Perennials

This grass has a remarkable tolerance for extreme climates and is not invasive. It displays soft, feathery green plumes during the summer, maturing into stiff, wheat-coloured spikes that last into winter.

It is generally used in large groupings towards the back of borders, but is also effective as a single plant that can be easily divided in spring. Prune down to the ground in March. 

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 4 - 5'

• Width: 4'

Zone: 3

'Hidcote' is a compact English Lavender, reaching a height of 18-24 inches, adorned with highly fragrant deep purple-blue flowers. It's a versatile option for both fresh and dried bouquets, attracting bees and butterflies while deterring deer and rabbits. Thriving in hot, dry conditions, it's drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for container plantings.

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 12 - 24"

• Width: 12 - 24"

Zone: 5

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa.

Chrysanthemums are a great choice for the garden, or in tubs and mixed containers. Garden Mums are extremely popular plants for a splash of colour in late summer right through the fall.

Morden strain produces naturally cushion-shaped, compact plants with double and semi-double flowers in a whole range of rich jewel tones. Best in a sunny area, with regular watering through the season. 

Pinching plants in June will result in a much greater number of flowers. 

Light Requirement: Full to Part Sun

Flowering Season: Early Summer

Mature Size:

• Height: 24"
  
• Spread: 24"
  

Zone: 3

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Flowering Season: Summer

Mature Size:

• Height: 12"
  
• Spread: 12"
  

Zone: 2

Lamium is one of the best choices for a tough and showy perennial ground cover.  This selection forms a spreading patch of small silver leaves with a narrow green edge. Clusters of white flowers appear in spring, then continue off and on until fall.

Fairly tolerant of dry shade, once established. Trim back in late winter.

Stems will root into the ground where they touch, and any new plants that form can be easily moved in spring or fall.

photo courtesy of  Ball Seed

Lily of the Valley is easy and adaptable, this will even grow well in tubs or mixed containers. A favourite for growing as a ground-cover in shady areas, be sure to Protect from afternoon sun. Plants form a spreading clump of large green leaves, bearing short spikes of fragrant white bells in late spring. 

Takes a year or two to establish, then spreads quickly. May go dormant in summer.

Tolerant of poor soils, even dry shade, but prefers a rich, moist soil.

 CAUTION: Toxic if eaten.

CAUTION: Do not discard unwanted plants in any natural areas, as they will establish themselves and become invasive.

Light Requirement: Full to Part Shade

Flowering Season: Summer

Mature Size:

• Height: 6"
  
• Spread: 12"
  

Zone: 2

Black Barlow is particularly good for cut flowers as it features a fully double, upward-facing bloom, rising above a ferny foliage of gray-green divided leaves. Plants typically produce 3-5 stems in the first year and 5-10 stems in the second and following years.

Remove faded flowering stems to promote additional blooming.

Light Requirement: Full to Part Sun

Flowering Season: Early Summer

Mature Size:

• Height: 30"
  
• Spread: 12"
  

Zone: 3a

Maltese Cross has masses of beautiful clusters of scarlet star-shaped flowers at the ends of the stems in early summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its pointy leaves remain dark green in colour throughout the season.

Flowering Season: Summer

Mature Size:

• Height: 36"
  
• Spread: 24"
  

Zone: 2

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa.

A virtually hassle-free perennial, offering three months of vanilla scented, rose pink flowers in large, compact clusters from midsummer to early fall.

Deadheading the flowers will stimulate another bloom cycle about a month after the first one.

The flowers are heavily laden with nectar and pollen and will attract hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.

For best growth plant in well-drained sandy soil. 

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Part Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 36 - 60"

• Width: 18 - 24"

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa.

The leaves emerge frosty blue with a bright yellow margin that lightens to creamy white during the summer.  It forms a medium sized mound topped with light lavender flowers in mid to late summer.