Color Accents:
Stunning colors and variegation patterns highlight the shaded garden. Combine these rich colors with complementary or contrasting flowers or foliage for a remarkable effect. If well-watered, these exclusive cutting-grown plants will also grow in sun.
Alabama, Aurora Black Cherry, Aurora Raspberry, Electric Lime, Florida Sun Jade,
Florida Sun Splash, Henna, Lava Rose, Mint Mocha, Red Ruffles, Rustic Orange,
Saturn, Wild Lime
Sun or shade Grows 24-36" (61-91 cm) tall
Space 12" (30 cm) apart Water weekly during dry spells
Not hardy; grow as an annual
Large daisy type flowers that close during the night and/or on cloudy days. This is a heat tolerant plant that requires very little maintenance. The mounding habit of this plant helps fill in space while adding both striking color and texture to any planting.
Full sun Grows 8-10" (20-25 cm) tall
Space 6-10” (15-25 cm) apart Heat tolerant
Not hardy; grow as an annual
Airy flower sprays are ideal for flower arrangements, fresh or dried. Makes a wonderful cloud-like display at garden's edge. Ideal as a filler between other garden plants or for covering the fading foliage of poppies and spring-flowering bulbs.
Full sun Grows 6-18" (15-46 cm) tall
Space 12-24" (30-61 cm) apart Prefers well-drained soil
USDA zone 4 (-30°F) to USDA zone 9 (20°F)
Grown for its colorful foliage. Dark green leaves are speckled with pink, red or white. Makes a great addition to baskets, garden beds or container plantings. Pinch as needed to keep compact and prevent legginess. Prefers home temperatures of 65-70°F (18-21°C).
Sun or partial sun Grows 5-12" (13-30 cm) tall
Space 8" (20 cm) apart Water 2-3 times per week until established
Not hardy; grow as an annual
Delicate golden yellow daisy-like flowers cover this bushy plant all season. A delightful addition to the border, or use in containers to accent the patio or yard. Grows well in any soil and tolerates heat and drought. No deadheading required.
Full sun Grows to 10" (25 cm) tall
Space 10-12" (25-30 cm) apart Water 2-3 times per week until established
Not hardy; grow as an annual
This plant brings an exotic look to baskets, mixed containers, and gardens. Toucan’s vibrant colors radiate from its 2-inch blooms. This is a heat-loving, drought-tolerant variety requiring little maintenance. Combine these rich colors with complementary or contrasting flowers or foliage for a one-of-a-kind display.
Toucan Fuchsia, Toucan Scarlet Shade, Toucan Yellow
Full Sun Grows 3-4" (8-10 cm) tall
Space 12-14" (30-36 cm) apart Water weekly sparingly
Not hardy; grow as an annual
This is “mini” zinnia with needlelike leaves that give a soft, textural feel to your planting. It is robust and heat-tolerant with vibrant colors that seem to glow. This variety of zinnia is resistant to powdery mildew. As a bonus, these tough mini zinnias attract butterflies.
Full sun Grows to 12-18" (30-46 cm) tall
Space 14-16" (36-41 cm) apart Prefers moderately moist, well-drained soil
Not hardy; grow as an annual
Foliage Accents:
Beautifully variegated leaves and long-blooming flowers brighten shaded gardens and summer containers. Superb as a ground cover beneath trees or shrubs and will cascade from containers or hanging baskets.
Sun or Shade Grows to 6-8" (15-20 cm) tall
Space 18-24" (46-61 cm) apart Water regularly
USDA zone 2 (-40°F) to USDA zone 9 (20°F)
Licorice (Helichrysum petiolare)
Attractive rounded leaves are borne on a moderately trailing plant. Foliage contrasts with and highlights other plants, making this a superb addition to containers, hanging baskets and gardens. Combines well with geranium, verbena and dwarf delphinium. Prefers well-drained soil.
Full to part sun Grows 12-18" (31-46 cm) tall
Space 48" (122 cm) apart Requires excellent drainage, drought tolerant
Not hardy; grow as an annual
Mexican Heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia)
Delicate flowers complement tiny leaves and are perfect for adding lacy texture and soft color to containers or garden’s edge. A long-lasting addition to fresh flower arrangements. Makes a good houseplant where not winter hardy.
Full to part sun Grows 10-24" (25-61 cm) tall
Space 12" (31 cm) apart Water weekly during dry spells
Not hardy; grow as an annual
Outstanding plant with deep purple, yellow-green or tricolor foliage that provides excellent contrast in the garden. This vigorous vine can trail to 36". Ideal for use in hanging baskets, containers, or as an accent plant.
Blackie, Marguerite
Sun or partial sun Grows 6-12" (15-30 cm) tall
Space 24" (61 cm) apart Prefers consistent soil moisture
Not hardy; grow as an annual
Accent Grasses:
Graceful, flowing mounds of fine textured ornamental grass are lovely spilling over slopes and walls. Attractive in containers, in rock gardens, and at garden’s edge. Cut back to 3-4" as new growth begins in spring. A good houseplant where not winter hardy.
Full to part sun Grows 12-15" (31-38 cm) tall
Space 18" (46 cm) apart Prefers consistent soil moisture
USDA zone 7 (0°F) to USDA zone 10 (30°F)
Beautiful fine-textured foliage forms graceful, flowing mounds. Lovely spilling over slopes and walls, in containers, and at garden’s edge. Attractive planted with blue grasses such as little bluestem or bluelyme grass and bold-textured plants.
