Perennials at Digging Dog
Ballota to Cynoglossum
Including Baptisia, Brunnera, Campanula, Corydalis, & Crocosmia
View a slideshow of plant images from this page Ballota
Mediterranean Mint
White woolly, rounded 1 in. leaves and furry stems, soft as chamois, steal the show here. Though the tiny white blooms are insignificant and should be sheared off to maintain an appealing bushy, yet compact form, Ballota sparkles against deep greens and bronzes. Acquiescent to drought, salt spray and high winds, it begs good drainage and protection from excessive winter wet. This illuminated Mediterranean mint makes an excellent choice for borders, banks and rock gardens and was once prescribed by Dioscorides as an antidote for the bite of a mad dog. Zone 7/8.
Blooms July – August. Size: 18" high x 18" wide; hardy to zone 8.
Ballota pseudodictamnus (P-0019)
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False Indigo
Distinguished by their stately postures, these long-lived Legume family members grow wild in the eastern and southern regions of this country. A handsome mass of leaflets grouped in threes and erect, branching stems hosts showy spires adorned with small, sweet-pealike blooms. Later, large brownish black, papery seed pods form, which bring captivating visual accents, and even rattling sounds to arrangements. Easily cultivated in well drained sites, Baptisias tolerate poor, sandy soils and some drought, but resent having their roots disturbed.
Dwarf Wild Blue IndigoSoftly colored racemes laden with lavender-blue, sweet-pealike flowers sway well above a compact
assemblage of rounded blue-green leaves. Displaying a stance and foliage about one half the size of Baptisia australis, this superb variety’s nearly 2 ft. tall blooms are unparalleled. Later, large brownish black, papery seed pods form, which bring captivating visual accents, and even rattling sounds to arrangements.
Blooms mid-April–early May. Size: 15"–2' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 4.
Baptisia australis var. minor (p-0922)
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Twinkling like stars, a sky full of lupine-like periwinkle-blue flowers are set aglow by creamy white bases, known as keels. The deep violet-lavender buds populate numerous 2 ft. tall bicolored spires rising above blue-tinged oval leaflets on gently arching stems. Bred by Dr. Jim Ault from the Chicago Botanical Gardens, this robust australis and bracteata cross is a medium-sized, soft-hued perennial that can be paired with Centaurea 'Purple Heart' for an engaging medley. (ppaf)
Blooms May – June. Size: 3'–4' high x 3'–4' wide; hardy to zone 4.
Baptisia x bicolor ‘Starlite’ (P-1438)
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Distinctive for its lemon yellow flowers blushing an array of rich orange and violet hues as they mature, ‘Solar Flare’ lends sunny charisma to any border. The copious blooms are held on tall spikes well above dapper blue-green leaves, which frame a stylish vase-shaped habit with a broad dense head.
A complex hybrid of Baptisia tinctoria, alba and australis developed by Dr. Jim Ault, this fabulous, new bicolored cultivar demonstrates un-bridled vigor and makes an uplifting complementary statement alongside Asclepias ‘Soulmate’. (pp#20,408)
Blooms late May – June. Size: 3'–4' high x 4'–4-1/2' wide; hardy to zone 4.
AVAILABLE LATE SUMMER 2013
Baptisia ‘Solar Flare’ (P-1642)
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Hosting some 100 bicolored flowering stems in just 3 years time, this Dr. Jim Ault cross between australis and spaerocarpa exudes vitality galore. The attractive, bushy blue-green pedestal hoists 32 in. tall spikes studded with umpteen dark coppery purple blooms enhanced by lemon yellow keels. Splendid in bud with bright green calyxes and buttery tips, and later infused with violet as the blossoms age, ‘Twilite’s unique floral hues make a toasty counterpoint to its cool-toned foliage that looks neat all season. (ppaf)
Blooms late May – June Size: 5' high x 4'–5' wide; hardy to zone 4.
