Dan West Garden Center

February 2009 Newsletter©

Shade Perennials

First, just a few February reminders; prune your monkey grass now if you haven’t already done so.  Apply pre-emerge herbicides to your lawn this month. Read the February 2008 newsletter if you’ve forgotten which pre-emerge to use.  Prune crape myrtle, butterfly bush, althea and any other summer flowering shrub now.  Spray lime sulfur on roses, cane fruits and fruit trees.  Spray deciduous plants and broadleaf evergreens with a dormant oil when the temperature is not expected to freeze within 48 hours or so.  Spray pear, apple, quince, pyracantha and cotoneaster for fire blight if you had a problem last year.  Clean out existing, and put up new, martin houses before the 15^th.

Here’s a list of some commonly seen shade perennials in the Mid-south. I’ve included some personal thoughts based on successes or failures I’ve seen in 36 years in the business.  I’ve grown many of these and killed some.  Almost always, death was directly related to drainage or when I planted it where I wanted it, not where it should be planted.

Most of these we sell every year, some we’ve had in the past, some are new this year and some are more likely to be pass-a-longs you get from a friend.  I’ve tried to give you an idea of their mature size so you don’t over-plant, or incorrectly plant, your garden and I’ve also tried to give a brief description so you’ll have an idea of the general appearance.  You can find pictures of them on the Internet, once you’ve narrowed down your ‘want list’. This doesn’t make for the best reading, but I hope it will serve as a reference that you can use often.   Next month…sun perennials.

Acanthus - Bears Breeches -This plant is worth growing even if it doesn't bloom.  The large dark green leaves make a nice addition to the perennial or shade garden.  It will grow in moderate shade, but if you want it to bloom,  plant it at the edge of the shade garden where it gets a few hours of sun.  It needs plenty of water but will not tolerate standing in water.

   'Oakleaf' - Striking large dark green foliage for shady areas. Plant to 36", white flower spike to 5'.

   'Summer Beauty' - Foliage is more heavily serrated than Oakleaf.  Leaves to 2' long and white flower spike to 6'.

Actaea - (formally Cimicifuga) - A. simplex - Snakeroot or Bugbane -  Produces long arching stems of small white flowers in early summer.  Flowers resemble a butterfly bush.  Performs best in part shade and moist, well drained soil.  Do not allow to dry.

'Black Negligee' -  A purple leaf cultivar to 5' tall with 24" white, bottlebrush-like flowers.

   'Brunette' - Dark purple leaf cultivar w/pale pink flowers to 4' tall.

Anemone - Japanese Wind  Flower - Very attractive easily grown perennial. Large flowers, held above a rosette of dark green foliage, on a wiry stem that allows the flower to sway in the wind. Likes moist soil and light shade.

   'Andrea Atkinson' - 2" white flowers, grows to 30" tall.

   'Honorine Jobert' - Single white flowers, reverse tinged pink, bright yellow stamens, to 4' tall.

   'Max Vogel' - Double soft pink flower to 36" tall.

   'Mont Rose' - Double rose pink flower to 42".

   'Praecox' -  Single flowers with petals that are varying shades of pink, giving it a bi-color appearance, to 36".

   'Party Dress' - Double rose pink flowers to 36" or more.

   'Prinz Heinrich' - Dark pink flowers to 18" - 24" tall.

   'Queen Charlotte' - Huge 3" light pink semi-double flowers, to 36" tall.

   'September Charm' - Pink flowers to 30" tall. 

    'Whirlwind' - Large double white flowers to 36".

Anemonella - Rue anemone - Very attractive addition to the shade garden.  Only 6" to 9" tall but covered with 8-petaled star shaped white or pale pink flowers.

Arisaema - Jack-in-the-pulpit - Though not spectacular from a distance, the unique flowers and foliage make these a nice wild flower addition to the shade perennial garden. There are a number of species, the following two native ones are the most often seen.

   A. dracontium - Dragon root - Produces a large, multi-lobed single leaf that stands nearly 3' tall.  A single green flower is followed by a stalk of red berries.

   A. triphyllum - Native Jack-in-the-pulpit - Produces one or two, three lobed leaves.  Purple striped, green flower followed by red berries.

Arum - Often called 'winter hosta'.  Looks the best in the shade, produces more flowers with some sun. Spreads quickly in favorable locations.

   A. italicum - Striking variegated foliage through winter, followed by flower spike with red berries.

Aruncus - Likes a moist location and can tolerate a good bit of sun if moist.  Looks best in the shade garden.

   A.  dioicus - Goatsbeard - Foliage and flowers resemble Astilbe, white flowers, to 5' tall.

Asarum - Wild Ginger - Low shade loving evergreen groundcovers with attractive heart shaped leaves. They need cool, rich, woodland soil to grow well.  Most have purple to brown flowers but are concealed by the foliage.

   A canadense - Canadian ginger - Large glossy green foliage up to 6" wide.  Likes well drained soil. 

A. europaeum - European ginger - Dark green foliage, excellent shade ground cover. Performs better in the Mid-South than European ginger.

   A. shuttleworthii 'Callaway' - Vigorous cultivar, silver mottled foliage and purple brown flowers to 6" tall.  Best choice of the gingers.

Aspidistra - Cast Iron Plant - It's an evergreen perennial, a great low-light houseplant, attractive foliage, what more could you ask for?

   A. elatior - Lance shaped dark green glossy leaves to 24".

   A. elatior 'Milky Way' - Green leaves with white specks to 15".

   A. elatior 'Variegata' - Green leaves with white stripes to 24".

   A. lurida - 8" - 12" green leaves, not quite as hardy as A. elatior.

Astilbe -  Outstanding clump forming shade perennial.  Needs ample moisture to prevent summer browning of the foliage.

   A. chinensis pumila - 10" dwarf plant with reddish pink flowers.

   'Bridal Veil' - Ivory white flowers to 30".

   'Bronze Elegans' - Bronze green leaves with deep pink spikes, 12".

   'Catteya' - Orchid pink flowers to 36" tall.

   'Color Flash' - Foliage starts green then matures to burgundy and purple. Pale pink flowers to 18".

   'Color Flash Lime' - Lime green foliage with darker green edge, pink flowers, 24".

