Some of our favorite plants for the season!
Spotlight Plants
Black-eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is one of North America’s most beloved wildflowers, celebrated for its cheerful golden-yellow petals surrounding a dark chocolate-brown center. This classic daisy-like perennial shines in cottage gardens, prairie restorations, and mixed borders, offering up months of bright color from mid-summer into fall. Renowned for its adaptability and low-maintenance habits, Black-eyed Susan is a must-have for Southeast Wisconsin gardeners seeking long-lasting bloom, wildlife value, and ease of care. Key Characteristics Bloom Time & Flowers Flowers appear from July through October, peaking in late summer Each 2–3″ bloom features a contrasting dark cone (“eye”) encircled by 8–12 golden rays Flowers open sequentially, keeping the plant in continuous bloom for weeks Foliage & Habit Erect stems reach 2–3 ft tall, supporting blooms well above foliage Leaves...
Butterfly Weed
Butterfly Weed, or Asclepias tuberosa, is a vibrant, perennial native prized for its blazing clusters of orange blossoms and remarkable appeal to pollinators. Often called “Orange Milkweed,” this sun-loving beauty thrives in poor, well-drained soils and brings a burst...
Prairie Smoke
Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum), also known as Old Man’s Whiskers or Three-Flowered Avens, is a charming native perennial prized for its ethereal, wispy seed heads and delicate nodding blooms. A true prairie gem, this low-growing plant brings architectural interest and...
Spiderwort
Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis) is a graceful, clump-forming perennial native to prairies and open woodlands across the Midwest. With its arching, grass-like foliage and delicate clusters of three-petaled violet-blue flowers, Spiderwort adds a soft,...
Low Scape Snowfire Chokeberry
Low Scape Snowfire® Chokeberry is a compact, multi-season shrub that offers beauty, resilience, and native appeal — all in a tidy, manageable package. With bright white spring flowers, glossy green foliage, vibrant red fall color, and ornamental black berries, this...
Dwarf Korean Lilac
Dwarf Korean Lilac (Syringa meyeri 'Palibin') is a compact, fragrant flowering shrub that’s perfect for smaller spaces or gardeners who want all the beauty of traditional lilacs — without the size or maintenance. With lavender-pink blooms, a delightful scent, and...
Columbine
Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), also known as wild columbine or Eastern red columbine, is a graceful and airy native perennial that brings movement, color, and pollinator activity to spring gardens. With its delicate, nodding flowers in shades of red and yellow,...