Bugbane (Actaea simplex 'Brunette', syn. Cimicifuga)

Bugbane is an elegant perennial for lightly shaded garden borders. It has fernlike warm-brown foliage and produces fragrant white flowers on tall 5- to 6-foot stems in late summer. Pair it with yellow-variegated plants such as Japanese forestgrass or hostas for contrast. For the best foliage color, grow it in full sun to light shade and avoid deep shade, which can make the plant sparse and leggy. Zones 5–9.

'Blue Fortune' Anise Hyssop (Agastache 'Blue Fortune')

'Blue Fortune' anise hyssop is an easy-to-grow perennial that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its lavender flowers bloom from midsummer through fall and attract butterflies and other pollinators. The foliage has a pleasant licorice fragrance when touched or crushed. Plants grow 2–3 feet tall and generally do not require staking. Zones 4–10.

Frikart's Aster (Aster × frikartii 'Monch')

Frikart's aster produces lavender-blue flowers with bright yellow centers from July through October. The 2- to 3-foot stems can become heavy after rain, so staking may be useful. Grow it in fertile soil with plenty of sunlight. Zones 5–8.

Golden Catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea')

Golden catalpa is a small ornamental tree with heart-shaped foliage that emerges with reddish tones before turning bright golden yellow. The leaves become yellow-green during summer and deepen to yellow in fall. White flowers appear in large clusters and are followed by long, bean-like seedpods. The tree grows 15–18 feet tall and performs well in various well-drained soils. Grow it in full sun or part shade for the best foliage color. Zones 5–9.

Dwarf Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana')

Dwarf Hinoki cypress is a slow-growing evergreen with decorative foliage that curls into small fan- or cup-like shapes. Its compact 2- to 3-foot size makes it useful for foundation plantings, rock gardens, and ornamental containers. Grow it in full sun to partial shade and keep it adequately watered during summer. Zones 4–8.

'Gold Heart' Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis 'Gold Heart')

'Gold Heart' bleeding heart combines pink, heart-shaped flowers with golden fernlike foliage. The flowers appear in April and May on graceful arching stems about 2 feet tall. As temperatures rise, the plant naturally goes dormant. Pair it with hostas or ferns that can fill the space later in the season. Zones 3–9.

Dove Tree (Davidia involucrata)

Dove tree is a striking flowering tree known for its unusual white bracts, which resemble delicate handkerchiefs. These bracts surround the flowers in mid-spring and can reach 6–7 inches long. The tree grows about 10–20 feet tall and wide and works well in urban gardens. Grow it in full sun or part shade in moist, well-drained soil, preferably in a location protected from strong winds. Zones 6–8.

Siberian Cypress (Microbiota decussata)

Siberian cypress is a low-growing evergreen with graceful branching, attractive foliage, and excellent cold tolerance. It reaches only about 1–2 feet tall and spreads widely, making it an excellent groundcover. It looks particularly attractive near rocks or cascading over retaining walls. Grow it in full sun to partial shade rather than full shade. Zones 3–8.

Variegated Japanese Forestgrass (Hakonechloa macra 'Albovariegata')

Variegated Japanese forestgrass has slender green-and-white blades that add subtle color and movement to garden borders. Airy seed heads appear above the approximately 2-foot-tall foliage in midsummer. It grows well in partial shade and can tolerate full sun when provided with sufficient moisture. The foliage can also be used in flower arrangements. Zones 5–8.

Helenium 'Moerheim Beauty'

'Moerheim Beauty' is a late-summer perennial with rusty-red flowers that attract butterflies while generally resisting deer. It can reach about 3 feet tall. Pinching or partially cutting back the stems in June encourages branching, produces more flowers, and can reduce the need for staking. Grow it in full sun with average to moist soil. Zones 5–9.

'Minuet' Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia 'Minuet')

'Minuet' mountain laurel is a compact shrub that grows to about 3 feet tall and rarely needs pruning. In June, it produces pink buds that open into white, cup-shaped flowers with crimson markings. Plant it in small groups for a strong display or grow it in decorative containers. It prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or part shade and does not perform well in excessively hot conditions. Zones 4–9.

Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)

Sourwood is an attractive 20- to 25-foot tree that works well as a specimen plant. Its deep-green foliage is followed by chains of white flowers in August, resembling lily-of-the-valley blossoms. Cream-colored berries follow the flowers, while the foliage develops brilliant gold, scarlet, and purple colors in fall. Grow it in sun to part shade and acidic soil. Avoid planting other plants beneath it because it does not like competition for water. Zones 5–9.

'Gulf Stream' Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica 'Gulf Stream')

'Gulf Stream' heavenly bamboo is a compact evergreen shrub with year-round ornamental interest. It forms a mound about 2–3 feet tall and slightly narrower in width. New foliage emerges scarlet red, changes to bluish-green during summer, and turns bright red again in fall while remaining on the plant. Small white flowers add additional interest. It works well in foundation plantings and narrow spaces and grows in full sun or part shade. Zones 6–9.

Giant Needlegrass (Stipa gigantea)

Giant needlegrass is a dramatic ornamental grass with narrow, arching foliage and towering flower stems that can reach 6–8 feet tall. Silvery-purple flowers appear in June and turn golden as they mature, making them useful for dried arrangements. It works as a specimen plant, in groups, or on slopes for erosion control. Grow it in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but does not tolerate wet soil. Zones 8–10.

'Tor' Birchleaf Spirea (Spiraea betulifolia 'Tor')

'Tor' birchleaf spirea forms a rounded shrub about 2–3 feet tall and wide. White flowers cover the plant in spring and attract butterflies. Dark-green summer foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple in fall. This deer-resistant shrub works well as a small hedge, foundation planting, or in groups and borders. Grow it in well-drained soil in full sun. Zones 3–9.

'Green Vase' Japanese Zelkova (Zelkova serrata 'Green Vase')

'Green Vase' Japanese zelkova is a fast-growing tree with an upright form. It can eventually reach 60–70 feet tall and 40–50 feet wide. Dark-green leaves turn yellow, orange, and russet in autumn, while the mature bark provides additional winter interest. The tree tolerates high winds, pollution, drought, and compacted soils. Zones 5–9.