Liriope muscari ‘PeeDee Gold Ingot’ with Picea pungens ‘Montgomery’

Kalimeris incisa ‘Blue Star’Starry, single blue flowers in open sprays in June-Sept. Flowers ]resemble Asters but are much longer blooming and plants are longer lived. Generally not a household name with most gardeners but with its many fine assets it deserves a second look. Grow in sun, in average soil. Zone 5.

Kalimeris integrifolia ‘Daisy Mae’       Abundant, small, single, white daisy-like flowers carried in open clusters atop stems clad in rich green foliage. One of the longest blooming perennials, continuing in uninterrupted bloom from June till frost. Scoffs at heat, humidity and droughty conditions and, will tolerate light shade. 2' tall. Every bit as good as it sounds. Not used nearly enough. Zone 5.

Kalimeris pinnatifida     Sometimes assigned to the genus Boltonia, this Asian, aster-like perennial blooms all summer with small, semi-double white flowers. Undemanding and long blooming. 3’ tall. Zone5.

Kalimeris yomena ‘Shogun’     Attractive variegated, cream/mint-green foliage densely packed on the stems. Clumps make steady but tight increase with new stems rising close in to the main plant. Blooms from July into Sept. with mauve, daisy-like flowers which, though attractive, are mere accessories to the attractive foliage. Like all Kalimeris, this one is easy to grow in a wide range of soil types, in sun to light shade. Zone 5.

Kirengeshoma koreana (Yellow Waxbells) 5' arching stems with waxy yellow bell-shaped blooms in July, attractive clumps of palmate foliage. Likes an acid, moist but not boggy location, zone 4. Differs from K. palmata in blooming 6 weeks earlier, growing 1-2' taller, and having more upfacing flowers whose petals curve upwards at the tips. 

Kirengeshoma palmata Grows 4ft. high from a thick, slowly expanding crown, forming a loose, upright silhouette, wider at the top, with branches eventually arching gracefully. In late summer and into September showy, 1 1/2in., waxy, yellow, bell-shaped flowers dangle from the leaf axils at the ends of the stems. Very attractive, especially so for blooming so late in the season. Gets lots of attention form visitors to the nursery, many of whom are surprised to learn that in fact it is a perennial and not a shrub as its thick stems and large, maple -like leaves might lead one to believe. Requires at least part shade and does well even under quite heavy shade with moist, humusy soil. We have both K. koreana and K. palmata in our lamentably dry shade border and its worth noting that both perform beautiful. It seems to be a case of shade trumping moisture. Zone 5.

Knautia macedonica Wine-red scabiosa-like flowers on 24-30" stems bloom June until frost over neat clumps of dissected foliage. Self-sows nicely. Long blooming, undemanding perennials for dry, sunny spots Zone 4.

Knautia macedonica ‘Mars Midget’      Sturdier, shorter and more compact than the species with branching flower stems topped with dozens of 2” wide brilliant ruby-red flowers, June-frost. Only 16-18” tall. Zone 4.

Knautia macedonica ‘Thunder and Lighting’ New     A sport of K. macedonica, shorter and with unique, variegated foliage. Retains the phenomenal blooming capacity of the species which enables it to produce an endless supply of double, dark magenta flowers, June till Sept. Reaches the garden friendly height of only 12-15”.
 
Lamiastrum galeobdolon ‘Emil Tramposch’Rich medium green, scalloped leaves with cream-silver spotting. Similar to L. galeobdolon 'Variegatum' but with the major distinction of being the first clumb-forming Lamiastrum available. An indestructible part to full shade plant, attractive enough to be used as a specimen strategically placed to brighten a shady nook, and useful when massed as a controlled ground cover. Zone 3.

Lamium maculatum ‘Purple Dragon' Large, dense spikes of rich purple flowers and silvery foliage. Flowers are undeniably larger and more richly colored and more effectively showcased against the silvery white leaves.

‘Ghost’     Larger than many other Lamium, with leaves that are completely silver. Pink flowers in spring that tend to rebloom in fall. If they should get a little tired looking in mid to late summer, plants can be given a hard cut and in just a week or so will develop fresh new growth to carry them through the rest of the season and, at the same time, dispel any doubts one might be harboring about the staying power of lamium.