Baptisia x variicolor ‘Twilite’ (P-1439)
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Hardy Begonia
Though the polished triangular foliage resembles the species, it was the masses of deep pink, nearly 12 in. long flower clusters, pirouetting with a dancer’s grace that caught Dan Hinkley’s keen eye during a 1997 Japanese expedition. Draped on slender pendulous stems, the richly hued flowers, highlighted by lavender accents, deliver a splendid nonstop performance from June until fall; later warm pink seed heads provide a midautumn encore.
Relishing well-drained soil and bright shade, this delicate-looking hardy Begonia is a sterling choice for a container or for massing as a bedding plant.
Blooms June – early October. Size: 15" high x 15" wide; hardy to zone 6.
Begonia grandis ‘Heron’s Pirouette’ (P-1643)
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An alluring display of dusky orange flowers cascade amidst eye catching, bright green foliage, which is highlighted with prominent red veins and red-hued leaf petioles. For subtle contrast in a terracotta pot, let this somewhat tender, tuberous begonia mingle with the purple blooms and felted leaves of Plectranthus ‘Longwood Silver’, and don’t forget to bring the tubers inside for the winter.
Blooms May – September. Size: 12" high x 12" wide; hardy to zone 8.
Begonia sutherlandii (P-0727)
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Pigsqueak
You can experience how this no-trouble rhizomatous ground cover earned its common name if, following a rain, you rub a leaf between your fingers—but it is Bergenia’s fine firm foliage mass and
Saxifrage-like, waxy flowers that justifies its presence
in the garden. With bold, rounded outlines, the
great, glossy, and nearly evergreen, rich green leaves are
a handsome backdrop for dense heads of lovely
spring blooms that rise above the cabbagelike rosette
on stalwart, red-tinted stems.
In winter, leaves become tinged with burgundy and are most welcome in holiday arrangements. Bergenia endures neglect, poor soil and some drought, but performs best in
part shade.
Amidst a compact base of lustrous greenery, glistening deep rosy red Hyacinth-like blooms herald the spring and later, leaves transmute bronzed wine
tints that warm winters’ somber landscape. With its tidy habit, this gem is well-suited for edging a path or for gracing a container at any time of year. (PP#7344)
Blooms April–May. Size: 16" high x 18" wide; hardy to zone 4.
Bergenia ‘Bressingham Ruby’ (P-1248)
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Distinguished for the pure white color of its
mature blossoms, its amazing floriferous nature, and for
its leafy robustness, ‘Bressingham
White’ was bred by British horticulturist Alan Bloom.
To create an eye-catching contrast of color and
texture, combine this Bergenia’s broad leaves with
the ferny foliage of Corydalis
‘Blue Panda’.
Blooms April–May. Size: 12"–15" high x 18" wide; hardy to zone 4.
Bergenia ‘Bressingham White’ (p-1170)
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Big varnished rosettes of thick, extra large rounded evergreen foliage beams purplish bronze colors that indeed work magic on a bleak winter landscape. A verdant foil the rest of the year, dark green leaves reach up to a foot long and 9 in. across, while supporting dense rosy pink flower clusters, defined by red centers, white stamens and open starry faces on stout wine-hued stems. Bedazzled with jewel tones and texture galore, this hybrid Bergenia crafts an exceptional, easy care ground cover for moist poorly drained banks, stream sides or borders.
Blooms April–May Size: 16" high x 18" wide; hardy to zone 3.
Bergenia ‘Magic Giant’ (P-1747)
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Boltonia
Thousand-Flowered Aster
If you think tumbleweed is the only plant that’ll make it in your garden, think again... think Boltonia. Innumerable white ‘asteroides’ shoot straight up
from earth, on strong stems to 4 or 5 ft. without
staking. Linear gray-green foliage adds to its vertical
form. ‘Snowbank’ makes a strong
statement, and true to its name, can handle frost.
Blooms August–October. Size: 4'–5' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 4.
Boltonia asteroides ‘Snowbank’ (p-0038)
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Siberian Bugloss
Handsome and undemanding, this ground cover forms large, tidy basal clumps of long-petioled, broad foliage, and displays charming vivid blue flowers that begin blooming in early spring and persist through Memorial Day. Preferring some shade and moisture, Brunnera is at home by water's edge, en masse in the border, or as a filler between newly planted shrubs.