   'Delft Lace'  - Apricot pink flowers, blue green foliage, 30" tall.

   'Deutschland' - Creamy white flowers on a compact plant, to 30" with flower spike.

   'Diamant' - Pure white flowers to 30" tall.

   'Europa' - Short light pink plumes, 20" tall.

   'Fanal' - Showy red flowers 36" tall.

   'Glow' - Foliage begins bronze and turns green in the summer.  Very deep red flowers, 30"

   'Granat' - Deep red flowers, 24" tall.

   'Hennie Graafland' - Outstanding dark rose flowers, bronze green foliage 18" tall.

   'Inshriach Pink' - Bronze green leaves and pale pink spikes to 16".

   'Key Biscayne' - Light pink flowers, bronze green foliage, good re-bloomer and touted to be more drought tolerant than most Astilbe. 18" tall.

   'Key Largo' - Raspberry pink flowers, 18" tall.

   'Lollypop' -Pink w/cream, red stems 20" tall.

   'Maggie Daley' - Lavender purple flowers, 28" tall.

   'Milk and Honey' - Creamy white flowers that age to pink, 30" tall.

   'Montgomery' -Deep red flowers and dark red foliage in summer to 28" tall.

   'Ostrich Plume' - Arching rose peach flowers to 36".

   'Peach Blossom' - Medium pink flower spikes, 20" tall.

   'Red Sentinel' - Scarlet red flowers to 24" tall.

   'Rheinland' - Clear pink flowers on a 20" plant.

   'Snowdrift' - 24' tall with white flowers.

   'Sprite' - Shell pink flowers on bronze foliage.  Dwarf plant, to 15".

   'Superba' - Magenta purple flowers, 40" tall

   'Valerie' -Bluish-purple flowers to 18".

   'Visions' - 15" compact plant with dark raspberry blooms.

   'Visions in Pink'  - 24" plant with clear raspberry pink blooms.

Astrantia - Masterwort - A good plant for the edge of the shade garden.  Needs moist, rich, well drained soil.

   A. major 'Abbey Road' -Black stem, vivid purple flowers, large deep green leaves, 2' tall. Blooms profusely from early to late summer

Begonia -  Tolerates a good bit of sun just keep it well watered to prevent the foliage from summer burning.

   B. grandis - Hardy, pink flowers to 30" tall. Aggressive, spreads rapidly, seeds freely, but nice foliage and flowers August through the fall.

Bergenia - Attractive small perennial that likes sun but must be grown here in light shade.  Plant in moist well drained soil, does not like drought.

   'Baby Doll' - Evergreen.  Green foliage turns burgundy in fall.  Light pink flowers.

Bletilla - Hardy orchid - Lance shaped oblong leaves. Does well at the edge of the shade garden. Flowers late spring to early summer.

   B. striata - Magenta/pink flowers.

   B. striata 'Alba' - Creamy white flowers.

   B. striata 'Kuchibeni' - Light lavender flowers.

Brunnera - This is a very attractive shade garden perennial that can become a groundcover.  Somewhat heart shaped fuzzy leaves and vivid light blue flowers in mid spring. Needs loose, moist, well drained soil.

   B. macrophylla - Light blue flowers, 12" tall.

'Jack Frost'  -  Light blue flowers, frosted white leaves w/green veins, 12" tall.

Chelone -Turtlehead - Excellent fall blooming perennial.  Needs moist, well drained soil.  Will tolerate some sun with sufficient moisture.

C. glabra - White turtlehead, 24".

   C. lyonii  - Rose/purple flowers to 3' tall

   C. lyonii 'Hot Lips' - Hot pink flowers grows to 2' tall.

Convallaria - Lily of the Valley - Although it will grow in full sun, I've included this with shade perennials because it looks best in shade to part shade.  It tolerates just about any but the wettest of soils and it spreads quickly by underground runners.  It has 8" oblong, lance shaped, leaves and produces an arching flower spike covered with white bell shaped flowers.  Spreads quickly (understatement).

   C. majalis - This is the one most often seen.  There is a pink flowering and a double white variety occasionally available and several with variegated foliage.

Corydalis - Attractive 2" yellow tubular flowers.  Compact plant to 18".  Tolerates sun in milder climates, best in the shade garden in the Mid south.  It's considered a short lived perennial, but it seeds freely and can become weedy if not maintained.

   C. lutea - Flowers are light yellow to rich gold, profuse spring bloomer, will bloom thru fall if moist, 15", seeds.

   C. x 'Berry Exciting' - Yellow fern like foliage, purple flowers to 12".

Dicentra - Bleeding Heart - Outstanding shade perennial with blue/green foliage and arching flower spikes covered with heart shaped flowers.   Bleeding hearts tend to sprout early, so be prepared to protect them from late frosts.  Plant in moist, well drained soil out of strong winds.

   D. spectabilis  - Rose pink and white flowers to 4' tall.

   D. spectabilis 'Alba' - White flowering variety to 30" tall.

   'Bacchanal' - Dark crimson flowers to 18".

   'Candy Heart' - Fern like blue/green foliage and light pink flowers on a compact 12" plant.

   'Gold Heart' - Stunning lime green foliage with cherry red blooms, to 30".

   'King of Hearts' - Soft gray/green foliage, rose red flowers, heat tolerant.  Does not go dormant in summer if moist.  15" tall.

   'Luxuriant'  - PP#3324 - Finely cut, blue green foliage with cherry red blooms, to 15".

   'Snowdrift' - Soft gray/green foliage, white flowers, heat tolerant.  Does not go dormant in summer if moist.  15" tall.

   'Stuart Boothman' - Finely cut foliage, deep pink flowers to 18".

Disporopsis - D. pernyi - Soloman's Seal - A great evergreen plant for the shade.  Arching branches with dark green foliage to 18", small white bell shaped flowers in late spring.

Doronicum - Leopard's Bane - I see this plant offered occasionally in the Mid-South, but it's not really suited for our area.  It likes much cooler temperatures than we have. However, it might be used for early season color since it blooms very early.  Further north, it blooms spring through fall.

Epimedium - Bishop's Hat - Clump forming, spreading perennial. Good groundcover around azaleas.  Heart to oval shaped foliage, likes well drained, but evenly moist, soil in part to full shade. 

