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Groundcovers
AJUGA, BRONZE
BEAUTY (Ajuga reptans
‘Bronze Beauty’) Ht. 8 inches, Spd. 12-18 inches. Shade, morning
sun is okay, low to moderate water needs. Evergreen foliage has
an attractive bronzy shade and quickly forms a carpet of rounded leaves.
4 inch spikes of blue flowers are more brilliant with morning sun.
Tolerates moderately dry conditions, prefers a moist and well drained
soil. Great for rock gardens, containers, and groundcovers in shady
areas.
CINQUEFOIL
(Potentilla x tonguei) Ht. 6-8 inches, Spd. 12-18 inches. Full
Sun, low water needs (xeric). Found growing in dry sites,
including road sides, this plant is a very tolerant choice for the front
range. Orange flowers cover the plant through summer. This small
edible plant has been used for everything from mouthwash to anti-wrinkle
cosmetics. You could even use young shoots and leaves in your salad!
ICEPLANT, PURPLE
(Delosperma cooperi) Ht. 2-4 inches, Spd. 12-24 inches. Full
Sun, low water needs (xeric). Succulent foliage provides a
perfect bed for bright purple flowers from May through September.
ICEPLANT, YELLOW
(Delosperma nubigenum) Ht. 1 inch, Spd. 24-30 inches. Full Sun,
low water needs (xeric). Succulent foliage on this iceplant
forms a very low and dense mat. Its yellow flowers bloom from May
through July. For winter interest, the foliage turns burgundy red.
PERIWINKLE,
BOWLES BLUE (Vinca minor
‘Bowles Blue’) Ht. 4-6 inches, Spd. 24-36 inches. Part shade,
low water needs (xeric). Light blue flowers top glossy green leaves
in May and June. This evergreen ground cover enjoys protection from the
winter sun, and will adapt to harsh and dry conditions in the summer.
PERIWINKLE,
GOLDEN LESSER (Vinca minor
‘Illumination’) Ht. 4-6 inches, Spd. 36-60 inches. Part shade,
low to moderate water needs. Immature green leaves turn yellow with
green margins. This broadleaf evergreen is a perfect solution where
contrasting colors are needs for planting beds, containers, or trailing
over walls. The yellow is more brilliant in partial shade, where it
also enjoys protection from our harsh winters. Single lavender blossoms
appear in May and June.
PHLOX, CREEPING
(Polemoniaceae subulata) Ht. 4-6 inches, Spd. 12-24 inches.
Full Sun, low water needs (xeric). Needle shaped evergreen
foliage produces a dense covering of small flowers. A Colorado native
available in multiple colors. Red, White, Blue, and ‘Candy Stripe’.
SNOW IN SUMMER
(Cerastium tomentosum ‘Silver Carpet’) Ht. 6 inches, Spd. 24-48
inches. Full Sun, low water needs (xeric). Always a favorite
for dry sites with poor soils. White flowers cover the plant from late
May through July. Use division and shearing to keep this plant more
compact and improve health.
STONECROP,
ANGELINA (Sedum repestre
‘Angelina’) Ht. 3-6 inches, Spd. 12-14 inches. Full Sun, low
water needs (xeric). Needle shaped, golden foliage forms a thick
mat and provides a great contrast in the flower bed. In the fall, watch
the tips turn to orange.
STONECROP,
BERTRAM ANDERSON (Sedum
‘Bertram Anderson’) Ht. 12 inches, Spd. 12-15 inches. Full Sun,
low water needs (xeric). Dark purple foliage appears blue at times
on dusty leaves. Brilliant pink flowers contrast well in the late
summer.
STONECROP,
HYBRIDUM (Sedum ‘Hybridum’)
Ht. 3-6 inches, Spd. 6-24 inches. Full Sun, low water needs
(xeric). Yellow flowers bloom in late summer on green foliage which
turns red in the fall.
STONECROP,
HYBRIDUM VARIGATED (Sedum
kamtschaticum ‘Variegatum’) Ht. 6-12 inches, Spd. 24-48 inches.
Full Sun, low water needs (xeric). Green foliage has a pink tint
and creamy margins. Deep yellow flowers contrast well in late June.
STONECROP,
DRAGON’S BLOOD (Sedum
spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood’) Ht.
6-12 inches, Spd. 24-48 inches. Full Sun, low water needs (xeric).
Medium green foliage with red hues is evergreen. Pink flowers emerge in
late June, peak in late July, but continue to bloom through October.
