Milkweed

Asclepias syriaca, Common milkweed

• 2-6 ft.

• Full sun; pink bloom in summer

• Common milkweed has large, wide leaves. It can be a bit aggressive in a garden, so ensure it has some room to spread.

Asclepias tuberosa, Butterfly weed

• 12-24 inches

• Full sun; beautiful orange bloom in summer.

• The smallest and least aggressive of the bunch. It is short, sweet, and beautiful.

Asclepias speciosa, Showy Milkweed (Not Native to Virginia)

• 1.5-3 ft. tall 

• Full sun; pink/purple flowers bloom in summer.

Asclepias incarnata, Swamp Milkweed, Pink 

• 3-5 ft.

• Full sun to part shade; pink or white bloom in summer

• Can be grown in moist, wet environments and average soil once established. When first planted, it will require extra watering. A great option for rain gardens or around ponds. 

Plant it and they will come!❤️

Milkweeds are the only host plant for the endangered Monarch butterfly. Monarchs will lay their eggs on the leaves (only on Milkweeds) and the larva will spend its life nibbling away at the leaves. Once the larvae (pups) are done, they leave the Milkweed to cacoon. It is an amazing thing to watch.

 Prone to aphids, no danger to the plant or the eggs, just annoying. Aphids can be sprayed off with a hose or let nature take its course and the beneficial insects will aid in decreasing their numbers. 

All Asclepias listed are perennial. Besides the swamp milkweed, they grow best in average, medium to dry, well-drained soil. Full sun. A Low-maintenance and easy-to-grow plant. 

Achillea millefolium, Common Yarrow

• Semi-evergreen perennial

• 1-3 ft. tall, 2-4 ft. wide

• Full sun

• Beautiful 5 in. clusters of white flowers that bloom late April-July. The feathery, fernlike foliage is equally attractive.

• Prefers well-drained soil, drought tolerant. Avoid overly wet environments.

• Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Deer and rabbit resistant.

Agastache scrophulariaefolia, Purple Giant Hyssop

• Perennial

• 6 ft.

• Full sun to partial sun

• Grows best in moist, rich soil.

• Pale purple flowers are supported on strong square stems with a long bloom throughout the summer. 

• Its leaves have an anise smell when crushed. It tends to be short-lived because it is easily outcompeted by more aggressive plants. This can be avoided with a little care to maintain its surroundings.

• It is usually found in river or stream floodplains, forest edges, shores along rivers or lakes, and rocky slopes.

• It is listed as threatened or endangered in many eastern states.

Andropogon gerardii, Big Blue Stem

• Herbaceous perennial

• 4-8 ft. tall, 2-3ft. spread

• Full sun

• It is bright green in the spring and then it becomes a blue-green in summer, turning a coppery-red in the fall.

• It can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, including poor soil. Exceptionally drought tolerant once established. It can become floppy in soil that is too rich and moist. Provides winter interest and can be cut back in late winter to make room for new growth.

• It is a bunchgrass often found in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands. Its deep root system is great for preventing soil erosion.

• High-quality livestock forage. Provides food and cover for wildlife.

Antennaria plantaginifolia, Pussytoes

•  Semi-evergreen perennial

• Short, remains close to the ground,12 inches tall when flowering, 1-2 ft. spread

• Full sun to partial sun

• Grows in soil medium to dry. Drought tolerant once established. Good ground cover in dry areas like rock gardens or rocky slopes. Does not do well in overly moist, poorly drained soil.

•  The leaves are silvery-gray and spread by stolons. Produces soft white flowers that resemble a cat's paw, hence the name. These bloom on stems that reach 4-12 inches high in spring. These stems can be removed after flowering to maintain a tidier appearance. 

• Some parts of the plant are toxic. Deer resistant.

Apocynum cannabinum, Dogbane aka Indian Hemp

• Herbaceous perennial

• Up to 4 ft. tall, 1.5-2.5 ft. wide

• Full sun to Part sun

• Tiny white flowers bloom in early summer.

• Grow in average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining soil.

• It can be aggressive so not ideal for smaller garden areas. Good for erosion control on slopes and streambanks.

• Used by Native Americans to make rope. Used by orioles and songbirds to build nests. The flowers attract butterflies.

All parts of this plant are poisonous to humans, dogs, cats, and horses.