‘White Nancy'      Nearly all-white leaves with narrow, blue-green margins and pure white flowers. This variety is particularly dense, making it a useful weed-choking groundcover.

Lathyrus vernus 'Rose Elf' Showy reddish violet, pea-like flowers on 8in. stems in very early spring, non-climbing. Very deeply rooted so able to withstand drought. A delightful, unassuming charmer especially conspicuous for its early bloom. After flowering, foliage conveniently dies back, clearing the stage for the next performer. Zone 4.

Lavandula (Lavender) angustifolia 'Hidcote Variety' Gray foliage with deep purple fragrant blooms, summer, 18", hardiest cultivar. Needs generous amounts of lime,-impossible to add too much- and good drainage.

Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’Heavily fragrant and classically English, the 12-15in. dark lavernner-blue flowers appear late spring to midsummer. A compact grower with small. spiky, gray-green leaves. Zone 5.

Lavandula x intermedia ‘Arabian Knight’    A cross between French and English lavender with long, bold leaves of silver-gray, and fragrant, dark violet flowers blooming June-July. Flower stalks can be as high as 2.5-3’ with flower heads measuring 4” or more in length. Grow in full sun, in average or better, very well drained soil. Zone 5. Lavender does not like acid soil, preferring instead a pH of around neutral. Adding lime with eventually raise the pH.

Lavandula x intermedia ‘Dilly Dilly’ New      Very fragrant, with improved hardiness and vigor. Dense foliage forms a compact ball of only 12” high, but flower stalks soar high above the foliage carrying sweet smelling lavender spikes almost all summer. Zone 5.

Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso’   This extremely fragrant form grows 24” tall and bears fat, deep violet flowers on long spikes. Blooms heavily through summer. All lavenders require full sun and average or better, extremely well drained soil with a pH of around neutral, (6.5). The addition of lime will gradually raise the pH. Zone 5.

Lavatera ‘Barnsley Baby’ New    A smaller version of L. ‘Barnsley’ witrh pink-tinted white flowers. Reaches 30” and blooms continuously from June-Aug. A terrific plant for the hot sunny border. Zone 5, (?).

Leucanthemum ‘Osiris Neige’ New      Fully double, frilly, whiite blossoms with golden yellow centers bloom on 20" stems all summer. Zone 6.

Leucanthemum superbum ' Broadway Lights ' Large flowers open bright yellow and slowly change to butter yellow, then white. 18-24ins. tall. Blooms June through September.

Leucanthemum superbum ‘Banana Cream’ New     4" flowers unfold lemon yellow, then brighten to light butter yellow as they mature, and many auxillary buds ensure an ample supply of flowers right through the summer. Compact and vigorous growing. 15-18" high. Zone 5.

superbum ‘Highland White Dream’s’     A superior shasta daisy with large, semi-double white flowers, 4-5" across, July and Aug. and into Sept. if deadheaded. Flowers are beautifully presented on tall, sturdy stems which give the plant a regal bearing in the garden. An excellent cut flower with a long vase life. 3' tall. We’ve had it in our border for three season and feel that it's the best white shasta daisy to date. Zone 3.

superbum ‘Sante’Robust plants with thick flower stems and frilly white double flowers, compact, 26ins. tall and 18ins. wide. Tolerates summer heat and humidity well, and makes an excellent cut flower. Zone 4-8.

superbum 'Snowcap' 8-10in. stems bear large, single daisies in late spring and summer.

superbum ‘Sonnenschein’     A color breakthrough for Shasta daisies, this new cultivar has large, creamy yellow flowers! The large, 3-4in. flowers are single, semi-double and double, blooming mid summer on 30-36in. stems. Zone 4.

superbum ‘Switzerland’ New     Another exceptional, single shasta with crisp white petals and a long-blooming period. Very hardy and heat tolerant. Blooms on 30”, sturdy stems, June-Aug. Zone 3.

Liatris pycnostachya 'Eureka' A striking new Gayfeather selection developed by the Nebraska State Arboretum and distributed as part of their 'Great Plants' series. Tall, 5ft., narrow flower stalks with the top 1 to 1½ft. lined with bright, rosy red flowers. Adapted to life on the prairie, plants are happiest in rich, but well drained soil, in full sun. Valuable for their long bloom period which begins in mid summer and for their strong vertical habit which contrasts so effectively with softer growing, less formal companions. Excellent cut flowers. Zone 3.

spicata ‘Floristan White’      Tall spikes bloom from the top down. producing showy, white, button flowers in summer. 2-3’ tall. Especially nice in the cutting garden. Zone 3.

spicata‘Kobold' Rose-lavender wands of tightly packed flower clusters, 1 2-2' spikes, mid-late summer. Zone 4.