STONECROP,
TRICOLOR (Sedum spurium
‘Tricolor’) Ht. 4-6 inches, Spd. 12-24 inches. Full Sun, low
water needs (xeric). Light green rosette leaves are bordered by
creamy white and then pink. Blooms are also pink and may be seen from
May to October.
STRAWBERRY,
LIPSTICK (Fragaria x
‘Lipstick’) Ht. 3-6 inches, Spd. 24-48 inches. Full Sun, low to
moderate water needs. An ornamental strawberry plant formed by
crossing Fragaria and Potentilla. Pink flowers occur in spring time,
yielding ornamental and edible strawberries in summer. Forms a decent
weed barrier and is a beautiful ground cover providing nice accentuating
features for trees and shrubs.
THYME, CLEAR GOLD
(Thymus x ‘Clear Gold’) Ht. 2-4 inches, Spd. 12-18 inches. Full
Sun, low to moderate water needs. Gold margins on green leaves
are not as dense as other Thyme varieties. A very nice ground cover
providing a contrasting gold color.
THYME, ELFIN
(Thymus speciosa ‘Elfin’) Ht. 2 inches, Spd. 6-18 inches. Full
Sun, low to moderate water needs. This dwarf version of Lemon
Thyme has lavender blossoms atop dark green foliage from June through
July.
THYME, LEMON
(Thymus serpyllum citroides) Ht. 2-4 inches, Spd. 6-18 inches.
Full Sun, low water needs (xeric). Green foliage with lavender
blossoms July through August. Will withstand light traffic.
THYME, WOOLLY
(Thymus pseudolanuginosus) Ht. 1-2 inches, Spd. 6-18 inches.
Full Sun to part shade, low water needs (xeric). Green foliage
looks gray due to the woolly covering. Sparse lavender flowers appear
in mid summer. Evergreen foliage turns purple in colder months.
Perfect in a flagstone walkway, rock gardens, and overhanging walls.
VERONICA, CRYSTAL
RIVER (Veronicus ‘Reavis’)
Ht. 3-4 inches, Spd. 18-30 inches. Full sun to part shade, low
to moderate water needs. 2003 Plant Select. Evergreen foliage is
consumed by small blue flowers in spring. Tolerates hot and dry
conditions as long as soil stays moist.
Bertram Anderson Stonecrop
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Perennials
ARTEMESIA,
ORIENTAL LIMELIGHT
(Artemisia vulgaris ‘Janlim’) Ht. 18-36 inches, Spd. 18-36 inches.
Full sun, low water needs (xeric). Tall, arching plant with
yellow and green variegation is a great partner for flowering plants.
This plant spreads quickly and needs to be maintained.
ARTEMISIA, POWIS
CASTLE (Artemisia
arborescens x absinthium) Ht.
18-36 inches, Spd. 18-36 inches. Full sun, low water needs (xeric).
Soft, fern-like leaves are very aromatic, and appear a silvery
blue-green. Adaptable to most soils, and very well suited for the
extreme climates of our front range.
ASTER, RED “ALERT”
(Aster ‘Alert’) Ht. 12-15 inches, Spd. 16-28 inches. Full sun,
low to moderate water needs. This rounded plant is covered in
bright red flowers during August and September. Should be kept in well
drained soil.
ASTER, WOODS BLUE
(Aster dumosus ‘Wood’s Blue’) Ht. 12-15 inches, Spd. 14 inches.
Full sun, low to moderate water needs. Another rounded Aster,
this one displaying unique blue flowers in late summer and fall. This
is a great border plant that grows very neatly. Attracts butterflies.
BABY’S BREATH,
PINK (Gypsophila
paniculata) Ht. 24-36 inches, Spd. 24-36 inches. Full sun, low
to moderate water needs. Pinkish white flowers cover this plant in
July and August. Good for cut flowers.
BEE BALM,
RASPBERRY (Mondarda didyma)
Ht. 2-4 ft., Spd. 2-4 ft. Part Shade, moderate water needs. Red
blooms top the hairy, mint shaped leaves from July through September.
This plant is very fragrant, including the foliage itself which has been
used for potpourri and teas. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees are
drawn to Bee Balm for this very reason.
BLANKET FLOWER
(Gaillardia) Ht. 24-48 inches, Spd. 24-48 inches. Full sun,
low water needs (xeric). Gaillardia are known for their profuse
flowering. Probably the most appealing attribute is their craving for
abuse. Gaillardia thrive in poor soils, and will withstand drought.
‘Goblin’ blossoms are yellow, orange, and red. The ‘Burgundy’ variety
is also available.