   E. grandiflorum 'Lilafee' - Purple tinted new foliage, matures green and purple flowers, to 15" tall.  Cut foliage back in late winter.

   E. grandiflorum 'Rose Queen' - Dark bronze foliage, dark pink, nearly maroon flowers, 12" tall. Cut foliage back in late winter.

   E. x perralchicum 'Frohnleiten' - Slow growing, evergreen, butter yellow flowers, 12" tall.

   E. versicolor sulphureum - Evergreen, 5 to 11 leaflets per leaf with dark yellow flowers, to 12" tall.

Eranthis - E. hyemalis - Winter Aconite - This is an attractive little addition to the edge of the woodland garden.  It grows about 4" tall and has an small bright yellow flower very early in the season, usually late February to early March.  It needs moist well drained soil in a sunny location but fairs better here if it is protected from the hot afternoon sun.

Farfugium - Leopard Plant -  Large dark green, nearly round leaves with irregular yellow spots.  Small yellow flowers on an upright stalk to 24".  This is a great evergreen addition to the shade garden.  Most often seen as F. japonicum 'Aureomaculatum'' but also as F. tussilagineum and Ligularia tussilaginea 'Aureomaculata'.  See other varieties listed under Ligularia.

   'Crested Leopard' - New leaves are reddish purple and mature to large 10" green leathery leaves with scalloped margins and gray hairs, 24" tall but occasionally larger.  Do not allow to become dry.

   'Jitsuko's Star' - Solid deep green leaves with double daisy like yellow flowers. Grows to 18", flower spike to 24".

Filipendula - Meadowsweet - Performs best in the Mid South in part shade and moist soil. Seeds freely.

   F. rubra 'Venusta' - Does not like drought.  Astilbe like pink flowers, deep green foliage, to 7' tall

   F. ulmaria variegata - Cottony white Astilbe-like flowers with variegated foliage to 30" tall. Protect from the hottest sun.

Helleborus - The Christmas and Lenten Rose - Spectacular evergreen perennial, most with nodding flowers in the winter.

   H. argutifolius - Attractive foliage, pale green flowers late winter, early spring. Normally 24" tall but can get 5' tall in some locations.

H. argutifolius  'Silver Lace' -Silver, holly like foliage, light green flowers, grows to 24".

H. foetidus -Yellow-green flowers sometimes tipped red, known as the "stinking hellebore"  but only if the foliage is crushed. Outstanding winter foliage. Blooms December into April.

   H. niger - Christmas Rose - White, occasionally pink flowers with a green center.  Blooms most of the winter, to 18".

   H. orientalis - Lenten Rose -  White to greenish cream flowers maturing to pink or rose purple, 18" tall

   'Blue Lady' - Huge 3" almost purple flowers to 18". Holds flowers more upright.

   'Brandywine Series' - Varied flowers include red, pink, apricot, purple to yellow, some picotees, spotted, doubles and anemone forms. 15" tall.

   'Cherry Blossom' - Very large 3" white flowers with raspberry veins, center and edge, to 24".

   'Golden Sunrise'  - Color varies per plant. Pure yellow, yellow with red veins, yellow with red starburst.

   'Ivory Prince'  - Ivory flower, flushed with pink and green.  Hold flowers upright, to 18".

   'Pine Knot Select'  - Pink, mauve, lavender and near white, depends on the plant, to 18".

   'Pink Lady' - Rose pink, deep pink center, to 18".  Holds flowers more upright.

   'Red Lady' -  Dark red/magenta petals with deeper center, to 20".  Holds flowers more upright.

   'Royal Heritage' - Flowers range from pure white, pink, red, green, purple to near black, 18" tall.

   'White Spotted Lady'  - White with red spots in center.

   'Yellow Lady' - Pale yellow with red starburst centers.

Heuchera - Coral Bells - Very attractive clump perennial available in a wide array of foliage colors.  Small flowers produced on an upright spike, but mostly grown for the foliage.  Most Heuchera do best with a little sun, but protected from the hottest afternoon sun.  Keep moist, but not wet to prevent leaf scorch.  Flower height adds another 6" to 18".  Most are evergreen.  Chartreuse and many brown leaf cultivars make better container than garden plants over the long term in the Mid South.

   'Amber Waves' - Amber gold foliage with light rose flowers, to 12" tall.

   'Amethyst Mist' - Blackish/purple with a silver sheen, evergreen, grows to 8".

   'Black Beauty' - Reddish purple, ruffled leaves, likes part sun, to 10".

   'Bressingham Hybrids' - Bright green heart shaped foliage, flowers vary from white to pink to red, to 15".

   'Cappuccino' - Bronze green, good heat and sun tolerance, to 8".

   'Caramel' -Caramel orange foliage, seldom flowers.  Likes heat and humidity, needs good drainage, to 8".

   'Cathedral Windows' - Multicolored foliage with shades of silver, emerald green and bronze, tiny white flowers, 12" tall.

   'Citronelle' - Lime yellow foliage, tolerates heat well but needs shade.  Good container plant, to 12".

   'Crimson Curls' - Crimson crinkled red foliage, white flowers, to 12".

   'Encore' - Deep purple leaves become lighter with more silver cast with age.  Good heat tolerance, to 12".

   'Frosted Violet' - Plum purple foliage with darker veins, light pink flowers,  to 20".

   'Georgia Peach' - Peachy orange with a white overlay, matures to darker purple in fall, to 14".

   'Hollywood' - Dark purple, white veins, heavy re-bloomer, likes part sun, to 8".

   'Lime Rickey' -Chartreuse foliage, best as a container plant, to 8".

   'Marmalade' - Caramel pink, heavily ruffled, likes sun, to 10".

   'Midnight Rose' - Deep purple w/ red flecks, to 10". Stunning foliage.

   'Montrose Ruby' - Striking dark red foliage w/silver overlay.  Tolerates some sun, to 12".

   'Obsidian' - Near black, purple with glassy sheen, to 10".

   'Palace Purple' - Spectacular purple red foliage, tiny white flowers, to 12".

   'Peach Flambe' - Bright peach, matures purple in the fall, to 8".

   'Pewter Moon' - Bright silver foliage with purple edges and veins, white flowers, to 12".

