloom in
the leaf axils along the stems in summer. Flowers
are followed by large clusters of bright, glossy, violetpurple fruits (each 1/6” diameter) which ripen in
September and put on their best show through
November. Beauty berry is a must for the fall garden.
Purple
H 4-6'
W 3-5'
Summer - Fall
Loves Sun
Full - Part Sun
Chinese Plumbago
Ceratostigma willmotianum
Plumbaginaceae (The Leadwort Family)
Zone 6-10
This shrub from southwestern China produces lilacblue flowers in late summer that are still blooming
when the deep green diamond-shaped foliage turns
red in autumn.
Blue
H 2-4'
W 2-3'
Late Summer
Loves Sun
Sun
Redbud Hazel
Disanthus cercidifolius
Hamamelidaceae (The Witch Hazel Family)
Zone 5-8
If you’ve got shade you need this shrub. D.
cercidifolius is one of the best shrubs for fall colour
turning reliably deep red even in shaded conditions.
Fall colours also include orange and gold. This
species has small, unusual flowers that resemble
little burgundy starfish. They appear as the leaves
begin to fall. Their aroma is not sweet but medicinal.
Spring and summer leaves are generally blue green
and heart shaped. A large shrub with an open,
horizontal habit. Photo courtesy Great Plant Picks.
Burgund H 6-10'
W 5-8'
Fall
Shade
Part Shade
Shrubs p. 15
Redvein Enkianthus
Enkianthus campanulatus
Ericaceae (The Heath Family)
Zone 4-8
An upright, deciduous shrub eventually forming an
open, layered structure from which dangle clusters of
delicate, white bells highlighted with red veins that
are darker towards the tips. Green to bluish green
foliage turns in autumn to brilliant shades of red with
orange, yellow and purple highlights. Young stems
turn bright red in winter.
Pink
H 4-6'
W 3-5'
Spring
Full - Part Shade
Sun
Burning Bush
Euonymus alatus ‘Compactus’
Celastraceae (The Staff Tree Family)
Zone 4-9
Burning bush is best known for its spectacular red
fall colour which is the most intense if it’s grown in
full sun. It also has attractive reddish purple fruit.
Another common name is winged euonymus which
refers to corky “winged” appendages along the
branches. These are beautiful in winter when they
catch lines of fresh fallen snow. More compact and
dense than the species, ‘Compactus’ is extremely
useful for smaller gardens.
Green
H 4-6'
W 3-5'
Late Spring
Full - Part Sun
Sun
Bottlebrush
Fothergilla x intermedia ‘Blue Shadow’
Hamamelidaceae (The Witch Hazel Family)
Zone 5-8
This vigorous, blue-leafed shrub has honey-scented
bottlebrush flowers in spring and has red fall foliage.
It reaches 5-6 feet high and wide and is easily
maintained, requiring little pruning. Of the blueleaved cultivars ‘Blue Shadow’ is said to be the best.
White/Cr H 4-6'
W 2-3'
Spring
Full - Part Sun
Sun
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alice'
Hydrangaceae (The Hydrangea Family)
Zone 5-9
Oakleaf hydrangea is a slow growing shrub of great
beauty and one of the few hydrangeas not native to
Asia in this case hailing from the southeastern US.
'Alice' is noted for its large, arching flower panicles
and disease-free foliage that offers superior fall
colour in purples and reds. The conical white
panicles produced in late spring grace the plants all
summer and tinge pink as they age. Drought
tolerant.
White/Cr H 4-6'
W 3-5'
Summer - Fall
Full - Part Sun
Part Shade
Shrubs p. 16
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Pee Wee'
Hydrangaceae (The Hydrangea Family)
Zone 5-9
Oakleaf hydrangea is a slow growing shrub of great
beauty and one of the few hydrangeas not native to
Asia in this case hailing from the southeastern US.
'Pee Wee' is a dwarf selection of smaller stature and
with smaller leaves and flower panicles. The conical
white panicles produced in late spring grace the
plants all summer and tinge pink as they age.
Bronze, maroon and purple fall colour. Drought
tolerant.
White/Cr H 2-4'
W 2-3'
Summer - Fall
Full - Part Sun
Shade
Oakleaf Part
Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia Snow Queen 'Flemygea'
Hydrangaceae (The Hydrangea Family)
Zone 5-9
Oakleaf hydrangea is a slow growing shrub of great
beauty and one of the few hydrangeas not native to
Asia in this case hailing from the southeastern US.
'Snow Queen' is superior cultivar with elongated
panicles of large white florets and great fall colour in
reds, maroons and purples. The conical white
panicles produced in late spring grace the plants all
summer and tinge pink as they age. Drought
tolerant.
White/Cr H 2-4'
W 2-3'
Summer - Fall
Full - Part Sun
Part Shade
Heavenly Bamboo
Nandina domestica ‘Fire Power’
Berberidaceae (The Barberry Family)
Zone 7
‘Fire Power’ is a dramatic yet dwarf cultivar with
huge acid green leaves gorgeously marked with
shades of bright red increasing in intensity from
summer into winter. ‘Fire Power’ has not been known
to bloom. Who cares! The foliage is so great. Not a
bamboo at all but a non-invasive relative of Mahonia,
the Oregon grape. Nandinas are incredibly versatile
and useful evergreen shrubs with great interest from
foliage texture and colours. Full shade right up to full
sun!