CAMPANULA, BLUE
CLIPS (Campanula carpatica
‘Blue Clips’) Ht. 6-12 inches, Spd. 12-24 inches. Full sun to part
shade, low to moderate water needs. Blue, bell shaped flowers
top this compact cultivar’s shiny leaves. Dead-head to promote
continual flower production, and divide every three years to prevent the
center of the plant from dying out.
CATMINT, WALKER’S
LOW (Nepeta x faassenii)
Ht. 12-24 inches, Spd. 24-48 inches. Full sun to part shade, low
water needs (xeric). Purple blooms appear from late May through
October. The mint leaves are as aromatic as you would expect. Cut back
after the first bloom to encourage a second and more compact bloom.
COLUMBINE
(Aquilegia) Ht. 12-24 inches, Spd. 12-24 inches. Full sun to
part shade, low to moderate water needs. Beautiful flowers for
cuttings bloom from May through July. A wide variety of colors is
available. Colors stay brighter and longer in part shade conditions.
CONEFLOWER,
PURPLE (Echinacea purpurea
‘Magnus’) Ht. 24-36 inches, Spd. 18-24 inches. Full sun, low
water needs (xeric). 1998 Perennial of the Year. Great purple
blossoms stand proud on this beautiful specimen from June through
October.
CONEFLOWER,
GOLDSTRUM (Rudbeckia
fulgida ‘Goldstrum’) Ht. 12-24 inches, Spd. 12-24 inches. Full sun
to part shade, low water needs (xeric). 1999 Perennial of the
Year. With large yellow blossoms from late June through October
(frost), this erect flowering perennial is perfect for adding a splash
of color in the late summer months.
CORAL BELLS
(Heuchera sanguinea) Ht. 6-12 inches, Spd. 12-24 inches. Part
to full shade, moderate water needs. Red blooms appear from June
through early October, and attract hummingbirds. Flowering peaks in
mid-summer, but can be prolonged through dead-heading.
Oriental Limelight Artemesia Blanket Flower also called Goblin Flower
Oriental Limelight Artemesia
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COREOPSIS,
THREADLEAF (Coreopsis
verticillata) Ht. 24-48 inches, Spd. 24-48 inches. Full sun,
low to moderate water needs. Fine textured soils are a great
contrast to thicker companions, and the dalike flowers are profuse in
mid summer. Dead-heading ensures secondary blooms, but matured fruit
may also provide some interest. This is a very low maintenance plant,
ideal for our front range climate.
COREOPSIS,
‘MOONBEAM’ (Coreopsis
‘Moonbeam’) Ht. 12 inches, Spd. 12 inches. Full sun, low to
moderate water needs. Better than Threadleaf for use in borders,
Moonbeam boasts all of the same positive attributes as its brother.
This variation won’t exceed 12 inches.
COREOPSIS, ROSEA
(Coreopsis rosea) Ht. 12 inches, Spd. 12 inches. Full sun,
low to moderate water needs. Another smaller variation than
Threadleaf, rosea has rosy pink flowers that set it apart. Another
great plant for your borders.
DAISY, SHASTA
(Leucanthemum x superbum) Ht. 24-48 inches, Spd. 24-48 inches.
Full sun to part shade, low to moderate water needs. We sell two
varieties in particular, the ‘Alaska’ and ‘Snowcap’. The white flowers
and yellow disk are typical for both. Alaska is a bit larger, while
Snowcap stays more compact and seems to flower more profusely.
DAYLILY
(Hemerocallis) Ht. 24-48 inches, Spd. 24-48 inches. Full sun to
part shade, low to moderate water needs. Available in many color
combinations, these plants are great for use in borders, masses, rock
gardens, and for cuttings. Daylilies grow in almost any soil conditions
but do best when moist and well drained.
DELPHINIUM
(Delphinium spp.) Ht. 12-48 inches, Spd. 12-24 inches. Full
sun, low to moderate water needs. Long flower spikes typically
bloom from spring to mid summer. Several cultivars are available and
offer blues and multi-colored flowers. Delphiniums are great in any
garden.
DIANTHUS,
‘FIREWITCH’ (Dianthus
gratianopolitanus ‘Firewitch’) Ht. 6-8 inches, Spd. 8-12 inches.
Full sun, low to moderate water needs. 2006 Perennial of the
Year. Silver-blue foliage resembles blue fescue grass, but this plant
nicely displays bright magenta flowers.
DIANTHUS, PINKS
(Dianthus hybrids) Ht. 6-8 inches, Spd. 8-12 inches.
Full sun, low to moderate water needs. Fragrant blue green
foliage is topped with pink flowers from late June through the first
frost.
