Some of our favorite plants for the season!
Spotlight Plants
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 of color to butterfly gardens, prairie restorations, and mixed borders from late spring through summer. Beyond its ornamental value, Butterfly Weed is indispensable for monarch butterflies—their larvae feed exclusively on milkweeds—making it a cornerstone species for wildlife-friendly landscapes in Southeast Wisconsin. Key Characteristics Flower & Bloom Time Showy umbels of 10–50 bright orange to reddish-orange flowers Blooms from late May through July, with potential for rebloom under ideal conditions Fragrant nectar guides attract a host of butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds Foliage & Form Erect, clump-forming...
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,...
Spilled Wine Weigela
Spilled Wine® Weigela is a bold, low-growing shrub known for its rich, deep purple foliage and vibrant pink flowers that attract attention — and pollinators — all season long. Compact, colorful, and easy to grow, this weigela is a fantastic option for anyone looking...