Perennials at Digging Dog
Ratibida to Symphytum
Including Rudbeckia, Salvia, & Schizostylis
Ratibida
Mexican HatAptly named, the lax yellow-edged mahogany-red petals encompass distinctive black cones and look like the drooping brims of sombrero hats. Stiff, upright hairy stems are branching and clothed by deeply cut leaves, while bolstering a gazillion flame-hued flowers that entice butterflies and enhance floral arrangements. This drought tolerant Great Plains toughie lends festive accents to other easy-care perennials and grasses in a border or a natural-style planting.
Blooms July–early October. Size: 18"–20" high x 18" wide; hardy to zone 4.
AVAILABLE FALL 2010
Ratibida columnifera f. pulcherrima Red Midget (P-1582)
Each $6.50
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Ornamental Rhubarb
Rheums require deep, rich soil and appreciate mulching in the summer to keep their roots cool, as they detest extreme heat.
Lustrous, crinkled and richly red when they first unfurl in the spring, large spade-shaped leaves make a bold statement all season long. The grandiose foliage matures to a handsome deep green on top and grows upright, flaunting prominent veins and opulent burgundy undersides, while starry pale pink blooms on tall flower spikes add a dainty touch.
Blooms June–July. Size: 4'–5' high x 3'–5' wide; hardy to zone 5.
Rheum Ace of Hearts (p-1584)
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Rote Auslese means “Red Selection”.
One of the most pleasing of the tall ornamental rhubarbs, this prehistoric-looking specimen has colossal, divided leaves, reddish bronze at first, becoming dark green with purple undersides, and eventually quite red in the fall. Airy maroon panicles are produced atop the towering flower stems.
For a bold vignette, stage with other dynamic performers such as Veronicastrum ‘Erica’, and Hemerocallis middendorffii.
Blooms June–July. Size: 6-1/2' high x 5' wide; hardy to zone 5.
AVAILABLE FALL 2010
Rheum palmatum v. tanguticum Rote Auslese (p-0715)
Each $7.00
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Native to China and Japan, this spectacular genus will grow in ordinary garden soil, but give it rich, moist soil along a pond, stream or marshy area and it will thrive. Rodgersias are fine architectural specimens characterized by bold textured leaves that can spread to a foot across, originating from brownish black, fleshy rhizomes. So be sure to provide plenty of space. The numerous unpetaled flowers, colored by intriguing creamy salmon sepals and stamens, are borne on large panicles, and when in bud look almost like miniature cauliflowers. Fingerleaf RodgersiaRodgersias are fine architectural specimens characterized by brownish black, fleshy rhizomes and large textured leaves spreading to a foot across, so be sure to provide these plants with plenty of space.
Similar to the palmate leaves of Horse Chestnut, the crinkled foliage of this species is tinted bronze and heavily veined. The 7 leaflets radiate from the center and shaggy brown hair covers the loosely branched stalks, which hold pyramidal flowers, ranging in color from porcelain white to muted pink.
Blooms June–mid-August. Size: 3' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 5.
Rodgersia aesculifolia (P-0311)
Each $7.00
Add to Cart A topnotch foliage plant selected by Ernest Pagels, ‘Braunlaub’ delivers stylish bronzed leaves. Loose ivory-colored panicles rise high above the striking textural clump composed of prominently veined compound leaves divided into 5 to 7 lobed leaflets with sharply serrated edges. Becoming dark green by midsummer and later transmuting brilliant copper and red autumn hues, this Rodgersia’s large richly colored foliage offsets fine textured plants like Carex ‘Oehme’ and Thalictrum ‘Elin’.
Blooms June–mid-August. Size: 2-1/2' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 5.
AVAILABLE MAY 2010
Rodgersia podophylla Braunlaub (P-1551)
Each $8.50
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Matilija PoppyThis lusty California lady serves up a generous portion of large, crepe-paperlike white flowers with showy yellow stamens, sunny-side up style. Wondrous lightly scented, 9 in. wide blooms festoon the upper reaches of stout, glabrous stems cloaked in irregularly lobed gray-green leaves. A shrubby, tough-as-nails perennial that spreads by vigorous rhizomes, the Matilija Poppy’s native haunts include southern California’s Coastal ranges and valleys, and in cultivation, wide beds, hillsides or other formidable sites suit her just fine.