DIASCIA, CORAL
CANYON (Diascia
hybrids) Ht. 10-15 inches, Spd. 10-15 inches. Full sun to part
shade, low water needs (xeric). Coral pink flowers are profuse
from springs through fall. Use it in hanging baskets, containers, beds,
borders, and more. This hardy plant is time tested in our area.
Several other Diascia hybrids are also available.
GAYFEATHER
(Liatris spicata) Ht. 24-48 inches, Spd. 24-48 inches. Full sun
to part shade, low water needs (xeric). Tall spikes of lavender
flowers bloom from July through September. The base is a thick, blade
foliage that often forms tufts.
GERANIUM,
CRANESBILL (Geranium spp.)
Ht. 6-18 inches, Spd. 6-18 inches. Full sun to part shade, low to
moderate water needs. With bloom periods from May through October,
many Geraniums will stop blooming in the hottest summer months and pick
up again as the weather cools. Flower color can be picked by the
species. This is one plant that will do particularly well in heavy clay
and loam soils, so it should be considered. Green foliage often turns
red in the fall, depending on the species you settle on.
HOLLYHOCK
(Alcea spp.) Ht. 36-72 inches, Spd. 12-48 inches. Full sun,
low to moderate water needs. Hollyhock or Hollyhock Mallow are
favorites. Cup shaped flowers grow upon tall stalks, and range from
pinks to yellows. Bloom period is from July through September.
HOSTA
(Hosta spp) Ht. 6-24 inches, Spd. 6-24 inches. Full shade,
moderate water needs. Hostas can grow in part shade conditions, and
can even flower in those places. Instead, protect the beautiful foliage
from hail and sun scorch by placing these plants in a protected spot in
full shade. Several varieties are available, providing a good selection
of foliage for the shade garden. Will tolerate clay soils.
HYSSOP
(Agastache spp.) Ht. 24-48 inches, Spd. 12-36 inches. Full sun
to part shade, low to moderate water needs. Angular flowers are
arranged in whorls around erect stems, and have attracted hummingbirds
to our nursery. Used in borders, as a wildflower, massed, dried, and
cut.
IRIS
(Iris spp.) Ht. 12-36 inches,
Spd. 24 inches. (Sizes vary with cultivars) Full sun to part shade,
low to moderate water needs. The climate of our front range is
great for growing Iris. Alkaline soils and intense sunlight help to
control fungus and rot which are problems for the Iris elsewhere.
Beautiful flowers and easy care make this a great flower for multiple
areas in the landscape. Many varieties are available.
JUPITER’S BEARD
(Centranthus ruber) Ht. 24-48 inches, Spd. 24-48 inches. Full
sun to part shade, low water needs (xeric). Small, red, tubular
flowers grow atop waxy, blue-green foliage. These flowers are great for
attracting hummingbirds and butterflies, and are massed beautifully on
stalks. Dead-heading promotes continuous bloom. This plant enjoys our
poor alkaline soils, and hot summer sun. Just make sure not to over
water, and try to pick a place in your garden that is well drained.
LAVENDER,
MUNSTEAD (Lavandula
augustifolia ‘Munstead’) Ht. 12-24 inches, Spd. 12-24 inches. Full
sun, low water needs (xeric). Fragrant flowers are whorled
around a stem emerging from the semi-evergreen foliage. Bloom period is
long from late June through September. Good drainage is critical for
overwintering. Poor soils will make this plant tougher, and we’ve liked
the results of our particular cultivar ‘Munstead’.
LILY, ASIATIC
(Lilium ‘Asiatic’ hybrids) Ht. 12-30 inches, Spd. 12-15
inches. Full sun to part shade, moderate water needs. Asiatic
lilies are among the most popular. They have magnificent flowers, are
easy to grow, and do not require staking. They are not picky about our
harsh soil and climate, so long as they are well drained. We have
several colors and varieties for you to choose from.
LUPINE
(Lupinus spp.) Ht. 24-48 inches, Spd. 24-48 inches. Full sun to
part shade, moderate water needs. Erect flowering stems stand
tall above the foliage. The beautiful flowers are heavy and may require
staking. Cut flowers are wonderful and will encourage another bloom.
Look for flowers in the spring time from late May to mid July. Many
colors are available, including hybrids with a mixture of colors.
PENSTEMON
(Penstemon spp.) Ht. 6-24 inches, Spd. 12-48 inches. Full sun
to part shade, low water needs (xeric). Penstemon is native to
the western states, and can be found on hikes through our rocky
mountains. With bloom periods that last all summer, these trumpet
flowers will attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Many colors are
available, from Pike’s Peak Purple to white, and multi-color. Also
known as beard-tongue, this native plant should have a place in your
rock garden, or xeriscape.