Boldly patterned with broad snowy white margins and green centers, ‘Dawson’s White’ fashions a striking variegation that is further heightened by its endearing,
forget-me-not–like azure-blue flowers. An illustrious addition for the shadows, this Brunnera likes it cool and
moist, and needs protection from too much sun or hot,
dry winds.
Blooms mid-February–June. Size: 15" high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 4.
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Dawson’s White’ (P-1099)
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Not all variegated plants can boast the sophisticated beauty displayed by this British introduction’s lovely foliage. It
features felted, heart-shaped, pale green leaves, each emarginated with an irregular, rich cream-colored swath. Delicate sprays of starry blue flowers dance above on graceful stems, offering a soothing yet vibrant presence in a shady spot.
Blooms mid-February–June. Size: 15" high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 4.
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Hadspen Cream’ (p-0804)
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Awash in a mercury-like effulgence, broad heart-shaped leaves are etched by light green veins creating the most dramatic crackled ceramic pattern. ‘Jack Frost’s highly refined silvered persona offsets bronze, green and gold foliage, while sky-blue flowers add a playful lift.
A Walters Gardens’ introduction that originated from a ‘Langtrees’s sport, this Brunnera brings sterling accents to the darker corners of your garden.(pp#13859)
Blooms mid-February–June. Size: 12"–15" high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 4.
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ (P-1353)
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Encompassing each pewter-veiled leaf, a thin white margin illuminates this exceptional Brunnera ‘Langtrees’s sport introduced by Naylor Creek Gardens. Ample-sized, widely heart-shaped foliage has a central gray-green swath that separates the distinctive variegation and, in combination with the outlined edge, creates a winglike appearance. Tidy, vigorous and burn-resistant, the stylish gray frosted clump entertains plentiful clusters of long lasting, small wedgewood blue flowers. (pp#13706)
Blooms mid-February – June. Size: 12"–15" high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 4.
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Silver Wings’ (P-1509)
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Shrubby Bulbine
Reminiscent of an Aloe, this lush-looking Lily relative conceives a durable, yet attractive low succulent ground cover. Underground rhizomes give way to open fleshy rosettes of cylindrical, upright green leaves that are narrow and pointed. Alighting slender stems, triangular green buds unfurl long blooming dainty orange flowers with frilly yellow stamens from the bottom up.
An eye-catching South African evergreen, Bulbine frutescens requires little water and minimal care, though it enjoys a well-drained location and protection from cold winter nights. Zone 9/10.
Blooms April – August. Size: 12"–2' high x 3'–4' wide; hardy to zone 10.
Bulbine frutescens (P-1644)
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Bulbinella
Hailing from South Africa’s Cape
Province, this Asphodeline relative grows during the winter and is summer dormant. A bright green lustrous
clump of channeled and grassy deciduous foliage
celebrates long blooming, perfect-for-cutting, sunny yellow
flowers. Described by numerous starlike florets,
opening from the bottom up on erect cone-shaped
racemes, the unfurled blossoms skirt beneath tight green
buds and look a bit like ballerinas in frilly tutus
alighting slender curving stems.
Most dramatic when planted en masse with Geranium harveyi and Euphorbia myrsinites, Bulbinella nutans is superb for naturalizing in a sunny, well drained, low-maintenance border where it can be kept dry during the summer, at which time its old leaves can be pulled off.
Blooms February–March. Size: 2'–3' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 8.
Bulbinella nutans (P-1249)
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Calamint
Our floriferous Calamintha selections feature tiny 2-lipped blooms on long cymes and round mint-scented leaves with toothed margins. Undeterred by heat, drought or meddlesome deer, this species should be ensconced along well-drained pathways or steps to easily savor its pleasant fragrance.
Indigenous to southern Europe, this rarely offered perennial bears deep lavender-colored Thyme-like flowers that are small, but so profuse they put on a big show for all to enjoy, especially the bees. Attractive dark green leaves shape a well-mannered bushy mound, offsetting gray foliage plants such as Helianthemum ‘Belgravia Rose’ and Stachys ‘Silky Fleece’ to great effect.