Aquilegia canadensis, Columbine

• Semi-evergreen perennial

• up to 3 ft. tall, 6-24 inches wide

• Full sun, part sun to shade. Full sun may be too much with the intense heat and humidity of a Virginia summer.

• They do well in most soils but do not tolerate being too wet for too long. Good drainage is essential.

• Cutting the plants back to their basal leaves will encourage more blooms.

• One of the first flowers to bloom in the spring. Attracts hummingbirds.

Baptisia australis, Blue False Indigo

• Herbaceous perennial

• 3-4 ft. tall and wide. Has a shrub/bushy appearance.

• Full sun. Does best in average, well-draining soil. Drought tolerant once established.

• Beautiful blue flowers bloom early, May-June. 

Baptisia tinctoria, Yellow Wild Indigo

• Herbaceous perennial

• 2-3 ft. tall and wide. Shrub/bushy appearance.

• Full sun.

• Grows best in moist, well-drained soil. Drought tolerant once established.

• Sweet yellow blooms in late spring, early summer, May-June

Chamaecrista fasciculata, Partridge Pea

• Annual legume, ornamental

• 1-3 ft. tall, similar spread

• Full sun 

• Prefers average, well-drained soil. Tolerates poor soil and light shade. 

• Showy, yellow blooms from June-September. It has light, feathery leaves that will fold up when touched. This is why it is sometimes referred to as 'sensitive plant'.

• Partridge pea is a legume, (nitrogen fixer), and can be used as a cover crop. It is an excellent choice for erosion control and improving soil fertility.

• It provides pollen for bees, insects, and birds. Host plant for Common Sulfur, Cloudless sulfur, and Gray Hairstreak butterfly. The seed is a major food source of northern Bobwhite and other quail species. As well as providing cover for birds. It is one of the most important fall and winter foods for Bobwhite Quail. Deer enjoy the foliage, but humans and cattle should avoid it.

• Cool fact: The flowers don't hold nectar but the have nectar glands that feed nectar-seeking species!

Chrysogonum virginianum, Green and Gold

• 6 inches-1.5 ft.

• Part shade

• Works great as a shady ground cover, and forms a semi-evergreen mat.

• Sweet, star-shaped yellow flowers. Each flower blooms for a long period. Flowers will generally stop blooming in the heat of summer.

• Grows best in average to moist, well-drained soil. Spreads by rhizomes and can be divided and propagated through division. Very low-maintenance and adaptable. Tolerates flooding and drought once established.

Conoclinium coelestinum, Blue Mistflower

• Herbaceous perennial

• up to 3 ft. tall

• Full sun to part shade

• Beautiful blue flowers from late summer until frost.

• Prefers moist, humusy soils.

• It spreads by rhizomes and self-seeding and can be aggressive. Great option for  wildflower gardens, or pond edges.

Coreopsis lanceolata, Lanceleaf Coreopsis

• Herbaceous perennial

• 2 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. spread

• Full sun

• Yellow flower, blooms May-July

• Prefers medium to dry, well-drained soil. Good in poor, sandy, and rocky soils. Tolerant of heat, humidity, and drought.

• Readily self-seeds. Dead-heading will encourage new blooms.

• It is a special value to native bees, attracts butterflies and attracts predatory or parasitoid insects that prey upon pest insects. xerces.org 

Eutrochium purpureum, Joe-Pye weed

• Herbaceous perennial

• 5-7 ft. tall, 2-4 ft. spread

• Full sun

• Prefers rich, medium moisture soils. Will benefit from extra water during the hot, dry days of summer.

• Large flower heads that bloom pink in July-August. After the blooms are done, the seed heads continue to add interest into the winter. The stems can be cut to the ground in winter.

• It is a large plant that will enjoy a little extra space. It is a gentle giant, low maintenance. Stems are strong and will take up more space as they tend to lean out. It doesn't require staking but I have loosely tied the entire plant with twine to help control the size.

• Deer tolerant. Don't let the weed fool you. It is a great addition to any area, adding spectacular flowers and height to gardens and landscapes.

• Attracts many pollinators, including honey bees, bumble bees, and butterflies. It provides cover and seeds for birds, and its hollow stems are bee houses!

Geranium maculatum, Wild Geranium, Cranesbill

• Herbaceous perennial

• 1-2 ft. tall, 1-1.5 ft. wide, mound

• Part sun to part shade, can tolerate full sun but requires sufficient moisture 

• Prefers soil rich in organic matter, good drainage

• Pink to light purple flowers appear in mid-spring to late spring.

