| Most gardeners get excited about new plant introductions and we've seen recent examples of some very promising new plants on the horizon. But what about the many, 'been around for generations', hardy perennials that seem to be out of favor/lacking popularity, not widely known or just not grown very much anymore?
What perennials do you grow that fit this category? Maybe we can generate some interest and wider exposure for some of these less well-known or underused great garden additions.
These are a few that I've grown for years but hardly ever see in local nurseries or gardens:
Gillenia trifoliata - Bowman's Root. Native to woodland verges of the eastern US, this tough perennial (zone 4) features clouds of starry white flowers and handsome foliage that takes on fall color. Excellent for cut flowers. Not fussy about soils and ideal for part shade but easily takes full sun in my climate.
Uvularia grandiflora - Merry Bells. A wonderful woodland plant that has taken a backseat to the more widely grown Solomon's Seal. Bright yellow pendant flower appear in spring from a slowly increasing colony.
Dracocephalum rupestre - Dragonhead. Dead-easy groundcover type plant with screaming blue summer flowers over several months. Drought tolerant once established, grows in full sun but doesn't mind midday/afternoon shade, especially in hot climates.
Mukdenia rossii - Crimson Fans. An Asian heuchera relative that is seldom encountered. Fan-like maple shaped foliage is a glossy green during summer but takes on red tones with colder weather. Sprays of dainty white flowers appear in early spring. Part shade or woodland gardens.
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