Plants
In the United States, our native elms (Ulmus americana) have been all but wiped out by Dutch elm disease. These huge shade trees, reaching 80 feet and taller, once lined streets across the country. Scientists are attempting to breed native elms with non-natives that are resistant to DED. Some of these non-natives, such as lacebark elm (Ulmus parvifolia), which grows to about 50 feet, are lovely in their own right. Hardy in zones 5 (-20°F) to 8 (10°F), elms require full sun and lots of room to grow.
Native to North America, honeylocusts (Gleditsia triacanthos) have fern-like leaves that provide airy shade, so they are a good choice if you want shade but not too much. The species has fierce thorns and grows well over 80 feet tall, but cultivars are thornless and grow to about 40 feet. They need full sun and are hardy in zones 3 (-40°F) to 7 (0°F).
Botanical name: Amelanchier arborea Common names: Downy serviceberry, shadbush (so named because it blooms around the time of the running of the shad fish), Juneberry, common serviceberry, serviceberry Origin: Native to zones 4–8 in eastern North America Where it will grow: USDA zones 4–9 (find your zone); can grow in clay soils and areas with partial shade to those with full sun Water requirement: Well-drained medium to moist soil; can work along ponds and stream banks. Once established, the serviceberry has been known to tolerate drought conditions. Light requirement: Partial to full sun Mature size: 10–25 feet high; 10–15 feet spread. It can grow up to 40 feet, but this is uncommon, especially in cultivation. Benefits and tolerances: Fairly resistant to diseases and pests though it can be susceptible to some blights, rust, powdery mold and pests like leaf miners and borers. Generally, many of the problems that plague the Rosaceae family can potentially harm the serviceberry. Seasonal interest: Showy white spring flowers and dark berries, delicate leaves, brilliant fall color and a beautiful sculptural form and smooth gray bark to enjoy in winter When to plant: Spring to fall
Botanical name: Zinnia grandiflora Common names: Rocky Mountain zinnia, prairie zinnia, desert zinnia Origin: Native to the southwestern United States, Mexico and Central America Where it will grow: Hardy to -30 degrees (USDA climate zones 4 to 7; find your zone) Elevation range: 4,000 to 6,000 feet Water requirement: Very low Light requirement: Full sun Mature size: 6 to 8 inches tall and 10 to 15 inches wide Benefits and tolerances: Very long blooming — June to frost; very drought and heat tolerant; deer and rabbit resistant When to plant: Spring Seasonal interest: Rocky Mountain zinnia flowers prolifically from June to frost (the photographs here were taken in early July and early September).
In another view of the same yard, these flagstones are surrounded by a carpet of creeping thyme (Thymus praecox articus) and bordered by colorful blue chalk sticks (Senecio mandraliscae), flax (Phormium hybrid), Spanish lavender (Lanvendula stoechas), kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos) and the large Pride of Madeira shrub (Echium fastuosum).
In another view of the same yard, these flagstones are surrounded by a carpet of creeping thyme (Thymus praecox articus) and bordered by colorful blue chalk sticks (Senecio mandraliscae), flax (Phormium hybrid), Spanish lavender (Lanvendula stoechas), kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos) and the large Pride of Madeira shrub (Echium fastuosum).
And last but absolutely not least is aromatic aster (Aster oblongifolius, zones 3 to 10), shown in the background here. A small shrublike perennial at 2 to 3 feet wide and 2 feet tall, it blooms forever and ever from September into October with bluish-purplish flowers. It gets lots of late-season pollinator action, especially from those insects that are migrating or getting ready to hibernate. So there's a good start for you to replace a butterfly bush with native plants that are as easy to care for but support a greater number and diversity of pollinating insects. Remember, your local choices may be different than these plants, but they'll be no less rewarding for wildlife in your area.
Tall blazing star (Liatris aspera, zones 3 to 8) is a late-summer to early-fall bloomer that's about 1 foot wide and 3 to 4 feet tall. It grows in dry to medium clay soil and full sun, and it's a carefree perennial that brings in butterflies just like its monarch-attracting cousin Liatris ligulistylis, zones 3 to 6.
Purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea, zones 3 to 9) is a midsummer-blooming plant that brings in the insects like nothing else. At just a foot to 2 feet tall and wide, it thrives in drier soils in full to partial sun. There's also a white clover, Dalea candida, if you like to moon garden (don't moon the garden; I mean if you like white flowers at night when the celestial moon is out).
If you need height and structure, let me introduce you to the drought-tolerant shrub arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum, zones 3 to 8). It's covered in white blooms in May; late summer brings a flush of blue berries birds adore; and the fall color is bright red, yellow or orange, depending on the cultivar. It also is a host plant for several caterpillar species. It thrives in dry to medium clay in full to partial sun, getting to about 6 feet tall and wide after eight years, and it will reach a bit taller after that.
Pasque flower (Pulsatilla patens, USDA zones 4 to 9; find your zone) blooms in April in dry clay soil, and even rocky or sandy soil. It's a slowly spreading clump that blooms for several weeks and gets about a foot tall. The subsequent seed heads are quite ornamental, and it's a fun, fuzzy plant to touch; the hairs protect it from cold spring nights.
