Char 12/9/25 Char 12/9/25

Buttonbush

Cephalanthus salicifolius

Char 12/6/25 Char 12/6/25

Winterberry

Ilex verticillata

Char 12/6/25 Char 12/6/25

American Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Char 12/6/25 Char 12/6/25

Aromatic Aster

Symphyotrichum oblongfolius

Symphyotrichum oblongifolium

Char 12/6/25 Char 12/6/25

New England Aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

Char 12/6/25 Char 12/6/25

Stokesia

Stokesia laevis

Char 12/6/25 Char 12/6/25

Spigelia

Spigellia marylandica

Spigelia marilandica

Char 12/6/25 Char 12/6/25

Bee Balm

Monarda x.

Monarda fistulosa

Char 12/6/25 Char 12/6/25

Liatris

Liatris spicata

These tall upright plants are a designers dream, useful for any style of garden. They are structured enought for a formal garden yet fine textured enough for a meadow.

Their magenta flowers add color, but their airiness softens the color without making it too pale. They stand very straight and have very fine textured foliage. They are great “thrillers” in containers - their form makes them look good with or without the flowers. They are very reliable and very resilient. They are also easy to divide and make great cut flowers.

Even if they weren’t a wildlife supporting native, they would still be worth growing. There are white varieties, but I don’t see the point.