   'Pistache' - Lime green foliage, best as a container plant, to 15".

   'Plum Pudding' - Unique plum purple w/darker veins, to 8".

   'Purple Petticoats' - Dark purple, heavily ruffled, likes some sun, to 12".

   'Rachel' - Mottled green and purple leaves, small coral pink flowers, to 8".

   'Silver Scrolls' - Grape purple with steel gray overlay, purple veins, to 8".

   'Sparkling Burgundy' - Black cherry foliage, darker in the winter, good container plant, to 12".

   'Tiramisu' - Golden yellow with orange highlights and veins, good heat tolerance, to 12".  Really cool looking!

   'Venus' - Very large silver leaves w/deep green veins, really spectacular, to 8".

Heucherella - Foamy Bells - An intergeneric hybrid between Coral Bells (Heuchera) and Foam Flower (Tiarella).  Like Heuchera, most like a little morning sun, but protection from the afternoon sun.  Likes moist soil, but not wet, high in organic matter.

   'Alabama Sunrise' - Gold with red veins in spring, gold changes to green and later to pink in the fall, tolerates heat, to 12".

   'Birthday Cake' - Chocolate brown with white flowers, to 8".

   'Burnished Bronze' - Glossy bronze foliage with pink flowers, 8" tall.

   'Chocolate Lace' - Milk chocolate colored foliage, pink flowers, 8" tall.

   'Dayglow Pink' - Green foliage w/striking pink flowers, to 8".

   'Heart of Darkness' - Mint green leaves, burgundy red centers etched in silver, white flowers, 8" tall.

   'Kimono' - Maple-like leaves foliage with silver cast and purple veins, pale pink flowers, 10" tall.

   'Stoplight' - Bright yellow leaves w/dark red blotch and veins, to 6".

   'Sunspot' -Yellow with blood red center, to 6".

   'Viking Ship' - Green leaves w/silvery sheen, to 6".

Hosta

   'Albomarginata' - Cream-colored margins on light green deeply veined foliage, 18" tall, lilac flowers to 40".

   'American Icon' - Green leaves, wide yellow border, 5' wide, 24" tall, white flowers to 36".

   'Antioch' - Green leaves with irregular yellow margin that matures to pure white, grows to 18", lavender flowers to 36".

   'Aphrodite' - Green leaves to 18", double white flower to 30".

   'Aristocrat' - Powder blue leaves, creamy white border, 14" tall, pale lavender flowers to 22".

   'Atlantis' - Wavy green leaves with wide yellow margin to 24", light lavender flowers to 30".

   'August Moon' - Golden foliage, 18" tall, lavender flowers to 24".

   'Aureo-marginata' - Green leaves edged in creamy yellow, 15" tall, lilac flowers to 36".

   'Big Daddy' - Large blue green leaves to 24", white flowers to 48".

   'Big Mama' - Large corrugated blue leaves to 40" tall, white flowers to 48".

   'Birchwood Parky's Gold' - Golden chartreuse heart shaped foliage to 18", lavender flowers to 36".

   'Black Hills' - Dark green cupped heart shaped leaves, 20" tall, lavender flowers to 36".

   'Blonde Elf' - Light yellow/green lance shaped leaves to 8" tall, lavender flowers to 12".

   'Blue Angel' - Beautiful blue foliage, very large leaves to 18" long, 36" tall, plant to 5' across, white to very pale lavender flowers to 5'.

   'Blue Cadet' - Dwarf plant to 15", blue green rounded leaves, lavender flowers to  30".

   'Blue Dimples' - Powder blue foliage to 18".  Lavender flowers to 30"

   'Blue Ivory' - Blue w/creamy white border that lightens to white in summer, 16" tall, lavender flowers to 24".

   'Blue Mammoth' - Heavily corrugated, very large blue foliage, 5' wide, white to very pale lavender flowers, 36" tall, flowers to 5'.

   'Blue Moon' - Heart shaped blue/green leaves to 8", white flowers to 12".

   'Blue Mouse Ears' - Very small gray/green leaves, 8" tall, purple flowers to 12".

   'Blue Umbrellas' - Large blue/green leaves to 36" tall, white flowers to 44".

   'Bold Ribbons' - Lance shaped leaves with a thin white edge to 15" tall, purple flowers to 24", good edging hosta.

   'Bressingham Blue' - Large 15", upright cup shaped blue foliage, 24' tall, white flowers to 36".

   'Bright Lights' - Gold leaves with wide blue green margins, 15" tall,  near white flowers to 24" tall.

   'Brim Cup' - Cupped heart shaped green leaves with an irregular white margin  to 18",  white flowers to 24".

   'Camelot' - Corrugated, heart shaped, very blue foliage to 15", pale lavender (almost white) flowers to 24".

   'Cameo' - Small green leaves, irregular cream border, only 4" tall, lavender/purple flowers to 12".

   'Candy Hearts' - Small heart shaped leaves to 15", pale lavender flowers to 20".

   'Captain Kirk'  - Dark green with a wide golden yellow center to 18", pale lavender flowers to 30".

   'Cathedral Windows' -  Large 12" corrugated green leaves with wide yellow center to 20", lavender flowers to 40".

   'Cherry Berry' - Striking red scapes emerge from green foliage with white centers, to 12"  Lavender flowers to 24"..

   'Christmas Tree' - Green leaves, cream border, heavily corrugated, plant to 24", lavender flowers to 36".

   'Climax' - Dark green leaves with a wide, irregular chartreuse margin to 24", lavender flowers to 36".

   'Color Glory' - Wide corrugated chartreuse leaves with wide irregular blue/green border to 12", white flowers to 22".

   'Colossal' - Huge blue somewhat heart shaped leaves to 30" tall, pale lavender flowers to 42".

   'Crispula' - Lance shaped, wavy edged green leaves with a thin white margin to 20", light lavender flowers to 36".

   'Dark Star' - Lance shaped green leaves with a thin white margin to 12", purple flowers to 18".

   'Dawn's Early Light' -  Brilliant gold foliage that matures to chartreuse to 20" tall, light lavender flowers to 32".

   'Daybreak' - One of the best gold leaf varieties to 15", pale lavender flowers to 20".