Undaunted by deer, poor soil and summer drought, she needs a lot of space, well drained soil, minimal root disturbance and an annual autumn cut back.
Romneya coulteri does not like to have its roots disturbed. Transplant it very carefully into a larger container, like a gallon pot, before planting in the garden. Make sure you select a sunny, well-drained spot. Do not overwater.
Since this stalwart plant is somewhat difficult to establish, we cannot guarantee its success after you have received it.
Blooms May–October. Size: 6'–8' high x 4' & spreading; hardy to zone 7.
Romneya coulteri (P-1072)
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Thrusting upward from fleshy roots late in the spring, Roscoea’s green stems are sheathed by alternate glossy foliage, while its large lobed flowers possess an otherwordly appeal. An exotic-looking genus that counts Ginger among its kin, these Tibetan and Nepalese natives appreciate a deep planting and a thick layer of mulch for winter protection.
Its grass green leaves are long and lance-shaped. Held on short terminal spikes, the brilliant purple flowers resemble orchids, and display white to pale violet markings on each petal. To create intrigue, plant on the edge of the woodland garden with Heuchera, Tiarellas, and Tricyrtis.
Blooms July–September. Size: 16" high x 16" wide; hardy to zone 6.
Roscoea auriculata (P-1156)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart Once described by British garden author, William Robinson as possessing “...a beauty quite apart”, this rare Chinese woodland perennial lives up to its reputation as its large, openly hooded ghostlike blooms hover just above tall, lush-looking narrow leaves. Bathed in pale moonlit yellows, the exquisitely strange, yet elegant flowers impart a cool luminosity to a drift of Disporum ‘Night Heron’.
Blooms June–July. Size: 18" high x 12" wide; hardy to zone 6.
Roscoea cautleyoides (p-1321)
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Black-Eyed Susan
Named by Linnaeus in honor of his teacher Olaf Rudbeck, this North American genus includes 25 to 30 species, many of them famous summer, especially late season, bloomers. These selections are easy to grow, make fine cut flowers, and will brighten any border or naturalized meadow. Offering interest also in the late fall and winter, they combine well with Aster, Eupatorium, and grasses. Black-Eyed SusanYou probably know ‘Swiss Gold’ as Black-Eyed Susan, those robust, bright orange-yellow American daisies with the dark centers. As charming in seed as it is in flower, its abundant chocolate-brown seed heads last until Thanksgiving. Strong stems bear flowers almost 3 ft. high without staking; foliage is dark green and hirsute.
Set a meadow ablaze with a large drift. Effective with Eupatorium ‘Gateway’, Aster ‘Coombe Fishacre’ and Deschampsia ‘Goldgehänge’ for texture.
Blooms August–October. Size: 2-1/2' high & spreading; hardy to zone 4.
Rudbeckia fulgida Swiss Gold (P-1399)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart Compact Black-Eyed SusanSomewhat wilder looking than most of the well-known cultivars, this species holds bright orange-yellow flowers with densely clustered petals on strong, wiry stems. In our garden, its open habit is backed by Persicaria ‘Summer Dance’.
Blooms late July–September. Size: 2' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 4.
Rudbeckia fulgida speciosa (Newmanii) (P-0552)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart Reminiscent of a bright French parasol, ample golden yellow petals are elegantly draped around large, pointed, purplish brown central cones that captivate finches, floral designers and gardeners alike. An exciting new Jelitto introduction selected from the native drought tolerant species, which inhabits the western Mississippi valley, ‘Sundance’ grows tall with hairy, straight steadfast stems in no need of staking. Good-sized and deep green, oblong basal leaves anchor the late blooming fiesta described by a single sunlit flower topping each stalk and a multitude of stalks.
Consider massing in a more natural landscape or nestling into the border with Poa cita and Aster ‘Raydon’s Favorite’ for company.
Blooms August–October. Size: 3'–4' high x 2'–3' wide; hardy to zone 5.
Rudbeckia grandiflora Sundance (P-1583)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart This Rudbeckia’s sassy Dahlia-like mop of double lemon-yellow flowers promises to put a smile on your face. Perched atop wiry upstanding stems and handsome narrow-lobed green leaves, the shapely chartreuse-eyed daisies bloom for a long time, while creating a dramatic medium-sized counterpoint to Aconitum ‘Bressingham Spire’s vertical blue-violet shafts.