LIGULARIA dentata 'Brit-Marie Crawford' Glossy chocolate-maroon foliage and broad clusters of large, orange -yellow daisies, 40", zone 4. Darkest foliage yet.

 dentata ‘Othello’     Large, heart-shaped leaves, purple upon emerging and then changing to brownish-green with maturity. Best color in sun. Blooms late in the season, Aug.-Sept., with 2” wide, golden daisies in open panicles. A high moisture plant, happiest in moist garden soil and beside ponds and streams. Zone 4.

'Osiris Fantasie' Rich, dark green, heart-shaped leaves with wavy, deeply serrated edges showing off the burgundy undersides. Interesting dark purple stems and yellow flowers that bloom just above the foliage in late summer. Foliage grows to 24ins. tall. Zone 4.

stenocephala ‘Little Rocket’     A more compact form of 'The Rocket' with thicker foliage that is less prone to flagging in the hot sun. Foliag to 20" high with flower spikes rising 1-2' higher. Despite it's resistance to flagging, like all Ligularia, this cultivar has high moisture requirements and will only reach it's majestic potential when planted in consistently moist soil. Plant in sun with lots of moisture or in part shade where moisture requirements are somewhat reduced. Zone 4.

Ligularia stenocephala 'The Rocket' Stately gold spikes bloom in late summer over large clumps of toothed, heart-shaped green leaves, to 3'. Requires either constant moisture or afternoon shade or else foliage wilts dramatically, but will recover as temperatures cool. Zone 5.

Lilium asiatic

‘Black Out’   Extremely large cherry red flowers with darker red speckles, fragrant. 36” tall.

‘Tinos’     Unique coloring with the ends of the petals white, fading to yellow, and deep red centers.

‘Vermeer’     Clear pink with white centers, 38” high.

Lilium LA Hybrid ‘Royal Sunset’    Petals are dark pink to red towards the tips with yellow orange centers, lightly fragrant, 34” tall. Unanimously admired by the staff here at Bay State. Fantastic colors that blend with so many other hues!

Lilium Look Series

‘Tiny Ghost’    Red-purple flowers and very green foliage, dwarf and compact. 20” high.

‘Tiny Hope’    Upward-facing clear red flowers. Heavy blooming. 18” tall.

‘Tiny Toes’     Abundant flashy pink flowers, very colorful. Only 19” high.

Lilium orientale

‘Casa Blanca’     A magnificent specimen with 4-5” tall stems supporting a profusion of the purest white, intensely fragrant, huge flower heads. Gorgeous in cut flower bouquets.

‘Mona Lisa’     Soft pink flowers with lots of red speckling towards the center, fragrant. 26” high.

‘Show Winner’     Dark pink petals outlined in white. Strong stems. 36” tall.

‘Xotica’     Clear soft pink petals with a rich golden yellow band in the center. 36” tall.

Limonium latifolium (Sea Lavender)    Hundreds of tiny, delicate blue-violet flowers are clustered in basketball-sized panicles on 30" stems over a rosette of broad, leathery leaves. Blooms for a good part of the summer. Plants need good drainage and air circulation, be sure to space them at least 18" apart. Flowers are good for cutting and drying. Zones 3.

Linaria purpurea (Toadflax) 3-4' spikes, the top half of which are encircled with multitudes of tiny, delicate flowers in shades of pink or purple. Excellent filler plants, especially attractive when randomly scattered throughout the garden. Short lived, but they self-seed reliably and once you have them, they're sure to return somewhere in the garden year after year. Hot sun and well drained soil. Zone 5.  June availability.

Linum perenne ‘Nanum Sapphire’(Blue Flax) 8-10ins stems bear ¾in. azure blue flowers for up to 12 weeks starting in late spring. Stems appear fragile but are surprisingly sturdy if soil is well drained. Leaves are blue-green, narrow, almost needle-like. Plant in full sun in average soil with sharp drainage,- will languish in wet places.  Planted singly, linum struggles for attention. In groups of at least three or more, they create a spectacle of airy, misty blue flowers all summer. Zone 5.

