Grows 12" ht. x 1' - 3' sp.
This evergreen herbaceous perennial sports white to cream 3/4" tubular bell-shaped flowers from May to June. Found in shaded mountain forests and streambanks in China, it does very well in partial to full shade spots with moist, well-drained organically rich soils. It spreads by rhizomes to form clumps or colonies and will eventually form a natural groundcover. Individual plants appear erect with arching leaves along purple-speckled stems.
Photo Credit: NC Extension; National Gardening Association
Grows to 3'- 4' ht. x 1; - 2' sp.
Standing Ovation Little Bluestem is a more tight and upright version of original Bluestems, with the same great attributes of being a North American native grass. It is low maintenance, adaptable, and drought tolerant with different colors throughout the seasons for year-round interest. A smaller grower that is great for border plantings. Blue-green foliage in summer that turns vibrant shades of purple and red in fall. Also serves as a host plant for butterfly larvae and provides food and shelter for birds and pollinators. Its deep roots help prevent soil erosion, making it a great option for stabilizing landscapes.
Photo Credit: The JC Raulston Arboretum
Grows 5' - 6' ht. & sp.
What a beautiful flower this Camellia has! Autumn Spirit is a hybrid between C. oleifera x C. sasanqua and deserves to be a focal point of any garden. It's bright and deep pink peony-shaped blooms are an intense show-stopper, and show up early in the season.
Like most sasanquas, they prefer slightly acidic and moist, rich soil that is well-drained, and they could use a little protection from the brutal afternoon summer heat.
Our plants are espaliered, but these would work well as a corner foundation plant, screen or even in a container.
Photo Credit: NC Extension