Perennials at Digging Dog
Ballota to Cynoglossum
Including Baptisia, Brunnera, Campanula, Corydalis, & Crocosmia
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)
Each $7.00
Add to Cart 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)
Each $7.00
Add to Cart Begonia
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)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart Even though its cultivar name may sound a bit dismal, ‘Rotblum’ delivers an ever-present, colorful guise. This choice German selection dresses up with pretty dark pink, bell-shaped blooms and large polished leaves that broadcast cozy burgundy hues in the dead of winter. Reliable and vibrant, it’s a surefire cure for those lackluster spots in your garden.
Blooms April–May. Size: 12"–15" high x 18" wide; hardy to zone 4.
Bergenia cordifolia Rotblum (P-1372)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart 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)
Each $6.00
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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)
Each $8.50
Add to Cart 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)
Each $9.50
Add to Cart 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)
Each $9.00
Add to Cart 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)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart Calamint
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.
Calamint nepeta Montrose White (P-1613)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart Camassia
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)
Each $6.50
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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. 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)
Each $6.00
Add to Cart 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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Email me when this plant is available Sarastro BellflowerIt’s hard to imagine how on earth ‘Kent Bells’ could be improved upon but that’s exactly what happened when this first-rate Campanula punctata and trachelium hybrid was introduced. Not as tall, more compact and slow to spread are all good reasons why ‘Sarastro’ should be invited into your garden, but then add glistening 2 in. dark violet-blue bells and it becomes simply indispensable.
Named for the Austrian nursery where it originated, this exceptional Bellflower boasts sturdy, 20 in. spikes laden with floral pendants that don’t need staking, and look downright gorgeous alongside yellow flowering Centaurea ruthenica.
Blooms June–August. Size: 18"–20" high x 18"–2' wide; hardy to zone 4.
Campanula Sarastro (P-1309)
Each $7.00
Add to Cart Ivory BellsHighly 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)
Each $6.00
Add to Cart 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)
Each $6.00
Add to Cart 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)
Each $6.00
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