   'Diamond Tiara' - Green leaves with a wavy white margin to 15", purple flowers to 28".

   'Diana Remembered' - Blue/green foliage with a wide creamy white border to 15", white flowers to 24".

   'Earth Angel' - Blue w/creamy yellow border that matures to white, plant to 30", flowers to 42".

   'Elegans' - Large blue/green leaves to 30", white flowers to 36".

   'Elvis Lives' - Wavy blue foliage to 18", lavender flowers to 24".

   'Emerald Tiara' - Heart shaped gold foliage with green margins to 15", purple flowers to 30".

   'Empress Wu' - Huge plant, dark green leaves to 5' tall. Pale lavender flowers to 6'.

   'Fair Maiden' - Green leaves with a wide irregular yellow margin that matures white to 12", lavender flowers to 16".

   'Fall Bouquet' - Wavy dark green lance shaped leaves to 15", lavender flowers to 24".

   'Fire & Ice' - Dark green leaves with white centers to 12" and violet flowers on red stems to 20".

   'Fire Island' - Brilliant yellow on red stems, matures to chartreuse, 15", lavender flowers to 24".

   'First Frost' - Blue w/creamy yellow border that matures white, 16" tall, pale lavender flowers to 24".

   'Flame Stitch' - Heart shaped white leaves with green margins, plant to 15", flowers to 36".

   'Fragrant Blue' - Heart shaped blue/green leaves to 10", very fragrant white flowers to 20".

   'Fragrant Bouquet' - Apple green foliage with a wide creamy margin, to 20", fragrant white flowers to 36".

   'Francee' - Green leaves with white margins, to 20" tall, lavender flowers to 36".

   'Frances Williams' - Dark blue-green leaves edged in gold, to 24" white flowers to 36".

   'Fried Bananas' - Rapid grower, gold foliage, to 24", fragrant white flowers to 36".

   'Fried Green Tomatoes' - Dark green corrugated leaves, a very robust grower to 24" tall, white flowers to 36".

   'Frosted Jade' - Dark green leaves, thin white margin, to 30" tall, pale lavender flowers to 40" tall.

   'Ginko Craig' -Small edging hosta, green w/white edge, to 6", purple flowers to 18".

   'Gold Edger' - Small heart shaped gold leaves to 8", good edger, pale lavender flowers to 14".

   'Golden Meadows' - Very attractive cream leaves with blue and green irregular margins, white flowers to 36".

   'Golden Scepter' - Lance shaped golden foliage that matures to chartreuse, to 16" tall, lavender flowers to 24".

   'Golden Tiara' - Heart shaped green leaves, gold edge, to 12" tall, purple flowers to 24".

   'Golden Sunburst' - Yellow leaves to 24", white flowers to 36". 

   'Gold Standard' - Gold leaves with green margins, plant to 20", lavender flowers to 32".

   'Grand Prize' - Green w/wide irregular cream margins, plant to 12", dark purple flowers to 24".

   'Grand Tiara' - Small heart shaped green leaves with a very wide gold margin to 14", purple flowers to 30".

   'Great Expectations' - Large green pointed leaves with cream center, plant to 22", white flowers to 36".

   'Green Fountain' - Narrow glossy green leaves to 20", lavender flowers to 36".

   'Green Hyacinthia' -  Leaves are gray green above, blue underneath, 18' tall, lavender flowers to 36".

   'Groundmaster' - Low growing, wavy green leaves with white edges, to 10", purple flowers to 24"

   'Guacamole' - Gold leaves with dark green margins to 24",  fragrant white to lavender flowers to 36" tall.

   'Guardian Angel' - Large ruffled blue/green leaves with wide ivory center, 24" tall, lavender flowers to 40".

   'Gum Drop' - Heart shaped lime green leaves to 8" tall, lavender flowers to 15".

   'Hadspen Blue' - Round corrugated powder blue leaves to 12", pale lavender flowers to 18"

   'Hadspen Hawk' - Blue/green foliage to 12", pale lavender flowers to 16".

   'Hadspen Heron' - Deep blue wavy foliage to 12", lavender flowers to 16".

   'Halcyon' - Small round blue leaves to 14" tall with lilac blue flowers to 26".

   'Hi Ho Silver' - Narrow green leaves w/thin white edge, to 10", purple flowers to 18".

   'High Noon' - Large round golden leaves to 24" tall, pale lavender flowers to 40".

   'Hollywood Lights' - 14" dark green leaves with a golden yellow center, to 24" tall and 4' wide, lavender flowers to 42".

   'Honeybells' - Green wavy foliage to 24", pale lavender flowers to 40".

   'Hoosier Harmony' - Chartreuse leaves edged with a green margin, to 18", flowers to 36".

   'Hyacinthina' - Blue/green foliage matures to gray/green to 18" tall, pale purple flowers to 32".

   'Inniswood' - Corrugated golden leaves with a thin, irregular green margin, to 22" high, lavender flowers to 36".

   'Invincible' - Glossy green pointed leaves to 12" with very fragrant lavender flowers to 18",

   'Iron Gate Delight' - Green leaves with a cream border to 16" and very fragrant flowers to 24".

   'Island Charm' - Very dark green margined leaves with white center and light green streaking to 12", light purple flowers to 22".

   'Jack of Diamonds' - Blue-green leaves w/wide irregular yellow margin to 16", pale lavender flowers to 30".

   'Janet' - Gold centered leaves maturing to white with irregular dark green margin to 14" tall, lavender flowers to 30".

   'June' - Creamy chartreuse leaves with blue edges to 12", pale lavender flowers to 20".

   'June Fever' - Yellow leaves with a thin green margin to 15", lavender flowers to 24".

   'Kabitan' - Narrow wavy gold leaves with a thin dark green edge to 12", dark lavender flowers to 20".

   'Knock Out' - Heart shaped creamy yellow foliage with blue-green irregular margins to 12" and lavender flowers to 20".

   'Komodo Dragon' - Large dark green leaves w/wavy border, 6' wide, 30" tall, rapid growth, white flowers to 48".

   'Krossa Regal' - Upright powdery blue leaves to 32" and lavender flowers to 42"

   'Lady Guinevere' - Yellow leaves with a thin green border 18" tall, lavender flowers to 30".

