Cool Plants

We have a number of cool groundcovers currently blooming, including two types of Ajuga. Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow' is a useful ground cover with short spikes of blue flowers. This Ajuga is one of the most popular, forming striking mounds of leaves dappled in green, pink and cream. During the wintertime, Ajuga ‘Burgundy Glow’ develops rich bronze and burgundy tones. It is relatively carefree, however, it can be invasive. The flowers appear in late spring. ‘Burgundy Glow’ will do best in a shaded area but will adapt to morning sun. (The foliage colors will be more vivid with morning sun.) It prefers moist soil with a good drainage but will tolerate moderately dry areas. Do avoid soggy conditions. This Ajuga looks great in rock gardens, as a border plants, in mass plantings and is great for preventing erosion.

Leptinella squalida or 'New Zealand Brass Buttons' is still sometimes sold or listed by its former name Cotula squalida. This specimen is a semi-treadable half-inch-tall groundcover. It spreads rapidly by runners, so that it has occasionally been called "Creeping Cotula". At its bushiest it reaches a scant one or two inches high. Its feathery dull-green leaves look like the tiniest possible ferns. It isn't really a fern, but is a diminuative relative of the sunflower. It likes part shade but also does well in sun. It begins to flower in May and there will be some tiny yellowish green chamomile-like flowers on it well into summer. Although these are somewhat interesting blooms if given close inspection, as they do look like the centers of sunflowers stripped of petals. Though the flowers aren't their most impressive trait, they are even so called "buttons" because the blooms do look rather like buttons, & "brass" because the leaves turn a brassy or a purplish-green in autumn.

The beautiful 'Sweet Woodruff', Galium odoratum, is a shade gardeners delight. Fast growing, quick to establish, beautiful, white spring flowers and attractive foliage through to snow, this treasure is seldom bothered by pest or disease. Its dried foliage has a sweet scent that has been described as a fresh-cut hay and vanilla fragrance. Its used frequently in potpourri. Its even been used as stuffing for the winter mattress! If you are looking for a beautiful underplanting for your shady shrubs, this is the plant for you. Pair it with hydrangeas or rhododendrons.

Unlike other spurges that turn red in fall, Euphorbia 'Bonfire' smolders red all summer long! Green spring foliage quickly turns to rich maroon red. The glowing chartreuse-gold flowers contrast strikingly in spring. It forms neat, uniform rounded mounds. Plant this beauty in full sun to partial shade. This is an excellent choice for edging or front of sunny perennial bed. It also works well in containers. Grows best in well-drained, moderately fertile soil.

The columbine Aquilegia vulgaris, 'Woodside Gold' is a lovely golden foliage form of aquilegia, or granny's bonnets as they are commonly called. This form of Aquilegia is set off by blue, white & pink flowers which grow up to 2 feet tall. It is very unusual. It doesn't like winter wet so a well drained soil is best. It will grow in full sun to partial shade. The more sun this plant receives early in the year the more golden the leaves will be.

We have all the above plants IN STOCK!!!