Regional Picks: Tough Plants—Midwest

See regional picks for baffling pretty plant , and read the article by Julie Lane Gray for even more ideas .

It ’s important to define first what I have in mind by a “ tough ” plant . To my mind , it ’s a plant that will thrive on its own as long as it is planted in a place that provides its basic want and is afford suited piddle . It wo n’t retreat if it has strong-growing neighbors , complain if it does n’t get cut for a year or two , and necessitate peculiar treatment for see good . A pretty , tough plant is one that front more touchy than it actually is .

say more inTough Yet Pretty Plants .

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1. Carolina Lupine

Name:Thermopsis villosa(syn.T. caroliniana)

Zones:4–9

Size:3 to 5 foot tall ( in efflorescence ) and 2 foundation wide

Conditions : Full sun ; adaptable to a variety of soils

aboriginal mountain range : Southeastern United States

A knotty , long - lived perennial , Carolina lupine summate height to the delimitation . Its beautiful , sulfur yellow flower open in early summertime on spikes that are usually 3 to 4 feet tall . It has distinctive trifoliate leguminous plant leafage that last out attractive for most of the time of year . It ego - sows on affair , just enough to create an extra plant . The seed heads remain good and cosmetic , but not showy for a long time . The yellow peak go with most any color , admit blue , purplish , orangish , or gentle pinko .

2. ‘Sarastro’ Bellflower

Name:Campanula‘Sarastro’

Zones:4–8

Size:18 to 24 inch tall and 12 to 15 inches wide

experimental condition : Full sun to light nuance ; well - drain soil

Native grasp : Hybrid

The deep blue or drab - purple flowers of ‘ Sarastro ’ are abundant and large , up to 21⁄2 inch . Truly one of the most beautiful bellflower , this industrial plant has tall spikes that resurrect up in early summertime , and with deadheading I have had heyday into September . Three flowering periods are potential with this plant ; each sequent flowering is 6 or more in short than the previous one . The soft , green hazy leaves are attractive when the plant is not in bloom . The good bloom make out in full sun , but ‘ Sarastro ’ will tolerate some very light shadiness . More sun also produce strong staunch to go for up those oversize bell . Some kind of staking comes in handy many age , but this plant is worth the extra stride . It ’s a with child stinger flower too .

3. Appalachian Bugbane

Name:Actaea rubifolia

Size:18 to 24 inches tall and wide ; 3 to 5 foot tall in flower

Conditions : Partial to full shade ; prefers moist dirt but tolerates some dryness once establish

Native range : Eastern United States

Appalachian bugbane is one of the most tad - tolerant perennials you could grow . idealistic increment occurs in twinkle to mottled tone , but deep tone is fi ne with salutary moisture - retentive dirt . It can take siccative , poorer soil , but expect plant life to attend uncut in late season . The large , deep green , maple - like leaves are very attractive . The tall spikes of pearl - like bud open from September until late October . I have seen snowflakes dancing around the white foggy flowers . Deer resistance is a bonus .

4. Broadleaf Silver Sedge

Name:Carex platyphylla

Size:6 to 8 inches tall and 8 to 12 inches wide

Conditions : Partial to full spook ; tolerant of many filth conditions once established

Native compass : Eastern North America

This sedge is tough yet beautiful ; I love its satin blue foliation . The color and grain make it a perfect companion to many tone flora . cogitate of that silver racy colouration with blue - and - lily-livered variegated hostas ( Hostacvs . , Zones 3–9 ) or the atomic number 47 and Bourgogne of Japanese painted fern ( genus Athyrium nipponicumvar.pictum , Zones 3–8 ) . Silver sedge will maturate among the roots of flushed maple trees and will even self - sow in those condition . To me that is proof you’re able to grow it about anywhere . you may cut back the old foliage in spring , but that is not necessary .

Irvin Etienne is the conservator of herbaceous plants and seasonal garden design for the Garden at Newfields in Indianapolis .

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Carolina Lupine

Photo: Nancy J. Ondra

Regional Picks: Tough Plants—Southern Plains

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