   'Lakeside Kaleidoscope' - Wavy blue/green foliage with irregular white margin to 10", white flowers to 24".

   'Lakeside Zinger' - Small, fast growing green w/thin white margin to 6", lavender flowers to 15".

   'Lancifolia' - Lance shaped green leaves to 12" tall, violet flowers to 20".

   'Lemon Lime' - Lance shaped chartreuse leaves to 12", purple flowers to 18".

   'Liberty' - Blue/green center with wide cream edge to 24", lavender flowers to 36".

   'Limey Lisa' - Small heart shaped lime green leaves to 10", lavender flowers to 18".

   'Little Sunspot' - Yellow heart shaped leaves with a thin dark green irregular border to 8", white flowers to 12".

   'Little Wonder' - Dark green leaves with a thin cream edge to 6" tall, purple flowers to 12".

   'Lonesome Dove' - Cupped blue leaves, creamy white center, slow grower to 18", lilac flowers to 24".

   'Love Pat' - Corrugated deep blue foliage to 18", white flowers to 24".

   'Mama Mia' - Wavy dark green leaves, wide cream margins to 18", lavender flowers to 28".

   'Maraschino Cherry' - Shiny dark green leaves to 12", lavender flowers on red scapes to 24".

   'Masquerade' - Lance shaped white leaves with irregular green margin to 6", purple flowers to 10".

   'Medio-Picta' - Twisted green leaves with wide white center to 15" tall, lavender flowers to 36".

   'Mediovariegata' - Twisted dark green leaves with thin white center and light green streaks to 15", lavender flowers to 36".

   'Metallica' - Blue/green wavy leaves to 16", lavender flowers to 24".

   'Midwest Magic' - Yellow center with irregular dark green margin to 20", pale lavender flowers to 28".

   'Mildred Seaver' - Blue/green center with thin irregular cream border to 20", lavender flowers to 24".

   'Minuteman' - Rippled, slightly cupped, green leaves with white margins to 18", pale lavender flowers to 24".

   'Mira' - Huge gray/green leaves to 36", white flowers to 40".

   'Mistress Mabel' - Large light green leaves with a thin white margin to 18", fragrant lavender flowers to 24".

   'Moon River' - Blue green heart shaped foliage with irregular cream border to 12", lavender flowers to 16".

   'Moonlight' - Lime green foliage with a thin white edge to 24", lavender flowers to 36", profuse bloomer.

   'Moonlight Sonata'  - Wide blue/green leaves to 24", nearly white flowers to 36", very fragrant.

   'Night Before Christmas' - Dark green leaves with clear white centers, 12" tall and lavender flowers to 18".

   'North Hills' - Narrow green lance shaped leaves with a white edge to 20", lavender flowers to 40".

   'Old Glory' - Heart shaped golden foliage with an irregular thin dark green margin to 14", light lavender flowers to 24".

   'Olive B. Langdon' - Large, round, corrugated, blue/green leaves with wide irregular gold margin to 24", white flowers to 30".

   'On Stage' - Golden leaves w/irregular green margin to 14", lavender flowers to 24".

   'Orange Marmalade' - Gold with wide blue/green border to 18", lavender flowers to 24".

   'Pandora's Box' - Very dwarf, 3", blue/green with white center, light lavender flowers to 10".

   'Paradigm' - Yellow center, blue/green border, heavily corrugated, 3' wide, 20" tall, lavender flowers to 30".

   'Patriot' - Green leaves with pure white margins, grows to 15",  lavender flowers to 24".

   'Paul Revere' - White leaves with a wide irregular dark green edge to 15", lavender flowers to 24".

   'Paul's Glory' - Gold leaves w/wide blue edge to 18", light lavender flowers to 24" tall

   'Peanut' - Narrow leaves, blue/green border, white center, 6" tall, bright purple flowers to 15".

   'Pearl Lake' - Small, heart shaped green leaves, forms a dense mound to 14", lavender flowers to 24".

   'Peedee Gold Flash' - Lance shaped yellow leaves that mature to chartreuse, dark green irregular edge to 10", purple flowers to 12".

   'Piedmont Gold' - Lime green wavy foliage to 18", pale lavender flowers to 24".

   'Pizzazz' - Large, corrugated, blue/green heart shaped leaves with irregular cream border to 20", white flowers to 30".

   'Plantaginea' - Large, heart shaped light green leaves to 24", with fragrant white flowers to 60".

   'Potomac Pride' - Shiny black green leaves to 24" tall, rapid grower, lavender flowers to 36".

   'Queen Josephine' - Dark glossy green leaves with a gold edge to 16", purple flowers to 32".

   'Radiant Edger' - Heart shaped green leaves with very wide irregular gold margins to 12", lavender flowers to 20"

   'Rascal' - Pale yellow corrugated leaves with a deep green margins and streaking to 30", lavender flowers to 40".

   'Red October' - Blue/green lance shaped leaves with red stems to 12", lavender blooms on red stems to 18".

   'Regal Splendor' - Grayish blue leaves with a creamy edge, 24' tall, lavender flowers to 36".

   'Resonance' - Small green leaves with irregular white edge to 8", lavender flowers to 12".

   'Revolution' - Dark green leaves with irregular ivory center and green flecks to 18", lavender flowers to 24".

   'Risky Business' - Dark green lance shaped leaves with white center to 20", light lavender flowers to 24".

   'Robert Frost' - Round blue/green leaves edged and streaked with cream to 24", nearly white flowers to 36".

   'Royal Standard' - Glossy green foliage to 24" with fragrant white flowers to 36".

   'Sagae' - Gray leaves with wide cream border, 28" tall, white flowers to 40".

   'Samuel Blue' - Erect blue bell shaped foliage, 18" tall, lavender flowers to 30".

   'Sea Lotus Leaf' - Large, round, cupped blue/green foliage, slow growing,  to 24", lavender flowers to 30".

   'Sea Thunder' - White leaf with irregular green margin to 12", lavender flowers to 18".

   'September Sun' - Large yellow corrugated leaves with a dark green irregular margin to 22", white flowers to 30".

   'Serendipity' - Small blue leaves to 12", white flowers to 24".