• It is a clump-forming plant that can be used as a ground cover, in woodland settings, or shady borders.  

• Deer will eat the flowers and possibly the foliage. Special value to Native bees and Bumble bees. Seeds are eaten by Mourning Doves, Bobwhite Quail, and White-tailed Deer.

Hydrangea arborescens, Wild Hydrangea aka Smooth Hydrangea

• Deciduous shrub

• 3-6 ft. tall, similar spread

• Does best in part sun but tolerates full sun with adequate moisture.

• White, perhaps with shades of pink, flowers bloom in summer. It blooms on new wood and can be cut back close to the ground in late winter. A hard prune in late winter or even early spring will encourage new growth and vigor.

•  Unlike other hydrangeas, pH will not affect flower color. It is also more tolerant of heat and cold than other species.

• It has a rounded growth habit and can handle heavy pruning.

• Tolerant of deer, rabbits, and salt. Toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and horses. The flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators. Songbirds eat the seeds. It is a host plant for the Hydrangea Sphinx Moth.

Lobelia cardinalis, Cardinal Flower

• Herbaceous perennial

• 4-6 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide

• Full sun if consistently wet, to part shade. In southern climates will appreciate afternoon shade. 

• Prefers rich, moist soil. Does not tolerate drought but will tolerate brief flooding. It is a good option for moist areas, along streams, ponds, or a rain garden.

• Bright red flowers July-October. The clump of basal foliage (leaves at the bottom of the plant) will remain evergreen but avoid covering the foliage over winter as it will prevent photosynthesis. 

• Poisonous to humans, toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.

• Deer resistant.

•  A source of nectar for hummingbirds, especially the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

Lobelia siphilitica, Great Blue Lobelia, Blue Cardinal Flower

• Herbaceous perennial

• 2-3 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide

• Full sun, part shade, shade

• Spikes of bright blue flowers, on a single stem, bloom in late summer into the fall.

• Prefers soil on the moist side. May require watering in average soil conditions, not drought tolerant. It tends to be short-lived but will often self-sow in ideal conditions.

• Great option for bog gardens, rain gardens, water gardens, or near ponds and streams.

• Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans (in large quantities).

• Deer and rabbit-resistant.

•  The flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and many bees, including native bees.

Monardo punctata, Spotted Beebalm

• Herbaceous perennial

• 2-3 ft. tall

• Full sun to light shade

• Dry to moist well-drained soil. Drought tolerant

• Beautiful and unique, the flowers are inconspicuous, hairy, white/yellow with purple spots. The bracts, which look like petals, are showy and range in pink, purple, and lavender. The flowers and bracts occur at the top of a square stem, in showy clusters with 2 or more tiers.

• Member of the mint family, it spreads by runners forming large clumps(not aggressively). Blooms begin late spring/early summer to mid-summer. Long-lasting bloom. Dead-heading may prolong bloom and improve the plant's appearance. Great cut flower.

• Powdery mildew is a problem with Monardas. Avoid dense plantings to promote good air circulation.

• Deer and rabbit resistant. 

• Spotted Beebalm is a pollinator magnet that attracts bees, hummingbirds, moths, and predatory wasps. It is a host plant for 11 species of Lepidoptera larvae, including the raspberry pryrausta butterfly, gray marvel, and snout moths. Many native birds enjoy the seeds in winter.

Penstemon digitalis, Foxglove Beardtongue

• Herbaceous perennial

• 3-5 ft. tall and 1-2 ft. wide. It is clump-forming and semi-evergreen.

• Full sun.

• Grows in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil. Tolerates clay soils but needs good drainage. 

• Blooms early, April-June, with tubular white flowers.

Phlox divaricata, Wild Blue (Woodland) Phlox

• 12-18 inches tall, with an equal spread

• Part shade, dappled shade, full shade

• As the name suggests, it thrives in woodland environments. It prefers rich, moist, and well-drained soils. once established it can tolerate dry, clay, and drought conditions.

• In late spring it has beautiful blue flowers at the stem tip. It will be done flowering by the time summer heat comes in, and the stems can be trimmed to maintain a neat appearance. 

• It is an outstanding addition to a shade garden. It complements any plant it is near. 

• Woodland Phlox provides an early spring nectar source for hummingbirds, Swallowtail butterflies, and other pollinators.