White/Cr H 12-24"
W 12-24"
Summer
Sun
Part Sun
Shrubs p. 17
Heavenly Bamboo
Nandina domestica ‘Gulf Stream’
Berberidaceae (The Barberry Family)
Zone 7
‘Gulf Stream’ is a compact dwarf cultivar growing in a
symmetrical mound to about four feet. New growth is
bronze, mature summer foliage is deep blue green
and the fall and winter colour can range from orange
to red. ‘Gulf Stream’ has not been known to bloom or
berry. Not a bamboo at all but a non-invasive relative
of Mahonia, the Oregon grape. Nandinas are
incredibly versatile and useful evergreen shrubs with
great interest from foliage texture and colours. Full
shade right up to full sun!
White/Cr H 2-4'
W 2-3'
Summer
Sun
Part Sun
Grasses p. 18
5
Grasses
Andropogon gerardii 'Indian Warrior'
Poaceae (The Grass Family)
Big Bluestem
Zone 3-9
Big bluestem is a long-lived grass that forms a tall,
strictly upright clump of green foliage. The foliage of
'Indian Warrior' will transition to red then smoky
purple beginning in midsummer. Deep purple flowers
with bright red-orange pollen top this colourful and
statuesque display.
Purple
H 4-6'
W 2-3'
Late Summer
Sun
Miscanthus sinensis 'Purple Fall'
Maiden Grass
Poaceae (The Grass Family)
Zone 5-10
This striking maiden grass has broad foliage with
white midribs and can grow to more than six feet tall.
In fall it takes on rich colours of burgundy and red
which
are
much
more
pronounced
than
'Purpurascens' and is topped by creamy pink
flowers. Miscanthus are one of the best grasses for
year-round beauty: new green shoots in the spring
become tall linear leaves that form an elegant clump
by midsummer. Attractive flowers emerge in fall. In
winter the leaves turn straw colour.
Pink
H 4-6'
W 3-5'
Fall
Full - Part Sun
Sun
Pink Muhly Grass
Muhlenbergia capillaris 'Fast Forward'
Poaceae (The Grass Family)
Zone 6-10
This eastern North American native's tidy clumps of
fine blue foliage provide colour and texture to the
garden but in late summer explodes into stunning
clouds of airy pink. Intolerant of winter wet so plant in
hot dry conditions and poor soils. The west coast
doesn't have enough summer heat to bloom the
species but 'Fast Forward' blooms 3 weeks earlier
offering the best hope for this graminaceous wonder!
Pink
H 2-4'
W 2-3'
Fall
Sun
Part Sun
Switch Grass
Panicum virgatum ‘RR1’ Ruby Ribbons
Poaceae (The Grass Family)
Zone 5-9
This hybrid of P. 'Heavy Metal' and P. 'Hans Herme'
has foliage that emerges a blue-grey in spring,
continually working up to deeper hues of ruby-red
from mid summer into autumn. Upright habit reaches
two to three feet in full sun. The flower spikes appear
in late summer and persist into winter.
Red
H 2-4'
W 12-24"
Summer
Sun
Grasses p. 19
Switch Grass
Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’
Poaceae (The Grass Family)
Zone 5-9
One of our favourite grasses at the nursery for the
last two years, 'Shenandoah' has strongly upright
steely blue foliage throughout the season with hints
of burgundy red. The airy flowers create a great
cloud of pink and blue atop the columnar grass in
summer. Then in fall the burgundy tints deepen and
spread throughout the foliage creating a great late
summer and fall display.
Red
H 2-4'
W 12-24"
Summer
Sun
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’
Poaceae (The Grass Family)
Dwarf Fountain Grass
Zone 6-9
'Hameln' is the oldest cultivar of P. alopecuroides
and a useful dwarf with mid green foliage to about
two feet topped in summer and fall with pink-tinged
white feathery plumes that fountain outwards from
the foliage. Blooms earlier than the species, making
it a better choice for gardens with a short growing
season. Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens.
White/Cr H 12-24"
W 12-24"
Summer - Fall
Full - Part Sun
Sun
Black Fountain Grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Moudry’
Poaceae (The Grass Family)
Zone 6-9
‘Moudry’ is best known for its showy, purplish-black,
bristly, bottle brush-like flower spikes that arch
outward from clumps of mid green foliage in late
summer. Flower spikes turn brownish as the seeds
form and spikes usually persist until late fall or early
winter.
White/Cr H 2-4'
W 12-24"
Summer - Fall
Full - Part Sun
Sun
Fountain Grass
Pennisetum orientale ‘Karley Rose’
Poaceae (The Grass Family)
Zone 6-9
A new and improved variety of the ever-popular
fountain grasses. ‘Karley Rose’ has great dusty rose
flowers for most of the summer. The foliage is much
darker green, taller and more erect. The spires of
pink florets are wider, longer, fuller and bloom over
an extended period of time compared with other
cultivars. Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens.
Pink
H 2-4'
W 12-24"
Summer - Fall
Full - Part Sun
Sun