   'Shade Fanfare' - Light green leaves with broad cream border to 18" tall, lavender flowers, 24" tall.

   'Showboat' - Dark green leaves, cream margin to 14", lavender flowers to 20".

   'Snowflakes' - Lance shaped green leaves to 12", profuse white flowers to 20".

   'So Sweet' - Glossy green leaves with wide white margin to 8" tall, white flowers to 14".

   'Stained Glass' - Golden foliage, dark green margin, 4' wide, 15" tall,  light lavender flowers to 24".

   'Stiletto' - Narrow lance shaped green leaves with a thin white margin to 8" tall, purple flowers to 12".

   'Striptease' - Chartreuse leaves with a wide dark green margin and a thin white edge, grows to 20", pale lavender flowers to 30".

   'Sugar & Spice' - Shiny green leaves with a cream margin to 20", fragrant lavender flowers to 30".

   'Sum and Substance' - Unique, round, thick, glossy yellow foliage to 30" high and 5' across with lavender flowers to 40".

   'Sum Of All' - Huge green leaves with gold margins to 36" tall, lavender flowers to 48".

   'Summer Breeze' - Dark green leaves with irregular chartreuse/yellow margins to 24", lavender flowers to 30".

   'Summer Music' - Green leaf with a chartreuse and gold edge and creamy center, to 15", lavender flowers to 22".

   'Sun Power' - Pointed bright gold leaves, sun tolerant, to 22" tall, lavender flowers to 36".

   'Sweet Tater Pie' - Golden green wavy leaves to 15", lavender flowers to 22".

   'Tambourine' - Green with a wide creamy edge to 16", light lavender flowers to 20".

   'Tea & Crumpets' - Small spoon shaped green leaves with creamy white margins to 12", lavender flowers to 16".

   'Temple Bells' - Lance shaped green leaves to 12", purple flowers to 30".

   'The Razor's Edge' -Long thin lance shaped, ruffled green leaves on a red stem,  to 10", lavender flowers to 18".

   'Thunderbolt' - Thick blue leaves w/creamy center, 3' wide, 16" tall, white flowers to 28".

   'Torchlight' -Wavy green leaves with red stems and a thin white margin to 22", lavender flowers to 30".

   'T-Rex' - Very large blue/green leaves up to 18" long and 14" wide, to 30" tall, near white flowers to 40".

   'True Blue' - Beautiful blue foliage to 24" tall with white flowers to 36".

   'Twilight' - Dark green leaves with yellow margins to 20", lavender flowers to 32" tall.

   'Vanilla Cream' - Heart shaped chartreuse leaves to 10", lavender flowers to 14".

   'Ventricosa' - Shiny deep green foliage to 24", lavender flowers to 30".

   'Venusta' - Wavy, heart shaped green leaves to 6", purple flowers to 12".

   'Veronica Lake' - Blue/green with a narrow creamy white edge to 10", pale lavender flowers to 24".

   'Vim & Vigor' - Dark green, huge 20" leaves to 36" tall, lavender flowers to 54".

   'Wheaton Blue' - Large blue/green corrugated heart shaped leaves to 28" tall, pale lavender flowers to 32".

   'Whirlwind' - Dark green slightly twisted leave with a white center that matures to green, to 20" tall, lavender flowers to 30".

   'White Christmas' - Pure white leaves with a thin dark green edge, to 16", pale lavender flowers to 30".

   'Wide Brim' - Blue-green leaf centers with irregular cream margins to 16" tall, pale blue flowers to 24".

   'Yellow Splash Rim' - Lance shaped green leaves with a thin yellow margin to 18", lavender flowers to 30".

Ligularia  - See also Farfugium.  These are water loving plants, do not allow to dry. Tolerates full sun if planted at the waters edge, otherwise protect from hot afternoon sun.

   L. tussilaginea 'Aureomaculata' - See Farfugium.

   L. dentata 'Britt-Marie Crawford' - Dark purple leaf form to 36".  Yellow/orange flowers in late summer.  This is the most sun tolerant variety.

   L. dentata 'Othello' - Purplish green foliage to 24" tall, golden yellow flowers to 36".

   L. stenocephala ' The Rocket' - Sharply toothed green leaves, black flower spike covered with yellow flowers to 6' tall.

Mertensia - Virginia bluebells - Likes moist, rich woodland soil. Goes dormant by mid-summer.

   M. pulmonarioides - Blue/green 6" foliage, with 18" sky blue flower spikes. Flower buds are pink but mature flower is blue. AKA - M. virginica.

Myosotis - Forget-Me-Not - Can tolerate some sun if there is sufficient moisture.  Tends to be a biennial or short lived perennial.

   M. sylvatica - Small saucer shaped yellow eyed blue flowers from spring to early summer, to 12" tall.  Needs  constant moisture, likes it wet.   Re-seeds if conditions are right.  A pink flowering variety is also available.

Phlox - Wild Sweet William - Likes moist, well drained woodland soil.  Spreads readily. Attracts rabbits.

P. divarcata - Spreading native wildflower. Lilac to blue flowers on a 15" stem.

   'Blue Elf' - Compact selection only growing 4" tall. Light blue flowers.

   'London Grove Blues' - Periwinkle blue flowers.  More evergreen and mildew resistant than the species.

   'May Breeze' - Light blue, nearly white flowers.

   'Montrose' - New growth emerges pink then matures to green with a thin white variegated edge. Lavender/blue flowers to 8".

Polemonium - Jacob's Ladder - Prefers partial shade, protect from afternoon sun. Flowers are fragrant.

   'Brise D'anjou' PP#9781 - Blue flowers with brightly variegated green and white foliage to 18" tall.

   'Bressingham Purple' - Blue flowers with purple tinted foliage.  Compact plant, 15" tall.

   'Snow and Sapphires ' - Blue flowers with green leaves edged in white, to 30".

   'Stairway to Heaven' - Blue flowers with green leaves edged in white and flushed pink.  More sun and heat tolerant than most, to 15".

   'Touch of Class' - Pink buds open to light blue flowers. Same variegated foliage and size as 'Stairway to Heaven'.

Polygonatum - Solomon's Seal - Likes moist, well drained soil.  Specialty catalogs offer several other specie, but I still think this one is best.