Blooms mid-July–September. Size: 2-1/2'–3' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 4.
Rudbeckia laciniata Goldquelle (P-1552)
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If you appreciate the curious, the unusual, the truly unique, then allow this novelty to work some magic in your garden. From a leafy green basal clump appear 3 to 5 in. wide flowers on sturdy stalks, each featuring a huge central chocolate brown boss encompassed by approximately ten large and stiff well-spaced bright green sepals.
Unparalleled as a cut flower fresh or dried, florists, gardeners and birds seek out these extraordinary blooms that first form an intriguing golden ring of pollen around their striking cones. Quick to establish and undemanding, this attention grabber guarantees a flashy display of neon color when paired with Kniphofia linearifolia and Salvia ‘Limelight’.
Blooms July–September. Size: 3'–5' high x 2-1/2' wide; hardy to zone 4.
Rudbeckia occidentalis Green Wizard (P-1294)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart Languid petals in lemon yellow shades lazily encircle prominent beehivelike, chartreuse cones during the idle days of summer. With rough surfaces and fuzzy undersides, the broad and deeply clefted green leaves attire sturdy clumping stems in an airy, opposite fashion. This Rudbeckia makes a sunny neighbor for Aster asperulus above our stone wall.
Blooms July–August. Size: 3'–4' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 4.
Rudbeckia paniculata (P-1295)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart Sweet ConeflowerA Midwestern prairie girl that delivers outstanding flower power along with unwavering fortitude, this taller Black-Eyed Susan cousin is named for her anise-scented daisies. Radiant yellow petals surround purple-brown domed centers creating a buoyant sea of color all summer long. Perfectly branched for bouquets, the sturdy, straight-backed stems host toothed, deep green lush-looking leaves sporting downy undersides.
Blooms August–September. Size: 4' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 3.
Rudbeckia subtomentosa (P-1398)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart Three-Lobed Coneflower
A summertime show stopper, this floriferous Rudbeckia is a denizen of the Great Plains. At its base, the larger leaves are trilobed, forming a handsome bushy mass that gives way to more narrow upper leaves and openly branched, flowering stems.
Completely covered in glorious golden yellow petals circling jet black centers that fade to brown, Rudbeckia
triloba is a vivacious addition to the border with companions such as Aconitum ‘Arendsii’ and Pennisetum ‘Moudry’. Not as long-lived as other Rudbeckias, Three-Lobed Coneflower eventually wears itself out, but easily reseeds.
Blooms August–October. Size: 5'–6' high x 3'–4' wide; hardy to zone 5.
Rudbeckia triloba (P-1147)
Each $6.50
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Sage
Thought in ancient times to perpetuate good health, an Arab proverb asks, “How shall a man die with sage in his garden?” Our Salvias are diverse perennials, shrubs or subshrubs. Many of them hail from the Mediterranean, Mexico and South America.
Drought tolerant, reliable once established, and generally pest and disease free, they combine an array of flowers and aromatic foliage in many different sizes, shapes, and hues.. Further reading about Salvia:The Gardener’s Guide to Growing Salvias by John Sutton The New Book of Salvias Sages for Every Garden by Betsy Clebsch A bee’s bliss, a gardener’s good friend, and very welcome indeed is this Salvia’s ability to grow in difficult, dry conditions. An excellent ground cover, ‘Bee’s Bliss’ bears abundant clusters of lavender-colored blossoms, which embellish its bright, dense mat of
slender-leafed, aromatic, gray-green foliage. It willingly spills over a wall, softening hard edges, and maintains a tidy look without much care.
Blooms June–August. Size: 12" high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 9.
Salvia Bee’s Bliss (p-0802)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart Blue Sky SageSelected by Yucca Do Nursery, the interesting foliage of this upright Mexican native makes it one of our favorite Sages. Broad, tapered leaves have an unusual bluish hue on top, while undersides turn purple as they mature. Contrast this with the vivid green of the new growth, and you’re in for quite a foliar show. Well loved by hummingbirds, the small, iridescent, deep purple flowers display a splash of white in their throats.
Blooms late August–October. Size: 4' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 8.