So many blooming plants want lots of sun and dry feet, but this native of the U.S. Southeast is happiest in wetter conditions and doesn't mind the shade. It’s ideal for that shady, wet spot in the garden where nothing else seems to grow. Its flowers are relatively small but still pack a punch with their pink color tinged with yellow. It will eventually form clumps. Common name: Turtlehead Botanical name: Chelone lyonii USDA zones: 4 to 9 Water requirement: Plenty Light requirement: Full sun to light shade Mature size: 4 feet
Hardy True Geranium Familiar geraniums, which are really pelargoniums, may have stolen the name and the spotlight, but the true geranium is making a name for itself amongst gardeners. This mounding perennial adds color to the garden from summer into fall. Different species have different bloom times, but for flowers into the fall, good choices include ‘AnnFolkard’, G. x riversleaianum (a good ground cover choice) and ‘Johnson’s Blue’. Common names: Hardy geranium, cranesbill Botanical name: Geranium USDA zones: 3 to 9 Water requirement: Regular Light requirement: Full sun to filtered shade Mature size: 1 foot to 2 feet
Spectacular Japanese Anemone This perennial is beginning to play a major role in landscape design. It may take some time for it to get going, but once it settles in, it spreads easily and lasts a long time. The white or pink flowers are standouts, and the plant is large enough to straddle the border between shrub and perennial. Plant it under tall trees or shrubs so it can take advantage of the partial shade while filling in bare spots in the garden. Caution: Every part of this plant is poisonous if eaten. Common name: Japanese anemone Botanical names: Anemone x hybrida, A. japonica, A. hupehensis japonica USDA zones: 4 to 9 Water requirement: Regular Light requirement: Partial shade Mature size: 2 to 5 feet
Complex Toad Lily The name may not be inviting, but toad lily is the perfect addition to a woodland garden. It fits in well with shade-loving foliage plants, such as ferns, its pale green leaves contrasting with darker greens around it. At the end of summer, almost orchid-like white, pink or purple blossoms spotted with darker purple markings appear along the leaves from base to tip, adding a pop of unexpected color to a shady area. Common name: Toad lily Botanical name: Tricyrtis hirta USDA zones: 4 to 9 Water requirement: Plenty Light requirement: Light to full shade Mature size: 3 fee
Versatile Coreopsis From spring to fall, coreopsis, also called tickweed, is an easy-care plant whose yellow, orange, red or purple flowers will attract butterflies to almost any garden. And once it has finished blooming, the seed heads will attract birds as well. The annual coreopsis can be grown in all USDA zones, while perennial choices are at home in all but the coldest or hottest climates (think Alaska, southern Texas and southern Florida). For something really unusual, check out C. tinctoria ‘Tiger Stripes’. Common names: Coreopsis, tickweed, calliopsis Botanical name: Coreopsis USDA zones: All, depending on species Water requirement: Little to moderate Light requirement: Full sun Mature size: 1 foot to 2½ feet
The Other Coneflower There are plenty of Echinacea species available for home gardeners, but purple coneflower, now available in other colors, is the most popular. It's a hardy perennial with a long blooming season. Not only do the flowers attract butterflies and bees, they’re great cut as well. Take a look at the new hybrids that are even hardier and sport even more colors and flower shapes. Common names: Purple coneflower, coneflower Botanical names: Echinacea purpurea, E. hybrids USDA zones: 3 to 9 Water requirement: Regular to moderate Light requirement: Full sun Mature size: 2 to 4 feet
Sturdy Aster Following closely on the heels of mums in popularity are the asters. There’s a reason these perennials are favorites: Their pink, blue and purple flowers (usually with a bright yellow center) offer a cool contrast to the warmer autumn colors of the changing leaves and grasses. They’re also hardy in almost every climate. Aster x frikartii ‘Monch’ and ‘Wonder of Strafa’ bloom from summer to well into fall, and even through winter in the mildest areas, but they don’t always live as long as other species. The New England aster varieties are notable for their range of colors and their adaptability to wet soils. The similar New York aster, sometimes called a Michaelmas daisy, can range in size from under a foot to 4 feet tall. Common names: Aster, New England aster, New York aster, Michaelmas Daisy Botanical names: Aster x frikartii, A. novae-angliae, A. novi-belgii USDA zones: 3 to 10 Water requirement: Regular Light requirement: Full sun Mature size: 1 foot to 5 feet
Texture is particularly important with a monochromatic or harmonious color scheme. Even in color, the texture in this arrangement is apparent and striking. The large, ruffled leaves of the Chinese mustard (Brassica juncea, zones 2 to 11) to the left stand apart from the thin leaves of the purple fountain grass, even though both plants have similar coloring. Finely textured China aster (Callistephus chinensis, zones 2 to 11) rounds out the look.
There are a few plants I turn to again and again because of the way their texture turns up the volume in almost any container design. Here the soft, almost fluffy texture of white sage (Artemisia ludoviciana 'Silver King', zones 4 to 9) loosens up the tight, dense appearance of the tiny-leaved dwarf baby's tears (Hemianthus callitrichoides, zones 9 to 11).
The dark purple of palace purple coral bells' (Heuchera micrantha 'Palace Purple', zones 4 to 8) ruffled leaves (which come in many colors) combine with the thin leaves of Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola', zones 5 to 9) here to create a design that practically begs you to reach out and touch it.
Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass
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