Polemonium reptans, Jacob’s Ladder 

• Herbaceous perennial

• 1-1.5 ft. tall, similar spread

• Full shade to part shade

• Prefers moist, rich, well-drained soil. Do not tolerate dry soil.

• Blue flowers bloom in spring for a short time. The stems can be cut back after bloom to maintain a neat appearance and to encourage new blooms.

• The leaves are pinnately compound and resemble a ladder, hence the name. The foliage forms mounds and is equally ornamental after flowering has stopped.

• Deer resistant. Tolerates clay soils.

• The late spring blooms provide nectar for bees, including honeybees, moths and butterflies.

Pycnanthemum tenuifolium, Narrowleaf Mountain Mint

• 2-3 ft. tall

• Full sun

• Prefers average, dry to moist, well-drained soil.

• Blooms from June-August. The flowers are white with a touch of pink.  

• It is a magnet for pollinators. It will be covered when in bloom!

Rudbeckia hirta, Black-eyed Susan

• Herbaceous perennial

• 1-3.5 ft. tall

• Full sun to part shade

• Black-eyed Susans are a tough plant and can brighten up any area. They usually bloom later in the summer and into the fall. They can handle a wide range of soils but do best in organically rich, well-drained soil.

• Black-eyed Susan has many benefits for wildlife: a favorite nectar source for bees. butterflies, small wasps, flies, and moths. Birds eat the seedheads in fall and winter. Goldfinches love them.  It also provides cover and forage for many song and game birds.

• The coarse hair of the plant keeps deer and rabbits away.

Salvia lyrata,  Lyre-leaf Sage

• Perennial, semi-evergreen/evergreen

• 1-2 ft. tall flower spikes, 1 ft. spread

• Full sun.  Tolerates very light shade'

• Purple flowers bloom on a square stem in April-June.

• Grows best in well-drained, average, dry, occasionally flooded soil. Tolerates heat and humidity.

• It is a great evergreen ground cover that will self-seed and form mats that can handle being mowed or walked on. Leaves are dark green and have a purple hue in winter.

• Deer tolerant.

•  Host plant for 8 species of Lepidoptera larvae, including the hermit sphinx, wavy-lined emerald, and Hawaiian beet webworm moths. 

• Birds like mourning doves and others eat the nutlets. It is also a nectar source, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.

Schizachyrium scoparium. Little Bluestem

• Herbaceous perennial

• 2-4 ft. tall, equal spread

• Full sun

• Clump forming grass and a personal favorite. Beautiful blue/purple/pink stems. Doesn't get nearly as big as other ornamental grasses.

• It does well in most soil types and is drought-tolerant once established. Great for southern climates and can handle high heat, salt, and humidity.

• It is one of the best grasses for nesting and roosting habitat. It provides nesting material and structure for native bees. The seeds are enjoyed by small mammals and birds, including game birds and rosy finches.  It is a host plant for skipper butterfly larvae.

Solidago caesia, Wreath Goldenrod  or Blue-stemmed Goldenrod

• Herbaceous perennial

• Clump-forming 2-3 ft. tall, 1-3 ft. tall

• Part sun to light shade. 

• Grow in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil. Not picky about soil and tolerates dry, poor, and clay soil.

• Yellow blooms pop in late summer to early fall. The stems are blue-purplish and the small, bright yellow flowers appear in the leaf axils along the arching stem.

• It is the most well-behaved of the Goldenrods. Does not spread as rapidly or aggressively as other Goldenrods.

• Deer resistant. 

• It attracts many pollinators including, bees, wasps, and flies. Songbirds enjoy the seeds in fall and winter months.

Symphyotrichum laeve, Smooth Blue Aster

• Herbaceous perennial

• 2-4 ft. tall

• Full sun.

• Grows best in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil.

• Beautiful blue flowers bloom late in the season. September to October.

• Easy to grow. It may require staking.

Veronicastrum virginicum,  Culver's Root

• Can reach up to 6 ft. tall, 2-4ft. spread

• Full sun to light shade

• Prefers moist, rich, well-draining soils. 

• The tiny white/lavender flowers occur on spikes that have a candelabra-like appearance. July to September.

• It is easy to grow and adaptable to various soils and moisture levels.  It is a great addition to rain gardens, meadows, wetlands, and borders. Makes a nice cut flower, lasting about a week.

• It is deer and wet-tolerant.

• The white flowers attract many bees including,  honeybees and bumblebees, as well as sphecid wasps, butterflies, moths, and syrphid flies.