Perennials

Unlike true strawberry, this 3-6” tall evergreen groundcover travels underground forming a dense mat. Lichtermeer translates to ‘Sea of lights’ and refers to the variable variegation of the light green foliage, starting off yellow then changing to cream-white. As with the species bright yellow flowers appear in spring followed by small woody capsules. This tough shade loving groundcover will brighten any garden landscape. Learn More

A fantastic groundcover found in the rocky, acidic woods in the Piedmont Plateau of Georgia and South Carolina. The evergreen foliage is medium green with three to five lobes. In autumn and winter foliage takes on rich burgundy and red tones. Showy yellow flowers appear in spring followed by small brown clustered capsules that provide an intriguing accent. Learn More

This 3-6” evergreen groundcover is native to the woods of Eastern United States. Unlike the true strawberry Waldsteinia travels underground forming a dense mat of roots. The light green foliage emerges early and matures to a glossy dark green. The five-petaled bright yellow flowers appear on short stems for a few weeks in spring followed by small woody capsules; being sterile they will not produce fruit. Use as a groundcover in shade to sun in a moist to dry site. Learn More

Plantsman and friend, Tom Nitchke, came into visit one day and was touting this huge, awesome ironweed he had. We naturally acquired some cuttings and the following season this plant grew 6-7’. Come to find out this was the ‘Jonesboro Giant’ from Plant Delights Nursery in Raleigh, NC, which has been known to grow 10-12’. Long, dark green, narrow, toothed leaves climb the towering dark stems. Terminal flat-topped inflorescences of rich purple flowers are beautiful for weeks. Being native to open woods, prairies, and marshes allows this behemoth to be grown in many garden situations. Learn More

Demure northeast native with green, lanceolate leaves on 12-15" stems. The foliage is sessile on the stems, no leaf petiole, and in spring cream-yellow bell-shaped flowers hang from the stem ends. Wonderful for the woodland garden where it will spread nicely if sufficient moisture is available. Learn More

In May and June, pale yellow, slightly fragrant, 1” bell-shaped flowers droop from the tips of the branches on this woodland treasure. The stems which are 6” to 20” high, are smooth, shiny, and fork about half way up holding slender oval tapered leaves. This plant prefers moist, rich woodlands and thickets. Learn More

Another sessile species growing 12-18” tall with long lasting, upright facing, reddish-maroon flowers in mid spring. The three leaves that surround the flower are frequently nicely mottled adding to the plant’s beauty. Prefers moist, well-drained soil in part to full shade. Learn More

Light green waxy foliage with dark green spots seeming to meld into each other, grow on this compact Darrel Probst hybrid (T.flava x T. ohsumiensis). Light yellow flowers appear in late summer to early fall making an exquisite diplay in the woodland shade garden. Learn More

A short, 10” tall, toad lily with broad, thick, waxy, green leaves and showy, large, bright yellow flowers that sit upright in the leaf axils. This species spreads by stolons and prefers a shady bed with rich soil and good drainage. Learn More