Liriope (Lilyturf) An indestructible groundcover, Liriope spreads quickly in almost all soil and light conditions, providing that the drainage is adequate. Can be mowed in the early spring if winter is unkind to the evergreen foliage. Some varieties are listed as zone 6, but it has been our experience that, as a group, they're perfectly hardy in zone 5 and, in the case of L. spicata, even zone 4.  

muscari ‘Pee Dee Gold Ingot’New Shocking, golden yellow foliage with spikes of deep violet makes this selection a stand-out in any shade garden. Clump forming, at maturity reaching 12ins. high by 12ins. wide. Grow in part to full shade. Zone 6.

muscari ‘Royal Purple' Deep purple, 12-15" flower spikes in late summer.

spicata        Evergreen groundcover with dark green, grass-like foliage, narrower than that of L. muscari. Stiffly upright flower stems with purple flowers resembling grape hyacinths, Aug.-Sept. A good choice for a rapidly spreading, evergreen groundcover in part to full shade. 10-12" high. Zone 4.

spicata ‘Silver Dragon’   Narrow, blue-green blades prominently edged in silver form dense, weed-choking carpets. Disease resistant and drought tolerant. A good choice for planting over tree roots. Its beautiful foliage creates a stunning contrast wherever it’s planted. 10” high, thickly spreading. Will grow in sun with moisture but part to full shade is best and water requirements are lower. Zone 4.

Lobelia Breeding programs over the last few years have produced a gorgeous array of hybrid cardinal flowers, in rich colors from clear pink to velvety dark purple and red jewel-tones. These stunning plants bloom in late summer in sun or part shade, and prefer a moist rich soil. Cutting back spent flowers encourages additional side shoots to bloom, so the display lasts a good long time. They are hardy to Zone 4, but winter mulch is prudent to prevent frost heaving. Our native cardinal flowers, Lobelia cardinalis and Lobelia siphilitica, (parents to the new hybrids) are excellent garden plants and self-sow freely (particularly L. siphilitica) when they like where they are planted.   

Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower) Bright red spikes in late summer/fall, 3-4'. Native.

Lobelia siphilitica     30-36" spikes of clear blue flowers in mid summer. Easy to grow and a good source of blue for the shade. This is an eager self-seeder but unwanted seedling are easily pulled and, besides, I always feel that it’s better to have too much of a pretty plant than not enough. Zone 3.

siphilitica ‘Alba’     Same as the above except with white flowers.

siphilitica 'Blue Selection'      Much like the species but with deeper blue flowers.

Lobelia x 'Flamingo' Soft pink flowers blooming on 20in. stems, July-Sept., with medium green foliage.

Lobelia x ‘Red Beauty’     2-3’ spikes of beautiful, pinkish red flowers in late summer. Zone 3.

LUPINUS (Lupine) Lupine often deteriorate after blooming and are best placed behind taller screening plants or, cut back. With cool conditions, blooms persist for weeks in spring. Good drainage and lime-free soil are essential. Lupines are vulnerable to temperature extremes, and can be short-lived for reasons that are not always obvious. On the other hand, when they are happily situated, they thrive, and self-seed themselves around. Zone 4.

LUPINUS Gallery Series A strain of lupine comprised of dwarfish, compact plants growing only 15-18ins. tall.

 ‘Gallery Blue'

 ‘Gallery Red'

 ‘Gallery Yellow’

LUPINUS perennis (Wild Lupine) Lavender flower spikes to 30ins. high in June-July. Goes dormant after flowering so should be place where its late summer absence will be camouflaged by other plants. Prefers dryish, well drained soil in sun. If you choose to cut back, wait until plants have had time to disperse their seed. Zone 3.                            

LUPINUS Russell Hybrid ‘Chatelaine’Elegant pink and white spears, 3-4ft. tall.

LYCHNIS arkwrightii 'Lingai Orange' New Orange/Red flowers over chocolate-burgundy foliage. 10ins. high. Blooms May-June.

LYCHNIS chalcedonica (Maltese Cross) Dense heads of bright scarlet, 3'.

LYCHNIS coronaria Magenta flowers bloom on 24-30" stems in early summer, over silvery felted foliage. A biennial that self-sows prolifically. Zone 4.