Episode 90: Favorite Workhorses

Right about now you might be asking yourself , “ What exactlyisa workhorse plant ? ” In our minds it is a flora that asks little from us but delivers a whole good deal to the garden . These are toughened plants , capable of fitting into an regalia of spots and develop multiple seasons of interest . They are n’t the stars ( aka focal point ) , and they are n’t the patronize dramatis personae ( aka true performers ) . They are more like stage managers , see to it that the garden always looks decorous . We thought it was in high spirits time that these unsung garden heroes got some congratulations , since seldom are awarding given to plants that are only define as “ solid . ” Saddle up for a long list of perennial — and a few shrubs — you’ll be glad to have tantalise into your garden .

Expert testimonial : Joann Vieira , director of gardening at The Trustees of Reservations in Massachusetts

Danielle ’s plants

‘ Biokovo ’ geranium ( Geranium×cantabrigiense‘Biokovo ’ , zone 5–8 )

Panicle hydrangea ( Hydrangea paniculataand cvs . , Zones 3–9 )

‘ Daub ’s Frosted ’ juniper bush ( Juniperus×pfitzeriana‘Daub ’s Frosted ’ , Zones 4–9 )

Variegated Solomon ’s seal ( Polygonatum odoratumvar.pluriflorum‘Variegatum ’ , Zones 3–9 )

‘ Daub ’s Frosted ’ juniper

Steve ’s works

‘ Cat ’s Pajamas ’ catmint ( Nepeta‘Cat ’s Pajamas ’ , Zones 3–8 )

‘ Solar Cascade ’ Short ’s goldenrod ( Solidago shortii‘Solar Cascade ’ , Zones 5–9 )

‘ Blackbeard ’ penstemon ( Penstemon‘Blackbeard ’ , zone 3–8 )

less calamint ( Clinopodium nepetasyn . Calamintha nepetaand cvs . , Zones 4–9 )

‘ Cat ’s Pajamas ’ catmint

‘ Solar Cascade ’ Short ’s goldenrod

‘ Blackbeard ’ genus Penstemon

Lesser calamint

Expert ’s plants

Flowering spurge ( Euphorbia corollata , Zones 3–9 )

‘ Purrsian Blue ’ catmint ( Nepeta faassenii‘Purrsian Blue ’ , Zones 3–9 )

‘ Millenium ’ genus Allium ( Allium‘Millenium ’ , Zones 5–8 )

Episode 90: Favorite Workhorses

‘Biokovo’ geranium

Yellow wax bells ( Kirengeshoma palmata , Zones 5–8 )

‘ Purrsian Blue ’ catnip . Photo : Joann Vieira

‘ Millenium ’ allium . Photo : Joann Vieira

‘Biokovo’ geranium

‘Biokovo’ geranium

Yellow wax Melville Bell

Flowering spurge

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Limelight Prime® panicle hydrangea (credit: Proven Winners® Color Choice®)

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