Salvia El Cielo Blue (p-0866)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart Hailed as one of the most drought tolerant plants in
the trade, this tough-as-nails evergreen Salvia can handle
a California summer without water, sandy or clay
soil in either coastal, mountainous or desert gardens,
and sports good looks to boot. Masses of sparkling
blue-violet flowers populate spaced ball-shaped clusters
atop a rounded, somewhat woody frame with aromatic
ashy green leaves.
A chance seedling of Salvia clevelandii
and Salvia leucophylla selected by Las Palitas Nursery owner Bert Wilson, ‘Pozo Blue’ makes a handsome addition to fresh or dried arrangements, as well as rocky banks
and dry borders, while attracting butterflies, California
Quail, hummingbirds and two legged visitors. Zone 7/8.
Blooms June–October. Size: 5' high x 5' wide; hardy to zone 8.
Salvia Pozo Blue (P-1585)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart A mainstay at the back of the border, this regal Salvia is a cross between Salvia guaranitica and Salvia gesneraeflora. Rising above the textured mint-green leaves,
spikes of vibrant violet-blue blooms add glorious color all summer until frost, and are adored by hummingbirds everywhere. With its upright stance and cool shades, ‘Purple Majesty’ complements the warmer hues of Helianthus angustifolius (Pale Form) for a splendid autumn union.
Blooms June–early November. Size: 5'–6' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 7.
Salvia Purple Majesty (P-0967)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart Discovered by Art Petty of Austin, Texas, this dream Salvia cross inherits the best qualities of both its parents. Like darcyi, it features fantastically colored blooms, and like microphylla, its good-looking stance is short and compact.
Summer brings plentiful, 15 in. spikes of warm-hued, dark orange-red flowers and by fall, the round-tipped, somewhat reflective green foliage is completely blanketed by them. Renown for an easy going, stalwart and floriferous nature, ‘Silke’s Dream’ tantalizes us with its passionate display, while counterposing Salvia corrugata’s deep blue spires.
Blooms July–October. Size: 2' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 7.
Salvia Silke’s Dream (p-1358)
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Email me when this plant is available Like a well planned composition, this Salvia blends white fuzzy flowers, blushed with the palest of pinks and predominate purple calyxes against a graceful foil of textured grayish green foliage.
Given to us by David Salmon of High Country Gardens, we planted it in front of Cotinus ‘Grace’, whose leaves repeat the deep color of ‘Santa Barbara’s calyxes.
Blooms late June–early November. Size: 3' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 8.
Salvia Waverly (p-0660)
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This bold Mediterranean native serves up a remarkable portion of eye catching appeal on its almost platter-sized, soft and silky white, felted foliage. Emerging in a dramatic basal clump, new leaves are crinkled, but flatten as they grow, while their margins retain a sinuous wave. A spectacular showing of dramatic 2 to 3 ft. candelabralike stems are decorated in small, white, hooded flowers, each with a slight tinge of pink and a subtle grayish calyx.
After the bloom, leaves transmute to a pale gray-green, and when cooler weather returns, they turn silvery once again. Positively show-stopping along a dry wall, or in the herb garden with Lavender and Rosmarinus ‘Maltese White’, Salvia argentea demands well drained soil, tolerates drought, and will live longer if spent flower stalks are attentively removed.
Blooms June–July. Size: 5' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 9.
Salvia argentea (p-0678)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart Arizona Sage
A loose mound of luxuriant verdant foliage and trailing stems, this native of southern Arizona, Texas and northern Mexico thrives in the partial shade of small trees and shrubs. With a multitude of small, bright purple flowers held by smoky violet calyxes and a refreshing minty scent, Arizona Sage makes a delightful understory for Euphorbia griffithii ‘Great Dixter’.
Blooms June–July & again in September. Size: 18" high x 2' & spreading; hardy to zone 7.
Salvia arizonica (p-0771)
Each $6.50
Add to Cart Pitcher SageHighly esteemed for its densely packed whorls of true sky blue flowers, this U.S. native assures a scene stealing, late season hurrah that beckons both butterflies and gardeners. Numerous slender stems stand tall while narrow, linear gray-green leaves are covered in a downy softness. Exhibiting a vigorous drought, heat and cold tolerant nature, this stalwart beauty deserves a prime position in more gardens.
Blooms July–September. Size: 3'–4' high x 2'–3' wide; hardy to zone 4.
Salvia azurea Nekan (P-0162)
Each $6.50
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