Seasonal Progression

Take on tough clay soils with this durable combination of perennials. DECADENCE® False Indigo (Baptisia) and Storm Cloud Bluestar (Amsonia) will be up first in spring, showing color in late spring to early summer. The long panicles of the False Indigo perfectly play off the clusters of star-shaped flowers on the Bluestar. SUMMERIFIC® Hardy Hibiscus and ‘Denim ‘n Lace’ Russian Sage will be later to emerge in spring but bring a corresponding colorful late season performance to the landscape. An excellent space filling combo as each plant takes up a substantial part of the garden.

Environmental Requirements

Light: Full Sun
Moisture: Moderate
Soil: Very adaptable from loose, well-drained soils to heavy clay
Zones: 4-9
Features: Pollinator Friendly, Heat Tolerant, Fantastic Foliage, Grows in Clay Soil

Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Denim 'n Lace' 

'Denim 'n Lace' Russian Sage (Perovskia)

Long Season of Bloom • Drought Tolerant • Fall Color
Height: 28-32"
Spread: 34-38"
Zones: 4-9
Plant Ratio: 3
Primary Season of Interest: Late Summer
Secondary Season of Interest: Fall (Calyxes)
Care Tips: Grows best in full sun and dry to average, well-drained soil. Prune away any remaining old foliage in early spring.

Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud' 

'Storm Cloud' Blue Star (Amsonia)

Nativar • Deer Resistant • Low Maintenance
Height: 24-30"
Spread: 38-42"
Zones: 4-9
Plant Ratio: 2
Primary Season of Interest: Spring
Secondary Season of Interest: Summer (Foliage)
Care Tips: Grows best in full sun to part shade and average, moist soil. Moderately drought tolerant once established. Performs well in both northern and southern gardens with little care.

Baptisia DECADENCE® 'Lemon Meringue' 

DECADENCE® False Indigo( Baptisia)

Nativar • Low Maintenance • Pollinator Friendly
Height: 30-42"
Spread: 30-42"
Zones: 4-9
Plant Ratio: 2
Primary Season of Interest: Late Spring - Early Summer
Secondary Season of Interest: Late Summer (seedheads)
Care Tips: Grows best in full sun and average to poor, well-drained soil. Moderately drought tolerant once established. Very long-lived perennial.

Hibiscus SUMMERIFIC® 'Candy Crush' 

SUMMERIFIC® Hardy Hibiscus

Nativar • Low Maintenance • Pollinator Friendly
Height: 42-54"
Spread: 48-60"
Zones: 4-9
Plant Ratio: 1
Primary Season of Interest: Late Summer, Fall
Secondary Season of Interest: Summer (Foliage)
Care Tips: This plant grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It leafs out late in spring but grows very quickly. Cut it down in spring before new growth appears.