Eastern Bluestar
Plant Name: Amsonia tabernaemontana
Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade; moist, well-drained soil
Size: Up to 2 feet tall and wide
Zones: 3–9
Description: A hardy native perennial that tolerates heat and drought. It produces blue flowers in spring, and its foliage turns golden yellow in fall. It is also resistant to deer and rabbits.
Eastern Red Columbine
Plant Name: Aquilegia canadensis
Growing Conditions: Shade; moist, well-drained, sandy soil
Size: Up to 3 feet tall
Zones: 3–8
Description: A charming native wildflower with red and yellow flowers that hang from slender stems in spring. It attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators and can self-seed in the garden.
Spiked Speedwell
Plant Name: Veronica spicata
Growing Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil
Size: 1–2 feet tall and wide
Zones: 4–8
Description: A flexible, sun-loving perennial that produces colorful spikes of blue, purple, pink, or white flowers throughout summer. The blooms attract beneficial pollinators.
Coral Bells
Plant Name: Heuchera selections
Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade; moist, well-drained soil
Size: Up to 1 foot tall and wide
Zones: 3–8
Description: Known for colorful flower spikes in red, pink, or white and attractive foliage in shades of silver, burgundy, bronze, plum, and gold.
Trillium
Plant Name: Trillium species
Growing Conditions: Shade; moist, well-drained soil
Size: Up to 16 inches tall and wide
Zones: 4–7
Description: A woodland perennial with flowers in white, yellow, or maroon. Some varieties have variegated foliage. Plants typically become dormant by midsummer.
Bee Balm
Plant Name: Monarda selections
Growing Conditions: Full sun; moist, well-drained soil
Size: Up to 4 feet tall and wide
Zones: 3–9
Description: A low-maintenance wildflower with clusters of red, pink, violet, or white flowers throughout summer. Its mint-scented foliage attracts hummingbirds and butterflies and can help deter some common pests.
Astilbe
Plant Name: Astilbe selections
Growing Conditions: Shade; moist or wet soil
Size: Up to 2 feet tall and wide
Zones: 3–9
Description: Produces attractive plumes of pink, red, white, or lavender flowers in early summer. Its delicate foliage, including bronzy-leaved varieties, provides additional seasonal interest.
Soapwort
Plant Name: Saponaria officinalis
Growing Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil
Size: Up to 2 feet tall and wide
Zones: 3–9
Description: An easy-to-grow perennial with clusters of phlox-like pink, purple, or white flowers that appear from summer into fall.
Lily of the Valley
Plant Name: Convallaria majalis
Growing Conditions: Shade; moist, well-drained soil
Size: Up to 9 inches tall and several feet across
Zones: 2–7
Description: A fragrant groundcover with bell-shaped pink or white flowers in spring and lush, deep green foliage. It spreads over time and may need to be contained.
Bleeding Heart
Plant Name: Dicentra spectabilis
Growing Conditions: Shade; moist, well-drained soil
Size: Up to 4 feet tall and wide
Zones: 3–9
Description: A graceful perennial with arching stems covered in pink, heart-shaped flowers in spring. Its soft foliage adds ornamental interest, but the plant typically becomes dormant by midsummer.