PINCUSHION FLOWER
(Scabiosa columbaria) Ht. 12-24 inches, Spd. 12-24 inches. Full
sun to part shade, low to moderate water needs. With a bloom
period from June through the first frost, this flower will attract
butterflies all summer long. Pincushion flowers love our alkaline
soils, but should be irrigated regularly in the hot summer months.
POPPY
(Papaver spp.) Ht. 24-48 inches,
Spd. 24-48 inches. Full sun, low to moderate water needs.
Oriental poppies and Iceland poppies will be the highlight of your
garden while they are in bloom. With a peak bloom period near the end
of June, consider some less striking plants for companions to the
Oriental poppies. Iceland poppies will bloom into late summer. The
light and delicate flowers rise 2 to 3 feet above the foliage, and color
options are multiple. Keep these in a well drained, poorer soils.
PRIMROSE
(Oenothera spp.) Ht. 12 inches, Spd. 18 inches. Full sun,
low water needs (xeric). You will find many pale pink blossoms from
June through the first frost. These primroses love a sunny spot and
will withstand drought very well. Don’t overwater, and keep in a well
drained soil.
SAGE
(Salvia spp.) Ht. 6-24 inches, Spd. 12-24 inches. Full sun,
low to moderate water needs. Rough and woolly foliage gives
character, while flower stalks reach above with blues and purples. The
fragrance of the plant is attractive to us and the bees. These hardy
plants are great specimens. Try ‘May Night’ or ‘Purple Meadow Sage’.
Plant groundcover companions with sage, since the late summer months
will leave the foliage a bit stalky.
SPIDERWORT
(Tradescantia spp.) Ht. 24-48 inches, Spd. 12-24 inches. Full
sun to part shade, moderate water needs. With flower colors from
magenta, to blues, and purples, this long bloomer will provide flowers
from spring through September. Long and slender leaves look like reeds,
and tend to sprawl out by August. Give this plant some room in the
garden. Poor soils and less water will slow the sprawling growth and
provide a tidier plant.
STONECROP, SHOWY
(Sedum spectabile ‘Autumn Glory’) Ht. 12-24 inches, Spd. 12-24
inches. Full sun, low water needs (xeric). Thick stems and
fleshy leaves are attractive on their own, but this plant also provides
showy pink flowers in the late summer and early fall. Beautiful masses
with structure are great for borders and rock gardens. Tolerates poor
soils and will adapt to almost any condition. Easy to grow and easy on
the eyes.
SUN DAISY,
LAVENDER MIST (Osteospermum
‘Lavender Mist’) Ht. 10-12 inches, Spd. 10-12 inches. Full sun to
part shade, low to moderate water needs. Daisy-like flowers
bloom from early May through September, more profusely with
deadheading. The golden brown disks of the flower contrast white petals
that darken to lavender at the tips. This sun daisy likes a fertile
soil that is well drained, and a protected location that stays warm. It
will tolerate moist or dry soils.
VERONICA,
SPEEDWELL (Veronica spp)
Ht. 1-48 inches, Spd. 12-48 inches. Full sun to part shade, low to
moderate water needs. From low creepers to erect flowering stalks,
there are several varieties available. Most flower in shades of blue,
but white and pink are also choices. Veronica is generally easy to
grow, thriving in very average soil conditions. Some varieties are
xeric as well. Deadhead as soon as flowers begin to wilt to promote
re-bloom. Some varieties will peak out in June, while others will
provide blossoms all summer long.
VIOLET, CORSICAN
(Viola corsica) Ht. 6-8 inches, Spd. 6-8 inches. Full sun to
part shade, moderate water needs. Bright purple flowers bloom
from early spring to fall. This violet tolerates heat well and will
provide beautiful color to the garden.
WHIRLING
BUTTERFLIES (Gaura
lindheimeri) Ht. 24-48 inches, Spd. 24-48 inches. Full sun, low
to moderate water needs. White ‘apple blossoms’ appear from mid
July to October. Flowers become more profuse as the season progresses.
Each day a flower blooms white, fades to pink, and flies away like a
whirling butterfly. The process starts again the very next day.
Drought tolerant, but soils should be well drained.
YARROW
(Achillea spp.) Ht. 12-36 inches, Spd. 24-48 inches. Full sun,
low water needs (xeric). We have chosen ‘Moonshine’ and
‘Paprika’. Both will flower from June through fall, and provide sheets
of flowers over silvery fern-like foliage. Moonshine is a very pleasant
pale yellow, while the paprika flowers are rusty red. They both
tolerate harsh soil conditions and require very little water.
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