Full to part sun Grows 12-15" (31-38 cm) tall
Space 12-15" (31-38 cm) apart Prefers consistent soil moisture
USDA zone 7 (0°F) to USDA zone 10 (30°F)
Beautiful fine-textured ornamental grass; excellent in rock gardens or on slopes and banks. Attractive bronze foliage complements silver foliage plants, bright flowers and variegated grasses. Flowers and fruit are inconspicuous.
Full to part sun Grows to 16" (41 cm) tall
Space 15" (38 cm) apart Prefers consistent soil moisture
USDA zone 7 (0°F) to USDA zone 10 (30°F)
A vibrant fine-textured ornamental grass. Excellent in the perennial garden or as a small-scale ground cover. The orange foliage is outstanding planted with silver foliage plants, brightly colored flowers or variegated grasses.
Full to part sun Grows 15-20" (38-51 cm) tall
Space 12" (31 cm) apart Prefers consistent soil moisture
USDA zone 5 (-20°F) to USDA zone 6 (-10°F)
Attractive fine-textured ornamental grass. Excellent in the perennial garden or as a ground cover. The cinnamon colored foliage is outstanding planted with silver foliage plants, brightly colored flowers or variegated grasses.
Full to part sun Grows 15-20" (38-51 cm) tall
Space 24" (31-38 cm) apart Prefers consistent soil moisture
USDA zone 7 (0°F) to USDA zone 9 (20°F)
Exceptional soft blue foliage creates a sea of texture and color when massed. An effective accent when planted alone or in small groups. Full sun and dry soil conditions give it the deepest blue color.
Full sun Grows to 16" (41 cm) tall
Space 10-12" (25-31 cm) apart Prefers well-drained soil
USDA zone 5 (-20°F) to USDA zone 9 (20°F)
Isolepsis Live Wire – “Fiber Optic Grass”
A compact form of an unusual, densely tufted clumping grass that produces thin, hairlike leaves. Great addition to mixed containers, along ponds, or as an indoor plant.
Full to part sun Grows 6-8" (15-20 cm) tall
Space 18-20" (46-51 cm) apart Grows well at water's edge or in bog gardens
USDA zone 8 (10°F) to USDA zone 10 (30°F)
Narrow, straight gray-blue leaves in stiff clumps are great for adding structure to gardens and containers. Although heat and drought tolerant, it also can be grown as a pond plant, where plants create a natural transition from water to garden.
Full to part sun Grows to 36" (91 cm) tall
Space 10-12" (25-31 cm) apart Prefers well-drained soil
USDA zone 5 (-20°F) to USDA zone 9 (20°F)
This hardy bog plant has unusual, grasslike, wiry, twisted stems. Very effective when grown in containers and excellent in dried floral arrangements. Combine with trollius, houttunyia, lizard’s tail or ligularia for a delightful blend of colors and textures. Prefers continually moist, acid (sour) soil.
Full to part sun Grows to 8" (20 cm) tall
Space 8-10" (20-25 cm) apart Grows well at water's edge or in bog gardens
USDA zone 6 (-10°F) to USDA zone 9 (20°F)
This broad leaf accent grass remains compact while forming an attractive and long-lasting flower head. It changes from a green to dark green color and reaches 8-10 inches tall.
Full to part sun Grows to 8-10" (20-25 cm) tall
Space 8-10" (20-25 cm) apart Grows well at water's edge or in bog gardens
USDA zone 5 (-20°F) to USDA zone 9 (20°F)
Luzula Lucius – ”Snowy Woodrush”
Lovely fine-textured ornamental grass for shaded settings or at water’s edge. Glistening flowers give the look of falling snow. Excellent companion to calla lily, lenten rose, spring bulbs and other ornamental grasses. Tolerates sun in moist soils.
Part sun to shade Grows to 24" (61 cm) tall
Space 18" (46 cm) apart Water weekly during dry spells
USDA zone 4 (-30°F) to USDA zone 9 (20°F)
Milium Flashlights – ”Golden Millet”
The wonderful golden color of this grass lights up shady spots in any garden. The slightly weeping habit forms clumps and adds interest to combinations.
Part shade Grows to 10-15" (25-38 cm) tall
Space 10-12" (25-31 cm) apart Prefers moist soil
USDA zone 5 (-20°F) to USDA zone 7 (0°F)
Stipa Pony Tails – “Feather Grass”
This native grass is valued in the garden for its strong form and bold flowering habit. Slender, silky green flower spikes bloom above bright green clumps of foliage and dry to a beautiful golden color. Flower plumes are excellent for dried arrangements.
Full sun Grows 24-30" (61-76 cm) tall
Space 24-30" (61-76 cm) apart Water at least once a week until established
USDA zone 7 (0°F) to USDA zone 9 (30°F)
A beautiful grass with unique color that changes to shades of copper and pink with cool conditions, natural sunlight and maturity. The wispy foliage adds movement to the garden and containers as it sways easily in the breeze.
Full sun Grows 12-14" (31-36 cm) tall
Space 24" (61 cm) apart Prefers well-drained soil
USDA zone 6 (-10°F) to USDA zone 10 (30°F)
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