   P. odoratum variegatum - Variegated foliage, stunning addition to the shade garden. Arching branches to 24" with small dangling white flowers.

Pulmonaria - Lungwort - Grow this one for the foliage, though the flowers are nice. They are low growing and make nice additions to the edge of the garden or along walkways. 

   P. longifolia 'Bertram Anderson' - Dark blue flowers, silvery spotted green foliage to 8".

   P. rubra 'Smokey Blue' - Baby pink flowers mature to pale sky blue, 8" tall.

   P. officinalis 'Sissinghurst White' - White flowers, large mottled foliage, to 12".

   P. saccharata 'Mrs. Moon' - Pink buds mature to gentian blue flowers over silvery spotted foliage, to 10".

   P. x 'Majeste' - Green foliage heavily blotched with silver.  Flowers are bluish/pink, to 12".

   P. x 'Raspberry Splash' - Pointed, silver blotched foliage to 12".  Raspberry red flowers.

Rohdea - R. japonica - Japanese Sacred Lily - Strap-like glossy evergreen foliage to 15".  The flower stalk has clusters of insignificant yellow flowers, but each produces a red berry.  Nice addition to the garden and a good container plant.

Spigelia - S. marilandica - Indian Pink - Clump forming native perennial that is a hummingbird magnet.  Tubular red flowers, yellow inside.  Flower tips flare to give the appearance of a yellow star.  Grows to 18", flowers in late May to June.

Spiranthes - Ladies Tresses - A native orchid that grows in wet areas.

   S. cernua var. odorata - Small white flowers spiral around an 18" flower spike.

   S. cernua var. odorata 'Chadd's Ford' - Very fragrant larger white flowers, spikes to 24" tall.

Stylophorum - S. diphyllum - Wood Poppy or Celadine Poppy  - Attractive 2" yellow flowers atop an 18" plant.  Likes moist to wet locations and seeds readily.

Tiarella - T. cordifolia - Foam Flower - A native perennial with hairy, maple like foliage and 15" flower spikes covered with tiny white flowers.  Blooms April through June. Avoid wet winter soil, mulch with caution.  Most are clumping varieties that spread by stolons, other are creeping or running varieties.

   'Black Snowflake' - Deeply lobed black foliage edged in green, white flowers to 12".

   'Black Velvet' - Black green foliage w/black veins, white flowers with pink blush to 12".

   'Brandywine' - Large leaf running form with dark red veins to 8" tall and white flowers.

   'Candy Striper' - Deeply lobed green leaves with dark midrib, white flowers to 14", good repeat bloomer.

   'Heronswood Mist' - Unique pink and cream spots on green foliage.  Light pink flowers to 14".

   'Iron Butterfly' -Deeply cut foliage with black veining and midrib, white flowers to 16".

   'Jeepers Creepers' -This is a creeping variety with deeply cut leaves w/purple midrib and veins, white flowers to 12".

   'Lace Carpet' - Mottled, dark green, deeply cut foliage on this running variety, white flowers to 8" tall.

   'Neon Lights' - Deeply cut, neon green foliage with a purple midrib and veins, creeping variety w/white flowers to 16" tall.

   'Oakleaf' - Three lobed green leaf w/white to light pink flowers, to 6" tall.

   'Pink Pearls' - Pink flowers, green foliage that changes to red and bronze in the fall, 12" tall.

   'Pirate's Patch' - Slow creeping variety, green foliage w/ dark purple veins, profuse white flowers to 10".

   'Running Tapestry' - Heart shaped green foliage w/ darker veins and white flowers to 12" tall. Running variety.

   'Skeleton Key' - Deeply cut green foliage with a touch of purple, white flowers to 12".

   'Spring Symphony' - Green foliage with back midrib, deep pink flowers to 12".

   'Sugar & Spice' -  Glossy, deeply serrated leaves with purple veins, light pink flowers to 12"

Tradescantia - T. virginiana - Spiderwort - Three petaled blue/violet flowers, to 3' tall.  Flowers from May to July and should be pruned hard in the summer when the foliage becomes ugly to promote fall blooms.  Likes moist, well drained soil but tolerates poor soil.  Seeds readily and can become invasive. 

   'Bilberry Ice' - White flowers with lavender center, grows to 15" tall.

   'Blue Denim' -True blue flowers to 30".

   'Blue & Gold' - Golden foliage with dark blue flowers to 18".

   'Concord Grape' - Purple/blue flowers, compact plant to 12".

   'Hawaiian Punch' - Magenta/pink flowers, to 18".

   'Innocence' - White flowers to 24".

   'Isis' - Dark blue flowers to 18".

   'Karminglut' - Deep carmine pink flowers to 24".

   'Pink Chablis' - Pink flowers to 18".

   'Red Cloud' - Pinkish red flowers to 18".

   'Red Grape - Glowing red flowers on gray green foliage to 24" tall.

   'Snow Cap' - Dark green foliage with large white flowers to 18' tall.

   'Zwanenburg Blue' - Violet/blue flowers to 24".

Tricyrtis - Toad Lily - Very unique lily-like 1" white spotted flowers.  Blooms mid to late summer into fall.  Likes moist, well drained soil and should not be allowed to dry out.

   T. formosana - Flowers are white to pink background and red spotted interior, to 36" tall..

   'Emperor' - Golden foliage edged in white.  White flowers speckled purple, to 18".

   'Gilt Edge' -Dark green foliage with chartreuse margins, white flowers, heavily spotted purple, to 18" tall.

   'Miyazaki'  - Pale lavender flowers, spotted purple, arching stems to 24".

   T. x 'Samurai' - Green leaves edged in gold, light purple flowers with darker spots, to 18" tall.  Vigorous spreader.

   T. x 'Shimone' - White flowers with wine red flecks, 24" tall.

   T. x 'Tojen' - Very large foliage with lavender flowers and without the normal spots, to 36" tall.

Here was January’s mystery plant.  We had some close guesses, but no correct answers.  So let’s use the same plant again and now it’s worth a $50 gift certificate.

The contest ends on February 15^th.  Drop by either store to enter or you can email your entry to questions@danwestonline.com.  One winner, selected from all correct entries, will receive a $50 Dan West Gift Certificate.

Thanks for shopping with us at Dan West.