Perennial Learning Center

By Ellen Ecker Ogden. Viola is a member of the largest genus of the Violet (Violaceae) family, which includes between 550- 600 species. While the term “pansy” often covers the...

African lily definitely makes a statement in a garden. With its shiny, strappy leaves and luxurious globe-like flowers, it’s a bit like an ornamental allium on steroids – except this...

By Marianne Willburn, gardening expert, landscape designer and writer. Gardeners in California and Florida certainly have the edge when it comes to cultivating thriving clumps of African lily (also well-known...

By Kate Copsey. Phlox is a large group of plants that includes native plants, annual plants and perennials, as well as both upright and creeping forms. The upright form has...

Phlox are easy-to-grow perennials that come back reliably every season. Phlox comes in two forms: Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) and Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata). Both Garden Phlox and Creeping Phlox...

By Marianne Willburn, gardening expert, landscape designer and writer. Beautiful, long-lasting flowers, tough evergreen foliage, strong deer-resistance and a survivor’s zest for life – the Lenten rose is truly a...

Just when you’re at your lowest ebb in the depths of winter, the Lenten rose blooms to lift your spirits and remind you that spring is right around the corner....

Each spring, as the strengthening sun gradually warms the cold earth, the sparkling white flowers of our beloved native Bloodroot emerge to welcome the new season. Plant just a small...

By Judith Irven, gardening expert, landscape designer and writer. Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), a member of the Poppy family, is a true American native, growing naturally in deciduous forests across the...

With spring flowers that are instantly recognizable due to their unusual spurs and fascinating color combinations, Columbine is a fantastic choice for gardeners who wish to work with native plants...

By Marianne Willburn, gardening expert, landscape designer and writer. It’s a delight to watch people discovering a Columbine flower for the first time. The delicate, outer-worldly quality of the bi-colored,...

By Charlie Nardozzi. There are more than 30 species of aromatic perennials in the Agastache group (also known as Anise Hyssop).In cold areas, they’re grown as annuals. Some are native...