Dotted Blazing Star (Liatris punctata) is a hardy native perennial of the Great Plains and central U.S., historically thriving in dry prairies, foothills, and rangelands where its exceptionally deep root system—often reaching several feet down—helped it endure drought and grazing. This species is known for its compact stature and dense spikes of bright purple, “dotted” flower clusters spaced neatly along the stem, each rich in nectar and highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and especially migrating monarchs. Its narrow, grass-like leaves form a tidy clump, and the plant’s rugged nature makes it well suited to xeriscapes, wildflower gardens, and restoration projects. To grow Dotted Blazing Star, sow seeds in full sun and well-drained, even rocky or sandy soil, allowing for natural winter stratification or chilling seeds before planting; once established, it is long-lived, low-maintenance, and reliably blooms each late summer with vibrant color.
Polar Star Hollyhock (Alcea rosea 'Polarstar') is an elegant, tall perennial known for its large, pure white, single blooms that bring a luminous, refreshing presence to garden landscapes. Part of the "Spotlight Series," this variety combines the traditional charm of hollyhocks with improved vigor and disease resistance, especially against rust. Growing up to 5 to 6 feet tall, Polar Star makes a stunning backdrop in borders or cottage gardens, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Its striking white flowers not only provide a beautiful contrast to darker blooms but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing both visual appeal and garden health.
Asclepias physocarpa, commonly known as Swan Plant Milkweed, Balloon Plant, or Hairy Balls Milkweed, is a distinctive African species that has become popular in warm-climate gardens and butterfly habitats for over a century due to its unusual, inflated seed pods and its value as a host plant for monarch caterpillars. The plant features upright, branching stems lined with narrow, lance-shaped leaves and topped with clusters of small, white to pale pink flowers that attract a range of pollinators. After blooming, it forms its signature green, balloon-like pods covered in soft hairs—an eye-catching ornamental trait. To grow Swan Plant Milkweed, sow seeds in full sun and well-drained soil, keeping conditions warm for good germination; in frost-free regions it grows as a perennial, while in cooler climates it is treated as an annual. Once established, it is fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and a reliable food source for monarch larvae.
Mars Magic Hollyhock (Alcea rosea 'Mars Magic') is a vibrant, tall perennial prized for its rich, bright red, saucer-shaped flowers that bloom on sturdy, upright spikes throughout the summer. A member of the "Spotlight Series," this variety is known for its strong, single blooms and improved resistance to rust, making it a more resilient choice for cottage gardens and mixed borders. Reaching heights of 5 to 6 feet, Mars Magic adds bold vertical interest and color, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Its nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it as beneficial as it is beautiful.
Purple Rain Hollyhock (Alcea rosea 'Purpurkerze', often marketed as 'Purple Rain') is a stunning perennial hollyhock variety known for its tall, stately spikes covered in rich, deep purple single blooms. Reaching heights of 5 to 6 feet, it brings bold vertical interest and dramatic color to cottage gardens, back borders, and sunny fences. This variety thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, with a relatively strong resistance to rust compared to older hollyhock types. Blooming from mid to late summer, Purple Rain attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it both a visually striking and ecologically valuable addition to the garden.
Aster oblongifolius, now widely known as Symphyotrichum oblongifolium and commonly called Aromatic Aster, is a hardy native perennial historically found across the central and eastern United States in prairies, rocky slopes, and open woodlands. It is prized for its dense, bushy habit and its late-season display of abundant lavender-purple flowers with bright yellow centers, which provide vital nectar to pollinators when few other plants are in bloom. The foliage releases a pleasant, resinous fragrance when brushed, and the plant’s naturally compact form makes it ideal for borders and native plantings. To grow Aromatic Aster successfully, plant seeds or transplants in full sun and well-drained soil; once established, it is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and reliably forms a vibrant, mound-shaped display each autumn.
Blacknight Hollyhock (Alcea rosea 'Blacknight') is a striking, tall-growing perennial known for its deep, almost black, maroon-purple blooms that add dramatic contrast to garden borders and cottage-style landscapes. Part of the renowned "Spotlight Series," this hollyhock variety typically reaches heights of 5 to 6 feet and produces single, saucer-shaped flowers on sturdy, upright stems from mid to late summer. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies while also being relatively deer-resistant. Ideal for background planting or along fences and walls, Blacknight Hollyhock combines old-fashioned charm with a bold, modern color.
Meadow Blazing Star (Liatris ligulistylis) is a beloved native perennial of the northern U.S. and Canadian prairies, historically thriving in moist meadows and open grasslands and long recognized for its exceptional value to monarch butterflies, which flock to its nectar-rich blooms during migration. It produces tall, airy stems topped with loose spikes of vibrant, feathery purple flowers, each with elongated styles that give the blossoms a delicate, wispy appearance. The plant’s narrow leaves form an attractive upright clump, and its blooms appear later in the season, providing important late-summer nectar. To grow Meadow Blazing Star successfully, plant seeds in full sun and moist, well-drained soil, allowing for natural winter stratification or chilling seeds before sowing; though slow to establish as it builds a deep root system, it becomes a durable, eye-catching pollinator magnet that returns more robustly each year.
Button Blazing Star (Liatris aspera) is a native wildflower of the central and eastern United States, historically found in dry prairies, savannas, and open woodlands where its tough, deep-rooted nature helped it thrive in harsh conditions. It is known for its thick, sturdy stems topped with rounded, button-like clusters of rosy-purple flowers that open irregularly along the spike, creating a charming, textural look that pollinators—especially bees and butterflies—love. The plant features narrow, lance-shaped leaves that form a basal clump and become smaller up the stem, giving it a clean, upright habit perfect for naturalistic plantings. To grow Button Blazing Star, sow seeds in full sun and well-drained soil, allowing them to undergo natural winter stratification or refrigerate them before planting; once established, it is drought-tolerant, long-lived, and reliably returns each summer with more vibrant blooms.