Blooms June – October. Size: 18"–2' high x 18"–2' wide; hardy to zone 4.
Calamintha nepeta ‘Gottlieb Friedkund’ (P-1691)
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Add to Cart With a light-on-its-feet stance, this resilient new cultivar is a vast improvement over the species, boasting nonstop bloom and a tidy mounding habit that never flops. Small softly green, mint-scented leaves bolster large terminal spires of crisp white flowers from June ‘til the first frost. Undeterred by heat, drought or meddlesome deer, ‘Montrose White’s fine textured good looks are just right for an herb planting, a mixed border or a cottage garden.
Blooms June – October. Size: 12"–15" high x 12"–15" wide; hardy to zone 5.
AVAILABLE MID-JUNE 2013
Calamintha nepeta ‘Montrose White’ (P-1613)
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Wild Hyacinth
Wild HyacinthA native of the American West, Wild Hyacinth's slender spikes of dark blue flowers are brightened by a clutch of yellow stamens as they rise from straplike basal foliage. Unlike most bulbs, ‘Blue Danube’ relishes moisture and will even tolerate clay, providing it gets plenty of sun. Its ethereal starriness naturalizes superbly in the wild garden with Geranium ‘Katherine Adele’.
Blooms May-June. Size: 18" high x 18" wide; hardy to zone 5.
Camassia leichtlinii ‘Blue Danube’ (P-0831)
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Bellflower
The definitive bellflower, Campanulas melt your heart as they ring in the summer. The genus includes nearly 300 species, from dainty miniatures to stalwart uprights; we can’t resist using them in almost every garden design. Campanulas prefer filtered sun inland, full sun on the coast.
Ivory Bells
Highly touted by Graham Stuart Thomas, who once referred to it as a “picture of poise and beauty,” this vigorous, clump-forming Campanula hosts a multitude of imposing one-sided spires, densely set with creamy white bells from top to bottom. The 2 in., nodding blooms sport prominent calyxes and elegantly illuminate the handsome, long-petioled heart-shaped foliage below.
Blooms July–August. Size: 18"–2' high x 18" wide; hardy to zone 4.
Campanula alliariifolia (P-1311)
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In light of the notion that “new” is not always better, there’s nothing like welcoming back a hard working old friend. Large showy lavender-blue bells flower freely, nodding on graceful 8 in. stems above tidy low mounds of toothed, crisp green foliage. Visually cooling brickwork, small rocks or stone paving in bright sunny spots, this carefree Campanula can be paired with Dianthus ‘Charles Musgrave’ or pink flowering Saponaria x oliviana.
Blooms June–August. Size: 6" high x 15" wide; hardy to zone 5.
Campanula ‘Birch Hybrid’ (P-0042)
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All the way from the Carpathian Mountains comes this lively Campanula with winsome mounds of saw-toothed bright green foliage. A profusion of cup-shaped, papery blue flowers face the sky and embellish any rock garden or border.
Blooms late July–September. Size: 6" high x 12" wide; hardy to zone 4.
Campanula carpatica var. turbinata (P-0043)
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Cool your summer garden with the fresh colors of spring. In partial shade, the vibrant golden foliage and plentiful clear-water blue flowers of ‘Dickson’s Gold’ will literally glow with life. For even more delectable blue,
plant with Salvia forsskaolii in the rockery or along a
wall.
Blooms June–August. Size: 6" high x 20" wide; hardy to zone 6.
Campanula garganica ‘Dickson’s Gold’ (P-0188)
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Large, waxy dark violet-blue flowers hang like lanterns on 3 to 4 ft. stems above glossy basal foliage. We plant this quick colonizing offspring of Campanula takesimana among other vigorous perennials such as Kniphofia ‘Bressingham Sunbeam’ at the front of the border.
Blooms June–October. Size: 3'–4' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 5.
Campanula ‘Kent Belle’ (P-0510)
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