Carex comosa is a large tufted wetland sedge. The narrow leaves are lime green and shiny. In late spring triangular culms rise above the foliage to 5’ bearing large chartreuse bottlebrush shaped spikes. Attractive warm brown seed spikes follow. This bold sedge flourishes in sun or part sun in damp or wet sites. Plants prosper in difficult wet mucky soils or even in shallow water.
This 5 Color Profusion Mix is a beautiful zinnia blend with whites, peach, oranges, reds and dark-pinks. A popular variety for greenhouse growers, containers and in the garden. Excellent disease resistance and uniformity. Also does very well in extreme heat and drought tolerant. Compact growth and excellent performance allow it to grow in all climates.
QIS Red Gomphrena ia highly productive accent flower that is excellent for fresh bouquets or dried arrangements. Produces 1-2" blooms in vibrant red color. The QIS (Quality in Seed) Series is a florist favorite for its consistent production in quality, length, and uniformity. Also known as globe amaranth and common globe amaranth.
Hirtella Asclepias, more commonly known as Hirtella Milkweed or sometimes grouped under Asclepias hirtella and Tall Green Milkweed, is a native prairie species historically found across the central United States in moist to moderately dry meadows, savannas, and open grasslands. It is recognized for its tall, slender stems topped with rounded clusters of pale green to yellow-green flowers that attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and monarch caterpillars. The narrow, grass-like leaves give it a delicate, airy appearance, making it an elegant addition to naturalistic plantings. To grow Hirtella Milkweed successfully, plant seeds in full sun with well-drained to moderately moist soil and allow them to undergo natural winter stratification—or refrigerate them prior to sowing. Once established, it becomes a hardy, long-lived perennial that offers both ecological value and subtle ornamental beauty.
Bottlebrush Blazing Star (Liatris mucronata, though sometimes confused with or grouped alongside Liatris cylindracea in the trade) is a drought-tolerant native of the central and southern U.S., historically found in dry prairies, limestone glades, and open rangelands where its deep roots helped it thrive in harsh, exposed conditions. It earns its name from its showy, bottlebrush-like flower spikes, packed with feathery purple blooms that open from the top downward and draw heavy attention from butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. The plant forms a tidy clump of narrow, grass-like leaves and produces upright stems that remain elegant even in lean, rocky soils. To grow Bottlebrush Blazing Star, sow seeds in full sun with well-drained soil, allowing natural winter stratification—or refrigerating seeds—to ensure good germination; although slow to establish, it becomes a durable, low-maintenance perennial that rewards gardeners with vivid late-summer color and excellent wildlife value.
Sunshine Hollyhock (Alcea rosea 'Sunshine') is a cheerful and radiant perennial known for its bright, buttery yellow single blooms that bring warmth and light to garden spaces. As part of the "Spotlight Series," it features sturdy, upright stems that can grow 5 to 6 feet tall, making it an excellent choice for the back of borders, along fences, or in cottage-style gardens. Blooming from mid to late summer, Sunshine Hollyhock thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and it offers improved resistance to rust compared to older varieties. Its vibrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, adding both color and ecological value to the landscape.
A large reed-like plant with long dark green stems that produce male and female flowers. Flowers are dark brown and can sometimes appear almost black. Individual flowers are almost microscopic and can number anywhere from 50 to over 500 flowers per stem.
Dense Blazing Star ‘Blazing White’ (Liatris spicata ‘Blazing White’), also called White Gayfeather, is a cultivated selection of the native Dense Blazing Star, originally found in North American meadows and moist prairies. This variety is prized for its striking, pure white flower spikes that bloom from the top down, creating the same dramatic vertical accent as the traditional purple form while offering a bright, elegant contrast in the garden. It features narrow, grass-like foliage forming a tidy basal clump and attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators throughout late summer. To grow ‘Blazing White’ successfully, plant seeds or divisions in full sun with moist, well-drained soil; it establishes gradually but becomes a hardy, long-lived perennial that provides reliable, pollinator-friendly blooms year after year.
Ruby Moon Hyacinth Bean, also known as Lablab purpureus or simply Hyacinth Bean, is a unique and versatile legume known for its vibrant appearance and culinary potential. This heirloom variety is named for its striking ruby-red pods and dark green foliage, making it an attractive addition to both ornamental and edible gardens. Ruby Moon Hyacinth Beans are typically grown as annuals, but in tropical regions, they can be perennial. In terms of taste, the young pods and seeds of Ruby Moon Hyacinth Bean are edible and have a mild, nutty flavor similar to green beans. They can be consumed both raw and cooked. However, it's important to note that mature seeds contain toxic compounds and should not be eaten without proper processing. Ruby Moon Hyacinth Beans have a rich history, with their cultivation dating back centuries, primarily in Asia and Africa. They are valued not only for their culinary uses but also for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, enhancing soil fertility. This plant is categorized as a warm-season annual and typically matures in about 60-90 days, depending on growing conditions. The size of the Ruby Moon Hyacinth Bean plant can vary, but it generally reaches a height of 6-10 feet, making it suitable for trellises or fences. When it comes to yield, you can expect approximately 10-15 pounds of pods per plant or around 800-1,200 pounds per acre under ideal conditions. These beans thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and they require a warm climate to grow successfully. Adequate moisture and support for climbing are essential for a bountiful harvest. With proper care, Ruby Moon Hyacinth Beans can be a delightful addition to your garden, offering both visual appeal and a tasty, nutritious addition to your plate.
